Ethan swiftly guided Rosette down the stairs and through the den, with pack members avoiding their path. Rosette struggled and screamed until Ethan hoisted her up and carried her like a sack of potatoes into the basement of the den.
The pace was frantic, and the surroundings seemed to blend together in their haste. As Ethan finally slowed down, Rosette noticed they were surrounded by several imposing Betas. Once she regained her bearings, they found themselves in a long, dim corridor in the basement. Ethan paused in the middle of the corridor, and one of the men accompanying them opened a white metal door. He settled Rosette inside and left swiftly, the door closing behind him with a metallic click of a lock.
Desperation washed over Rosette as she screamed and pulled at the door, but it remained unyielding. There was no visible lock mechanism on her side, thwarting any attempt at escape. The realization that the witch had succeeded in taking Joel from her without her i
After Ethan departed, Rosette sat on the bed and toyed with the computer, noting its access to the internet. Researching various materials on witches, some pieces seemed authentic, yet they struggled to differentiate between reality and fantasy. Eventually, resting her head, she found the bed comfortable but experienced fitful sleep. Having grown accustomed to being embraced by Kyle at night over the past few weeks, the idea of another occupying the space made it difficult to rest. Concerns about what that person might do to Kyle while he slept troubled Rosette . Desiring Kyle to restrain and interrogate her, sleep eluded until nearly sunrise, as indicated by the clock on the computer. The sound of the door lock moving brought Rosette abruptly from slumber to wakefulness. Ethan swung the door open and carried her away, pacing into another room with determination."What is the purpose of this?" Rosette inquired, showing some resistance, with a voice still drowsy. "Remain here," Ethan
"A fine idea, Madam," Anthony said as he stepped into Rosette's room and took a seat. "I'll help you."They spent the next hour calmly discussing various ways to torture Ryana. The discussion seemed to thoroughly engage Anthony, who contributed many inventive ideas. His disappointment was evident when Rosette informed him that Kyle had promised Ryana's grandmother a quick death."A guy can dream," he replied wistfully.Suddenly, a piercing scream filled the air. Rosette leaped off the bed only to be thrust behind Anthony, who was mid-transformation. The brown wolf-man growled menacingly at the door.Rosette stayed very still against the wall, listening intently as the screaming continued. It sounded like Ryana, but Anthony's growling made it hard to hear clearly. A door slammed further down the hall, and then silence fell outside. Anthony's vigilance never wavered.Rosette wondered what would happen if he fully transformed. The small room was already crowded; a giant, angry wolf would
Rosette swung her fist with assurance, striking Ryana in the chin. As Ryana reeled back, Rosette grabbed her knife and followed Kyle's advice. The knife nearly severed Ryana's head from her body. The pack roared its approval.Panting, Rosette stood watching Ryana's lifeless body. It was done, and she had done it. Rosette felt a strange pride in knowing she had killed her. She also felt fury that Kyle hadn't been more careful.It was Rosette's turn to have fire in her eyes as she turned to face Kyle, who was so close he was breathing down her neck."Why the hell didn't you have her searched?" Rosette asked menacingly, turning to face him."That spell," Kyle said, wrinkling his nose, "would not have worked on me.""That's not something you should assume. You didn't know that until you smelled it. She should have been searched. You had no idea what was in that vial. It could have killed you," Rosette continued to rage.Kyle was grinning as he wiped a little blood off of Rosette's face. "
There were drums set up, and once someone started to play, the dancing would start. Other wolves would run and explore in the woods. Primarily, though, they came out here to fuck in the wild."Let Alpha Luther chase you in the woods," Katrina said, "he'd love that."Rosette thought about bounding through the forest with Kyle hot on her heels. It was an erotic idea and captivated her thoughts. Before she had a chance to answer Katrina, a howl cut the air. Everything in the clearing stood still as the hunters returned, dragging their kills.It was hard to miss Kyle; he was enormous. He dragged a large dead buck out of the undergrowth and toward her. He stopped beyond her guarded perimeter and growled. The four wolves all backed away with heads lowered. A breeze indicated Shana and Katrina had also left.Rosette stood and walked toward him. This was a new experience for her, so she just inspected what he had brought. Suddenly, she noticed it was the man watching her and not the wolf."Go
Rosette wasn't entirely sure how to interpret Kyle's cryptic explanation, but she chose to accept it. Life without Kyle seemed unimaginable, so she was determined to undergo the transformation, regardless of her understanding.The remainder of the evening was a whirlwind of activity. The pack indulged in feasting, dancing, and unrestrained intimacy. Katrina remarked that this was the most unrestrained she'd ever witnessed one of these gatherings. The pack had been chafing under the restrictions imposed during the witch's threat and were now letting loose with abandon.Rosette found an opportunity to discuss with Kyle what he had learned from Ryana. Ethan's account had been accurate; she had openly performed her spells in his presence, convinced he was completely under her sway. She had even discussed the renegade wolves, expressing her desire to see them placed in positions of power.Recalling Roel and his punishment, Rosette inquired about the families of the r
"Thank you for your help tonight, Emily," Kyle told her and dismissed her to go get some sleep."I know there has to be balance," Kyle told Rosette as they sipped tea alone at a table in the kitchen, "but it has been difficult to instill the proper amount of kindness into my actions.""How's that?" Rosette asked, not understanding."I am the pack's protector. I cannot afford to be seen as weak. I have tried to be gentler than my father, but it is a fine line to walk," he told her."You didn't kill or cast out the rogues' families because you wanted to handle this differently than your father," Rosette said, starting to put it all together."Yes," he murmured, "although one of the fathers took his own life in shame. Another family has asked to be leave the pack. None of them barely show their faces for the embarrassment they feel."They sat in silence for a moment and listened to the sounds of everyone filing back into the den. From the ones
Whoever had remade the bed had put a bunch of white decorative pillows on it. Rosette crawled up and started to toss them off. Against the white linen, she looked filthy. Her knees were grass-stained. The rest of her was scuffed and dirty. She shuddered at how bad her hair must look, probably full of twigs and knotted."Okay, bed in a minute," she told Kyle, heading off the other side for the bathroom, "I'm showering.""I like the way you smell as you are now," he said, moving to stand in her way. "I don't want you to bathe."Breathing deep, Rosette held onto her temper. The obsession with how she smelled was so annoying, and the arrogant bossy Alpha routine really got under her skin."Compromise with me, Kyle. I have no intention of climbing into that beautiful clean bed as dirty as I am right now," she said, watching his eyes.They stood in a deadlock for several moments before he relented."They could have just washed the sheets," he told
As Rosette moved toward the center of the circle, she saw Kyle standing beside the altar, his naked form bathed in the moonlight. He addressed the pack, his voice booming, "Pack Luther, tonight I change my mate Rosette. She will be one of you. Do you accept this pack member?"Rosette had just reached the edge of the circle when the pack responded in unison, "Show us her strength.""So now we fight," Rosette thought, her heart pounding in her chest. Kyle nodded subtly, stepping off the platform and moving slightly towards her.Rosette slowly entered the circle, unsure of what to do. She circled Kyle, who stood impassively, hoping for some kind of hint. As she admired his handsome backside, she heard a chuckle. Turning, she saw a wicked grin on his face. He tensed, signaling the start of their duel. While she was tempted to wait for him to strike first, she decided to take the initiative. Before he could move, she lunged forward, aiming for his throat. To her surp
other girls slowly came to after Dee. April woke next, stretching like a cat, despite the pole lodged between her thighs. Juniper woke up last. She winced, moving her leg, and Rosette was concerned. "Where does it hurt?" Rosette asked her, touching over her previously injured leg. "My thigh, Luna," she said, pointing. "It's not the break. I think it's just a cramp." Lucas reached down with his big hands and started to massage the area she had gestured to. Once the area loosened, he sat her up like the other girls. All three sat facing out with their legs spread over their mates. The men whispered soothing words in their women's ears. All except Will, who kept telling his mate to stop twisting on his lap. 'Mate,' Kyle sent into Rosette's mind, 'we must greet Dee first and then the other two girls. Once we are done, the pack will go, but not before.' Rosette shifted the form of the wolf and approached Dee. She was being held with an arm across her chest by Will. Rosette approached
"Dom," Marybella chastised, "that is so inappropriate." At least the conversation had distracted Marybella from being afraid. Down in the circle, Will had finally moved between his mate's thighs. He knelt down and spread her lower lips wide with his fingers. He took one lick up her slit, and she moaned loudly. A second lick, and her legs were quivering on either side of his head. Will stood up briskly and stepped so he stood between her knees. He leaned over her body and spoke into her ear. Rosette saw her hand drift between her legs, but Will stopped her and spoke sharply. "No mate, you must come around my cock. The other girls are not ready. You cannot touch yourself, or this will start much too quickly," he said, probably louder than he meant to. "Bet she's got a hair trigger," Dominick laughed, and Kyle joined him. Two new figures settled in the grass beside them, and Rosette recognized the scent. Ethan and Shana had joined them. "I saw them in the gym when Dee finished tra
April is going to do it," Marybella pleaded, pointing. "I'm strong enough. I can do this too." "You are a fighter and a survivor," Dominick told her, "but no." "I love you, Dom," she said, looking at her friends and searching for one of them to support her. "I know it means a lot to do this in the circle. We can get through this together." "It's just a ceremony, Marybella, and it's not necessary for me," Dominick stated. Rosette was unsure of the situation. In her efforts to become a better Luna, she had been spending less time in the infirmary. If Marybella was facing difficulties, she was unaware. "Dominick," Rosette said. "Tell me why you are so opposed to this." Rosette had to admit, Dominick seemed annoyed by her question. He probably thought she was going to try to force him to participate in the ceremony with Marybella. However, the opposite was true; she wasn't sure it was a good idea for any of their human companions who had experienced trauma. A public changing ceremo
Rosette sat with Kyle in a pack meeting, reflecting on the past couple of weeks. It had taken her a long time, but she was finally embracing her role as Luna. Meetings were a routine part of her responsibilities, so she attended them diligently. When necessary, she knew when and how to administer punishment. Overall, she was becoming more adept at this way of life. Despite the adjustments, life remained chaotic. Rick and April had just returned from visiting the rescued humans in every pack. The reports they brought back indicated a significant positive impact. Juniper had completed Roel's healing process, and there was no longer any trace of the loner he had once been. She refused to let him dwell on the past and kept him busy by keeping up with her. They had become dynamic and active members of the pack. Marybella had returned to her profession of forensic accounting, but with a twist. The pack accumulated a substantial amount of wealth and held onto it for too long. It needed to
didn't seem possible. Marybella was soft with generous curves. She didn't seem like a rough and tumble type of girl. Tracking was grueling work and only attracted the toughest in the pack. Rosette would have thought the same for the human equivalent."I am...I mean I was a forensic accountant," she told Dom, pushing her glasses up her nose slightly. "People try to hide their money, it was my job to know where it went. I was the best in my department."Dom took her hand and led her to a small sofa off to the side. "Tell me how you did that," he said, very interested.Luckily, the rest of the afternoon was boring. Rosette didn't think she could stand another scene like Dom nearly caused. When the meeting was over, she was thrilled.Walking with Kyle toward the circle later that night, Rosette spoke to him about new concerns she'd realized.'Cedric's pack members were picking on Rick. It's not safe to send him around, they may try to hurt him,' she sent to Kyle thr
"If you're good," he whispered when she stopped for a breath, "I'll give you back the knife I took from your room."That did it. Marybella lashed out at his larger frame, seeking to drag her nails down his cheeks. Chuckling, Dom quickly restrained her arms behind her back and hauled her body against his in one swift motion.The Betas in the room started to close in, and Rosette waved them off. Dom's reputation was as a lethal fighter. To try to take Marybella from him would lead to a giant brawl. She wanted this done peacefully.Dom's eyes never left the face of the woman he held. He seemed oblivious to the commotion he was causing in the room as he spoke to her."When I heard about the unfortunate death, I feared for your safety, sweet. I removed anything from your room that could be harmful," he said softly."You had no right," she said, struggling against him and pressing her chest into his. "It is mine, for my protection. I can't sleep without it.""You s
The Betas who had witnessed the scene remained motionless, simply staring at Rosette. She politely excused herself and calmly walked out of the room.Kyle and Cedric were watching from one side as the Beta dusted himself off. His eyes glowed fiercely as he stood up. The wall behind him was destroyed, the small decorative table he'd landed on demolished. He eyed Rosette warily.Rosette came to a stop in front of him and addressed him as coolly as she could. "I believe we have a difference of opinion. How far you would like to take this difference of opinion is up to you."The man straightened his outfit and bowed his head slightly to her. "Luna, I apologize if I offended you. I will watch my tongue when talking with your pack in the future.""Lovely," Rosette said, turning to Cedric and Kyle. "Cedric, please educate your pack members. I don't tolerate disrespect in my home, and I'd hate to have to replace any more wallboard."Kyle looked at Rosette appreciatively. They'd have to talk a
Rosette smiled, her eyes sparkling as she read the new social security card and driver's license Kyle had pulled from his desk. "Rosette Anne Luther?" she questioned.Of course, he'd changed her name to match his."I believe," Kyle explained, "that it is appropriate in human society for the woman to take her mate's name. I'm sorry you can't keep your own name in the middle as women usually do. It would be too obvious.""Thank you, Kyle," Rosette said, hugging him tightly. She kissed his mouth tenderly, holding his jaw."You taste like candy," he marveled, dipping down to capture her lips again. "I like it."They curled up in the bed, cuddling for the afternoon. Feeling guilty about simply lying in bed with her mate, Rosette offered him sex, but he declined."This is not about me wanting to bed you," Kyle whispered into her ear. "This is about comfort. While your presence arouses me, your sadness sobers it. Let us just be here together for a little while."As they lay there, Rosette ta
One woman had been pacing quietly by the window; Rosette feared she would jump if the window was open. Kyle told her the Betas outside the door would not let her get that far. If they heard it open, they would enter, or Rick would stop her."Are vampires real?" she asked quietly."Does it matter?" Rick asked. "Did you know about werewolves? In five minutes, won't another mythical creature permeate your senses, and you will be terrified of that one? I beg you to accept your lives have changed. The only way to deal with it is to stay with us; we can help you, protect you, and guide you."It continued for hours. The women went round and round with Rick until they each came to the same conclusion. They were not the same; their worlds had changed, and they could never go back to the way it was.The women sat around the room in huddled piles. Some clung to each other; some sat by themselves. Rick circulated the room and touched each of them. When none of them recoiled from him, he went to t