I saw the look of realization upon Finn’s face, and the moment he uttered the words, I knew I was in trouble.“Landon?” he demanded.I could see the fury upon his handsome face. A face I was so used to seeing looking at me with nothing but care and affection. Right now it was filled with rage and animosity. He was likely to go and take his anger out on Landon given a chance, and that would not end well. Not to mention, it would draw attention to the situation we had found ourselves in…“Finn, please…” I begged, reaching for his arm. “You promised you wouldn’t say a word. This cannot come out right now. Not with everyone struggling with losing my Grandpa. Please.” I am terrified right now of the mess this could create. I could cause such chaos in a pack that was already in disarray having lost their Beta. We did not need to make the situation worse. I needed to do all I could to stop Finn finding Landon and taking his anger out on him.“But Landon?!” Finn all but roared.“I know.” I whi
I had chosen to attend warrior training this morning. The beginning of my plan to get myself involved a little more with the pack. This, after all, was going to be my pack. My people. I hoped the more I told myself that, the more I would start to believe it. The more I could accept that I could be an Alpha, because I could not shake the doubt within my mind that me replacing my Grandpa as Alpha was going to be the fall of the River Ash Pack. The fall of the pack that had been in my family for generations.It had been so good to see Kaleb at training too. Being able to spend some time with him after only briefly seeing him yesterday, and most of that had been distracted by the fact I had discovered I was fated for his sister. I hated that I could not share that piece of news with him, but at the same time, I knew he would hate me for the fact I planned to reject her. Hate me for the hurt I would cause her. But, a part of me did wonder if he would understand I was doing it with her best
I had sat through far too many lectures for the day, and was already ready to make my way from the classroom and home to try to allow my brain to relax a little before even beginning to think of making a start on my paper that we had been assigned. Another one. But, this is what I wanted. I knew what I was signing up for when I decided to follow in my Mum's footsteps to become a doctor. I wanted this. And I was determined to make my parents proud.“Miss Garcia” a familiar voice called from behind me on the corridor just as I exited the classroom. A voice that made my heart flutter, and made me want to throw caution to the wind and rush to him. The same as it did any time I heard his voice. But I knew at this time of day the corridors were busy, we would be seen. Something that can not be risked.I turned to the source of the voice, knowing I would find his handsome face awaiting me. His icy blue eyes were already waiting for me. A familiar look within them that pulled at my heart strin
My feet felt heavy on my legs as I made my way down the corridors of college. Earlier, I had wanted to get home, now it was more a case of I needed to. I needed to be in my own space to fall apart in privacy. I would not allow that piece of shit to see the effect his selfishness had had on me. I was better than that. I needed to get away from Lukas. From the lies and deception he had built around the bubble that was us. I was nothing but a fool. I know that now. Admittedly a fool in love it would seem, going off the pain within my heart, but a fool non the less…I had fallen for all his charm… all his words telling me how I was everything he had dreamed of in a woman. That he had never met anyone that fitted with him like I did. That he was excited to see what the future could hold for us... how beautiful our children could be. That coming to teach here had been twisted into fate because it had meant he had met me. But then came the lies, the reasons for not being able to be with me i
I loved the feel of Cleo’s hand within mine, and as she slipped her hand into mine while we walked away from Landon that feeling rushed through me. “Thank you for not starting anything with him.” she whispered.I could not help but smile at her. She was the sweetest. I knew her mind was in a million and one different places right now, but despite that, she was thinking of the well-being of her family. She did not want them finding out about the situation with Landon just yet while they were mourning the loss of her Grandpa. I could understand that, because, in all seriousness, all hell would break loose when they do discover he is rejecting her! I would not want to be him when Uncle Knox or Kai get a hold on him... or Kaleb for that matter... hell, any one of our group of friends would be there to defend Cleo, as would her father's friends. She was certainly loved, and Landon would be made to suffer when this all came out, of that I had no doubt.I could sense Cleo's eyes upon me, so
I was in the one place in this pack, a home away from home, that brought me peace. It was a place my Mum had brought me to, to escape the madness of the house one time, her place of peace too when she had grown up. And now, I felt a sense of calm spread over me as Finn’s arms embraced me. I knew he wanted to be there for me. To try to make things better for me. I just wish he could. But right now, I don't know how to make all of this better.I stared down at the pool of water at the bottom of the waterfall. I could spend so long, lost in my thoughts just watching the water falling. I needed to clear my thoughts. Try to decide what I do from here. How I move forward knowing the life with a fated mate I had expected would now no longer be happening…I felt Finn’s arms tighten around me as if he sensed my unease, pulling me closer, more snugly against his chest. The warmth of his body spreading through my own. I could not feel anything but safe in his arms. Safe and content. Something I
As I storm across the pathways of the pack, I am fully aware that I have absolutely no right to feel hurt that Cleo is with Finn. I all but pushed her into his arms. Not to mention the fact I had told her she would not be my mate the moment that both of us had realized we were fated. Surely, in her mind, it is me saying she is free to go and do as she pleases? Ultimately, that is what I am saying, right?‘See, you don’t even know if you fucking want her or not.’ Dex grumbled angrily. 'So how the hell is she supposed to know what to think? She isn't a mind reader.'‘It isn’t about wanting her, and you know it. I have made myself clear with her. She knows what I need her to, and that is all there is to say on the matter.’I know I am being blunt with my wolf, but I do not want to even think about how I have been with Cleo right now. I know my actions have hurt her, and that fills me with nothing but guilt. It caused me pain, knowing she could be hurting. Thankfully, the paths of the pac
“You want me to be your mate?!” Tatiana asked me in astonishment, as I explained my plan to stay here in my grandparents' pack, so I could be with her, which in turn would allow her to continue to care for her mother. All I wanted was my fated mate. I wanted her. And would do all I could to ensure we could be together. I knew she had reasons to stay behind, and I was not about to force her to come with me and leave everything she knew behind; not when she was needed at home. I wanted Tatiana to be happy. And I want that happiness to be because of me...“Oh, Carino, was there ever any doubt that I wanted you?” I asked, shocked she had ever thought for a moment that the matebond was something I had questioned. Did she truly think I could ever not want her?! It was me that had feared she was about to reject me! Sure, fate had thrown us a curveball, but from the tales we heard from my parents and their friends, it seems good at that. “Why would you ever think that? You are like heaven in
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