The first day of walking had been awkward and quiet. Thankfully, the rough terrain gave us all an excuse to stay quiet. From what I could tell, our group was in decent shape, but our route was all uphill, over rough and unstable ground. By the nightfall, we were all exhausted.A fire crackled in the center of our makeshift camp. I dug through my pack and found a blanket I could use to protect myself against the cold, night air. When I pulled it out, a package of cookies came along with it. I grinned and held them up for the others to see. “I take it Greta knows what we’re up to?”“I never told her, which means, she knows everything,” Alec said.I opened the package and offered them around the group. Everyone took a few and chewed them quietly. We’d already eaten some of the food from Alec’s bag, but jerky and canned fruit left something to be desired. The cookies were a nice treat.“We should get some rest,” Alec said. “I can take first watch.”“We should have a pair on watch,” Kyle s
“Bourbon,” he said. “Takes some getting used to.”He took another swing, then closed the flask. “My mate and I grew up together. We’d been friends our whole life. So when the mating bond appeared, it was natural to fall into each other. We were happy.”I knew she’d died, but he’d never talked about her other than that. “I’m sorry for your loss.”“She’d have liked you,” he said, glancing up at me. “She was feisty, and strong, and never quit anything.”“What was her name?” I asked.“Sofia,” he said.“Beautiful name,” I said.He hummed and nodded.We sat without speaking for a long while, the sound of the fire and the wind the only noise. For the first time since my return, I didn’t feel the need to fill the silence or escape from him. I was content to just be. He’d opened up and shared something, and I appreciated how difficult that must have been for him. I never knew his mate, but I knew how strong the bond could be. And what I was experiencing was for someone I didn’t want to be with
I woke to screaming and chaos. Snarls, growls, teeth, and fur. All around me was a battle that I was somehow in the middle of without warning.A huge gray wolf bounded toward me and I rolled to the side, just as another wolf tackled my attacker.Heart racing, mind spinning, I crawled away from the mess so I could figure out what was going on. This was not what anyone expected to wake up to. Wolves were attacking each other and honestly, I couldn’t tell which were my friends and which were foe. I had to shift. I should be able to feel my friends better in wolf form. It was the only option.I called to my inner wolf, begging her to come to me. She rose up, but fell flat.I thought we worked through this. I need you.She didn’t respond. Of course she didn’t, but I didn’t even get an emotional response. This was not the time I needed her to fail me.Come on.I closed my eyes tight and tried to urge her to the forefront. It was futile, she wasn’t responding.Fuck. My eyes snapped open. If my wo
Send help.“You okay?” he asked.“Sure,” I said, ignoring my inner-slut who was currently telling me to jump him. “What happened back there?”“I don’t know. Malcom woke me, then he shifted.”“You think it was Wolf Creek?” I asked.“Probably,” he said. “I doubt the king’s guard is even looking for you yet. You’re not a direct threat.”“Then why are we going through all this to break my dad’s claim?” I asked.“Because once you become an alpha, you’re inner circle to the king. He’ll have no choice but to make an example of you,” he said.“Why did you have to go hunting down my father in the first place? He never even knew I was born. What were the chances we’d shift at the same time and he’d even know what he was feeling was a connection to me?” I asked.“I didn’t know you when I first found him. I hunted down information about your mom and found out she’d had a child that could, in theory, be his. I wish I could take it back. I was chasing the toxin recipe and I thought if I gave him inf
The cold night air on my bare skin was painful. Goosebumps spread on my arms and legs. I covered my chest with my arms, trying to maintain some warmth. Every so often, I stepped on something sharp and hissed in pain. What I wouldn’t give to come across some human campers we could borrow clothes and shoes from. Okay, steal them, but it was an emergency, maybe they’d give them to us. Unfortunately, there was no sign of life. We were isolated here.We didn’t speak as we walked, but I was grateful for the silence. When we were talking, I was closer than I wanted to admit to giving in to him and I wasn’t ready to forgive him. I needed more time to work through everything. There was too much between Tyler and Wolf Creek and my father to add other complications.My mind wandered and I thought about Sheila, Kyle, and Malcom. Were they safe? Were they hurt? Did they have to walk through the woods naked? Visions of my friends suddenly turned into thoughts of Tyler. I shook my head at the unwelc
Alec gently pushed me away. “What are you doing?”“Kissing you,” I said, leaning in to do it again.“This is the shift.”“So?” I licked his lower lip.He groaned. “Lola, I want you. You have no idea how badly I want you. But I won’t take advantage.”“What happened to the cocky asshole who said he’d offer his services the other night?” I asked.“Oh, he’s still here. He still wants all of you. But it has to be because you want me, too.”“We shifted hours ago,” I reminded him. “Don’t you think I’m clear-headed enough to make my own decisions now?”“Are you?” he asked.“Stop talking, Alec. I want you. It doesn’t have to be a thing. It can just be two people having fun together. Besides, we’ll be warmer this way.”“You don’t seem like the casual sex type,” he said with a frown.“Don’t judge me,” I snapped.“I’m not judging.” He leaned forward and placed a soft, tender kiss on my lips. “I’m wondering why I’m getting so lucky.”I claimed his mouth, kissing him hard and fast. “Stop thinking.
“You have got to be fucking kidding me.” I stood and dusted the dirt and pebbles from me as best I could. I was covered in dirt, freezing cold, and completely embarrassed.Sure, my slumber had been blissfully devoid of Tyler, and I hadn’t expected anything from Alec, but where the fuck was he?I crept to the front of the cave and peered outside. The sun made the woods look almost cheerful this morning. Birds flitted from tree to tree and somewhere nearby I could hear a woodpecker pounding away. A light breeze rustled the trees and carried the fresh, clean scent of pine.I covered my chest, aware that it wasn’t doing much to hide me from anyone who might have stumbled upon our sleeping spot. It did make me feel better as I ventured into the openness of the woods.Hoping I’d find Alec nearby, I started walking away from the cave.Fuck. I hopped on one foot, grabbing my other foot. Of course I’d managed to step on something sharp. Carefully, I pulled out the pointy stick and tossed it asi
“I like Kyle fine. I don’t like how close he is with you,” he said. “But that’s not my place.”I lifted my brow. Was he jealous? That was interesting. “You’re right, it’s not your place.”I glanced over at him and caught a momentary scowl on his expression. If he was jealous, it was cruel of me to let him think Kyle and I were anything more than what we were. There was zero romance or chance of romance between us. I just didn’t feel anything for him. He was handsome, but that spark had never existed and I was confident it never would.“But, since you brought it up, there’s nothing there between us. He’s a friend. A new friend at that,” I said. “He risked everything when he helped me. He’s just as dead as I am if we ever return. I owe him.”“He saved my ass, too,” Alec said. “I owe him for that and for getting you out.”“You realize that could have been prevented,” I reminded him.“You’re never going to let me forget that, are you?” he asked.“It’s a hard thing to let go,” I replied. “
The entire household was buzzing as they finished preparations for the Solstice celebration. The longest night of the year happened to fall on a full moon, which meant one party of epic proportions.I took a deep breath as I prepared to greet the guests. While having the alphas of the packs for visits had almost become routine, this gathering was different.Alec took hold of my hand. “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, of course. And he’d been by my side for every step. I was truly grateful to have such a strong and supportive leader by my side. We’d found a balance in the last year, working together to improve pack relations and begin the process for positive change for all shifters.Tonight we took that a step further. While we’d been working to break down the years of animosity between us and the witches, our alliance was still in its infancy.Shifter and witches both held sacred conne
While my old pack was busy peppering Kyle with questions, I took Alec aside. “You doing okay?”“Yeah,” he said. “I know Kyle’s going to deal with this mess well.”“And you and I get to deal with the bigger mess,” I said. “If my uncle was authorizing Wolf Creek’s use of the toxin to take out their neighbors, what else don’t we know?”“I know Spencer said to give them a chance, but you sure you want a council that enabled that behavior to stick around?” Alec asked.He had a very good point. “I’m not sure I do want them around. But I do think we need to learn from them and find out what has been going on for the last few decades.”“You’re not out of the woods yet. You’re a walking target, you know that, right?” Alec asked.“I know. I wish I wasn’t used to it,” I said. “But at least I’m not alone this time. I’ve got you, Sheila and Malcom. And the four of us can work together to figure out who we can and can’t trust.”“They’re good shifters. Even before Malcom shared his story, I got the
“If it were me, I’d have a couple of guards escort him to his home and give him an hour to pack. Then, I’d kick his ass out.” Horace took a deep breath. “That toxin has been the black mark on my time of service. I would be honored if you’d allow me to help you destroy it.”“I’d like that,” I said.“Guards, escort him to his home. Check the roster for his inner circle, past and present. Kick them all out.” For once, the strict rules and lists for who was considered the alpha’s inner circle worked to my benefit. All packs had to keep records. As long as Ace has been in power, he’s kept track. The positions were valued but there were shifters who’d turned them down. Everyone knew working for Ace meant good things for your family, but it might cost you everything.A pair of my guards escorted Ace away. Several members of his inner circle followed him. Wolf Creek deserved a chance at peace.To my surprise, Viki, Ace’s wife approached me. She had yellow and purple bruises on her face, nearl
“Ace Grant, I strip you of your title and your role as alpha of Wolf Creek,” I said.“No, you can’t do that. You can’t. I earned this.” He stood, his hands balled into fists.For a moment, I thought he might charge me. My guards moved closer and Alec stood in front of me.Ace took a step back and Alec’s tension eased. He stepped aside, but stayed right next to me.“You stole the title,” I said. “You didn’t work for it. You didn’t earn it. You didn’t prove anything to gain it.”“He doesn’t even have a mark,” someone shouted from behind. The gathered shifters cheered in response.“Send him to the caves!” Another voice called. The cheers grew even wilder.I smirked, knowing I had been correct. I was never alone here, we were all prisoners.“Please no, have mercy,” Ace said. “I already lost my son. Isn’t that enough?”“You don’t want to be trapped in the caves?” I had no intention of sending him there, but I had to admit I was enjoying hearing him beg.“I didn’t betray anyone. It’s not a
Wolf Creek was ready to greet the royal family when we arrived. The entire pack turned out, everyone gathered in front of the barn as requested.I could see them waiting as we approached, careful to keep myself hidden from view behind the guards and accompanying council. I didn’t tell them why I wanted to return here, and I was certain they were expecting some kind of happy reunion.Alec was already seething with rage, the emotion far more intense than it should be. My wolf clawed at my chest, wanting to get out to comfort her mate. That’s when I realized I wasn’t just sensing Alec’s emotions, I was feeling his inner wolf. And he was pissed.My wolf was distracted by her mate. Her feelings toward Wolf Creek secondary to his discomfort. It was interesting that Alec’s hate toward Wolf Creek was two-fold. I could feel his personal vendetta against my old pack mixed with a need to protect and defend his mate. In a strange way, it was kind of sweet.“Let me take lead on this,” I said to hi
The four of us stepped through the double doors and the members of the council rose when they saw us. They had been seated at a long wood table, with a dozen chairs. At one end of the table there was a chair twice the size of the others. A crackling fire glowed in a wood fireplace behind it. The floor was dark wood and a red and gold rug sat under the long table. The chandeliers above the table were made of antlers, a very different aesthetic from the crystal I’d seen in the other parts of the home.“Thank you for waiting,” I said, trying to sound more calm and commanding than I felt in the moment.“Of course, your highness,” one of the men said.I walked to the larger chair and sat down. The gathered males took their seats. One side of the table was my family, on the other, the four males who made up my predecessor’s council. It was an odd arrangement, but if Spencer thought it was worth hearing what they had to say, I’d give it a chance.“We are honored that you’re willing to meet w
Breakfast with my friends felt familiar and safe. Sheila, Malcom, and Kyle 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 Malcom’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 holdin
I stretched out my hand and he took it. The two of us silently followed Spencer. I didn’t need to look behind me to know that my guards were following me. It was one of those things I was going to have to get used to, I supposed.“Have you seen her this morning?” I asked.“Not yet,” Spencer said.“You think Star can help her?” I asked Alec.“If anyone has a chance, it’s her,” Alec said. “She figured out an antidote to that toxin. And you’ve seen what else she can do.”That was part of my concern. What if Star hadn’t been able to help my mom? If she couldn’t, I wasn’t sure anyone else could.As we continued down hallways lined with doors, and up a few flights of stairs, I considered what I would even say to her. Everything in my mind about my mom was so full of conflict. I wanted to help her, but she was also such a source of pain for me. She might not have been in control, but why did she have to do that to herself in the first place? Why did she flee to Wolf Creek of all places? Why
I woke to the sound of knocking. My eyelids fluttered open as a warm pair of arms pulled me tighter. A smile spread on my lips as the events of last night came flooding into my mind.Of course, the good memories of three rounds of fucking fantastic sex with Alec were followed by the memory of the challenge. I sat up, nearly elbowing Alec in the process.“What’s wrong?” His voice was groggy.“I beat the shifter king last night,” I said.He chuckled. “Yeah, you’re the queen. We already knew that.”“Right, but that means there are people expecting things from me.” I had ideas. Big ideas. Things I wanted to change, but I wasn’t sure what the protocols were or what hoops I’d need to jump through. Spencer had said he’d help.I glanced at the clock on the bedside table. It was ten in the morning.Holy shit.They must have ended the party without me and nobody bothered us all night.I guess there were perks to being the shifter queen.The knock sounded again and I scrambled off the bed, grabbin