Ronin paced back and forth in the hallway, trying to prevent himself from bursting into Liora’s room to see what was taking the doctor so damned long. His wolf was erratic within him, his hands shaking.What if she…What if he lost her before he got the chance to truly call her his?What was he even saying? He had no intention of sealing the bond, but seeing her tonight–the way she defended the cub–maybe she could handle it.The venom of mindless beasts was highly toxic to wolves and only the strongest were able to survive it. Liora may have saved the cub, but she was still an omega–the weakest designation in the pack.They were taken so off guard and he was so busy trying to fend them off that he completely forgot to make sure she was safe. Not that she needed it. While everyone was running for their lives, she was on the attack.Wild and gloriously fierce.He tried not to think about how that fight could have gone very, very wrong–with her dead– and with him even more deranged.“Alp
Ronin drummed his fingers on the smooth finish of the desk. His wolf whispered devious suggestions to him, and he could barely focus on what Nikolai was saying. He was jonesing for blood–but not just any. He wanted to sink his fangs into Liora’s petite little neck. It had been weeks since he had tasted her, and his wolf was getting restless--so much so that the furry fiend had proposed some light killing of his council members to pass the time. “Ronin?” Lucien cleared his throat. “You look like you want to kill us.” “Do I?” Ronin hummed. “Maybe you should take the hint and get the fuck out of my study, hmm?” Caius sighed, “You are the author of your own suffering. If you would just mate the omega for goodness sake–” “I will not,” Ronin cut him off, turning his attention to Nikolai, “What were you saying again?” “I was saying that the activity of the mindless beasts over the last couple of weeks appears organized. Too strategic.” He held up his iPad so Ronin could see the annotat
The news of the mysterious new Alpha and the cryptic challenge made multiple rounds through the pack by nightfall. Liora was sequestered into her room and placed under heavy surveillance, while Ronin locked himself in his study with his council members and their seconds in commands. They deliberated for hours over a sensible strategy that wouldn’t result in the death of civilian wolves.“This is a trap.” Lucien deadpanned, “Surely you don’t mean to walk right into a trap, Ronin?”“Everyone knows it’s a trap,” Maia rolled her eyes. “How else are we going to find out who's behind all the recent deaths?”“Maybe we could send in a small team first? I could have some wolves ready within the hour.” Nyla, Xander’s second in command, raised her hand to volunteer.Caius narrowed his eyes and crossed his arms. “You must be out of your mind if you think I’m going to allow my baby sister to go blind into enemy territory.”Nyla scrunched her face. “I’m not a baby. I’m a second rank Beta and I have
They left for the camping grounds one hour before dawn, taking the familiar path through the Beta den. They walked in a particular formation, with Caius and Dorian in front, and Thaddeus and Emory flanking each side. Nikolai and Kieran walked at the back, with Ronin in the center.A squad of warriors in their wolf form was scattered throughout the forest, going unseen as they moved through the shadows. They set a wide perimeter and would be the first line of defense if they were ambushed. Each step Ronin took in the direction of the camping grounds brought a fragmented memory of the day he lost his family. He had to give credit to his opponent–whoever it was, knew him to the extent that they could engage in psychological warfare.“So Ronin,” Thad’s voice chimed to his left, full of mischief. “Since you won’t be mating the omega, how about you let her go so someone else can claim her, eh?”Caius sucked his teeth, “That mouth of yours is going to get you killed one day.”‘Excuse you, I
‘Easy!’ Ronin pulled rank on his detail as they pushed to break free of his will, wanting to retaliate against the arrogant statement. ‘Nikolai, hold the shadow guards. No one–and I mean no one– is to attack unless I say so.’Ignoring the mental chatter, Ronin cocked his head at the transformed beast. “My execution? So eager to get to third base, are we? I don’t even know your name or the name of this–” He gestured dismissively to the other beasts–"little pack of yours.”The man smirked, his eyes scorning Ronin from head to toe. “I don’t need to tell you my name to kill you. You certainly don’t ask for names when you enact murder.”Ronin frowned, “You’re one to talk, infiltrating my territory and murdering innocent wolves. What we do in retaliation to your attacks is justified.”“Well then,” The man bared his fangs at Ronin. “You can call me Saberlon–and consider what we’ve done as retaliation–for my father.”‘What the fuck is he talking about?’ Caius kept his eyes trained on the min
Liora had just finished the last of her omelet casserole when Thaddeus burst into the kitchen, his eyes darting until his troubled gaze landed on her. She didn’t seem to be affected by Ronin’s episode.“What happened?” She dropped her napkin, murmuring a quiet thanks to the maid who took her plate away. “Is it Ronin? Is he okay?”“Not here.” He angled his head for her to follow him.They went through the back garden and down the cobblestone steps towards the greenhouse. There was a stone bench beside a mini waterfall that flowed into a pool teeming with fish. He gestured for her to take a seat.“Gamma Wilderwood what’s going on? You’re making me nervous.” Liora rubbed her shoulders, her mind spiraling. If Ronin was dead, she would’ve felt it. Thaddeus scratched the back of his head. How much detail should he give her? “I–um, Ronin’s condition has worsened--and the council– we’ve decided to take matters into our own hands.”He made a shrill bird call, and waited until Maia and Lucien
“Oh my Goddess on a moon crater!–”The corner of Liora’s mouth turned up in a small smile at her best friend’s reaction. Callie rushed to the metal bars, pressing her forehead between the spaces so she could get a better look at Liora’s eyes.She jumped from one foot to the next, bristling with excitement. Liora cringed as a shrill squeal pierced the air. “You're Luna! I can’t believe it!– How did this even happen– wait, oh my Goddess, this means Alpha is your mate?! Tell me everything!” Liora chuckled, her chest warming at the familiar chatter. It had been too long since she’d seen her bubbly friend. “Let’s get you out of here first. Prison garb doesn’t suit you.” She gestured to the guard standing behind her. He rushed forward, fumbling with the keys before he found the right one to open the cell door.Callie looked down at her clothes, frowning at her discolored dress, “I’d hug you if I wasn’t so filthy.”“Nonsense. Get in here.” Liora opened her arms and embraced Callie. Callie
Ronin walked into the conference room, his dark countenance sucking all banter out of the space. He clenched his jaw as he made his way to his designated chair at the end of the table, ignoring the ‘traitors’ as he passed by.He settled into his seat silently, enjoying the way they squirmed beneath his piercing red gaze. That’s right. They should feel guilty and afraid. The last thing he wanted to do was mate, but they forced his hand. Not that he didn’t consent or enjoy it–he did immensely–but he would have rathered to wait until this business with his broken wolf was settled.Lucien was the first to break the awkward silence. “So,” He said slowly, “I heard a mindless beast is running around, wreaking havoc–in human form?” He leaned forward, lacing his fingers underneath his stubbled chin. “What’s up with that?”“You should focus on the havoc that you have wreaked within the Helm.” Ronin scanned his cousin with a look of malice. “You. Gave. Her. Silphion.”“Did I?--” He ducked the i