Zola’s POV I couldn’t move, not that I dared to. I was afraid we would be seen. Samantha was the same. Every noise, no matter how small, terrified her. It gave Samantha and I, a chance to talk about what happened whilst I was dormant. I was shocked beyond words. My human was made to suffer by those she thought loved her. Thankfully, Garth saved her. I will always be grateful to our Gamma for that. I stayed hidden until my stomach churned. I wasn’t sure when Samantha last ate, but the pain in my stomach told me it was a while ago. I knew it was time to move then. I struggled to dig myself out of the debris that Xavier buried me beneath. My body ached so much from the stiffness and stabbing pains I could barely walk. I drank water from a puddle, not caring how dirty it was. All that mattered was that it was wet. It at least quenched my thirst, but my stomach still growled in hunger. I headed toward the river, hoping I could catch something on my way there. But every time I chased
Samantha’s POV Zola’s howls turned to my screams as my bones shifted. I pulled my knees to my chest and rocked. Closing my eyes and trying to breathe through the pain. The sound of the children whimpering distracted me a little.Eventually, I looked at the two small bodies as their hooded heads touched each other, possibly for reassurance. “Your pain won’t be going away in a hurry,” Zola said sadly, urging me to go to them. Over the year since we have been together. Zola and I disagreed on many things, but we were the most excited about motherhood. The unconditional bond between mother and child. These may not be my children, but what if they were? I would hope someone would help them.I crawled on all fours toward them, knowing that it was the only thing I could do for them. I could set them free, just like Garth did for me. I started crying, knowing that no matter how bad the past 24 hours had been for me. It was worse for him.I yanked the knot in the rope around the girl’s ankle.
Ellie’s POV It had been a long day. I fixed the cranial cruciate ligament on a labrador named Quinn this morning. There was a minor complication, nothing I couldn’t handle. But it made the operation run longer than I expected.But I didn’t care. The animal on my table would get the time she needed. This caused my clinic to start late. Everyone with booked appointments was annoyed, but that was their problem. If that was their pet, and I ran into a complication, they’d want me to spend the extra time working on them.Over the last few days, there has been an increase in out-of-town dog owners requesting emergency appointments, causing me to stay late in the clinic. In a frantic search for the missing children, those fools have been pushing their dogs to their limits. It ticks me off that humans disregard the health of their animals, using them as tools, solely for their gain. Maybe that’s why I prefer animals to humans. You always know where you stand with an animal. Whereas with peo
Ellie’s POV How dare William raise his voice in my clinic, especially while I am treating his patient? Kiki snarled at his aggressive tone. But we both knew he wasn’t a threat to me. Despite what I want to say, I need to get the information I want before I tell him what I think of his disgusting behavior. I continued with the task at hand, cannulating the girl. My hand shook a little as I tied the tourniquet around her arm. I am not used to doing this to humans. If anything, it should be easier. She is not covered in fur. A vein is a vein, Ellie. I scolded myself for hesitating in front of William. “John said the children had been found. How are they doing?” I asked as I cleaned her arm. I heard William breathing through his nose as he picked up the vials of ketamine that I strategically placed on the plastic tray. “They’re on the way to my hospital. The authorities have informed their parents.” He informed me. William grabbed my arm. “Now, what did you do to her?” I pulled my
Ellie’s POV I know I don’t have much of a personal life. But when you are a shifter, you are never truly alone. For the past three days, I’ve had to care for someone else and it’s been hard work. I have a new appreciation for people who do it regularly. Kiki and I talked about Sam at night. We are curious about her. Which pack she was from, as there weren’t any within a 50-mile radius. Kiki imagined her family and pack were worried sick about her as wolf packs are close-knit. The woods should now be empty and Kiki was frustrated, but it would mean leaving Sam alone. She’s just about coping. Which is better than I can say I am. I’m going stir-crazy. I have never spent this much continuous time in the clinic and I have decided that after Sam is gone, I am decorating the place, especially the waiting area. I have been keeping Sam asleep while the antibiotics take effect. William followed through and visited three times a day to administer them as well as deliver a concoction of
Sam’s POV “Zola.” I wanted to hear her familiar voice before I opened my eyes. Before I faced reality, “Zola, are u there?” I called out again, hoping I wasn’t alone. I never want to be without her again. Zola didn’t respond, but I could hear her whimpering. After coaxing her to speak to me, her words were not what I expected. “He intended to kill us,” she said eventually. I quickly understood why she was upset. Zola will only ever have one mate, her one true love. He is supposed to love her unconditionally. I grew to love Axel, but it was nothing compared to the love she had for Gunner. She was processing the fact that despite their love, Gunner was prepared to kill her and kill anyone that stood in the way of him doing so.I have heard of people getting second-chance mates, but that union has to come from the goddess herself, and I’m not sure if I believe in her anymore. Because she sure as hell doesn’t believe in me. We could always take a chosen mate if Zola wanted to. But I am n
Sam’s POV Ellie canceled her non-urgent clinic appointments over the next few days to look after me. She ordered food to be delivered to the clinic, and she showered in the kennel area. Her place of work was relatively small, consisting of a reception area, clinic room, operating area, kennel, storeroom, kitchen, and restroom. Ellie reopened her clinic once I could move around without being in pain. I was still experiencing some discomfort, but it was bearable. I helped with minor tasks, such as cleaning. It wasn’t much, but it was all I could manage, and it kept me busy. Ellie never once complained about me hiding in the back, away from the humans who brought their pets in for check-ups. I had never interacted with humans before and was anxious. Listening to Ellie talk so confidently made me jealous. She knew so much and she gave the animals the best possible care imaginable. Yes, she was blunt, and she was not afraid to tell anyone what she thought of them. But then I remembere
Ellie’s POV “I woke up from a coma when I was about 7 years old. I didn’t know my name or where I lived. William told me I had amnesia. He told me my memories would eventually return. In the meantime, as I was medically stable, I had nowhere to go. I was placed in a group home.” I told Sam as she slurped on her milkshake. “Being the new kid, I got bullied nonstop. They made me sleep with the dogs in the kennel. As I stunk like a dog in the morning, the kids called me ‘smelly Ellie’, since I didn’t have a name. But I didn’t care, as I knew that one day my parents would come for me.” I took a deep breath. “Days turned to months and the only memory that returned was one of a pair of boys promising to take care of me. Despite the police searches, no one ever came to claim me.”“Oh, Ellie, I’m so sorry,” Sam said sympathetically. But I don’t need it.“I’m not. Mrs Fletcher, the baker, used to stop by with treats and must have seen how I was treated. The first day I was put up for adoption
Caspian’s POV I genuinely thought Sam was about to reject us. Hawk let out a mournful cry while my eyes filled with water. I struggled to breathe as I braced myself for the pain associated with rejection. As Sam’s lips parted, I was convinced the words that she was about to speak would break my heart.“You have one chance. Mess it up, and I am out of here,” Sam said. I just couldn’t believe it. I looked at her and couldn’t speak with shock. Despite her past and what had happened earlier. She was giving me a chance. “As long as she doesn’t know you’re the Alpha King,” Hawk reminded me, almost ruining this special moment.I was still in a state of shock when her phone rang. “Oh crap, what do I tell Ellie?” Sam asked Reagan. His response made me snicker. I had never known Reagan to be scared of anything or anyone. No challenge has ever caused him to retreat or surrender. But here he was pleading with Sam not to tell her sister what happened. This must be for Sam’s benefit. There is no w
Reagan’s POV Phillip returned with Sam’s phone and handed it to me. I thanked him and asked if there was anyone who could find me a crutch. “You’re getting a prosthetic. The best money can buy,” Caspian informed me. It would be great to get about independently. But I don’t know how long they take to make or how long I will be here. Sam stirred. “Stay here,” I told Caspian, closing the door in his face. I hopped over to the bed. Making it just in time for Sam to sit up. She looked at me and screamed, then she cried. “You promised. You broke your promise. You said I would be safe.” She yelled before she curled up under the sheets, sobbing. I reached over to comfort her, and she lashed out at me, calling me a liar. I took everything she had because she was right. I let her get hurt.“I’m sorry, Sam. I’m sorry. It’s all my fault. I thought you were somewhere safe,” I took a deep breath. “I just wanted to find my brother so much, I forgot about what was important.” I wrapped my arms ar
Reagan’s POV When I said I was leaving, it wasn’t because I heard that I was no longer the Alpha King. I didn’t care about Caspian being appointed in my absence. It was logical. He was the next in line, after all. I based my decision on Sam. Witnessing her mistreatment firsthand and seeing how she had been affected both mentally and physically. It was clear to me that her well-being was a lot more important than the throne. But when Caspian referred to her as his mate, that changed everything. I would never interfere with a mate bond. Especially when it comes to the people I care about. Now, all I can do is wait for Sam to wake up and let her figure out if it is something she wishes to pursue. If she chooses to return to her life in the human city, I don’t know what I will do. I’ll have to pick between her and my brother. “Maybe that’s why the goddess put you in Sam’s path? Or why we feel so connected to her? We were destined to be family,” Callan suggested. “It’s a valid poin
Caspian’s POV “You’re so good at that,” I told Evelyn as she sucked my cock for the second time today. She looked at me with her big green eyes and kept going until I came in her mouth. The best thing about Evelyn was that no matter how hard I fucked her, she never seemed to be satisfied. Which was great, as sex with anyone was only about one thing. My pleasure.One day I will meet my mate, and from that day I will be faithful. I will love and cherish the ground my mate walks on. But until the day we meet, I will fuck Evelyn. I will fuck her whenever I choose and in any hole I choose and, and by the way, she screams, she loves it.“Your majesty. We have discovered a rogue in your office.” A mindlink came through from Kevin. He is not the person I want in my mind right now.“Deal with it.” I mindlinked back. I should shut that thing off. But you never know, there may be an attack at any point. As the Alpha King, I have to be made aware.Evenly dragged me toward the bed, giggling. Catc
Reagan’s POV “The rogue has been dealt with.” It took my brain a few seconds to register the words that came out of Kevin’s mouth. He can’t have been referring to Sam. Not my Sam. Not the woman who saved me, the woman I swore to protect with my life. Callan demanded answers and unleashed his aura with such intensity, instantly incapacitating the guards. He tried forcing a shift, but that wouldn’t get me anything. “What do you mean, dealt with?” I yelled angrily. I rushed over and grabbed Kevin by the collar. Balancing myself carefully. “Tell me, is she alive?” My heart beat rapidly as I waited for someone to answer. But the intensity of Callan’s aura meant Kevin couldn’t move, never mind speak. Callan also realized this and calmed a little so he could at least answer me.As I waited, I looked at Caspian. He was sniffing the air, and his eyes kept flickering as his wolf tried to push forward. Something was bothering him. I would normally have gone to him, as a concern for him is a conc
Reagan’s POV Despite only having one leg, I still needed the legroom in Edgar’s car small car. So I pushed the seat back. It also helped that I was out of Sam’s periphery so that I could pull the peek down on my cap. Hoping to catch a few minutes of sleep, as I had a lot to sort out when I got home. “I don’t recall you ever complaining so much,” I snapped at Callan. He has done nothing but complain since we left the city. Now he is complaining about how many breaks Sam has needed. “She’s not used to driving and is probably nervous about where we’re going.” I know he is eager to get home, but he should be grateful Sam said yes to taking us. It would be a long walk, especially with one crutch. “Do you remember why you were out there?” I asked Callan. Referring to the day, Sam and Ellie found us. “It’s been bothering me for a while. It’s gone from my mind. What was your last memory?” he asked, getting frustrated with himself. “The last thing I remember was going to meet Alpha Suna
Nolan’s POV Despite a gun being pointed at me, I wasn’t scared. I knew the coward only picked on the vulnerable. I wasn’t expecting Sam to rush him, which was when the gun was fired.I was sure the bullet hit me as I began falling to the ground. Perhaps my body hadn’t registered the pain yet, because it didn’t hurt. As Sam patted me down, questioning where the bullet hit me. I realized the only place that hurt was my head, and that was because I banged it on a rock.Of all the things to hit, that idiot managed to hit my crutch.As I touched the area of my head, that throbbed. I felt my consciousness being dragged back into my mind. Where I watched the majestic black wolf from my dreams destroy a brick wall. The wall that stood between me and my memories. “Where the hell have you been?” Callan demanded to know. I laughed as everything instantly came back flooding back to me.“Sam. I know who I am. I know what I am,” I told her with excitement.Callan snarled, “Who’s the rogue?” He as
Sam’s POV It was like reliving my worst nightmare. But when I heard Nolan’s voice, I knew it wasn’t real. He wasn’t there, no one was. My eyes snapped open, and that’s when I knew I would never escape what happened. I pulled the blanket closer and cried my eyes out. Zola’s words of comfort didn’t reassure me. “How can I control what happens when I’m asleep?” I asked her, to which she didn’t respond. “How can I help?” Nolan gently asked. Too distressed to respond, I just cried. The next thing I knew, Nolan was stroking my hair and telling me he would do anything to make the pain go away. “I wish it was that easy,” I told him as I calmed down. Those traumatic events are going to live in my mind forever. Perhaps Nolan has gotten lucky by not remembering his past. But then again, I wouldn’t remember Zola or Ellie. Not to mention Frank. If I don’t remember him, who would? When I relaxed, I realized I was bare-chested under the blanket. How did that happen? I pulled the blanket tighter
Nolan’s POV The ambulance arrived in good time, but it was already too late. Moments later, a police car pulled up, asking us to step aside so the medics could do their jobs. I had Frank’s blood on my hands, but Sam’s white karate uniform was covered. She held on to me and cried for him.We were taken to the police station for questioning. They also wanted our clothes for any forensic evidence. We were been escorted from the changing rooms to a young officer’s desk to make a statement. As we took a seat, He pulled out a pad and pen. “I’ll make this quick.” He told us, “It’s unlikely that anything will come of the shooting. He was just a homeless bum, after all.”I was utterly speechless at the officer’s attitude. I had this urge to rip his head off. But my lack of words allowed Sam to tell him what was on her mind. She got to her feet and leaned over the desk. “How dare you?” She sneered at the officer. “Frank may not have had a roof over his head. But he was a human being and a cowa