Sorry for skipping a day! I was stuck in a 24 hour electricity outage (those who've read my older books, know I'm prone to those!) So I'll be uploading two chapters today as a way of saying sorry <3
RuinThe moment we burst through the doors of the pack house, a bitter sense of dread wraps around me like a shroud. The silence is wrong, the air too still. My heart hammers against my ribs, a frantic drumbeat signaling bad news.“Chloe Jane!” I call out, my voice echoing through the empty halls, met only by silence. My worst fears start to take shape, each unchecked room amplifying the panic clawing at my insides.The guards, our warriors, lie as scattered, motionless figures that paint a grim picture of what occurred here. Each lifeless form serves as evidence of an unseen struggle, conveying the message that we were too slow. That we’re too late.“Where the fuck is Caleb?” I hear Ryker growling as we check every room, but something propels me toward the wine cellar. My feet move of their own accord, leading me towards it with a single-minded focus.When I crash through the door, the sight that greets me sends my blood boiling. Caleb. He’s there, slumped against the wall with a st
Chloe JaneI sit up in bed with a smile on my face, excitement coursing through my veins. I did it! An idea popped into my head about visiting Deacon in his dreams, and it just worked! I have no idea how I did it, but just focusing on getting to Deacon helped!“Thank you, Halo,” I whisper into the dimness, acknowledging the pivotal role my familiar has played in all this. “For everything. For guiding me, for giving me the tips on how to reach out to him.”/“It was all you, Chloe Jane. You’re stronger than you realize,”/ Halo responds, her voice a comforting presence in my mind.Encouraged by my success, a new plan begins to take shape. If I could reach Deacon in his dreams, maybe there’s more I can do with Halo’s help. I focus, calling on Halo’s sight once again, and turn my attention to Leianna, curious to see if I can establish a similar connection.To my astonishment, I find Leianna awake, sitting up, her hands moving through the air as if she’s handling something delicate, somethi
Ruin I wake up with a start, my body slick from sweat as I try to grasp what Chloe Jane just told me. A smile splits across my face as I realize that she’s literally just given me more than what we have before. She’s given me a fucking location. /“Ryker, are you up?”/ I ask over the mind link as I throw on a pair of black jeans and a t-shirt. /“Chloe Jane contacted me again. She has a location.”/ /“I’m in the office,”/ he answers, and I don’t even find it weird that he’s still up. According to Blight, he’s only been like this since we returned here. I have a feeling it’s about his supposed mate, but I won’t ask him. I make my way out of the bedroom to his office and see him pouring two glasses of bourbon. He doesn’t look up as she hands me a glass, either. “So, tell me,” he says. I take a sip of the bourbon, savoring the burn as it goes down before I start. “She’s not being held in a cellar, she’s in some sort of attic; so a building with multiple floors. There’s also an open fie
Chloe JaneI can barely keep track of the days, but according to the scant meals we’ve received, it’s been two. Two days since I spun Ivan a tale about changing his fate, and two days since I last reached out to Deacon, hoping against hope that he’d find us. Sometimes Leianna visits me in my dreamscape, but I can see her hope starting to fade. But something tells me she’s used to the bleakness of life, I can see it with the way her eyes have dimmed. She doesn’t think we’re getting out of here.I want to ask her about her life back home, but I doubt she’d tell me. She grew up in a cult and was worshiped like some Goddess. I can’t possibly imagine what she’s been through, so I won’t pry.My sight has been returning more and for longer periods than before, but that immediately changes when Ivan suddenly bursts into the attic, his presence like a dark cloud billowing through the cramped space. My normal vision fades and Halo’s negative one takes its place.Without a word, he grabs me, h
RuinThe moment Chloe Jane’s knees buckle, everything else fades into irrelevance. I surge forward, my only thought is to catch her before she hits the ground. As my arms wrap around her, a feeling of rightness settles over me, despite the chaos. She’s light in my embrace, too light, and it makes me want to rip that fucker’s heart out again.“I got you, dove,” I whisper, lifting her with ease. The warmth of her against me, something I’ve been aching for since the moment we were torn apart, floods me with relief.Finding this damned place took everything we had. Every lead felt like a dead end, every clue a frustrating riddle. But the moment I caught her peach scent, I knew we were close. With Chloe Jane secure in my arms, I reach out over the mind link to Ryker. /“Ivan is dead. Chloe Jane is safe,”/ I send, the words stark in their simplicity. There’s a beat of silence before Ryker responds, a rush of relief palpable even through the mind link./“Good work. I’ll handle the other fat
Chloe JaneWaking up to the morning light filtering through the curtains is still a novelty I can’t quite get used to. For so long, my world was cloaked in perpetual darkness, and now, each morning is a miracle, a gift that I’m afraid to believe is truly mine. The sight lasts for hours now, painting my world in vibrant colors and shapes, but a part of me remains cautious, reluctant to think it’s back for good.As I sit up in bed, stretching my arms above my head, I turn to find Deacon watching me, a soft smile on his face. “Morning,” I say, still marveling at the fact that I can see his expression, the warmth in his eyes.“Morning, dove,” he replies, his voice laced with a tenderness that makes my heart swell. “How’s the view today?”“Still here,” I answer with a cautious optimism, swinging my legs over the side of the bed to stand up. “I’m scared to get used to it, to be honest. What if it doesn’t last?”Deacon stands, coming over to wrap his arms around me from behind, resting his
Leianna I’m sitting in the living room, a book resting unused in my lap. I've been here for a few days and despite the warmth and safety of the pack house, a cold thread of isolation weaves through me. Being deaf in a world so reliant on sound is like living in a bubble, one that’s hard and transparent but isolates you just the same. I’ve learned to read lips, to observe body language and facial expressions, to grasp at the fringes of conversations and emotions swirling around me. But today, the bubble feels more like a cage. The thought of my father and the cult searching for me sends shivers down my spine. They don’t just want me back; they want to put me on display, a deity in their twisted worship, stripped of my autonomy and voice. The endless days spent under their watchful eyes, my every move dictated by their whims, my very existence, a tool for their manipulation. I would rather face any fate than to be dragged back to that life. The idea of returning to a world where
RuinI walk down the hallway with a purpose, my boots thudding against the polished wood floors of the pack house. Thoughts race through my head, a tangled mess of anger and concern, all circling around one man: Edward, Chloe Jane’s father. Since the fallout with Mason — or Ivan, as we now know him — Edward’s been off the radar, a ghost without a trace. He wasn’t even at his own mansion. Either he’s dead or he’s fled.Reaching Ryker’s office, I don’t bother knocking. The door swings open to reveal him hunched over a mess of papers and screens, looking every bit the war commander in his own right.“Ryker,” I start without preamble, “I’m sure you’ve heard by now that Edward’s gone. Vanished into thin air. No scent, no sight, nothing.”Ryker’s eyes flick up to meet mine, sharp and calculating. “I’ve been thinking about that slippery fuck since we infiltrated Ivan’s so-called base at his estate.”I nod, frustration boiling under my skin. “It’s like he knew we’d come for him and left no s
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