[Mason's POV]Rage rips through, spurring me to increase my strength as I fight to get through the barrier that is separating me from Danica. "LET HER GO!" I roared, managing to finally burst through."Gladly." Danica’s brother responds, opening his hand and allowing Danica to crumple to the floor. "But you’re too late." He continues while cackling madly.Though everything in me screams to attack him, my only concern is the woman laying on the ground at his feet."See you later, brother-in-law." Danica’s brother called before turning and diving through a window, followed by his men who hadn’t been killed."Don’t let them leave!" Dax called as the enemy disappeared from sight.The room around me exploded with motion, but I couldn’t focus on it. "Danica..." I murmured, kneeling down and pulling her into my arms. "Hey!"The injury on her stomach was already beginning to heal, but where it sat was turning a dark purple and looked almost festered. What the hell was this?"What’s wrong?"
[Mason's POV] I stared blankly ahead as Killian examined the marks that were now scattered about Danica's body. I just couldn’t seem to wrap my head around the grim reality right in front of me. How could this be possible and why couldn't I have protected her? She would still be here if I hadn't agreed to her assisting in the fight. "Could you help me?" Killian asked, drawing my attention from Danica. "Do what?" I ask numbly. "We need to take a count of the injured and fallen." Killian responded, placing a hand on my shoulder. "I…" I stopped as a knot began to build up in my throat. "I can’t..." A sob escapes me as reality finally hits. Danica is gone. My mate is gone. What am I supposed to do from here on out? "I’ll leave you to be alone." Killian murmured, clearly realizing that I needed some time. "I’ll go check on the kids and break the news." "Not yet!" I gasped, fixing my wild gaze on him. "Just... wait." When Bryllie was told, I wanted to be there. I couldn’t possibly
[Mason’s POV] The next day came much too quickly, and it was time to prepare to travel back in time. So far, I hadn’t told Bryllie about Danica’s passing, simply because I didn’t want to upset her if things could be changed. But as the time to leave her came closer, I found myself wondering if that was the best of ideas. Letting out a sigh, I began to make my way towards the room that Bryllie currently shared with Xavier. I wanted to see them, especially since I wasn’t sure what the future would hold once I completed the task that I set out to do. Many questions raced through my mind as I walked down the empty hall. Would I still be the father of these beautiful children once this was done? Would things be like they were before the harpies attacked? There were too many what-if’s and even though I knew I shouldn’t dwell, I couldn’t stop myself from doing just that. When I arrived at Bryllie and Xavier’s room, I found both of them still fast asleep. Although I was awake, the sun wa
[Mason's POV]I stood and stared into the glowing portal that Talon and the others had created. Despite telling myself everything would be okay, I couldn't stop the sense of dread that overcame me."You're wasting time." Talon snapped, stepping beside me. "I've already told you that your time is limited.""I got it." I sighed, bracing myself. Taking a deep breath, I dove forward into the portal. Immediately, bright balls of light began to swirl around me, growing closer and closer until they were encasing my body. It felt like my very flesh was being burned where they touched.Biting back the curses that wanted to escape, I endured until finally, the lights released me.When they cleared, I found myself standing on the all-too familiar training pitch of my packgrounds. It was scattered with bodies and feathers. It didn't take long for me to realize just when this was and spurring me into action.Up ahead, I could just make out Danica's light exploding from her wolf. Next to come wou
[Mason's POV]"Brother," Danica repeated, furrowing her brow. "Did you just say I have a brother?""That's right. He was the one that sent all the rogues after you. ""So that is who they meant." She murmured, a frown playing across her face."Who?" My younger self asked in confusion."That brother-sister duo that found me at Martha's." Danica explained. "They said their boss didn't want me dead."At her words, a wave of anger rolled through me. Why hadn't I bothered to ask more questions?"What's wrong?" Danica's worried voice asked, drawing me from my thoughts. "You look like you want to kill someone.""That's an understatement." I chuckled. "Anyway, did they happen to say where their boss was?"Frowning, Danica shook her head."Nothing." She admitted."Then we are back at square one with him." I muttered."Are you saying we will have to hunt down her brother and the harpies?""I know where the harpies went." I responded with a smirk. "They're on the Arcadian islands.""How do you k
[Mason’s POV]I gave Danica and my younger self one more look before turning and making my way out into the night. The sooner I found a way to locate the enemy, the better. Though I felt a stinging discomfort by having to leave Danica’s younger self, I have to do what needs to be done.Outside, the world around me was alive with members of the pack cleaning up the aftermath of the harpies' attack. I found that none of them paid me any mind as I moved, and I find myself wondering if that is a good thing or not.Deciding to not think too hard about it for now, I continue to move, exiting the packgrounds and making my way onto the road beyond. From what I remembered, the house Danica shared with Martha in the past wasn’t too far from my packgrounds, and I didn’t need a vehicle to get there. Hell, even if I did, I wouldn’t be able to use one since I didn’t have the keys to my old jeep anyway.As I made my way down the street, I took in the dark houses that I passed. A feeling of loss rus
[Danica’s POV]My heart raced as I waited for Amy and Heather to process what I had just told them. Would they believe me or would they think that I was insane? Hell, I felt like I was going insane when Mason first introduced me to this world too.As Mason popped into my head, I took a quick peek at the older version of him as he stood guard by the door. I had to admit, even though I thought my Mason was sexy as hell, his older self was just much more... mature.Seeming to realize I was watching him, Mason shot me an amused smirk, causing a fierce blush to begin to spread across my cheeks. Shit, could he hear my thoughts right now? Or worse, could my Mason hear them?"Let me get this straight." Amy said, saving me from falling into a deep hole of embarrassment. "You want us to believe that werewolves exist and that you actually are one." As she spoke, I didn’t miss the hint of disbelief behind her words. "I’m sorry, but you could have come up with a better excuse for your disappearanc
[Mason’s POV]When we arrived back at the pack grounds, my younger self was outside pacing. An aura of fear and worry radiating from him disappeared entirely the minute his eyes found Danica."About time!" He called, rushing forward. "I was about to send a search party out for all of you.""We ran into a…problem." I responded as Danica tensed."Problem?"Nodding, I waited as my younger self’s eyes came to find the woman that was hanging limply over my shoulder."Isn’t that Amy?" He gasped, rushing forward to get a better look. "What happened to her? What did you do?""Mason," Danica said quietly, stepping between him and me. "She attacked me."At her words, my younger self’s face fell and his eyes flashed a dangerous shade of gold. Good, at least we were on the same page with this."Repeat that." He said slowly, clearly trying to remain calm."Later." Danica sighed. "First, we should go inside. I think Heather isn’t feeling well."Letting out a string of profanities, my younger self n
[Bryllie’s POV]"I don’t want to hear that." I whispered, trying to contain the emotions that were rolling through me. "From you or from Armond.""Armond?" Desmond repeated, frowning. "Are you saying…""That’s right." I snapped, not caring if I drew attention to us anymore. "He said the same exact thing. It seems that I’m magically mated to both of you! I don't know if this is some kind of game between the two of you, but it isn't funny, and I'm not interested in being your target."Unable to control my emotions any longer, I stormed forward, shoving my way past Desmond and towards where my parents stood chatting with Grandpa and Uncle Killian, who must have just arrived."There she is!" Mom announced, motioning for me to come forward. "Come greet your uncle Killian."Nodding, I began to move but stopped as a hand wrapped around my wrist.Whirling around, I took in Desmond’s desperate expression."What?" I demanded, pulling myself free. "I don’t want to hear anything else you may have
[Bryllie’s POV]"Warned." I repeated, clenching and unclenching my fists. "Did you just say you warned me?"Nodding, Desmond let a smile spread across his ill-at-ease face, and I had to admit, that pissed me off even more."That’s correct." He responded easily.Nodding, I moved, slamming my fist into his cheek."You piece of shit!"Pulling back, I prepared for another attack as Desmond gave me a look of both shock and appreciation. Yuck. Did he actually enjoy getting hit or something?"I guess I deserved that." He chuckled, rubbing the spot I punched. "But it doesn’t change anything I said."Letting out a growl of warning, I reached for the door and pulled."Then you should just stay away from me." I sighed, yanking my bag from him and hefting it over my shoulder. "Consider our years of friendship the only reason I didn’t beat you black and blue."Giving Desmond one more look, I stormed out, this time not bothering to look back at all.I tried to avoid Desmond for the next few months,
[Bryllie’s POV]"Now boarding Flight 166."Frowning, I looked to where Armond sat sipping on his coffee."That’s your flight." I murmured, feeling my heart tug. "Shouldn’t you be getting up?"Nodding, he slowly got to his feet and then slung his bag over his shoulder."I guess this is see ya later." He announced, a sad smile on his face."Yeah," I agreed.Moving forward, I allowed myself to be wrapped in Armond’s strong arms and pressed against his chest. Letting out a sigh, I took in his warmth and smell while he plastered a kiss on the top of my hair."Don’t you dare forget me." He warned, pulling away. "And don’t you dare find someone new.""Don’t joke." I huffed, beginning to bristle. "Do I seem like that type of woman?""You never know."Letting out an indignant growl, I untangled myself and punched his shoulder while trying to stop the tears that were beginning to prick at my eyes.This was it. This was goodbye for at least two years.From what I knew about basic training for my
[Bryllie’s POV]I remained silent as my mind felt like it was shutting down due to my inability to process what just happened.Did Armond really just do what I thought he did, or did I imagine the whole thing?"You’re going to swallow a bug if your mouth continues to hang open like that." Armond sighed, brushing his fingertips from my cheek to my jaw before gently pushing my chin up. "And honestly, I’m feeling offended by your reaction to my kiss."Snapping back to my senses, I scurried backward before quickly looking around to see if anyone else had noticed. When I found that we weren’t being watched, I turned my gaze back to Armond."Why did you do that?" I rasped, trying to keep my voice low. "What if someone saw?""Let them see." Armond shrugged, "And if they didn’t see the first time I could always do it again."Gasping, I held up my hand and pressed it against Armond’s mouth as he attempted to kiss me a second time. What was this guy actually thinking? He had to be out of his mi
Three Years Later[Bryllie’s POV]I stood in front of the large full body mirror of my room staring at the woman in front of me. After hours of being dolled up, I barely recognized myself.Today was my sixteenth birthday, and my parents insisted on making it a grand event despite my insisting that it wasn’t necessary.However, in the end here we were. I looked like a damn debutante making her grand debut into high society while all my guests waited for me to appear.Letting out a huff, I took one last look at my reflection, taking in the light blue prom dress my mother insisted that I wear and my blonde hair that fell in ringlets down my chest and back.Turning, I made my way across the room just in time to sense my mother and auntie Bella just outside."Bryllie?" Mom called, slowly opening the door that separated us. "Are you…"No other words escaped my mother’s lips as she took me in with wide eyes that were quickly beginning to tear up."You look beautiful." She managed as Auntie B
[Mason’s POV]For the next few days, I spent my time going through physical therapy and then visiting Danica in the medical wing. Although she had healed up nicely, she had to stay for observation to make sure that there wasn’t any permanent damage.At first she fought tooth and nail to not have to do it, but in the end she caved and listened. Not without making sure everyone knew just how annoyed she was about it, of course.When I wasn’t training or with Danica, I was with Chris and Killian going over the list of prisoners from the battle between us and the harpies.Out of the many that attacked, only a few remained thanks to the valiant efforts of my pack, the hunters, and Black Forest. I had to admit that, despite my distrust of each group in the beginning, I now knew that if there ever came a time when we were in trouble again, they would be there for us. Likewise, we would be there for them too.After three days, our dead had been buried, and the remaining elders had managed to
[Mason’s POV]The last remnants of fighting drifted towards me, rousing me from the darkness that I am currently trapped in. ‘You need to get up.’ Grendal urged, attempting to help me wake. ‘Our mate needs us.’"Dan…" I manage as my eyelids slowly begin to lift. "What?"Prying my eyes open, I look around at the grounds, but I couldn’t see Danica or Bryllie anywhere in sight.‘Get up.’ Grendal growled. ‘In the packhouse.’Nodding, I began to sit up despite my body feeling like it weighed a ton. Once on my feet, I began to move."Just wait for me." I murmured, reaching the packhouse entrance.Bracing myself, I shoved open the door and gasped as the overpowering smell of blood reached my nose. "Alpha!" Bella yelped, drawing my attention to where she sat on the ground with Danica cradled in her arms.Immediately, my blood turned cold in my veins.The scene was too familiar, too similar. The only difference this time was that there were no signs of poisoning."No," I rasped, dropping dow
[Danica’s POV]I continued to exert strength as the harpie beneath me attempted to break free. By this point, over seventy percent of her body was burned by Bryllie’s white light, and her neck was dangerously close to snapping. Just a bit more and…Gasping, I jerked as pain shot through my abdomen."If I’m dying." Marie growled, a broad smile spreading across her face. "You’re going to die along with me."Confusion whirled as the pain I was feeling intensified and the smell of blood began to attack my senses.Slowly, I let my eyes trail down towards where the pain was coming from and found the hilt of a dagger sticking out of me."You…"Letting out a triumphant cackle, Marie twisted the blade in me and then pulled it free while I clutched at my now open wound in an attempt to staunch the bleeding."MOM!" Bryllie gasped, reminding me that she was still here."Run!" I yelled, attempting to hold Marie in place. "NOW!""No, I won’t leave you!" Bryllie argued, letting her inner light radia
[Mason’s POV]I stared up into Rebecca’s blazing eyes as a wicked smile spread across her face. "Do you know how long I’ve waited for this moment?"Did I? No, I didn't, and I truly didn’t give a damn."Sorry to disappoint." I huffed, "But you won’t be succeeding in whatever fucked-up plan you have in mind."At my words, a bark of laughter escaped Rebecca’s lips as she took in my current condition."Are you planning on stopping me?" She asked, pressing her foot against my chest. "How do you intend to do anything the way you are right now?"To prove her point, she began to press down harder until I could feel my bones beginning to give under her weight.Hissing, I reached up and dug my claws into her ankle, causing a yelp of shock to escape. Taking advantage of her distraction, I quickly scuttled from under her and scrambled to my feet. If I wanted to stand a chance, I needed to not be on the ground."You!" Rebecca growled, slashing a wing at me.Gasping, I braced myself as I flew back