Chloe JaneAs I pace the bedroom floor, the wooden floor creaks under my hesitant steps, each one a stark reminder of my racing thoughts. It’s almost the full moon, the time I’ve always dreaded, and now, it’s entangled with a sense of impending doom. The room feels smaller, the walls closing in on me with every labored breath.I can barely focus on anything else, all I’m thinking about is how my wolf will react to the only male close to me. I shudder as I think about it… but not out of fear. I don’t even remember meeting my wolf, if I ever did.Knowing I’m about to experience the full moon without the help of medication, has my heart beating erratically. It’s like standing at the edge of a cliff, knowing I’m about to fall but not knowing what awaits at the bottom. I’ve never experienced my heat before, either, and the idea of going through it with Ruin, the man who’s been my rock, my protector, sends shivers down my spine.Ruin... He’s been more than just a bodyguard to me. There’s a
RuinThe desert sand feels surprisingly cool against my paws as I push my body to its limit. I know I have to head back soon and face Chloe Jane—the soft timbre of her voice, the subtle sweet scent of her skin, the way my name sounds like a prayer on her lips. It’s a torture of the sweetest kind.A part of me already wants to rush back, but the part that knows how painful it will be to reject her…wants to stay away from her. I’ve seen she-wolves during their heat; desperate to reproduce, they’ll do anything to find a mate for the night.It’s even more potent when that ‘mate’ for the night turns out to be your actual fated mate. The lunar pull is a siren’s call, urging me to claim my mate, to bind her to me in the most ancient and irreversible of ways.But I can’t. I won’t.Because if I succumb to my rut, I’ll fucking ruin her.The very thought is a jagged edge, cutting deep. To surrender to my rut, to let the beast within take control, would mean to unleash chaos on the one pure thing
Chloe JaneI wake up the following morning feeling unusually clear-headed, a stark contrast to the haze of pain and discomfort that had clouded my senses for the past few days. Sitting up in bed, I can’t help but smile, feeling a sense of relief wash over me. I swing my legs over the side of the bed and stand up, reaching out to find my things. My mind is blissfully blank, I gather my clothes and make my way to the shower, eager to wash away the remnants of the discomfort that had plagued me.After a refreshing shower, I feel rejuvenated, ready to face the day with a new energy. I wrap myself in a towel, go to the bedroom to get dressed, and start the day.But the moment I step in, Ruin’s distinct scent hits me - smoky, worn leather mixed with the sharp tang of whiskey. It’s a scent that’s become familiar, yet in this moment, it triggers a flood of memories from the night before.They flood back in a torrential rush: the pain, the desperation, my pleading voice, and Ruin... how he ‘h
RuinHow could I be so fucking stupid?I didn’t need to be so cold to her, especially not after what happened last night. It wasn’t her fault, it was her body’s natural reaction to a full moon and now I’ve probably made her feel like utter shite.I’ve been sitting in the car outside the cabin for the last hour, mulling my reaction over in my head. She didn’t deserve it; I was pissed off at myself for giving in to her, pissed off for losing control.“Fuck,” I groan, pinching the bridge of my nose and letting out a sigh. I have to make it right with her; what I did was unfair. So, after grabbing her medication, I slip out of the car and walk into the cabin.Without even looking, I know I’ll find her under the oak tree. It seems to be her sanctuary, and honestly after my reaction, I don’t blame her for wanting to escape. And now I’ll be interrupting her moment.She stiffens up as soon as she hears my boots and it’s like a knife twisting in my gut. Fucking hell, I deserve that and more. I
Chloe JaneLying there on my side, the tears just keep coming. It’s like a dam has burst inside me, letting all the pain and confusion flow out. Why did Ruin walk away? What’s the real reason he’s pushing me away? I know he’s complicated, that his life is a web of danger and shadows, but there’s something more, something he’s not telling me. He thinks of me as nothing but a naïve little girl who doesn't understand the world. It's so frustrating!As I lay there, lost in my thoughts, a small voice suddenly pierces the silence. It’s soft, almost melodic, and it seems to come from everywhere, echoing in my head. “Chloe Jane,” it whispers, sending a shiver down my spine. Why does the voice sound so familiar?Startled, I close my eyes, trying to make sense of this new intrusion. That’s when I see it – what must be a fluffy white wolf, but the image is in negatives, as if I’m seeing it through a different spectrum. My heart races, both from fear and a strange sense of recognition.The wolf
RuinAs if my day couldn’t get fucking worse, Halfway into doing a grocery run for the week, I receive a call from Valentine to say hunters are crawling all over Vegas. I no longer feel safe here, so I think it’s about time for us to find a different safe house. Ryker pointed me in a different direction — Seattle, so I’ve stocked up on enough food for the trip there. Now I’m on my way to the cabin to tell Chloe Jane that we’re leaving… just after fighting with her.Fuck my life.I park the car and rush inside, calling her name. She answers me from out back, but when I walk toward her and she turns to face me, her eyes roll back in her head and her knees give out.“Chloe Jane!” I rush towards her, catching her before she hits the floor and my heart fucking drops when I see blood running out of her nose. “Oh, fuck! What the hell…”I scoop her into my arms and carry her to the bedroom. As I lay Chloe Jane on the bed, her limp form sends a surge of panic through my veins. Her heart is st
Chloe JaneI overdid it. I got too excited about being able to see that I overdid it and now Halo is quiet. Ruin said I was passed out for well over fifteen hours, which seems completely impossible! We arrived at the new safe house about an hour ago, a cabin in the woods this time. Ruin says it’s protected with magic so no one will find us here, not until we’re ready to go back. He made me clean up, then he gave me food and told me I need to rest even after being passed out for so long.There’s one bedroom again, and the one problem with that is the bathroom is inside the main room. So when he showers and I’m in here, I’ll know. The thought sends a shiver up my spine… given that he’s in there now and in bed.The sound of the shower running in the adjoining bathroom fills the room. The thought of him so close, separated only by the thin walls of the cabin, sends an unexpected thrill through me. My heart flutters at the thought; Ruin’s right in there, naked… and I can’t see a thing.I
Chloe JaneThe next morning, as I slip into a dress I found among the new clothes Ruin had bought, I feel a sense of normalcy in the chaos of our lives. The fabric feels soft against my skin, and I can’t help but wonder what color it is, what it looks like in the light.I make my way to the kitchen, guided by my mobility cane and the familiar sounds and scents of breakfast being prepared. Ruin’s presence fills the space, the sound of him moving about, the clink of utensils, the sizzle of something cooking.“Good morning,” I say, a smile in my voice as I find a spot at the table.“Morning, Chloe Jane,” Ruin replies, his voice carrying over the sounds of cooking. “I hope you slept well.”I nod, even though he can’t see it. “I did, thank you. It’s quiet here, peaceful.”Ruin chuckles softly. “Yeah, it is. But it gets pretty nippy at night. I’m planning to get some firewood ready for us later. Keep the place warm.”The mention of firewood sparks an idea in my mind. “That sounds nice. Can
Phoebe The forest always feels like a different world, a place where I can shed the weight of expectations and just be Phoebe. Not Phoebe, the daughter of Horseman Conquest and A Fate, not the leader-in-waiting of the next generation, just... me. Here, I can escape the destiny that’s been mine since before I was born. It’s a heavy crown, one that requires me to be more than I sometimes feel capable of being. My parents, Goddess bless them, they try to understand, but there’s a part of this journey I have to navigate alone. My brothers, too, they’re caught up in their own destinies, each of us a cog in a machine set in motion before we were even born. Today, the forest feels alive, almost buzzing with a silent energy that speaks directly to my soul. I wander, letting my feet guide me, drawn deeper into the heart of this secluded place. There’s a part of me that dreads returning home, to plaster a smile on my face and pretend all is well. It’s exhausting, playing that role when in
Deacon The room’s dimmed to just a whisper of light, casting soft shadows across Chloe Jane and our daughter, both of them sleeping soundly. It’s quiet now. The earlier flurry of visitors with their well-wishes and blessings has ebbed away, leaving just the three of us in a peaceful bubble. I’m sitting in a chair pulled up close to the bed, elbows on my knees, chin on my hands, just watching them. Chloe Jane’s got this peaceful look on her face, the kind of serenity you don’t often find in the waking world. And our daughter, nestled in her little bassinet next to her, is just as tranquil. It’s a picture I wish I could frame, keep safe forever. I lean back; the chair creaking softly under my weight, and let out a breath I didn’t realize I’d been holding. It’s moments like these, rare and fleeting, that make you ponder the grand scheme of things. The Creators had a plan for me, a path laid out since the dawn of my existence. Being a Horseman comes with its burdens, its expectatio
Chloe JaneThe world snaps into sharp focus with a jolt, my body tensing as a sharp pain slices through my belly, ripping me from the depths of sleep. My breath catches, a soft whimper escaping as I instinctively reach for my stomach, the realization crashing over me like a wave.Deacon is by my side in an instant, his eyes wide with concern and sleep-fuzzed confusion. “Chloe Jane? What is it? What’s wrong?”“It’s … I think it’s time,” I manage to gasp out, another wave of pain crashing over me.“Bloody hell,” he mutters, more to himself than to me, as he switches on the lamp. The soft light fills the room, casting shadows that dance across the walls, doing little to ease the growing tension.He helps me sit up, his movements gentle but quick, his concern palpable. “Let’s get you comfortable, yeah?” he says, helping me into a robe. His voice is steady, but I can hear the undercurrent of worry, the faintest tremor that betrays his nerves.I nod, leaning heavily on him as another contra
Chloe JaneSitting across from Ryker in his office, the seriousness of the moment weighs heavily on me. The room feels too large, his desk a barrier of polished wood, but I’m here with a purpose that fuels my resolve. The shadows cast by the low light seem to dance around him, making him appear both as the formidable Alpha he is and the mentor I need him to be at this moment.“Ryker, I’ve been thinking a lot about what my next steps should be,” I start, my voice steady despite the fluttering in my stomach. “With my father...with what happened, there’s a void in leadership, and I believe I should step in. To lead in his place, as Sovereign.”Ryker leans back in his chair, his expression unreadable. The silence stretches between us, thick and heavy, until he finally nods, his demeanor serious. “It’s a bold move, Chloe Jane. You have the vision and the heart for it, but it’s not going to be easy. Especially not in the current climate.”I nod, expecting no less. “I know it won’t be. But
RuinI never expected to feel the absolute completion that came with seeing Chloe Jane walking down the aisle toward me. I thought I was made of stronger stuff, but apparently not when it comes to the love of my life.As it should be.The moment she steps into my arms for our first dance, it’s like the world shifts under my feet. I’ve faced down monsters, fought battles that would turn a weaker man’s blood to ice, but nothing, absolutely nothing, compares to the weight of her gaze on me, filled with love and trust.I pull her closer, our bodies moving together in rhythm with the music, a soft melody that somehow seems to echo the beat of our hearts. “You’re bloody stunning, love,” I whisper, my voice rough with emotion. “Never thought I’d be the type to get all twisted up inside over a dance.”Chloe Jane laughs, that sound that’s come to mean everything to me. “And yet, here you are,” she says, her hands resting on my shoulders, her eyes sparkling. “Dancing with your wife in front of
Chloe JaneThe air feels charged today, thick with anticipation and the kind of nervous energy that makes my skin prickle. I’m standing in the bridal room, my reflection staring back at me, barely recognizable. My belly is massive now, a constant reminder of the life Deacon and I have created together. It’s hard to believe that in just a few moments, I’ll be walking down the aisle, making everything official in the eyes of our pack and the powerful Alphas gathered here today.Leianna is with me, her presence a calming force amidst the chaos of my thoughts. She’s been my rock through all of this. I couldn’t ask for a better friend or a better person to be here with me today. As I pace back and forth, trying to quell the nausea that’s been my constant companion this evening. I halt my pacing and look at her, desperation clear in my gaze. [“I don’t know if I can do this,”] I sign, my hands shaky. [“Chloe Jane, everything will be perfect,”] she signs, her hands moving with grace. [“Yo
RuinI’m sitting across from Ryker, my hands clenched into fists on my knees. The silence in the office is thick, almost tangible, as I muster the courage to voice what’s been haunting me for years. Ryker’s gaze is steady, patient, waiting for me to speak.“I want to tell Chloe Jane about my past,” I finally say, the words tasting like ash in my mouth.Ryker’s eyebrows shoot up, surprise etching his features for a moment before he leans back in his chair, nodding slowly. “That’s a big step, Ruin. But it’s a good one. Purging yourself of that past... Chloe Jane will understand. She loves you.”I nod, not entirely convinced but appreciating his support. “Yeah, I just... I don’t want there to be secrets between us. Not about something this big; something that shaped me this round of my reincarnation.”“Good man,” Ryker says, his voice warm with approval. “You’re doing the right thing.”Ryker was the one who found me starving and out of my mind on the streets. He’s the one who took me in
Chloe JaneI’m seated in the cozy living room of our cottage, surrounded by wedding planners and notebooks. The idea of planning a wedding in the middle of the War of The Five feels surreal, yet here I am, trying to pick out floral arrangements and seating charts. Ryker had gently insisted that we invite the Alphas of our allied packs, a strategic move given the circumstances of the war. I understand the necessity, though it’s far from the small ceremony I originally wanted. But these are strange times now. We need to show our allies that we appreciate them, even if it’s only a wedding.A knock on the door pulls me from my thoughts. I’m expecting Leianna, and a smile spreads across my face at the thought of spending the afternoon with her. I hurry over and open the door to find her standing there, a tentative smile on her face.[“Hey, come in,”] I sign, stepping aside to let her through. She nods, her smile growing as she steps into the warmth of the cottage.After a light lunch, wh
Ruin “Spent years blind, only for my fiance to blind me again,” I can’t help but chuckle at Chloe Jane’s words as I lead her into the forest behind the pack house. She’s been complaining about the blindfold for the last few minutes, but I want her to have the full effect of the gift I’ve been working on since she’s been gone. “Oh, aren't we overdramatic. Do Fates have zero patience or something? Hold your horses, we’re almost there, dove,” I say as we walk, only for her to pout more. She’s only been back for a day and she’s already more bossy than before, bloody hell. As we step into the clearing, I can’t help but feel nervous at what her reaction might be. Will she like it? Will she say it’s silly? I suppose I’ll find out in a few seconds. I come up behind her and wrap my arms around her waist. “I’ve been working on this for a while now,” I murmur into her ear. “Welcome home, love.” Then I kiss her soft cheek and remove her blind fold from her eyes. She sucks in a sharp breat