As the evening loomed, my sense of dread intensified. I would be keeping an eye on a mermaid venturing on land, who was on the brink of overindulging in alcohol, and I had no idea how she might react.
Meanwhile, a possibly latent hybrid merman—who just happens to be Brocks beta in our midst—was inexplicably drawn to Esme, unable to grasp the nature of his attraction.
Then there was the overbearing Alpha (my mate), whose controlling tendencies led him to shadow my every move relentlessly.
To add to this eclectic mix, I had extended an invitation to our pack's witch, a benevolent soul reminiscent of Glinda, the Good Witch of the North.
The bouncer noticed our group waiting in the background and allowed us to skip the line. This prompted groans and complaints from the younger crowd until Alpha Brock unleashed a ferocious growl. Instantly, the adolescent wolves quieted down, exposi
The air crackled with an eerie stillness as the world around me succumbed to an icy paralysis. Just as my fingers were a breath away from the welcoming grasp of Esme's hand, time itself halted, imprisoning everyone in their exact positions like figures in a wax museum. My head swiveled, taking in the tableau of suspended figures when, amidst the silence, her laughter pierced the stillness. Linda had apparated with a mischievous twinkle, reveling in the chaos of our predicament. Arms folded across my chest, my annoyance bubbled into words, thinly veiled with playful reprimand. "Linda! What in the heavens took you so long?" My voice carried a mock severity yet betrayed by the hint of a smile struggling at the edges of my lips. With her characteristic impish grin, she ushered my friends toward their cars. Brock, sober and clear-headed, was promptly assigned to the role of driver in his own vehicle. Beside him, Grayson was settled into the role of navigator on the passenger si
Exhausted yet triumphant, Brock and I somehow mustered the strength to coax the two enigmatic, tailed creatures back into their respective beds, adorned with silken sheets that shimmered like a mirage under the dim light.After they had reluctantly emerged from the Jacuzzi's warm embrace—where frothy, steaming water had danced around their iridescent tails—their forms underwent a startling metamorphosis. As they stepped onto the cool tiled floor, each droplet that fell from them seemed to carry a piece of that magical transformation until, quivering with the ad
Refusing to relinquish my anger, I stubbornly stayed suspended in midair until exhaustion overcame me and I fell asleep. It was only then that I plummeted with a thud onto the floor, and I cursed loudly, "Ouch! Darn that stupid witch!"Upon regaining my composure, I noticed someone had considerately laid out clothes for me on the bed. There was a pair of jeans and a t-shirt, both in my size, which I was grateful for. I also found brand-new underwear and a bra, extending my gratitude to the unknown provider.I carried spare makeup in my purse, which came in handy when I wanted to freshen up. After using the bathroom, I showered and blow-dried my hair.The bathroom was well-stocked with a variety of female necessities—hair dryers, makeup, nail polish, curling irons, and crimpers—a veritable diva's paradise. However, I didn't need such an extensive array. I simply applied a touch of light makeup
Yadiel’s Point of View- Before I laid eyes on Stephanie, I hadn't grasped the full extent of her beauty. When I finally saw her, my breath caught in my throat. Her striking features immediately drew me in. Stephanie's eyes, a mesmerizing shade of piercing blue, sparkled with intelligence and carried a hint of mischief. They held an intense gaze that seemed to penetrate my soul, revealing layers of strength and determination. Her silky, golden locks cascaded down her back, framing a face that seemed carved by angels. High cheekbones perfectly complemented her flawless, porcelain-like complexion. Stephanie's smile, radiant and infectious, had the power to light up any room. It was then that I realized the true magnificence of her beauty, an enchanting sight that captivated me entirely. Every rogue and vampire who has attempted and failed to take her captive has faced my wrath. "I have zero tolerance for incompetence; therefore, their lives were extinguished." In our meeting house,
Grayson’s point of view ---My head was ablaze with a pain, unlike anything I had experienced in my 24 wolf years. Awakening to this agony, I found my sister had barged in, yanking the drapes open and leaping onto me, stirring me from a heavy slumber. The events of the night before were a blur; though it's uncommon for me—as a wolf—to succumb to inebriation, I vaguely recalled consuming several Long Island iced teas.Esme's beauty was truly captivating. Her dark black hair was adorned with striking emerald-green highlights, adding a touch of enchantment to her appearance. Those emerald shaded eyes seemed to hold a mysterious allure, drawing me in with their hypnotic gaze.Stephanie's friend, Esme, exuded a certain elegance and grace that made it hard to look away. Despite her physical beauty, there was something unique about her, something that made her stand out from the crowd.But
Alpha Brocks point of view—Stephanie urged me to chase after Grayson, but I refused. I wasn't about to go running after him to deal with his own mate issues. "He can handle his own problems. If you want him back, just ask your witch friend here to do it," I said snarkily.This is when I receive a mind-link from my beta. "Alpha, come quick! That jerk Alpha Justin has my sister and is refusing to let her go. I swear I will hurt him if you don’t get here immediately."Jumping up, I excuse myself from the table, "Ms. Linda, it looks like we might need your powers. There's a visiting Alpha situation happening right now."Everyone stands up and follows me out of our private dining room, pulling their chairs back. I lead them to the patio, which overlooks the pool.As I looked at the scene unfolding in front of me, I saw Grayson yelling at the Alpha, or more precisely, the
Brock’s point of view: Hearing Stephanie’s father on the phone, I swiftly put my phone back to my ear. "Alpha Silverton, one of our hospital’s nurses was left dead on the pack’s borders. The body had a note pinned on it for Stephanie. You need to come here, and we will work together to bring your daughter back," I informed the Alpha, my tone hardened with rage. I could hear Stephanie's father roaring with anger over the phone, "I will be right there, Alpha Simmons, and I want to know more about Janice!" The sheer force of his words made the air crackle with tension, and I knew that trouble was coming. Before I could even say good-bye, the phone went dead as Stephanie's dad hung up, leaving me reeling with the intensity of his fury. I seethed with anger as I glared at my Beta, Grayson, who appeared visibly guilty under my piercing gaze. "BETA GRAYSON! Can you explain to me why JANICE hasn’t been placed in the dungeon yet?" I bellowed with such feroci
Brock – I ordered Grayson, my beta, to assemble a team of warriors. After issuing the command, I swiftly leaped out of the window myself. My priority was to pursue my mate and ensure her safety. It was unclear whether my growing affection was born of genuine feelings or simply the influence of the mate bond. All I knew was that my heart raced with a fierce intensity whenever she was nearby, and an aching void filled me in her absence. I was resolute in my determination: Yadiel would not lay a finger on my mate. The forest that once whispered peace to my soul now suffocated it with an oppressive silence. My wolf, a relentless shadow within me, quivered with an agitation that rippled through my being, severing the once cherished communion with the rustling trees and the earth underfoot. Darkness engulfed me, the shadows thick with my dread for my mate's well-being; every lurking fear sharpened into a single, knife-edge thought of losing her. Desperation clawed at my chest
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