I was heading home after training when I saw my sister Cleo rushing away from the packhouse. Instantly I was curious why she would be there, especially looking as distressed as she was. I made an alteration to my path to walk over to her, and she was so lost in her own thoughts she hadn’t even noticed me approaching.“Alright Kiddo?” I asked, and her head jerked upward from staring aimlessly at the ground as she walked. I couldn’t tell if she had been crying or not, but she didn’t look her usual cheerful self.“Kiddo?” she scowled. “I am a couple of years younger than you, Kai.”“Still look up to me though, don’t ya?” I teased, hooking my arm around her shoulders to display our height difference before I ruffled her hair because I knew she hated it.She looked up at me and scowled even more. “Jackass.”“You okay though?” I asked, hoping she might actually get over being grumpy and tell me what was wrong.“Uh-huh.”Wonderful. My sister was not willing to open up to me. If anything, sh
I regretted mentioning the situation with Finn the moment I saw Kai’s face change. He was about to go into full on big brother mode. I hate when he did this. Kaleb did the same, despite the fact he was younger than me. Both so protective over me. When I didn’t need protecting, or at least not from Finn.I understood everything Finn was suggesting to me. And I guess in another life, I wouldn't have faltered in accepting everything he offered. He was a perfect gentleman. A perfect guy in my eyes. He had been around in my life for as long as I can remember and he treated me so sweetly. Like I was a princess or a precious gem, that he treasured. Always making me feel special. All the little smiles he gave me made my heart flutter, and had done for as long as I can remember.But, things weren’t as straight forward as that for us. As werewolves we were blessed with fated mates, and I know that so many in our pack would frown upon it if Finn were to take me as a chosen mate. And, if I were
I had seemed to ease the tension with Cleo a little as we walked home together. I had promised not to speak to Finn about the whole chosen mates situation, but that wasn’t to say I wouldn’t find time to address the issue with my Dad. It bothered me. I knew that Finn had differing views on so many of the traditional werewolf customs that we still followed as a pack, and I didn’t want him causing issues. He was one of my closest friends, not to mention his parents were my parents’ close friends too.But, all thoughts of talking to my Dad about that were gone the moment we stepped into our house, and the sound of my Mum sobbing filtered through. I looked back at Cleo, and I saw the instant look of horror upon her face. She had hoped things would have improved since she had dashed out earlier, but if anything I would say they had got worse…‘K, we should go.’ Cleo mindlinked. ‘They are clearly dealing with stuff. I don't think we should be here.’I looked at my sister in disgust. She was
I felt the wave of pain spreading through my body as my mind tried to register my Mum’s words. My Grandpa Trent was gone? I had only seen him last week… he had come to visit me while I was at training in the Warrior Facility. Yes, I had thought he looked a little frail, but he had told me he had injured himself when training, and would be back to normal soon enough; and me being me, had believed him. Plus, I assumed age was playing a part.He should never have had to continue his Beta role for as long as he did. But, Uncle Grayson losing his son had meant the two friends had come to a mutual agreement that they would stay in their Alpha and Beta roles until Landon, Uncle Grayson’s grandson, and heir to the Alpha title was ready to take over the pack. Admittedly, I think they had thought it might have happened before now, as he had approached 25.My ears rang with the sound of sobbing. Those of my Mum, who was now enveloped in my the arms of my Dad; and those of my sister who was bein
I sat in the lounge long after my brothers and my Dad had walked out to get things arranged for our visit to River Ash Pack. I don’t think I could describe the feelings running through my body right now. Hurt… yet numb… anger… distress… My wolf, Terra, was whimpering at the loss to our family too, and that only added to the chaos within my mind. Grandpa Trent was gone. And we didn’t even get a chance to say goodbye.I saw my Mum standing from her place on the sofa opposite me. “Come on C-C, we need to get some things together. I want to get going as soon as possible.” Her voice was barely above a whisper. She looked in pieces, and I hated seeing my Mum like that. She was so strong. I know when she was a little younger than I am now she struggled, but when she met my Dad he brought out her strengths, and after being here in our pack, and having us she blossomed into the strong Luna she was destined to be.Seeing her broken like this did not seem right. But, even the strongest person h
The moment I heard my Uncle telling my Dad the news of Cleo’s grandfather passing on, I knew I had to reach out to her. She must be falling apart right now. And when she said she needed a hug, I was not going to deny her that. I felt closer to Cleo than any of our other friends. I couldn’t explain why. We had both struggled at times with low moods, and feeling anxious, spending time together chatting about things, and it had brought us both closer.She was like an angel to me. I knew she needed me, so I was not going to not be there. And the moment I saw her, I could see the pain within her eyes. I could only imagine how the rest of the family must be feeling; especially Aunt Lilah. Holding Cleo close to me I felt her body sag against mine, and knew she was relaxing. She needed comfort, and I was glad she had turned to me for it.I had wished so hard for this girl to be my fated mate, but fate had decided what my heart craved would not be my destiny, so Cleo was only ever to be my f
I felt beyond angry after having had a lecture from the senior staff of the pack. Not to mention lecture after lecture since, from my Aunt. My Uncle was away on pack business right now, otherwise he would be giving me even more sermons to add to the previously applied ones from every fucker who felt they had something to say. Yes, I should not be acting like that in pack… I should be setting an example… I was offered so much here and should not throw it back in their face… people look up to me…blah blah fucking blah…I only knew I would be receiving further admonishing when my Uncle did return home. No, I shouldn’t have flown at my cousin the way that I did. I fucking knew that of course I did. But he also knew what my triggers were. It wasn’t like we didn’t speak often enough about things. He knew my reasonings for not wanting to go back to River Ash.I avoided everybody for the rest of the day. Even missing training, which was not something I had ever done since I had arrived here.
I couldn’t bear to hear the two guys arguing. I knew Leo was defending me, which I truly appreciated, but right now, my focus was on my family, and the moment I saw my Mum step from the house I knew she was falling apart. Two guys having an argument, all but competing over me, which was all but the same as a dick measuring competition. Definitely not something I need right now.I saw the hurt expressions upon their faces, but they would have to deal with it. They were grown-ups, or they were meant to be, not that you would think so listening to them bicker. I made my way to join my brothers by the car. “We are sorted to go?” I asked, and they nodded. Kaleb wrapped his arms around me.“You okay sissy?” he sounded like he had been crying.I nodded, not wanting to get into a big discussion right now about everything. I could already see Kai eyeing Finn, and knew things were bordering on an argument if something was mentioned about earlier. Because the moment Kaleb learned about it too, h
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