.
His POV I have no idea how big this pack is. I can't believe we're not out of it yet! It feels like we've been running for hours, but I think we're just exhausted. My stomach drops, my chest tightens, and I stumble when I hear the gut-wrenching howl of my mate. There were so many emotions in that howl. Pain, fear, and panic. It had Rain sliding to a halt and wanting to run back to him. “Don't do it! Please! I don't want to lose you! I love you,” I pleaded, and my stomach dropped when Rain howled. I felt his stomach drop. He didn't mean to reply to his mate's call. It was instinct and heartache. He quickly turned and ran even faster than before. My wolf pushed himself as hard as he could, but I knew it was in vain. I could hear him in the distance getting closer and closer. It was like a train wreck waiting to happen. I felt defeated and watched it unfold. I heard his howl again, and Rain's steps falter, slowing down for a brief moment before running as fast as he could. It was en
Skylar's POV After trying to lick the first bowl clean, I quickly learned that it earned me another bowl of white chicken chili. I had every intention of licking the second bowl clean, but I didn't count on my eyes being bigger than my stomach. I ate way more than my stomach could handle, and thankfully, he understood what was happening when my hand slapped over my mouth. He quickly stood and carried me to the garbage can. As soon as my face hovered over it, my stomach emptied at once. I wasn't expecting him to be so concerned or take care of me the way he did.He set me on the counter next to the sink, grabbed a clean washcloth, and wiped my face. After he was done, he placed a hand on my cheek. “Are you okay?” He asked as he searched my face.For a moment, I didn't know how to reply. No one had ever seemed so concerned about me. All I did was overfill my stomach, but by his reactions, you would have thought it was something more. It took me by surprise, and a lump formed in my th
Alaric's POV My father has been riding my ass since he's been back. I don't know what his deal is, but he's become a real pain in my ass.I try to focus on work, but he plagues my thoughts. I can still feel his smooth, silky skin under my hands and hear his beautiful moans. I can feel the way his body shudders under my touch and see pleasure dancing on his face. I can see his beautiful brown eyes and feel his lips on mine. Goddess, he smells so good!I try not to think of him and wonder if I can just forget about him. It would be for the best. My father would never approve of him. Our packs are too different; our worlds are too far apart. But Goddess, he feels so good in my arms!!It's been four days since I've seen him, four days since I felt him. It should be getting easier, but it's not; it's getting harder. You would have thought the bond was never broken the way I yearn for him. You would have thought our time together is strengthening it, but I know that can't be possible. I bro
Adrian's POV Sitting in on our parent's debriefing was almost comical. Weston could barely sit still. He was eager to talk about his mate and eager to get back to him. The Alpha threatened to knock him upside the head if he interrupted them one more time. Nikolai and I placed a bet on how long it would take before he interrupted again. Unfortunately, we both lost when the Alpha turned his attention to Weston. He folded his hands on the desk, and before he could open his mouth, Weston was already talking. “He's so perfect! I can't wait for you guys to meet him! His name is Skyler, and he's the most adorable Omega I've ever met!” Weston gushed, and his father sat back with a proud smile on his face. “I'm very happy for you, but what was the important part that you wanted to talk to us about?”“It's where he's from. He's from Blackfoot Pack. Beta Eric chose him as a breeder for him and Tiffany. Obviously, he didn't want to do that, so he ran away,” Weston said. The Alpha sat back in
Third Person's POV Soft music played in the background as Adrian cooked in the kitchen. His heart warmed every time he looked into the living room and saw the omegas cuddling on the couch. It was a purr fest in there. The two are lying on the couch; their limbs are tangled, and they're purring up a storm as they nuzzle each other. He's never seen anything cuter. They're head over heels in love with each other, and they're happier than they've ever been.The soft rumble of their purrs is soothing and drowns out the music. Adrian stirs the sauce before tasting it and hums in satisfaction; it's perfect! He sets the spoon down and looks out the window. Any minute, the rest of his friends will be here, but something will still be missing... Alaric.He finds himself wishing Alaric was there. He's the missing piece that would make everything perfect and complete.He begins to wonder what it would be like to have him over for something so casual, like dinner with friends. He looks at the co
Adrian's POV I spent way too long getting ready. I tried on almost everything in my closet before settling on something I would never wear: a suit and tie. The damn thing felt like it was choking me, but I had the strongest urge to look my best for him, so I sucked it up. I got my hair cut today, but I can’t decide how I want it styled. The sides are short, fading into the longer hair on top. My hair is naturally curly and can sometimes be unruly. Thankfully, with the right product, it's not a frizzy mess. The curls are just right. I gently raked my fingers through them, brushing my hair back so they lay just right. Then, I looked in the mirror and frowned. That won't do. I comb the curls to the left with my fingers and fluff them until they’re just right, but it still looks wrong. I growl in frustration and comb everything to the right with my fingers. After fiddling with the curls and making sure each one laid just right, I'm finally satisfied and head downstairs. A loud whistle
Adrian's POV This is it. It's permanent. He made his choice, and it wasn't me. There's nothing I can do now but accept it and try to move on. I felt dead inside. Seeing him with someone he chose over me was much worse than when he broke the bond. This hurt differently, and in ways, it cut much deeper.I knew better than to let him into my heart. I don't know why I gave in. I don't know why I caved and let him in further. I should have pushed him away and kicked him out of my room the first time he came to me.I should have never given him myself; maybe it wouldn't hurt so bad if I didn’t. I couldn't pull myself out of bed the following day, but today, you couldn't keep me there.It was too much. I couldn't stop thinking about him. I couldn't stop seeing how gorgeous he looked in that suit. I couldn't get the image out of my head of someone else on his arm, the person he chose to spend the rest of his life with. I had to get those images out of my head, and the only way to do that w
Adrian's POV “Goddess, I'm such an asshole! Please forgive me! I'm sorry for hurting you,” Alaric said as he passed everyone and entered the pack house. He began peppering my face and neck with kisses while repeatedly saying, “I'm sorry!”I'm not sure how he knew which apartment was mine, but he walked right to my door and opened it as though he had walked through that door many times.I pulled back and looked at him as he walked through the living room. I glanced at the room around us. It was the first time I had ever seen him there. It stirred a new wave of emotions, and my eyes stung… It was something I thought I'd never see.“I'm sorry!” He whispered before pecking my lips. “ I'm sorry!” He said a little louder and kissed my nose. “ I'm sorry!” He said before kissing my cheek. “ I'm sorry!” He said before kissing my forehead, and a smile began to spread across my face as he circled it with kisses. “I'm sorry!” He said as he crawled onto the bed, climbing under the blanket and cov
Third Person's POV Nikolai isn't sure if the asshole did it on purpose, or if it was a freak accident, but when he opened the door to climb into the backseat of his parents car, he found himself staring into Alaric's eyes.Nikolai swears it was a reflex when his stomach retched. The thought of sitting all cozy next to that asshole even for 30 minutes was nauseating and had him gagging. Nikolai nearly lunged forward into Alaric's lap when his dad swatted him before climbing into the front seat. He was horrified when he heard not only Alaric but also Adrian and his own father snort before laughing at his expense. He would have growled at everyone if his dad hadn't been there. Even though his dad was small, that little Omega sometimes scared him. Nikolai huffed and mumbled under his breath as he climbed into the backseat and pressed his body against the door, trying to keep as much distance as possible between himself and the clown beside him. Nikolai nearly jumped out of his skin wh
Third person's POV Skylar's eyes were closed and a soft smile rested on his face. Goosebumps spread along his body as Weston's fingers lightly trailed his arm, shoulder, neck and back. The Omega was in a blissful state of happiness, lost in his mate's touch, scent and warmth. He had never experienced such affection, and it felt incredible. His Delta's strong hands were surprisingly soft and gentle as they affectionately touched him. Weston couldn't take his eyes off of his mate. The way he lay in his arms, nuzzled in against his chest. Each time he hears the sound of his purr trying to kick on his heart flutters and he holds his breath, hoping to hear the beautiful sound. Unfortunately, Skylar catches himself each time and pulls in his purr. Years of not being allowed to be happy were ingrained in him. There weren't many instances, but the rare occasions where he purred, he learned how unacceptable it was.Lips press against the side of Skylar's face and warmth quickly fills him. Th
Third Person's POV Adrian took Alaric's hand, threading their fingers tightly together, and took one last breath before pushing the door open and leading Alaric outside. Almost immediately Adrian felt everyone's eyes on them. Nikolai's laughter died as soon as his eyes landed on Alaric. Adrian prayed his mate would make it out of this in one piece as he walked toward his family. His father looked indecisive, as if he was unsure whether to pound Alaric's face in, or accept him. Alpha Victor had a blank expression, and Leonard had an amused expression. ‘Probably remembering all the times Alaric stumbled out of his bedroom.’ Adrian thought. Weston's expression mirrors Victor's, and Nikolai looks ready to murder Alaric, which doesn't surprise Adrian. Alaric saw everyone's expression and wasn't the least bit surprised they didn't look happy to see him. He didn't blame them, but he couldn't stop his cockiness from rearing its head. “I'm glad you could finally join us,” Victor said as
Third Person's POV “Now don't you worry about anything! These big men might look scary, but they're a bunch of saps. For example, I don't know if you met Timothy and Milo, but they're two Omegas that love each other very much, but could never take each other as chosen mates because something like that isn't allowed in other places. Those big scary men risked everything to purchase them for their freedom so they can be together, and they would do the same for you and other Omegas.Anyone of them would jump up and risk their lives for those two little Omegas, just like my son, Nikolai, and Adrian would. They might look scary, but they would never hurt you. You have my word, and my word means everything to me. Besides, you're my son-in-law. If anyone hurts you, they'd have to deal with me and Wes. That's a combo no one wants to mess with! I might look small, cute and innocent, but I've taken the commander of this pack down, and the Beta once or twice, and I'd do it again if anyone messe
Third Person's POV Adrian felt like an ass. What he said about Omegas was true, some kill themselves after their child is taken from them. He wasn't trying to hurt him. He was trying to open his eyes to what they go through. He had no idea Alaric's dad died and that it wasn't even suicide. It was negligence from the hospital, and more than likely his father's chosen mate played a hand in it as well.If Adrian had known, he would have never said what he said. When Alaric pulled back, Adrian took his face into his hands. The Alpha grabbed Adrian's shirt and pulled him closer, pressing their foreheads together. “You don't have to apologize. I understand what you were doing. You wanted me to see things the way that you do.” “Do you?” Adrian asked, and he shrugged. “I think I always have. I don't know… I don't know if I was going along with it because I was afraid to go against the grain and afraid to upset our people and my father, or if I was just turning a blind eye to it… once I f
Skyler's POV As I took a shower, I replayed that moment in the woods when my powers came back. I knew he had to have seen them. That was a burst, and it was a big one. The others I experienced were never near anyone, but this was different, and my mate was on the other side of that tree.I know he had to have seen it. How could he not? The blue light was almost blinding. Thank Goddess it was only a release of energy and nothing harmful. I don't know what I would have done if I had hurt him. He was different on the walk back to the packhouse. He was quiet and looked deep in thought. I wanted to talk to him. I wanted to ask him what he was thinking, but I already knew…I was afraid of what he was thinking. He saw it, but did he know it was me? Maybe he didn't. Maybe he thought it came from somewhere else. I can only hope he doesn't know it came from me. The last thing I need is for him to find out I'm a freak. I wonder what he would do if he found out. He would probably reject me, thr
Skylar's POV Instead of being scared, I was excited as Weston walked me through the pack house and out the back door. As excited as I was, it was nothing compared to Rain's excitement. He bounced off the walls in my head, making it hurt. I struggled to keep him contained. He was ready to shift before we made it into the woods. Unfortunately, his excitement was so high that it was stirring our powers that have been dormant since we were rescued. It reminded me of someone trying to start the engine of an old vehicle that didn't want to start. I could feel that familiar pressure and static sensation swirling in my core as it tried to kick on. ‘Knock it off!’ I scolded my excited wolf, but it did no good. We were in the woods, and he knew that any moment, Weston would stop and say it was time to shift. He was too excited to meet his Delta wolf. I think Weston could feel my excitement, he looked down at me and smiled. “I suppose this is as good as any spot,” Weston said, pulling his sh
Adrian's POV I rolled onto my back as the bathroom door closed and exhaled as I looked at the ceiling. I stared at it for a moment and wondered if this was real. Did he really claim me? My hand instinctively reaches up, and my heart flutters when I touch my neck, and a pleasurable tingling sensation shoots through my body, letting me know it's real. It doesn't hurt; his tongue healed the wound, leaving behind his mark in a raised pattern of his teeth. My scent is no longer my own. His scent is now mixed with mine. For me it's faint, and once I'm used to it I won't realize it's there, but for others it's very noticeable. If someone can't see my mark, they'll definitely know I'm claimed by my scent alone since it's the scent of two people. To Alaric, my scent doesn't change much. My unique scent that only he can smell as his mate is still there, and just as strong. The only difference now is he can smell the faint underlying scent of his own, as if he scented me and it's wearing off.
Alaric's POV I knew I hurt him when I broke the bond. I know I hurt him each time we had sex and I didn't mark him, but goddess I wanted to. I wanted to so badly. I knew I hurt him, but I never realized the extent of it. I hurt him deeper than I ever realized.Seeing the pain in his eyes and feeling it as if it's your own are too different things. One is an assumption since you can only see it, and the other is surety. You feel it as though it's your heartbreak.I feel like the biggest ass. All those times he was waiting and hoping that I'd claim him. All those nights I saw his smiling face when I dropped down from the balcony was a mask to cover his pain. Each night I disappeared into the woods, he was left alone with his disappointment and broken heart. I went home happy while he cried himself to sleep. I got my fix. My heart was content, and I stayed away until I couldn't and needed another fix of him. He was my drug, and I was his soulmate. He held onto hope that one day, I would