It was never fun seeing my friends flirting with my younger sister, but they were all old enough to know she was not their fated mate. All well past shifting age, and all having their wolves by now. So it was clear by now that they would not be the one she ended up with, and it wasn’t like we hadn’t heard the tale often enough from our Mum about being careful about getting into relationships before meeting our fated mate; after the struggle she had gone through before meeting my Dad. Though, I do think her situation was somewhat different…
And, it was hard to have to see Jorge in more recent times suffering after being rejected by his fated mate all because she did not want to end the long-term relationship she was in to be with him, after meeting at an inter-pack sports event we had all attended. Seeing the happiness as he had realized who she was, as he introduced himself... and then the pain take over as she told him she did not want him. That he was not the one that was meant for him. His wolf retreated for quite some time, and Jorge looked broken... I had never wanted to hurt someone so badly as I did the guy she was dating. Jorge had been heartbroken, and now, almost six months on, was only coming to terms with it.
He was gradually getting back to being the usual character he was, which, in all honesty, was much like his Dad, Uncle Gabe. I looked across at Jorge, currently lounging in the sun, beer in hand, and I smiled. “You going to pass me a beer?”
He was sitting next to the cool box, and he raised his brows at me in a mocking manner. “Your legs broken are they, big man?”
I laughed. “They might be after training. Dad was giving us a hard time today, right?” I asked the guys, and they all murmured their agreement. Training had been a killer, especially in the heat. I was being prepared to take over my Dad’s Alpha role, Leo the Beta role from Uncle Jake, Finn the Gamma role from Uncle Dan, and the other guys were all close to completing warrior training, having been encouraged to attend college first, following in Uncle Manny, Uncle Gabe, Uncle Diego, and Uncle Luis’s footsteps. That included my younger brother, and Finn’s younger brother, despite both of them not being of warrior blood.
But we all enjoyed training together, our Dad’s providing the training on a daily basis to give us a head start, and I think it was safe to say they were not going easy upon us. “I think Uncle Knox is trying to kill me.” Leo said with a grin.
“Probably heard you were flirting with Cleo.” Kaleb piped up from his place near the grill he and Daxton had set up. I couldn’t help but laugh. My Dad was as protective of Cleo as I was. But I knew he also loved the fact that my sister had so many of us to protect her. Every one of these guys was protective of her.
Leo shook his head, with a smile, he didn't care, he loved spending time with Cleo, and I highly doubted my Dad would bother him. “Was Landon there while you guys were training?” he asked Kaleb, asking after the upcoming Alpha of my Mum’s former pack. The son of the guy she had thought she would be fated to. Grandson, to the best friend of my grandfather. So, in all, a guy we had known since we were children, and one we were close to. Though, admittedly, not so much in recent years.
I looked toward Kaleb in curiosity, wondering what he would answer. From what I could understand, Landon was at Lotus Shadow Pack as often as he could be, despite it not being his home pack. It was his Grandmother’s former home pack, and he escaped there because he enjoyed time with his cousins, and from what I had gathered from Daxton and Kaleb when we had spoken before, he wasn’t ready to take the reins from his grandfather and become Alpha yet. He had been going on visits there since his mid-teens, and they had only increased as he had got older. A definite escape from the pressures of River Ash it seemed...
Kaleb nodded. “Where else would he be?” he smiled, and Daxton smiled too, giving Kaleb a sideways glance, like they were communicating without even talking. These two were close friends, and spent most of their time back and forth to Luna Shadow Pack attending the Warrior Training Programme that had recently been set up there, which also meant they spent a lot of time with Landon. I guess, both being born as the second born sons of fathers with titles meant they missed out on having to inherit the titles, but neither one seemed too concerned by it.
“He still not ready to come home?” Angel asked from her place next to Sofia, currently braiding her hair. “I don’t know why he didn’t just renounce his title. It seems pretty clear he doesn't want to become Alpha, or he would have come and taken the title by now. He is more than old enough. He has cousins, right? Could they not take the title if he doesn't want it?”
Kaleb frowned. “Alpha Grayson doesn’t want that. Never has, right, Kai?” he looked across to me to back him up, knowing I would have some idea from the stories Mum and Dad had told us. I nodded. Alpha Grayson, or Uncle Grayson as we knew him, had decided to continue in his role as Alpha to ensure Landon could still have his rightful title he would have had if his Dad had never died. He had done a lot to make sure that happened. Sacrificing a lot in his life to ensure Landon could be the Alpha of his pack.
But, if things were this bad, and Landon was continuing to avoid going home, then I was beginning to wonder if Angel had a point. Uncle Grayson was getting older, and he had already taken on an additional spell as Alpha after he lost his son, as had my Grandfather in his role as Beta. So, they were both ready to retire. They deserved their retirement time. Landon's delaying in taking over was not fair, and while I was sure he had his reasons, it wasn’t right, and it was time he stepped up, or did the honorable thing and handed his title to someone else.
After very little sleep, I had done well to be able to maintain the level I needed, but I had done it. I followed on with the training session, pushing myself until every part of my body burned. Until I ached and felt sick. I knew I was pushing myself harder than I needed to, but I took pleasure in feeling myself feeling this way. I knew I was working myself, and my wolf, Dex. But this was the way I kept myself on top form. I may not want to be an Alpha, but it didn't mean I could not have the body and fitness of an Alpha wolf.“That is all for this session.” The chief warrior in training spoke loudly from the front of the room where we were training today. “Back again this afternoon for more.” And with that he was walking away, without even so much of a second glance in our direction. This guy did not ease up, he was training the toughest warriors in the country, and that was why this new Warrior Training Facility they set up was proving so popular. Within a month, the facility was f
I sleepily walked down the stairs into the kitchen, in desperate search of a coffee to wake myself up. Training would be a killer this morning with Uncle Gabe running the show... he may not be of higher rank in the pack, but that guy was one hell of a skilled fighter. He had earned his role of senior warrior, much like Uncle Manny. Both capable of giving my Dad a run for his money when it came to training. So, I knew today's training would be far from easy, so coffee would be a necessity if I was to survive...Only as I stepped into the hallway could I hear muted voices in the lounge, making me frown. It sounded like my parents. I was surprised they were up at this time of day when my Dad was not in charge of training…I still lived at home despite being well into my twenties. I could easily have moved into the Alpha suite by now, like Finn had moved to the Gamma suite, but I was happy here. My family were crazy, but I loved them, and actually enjoyed their company the majority of the
I was just returning to my room after my early morning run. Something I chose to do despite the fact my day was taken up by constant strict training regimes. The morning run was my time alone with my wolf. A time to let my thoughts go, and simply run. And my wolf, Dex, liked to run. We had cut it fine by returning so late today.I would just about have enough time for a shower before heading to breakfast in the dining hall to catch the last sitting before heading to the training field. Today would be even more punishing than normal with the heat of the sun already increasing. Not that the coaches seemed to care. They beasted us within an inch of our lives. Their focus was getting the strongest warriors possible out of the recruits. Not that I would ever become a warrior…I quickly stripped and stepped into the cool shower, knowing it would help cool me down, I was sweating profusely already from a combination of over-exertion and that crazy heat outside. Just as I did, I heard my phon
I walked down towards the dining room, many familiar faces smiling at me as I made my way through the corridors of the packhouse. I may not be an official member of this pack, but they knew my grandmother, and, of course, they knew my Aunt, Uncle and cousins, and had always treated me as if I was one of their own. I had always been made to feel I would always have a place within this pack, and at times I wished I could make this pack my home...“Running a little late this morning aren’t you, Lan?” my Uncle piped up, from the door of the dining hall.“Oh, please, don’t even ask.” I said to him with a wry smile. Not even wanting to begin to explain to him how my day was going, and this without the fact it hadn't even reached breakfast time!“Oh, I had no intention of asking.” He grinned. “I could tell from that scowl upon that ever-so handsome face of yours that I was better not to.” He winked. "But, you want to be as handsome as me son, you got to stop frowning so much."I smiled in re
I had woken a little later than usual, but in my usual sleepy daze, showered and got dressed. Wandering downstairs to grab myself a mug of tea, I was surprised to see both my Mum and my Dad still at home despite the time. They would both normally be at work, or out doing things within pack by now. The atmosphere within the house was uncomfortable, to say the least, which made me feel uneasy. This was not how things were between my Mum and Dad.‘Finn?’ I mindlinked as I grabbed my purse, rushing from the house, thinking perhaps they needed some time alone. Something did not feel right in the house, and I felt like I shouldn’t be there. Me coming downstairs when I had may have disturbed whatever was going on between them.‘What is up, beautiful?’ he almost instantly responded. And I felt my mood lighten at the sound of his voice. He always seemed to have that ability.I knew he wouldn’t be training with the others today, like he usually would, because he had mentioned a business meetin
I had paperwork I was meant to be dealing with ready for the meeting I had agreed to attend on behalf of the family business. But the moment Cleo mindlinked to see if I was free, it became inconsequential. It sounded like she needed me, and that was more important to me than any piece of paperwork could ever be. Ok, my Dad and my uncles may think otherwise, but that was how tings were…Yes, I knew, as had been frequently pointed out to me, that Cleo was not my fated mate, but I wasn’t exactly a traditionalist. I wasn’t too fussed by all of that. She was an important part of my life, and I liked the way she made me feel. Right now, that was what mattered. Fated mate or not, she was what I wanted right now, whether she knew it or not...I have heard the tales of the shit a fated matebond can cause. Yes, they are made out to be wonderful things when we learn of them. Of course, they are. They are chosen my our moon goddess. But they can be wrong too... they can cause pain and suffering t
I dropped my bag over the top of the stairs, hearing it land at the bottom of the stairs with a loud, heavy thud. “Fucking hell Sergio!” I heard my brother Rico snarl angrily from downstairs. “You trying to give me a fucking heart attack? I nearly spilled coffee all over me, you stupid fuck!” I found myself chuckling, as I made my way down the stairs. A perfect reaction from my brother! Yeah, it would have been a whole heap easier to carry my bag, but it was so much more fun to scare the crap out of my brother, though in truth I was hoping my Mum or sister would have been passing. Their reactions were classic... Rico was standing in the entranceway of the house, glaring at me, a mug of coffee in hand. He looked so much like Dad right now, it was funny. Same dark stare, and same frown. “Lighten up.” I shook my head at him. “Did you make me a coffee? Or was that the one you spilled?” I asked with a grin, knowing it would wind him up even more. I loved to annoy my brother.
I find myself looking at Finn, his eyes are so intense, and he is closer than ever right now. My heart feels like it is beating like a drum right now. And time feels like it has paused between us. He is so handsome, one of the sweetest guys I know... Finn and I have always been close, but this… this is a line we never crossed. But that look I could see within his eyes was telling me he was seriously considering more... And, as much as I worship him, I don’t know if it is the right thing…I found myself awkwardly clearing my throat and lowering my gaze to break the intensity of the way Finn was looking at me. Maybe coming here hadn’t been the right thing to do after all…“Oh, you backing out on me doll?” he teased, and I found myself avoiding his gaze even further. There was nothing awkward in the way he had spoken to me. It had been lighthearted and playful, but still, I didn't feel right. My insides were churning nervously, not to mention the butterflies that had taken up residence
Cleo rushed herself out of the house as fast as her legs would carry her, soon after Landon had left. Leaving me stood looking at the front door in sheer confusion. How had I not noticed that he and her were bonded? It would make sense, of course, yet it had never occured to me that it was the case. But, to know that poor boy had been struggling with his inner thoughts alone for so long made me feel bad.I hated his father, of course I did, mainly for the shit he had caused my Lilah, but I would never hold that against Landon. That kid was a good kid through and through. He had been a friend to my own kids, and grown up by their side the same as the children of my own friends, and I considered him no different. It hurt that he felt he could not talk to us. But, knowing he wanted to reject my little girl, well…There was a heavy sigh from the breakfast bar, as Lilah slammed her coffee mug down. I rolled my eyes. I knew I was not going to get away from this one peacefully. I knew she di
My brother Leo, and a few of his friends had walked down from the house to the dining hall as they so frequently did. None of my friends were free this morning, so I headed out with the guys. Though they, too, were considered my friends as much as the girls. We chose to eat down here a couple of times a week the same way our parents did so we were seen around pack, despite us having our own family home to hide within.Xavier was busy telling me about the newest book he was reading when my wolf, Gem, began to act a little oddly. I was still growing accustomed to having a wolf, having not had her for very long, but this behaviour was not normal, I was sure of it…“I barely slept in the end, I did not want to put the book down.” Xavier informed me, and I absentmindedly smiled in his direction.“You reading dirty books again, Xavi?” Jorge joked, earning himself a dark glare from his best friend, he had most certainly inherited his Dad’s sense of humor, and I had to try my hardest to hold
My eyes are darting across the busy dining hall, trying to focus upon where that scent is coming from. A small crowd of rowdy guys have just walked in, and my heart dropped. Well, the scent surely would not be from them. I moved my head side to side trying to catch a glimpse of my potential mate, the sound of Gabriel, or potentially Manuel talking has faded to background noise along with the rest of the noise within the hall now. It has become incredibly hard to concentrate with the noise my wolf is currently making, not to mention, my focus is now purely upon finding the source of that appealing smell…I felt a hand slap down upon my shoulder, making me jump slightly, and bringing me crashing back down to earth with a heavy thud. “Are you going to keep ignoring us?” Gabriel’s voice interrupted my thoughts, and I have to say he does not sound too impressed. This was a much respected senior warrior who was taking time out of what I imagined was a busy schedue to train me and my brother
I was loving this new found confidence. This new faith Landon had in Kent and I. To believe we would be capable of helping him run his pack was something I had never envisioned. We had gone from being run of the mill warriors overnight to being lead warriors, and it felt good. Someone having faith in us. We worked damn hard during our training, but in such a big facility it often went unnoticed. But, now we would have the opportunity to prove ourselves. And, we would have a new home. A fresh start. We had nothing to fear from the Alpha family of our former home, and neither would our family. We could not ask for more, and our cousin had ensured of that.I don’t think the smile had slipped from my face since Landon had asked me, and that had been in spite of how hectic things had been. And that was because we had been spending the days shadowing Manuel and Gabriel. Landon decided it would be beneficial to spend some time with the two cousin warriors he had taken his inspiration from.
felt like I was on cloud nine and had done since Landon had spoken to me. I finally knew what was happening. Where my future would be. All I had to do now was wait…“CC, are you even listening to us?” My Dad’s voice interrupted my wandering thoughts, already following Landon as he had left the house to go to his meeting he had arranged back at his pack. And, oh boy were they wandering! Already imagining the home we could build... the relationship we could have... our official ceremony... our dates... my heart raced at the idea of it all. So much had changed in so little time, but at least now there was no more doubts.As I glanced upward at my Dad, I found his narrowed eyes scowling at me, and I sighed heavily. I wasn’t even sure this chat was necessary. I was not naïve. I knew the issues Landon was battling. All of us had been in the room when he had opened up to us, so talking about it seemed a little futile. But, my parents were d
The moment we had stepped into the pack, I had asked my Dad for the keys to the Alpha suite. This was to be mine and Bella’s home. I had crashed here a few times with dates in the past, and I had used it many a time for movie night with friends. But, to know it would be my home with my fated mate, felt unreal. I had messaged my Mum and asked her to arrange for the place to be given a once over whilst we were out, so I could only hope the place was sorted for us. I wanted everything to be perfect.I waved my family and friends off as they made their way up to the family homes at the top of the pack, and the warriors too, as they left for their own family homes dotted across pack, some making their way into the packhouse along with Bella and I, as I took her hand as we stepped from the car. Oddly, I was beginning to feel a little nervous, despite this being the moment I had been waiting for...“Your pack is beautiful.” She whispered,
I had rushed back to pack, knowing I had a meeting waiting for me. I needed to get things in place... I wanted to do this the right way, and I think it had waited long enough. The meeting room was already set up for me and my new team, but before Daxton and Kaleb arrived, I had my cousins call in to see me. They had travelled over from Lunar River soon after everyone else had left. I didn't wonder it would be long that the rest of their family headed here too, accroding to the information my Grandpa gave me. Their family having been invited to make a fresh start here too...“Hey Joey.” I smiled across at him, my feet rested against the table. “Kent.” I took a long sip of my coffee, more than ready for a drink after today. It had been a long day.“Don’t get up or anything, will you Lan?” Kent shook his head at me in disbelief, I had literally just sat down, with a mug of coffee, so I had no intention of standing up anytime soon. Instead giving my cousin a playful grin.I shrugged. "Sit
I realized my mistake the moment my Mum’s eyes changed. It was not often she became angry like that. She and my Dad were relatively chilled, I suppose, compared to some, but they were both incredibly protective. I don’t know what made me say the words that I did. I had been hurting, I guess with the lack of contact today, and that had been my first thought when I had seen Landon. That it would be the only reason he could have been here.My Mum’s eyes darted between Landon and me, before meeting my terrified gaze. The eyes of her wolf, Sky met mine. Still within my Mum’s body, but pushing forward, her wolf evidently felt the need to come and protect me. “What the hell is going on?” she demanded, and Landon stepped forward, his gaze looking far less confident than he had done a few moments ago; and even then he had not looked overly assured.“Aunt Lilah…” he began.“I am not your Aunt right now. I am Cleo’s Mum.” Her voice was icy cold. Harsh. She never spoke to him that way. My stomac
I stood at the top of the packhouse steps of the Lunar River Pack, my Grandfather had notified me of the official decision of the Council, so I knew our mission had been a success. This pack would be in disarray for a short time, but the Council would ensure it survived; it would also ensure the training facility survived, which I was glad of, because, despite it being set up by a brutal and merciless family, the idea behind the facility was not a bad one. It had benefitted many packs.I saw Kai, hand in hand with Bella, a look within his eyes that I don’t think I have seen from him before. He looked truly content. This girl could be the making of him. Not only as a man, but as an Alpha. I was glad I had been able to help. Dex whimpered within my mind, and I knew where he was going. Where my mind had drifted so many times already today…Despite having told Kaleb and Daxton I wanted to begin setting things up when we returned back today, and having sent Kent and Joey a message to ask