The smell of sewer permeated the air, choking the very life out of the wildlife around us, as deer and bears would flee, sensing the danger that was approaching. Rogues weren’t just unhappy wolves that left their pack for human pastures, usually they are like a rabid dog that needs to be put down.
It isn’t a virus that is easily caught by touch, sex, or even by the air. Usually, some sort of drama happens in the werewolf’s life. Death of a mate, mental illness, letting one’s wolf take over for months and years at a time, losing one’s humanness. Whatever the rogues’ story is, once they hit feral there isn’t really a cure except death.
Being fearful that the rogue could smell my brother, I took the spray out of the pouch that I wore around my neck like a necklace.
My brother was caught off guard when I started to spray mist all around him.
In a mind-link he sounds startled and annoyed. “Hey, this is no time to be misting me with some strange liquid. What is that anyway, Stephi? I will so get you back if this is a prank of yours?”
With a cunning smile, I laughed in my mind-link devilishly, “No, it is a mist I had one of the witches concoct to hide my scent. I am hiding your scent from the rogue. It will be easier to hide without his feral wolfy scent finding us. Once I am done spraying, let's climb a tree and wait for him to pass.”
My brother nods in agreement and we each take a tree and climb up into the part of the tree where we are hidden by the leaves.
The stench became stronger, and I felt like gagging up my early morning breakfast from the packhouse I had eaten. I tried holding my nose to lessen the nausea my abdominal area was fighting with.
I was just going to let the rogue be, as I didn’t want his smelly scent on me. This day had other plans for my brother and I. We could hear humans laughing in the distance. I hate having to kill a rogue who used to be one of us. This was going to have to be done. Humans, I am sure, do not wish to be killed by rabid fido down on the ground.
Taking out a small blade I also kept in my pouch, I waited until the rogue was right beneath me under my tree. I positioned myself right above him, jumping on his back. The rogue tried to shake up, rearing his body much like a horse tries to rear its rider off it’s back. I held on tight to the front around his putrid smelling neck. Taking my blade, I punctured an artery, and the rogue became even more violent. However, I had the upper hand and wrapped my arms around his neck and, with one swift motion, snapped his neck.
My brother jumps down, angry, “Are you crazy?”
Shaking my head, “I thought we already confirmed I had a crazy side. Besides try using your wolfy senses, listening, and smelling the area around us, there are humans nearby. We couldn’t let our smelly friend here rip them apart now, could we?”
“Hmm..” My brother says, I can tell he is trying to solve a dilemma. I know exactly what he is thinking. I can tell him right now that dirty stinky rogue is not going to put his stench in my car, or my car trunk.
Shaking my head at my brother, “Not going to happen, that stinky thing will ruin my new car scent.”
“Well, Stephi, what do you suggest we do with him? Humans are getting closer to us by the minute. We need to deal with him expediently.”
“I have rope in the car, bro. Let me go get it, and we can tie him to the top branch of the tree, hiding his body.”
“I know we are strong, Stephi, but neither of us wants to drag his heavy butt up any tree, as well as have to wear its stench for a week.”
“Hmmm… well let’s get my rope and we will tie a big rock to him and dump him in the lake.”
“Okay, I will go with that idea, as we can tie him, drag him with the rope and not get his stench on us. Then throw him in, and I will get some men from our pack to clean the mess up, drag his body up and then cremate him. Let’s go get the rope. I need to get back to my company.”
Punching Jeremy’s shoulder, I laughed, “Need to get back to your mate, huh?”
Growling at me, “Shut up, Stephi!” then sighing, “Yes, it is hard to be away from her this long. Like I said, I am in deep doo. I also need to steal her hairbrush.”
Once we had retrieved the braided rope from my car, my brother tied the man’s feet together, leaving enough rope for us to drag him to the lake we had just left behind.
“What are you planning on doing about your mate Steph? I mean you can’t keep wearing that dumb wig with sunglasses wolves don’t even need forever. Eventually, you are going to have to put your big girl panties on and face this head on.”
Rolling my eyes at Jeremy, “Says the wolf that has been watching his mate from afar for two years.” I in turn take a big sigh, “We are a pair, aren’t we. Both hiding in some form from our mates.”
Finding a rock around the shores of the lake, heavy enough to sink the rogue to the bottom of the with the fish. We toss the rock first and then the body follows after. Thank goodness too, humans almost had walked to where we are now standing.
“Jeremy, you sure you don’t want to stay and hang out with my friends and I while we go dancing?”
“Nah, I have to get that hairbrush. Besides, I can’t think of anything but my mate when I am away from her. The bond is going to kill me, at this rate. I know where she lives, and I sleep outside of her window in the woods in wolf form. I know creepy, but my wolf would go crazy if I didn’t.”
Shaking my head, I know I have to figure out what I am going to do about this whole mate situation. If I could march up to the Moon Goddess's house and protest, I would.
However, that is not going to happen, so what do I do? I can’t reject him; I would take the risk of losing my wolf forever and she is my best friend. Why, oh why did I have to find my mate now?
After my brother and I parted, I called my human friend Bethany.“Hey girl, I got my internship. Did you find one too?”Sighing, Bethany replied, “Yes, but it is for my dad’s company.”Laughing, “Me too, but hey, at least this will be one more tick for us to graduate next year. Lighten up, let's go party! Get dressed. I will be coming over around 8:30 P.M. I will even let you be a passenger in my baby.”Bethany replied a little more excited this time, “Woohoo, I am so ready to dance! Are we going to pick up Charmayne? The guys as well?”“Sure, we will pick up Charmayne, but the guys can get their own transportation to Lupo Mannaro. Give them all a call and let’s go to a party!”Bethany helped me come out of my shell during my days at the university. I quit hiding behind a hoody and started going out with friends. Of course, this was only one night a week I would do this, as I needed to make certain my grades, even now, remained exemplary.Excited, I was browsing through my closet pull
Beta Greyson’s Point of View: In spite of repeated requests, my alpha and best friend could not explain why I was babysitting the daughter of Alpha Silverton. *Sidenote the last name of the Alpha and his family are the same as the packs, many generations ago, the first Silverton created this pack* I followed Stephanie to her apartment, watched her leave once she took off the brown-haired wig, gloves, and glasses. She is hot, really hot! She was wearing a wrap around gold dress that fit her curves perfectly, with a v-cut neckline, that showed the tops of her well-endowed cleavage. I was in love.
StephanieI have the strongest sense that I need to open my eyes, but I find it so hard to do so due to my brain feeling so fuzzy. In the midst of this darkness, it seems so overwhelming. As I try to open my eyes, I'm letting my other senses take over until I am able to focus on them again. It is already obvious that my writs are on fire, and I can smell some sort of putrid odor coming from them. As I breathe in the smell, I almost feel sick to my stomach.
Stephanie – The legend speaks of wolves finding guidance from the moon goddess in a mystical land. That never happened for us. Instead of otherworldly meetings, there's just Aurina, my shimmering and bothersome wolf companion. I lounged on the soft grass, inhaling its earthy smell, until Aurina pushed me out with a crude, territorial gesture that left me speechless—she urinated right beside my head. "Aurina, really? That's disgusting," I groaned, making a face. "The ground was dirty to begin with," Aurina quipped with a smirk. "I like to believe it was clean," I countered, clinging to a nicer illusion. "Foolish girl," Aurina chuckled in her raspy voice. "I command here, and I won’t let you rest on my turf once I've claimed it." Reluctantly standing, I accepted my place outside her claimed territory. "
Brock's Perspective— Beside Stephanie's hospital bed, the room smelled like antiseptic, and I gently held her pale hand in mine. We felt a spark where our hands met, creating a strong electrifying mate connection. I knew Stephanie's family was nearby, and I braced myself for their questions. Despite Stephanie's efforts to hide our bond, I knew deep down that we were meant to be together. Seeing Stephanie motionless in her hospital bed, her golden hair splayed out upon her pillowcase, filled me with deep sorrow. Our bond was strong between Stephanie and I, which brought back the memories of my mother, who had a strong mate bond with my own father, which haunts my memories now in the presence of reliving the kidnapping and loss of my mother. It was Stephanie now lying unconscious in that hospital bed. "What should I do with you, Stephanie?" I whispered, feeling overwhelmed by inner confusion. Having thought I would never have a mate, and now she lays before me
Lisa’s Point of View ---I have not existed since that blonde bimbo ran out of Brock's office. He had spent all of his time and manpower trying to find her. When he sent the beta and I a mind-link, I was already in the packhouse.After he took the blonde into the hospital, I smelled her all over him as he registered her. As a matter of fact, I hoped that bimbo would die; he never seemed bothered by other females who ended up in the pack hospital.I reluctantly let some of our pack-Omega's set up rooms for Alpha Silverton's family as Brock requested. I hadn't expected Justin Silverton, one of the sons of Alpha Silverton, to be standing behind me. The most amazing scent I've ever encountered hit me at that moment. There is nothing better than the smell of homemade candy canes. When I was only five, my mother died during the war, so I haven't been able to smell those since.Justin turned me around, kissed me, and I sank into his lips as his heat enveloped me. In the midst of his embrace,
Grayson’s Perspective – As dusk settled in, I finished my work in the busy packhouse. I had helped Janice, who worked tirelessly, get the guests from Silverton’s pack settled into their rooms. Quietly following her, I watched as she rushed out of the packhouse, clearly troubled. This worried me; Janice, Brock, and I had always been close, almost like siblings, united by our shared experiences of war. Shrouded by the approaching embrace of twilight, I lingered in the slender shadows cast by the packhouse, my gaze trailing Janice's retreating form as she vanished into the softly lit entrance of our pack hospital. I presumed she sought advice from Alpha Brock, her urgency seemed clear through her facial expressions, a silent storm brewing beneath her purposeful stride. Janice soon reappeared, tears streaming down her cheeks, her chest breathing in and out with sobs. Blinded by grief, she stumbled across the moonlit street and vanished into the dense woods. Silently, I followed an unse
Chapter One-Hundred Sixty-Six: Ezra, Enzo, and Esme's Fate Stephanie's Perspective: Time has passed swiftly, and the triplets have become a source of both worry and profound anguish. Aware that the moon goddess foretold the darkness in one of my children, I also clung to her assurance that we could save this child. She warned me of the numerous trials Esme would face, yet I was unprepared for the extent of her frailty and deformity. Parenting in such conditions leaves me at a loss. Each night, I plead with the moon goddess for guidance, as it is I who feels covered in darkness. Yet I heard nothing from her. It almost feels like punishment. I am a fierce Alpha female of the pack, I had made it through giving birth to triplets - Ezra, Enzo, and Esme. I remembered how much when the boys were born, how much Ezra and Enzo, were identical in every way, with their light blonde hair to me. But it was Esme, the runt of the litter, who stood out with her black hair that mirrored her father,
Brock's perspective: I crouched by Stephanie's side, stroking her pale cheek, willing her to fight through. Dr. Mildred was a blur of motion, her hands swift and sure as she worked to stop the bleeding, her brow furrowed with concentration, her lips moving in silent prayer or perhaps a list of medical steps. The clock on the wall ticked in mockery of my racing heart, its hands moving too slowly for my liking. It seemed time itself had conspired to increase the torture, drawing out each moment into an unbearable eternity. Minutes - or was it hours? - passed and finally, Dr. Mildred straightened with a tired sigh, peeling off her gloves. "We've managed to stop the bleeding," she announced, her eyes meeting mine. It was the first hope I'd clung to since it had all begun.With that small reassurance, I allowed myself to draw a breath, my grip on Stephanie's hand loosening just slightly. Then the heart monitor screamed out with a shrill tone showing Stephanie's heart had stoppe
Third-Party Perspective:As the Suburban sped down the back road, the trees blurred past in a green and golden haze, a stark contrast to the tension coiled within the vehicle. Stephanie's grip on Brock's hand tightened with each wave of pain that wracked her body, her forehead beaded with sweat despite the cool autumn air seeping through the cracked window.Brock's heart raced as he watched his mate, Stephanie, contort in agony on his lap. He couldn't bear to see her in such pain, but he knew that they were running out of time. The driver's voice cut through the air, a note of urgency lacing his words as he asked if they needed to pull over.Stephanie knew time was not on their side, and she felt a growing urgency to act. Accustomed to living without powers, she had forgotten that she could simply wish herself and Brock directly into the safety of the pack hospital. "No, keep going," I gasped, clutching at Brock with one hand while the other grasped at the shards of my fading humanit
Stephanie’s Perspective:As the driver for I and Brock navigated the winding road towards the Silverton pack territory, my mind was a whirlwind of emotions. The truth about my parentage had shaken me to the core, leaving me feeling as if I was floating in a sea of lies and deceit. I clutched my swollen belly, feeling the reassuring kicks of her unborn twin boys, a reminder of the new life I was about to bring into this world.The cool autumn air whispered through the trees, carrying with it the scent of pine and damp earth. My mate, Alpha Brock, sat beside me, his hand resting on my thigh in a silent show of support. I glanced at him, grateful for his unwavering presence in my life, especially in this tough time for me.As we arrived at the Silverton pack territory, I felt a mix of apprehension and determination swirling within me. I knew I needed to confront my parents, to demand answers and closure, no matter how painful the t
Stephanie’s Perspective:I was aware of my issues with emotional control, which is why I couldn't face visiting my parents just yet. The guilt weighed on me, especially since my mother had just given birth and my father was now in intensive care. I had received word that my father and his men had been ambushed by rogues while returning to my former pack.Everyone anticipated that my mother would give birth to another boy; however, she had a girl instead. The sonogram had misleadingly suggested the presence of a penis, but it turned out to be merely the umbilical cord.I called Crystal, now back in the packhouse and in her own room thanks to Linda. I asked her to tell our parents that I don't hate them. Rather, I am a danger to be around until I can control my emotions and my magic.I had never deeply appreciated how blessed I was to have Linda as a friend. She provided the tough love I needed. Without her physically pulling me out of that bed, I don’t know how much longer I would have
Stephanie's Perspective:A rank odor filled the air. As I glanced around, nothing appeared wrong, which led me to realize the unpleasant smell was coming from me; okay, maybe I hadn't showered in a few days.I rummaged through my closet and picked out a pair of leggings and an oversized sweatshirt. After that, I opened my dresser and chose some underwear. Embracing a gradual approach, I completed my outfit with fuzzy socks, opting for comfort above all today. Laying my chosen outfit on the bed, I grabbed a towel and made my way to the shower. The water hissed and sputtered as I turned on the tap. The steam curled up around the room, wrapping me in a comforting embrace.As I stepped into the shower, the hot water was a sharp contrast to the coldness that had settled into my bones over the past few days. Water cascaded over me, its soothing rhythm a backdrop to my troubled thoughts.I admit I had let my depression take over me, crippling me mentally for the past week? I am not even ce
Brock’s perspective:Darkness had encircled the pack since Stephanie brought chaos to an end with the war. A persistent shadow of dark gray clouds, with occasional thunderstorms, lingered over our pack, each storm an echo to Stephanie's tears.I had to reach her, to break through the pain that confined her to her room. Only Crystal and I could occasionally console her through her sobs; it was hardly a conversation.I asked Sapphire and Selena about her powers' origins, but they refused to reveal them. Stephanie stayed quiet, not even confiding in her best friend Linda.I juggled pack responsibilities and calls about Stephanie's well-being. It all became too much, as Stephanie had excelled as both co-alpha and was an outstanding Luna. I missed having her here to help run the pack.Sapphire had to resume her duties overseeing the secret, cursed pack, a curse her mother insisted on maintain
From Stephanie's Perspective:Selena and Sapphire rushed to my side, encircling me with a protective shield to safeguard those around me from the bursts of anger I seemed powerless to restrain. It was as though I was a living embodiment of the Fourth of July, with outbursts erupting repeatedly and without control.I saw the wolf-wizard rushing toward me, his face contorted with anger and bewilderment. Sapphire stepped in front of him, placing her hands on his chest to halt his advance. Despite being enclosed in my protective bubble, where I shouldn't have been able to hear them. I could catch snippets of their conversation.I watched Brock argue with the witches and the warlock; Linda joined the fray as well.Brock questioned Selena and Sapphire about what had transpired with me. Meanwhile, Linda shared my confusion. For some inexplicable reason, the warlock was under the impression that he was my biological fathe
Stephanie’s Perspective:I positioned myself to see both astral Brock and Vincent. It became clear Vincent didn't want to harm me; he was torn because he simply aimed to rescue his mate from Adrian. I empathized if Adrian had taken Brock, I'd go to great lengths to reclaim my mate."Vincent!" I shouted, struck by a plan to retrieve his mate without jeopardizing myself or upsetting Brock by using me as bait."Listen, I have an idea. We'll need Sapphire's assistance. Without another viable plan, we can't break through the barrier.Additionally, I've concealed a special gift from most. I don't want people to feel uncomfortable around me, thinking I am reading their mind twenty-four seven. Truthfully, the ability is sometimes annoying. I really don't want to know what people think. What I can do is establish a telepathic connection with almost anyone, except for pure humans. I'll use this ability to mentally inform Adrian tha