[Fallon’s POV]"Dad!" I gasp, unable to believe what he is saying. "What the hell are you even thinking?""Whoever is to stand beside you needs to be able to handle this much, don’t you think?" he counters, keeping his gaze fixed on Fineon’s. "You aren’t an ordinary wolf. You’re the future alpha of Fire Rose, and your partner needs to be able to help protect the pack by your side.""Which he can!" I snap, remembering his fight with Hindrick. "He’s…""I agree." Snapping my mouth shut, I shoot Fineon a glare. "If that is what it takes, then I accept your conditions.""I don’t need you," Cyrus counters, joining me in arguing about dad’s condition. "He will be nothing but a hindrance.""That is to be determined," dad responds. "That is my condition, and I expect to see good results."He finishes speaking and turns, heading back into his office while Cyrus continues to glare at us. From the twitch of his jaw, I know that he wants to argue more, but not even he was willing to go against wha
[Fineon’s POV]A whimper of anticipation escapes Fallon at my words, and I have to fight the urge to fuck her right here and now. I couldn’t give in until she told me exactly what she was keeping to herself. Once she did…well… we would see what happened then.Maybe I wouldn’t be going to these lengths if she hadn’t looked so lost and confused earlier, but it really pissed me off that she didn’t trust me enough to open up to me."Are you actually enjoying this?" I ask, slowly running my finger along her soaked slit. "You’re a really dirty girl; did you know that?""Maybe," she responds, causing my control to want to waver again. "Are you saying that you don’t like it?"Didn’t like it? Was she fucking kidding? Knowing that she became like this just for me really drove me mad."That’s irrelevant," I chuckle, parting her lips.Using my middle finger, I begin to rub Fallon’s clit while mewls of pleasure escape her lips, and even though I wished they were louder, I had to remember that her
[Anika’s POV]I look around at the familiar room that I was raised in by the elders. Why was I here, and what happened before I got here? Everything was foggy aside from the feel of Mateo all around me.Standing, I slowly begin to make my way out of the room, stopping long enough to peek out at the hall, which is currently empty. Deciding it was safe, I continued on.As I moved, I could hear hints of commotion just below me. Instantly, I remembered exactly what was happening. This was when Mateo first came to visit to discuss a peace treaty between the Felix pack, my old pack, and Tonitrum.Feeling my heart rate kick up, I started to move, taking the stairs two at a time until my eyes found Mateo standing with Elder Andrews.As they heard my approach, they both turned and took me in as I grew closer."Anika?" Elder Andrews gasps. "Why are you..."Anything else he may have said disappears as mine and Mateo’s eyes meet and that electric shock from our bond zips through my skin. It was
[Fineon’s POV]I watch Fallon’s sleeping form beside me and find myself wishing that I could keep her feeling this safe beside me for forever, but first there were things that needed to be done. Only once everything was settled could I have my promised future with my mate.Leaning down, I give her cheek a quick kiss before quietly getting out of bed. After finding my clothes and pulling them on, I make my way out of the room and head toward the big brute’s office.Even though I really don’t want to have to face him again knowing that he wasn’t thrilled with me for demanding to have his daughter, there was something that was still bugging me.If Mateo’s current condition was due to the fact that he thought that his mate had killed herself along with his child, maybe if we proved to him that wasn’t true, it would make a difference. Maybe it was a long shot, but by this point, I would go with whatever hunch I had.Sucking in a breath, I knock on the big brute’s office door, where he seem
[Fineon’s POV]I watch in horror as blood begins to pool around Fallon from the spot on her stomach and her lips. I wasn’t sure what was happening, but I knew it had something to do with Mateo."Hey!" I yell, getting the big brute’s attention. "We’ve got a problem!"Immediately, the big brute appears and kneels down beside his daughter. Reaching out, he flips her and yanks her shirt up so we can take in her bleeding wound."What the fuck happened here?" the big brute growls."I’m not sure," I admit.When I left her, she was fine and sound asleep. I couldn’t even begin to try to fathom how she ended up in this condition. Did Mateo infiltrate Fire Rose and attack her? Or was there something more that I was missing?"Why are you just standing there?" the big brute growls, snapping me out of my head. "We need to get her to a medic NOW!"Nodding, I step back as he pulls Fallon into his arms and begins to move.As we quickly make our way toward the medical wing of the pack house, we leave a
[Hindrick’s POV]I sit alone, staring out into the distance, while letting the sounds of crickets and cicadas comfort my whirling emotions. Even though I had thought that leaving Langley and Fallon would help me sort out my feelings and calm my mind, I was finding that it was leaving me more on edge than ever before.Despite knowing that Fallon was safe with that bastard Fineon and her father, I still found myself wanting to be the one beside her, protecting her. It was a ridiculous hope, but one that I just couldn’t seem to shake.‘Weak,’ Apollo huffs, not bothering to hide his disgust. ‘You’re always going to be too weak.’‘Maybe,’ I chuckle, letting out a sigh and shifting my position. ‘But at least I won’t be a burden to anyone ever again.’After leaving Langley, I made up my mind to never look back. It was something that no one else who was currently joining me on my mission knew, but it was a decision I made myself.Once things were settled, I would become a mercenary and travel
[Hindrick’s POV]Continuing to let the images come, I watch as Anika lets out a laugh while Mateo watches her."That’s right," Mateo chuckles. "Let that hatred take over and consume you."Cursing, I immediately realized what was going on. Just like me, Anika must have had a dark side that was constantly attempting to overpower her light. However, I couldn’t quite understand why, of all times, this was happening, but I had a feeling it was important.Turning my focus back to the scene in front of me, I watch as Anika throws an orb of black light at Mateo, who easily dodges it."Missed," Mateo chuckles. "Don’t let your emotions overpower your judgment.""You’re letting him manipulate you," I hiss, knowing damn well they couldn’t hear me. "You need to get it together."Biting back the urge to give in, I move, trying to reach Anika, though with each step I take, it's almost like I’m taking two steps back.‘This is just an illusion,’ Apollo reminds me. ‘The true inner struggle is in Fallon
[Fineon’s POV]I stare down at Fallon’s pain-filled face and find myself doubting whether or not what Tyson suggested would work. Wouldn’t it be better to remove that other mark on her skin?"Are you just going to stand there and look dumb?" The big brute snaps, drawing my attention toward himself. "She’s suffering, and as Tyson has said, you’re the only one who can do something about it.""But…" I stammer. "I still haven’t...""Does that matter?" The big brute growls, cutting me off. "I thought you were serious about my daughter and willing to do whatever it took to be with her.""I…"That was right. I had promised her and everyone around us that I would do whatever it took to show my sincerity, but when I thought of marking her without her permission, my heart hurt."Don’t attack him."Jerking, I snapped my gaze back to Fallon and took in her crimson gaze. Deep within in it I could see understanding, but I could also see a deep-rooted pain that left me feeling like the biggest piece
[Idris’ POV] "Are you sure you’re going back?" Mom’s eyes begin to fill with tears as she waits for a response. I don’t know exactly what she expects me to say. "Yes, I am. It’s been a month since Mateo and his underlings were killed, and the academy is finally reopening. As a student, I am required to go back." She knew that I still had a year left before I graduated. I couldn’t just never go back, no matter what had happened since the school shut down. "But…" "Don’t give him a hard time," Dad warns, cutting her off while wrapping a comforting arm around her. "The academy is one of the safest places on the continent, and the threat is gone. I’m sure the next year will simply fly by." "That’s right," I add, taking advantage of dad’s opening for me to leave. "I promise to keep in touch, and before you know it, I’ll be back to irritate the hell out of you." "You heard him," Dad beams, squeezing her closer. "Now, you should allow him to head out; otherwise, he won’t make it there
[Hindrick’s POV]"Welcome back!"Uncle Elleric doesn’t wait before he pulls me into a hug, crushing me against him and making me extremely uncomfortable.Growling, I work to break free, and once I manage to achieve my goal, I take a few steps back."Ever the stoic," he chuckles, taking me in. "Can’t you drop the act just for a day? You’ve been gone for a month, and you didn’t even bother to send word.""Because I was busy cleaning up the mess that was left behind," I point out. "Anyway, I didn’t come here for a heartfelt family reunion."At my words, Uncle Elleric’s face grows serious, and I get the feeling that he is expecting me to deliver a killing blow."Don’t worry," I sigh before his head can come up with some ridiculous scenarios, "it isn’t anything like that. I was actually asked a favor by an idiot.""Fineon?" Uncle Elleric asks, knowing perfectly well who I would be referring to. I didn’t know if I was that obvious or if he also saw Fineon as a fool. "Or is it Chance?"I bit
[Fallon’s POV]A month passed in a blur before things were finally beginning to become normal once again. With things being so hectic, I didn’t get to see much of Fineon since he seemed to always be busy, but this time when we met, I wasn’t going to let him go until he told me what it was that he was up to.I manage to find Fineon heading out of dad's office with a look of frustration on his face."What’s wrong?" I ask, startling him."F-Fallon!" he gasps, taking me in. "Why are you...""Here?" I offer for him, moving forward. "Because if I wasn't, you would find some way to evade me like you have been doing for the past month."At my words, his expression shifts from shock to guilt. So he was intentionally avoiding me, which is interesting."Anyway, I was hoping you’d come somewhere with me today," I continue, wrapping my arms around his and squeezing. "Saying no is not an option.""But…""No buts!" I snap. "Come on."Giving a tug, I begin to move, dragging Fineon until we arrive at
[Fineon’s POV]Returning home was a bittersweet thing, given the circumstances we were returning under. Whether it should have been a time of celebration, it was instead a moment of saying welcome back and saying goodbye.As we made landfall and began to unload, Fallon rushed off to see her parents and allowed herself to get lost in their embrace.Deciding that the moment should be strictly for family, I stay back as the tears begin to fall."You want to help us with this?" Ramone asks, coming up behind me. "He’s a bit heavy."Nodding, I turn and follow him back onto the boat to collect Cyrus’ body, allowing Fallon and her parents to be alone with each other.Inside the cabin, I can feel the chill of death pressing against my skin, and it makes the fact that Cyrus and Gavin are gone that much more real. Now all that was left to do to say goodbye was give them the proper send-off that they deserved.Sighing, I move forward and help Ramone collect Cyrus first so that his parents could s
[Fallon’s POV]I don’t know how long I stayed in place, staring at the slowly disappearing door that Cyrus took to his final resting place. It was only when Titiana gently touched my shoulder that I finally snapped out of my daze."You need to get back now," she murmurs, giving me a smile filled with sympathy and sorrow. "Although your brother is no longer on earth, there are still many waiting on you.""Right," I sigh, getting to my feet. "I’m sure Fineon and Hindrick are at their wits end.""When you go back, you should really think about yourself more," Titiana chuckles."What do you mean?""You’ve worked so hard to gain everyone’s approval that you have lost yourself," she explains, touching my cheek."That’s what being a leader means," I counter. "I can’t think of myself. I can only think of my pack.""That’s not true," Titiana says, shaking her head. "You must also think of yourself, otherwise, you’ll end up regretting it one day. Now, go back to them."Before I can respond, I’m
[Fallon’s POV]"You had something you needed to speak with me about?" I ask hesitantly as Titiana examines me.After all the bombs that had been dropped on me earlier on, I wasn’t quite sure I was ready for another, but since this was the goddess’ request, there was no way that I could deny her."Not so much me," she responds, giving me a sad look.My stomach starts to roll as a bad feeling begins to creep up in me. Why was she looking at me like that, and why did it make my heart hurt?"Who is it?" I ask quietly, realizing that whoever it was must be someone close to me, and if they were here instead of on earth, then that meant that they were dead."It’s me."The world comes crashing down around me as I turn and find Cyrus making his way toward me.No, this couldn’t be real; there was no way it could. Was he like me, on the edge of life and death? If so, that meant he could be saved. Why was he here, and why did it feel like whatever was going to be said was goodbye?"Cy-cyrus," I w
[Anika’s POV]I continue to stare down at the lava where Mateo disappeared while Fineon and Hindrick remain silent, allowing me the space to process my emotions.Mateo was gone, for real this time. He would never come back to this world in this lifetime, and I wasn’t even sure if we would be able to find each other when we reincarnated like we promised. So that meant this was it, right?That thought alone left an immense loneliness in me that I thought I would never have to feel again. However, I had to admit, the second time around was so much more painful."Sorry to disturb," Fineon murmurs after a bit more time passes. "But how will we be sure that doing what Mateo said really did the trick?""I don’t know," I admitted, frowning."You don’t think that this was another trick of his, do you?" Hindrick growls. "What if...""He wasn’t lying," I say, cutting him off. "The one that was there in the end was Mateo, not Parker.""I understand that, but nothing seems to have happened," Hindr
[Anika’s POV]I wait as Fineon and Hindrick examine me as if trying to determine if they could convince me to stay. It is only when Mount Malum lets out another ominous roar that they seem to concede and begin to move again."Stay close," Hindrick orders when I scramble to catch up. "If you cause anything to happen to Fallon’s body, I’ll destroy you, understood?""Of course," I respond, not taking offense to his threat. "I know my limits.""Then let’s go," Hindrick sighs, though he still doesn’t seem fully convinced.Nodding, I begin to follow, staying close behind the two men who insisted on keeping me safe from any possible rockslides or attacks that may happen."It’ll take at least a day to get to the top of this," Hindrick mutters when we reach Mount Malum’s side. "Do we have that much time?"Looking up, I take in the lava that bubbles up and then explodes and the smoke that is quickly surrounding the mountain, blocking the rest of the world from view."I don’t know," I admit. "Bu
[Anika’s POV]Pain rips through my chest with every inch the anima sword makes through Mateo’s body. Even if I managed to destroy the mark he left on me, our bond was still there, and I wasn’t too surprised I was feeling what he was. This was how strong our bond had always been, and in a way, I was happy he wasn't alone."An…ika…" Mateo rasps, his eyes finding mine. "Why?""Because this must be done."Everything in me screamed to stop, to help him, and to save him from the painful death that he was currently experiencing, but I knew this had to be done. And I was the one who had to do it. Not Hindrick, not Fallon, but me. I had to end this once and for all.Closing my eyes, I allow all the beautiful memories that we shared to begin to flash across my mind. This would be the last time I allowed them to overtake me. Once this was finished, I would fully let go. I had to; there was no holding onto something that would never be again.SIghing, I let my tears flow as Mateo’s love-filled ey