It was killing me. Pure and simple. I wanted Cleo. She may not be my fated mate, not the way the moon goddess planned for us as werewolves, but there was a bond there. A connection there. One that I am sure is stronger. One that I think would outlast any matebond given to us. But, despite her feeling the connection too, she still clings to the matebond she has been given, despite him openly declaring his plans to reject her.I had walked away from them to give them the chance to talk, hoping that with Kai there too he would back up Cleo and not allow Landon to mess her around. He would not force Landon to take a mate he did not want. If anything, he would ensure the rejection was to happen, wouldn’t he? He would not want his younger sister to be with a mate who did not truly want her. He would not want her with someone that was forced to be with her. For that would simply spell disaster for her, right?But, I had heard no updates, and anytime I tried to ask Kai for anything, he had di
I had been desperately searching for the handsome warrior since earlier. From the moment he had escorted us to our seats and then left us to continue his duties, my eyes had darted around the field in search of him. The man I now knew was my fated mate. I had found my fated mate. Today had been so much bigger than I had ever imagined it would be...But, I was trying so hard to act like all was normal, and that nothing untoward was happening, because I did not want to explain to my parents about this right now. I did not want to disrespect the funeral of someone so many people loved greatly, by making this about me. But, the excitement that was buzzing through me was difficult to fight, and the urge to find him was strong. Yet, unfortunately, I had seen nothing of him since the moment he smiled coyly at me before leaving us at our seats. A knowing twinkle in his eyes. A secret between us both.But he had to leave. I knew he was on duty today, and I kne
She was here. Back by my side, and my heart was racing right out of my chest. The way those beautiful eyes looked at me made me feel weak. I had thought my heart was going to explode with happiness the moment Milo mindlinked to say he had found her, and he believed she was looking for me. I had not felt happier…And now she had admitted she was looking for me! I saw the color flushing her cheeks, and I don’t think I ever wanted to let her go! This was my mate. My fated mate. My wolf was pushing forward just at her presence, and I needed her close to me. This was a stronger pull than I ever expected, but her touch… her scent… everything about her drew me to her…“I think I may have.” She whispered, like she was afraid to admit she wanted me. I think we may need to work upon that. I didn’t want her to be afraid to want me, I wanted her to want me. Be proud to want me. Be confident too…“Well, maybe y
The memorial service had been so touching, and I imagine the family and friends of Beta Trent were more than honored that so many people had turned up to honor him. It was always so difficult to say goodbye to a loved one, and we all held a soft spot for Uncle Trent. He had played a big part in all of my friends’ lives as we had grown up because of Aunt Lilah, and I knew I would miss him terribly.Now I could see my friends and family spreading around to celebrate his life in the best way they knew how, usually to drink and enjoy one another’s company. I had hoped to find a moment to speak to my Dad today, after such a hectic time recently at university, I had barely had a moment to think. I literally returned home to sleep and that felt like all. But, I knew I had to broach the subject of my fated mate. It was time my parents knew, and I was aware of that. They would be disappointed in me for hiding it if I kept it secret for much longer.Not a moment had passed since I discovered A
The tone of my Mother’s voice spoke a thousand words. I smiled, heaven help Luka if my Mum were to find him. But, I could not be more appreciative that she seemed to understand. That she was not blaming me. Maybe I should have come to her sooner. I may not have had to go through all of this alone... I nodded at her question. I did not want her to think badly of me. To think I would continue to see a man who I knew was taken. I was better than that.“The moment I knew of his wife I walked away.” I explained. “I would never have gone near him if I had known.”Mum squeezed my hand. “That is my girl. He is disgusting, baby, for even looking elsewhere. But, sadly, there are men and women out there like that. Who believe what they have at home is not enough. But, believe me, it is them that is not enough. I am glad you realized you deserved better. So, am I to assume that you met your mate after him?” she questioned, and I smiled. Of course, she would want to know how all this had come abou
I sat at the table, chatting with the beautiful she-wolf by my side, unable to believe that she was the one fated to me. Maybe a little gift from my Grandpa, as well as the moon goddess. The bitter-sweet irony I was to meet her at his funeral is not lost on me. But, with every word we talk, the more I realize what a truly wonderful woman this girl is. So full of life, such a fun and vibrant character, though maybe the hair should have been a clue to that…“So, what is your pack like?” Jessie asked excitedly, and with a realization, I understood she was asking because she wanted to move to be with me… the way a fated mate was expected to. She wanted to know all the details about where her new home would be. The thing was, I was yet to decide what my plan for the future was. Maybe, if she was to be my mate, as fate had planned, then she could help me decide this future. I mean, another opinion on the matter couldn't hurt, right?I smiled over at her, stroking back another of her stray
Okay, so Daddy turning up just as I was about to kiss Kaleb was not the ideal thing. And the fury in his tone told me he was not impressed. He was so grumpy! I had hoped we would be staying a little longer. My Dad was not particularly one for socializing. I knew that, so in truth, I was shocked he had agreed to come to the funeral at all. But, I knew that he and Beta Trent had been close through the training they attended over the years.And he was adamant he wanted to pay his respects. And he wanted us there, as his family, by his side. I saw it as a chance to get away from the daily drag of being in pack, so I agreed willingly, hoping I may even make some new friends. Never did I imagine I would be meeting my fated mate! I think once the ceremony was out of the way, my Dad had gone around and seen whoever he needed to and then planned to leave. He was here representing the pack, and needed to take the opportunity to chat to a number of people, and knowing my Dad, he would n
This old fucker was beginning to piss me off. Implying my own son was not worthy of his daughter. No one should be considered unworthy of their mate. But, that aside, my son was of both Alpha and Beta blood. Who was this fuckwit to insult our family lines to say Kaleb was not suitable to be fated to Jessica?Just as I was about to argue back with the hollow-headed asswipe, Kaleb spoke, and my heart felt like it had been crushed. “I will be Beta then. I will be Beta of River Ash like Landon has asked.” I turned to look at him in shock, and could see Jake had done the same.‘Did you know about this’ my friend asked via our mindlink. I would like to think he would be able to assume from the dumb expression on my face I had no fucking clue.‘No.’ I replied, before looking at my son once again. He had been offered a role as Beta? That was a huge responsibility. An honor, in fact. One I can imagine his Grandfather
Today had been wonderful. Everything you want from an Alpha ceremony. And, as a mother. I have never felt more emotional as I have sitting and watching as my eldest son was formally made Alpha of the pack we called home. A pack I had become a part of all those years ago. A pack that had welcomed me with open arms and made me feel like one of their own. Meeting Knox was a turning point in my life that I had never expected considering the events that had led up to it. But, looking back those events were things that needed to happen to bring me to him. Bring me to appreciate all that he is and all that we share.In the home that we built we created three truly amazing children and they all now have fulfilled lives in wonderful roles within their packs. But, more importantly, within my mind, I am happt to be able to say that they found happiness. They found their fated mate, and fate was kind. The mates by their sides treat them wonderfully and appreciate them for the truly wonderful, cr
Sitting down as the event drew to a close, I was able to look across to where the kids all sat. Not that they were kids anymore. No. They were all full grown adults, all with mates of their own now, and hell, the scarier thought was, soon enough they could have kids of their own. The pack was also now fully in their hands. As of today, I was a former Alpha. And dang, did that feel strange to think. A little emotional, I have to say.As a young upcoming Alpha, I had been filled with anticipation for the day I took over from my own Dad. Never thinking of the day I would hand over the reins to my own son. It had been hard. But it had filled me with pride too. Emotion hit me in a whole different way.Maybe I was getting soft in my old age. Gabe passed me a beer. “Looking a little misty eyed there old guy.” He winked playfully, making the others laugh.“I swear fuckface, I am never too old to put you on your ass.” I tell him with a smile. "And, if I am not mistaken you are the same age."
Thankfully the celebrations were quietening a little, and the amount of people coming to greet us was lessening. As I looked across to Bella walking by my side, my poor mate looked shattered. “I think I am calling it, beautiful, we are going to go over there.” I motioned to the large group of chairs that were pulled together where all my closest friends were now gathered. “And chill out with the people we should be enjoying the day with.”Bella smiled back at me. “That sounds good to me, babe.” She winked. “Though, if I fall asleep on your shoulder, do not blame me.”I found myself chuckling. “I think after the amount of polite conversation you have had to endure today I could forgive you that.” I offered her a playful nudge with my elbow. We had barely stopped, other than for food and drink. We most certainly deserved a break.“Even if I drool on your shirt?” She teased, m
Rocky and who I could only assume was his new mate had rushed off to leave me standing with this beautiful blond haired goddess my by side, and suddenly every ounce of confidence had seemingly slipped from me. My wolf was spinning around within my mind like some hyperactive puppy, and my mind seemed unable to function like a normal person… heaven help me, my fated mate was likely to think I was broken.Lyra looked over at me with those almost hypnotizing eyes, and offered me a warm smile. “Are you okay?”I nodded, apparently unable right now to do much else other than to admire the she-wolf I had been blessed with for a mate. Her honey toned hair was in a sleek bob, cut off at her shoulders. She was dressed in the cutest little combination of a simple black, fitted pencil skirt and a pale pink tank top. And those damn perfect silvery gray eyes were almost magnetic, because they sure kept attracting my gaze…“Luca
That smell was divine, and I knew in that instant what it meant. All thought of my drink being spiked were gone. The weirdness of my wolf made sense. My mate was here and I had to find her, but then an unease settled over me as I recalled my brother saying he had felt the exact same way and panic settled too, as my eyes slowly moved back to meet his. His dark eyes mirroring my own.“What the fuck?” He questioned.“I swear to the high heavens Luca, we best not share the same mate.” I snapped. “Sharing toys and having your hand me downs was bad enough, I am damn near certain not sharing a mate!”“Erm, excuse me, do you not think I feel the exact same way?” My brother’s face screwed up in a disgust. “I shared a bed with you once on holiday because there was nowhere else to sleep, I never intend to do that again. Waking up in a pool of your pee was far from a pleasant experience.”
There were people everywhere now. Many of whom we did not even recognize. Not that it mattered, it was not down to us today to be meeting and greeting. We had done our expected bit. We had been there as family and proudly supported Kai as he was made Alpha, and now was our turn to enjoy ourselves. And enjoy ourselves we were doing. Drinks had been flowing. More than a little freely...I had lost count the number of drinks we had drunk, but that was why there was so many drinks laid out. They were there for people to help themselves to. Each time we finished a drink my brother and I replaced it swiftly with another. Rocky and I were walking over toward the table where the drinks were to grab yet another. We had spent a little time with family, a little time with friends, some time with the warriors that were currrently off duty, and now we were wandering looking for any available she-wolves to work our charms upon. There were still many hours of the celebration to enjoy, so we
It was hard to know where to look, there was so much going on. The party was in full swing now, and I think it was safe to say everyone was enjoying themselves. Aunt Lilah had outdone herself in organizing the event, as she always did. And, I knew that it was something people would be talking about for some time to come.These were the sort of events I loved to come to. Where the entire pack came together to celebrate. Although, I was doing very little celebrating... well, in the physical sense at least. Under strict instructions from the pack doctor to rest, I was sitting down with my feet up, enjoying watching people drifting by, drinks in hand. That was about as exciting as my evening was going to get. The joys of pregnancy.But, I had Dario by my side. My handsome, and ever attentive mate. Though right now his eyes were anxiously darting my way every few minutes. Ever since I had suffered unexplained pains and some light bleeding and had to be rus
I had to admit, I was more than a little surprised at the invite to attend the Alpha ceremony with Kent today, but he told me he was bored of playing third wheel to Joey and his new mate, so I guess I kind of understood that. Most of my friends had been settling down with fated mates in the last few years so I did sort of understand how he felt.Joey and Kent were some of my oldest childhood friends, and I love them dearly. Seeing Joey all loved up, was taking some getting used to, I have to admit. Both guys had always been so dedicated to their warrior training, and had never really mentioned mates. But, Angel was a sweetheart, and seeing her with Joey and you just knew they were meant for one another. They were the sweetest couple.Visiting them in River Ash for a few days had been fun, their pack is so nice, and hearing the excitement in both Joey and Kent’s voices as they talk about their new roles in pack tells me that their moves there wer
The formal part of the ceremony was over, and it had been great. I was now officially the Beta of my pack. Beta of Midnight Forest Pack. Damn, that sounded good... but, ceremony complete or not, my duties were evidently far from finished for the day. Uncle Knox had told Kai, Finn and I that it would be best for us to circulate as many of the attending guests would be wanting to meet the new leadership team, and that meant us all taking the time to chat and get to know the leaders of the other packs across the country. It was going to be a long, long day...I had already began over recent years, to begin to learn names of packs and their Alphas, Betas etc, but I did not realize just how draining having to make irrelevant conversation with somebody you don’t even know could be. Thankfully, my Dad was by my side, clearly a seasoned expert in this role, and I was taking his lead. But other than a short break to grab a beer earlier, I think I was beginning to falter. It was