Hearing Kai tell me his mate was here at Lunar River had been shocking enough, but the look upon his face when he saw the soon-to-be pack Luna walk from the doors with her hand firmly being held by the pack Alpha spoke a thousand words. This was the worst possible outcome for him, and no doubt her, and the pack.I could instantly sense the tension between the two, and Bella could barely tear her eyes away from Kai, no doubt drawn to him by the undeniable pull of the matebond. But she was to marry the pack Alpha. She had all but been sold to him from what I understood. I don’t think there was a way out for her. And, no matter how much I may dislike Kai, I felt bad for him, for there was no hope of him having his fated mate.Alpha was oblivious to the connection between the two, just as he was oblivious to so many other things going on around him, his wolf was definitely lacking… and the leering look upon his face as he suggested Bella go and make dinner for him turned my stomach, as I
Seeing my friends today had been wonderful, and made me realize just how much I missed them when I was away. I could not wait to see the rest of them, and then I had the celebration for my birthday and coming of age to look forward to with them all. Although hearing of the loss of Uncle Trent, Cleo, Kai and Kaleb’s Grandpa was likely going to delay any real celebrations, but that was the least of my concerns. I was more concerned for my friends. They must be in so much pain at the loss of their Grandpa. As werewolves, our families are beyond important to us, they mean the world to you, and you come to depend on them. And I knew how incredibly close they all were as a family, so this must be breaking them right now.Arriving back had not gone as I had expected, I cannot lie. Walking into the familiar art store, and the cutesy little coffee shop they had attached just as I had so many times previously. I was excited to see everyone, but that had changed the moment I had opened the door.
Seeing Aria today was so nice. It had felt like a lifetime since she had headed to work at the summer camp, when in reality it was a matter of weeks. I guess I just missed her company. The connection we shared. It was different with her than my other friends...But, the time with her had been cut short as she had rushed out of the store with her Dad and had not been answering her messages since. This didn't seem like Aria at all, but we were busy doing the usual cleaning duties at the end of the day within the store, and we helped Aunt Lola in the coffee store closing up too, before heading home, so I didn’t really get much chance to think about things until I reached my room.And then as I dropped to my bed, I looked at my phone hoping to see a reply but there was none. Maybe something was wrong at home? I knew her Mum and brother had gone to River Ash to be there for Aunt Lilah and her family. Maybe something had happened that we didn't know about? Maybe I should check in with her a
Luca had helped me cook, and had cheered me up as we chatted. His company was always so carefree and easygoing. He wanted to know about the camp, and I loved sharing all the things I had done. He sounded so interested, and it felt nice to chill out and chat as we cooked. Time passed so quickly without me even noticing.Daxton had come to join us part way through, the three of us laughing and joking, as I served up food. My brother found it somewhat hilarious that my Dad’s plan to get me to come home and cook had work. The crazy thing was, my Dad was more than capable of cooking. He was just getting lazy.Soon, we were all sitting around the table eating the chili, and Dad came to join us. “Thanks princess.” He winked, as he began shoveling the food into his mouth.“Didn’t really give me a choice, did you Dad?” I teased, and he feigned shock, while Luca and Daxton grinned. My Dad knew he had been caught out.“Aww come on, what if it was because I had missed you so terribly while you ha
My head felt like it was spinning. Had I heard her right? Aria had said she was going to kiss me, that in itself was mind-blowing... and then she mentioned about kissing her mate? Did that make me her mate? No, surely not...I didn’t have time to even try to process my swirling thoughts before her lips were upon mine, and my whole body felt like it wanted to explode with excitement… desire… feelings I cannot even begin to explain, as the feel of her soft lips caressed mine and the taste of her blueberry lip gloss tingled at my senses.Her kisses were gentle at first, her lips finding mine over and over again, as her hand gently ran through my hair. I kissed her back, with a hunger that surprised even me. I had been thinking of this moment for so long and couldn't quite believe it was here... I was kissing Aria! Her tongue teased at mine, causing butterflies to erupt in my belly and sending my whole body into meltdown. As much as I
Having to go to Landon’s room was not my idea of a good time, I knew that much. There were so many more things I could be doing. Talking to my mate was one. But, everything Landon had said was right. If I wanted a chance to speak to my fated mate, then I had to stay here until tomorrow at the earliest. Turning up at her door demanding to talk at this hour would require an explanation I was not prepared to give the Alpha just yet. But, I needed to speak to her. I knew that. And in order for that to happen, I needed Landon to help me. The thing was, he didn’t seem to be seeing this from my point of view…“Are you able to be a little quieter?” Landon’s voice sounded as irritated as I felt. I simply wanted to smack the fool right now. Everything he said or did seemed to irritate me. Neither one of us wanted to be here. “I don’t want us to disturb anybody.”I was sure I wasn't walking that loudly, and it was just him be
I awoke with a serious crick in my neck. The sofa was most definitely not designed for sleeping on. And not to mention the fact that Kai had been pacing the room in the early hours, only added to the difficulty of sleeping. I knew he was struggling. Even I could sense that in him and we weren’t particularly close. I may not like the guy, but I felt bad for him. He clearly wanted his mate, as you should, but I knew there was next to no chance of that.The Alpha here was not one to mess with. And he now saw Bella as his. He had got into a fit of rage over his fated mate catching up with a few college friends for coffee, including a few guys, from what I understood. The argument got out of control and he lashed out. I don’t think for a moment he meant to kill her, but falling the way she had down the stairs had broken her neck, I believed, and she had died almost instantly. I hadn’t been here when it happened, I had been on one of my many visits back to see my
Unfortunately, I had to crash at Aunty T’s, sleeping on her tiny little sofa. Or it sure as hell felt tiny to me. I would rather have taken the room in the packhouse that Alpha Grayson had offered me, but Mum was adamant we stayed with her Aunty. Don’t get me wrong, I loved my Aunty, but I did not love her lumpy sofa and neither did my back…“Oh, Finn… sunshine…” Aunty T’s voice was bright and cheerful from the kitchen, and as I forced open my eyes, the strong smell of coffee hit my nose. Along with the smell of cooking. “Breakfast is ready.” she called, sounding far too bright and breezy for a morning.I felt almost guilty now for saying I hadn't wanted to stay with her. I mean, how could I think badly of her after she has made me food? I chuckled, throwing back the crocheted blanket that had been covering me, as I plodded my way into the kitchen. “Morning Aunty T.” I greeted her, bending down
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