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
Just as I brought my lips to Tatiana’s and my heart felt like it was going to explode with happiness, there was a fragile voice from inside the house calling. “Tiana!”Tatiana sighed heavily as she pulled herself away from me, with an apologetic smile. “My Mum.” She whispered. “I should go and check she is okay.” I nodded, giving her an understanding smile. We would have time for us later, I hoped...“I will wait here.” I told her, thinking I could call my parents while I did that. And as I watched my mate rushing back inside her house, I pulled my phone from my pocket. Nerves already building inside of my belly at the prospect of telling my parents. Finding my Dad’s number on my contacts, I clicked on the videocall, and waited, wondering why it was taking so long to connect, until a very disheveled Mum came onto the screen. She looked tired, and I instantly wondered if she was ill.“Sergio?” she said, her voice sounding hoarse. “Is everything okay?”“Yeah, I just need to talk to you.
I walked into the lounge, and instantly my eyes found my mate, deep in thought as she gazed out of the window. I looked across at Bella, she was dressed in a beautiful simple black satin shift dress. Her long dark hair twisted back into a beautiful braid that swept around onto her shoulder, with a simple white flower within her hair. Her make-up was smoky, but basic so as not to take away from her natural beauty, and she looked truly stunning. I chewed my lower lip as I looked at her standing at the large window looking out over our pack.“You look amazing, sweet.” I told her, and she looked up at me with a tentative smile.“I feel sick.” She whispered.“Nervous?” I questioned, making my way toward her, knowing any moment our peace would be shattered by the arrival of my parents, potentially my grandparents too before we had to go and meet the remaining familiy and friends who we had planned to meet in the packhouse before mak
Our house was sheer chaos, so I could only imagine what the rest of pack must be. Today was the day that the last week had been leading up to. Mum had been involved in the organization of the Alpha Ceremony, with it being for her brother’s eldest son. These sort of events were very much a family effort. And family was hugely important within our pack. Grandma had been involved too, and I swear them, along with Aunt Lilah were like crazy women when trying to plan. It was, without a doubt better to avoid them, I could understand why Kai had said he was dodging them at every opportunity. I think if I were him I would have allowed them free reign to arrange it all, and then simply turn up on the day, that way you would save yourself so many headaches and so much stress...“Luca!” Mum shrieked from the bottom of the staircase. I rolled my eyes. “You best not still be in the bathroom.”“No, that would be Rocky, Mami.” I said with a s
I sat on the bed for a moment, staring at the closed door of the ensuite where Camilla had just run to. My heart racing, from the closeness we had been sharing only moments ago, and aching from the fact it felt like she was rejecting me in that need to flee. My wolf, Elda whimpered heavily within my mind. He had not been dealing well with this back and forth with Camilla of late.I had allowed myself to get closer than I perhaps should. There was something about her that had caught my attention the moment I greeted her at our pack gates. Something I don’t even know that I can describe. She was sweet. Vulnerable. But she chatted to me like she was simply happy to be here. Happy for the now. And that appealed to me. She treated me so kindly. Warmly. And that pulled me in. She was different to the other she-wolves I had met.The amount of times she had wandered up to the guard room with a fresh coffee for me, had warmed my heart. Or the sweet smile
I stretched upon my bed, trying hard to wake myself up, and was shocked to hear my wolf purring within my mind. That was not like her in the slightest. Only as I stretched my arm across the bed did I notice the space next to me felt oddly warm… that was not the way my bed normally felt...I sat up quickly, only to see I was still wearing the clothes in which I had been dressed in last night, other than the fact the shirt had been discarded, leaving the tank top as my only coverage on top. I heard movement in the ensuite, making my whole body freeze once more, and I realized with shock that I was not alone. Jorge had to still be here.The events of last night flooded back to me. He came in as I had suggested, and we sat talking for hours. About anything and everything. His family… his past… my family… my past… I don’t think there was a thing that man did not know about me now. And likely, there was little I did
Bella and Camilla walked into the suite, but the moment Camilla stepped into the lounge where Kai and I were sitting, I could tell from the expression upon her face she was not feeling comfortable. She did not know I was going to be here. Her eyes were darting to her friend, as they glazed over telling me she was attempting to mindlink, but it was as if Bella was choosing not to respond, which admittedly irritated me.Kai had spent most of the time since I had returned from home having had my shower giving me just cause and reason as to why pursuing something with Camilla would be a good idea. Why it would be good for us both. He was adamant she was interested in me, yet this here, looked like she was terrified to be here with me. That did not scream interested to me.‘Have you set that poor girl up?’ I demanded of Kai, and he glanced at his mate, before looking at me with a shrug. He seemed as clueless as me of the developing situation in
Bella and I had finished our shift at the art store, and were driving back into pack. The sun had not stopped shining today. It certainly made the day an enjoyable one. The store had been relatively busy, with enough customers to keep us occupied, and the two of us had created a few new items on the potters wheel. This was so far from the workdays I had endured in my previous role, and most certainly a workday I could become accustomed to. I was loving my life like this...But, I had to admit, today I was a little tired. My mind had been more than a little over-run with thoughts, not only the last few days, but today too. It made for a very tired brain, and a very tired Camilla. It meant I felt like I was ready to crash. So, after the days work, as enjoyable as it may have been, I was most certainly ready to return to my room and put my feet up for the evening. Maybe even a soak in the bath was called for, and a few chapters of my new book I had picked up at the new bookstore
Training was tough today. Dad and Uncle Manny seemed to have increased the level a little for us. Working us that bit harder. Not that I minded. I wanted to be the best I could in my role as warrior and in doing that I needed to be pushed. I knew my Dad and my Uncle were incredibly well respected within pack and beyond for the roles they held, and that was what I wanted to achieve as I moved through my career too; so following their training programme would be considered an honour.“You did well out there, son.” Dad slapped his hand upon my shoulder as we all walked back to the gym block. Training had been outside this morning. We had chosen to make the most of the glorious sunshine blessed upon us, thought, admittedly it had become less of a blessing as we exercised. Pushing ourselves to our limits, feeling like we were melting under the hot rays of the sun. I smiled across at my Dad, appreciating the compliment before looking toward my cousins, Dario and Xavier
Who knew arranging an Alpha ceremony was so much hardwork? Or was it only hard work when it involved my Mum and Dad? I was beginning to think so. Every little detail seemed to be assessed, and then reassessed. I was starting to understand why Bella had said she was finding it all a little too overwhelming for her.“You want the day to be perfect.” Mum said insistently from across the office, and I looked to Dad for help, but he simply nodded in agreement.“These are going to be the Alphas you are working alongside. You want to make a good impresson. An Alpha ceremony that is poorly planned and organised simply shows how badly organized and incapable you are.” Dad said and I dropped my head to the desk. I was sick of hearing that now. We were literally discussing food, weren’t we?!So long as there was beer and there was food to feed them when the hunger kicked in I was sure they would all be more than satisfied. “Right.”
I slipped through the arch into the coffee store, and noticed the almost unreadable expression upon Camilla’s face, while Lola had turned and given her a smile. I had clearly missed something. I knew Camilla better than anyone. She had become one of my closest friends in pack, and I never saw her as anything but a friend despite her role. I hated the way others could treat her, so I love this new life she had been gifted here with me. But this expression upon her face was reminicsent of our time in pack together, which bothered me.I have always felt we shared a connections, and I had always been able to tell how she was feeling but right now she seemed guarded. It was hard to tell what she was feeling. I edged over to the counter, where the coffee was waiting that Lola had linked me to come and collect. I could not imagine for a second that Lola was the type of person to intentionally upset someone. But the tension sitting between the two was awkward,