Chloe JaneAfter my enlightening time with Brigid, my training with Cerys starts. She’s a woman whose presence seems as solid and dependable as the earth itself. Her eyes, a deep green, remind me of a forest untouched by time, and her voice carries the calm assurance of the ground beneath our feet.“Chloe Jane,” she greets me, her smile warm but her gaze assessing. “Today, we start grounding you to the earth. Your power is immense, but without a strong foundation, it can overwhelm you.”I nod, understanding the importance of what she’s saying. In the short time I’ve been here, I’ve come to realize that being a Spinner is about balance as much as it is about weaving fates.“I understand. I’ve felt... unmoored, at times. Like I’m not quite in control.”“That’s what we’ll work on,” Cerys assures me. “Control, yes, but also resilience. The earth endures because it knows how to adapt, how to stand firm. You must learn to do the same.”“We’ll also work on your self-defense, in both your hum
Chloe JaneAs soon as my foot crosses the threshold back into the Sanctuary, a veil seems to fall over my eyes, plunging me back into darkness. My heart races, panic clawing at its edges. It’s been weeks since I’ve been blind, weeks since I felt this vulnerable, this helpless.The sounds around me are amplified—a slithering that seems too close, a low growling that sends shivers down my spine. I freeze, not knowing which way to turn, my recent training forgotten in the face of sudden fear.“What’s happening?” I whisper into the darkness, my voice quivering with fear.“You’ve forgotten so soon, Chloe Jane?” Diantha’s voice echoes through me. “The darkness is where fate hides its deepest secrets, where your true test begins.”I swallow hard, trying to steady my racing heart. “I... I thought I was ready,” I manage to say, the admission tasting bitter on my tongue.Diantha’s laugh is a cold whisper in the dark. “Readiness is an illusion, child. Here, in the shadows, is where you’ll confro
Chloe Jane“Deacon!” I scream, dropping to my knees beside him. I don’t hear a heartbeat, and his eyes are wide open in shock. “No, no, no!”Frantically, I try everything I’ve learned, everything I can think of to help him, but it’s no use. I think back to Deacon’s threads, trying to find his so I can change his fate, but I can’t seem to find it. Tears stream down my face as I realize I can’t save him… Deacon is gone, and with that realization, I feel a painful tug in my chest, our bond snapping.Abruptly, I wake up again, back in the pack house, as if nothing had happened. I rush out to find Deacon again, and he’s in the same spot with his back to me. But then the cycle repeats: the joyful reunion, Deacon’s sudden collapse, my futile attempts to save him. Each time, the pain of losing him feels as raw and devastating as the first. I feel the snapping of our bond, only to wake up in our bed again.My heart aches with a familiar dread, the cycle of loss and despair feeling endless, i
Ruin It’s taken me a few months, but I finally have Edward strung up in the basement. The fucker has been lying low, thinking we’ve forgotten about him. We were notified when he tried to board a plane last night; Ryker’s reach and all that.“What are you gonna do to him?” Ryker asks as he hands me a glass of bourbon. We’re in his office right now, running over a few contingency plans since the war has escalated.“Ask him a few questions and hope for his sake that he answers them truthfully,” I say with a shrug of my shoulder. “Maybe Ivan promised him more than riches and the presidency.”“You don’t seem to be in a hurry with your questioning, since the fucker has been strung up for the last twenty-four hours,” he says with a chuckle as he sips on the amber liquid.Truth is, I wasn’t. He’s captured and waiting for me to torture him, there’s no rush to kill him just yet. “I’m taking my time and letting him really marinate in his fear before I go down there again,” I say, downing the a
Ruin I step foot inside the building and the familiar figure standing at the bar turns to me and smirks. “Fucking finally,” he says, handing me a glass of amber liquid. “Kai said you’d be here later, but the sooner we kill those fuckers, the better.” I grin at Kai’s Beta, Konstantin, and I shake my head. I’d forgotten how bloodthirsty this man can be, and it seems since he met his mate and had kids, he’s gotten even more violent. You’d expect family to calm you down, but not in The Heartless Beta’s case. Ryker sent me here to help out for a few days since our pack grounds are secured, so now I’ll be playing around with wolves of the Blood Crest pack. “Agreed. These the same bastards that keep trying to infiltrate your pack grounds?” He nods. “They keep following the more vulnerable of the pack members as soon as they leave. But with the hex around our pack lands, no one else can enter unless they’re specifically invited by Kai or members of our pack,” he says, downing his alcohol.
RuinStumbling through the door of the pack house, every bone in my body screams for rest. New York with the BloodCrest Pack was a necessary distraction, one that kept my mind off things I’d rather not dwell on. But now, all I want is to collapse into my bed and sleep for an eternity.The weight of the last two weeks settles on me like a cloak made of lead as I make my way to my room, barely managing to kick off my boots. I make it to the bed, my coordination failing at the last second, sending me tipping over and crashing onto the mattress with a sigh that feels like it’s been building for months.Just as I start to drift off, a scent hits me, unmistakable and heartbreakingly familiar: peaches. It’s Chloe Jane’s scent, the one that’s been missing from my life for months now. The realization jolts through me, but before I can even think to get up, to search where it’s coming from, darkness pulls me under, and I’m out cold.The next thing I know, I’m standing in a realm that feels both
Chloe JaneStanding at the top of the stone steps, I feel a mix of nervous anticipation and a sense of completion wash over me. The Sanctuary behind me feels both like a home I’m leaving and a school where I’ve learned everything I needed to face the world again. The four previous Spinners, my mentors and guides through this journey, gather around me for a final farewell.“Chloe Jane, you’ve grown more than we could have hoped,” Aria says as she steps forward first. She places her hand over my heart, a warm glow emanating from her palm. “Remember, the strength you need is always within you. Carry this light with you, even in the darkest of times.”Next, Brigid, her fiery hair mirroring the passion she’s instilled in me, gives me a tight hug. “Let the fire in your heart burn bright, child. Let it guide you and protect you. Passion is a powerful weapon; wield it wisely,” she says, her eyes sparkling with an inner fire. “May your heart always burn bright, illuminating the darkest of pa
RuinWe’re laying in the private room of the cabin and I watch Chloe Jane sleep, her chest rising and falling softly with each breath she takes. It’s been months since I’ve had the luxury of just watching her, of being this close. The private jet hums quietly in the background, a dull noise compared to the storm of emotions swirling inside me. My heart is full, so bloody full it feels like it could burst right out of my chest.I still can’t quite believe she’s actually here, with me, after all this time. The ache of being apart from her was a constant companion, one I thought I’d never shake off. And now, with her revelation... Fuck, I’m going to be a dad. The thought sends a mix of terror and elation coursing through me. I understand now, really understand, what Konstantin meant about how having a family changes you. I glance at her again, her blonde hair cascading over the pillow, a stark contrast to the dark material. Her eyes are closed in sleep, but I remember the way they spa
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