A flicker of guilt coursed through me as I realized I had been at the camp all night without stopping by to see Danielle. If Tony's assumptions were accurate, and he had excluded her from his plans, it was possible that Danielle truly was my friend. Trust issues had plagued me for some time. What if she was genuinely a kind person, and I couldn't let go of my own preconceived notions?
"That was kind of her," I acknowledged.
"She wanted me to let you know her tent is open anytime," Billy mentioned as he took a bite of a muffin.
"I'll visit her after breakfast," I decided. I missed her and wanted to see how things had been at the camp during my absence. "Fill up; you'll need your energy tonight," Billy added with his mouth full.
"Do you think it's wise for me to do it?" I pondered. "Shift, I mean."
"You need to learn," Billy emphasized. "It's not healthy for a shifter to remain in human form indefinitely. It's said to drive you mad."
"Where did you come across this rumor?" I inquired."I guess it was more of a heads-up than a rumor. Tony says you're going back," she mentioned. "But he's kept me out of the loop. Since when does he exclude me from things?"Her tone carried a hint of hurt, and it made me think that Tony had likely been honest when he claimed to have acted alone. "Have a seat, please. I hoped you'd come. The coffee is probably cold by now, but it's still coffee.""I'll let you two catch up," Billy interjected. "I'm going to check out the camp. Think you can stay out of trouble while I'm gone?""I'll do my best," I replied."We'll be here," Danielle assured him. "I promise she'll be safe with me."Billy didn't appear to fully trust her, but he nodded. "Call if you need me.""I'll be fine," I said. "Thank you."Danielle changed the subject, observing, "First of all, your new bodyguard is super cute and seems quite dedicated to you."
"Thanks," I replied cautiously, uncertain about how to interact with Malcom. He had been the one to warn me about Tony's plan. Did that mean he had been in on it from the start, or was he just wary of the camp's leader?"I'm glad to see you're okay," he said sincerely. "I'm sorry for what he put you through."I narrowed my eyes at him. "You knew."He nodded, remorse in his eyes. "I'm sorry.""Wait, you were in on this, but nobody told me?" Danielle exclaimed. "Since when are you part of the inner circle, and I'm left out of the loop? What the heck?""I was the backup plan," Malcom explained. "I didn't find out until Tony came back to camp. If they didn't make it out by the full moon, I was next in line.""Why the full moon?" I asked, still bewildered by the situation."Because there was a chance you both could shift your way out if you were trapped," he explained.My anger resurfaced. "You do realize my mate was t
"Your mom kicked you out," I said, breaking the silence. "You're clearly not safe.""If they were going to come for me, they would have already," he said, his voice surprisingly calm."No way," I responded, shaking my head. "I'm not doing it solo. If the king could come after me, what's to stop him from coming after you? And what kind of monster wants to kill children, anyway? The king sounds awful.""I've never seen him do anything to help shifters in our community. The alphas run everything, and there's nothing to keep them in check. I don't even know why he still has that title," Danielle chimed in."Maybe he shouldn't," Malcom added thoughtfully. "Who knows, maybe our dad had the right idea.""I doubt we'll ever know," I said with a sigh. "It's not like we can ask him, right?""Tony talked to him," Malcom disclosed, raising an eyebrow.There was a piece of me that wanted to meet my father and ask him to explain himse
He sauntered over to me, moving at a leisurely pace that had me questioning whether he intended for me to bolt. Stubbornly, I stood my ground, determined to seize the initiative in our encounter. I couldn't deny that my reactions were tinged with a certain childishness, but there was something about this man that consistently unhinged me."How are you feeling?" I inquired with a half-shout as he drew nearer. It was imperative that I seized the conversational reins. All right, perhaps I was being a tad juvenile, but there was something undeniably disconcerting about the effect he had on me."Better," he responded evenly. "I'll probably be back to my old self by tomorrow." He halted in front of me, and the space between us seemed to thicken with unresolved tension. The easy connection and banter we once shared felt like a distant memory. I even found myself missing our moments of contention."I wish I could join you for the run tonight," he confessed
As I collapsed onto the bed, an unprecedented exhaustion enveloped me, surpassing any tiredness I had ever experienced. However, it was a peculiar weariness. My inner wolf felt content, an unfamiliar sensation for me.Billy chimed in, "You're going to sleep like a log tonight. Post-shift slumber beats everything else."I chuckled faintly, responding, "Well, sleep is all I've got."Perching on the edge of his bed, Billy shared, "I get that. There wasn't anyone back home I was interested in.""Maybe you'll find your mate once we break that barrier. New people will have the chance to join us, and everyone can explore the world," I mumbled, struggling to keep my eyes open."Perhaps," he replied before standing and approaching me. "Go under the covers."I protested, "I can do it myself."Billy pointed out, "You look like you might pass out on top of your blankets, and you haven't even bothered to change."With a groan, I rolled off the bed, allowing him to pull back the covers. I climbed b
Under the radiant full moon, my inner wolf stirred with an eagerness to take flight. This was a welcomed change, a dream where I could experience the exhilarating sensation of running as my wolf self. Yielding to the beckoning call of my lupine nature, I seamlessly shifted forms. Before long, I found myself sprinting through the lush woods, leaving Wolf Bay behind. The air carried a sweet scent, and the earth felt refreshingly cool beneath my powerful paws. A resonant howl escaped my throat, echoing through the forest, and it was met with another in response. Amidst the moonlit wilderness, a dark gray wolf materialized beside me, and my heart swelled with elation at the sight of him. Ray's wolf and mine became an inseparable duo, running in perfect harmony, our strides synchronized effortlessly. It felt as though running with him was the most natural thing in the world. My wolf was in a state of complete serenity, every aspect of the experience feeling
I closed my eyes and allowed the warm water to cascade over me. The unsettling part wasn't that I wasn't repulsed by the dream itself; it was the concern over its implications. The bond between us was growing stronger. What if I reached a point where I couldn't resist him? What if the bond overrode my rationality, and I allowed him to claim me?Where anger used to reside, I now felt fear. I couldn't delay breaking that bond any longer. It had to happen, and it had to happen quickly.I stormed into Sheila's tent, startling her awake. She sat up, her eyes wide and instantly alert. "What's wrong?""I need to find Tony. Where's he staying?" I asked, urgency in my voice.She raised an eyebrow. "Oh? You *need* to, huh?"I rolled my eyes. "Forget about us getting together and help me, please."Her brow furrowed. "Tell me what's going on."I probably looked somewhat deranged. I certainly felt that way. My hair was tied up in a messy, we
"Knock, knock," Billy's voice called out as he pulled back the tent flap. He didn't seem surprised to find all of us gathered. "Guess I need to stop sleeping, huh?""I didn't want to wake you," I said."Well, the gang's all here," Danielle chimed in."We're missing Malcom," I pointed out. "I want him to come with me. He deserves to use the spell as well.""We don't have enough for two," Tony mentioned."Well, I'll ask the witch for an IOU," I quipped."That's not how it works," Tony replied. "Malcom gets touch-ups on his masking spells every few months. He's safe."I didn't like the idea of breaking my claim while leaving Malcom vulnerable. I figured I could discuss it further after meeting the witch and understanding the spell's requirements. "But he's coming with us, right?""If he wants to," Tony said."I can go wake him," Danielle offered.Tony nodded. "Might as well get this started. Pack light.
I rose to my tiptoes, enveloping Billy in an embrace. "You’re going to be an amazing alpha."Returning the hug, he urged, "Be careful, okay?""You too," I replied before stepping back. "I’ll be in touch soon.""I’ll be okay," he assured me."I know you will," I said with certainty."You will too, you know. You were born for this," he smiled warmly. Our bond, forged through trials, felt unbreakable, a connection that would last a lifetime.Billy rejoined his pack, and I walked over to my waiting entourage. "Malcom, would you stay with Billy for a few days? Just so he has someone loyal here.""Of course," Malcom agreed. "Now, go. See your mom. Billy’s got this, but just in case, he’s got me."The drive back to the house felt endless. Conversation attempts failed, leaving us engulfed in a heavy silence. Most of us were too drained or overwhelmed to speak."She’s going to be fine," Tony reassured me, squeezing my hand from the backseat.I glanced at him, grateful that it was just us in th
The shifters surged forward, enveloping us in cheers and exuberant shouts. Billy was hoisted onto shoulders and paraded around the field. Amidst this whirlwind of jubilation, I felt a wave of relief, joy, and peace emanating from the gathered shifters.Billy was about to face a challenging task, but if anyone could lead Wolf Bay to its rightful place, it was him.The entire household buzzed with activity as preparations for the Solstice celebration reached their climax. The longest night coinciding with a full moon promised an epic party.As I readied myself to greet the guests, a surge of nerves accompanied my anticipation. Tony grasped my hand reassuringly. "You’re going to be great. Nothing bad is going to happen. This is what you’ve been working so hard for the last year."He was right, and his unwavering support had been invaluable. Together, we had strived to mend pack relations and lay the groundwork for positive change among the shifters.Tonight was pivotal. Our efforts to re
Ace’s gasps punctuated the silence, his wide eyes reflecting sheer terror. The punishment I had delivered was the ultimate blow. He thrived on adoration and the capacity to instill fear in others. Stripped of his position of power, he was left with nothing. Executing him would only grant him martyrdom.Murmurs rippled among the gathered shifters as the sentence resonated among the crowd. Gradually, those murmurs evolved into applause.Billy, taking a step forward, approached Ace. I wasn’t privy to their exchange, but Billy sought closure here too. Whispering something to Ace, he withdrew, a smile gracing his lips. Though Ace appeared enraged, he didn’t retaliate.It wasn’t my place to know; Billy, like me, suffered under Wolf Bay's rule. He may have made mistakes but always sought to balance the good amidst adversity. What potential might he have realized without the constant struggle to please Ace for his sister’s sake while trying to do the right thing?"Well, this wasn’t what I exp
Ace’s punishment warranted a unique approach. Death seemed too lenient, risking his transformation into a martyr. I wasn’t oblivious to the entrenched mindset of males accustomed to unchecked authority; they wouldn't simply yield to a female monarch. Rectifying the injustices demanded extensive effort.For every tale akin to mine, numerous others remained untold. Danielle and Clara had been unjustly divested of their positions bestowed by the Moon Goddess herself. How many others suffered at the hands of feeble men intent on preserving power?Ace would serve as an exemplar. Stripped of strength, divested of authority. I required his survival to serve as a cautionary symbol, illustrating what lay ahead, rather than providing grounds for shifters to rebel against me.His punishment wasn’t solely for his sexism but for exploiting all members of his pack. I needed clarity on that point.My guards halted, creating space between our contingent and the leaders of my former pack. Ace and his
The four of us strode through the grand double doors, prompting the council members to rise from their seats arranged along a long wooden table, adorned with a dozen chairs. At one end sat a conspicuously larger chair, set against the backdrop of a crackling fireplace casting a warm glow in the room. The floor boasted dark wood, accentuated by a regal red and gold rug. Above, chandeliers crafted from antlers lent a distinctive touch, deviating from the crystal fixtures I had seen elsewhere in the estate."Thank you for your patience," I addressed them, endeavoring to convey a sense of composure and authority."Of course, your highness," one of the men responded.I made my way to the larger seat and settled into it. The men gathered around the table, one side occupied by my family and the other by the four males constituting my predecessor’s council. It was an unconventional arrangement, but if Harold deemed it necessary to hear their counsel, I was willing to entertain their perspect
Breakfast with my friends felt familiar and safe. Danielle, Malcolm, and Billy had mostly waited to eat until we arrived. The guards stood outside the room, and at my instance, the staff was willing to leave the food and let us serve ourselves.To my friends’ credit, they all steered the topic of conversation toward random things that were unrelated to our current situation. It was as if they knew I needed a little break before I had to figure out how to do the job I’d committed to when I took down the old king.We ate till we were all stuffed and laughed at Malcolm’s stories about trying to learn how to fix a car and accidentally setting it on fire. Tears streamed down my cheeks as I pictured Mario’s face. “I bet he never let you near his car again.”“Only if I’m trying to fix it. Driving I’m fine with. It’s when you give me tools that it causes an issue.”“I’ll keep that in mind,” I said.“Your highness,” a male voice said.I turned and saw one of my guards. Malaki, I think.He was
The group departed, leaving me surrounded by friends, guards, and a handful of staff. Turning my focus back to them, I reaffirmed, "For real, though. I keep my promises."An older woman with white hair nodded to her companions, affirming, "Told you Claire was telling the truth." She glanced at me. "If there's nothing more for us, we'll get back to work."I nodded in acknowledgment. "Find me if you need anything."With a smile, she guided the group away from me. As the extra people dispersed, I surveyed those who remained. The guards stood their ground, making this as private as it could get. My impatience surged—I needed answers. "Where's my mom? How's she doing?"Harold hesitated. "I'm not sure.""What do you mean? Weren't you with her last night?" I pressed."I was. She was in bad shape. Didn't even recognize me," he admitted, shaking his head.My chest tightened. "Where is she now?""Star's been with her all night," Malcom chimed in. "She prioritized helping your mom before the res
The other guards introduced themselves, a touch of ease evident in their demeanor. Spending ample time together, it felt comforting to begin to acquaint ourselves."James, Malaki, Ruben, and Cole," I acknowledged each, prompting smiles and nods in response."Shall we check in on the others?" I suggested."After you, Elisa," James replied.Summoning courage, I led the way. The ballroom burst with music, vibrant lights, and spirited revelry. Blue-uniformed shifters circulated trays of food while bartenders manned stations amid a dancing crowd.Amidst the party's vibrancy, I felt the fight's aftermath. Stiffness and soreness seeped in, reminders of the battle with my uncle.Making rounds among the guests, I sought a respite. James directed us to a guest suite, a refuge from the festivities.Stepping into the room, opulence surrounded me. A fireplace, plush furnishings, and lavish décor overwhelmed my senses. Wounded and exhausted, I yearned for solace.Stripping off my soiled clothes, I
His body tensed, signaling his intent, yet his position was flawed. Almost missed it, but my human side caught the subtle adjustment—he was about to feign an attack, aiming to turn my own game against me. I swiftly moved, anticipating his altered angle, and narrowly evaded his strike. Passing control to my wolf, she veered around, slashing her claws deep into his side as we darted past.His howls echoed, but my wolf pressed on, delivering another fierce blow to his face. The king, dazed and unprepared for our speed, struggled to match our agility. Each time he adjusted, we were there, ready to strike again with teeth or claws.Aware of our limitation in strength, we adopted a relentless and swift strategy, refraining from a power play or flashy moves. The king's wolf retaliated, pinning us a few times, yet we wriggled free, persistently attacking.Exhaustion began to slow us down, and the king, though limping, persisted. Unexpectedly, he charged, knocking my wolf down. The impact diso