*Mackenzie*
I woke up to a gentle purring over my head and a tingling feeling on my cheek. I stirred and groaned in my sleep but didn’t open my eyes. My dream was too intense and energy-draining to wake up this soon.
I moved closer to the warm touch on my cheek and smiled, happy that Conrad was letting me stay in my blissful world surrounded by the softness and freshness of my linen. His enthralling scent, mixed with the freshly brewed coffee and baked croissants, made my wake-up perfect.
”I know you’re awake, little Starfish. So open your magnetic blue eyes and end my misery. I’ve been waiting for you too long, and these croissants are slowly making me sick. How can you eat such crap in such numbers?” Conrad said as he pressed his soft lips all over my face.
I giggled at his eagerness but didn’t open my eyes. If this was what irritated him, he better get used to it. I wa
*Mackenzie*I sat uncomfortably in the chair, fidgeting as I tried to ease the pain of my red skin. I tried not to show any evidence of my not-so-good condition as I had no time to rub the regenerative ointment into my buttocks after being surprised by Claire and the Gang so suddenly.Conrad looked more prominent than ever as he almost glowed after the shower we extended by a few good hours. I’ve never been so thoroughly lathered and perfectly rinsed as I did this morning. Conrad ensured that no inch of my skin was missed and paid particular attention to the skin between my legs. The external one and the internal one, too.I crossed my legs and cleared my throat as I thought about those times he caressed my inner walls so deliciously that I choked on the water cascading from the shower head as I cried his name over and over again, begging for more. I looked at Conrad at that moment, and his eyes caught mine. I blushed, but he winked at me before sending me
*Leon*When I saw her for the first time, I knew she was exceptional, not because of her unique beauty but because something drew me toward her. Some mystical power or protective instinct always caused me to think about her before me. Even or maybe especially when we were both in that awful dungeon awaiting our end.I didn’t blame her for how she treated me because I was grateful for everything she did for me. I knew her reluctance to carry out orders was not due to her inability to perform them but because of her pure heart. She preferred to face the consequences rather than add to my suffering. She had a hand in it, though, yet I forgave her.Desperately, I wanted to rescue her from that horrible place, even if I had to ruin my plan and disobey my Alpha’s orders. Nothing kept me going in this shithole like the thought of taking her out of that pack. Unfortunately, I didn’t have the opportunity, but I was grateful someone did it for me. I felt
*Mackenzie*I couldn't believe what I heard. I hear nothing but unexplained and strange situations everywhere. My healing abilities can affect others. A visit to the hairdresser turns out to be a waste of money. Ok, that's quite understandable. But for anger to cause a fire? It's just a matter of not being able to grasp it."And what are you looking at? You seem to be glowing like a torch yourself. Not to mention the voice reaching their wolves." I was bantering with Fireball staring at me.I sighed when I realized I was starting an unnecessary argument with an animal that wouldn't answer me anyway. I stared out the window, watching the rain that had suddenly hit us and had not stopped pouring for two days straight.As Miles ran away and we stopped laughing, we sat down again and calmly discussed everything strange, ordinary, and even insignificant. Or at least that's what we thought. According to Claire, even small things can make a difference, so we got
*Mackenzie*I felt incredible being in his arms. And even though I cried in them for over an hour, Conrad never let go of me. Even as he sat on the rug before the sparkling fireplace, soaked in rain and half-naked, reporting to Claire."That means he hasn't left the country at all. If he hasn't been seen in Alpha Rosendale’s Pack, and our contact at the council hasn't received any forward orders from him, it can only mean two things." Claire theorized."That something happened, or something kept him here." Conrad finished, and Claire nodded.I was already in a pretty bad emotional state, but this conclusion depressed me even more."Does this mean Maddox is in danger?" I asked, emerging from under the blanket that Conrad had wrapped around me some time ago."In danger?" Conrad looked at me, amused."Honey, if anyone were in danger, that would be the people who would dare to capture him. Maddox is a powerful dragon. He may be the
*Mackenzie*I did not know my little sparkling ring would catch so much attention. Everywhere I went, everyone noticed this tiny pink stone and either jumped and squealed with joy, congratulated me on the good news, or asked about the details of the ceremony. And I had just crossed the threshold of the dining room.I didn't know everyone's names or professions yet, but I was getting better at recognizing people. I knew where I saw those faces and always tried to find a nice word for each one, or at least that's what I thought."Luna. Luna Enzi." Elisabeth ran to our table with a broad smile and a small sausage in her hand."I have a snack for Fireball." She raised her hand proudly and showed it off, looking around for my lynx. "Where is she?" She asked, not finding her newest friend."She stayed at home. But I'd love to see you at lunch. I'll bring her here if you want." I suggested, seeing the sadness on that pretty round face."Mhm." Elisabeth nodded, and, due to the lack of a lynx,
*Mackenzie*The sun was setting when we walked hand-in-hand through the alley, the gentle breeze carrying the scent of blooming flowers. We found a cozy spot under the tree, where a blanket and a picnic basket awaited us."And what do you think?" Conrad asked, laughing at the obvious answer on my face."Yes, yes, yes, and yes again. It's beautiful here." I squealed in delight like a little girl, looking around with bated breath.We opened the basket and savored the delicious food while chatting and laughing. The dropping willow branches formed a natural canopy overhead, filtering the sunlight and casting dappled shadows on the ground, shimmering the heather surrounding us with a million shades.I could see a tranquil pond through the branches, its surface rippling gently in the breeze. On the far side of the pond, a group of ducks paddled lazily, their quacks echoing in the air. It was a breathtaking view that transported me to another world.Conrad laughed under his breath and wrappe
*Conrad* I stood nervously, dressed in a ridiculously tight and restrictive suit, waiting more than five minutes late for the woman who yesterday had been begging to be mine forever.When I told my mother what decision Mackenzie had made, I expected that my mother would go all the way, but to make such a fairy-tale gazebo out of an ordinary willow tree surrounded by heather in such a short time was beyond my imagination.'Because you lack imagination, man.' Rip made a sarcastic remark.'You probably didn't know what to say either when we got here twenty minutes ago, you prick.’ I reminded him how he fell silent in my head just after crossing the willow branches and entering this fairy-tale landscape.'That doesn't change that I knew our mother would perform a miracle. She had been waiting for this for over two decades. See how she did it. Remember to thank her later, you donkey.' Rip growled in warning as he took in the entire clearing.He was right. Mom performed an incredible mirac
*Conrad*"Tell me why I don't believe you?" I unbuttoned my jacket and stared at Leon challengingly. Fifteen minutes have passed since he tried unsuccessfully to give me some crap. And then he claimed that he was concerned about his new role, but then he changed his mind and said that he just wanted to get drunk. All in all, it’s rubbish."Because you know me better than I know myself." He replied, slurring.I nodded but continued to stare at him, waiting for him to crack and open up to me finally. He had already had at least two bottles, and more were standing unopened in the middle of the table. I knew that this amount of alcohol would not help him solve his problems, but I allowed him to drown his sorrows in it, too."Why does life have to be so hopeless?" Finally, he broke as he rested his elbows on the table and buried his face in his hands, sighing deeply."Nothing makes sense. Everyone around me is happily in love. They're laughing, joking, flirting, and winking at each other,
*Mackenzie*Fireball leaped over the log and, with a wild roar, sank her teeth into the native's shoulder, causing him to drop his ax to the ground with a groan. I stepped back, stretching my hands and summoning my flames. The natives also retreated when they saw my powers and the burning lynx, which did not hesitate to tear them to shreds."Holy shit, Starfish. You run from me again, and you won't be able to sit down for a week. Do you understand?" Conrad ran out of breath, tearing up the vines blocking his path."And you, young lady, can forget about scratching behind your ears for a month." He threatened Fireball, who reluctantly released the native and, offended, turned away from Conrad."Don't give me that shit. I'm not joking, little one." Conrad repeated, but Fireball stood unfazed."Honey, maybe it's better to focus on these people than on our punishment, ok? After all, they tried to cut me up with those axes." I pointed at the retreating people, not extinguishing my flames.Co
*Garrett*I wandered the halls, assessing what else was needed before handing the pack to the new Alpha. No one asked me to do this, but I needed to ensure everything was fixed.Caris felt obliged to meet my father and the people I grew up with, so she spent the entire day meeting them. I hope that her temperament and love of alcohol will not be perceived negatively. I love her to death, but even I got fed up with her sometimes. Ansel roared in agreement with me. Tanga could also give him a hard time from time to time.'It's just a pity you can't admit it in front of her, you coward.' I commented, knowing how meek he could be, nodding to Tanga.'It's called pampering your lady.' Ansel took offense, exhaling air through his nostrils.'Yeah, whatever makes you sleep at night, man.' I scoffed, returning to assessing our losses. "Pussy." I muttered under my breath, laughing.Ansel got angry and started growling at me, but I quickly blocked our communication, enjoying the undisturbed silen
*Conrad*I sat on the bed, staring at my bare feet. There was still dark outside; the moon gently peeked into our window, illuminating my face as I slept and waking me up at night. I sighed quietly and turned to look at my peacefully sleeping Starfish, sprawled out on the bed, taking up more than half of the mattress. I laughed under my breath. Her nickname fits her perfectly.I got up from the bed and walked around to cover Mackenzie, who had kicked the blankets out and was snoring adorably. I picked the blanket from the floor and covered her body, watching her sleep soundly, undisturbed by decisions that may affect our future.I brushed her hair out of her face and kissed her head before taking in the delicious scent of blueberry cheesecake she smelt of before I got dressed and quietly left the room for some fresh air.I was putting on a T-shirt when a woman in a messy bun, a loose T-shirt, and jeans came out from the opposite room, yawning. She stopped dead when she saw me, wonderi
*Mackenzie*I stared at Claire with a tornado of thoughts in my head. I was extremely grateful that Garrett was still holding me in his arms cause I didn‘t trust my feet. My knees almost buckled when Claire dropped that bomb suddenly."Fifty years," I mumbled, turning my gaze to Agatha.Agatha Allard. Roy's mother, my grandmother, has been dead for over fifty years.I slowly got out of Garrett's arms and cautiously approached the chest. I knelt next to her and placed my hand on the lid. I felt a strange power of attraction, as if there was something inside that belonged to me."Now, it doesn't matter whether she died half a century ago or half an hour ago. She didn't reveal anything important. Nothing except her last request to destroy that chest." I said, revealing Agatha's last words."If no one wants to take this box outside, we'll have to do it here," I announced as I slowly detached my grandmother's bony hands from the chest.Everyone gathered stared at me, wondering if they shou
*Claire*I didn't know how to feel. After over thirty years, I returned home. And even though it was no longer my home, the sentiment remained. And my heart beat faster every time I walked along a familiar path or passed a place where Levi and I spent our most precious time.Dara was in a dilemma. Although, like me, she was pleased to be back at Green Forest Pack, her heart could not forgive what happened to us here. Here in our home, everything we loved was taken away from us.'You act as if we were going to come back here. But I didn't say anything like that. Not even a thought.' I laughed when she growled at me again when I got too close to the tree swing near the school.'You don't have to say anything; I feel and hear everything. After all, I'm your smarter half.' She countered, reminding me of her importance.'Thanks for reminding me that I'm the stupidest one here. You can always count on smarty-pants.' I rolled my eyes as I left the swing and headed towards the pack house.'Yo
*Mackenzie*The day was ending, and nothing we had set out to do was ready. The wounded were still being treated. The missing people are still searched, and the dead, although there were not many of them, were waiting for their turn. We only managed to organize accommodation for over five hundred people in a banquet hall that had not been used for centuries.People asked about everything. Why did this have to happen to them? Why do they have to suffer for the sins of others, and why can't they return to their homes? I didn't know what to answer them; no one did, especially Claire, who was constantly surrounded by a group of people excited about the return of their real Luna.Even though she had a tired look, she didn't refuse anyone, even those who interrupted her meal. She always greeted everyone with a smile, kindness, and openness. And I will have to learn this from her because I avoided people like the plague.When we left the pack house and Maddox set me on my feet, Conrad relaxe
*Mackenzie*The kiss didn‘t last long, but it felt like forever. I clung to Conrad, not letting him end the kiss or our embrace. My wings fluttered playfully before fully penetrating my back, wrapping me in their soft feathers, clinging to my ribs."I guess it's over," Conrad whispered, combing my hair."I guess it's over," I confirmed, blushing after our sweet yet public display of affection.Around us, people were still confused, not knowing what to do, how to react, or what to say. I'm not surprised. Not every day you get to fight against those who want to free you. It's not every day you find out that the last decades of your life were a lie, and it's not every day you experience a fight between creatures that, according to legend, have long since existed."Why don't we clean up first and then deal with the aftermath?"Someone made a suggestion in the crowd, and hearing the multitude of unanimous cries, it must have been someone who held power."What do you say, Alpha?" The same m
*Melody*I lay semi-conscious on the cold, wet grass, staring into the empty eyes of my lover, Chase. My body wracked with sobs of despair that continued despite the pain of the completely severed bond vanishing. My body had fully processed the pain, but my soul was still mourning. My soul lost its half, my heart fell into pieces, and my mind couldn't cope with the most tremendous loss of my life."Ch-sss." I tried to say his name despite my broken jaw and howls.My poor weak wolf Isola cried mournfully for the Moon Mother to take her and reunite her with Axel. Her sense of life had just vanished, taken from her with the death of her soulmate. I didn't have the strength or desire to comfort her in her sadness because I wondered whether to ask the Moon Goddess to take me too.Despite my broken legs and arms, I tried to get closer to Chase's body and leave this world with him, embracing him until my last breath. Every inch I got closer to him hurt like hell, and every second I spent clo
*Conrad* "Now, I'll show you your failure." Esther chuckled above Mackenzie‘s head, staring intently at me, "Alpha Levi." She addressed me and dragged her nails into Mackenzie‘s neck, piercing her skin. Rip couldn't stand it, and at an alarmingly fast and excruciating pace, he shifted, tearing apart all the clothes I had on. And with a sinister roar vibrating in the air, he stood before the witch in all his glory, ready to tear her to shreds. Esther smiled even wider as if she had been waiting for this very moment. Her eyes lit up when she saw Rip, and I realized where her mad enthusiasm came from. 'She thinks we're Dad. She thinks we are Levi and King.' I noticed, and Rip growled, proud but excited to show Esther who we were. "I didn't think I'd have the opportunity to kill you twice. The first time was a pleasure. Now I'll make it historic." Despite her obviously weak body, Esther snickered, threw Mackenzie aside, and lunged at Rip. All the people gathered moved aside as Rip us