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
The journey over to our grandparents' pack had been nothing if not infuriating. Delayed flights. Irritating people sitting near us on the plane, and then a mile-long queue at customs and passport control. Definitely not what you needed after a long-haul flight, and a kid kicking the crap out of your back for the majority of it, singing the most irritating of songs when they weren’t whining.Rico and Ana had done nothing but bug the shit out of me too. Neither one of them was willing to change up their seats with me to allow me to try to get a couple of hours' sleep before arriving. Not to mention they were bickering non-stop between them about what seemed to be the most random of things. In all, the flight had to be the longest in history, or it sure felt like it. But finally, we were greeted at arrivals by a very over-eager Grandma and Grandpa.“Awww my babies!” Grandma squealed in excitement, running toward us, and I looked awkwardly at Rico, wanting the ground to swallow us up. Di
Visiting Grandma and Grandpa was always amazing. I loved the pack here. Though the weather, not so much. And our family here were always so pleased to see us. We were lucky to have such an amazing family on both sides of the world. There is no denying that. Both such wonderful families, though they could not be more different! Yet Mum and Dad seemed to be the most perfect of matches. Seems fate works in the most curious of ways sometimes...Knowing they met here made our visits here even more special. We had heard the story so many times growing up, and it was hard to believe that had my Dad never traveled with Uncle Jake and the others that day he would never have met Mum. Fate definitely had its planned intricately weaved in that meeting, that was for sure. As the sight of the large packhouse filled me with a contentment I cannot describe as we drove up the long driveway. The gardens were so beautiful, even in the miserable weather. I could understand why Mum loved it so much here.
The car pulled up in front of the familiar home of my grandparents, and I heard the most pained sound come from my Mum. Quite honestly, it made me feel like my heart had torn in two.‘Right son, I need you to be there as much as you can, because right now I don’t know what I can do to help her.’ Dad mindlinked me, taking me by surprise. My Dad was asking for my support? It was usually me needing his support. He always knew what to do to calm Mum down, and the fact that he was at a loss right now was worrying.But, if he needed my support, then without a doubt I would be there. For him and for Mum. ‘Sure thing.’ I reassured him. Yes, Dad and I may clash at times. It comes from us both being stubborn, I guess. Hard-headed and a pair of asses, I do believe my Mum called it. Both so much alike it caused us to clash, but that also meant we were close.“Right come on, let us get inside.” Dad said softly, reaching over to squeeze Mum’s knee reassuringly as she was just gazing at the house, t
Standing against the wall for support, it hurt seeing my Grandma in bits in my Mum’s arms. Yet oddly, it seemed to have pulled Mum back together. Like she felt she had to be strong for Grandma. I didn’t know if that was a good or a bad thing, but it seemed it was happening…I looked across at my Dad as he spoke to Uncle Grayson and Aunt Talia, and I saw my aunt smile back at me. “Are you okay sweetheart?” she asked softly.I nodded. “I think so.”“Do you all want a drink?” Aunt Talia asked, suddenly deciding to take charge, but Mum shook her head.“No, I think I would like to go straight to the hospital if that is okay?” Mum said, her voice calm. “I want to say goodbye to Dad.”“Do you not want to get yourself settled first?” Uncle Grayson asked in surprise. I could see concern upon his face.“What for? It won't change anything, Uncle. Pops is still gone, and I want the chance to go and see him, please. Waiting isn't going to change anything, it won't magically bring him back. I have
I knew I had little choice now but to return home. Hearing Uncle Trent had died hit me harder than I expected. I knew my Grandpa had told me he had been ill, but I guess you kind of expect them to be around forever, and I had simply assumed he would recover. I had trusted the doctors at the pack hospital would be able to help him heal where his wolf may not... And, as I packed my things up in almost an automatic way, my mind wandered. Going over so many things. I realized then that I had been such a selfish dick. I had been so focused upon my own messed-up mind that I had stopped thinking of the ones I loved and cared for as much as I should, and I hated myself for that.I had looked at my Grandpa in the same way as I had Uncle Trent. I had naively expected him to be around forever. And because both him and Grandma had done so much to make me happy growing up, likely trying hard to make up for the things they feared I missed out on by losing my Mum
My eyes were drawn to the car the second I heard it approaching. My mind instantly went to the words of Uncle Grayson mentioning that Landon was on his way. Knowing we were going to have to deal with him right now was the last thing I needed. We were having to face saying goodbye to my grandfather. Cope with losing him, and now I had to see Landon too? The guy I felt was partially responsible for his death? My pulse rate was already increasing...I saw the strange expression upon Landon’s face the moment he stepped from his car. The thing was, I could not read what was going on with him. He looked uncomfortable, I knew that much. And so he fucking should. He avoided his home pack as if it had been infected with the plague for fuck's sake. This was his home. The place he was meant to belong. The place he was meant to be heir too, yet it appeared to be the last place he wanted to be.But, it was just that, I knew in truth he didn’t want to be here, so could that be the basis of why he h
Our day at River Ash had come to an end. A difficult day for so many. We had said our goodbyes and were headed to the cars. My Mum had decided to fix the cars home so that ours was just me, her and my Dad. I knew what she was about to do, and I did not know that I was ready for that. Isabella had headed off with Aria, and her family, which was unsurprising, they loved her even more since they discovered the two of them were fated. I mean, don’t get me wrong, Aunt Indie loved us all like we were her own children, but she was beyond happy to discover Aria had been fated for my sister, and I have to say I was happy too.I knew she would be cared for and have that support from them that she needed as well as from us. Jorge was staying with some of the guys to help clear up. They likely didn’t need to as River Ash would have warriors, and other pack members arranged to do it, but some of our younger warrior team decided to do the decent thing and hang back to help. Jorge being one. Ever th
I went from feeling good about everything to my whole body tensing in a matter of seconds the moment my wolf picked up on the scent of our mate. The scent that was so beautiful. Alluring… tempting… yet a scent that was able to make my heart feel like it wanted to shatter into a thousand pieces. I knew without raising my eyes that Cleo had to be on her way up here to see her father.It would not be me she had come to see. There would be no reason. But, I raised my eyes all the same, unable to resist the temptation, and Dex became excited, knowing she was close. My heart rate increased instantly, and my grandfather gave me a knowing smile. ‘Have you decided yet?’ he questioned, and I simply shrugged.‘Lan.’ He sighed. ‘What do you think that man next to you would say if he knew? The faith he holds in you. It took all the strength within me to hold myself back from telling him the additional connection our fami
The day had been a long one, and I had spent a lot of time with my friends, and my aunts and my mum. So many people had come and spoken to me, offering their condolences, many of whom I did not know in the slightest. But, I did as was expected of me and smiled, nodding in agreement, thanking them for their kindness. Wishing I could return home now. I did not want to be here any longer, surrounded by the reminder of the loss of my grandfather. I think it was beginning to hit me harder than ever.“Come on CC, let us go and find your Dad, we will be heading home, I think.” Mum spoke, alongside my Grandma.I looked towards her with confusion. While I would love nothing more than to curl up to hide within the comfort of my own bed, I had assumed we would be staying with my Grandma for a few days still. There were still things to be done. “We aren’t staying with Grandma again?” I asked.Mum stood a little straighter, like she was struggling with things a little and was preparing herself to
Today had gone as well as a funeral and a memorial service could be expected to go. Everyone had been respectful, and the patrols were going well, so the pack was well guarded. We had had no issues with visitors from outside packs, not that we had expected any. Beta Trent was well respected, and they were all here to pay their respects and say goodbye to a good man. As we all were.After that brief moment we had shared in our seats, I had barely seen Cleo. In truth, I didn't know how I felt about that, but she had been swept up in time with her family and her friends, I had assumed, and time with them was likely what she needed right now. Time with me was not. I did not need to mess with her mind any more than I already had. She needed this time with her family.I had said what I needed to, to Daxton and Kaleb, and I hoped they would do me the honor of joining me here to run the pack when I took over as Alpha in the near future. I was in no rush for an answer from them, but I could no
I saw the fear within Jared’s eyes, and I began to worry that this was all becoming too much for him. Yes, my Papi is more than a little protective, but I did not want him scaring away my fated mate before I had a chance with him! Had a she-wolf ever been rejected because of an overly protective father? I could well be the first if my Papi continued along this path I feared...“Papi!” I warned him. “Can you stop? You are embarrassing me. Yes, this is my fated mate, and I would appreciate you stopping giving him a hard time. We would have come to find you sooner, but he was on duty.”A light appeared within my father’s eyes, before he turned to Jared. “You chose to work today?” he questioned, and I saw a small smile teasing at my Mum’s lips.‘Ah, don’t think I don’t know what you were doing.’ She mindlinked with a chuckle. ‘That will impress him, and you know it.’Dammit, I had hoped that might go unnoticed… it certainly seemed to have gone unnoticed by my Dad, who right now is deep in
Sofia had forgiven me a lot easier than I had expected her to. I had been about to mark her without her permission. And that, in many cases, would be seen as forcibly marking, whether she was my fated mate or not. I could not rid myself of the sickly feeling within my stomach as guilt flooded my body. But, the urge from my wolf had been overwhelming. Combined with the need within myself. It was hard to describe…I am just glad she had stopped me when she did, and that she seemed to be so forgiving about it. I wanted the moment we mark one another to be perfect, like she had suggested, and I had been so close to ruining that. Marking her in the treeline of the northern forest of the pack was never going to be perfect...But, no matter how forgiving my sweet girl may be, I, however, am likely not to be so forgiving of myself. Although, right now, I had the bigger worry of meeting her family, and apparently her Papi, would want to kick my ass, and that is before he
His kisses felt so good. And our bodies felt so natural against one another. My wolf, Hera, was as giddy with excitement as I was. She wanted her mate as much as I did. I felt Jared move toward me suddenly, and Hera became even more excited. But something inside me shifted. This didn't feel right. I instinctively shoved him backward, knocking him almost to the ground. I clearly had taken him by surprise, because otherwise I would not be taking a man of his size to the ground with one shove…He steadied himself, initially doing all he could to avoid my gaze. The tension in the air was palpable... what had I done? Now Jared stood with sorry eyes looking down at me. Guilt. Remorse filled them, while my heart pounded in my chest. My wolf was whimpering at me that I had shoved my mate away. That I had stopped him from doing what I believe had been attempting to mark me. In no scenario had I ever imagined that I would shove my mate away when it came to him trying to mark me...‘What did you
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
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