I had needed to get away the moment we stepped from the car. Landon's suggestion of a run had made sense. I did not want to be explaining the mess I found myself in to my family right now. Not in this state, anyway. I was ready to kill for Bella, and that was not the state of mind I should be in to discuss this with them. They had so much to cope with right now; the last thing they needed was to worry about my out of control temper or the possibility of me having lost my mate to another Alpha... I would calm myself, somehow, and find a moment where I could discuss things with my Dad and hope he had more ideas for a solution than me...Right now my mind was on the run that lay ahead, and Nyko, being Nyko, had seen Landon’s suggestion of a race as a challenge and wasted no time in pushing forward and urging me to shift to allow us to get the lead. My wolf did not like to lose. I knew Landon would see it as a direct challenge now too. He was an Alpha wolf, just like I was, whether he tr
I moved. Walking aimlessly. My mind was a whirlpool of emotion and mess right now, but all I know is that I need to get away. I cannot stand and watch Finn touch Cleo that way. It causes pain I can’t describe, and they aren’t even doing anything major… imagine if he took things further… that look in his eyes tells me he wants to…‘Fucking stop!’ Dex growled angrily at me. My wolf did not like that thought. He did not like the thought of my mate with another man. He did not agree with me on the reasoning for letting her go. He never had, I don’t think. He saw her as ours, and that was it. That was how the matebond worked. But I knew I had to protect her. Dex said we would protect her. That was our job as her mate. He failed to see she would need protecting from us…“Landon!” A voice from behind me told me that Kai had shifted. Wonderful, just what I needed.I kept moving. I had no intention of stopping. I did not want his company right now. I had shown weakness in my reaction to seein
I had felt so low. So fed up, and seeing my Grandma struggle was making me feel like I was falling apart. She was fine when she was with her friends, almost like she was putting on a brave face. But the moment she was back at her house, she seemed to withdraw. She sat in her chair, her mind wandering, and her eyes off in another world. I liked to think she was thinking of my Grandad.But seeing a woman who had been so strong now so weak and vulnerable was almost soul-destroying. And then I was there battling the desire to message Landon…Terra missed him. Of course, I knew my wolf would be missing her fated mate. It would be natural. We had yet to officially reject one another, so we still shared the bond. The pull to one another was still strong… and, I would not lie, I missed him too, and was wondering how he was getting on at his family’s pack. I was surprised when I had heard he was staying a little longer than expected, and could not help but wonder if that was in a bid to avoid
I could not help myself with the sly dig at Cleo, or more so at Finn, when I saw his smirk. He was enjoying it. It was almost like he was attempting to rub it in my face. I knew he would take my fated mate if given a chance. The look within his eyes when he looked upon her said a thousand words without uttering a thing... Though was Cleo even considered my fated mate anymore when she knew I planned to reject her? Maybe she already planned to move on?Finn snarled, the anger more than evident on his handsome features and I expected him to come for me. Though he would be a fool to, I knew that much, and he had to too. I was an Alpha, he was simply a Gamma. And the anger simmering through me right now would be enough to kill him, of that I was certain.But he had stronger self-control than me as he held himself back. His eyes simply darkened, angrily glowering at me. His jaw was tight with irritation... I knew he loved and cared for Cleo, and could I blame him for that? Could I be angry
Landon’s face as he screwed up his nose and looked truly disgusted was, actually, quite adorable, and I couldn’t hold back the little laugh that sneaked from my lips. I saw the look he gave me. The way his eyes drifted over my face... I am sure there was hope there… had something changed?“Right. I am covered, and you two need to give your heads a shake and realize that being together is not the hell you seem to have it imagined as.” Kai’s voice was loud and full of authority as he approached, like he planned to take over what this was about to be. But in storming over, he had also managed to disturb any atmosphere that was building between Landon and I. Though considering the awkward expression appearing upon Landon's face, maybe that was a good thing?I watched the two of them and the brief nod they shared. Where had this sudden friendship between my brother and Landon come from? Kai usually did nothing to hide his dislike for Landon, yet here he was pushing for the two of us to be
It had all but destroyed me walking away from Cleo. I knew that had been the perfect opportunity to make my choice. And the thing that terrified me more than anything was that everything Kai had said resonated with me. I hated to admit that perhaps he was right.I have allowed my parents to affect so many aspects of my life growing up. The pain of their absence was far too great, but I had to try so hard to hide that from my grandparents. I never wanted them to know I suffered because of it. I knew they struggled enough after losing my Dad. They did so much for me, and gave me all that I needed, and wanted… likely too much at times… and I know I took advantage of that at times… and it was all to make up for the fact my parents had not been around.Guilt was a terrible thing. But, deep down, I knew they had no real reason for their guilt, and I think if they looked deeper they would know that too. My Grandpa did what he had to do. He did the honorable thing that night. I have heard the
I braced myself for the imminent storm that was coming my way. The look upon my grandfather’s face told me everything I needed to know. But he simply sighed, shaking his head. “Why in all the world would you do that, Landon?” and the disappointment within his voice was cutting. I think I would have rather him yelled…I moved to the stools next to the breakfast bar, sitting down. “GG, it isn’t as easy as you think.” I muttered, dreading his reaction when he realized that the one I planned to reject was Cleo. He saw Aunt Lilah and her family as an extended part of our family. Had watched her children growing up…“Why isn’t it? The moon goddess chose that girl for you. And I know that no, not all mates are perfect for one another, but that is something that is discovered in time, son. It is unlikely you would know immediately. You need to allow the relationship to develop. But one thing I can tell you is that you are not your father, and you are most certainly not your mother.” He ran hi
The hand upon my shoulder dropped onto the breakfast bar. “I am sorry if I am being harsh, son, but I don’t want you to look back in a few years when you realize you are not the monster you seem to have yourself imagined as, and regret your choices. There is no greater bond than that of the matebond. A chosen mate could be wonderful, but I don’t think that is the same. Plus, you and Cleo have history. It could be so good.”I looked up at my Grandpa and nodded. I didn't doubt for a second that he believed what he was telling me. He believed that Cleo and I could be good together... and more importantly, he didn't believe I was the monster that I feared I was. His eyes were full of nothing but love and support. I knew I was lucky to have had him and my Grandma. Maybe I did better having them there for me growing up, than I ever would have done if my parents had survived… who knows…“But, I will leave you to consider what I said. But, with regard to part of that conversation, finding the
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