I’m pretty sure the only reason I could fall asleep at all was exhaustion. When I lost Lexia, I thought life was basically over. And if not over, I would be living a half-life. After all, what kind of happiness is out there when you don’t have your mate?
Amelia may not have been the mate fated for me, but she is my mate now and forever. Our souls are joined, and nothing will ever change that.
I am never letting anyone hurt her again. Be it physically or emotionally. I’ll throw down with anyone that tries.
She’s far too sweet, and I know she’s too delicate for the way people have treated her under that hard shell. The scars of her past run deep and may never go away.
All I can do is be here for her and love her. To show her all those people were wrong and heal what damage I can from her past.
I could certainly get used to falling asleep with her in my arms. I didn’t really hold her much at the hospital. Not unless you count to stop the pains her ex-mate caused. I like calling Ignazio her ex-mate. He didn’t deserve her.
I’d been sleeping contently when I heard Captain Darren’s voice in my head. It was a general all-pack communication. He probably didn’t consider excluding me when he sent this out to everyone.
‘All Bloodmoon warriors are to report for assignment. Today we take the fight to Ignazio. As always, non-lethal force is encouraged. We hope to end this today. Find Collin Kearney for assignments.’
I’m not usually the most coherent person in the morning. But I am wide awake now. This will be the last battle. That means this is the day Ignazio dies if our mating last night didn’t do the job.
In the dim morning light, I looked at Amelia sleeping soundly. Her long dirty blonde hair hid part of her face. All I could feel from her through the bond was happiness and tranquility. I’m glad she’s just as happy as I am to be mates.
I just hope she doesn’t get mad that I’m not going to wake her. Her sleep at the hospital was constantly interrupted, but that won’t happen now. I won’t cause her pain. And I need to know Ignazio is dead. I need to see his dead body with my own eyes.
If I don’t, I’m afraid I’ll feel that gnawing worry that he’ll come back and hurt her. Carefully I moved the hair from her face placing a soft kiss on her temple. “Sleep well, Amelia. I’ll be back soon.” I promised in a whisper.
I encouraged sleep and peace using the bond as I carefully dislodged myself from her and the blankets. I winced as the floor squeaked under my feet, but thankfully, when I looked to the bed, my mate was still sleeping.
As quietly as I could, I got dressed and grabbed the notepad. I wrote Amelia a quick note along with a map so she can find our room, the bathroom, lounge, and kitchen while I’m gone. I don’t want her to worry, and I don’t want her to sit around the room alone.
‘Amelia,
I hope you don’t get too angry that I didn’t wake you before leaving. I was called to fight. It’s supposed to be the last battle. So after this, the war will be over, and we can start our lives together without any fears.
I made a little map so you can find your way around. Please stay in the town hall until I’m back. I’ll be back as soon as I can.
Love you,
Stephen’
I was uncertain as I wrote the love you part but left it because I’m feeling it in my heart. I left the note and map near the bed for her to easily find. I took one last look at my sleeping mate with a sigh before leaving to report.
When I arrived, Collin raised an eyebrow at me. “Are you supposed to be here? Shouldn’t you be with Amelia?” he questioned, coming to stand in front of me.
I stood a little straighter. “I received the all Bloodmoon pack link from Captain Delaney. So I am reporting as requested. My mate will be safe here. And I... I need to know he’s dead.”
Collin frowned. I could feel him wanting to disapprove. To tell me to go back to my room. “Wouldn’t you want the same if someone hurt your mate?” I questioned.
Collin’s whole demeanor changed in a flash. No longer was he the easy-going Collin Kearney. There was a darkness in him that the very thought of his mate hurt unleashed. “I would rip the heart out of anyone who dared lay a finger on my mate.” He growled.
“And that’s why I have to be here, sir. He hurt her, and he needs to pay with his life. I need to know he’s gone. I need to be able to see it for myself.” I implored, hoping he would side with me on this.
“Very well. I want to keep an eye on you. So you’ll be in my group. Don’t do anything foolish. Your mate will probably have all our heads if you don’t return in one piece.” Collin conceded before going through the line giving out assignments.
I made sure to stay with those I’d be fighting with, especially when I saw Clement had been taken out of his statue time out. I sure the fuck am not speaking to him untill he apoplogizes for what he said and how he treated Amelia. I might hit him again if I hear his voice.
While we waited for the go-ahead, each group broke into small teams and started doing some light training to get ready. I was exchanging blows with one of the Incubi warriors when everyone’s heads turned, hearing the call to fight. The time was finally here.
My eyes widened when Alpha Alec proclaimed those in his group would be switching targets and heading to the northern outpost. Ignazio is still alive, and he’s at the northern outpost. Conway growled, eager to fight and ensure Ignazio doesn’t walk away from this fight alive.
As I shifted and started running with the rest of my unit, I felt something I hadn’t in years. ‘Conway? Are you? Are we?’ I questioned. I hadn’t felt this strong since before Lexia died.
‘We’re back. I can feel it, Stephen. The strength I lost with Lexia is back since we mated Amelia.’ Conway confirmed. I can’t believe it. We’re back to our full strength. Just one more reason to be grateful to our mate.
The urge to go rushing to kill Ignazio was strong. It was taking every ounce of control to contain not just Conway but myself when I spotted him. I may not know what the bastard looks like, but it was easy to know.
Of everyone at the camp, he had the most pungent odor of malice and envy. I slowly drew closer, coming up on Darren’s flank. I wanted to rush forward and pounce on Ignazio and rip his throat out.
‘Stephen, what are you doing here? You should be back at the town hall with Amelia.’ Darren questioned through the link.
‘My mate is safe in our room. She was asleep when I left. I left a note, so she knows where I am.’ I answered, unable to contain the rage in my tone. I need Ignazio to be dead.
‘You shouldn’t be here. Go back.’ Darren instructed.
‘No. I have to be here. I need to see Ignazio die. I need to know that bastard can never hurt Amelia again. I need that closure.’ My voice overlapped with Conways as we agreed.
‘Fine. But whatever you do, do not go after Ignazio yourself. I know you want to, but he is Alpha Alec’s to kill. If you and Conway can promise me that, I will allow you to stay.’ Darren offered.
I growled, eyes locked on Ignazio. It took a moment, but I finally nodded. ‘Agreed. Alpha Alec can have his head. I just need to see him dead.’
If the Madonie weren’t ready for Alpha André’s sudden appearance, taunting them, you could imagine how the rest of us felt. I think the only one that expected this was Captain Darren. He seemed to be on the same wavelength as the Alpha.
I surged forward when Darren called for the attack. Conway jumped at a tree, using it to launch himself sharply to the right, taking down a Madonie wolf. I didn’t look back, but I heard the tree crack at his strength. Fuck, it’s good to have Conway back to full power.
I made sure to stay in formation, always staying back-to-back with either a fellow Bloodmoon or an Incubi warrior to ensure our backs were protected. I couldn’t take out Ignazio personally, but I would make sure to bring down his followers.
I did my best to not kill, though. At the end of the day, these were my mate’s pack. I don’t want their deaths on my head. I don’t know if they were retreating, but Alpha Alec had gone chasing Ignazio down in the direction they were running.
With other warriors, I chased them down only to come to a stop to see why the Madonie had run. Alpha Alec stood victorious over the crumbled, lifeless body of Ignazio.
I was breathing heavily, letting the sight sink in. Ignazio’s dead. Ignazio is dead and can never hurt my Amelia again. I can’t wait to return and tell her. Hopefully, it will offset any anger from waking up alone.
I can’t remember the last time I slept this well. Even before finding out Ignazio was my fated mate, I didn’t sleep well. I was too scared to sleep. Worried about Ivan and crying, missing my parents.Yet as I open my eyes, I realize I slept the whole night, and given the sun’s position through the window, I may have slept in late. I frowned, sitting up rubbing my eyes, confused.‘Where is Stephen?’ I questioned, feeling panic, anger, and disappointment to find he wasn’t in the room and his side of the bed was cold. I’ve seen enough movies and read books about guys ditching a girl after sex.‘Stephen’s our mate, he marked us,
We didn’t stay at Ivan’s cell much longer. He kept giving me this look that said he would rip my head off and use my skull as a coffee mug. It was more than a bit weird to be talking to him for Amelia.I was more than a little relieved when Beta Alexander showed up. “Hey, you two. Visiting time is up.” He called out, gesturing for us to leave with him.Amelia frowned, looking torn as she looked from me to her brother. I sighed and looked at Beta Alexander. I don’t think I have the clout to be asking favors, but if it makes my mate happy, I’ll owe the Beta heir.“Beta Alexander. I will understand if you deny this request. But I want you
Stephen was right. Captain Darren did not look happy with getting glitter shot at him. I don’t blame him. Though at its core, the gesture was very sweet. The Bloodmoon wolves wanted to show their support and congratulate their Captain on his mating to the Alpha heir. There are far worse things people can do to you and claim it was in good fun. Like that time Ignazio and Gastone ran my clothes up the school flagpole and said it was just a joke. Or when Zelma and some other she-wolves decided to douse me with olive oil and then throw feathers at me. They’d laugh their heads off at me and take pictures. But when Ivan showed up, they were all ‘it was just a joke’ and apolo
I honestly can’t begin to imagine or comprehend how much Amelia has been through. I probably never will fully know. But I do know she’s the strongest person on this planet. ‘She’s amazing. That’s what our mate is.’ Conway stated as I watched her sleeping, head on my shoulder on our flight. I’m not sure how my family will take the news that I have a mate. I mean, I know mom wanted me to find someone. Though I think she was hoping more along the lines of a second chance fated mate, which is ridiculous. I know my mom will love Amelia, but I also know she’ll be worried we jumped the gun in being chosen mates so quickly.&nb
I’d been so nervous about how his family would react to my past. My stomach was in knots. Even the aroma of the meal Signora Walterson cooked turned my stomach. Thankfully I didn’t have to tell the story. It had been hard enough to write it to tell it back at the hospital in Incubi. I don’t know if I could do that again. I’d thought hearing about Ignazio would affect me more. He had been my mate even if neither of us accepted it, and I broke the bond to be with Stephen. I’d thought something would twinge for Faith or me. I was relieved when Stephen told me Ignazio was dead. But all I felt was rage. Rage at what he’d done to me. But I didn’t feel pain or loss. Does that make me a bad person? As soon as Stephen finished telling his family the story, I braced myself for all the questions. But what happened wasn’t something I’d considered a reaction. Without a word, Signora Walterson had pushed out of her chair and rushed around
‘It’s okay, Amelia. My understanding is that things get wild during heat. That’s why our pack has a rule that mated couples are put on quarantine during heat. So we’ll stay here until your heat is over.’ Stephen assured me, hugging me as we stood in the middle of the one-room cabin. I nodded, leaning into his embrace, feeling that urge already trying to boil to the surface. ‘I really hope there aren’t a lot of heirlooms here. I would feel terrible if we broke anything.’ I frowned as I looked around the quaint space. Stephen chuckled, placing loving kisses on my neck as he unzipped my dress. ‘No heirlooms to break.’ He assured me as the dress slipped to the floor. We spent the next week in that cabin, rarely bothering to get dressed. Even though Signora Walterson did bring us clothes when she dropped off supplies and, with some embarrassment of her own, a large box of condoms. After my heat was finally over, we returned to the Walterson family ho
When Alpha André offered Amelia the role of Gamma, I won’t lie, it scared me. Her accepting it meant I had to move and leave everything behind. I didn’t want to move, to uproot my life. It’s utterly selfish of me, of course. And I realized it when I looked at Amelia. When I saw how excited she was to represent her family and pack. She’d done exactly what I was afraid of. She left her only family behind to be with me in a foreign country. She uprooted her life and came all the way to Oregon for me. If she could do that for me, I sure the hell can do that for her. If anyone deserves a rank in a pack, it’s my mate. She was born to be a Luna and lost that chance. I would be a total asshole and a failure as a mate if I tried to take away this opportunity for my own insecurities. I won’t be alone. I’ll have Amelia. I know Darren, not like a friend, but I know him. And he’s who I’d be working with, so it won’t be so bad. I’m sure my
I was so nervous about the ranked wolf meeting. Especially because Gildo and Alissa are part of that. Not that I have anything personally against either of them. They are much older than me, so I never had any issues with them. But they know my family and are aware of how I’ve been treated in the past. I feel like a fraud or something sitting here in this. I’m not sure how to describe Alpha André’s office other than over-the-top space. I don’t belong here. Why am I here? I should have stayed in Bloodmoon and started fresh with a new pack. ‘You belong here. More than anyone in this room, you belong here.’ Stephen encouraged me through our link, squeezing my hand. ‘You are the only rank blood Madonie wolf in this room. Never forget that, Amelia.’ I smiled before the meeting began. I nodded, taking a calming breath. Stephen’s right. I am the only Madonie ranked wolf in this room. André and Alexander may be of rank bloodlines, but th
Dear Readers, Thank you for taking the time to read this Anthology. I hope you have enjoyed all the stories it contained. With the conclusion of The Hybrid’s Vampire, we have come to the official end of this Anthology. I will take the rest of November off to work on a project. You can follow me on social media to stay current on what I'm working on. I will return to Goodnovel in December with Her Second Chance Mate, Alex Whitland and Holly Boland's story. Bring tissues! See you son and thanks for all your support! Bryant
As we entered the hall, I locked eyes with the various members of our family, and my vampire bandmates posted up around the room. Someone I knew was truly loyal to us was watching all the exits, which made me feel safer. The elders and their sons were already waiting on the stage. Christian, Elton, and Otto spotted us and hurried over with concerned expressions. “What’s wrong?” I asked, skipping any small talk. “Something feels… off,” Christian whispered, beckoning us to an alcove away from others. “Define off,” Sage said. “Beyond that, your families and the vampires are on high alert and watching all the exits?” Otto folded his arms. “They were weird all day. What’s up with that?” Elton asked. “Back to what’s off.” I nodded my chin to Christian. “Our dads and grandads. They... I can’t place it, but they’ve been acting weird the closer we’ve gotten to the ceremony.” Christian whispered. “Spit it out, kid.” I hissed. “Auðr.” Sage elbowed me. “I’m gonna need you to elaborate.
Sage and their family are right about one thing: their Goddess always has a plan. I’d never thought about why I’d had the dreams about Eclipse back when I was human. I never realized the cute guy who’d bought me a drink and tried to chat me up at the club the night I died was a werewolf, let alone my mate. It’s weird to know now. It was strange that Miles and his Eclipse wolf appeared as a warning to Sage and me after our marking. I already didn’t like Joar and the others, so to hear it was his ancestor who killed Miles wasn’t a shocker. I want to trust Christian and the others. I know it’s unfair to hold the father’s sins against the son, so I will give those boys the benefit of the doubt. However, the benefit of the doubt has only extended so far. If I get even the slightest inkling that they are a danger to Sage, I’ll rip their fucking heads off. I didn’t feel safe in Steelcrest during the day. It wasn’t that I’d be their target. Though now that we’re mated, killing me would be
I couldn’t tell you how we got from the hallway outside the banquet hall to our room. It was a frantic blur of rough kisses. Auðr’s vest was gone, his shirt was missing most of its buttons, and his pants were open. My vest and blouse were in a similar condition to his shirt. As for my skirt, well, I don’t know where it is beyond not being on me. “Fuck… Auðr… commando,” I groaned, tugging his pants down to find he wasn’t wearing underwear. “Complaining?” Auðr teased, stroking my cock through my boxers. “Neeever…” I moaned, eyes rolling back as he reached into my boxers and stroked my bare dick. “Didn’t think so.” Auðr chuckled into my lips as he kissed me. I moaned, wiggling out of my vest and top, wanting fewer layers between us. With the offended clothes gone, I wrapped one arm around Auðr’s neck while I used my free hand to return the favor by stoking his dick too. Touching Auðr and especially being touched by him is always crazy good. This blood moon eclipse made things ev
I know I should be focused on socializing and getting to know the people of Steelcrest. After all, tonight is my introduction to them, and tomorrow, I’ll take my oath as their Alpha. Yet, I couldn’t keep my eyes off Auðr, eager for tonight and our official mating. Sure, we’ve had lots of sex these last few months. It’s not the same, in any case. “You know staring at him isn’t going to make him suddenly come back.” Elton taunted as he joined Christian and me, with Otto in tow. “Ready for the torment of a Steelcrest social event?” Otto asked in their typical bored emo-esk tone. Some might think his broody exterior is just a front, but it’s not. At least not that I’ve seen. Christian and Elton have also told me Otto was like this, even as kids. It’s just who he is. Otto’s not opposed to having fun, or what Otto calls fun. He’s a stealth mischief maker. We bonded over politics, and he helped plan and execute a few anti-protests back in Portland when misogynistic fascists fucks dared
Six months sounds like a long time on paper. When you’re living it, however, it’s a different story. It felt like I blinked, and time was nearly up. Retiring Immortal Eclipse took me two months, including finishing our tour. I’m an old hat at this, so the transition was smooth. I’d spoken to Albert. He knew this was coming, not the Sage part. That was a shock to him. Albert had figured we were hitting that limit of being in public without all the speculation about our immortality. As such, the label already had everything ready. They did all the media release that Immortal Eclipse has retired, and band members thank their fans for all their years of being fans and hope they will respect their privacy as they transition to civilian life. This time was going to be different from past decades. I wasn’t going to return to music as a profession. I wasn’t the only one retiring permanently. As much as the rest of the Darby family wanted Léonel to return to les Ombres Sanctifiées, he wouldn
After we’d had our fun, including an exchange of blowjobs in the shower, we got dressed, and he called his band to his room. I sat anxiously in a chair as the band walked in and sat on the sectional sofa. Léonel was the only one with a smile for me, though he didn’t look happy otherwise. Was he going to be upset about the news, or was he unhappy about something else? “All right. Let’s get to business. Immortal Eclipse has run its course.” Auðr started. Rune opened his mouth but shut it when Auðr glared at him. “We have been at this for twenty years. You all know how this goes. We aren’t aging, and people are noticing.” Auðr said, tossing a few gossip magazines about what surgeries they had to stay young. “We need to hang it up and step out of the limelight like before.” “So when things settle, we’ll start a new band? Like before,” Rune asked. “You are free to do that. However..” Auðr looked at me with a smile. “Sage has a prophecy, one I’m part of. One that connects to my tatt
Waking up naked wasn’t exactly new for me. Waking up naked with someone else? Yeah, that was new. Initially, I’d been able to freak out till I smelled Auðr’s scent of black currant wine, patchouli, and soothing vanilla. I’d stayed in bed smiling like a fool, just enjoying being in his arms and realizing that this would be my life no matter our path. I could wake up in hotels around the world, traveling with him and his band, by whatever name they called themselves. Or I could be waking up in our bed in Steelcrest face each day as Alpha and Aleph together. After a while, I got out of bed, threw on my underwear, and went into the rest of the room. I checked my messages and smiled when I realized Auðr had notified my family that I was staying with him. There wasn’t anything to eat in the kitchen, so I ordered room service. I’ll offer to pay for it when Auðr wakes up. They automatically charged it to the room, and I didn’t want to get in trouble with his label just because I got hungry.
I went into this knowing Sage was a virgin. I wasn’t sure about most of their sexual past, but I felt safe in my conclusion they were a virgin. I’ve been with my share of virgins. I won’t go into or try to count how many ‘straight’ guys I’ve nailed over the years. While experience has it’s benefits, fucking a virgin is always fun. You get to know you’re the first they’ll experience, so you must bring your A-game. And with Sage, I’ll be their only, so nothing less than my A-game is worthy of them. This was one of the other great things about virgins. They aren’t set in their ways and take guidance. Honestly, Sage didn’t need much guidance beyond me telling him to grip my cock harder and the occasional adjustment to how his head was titled as he sucked my cock. For someone who has likely never done this before, Sage was a natural. Perhaps their wolf or the mate bond kept Sage in sync with my desires. Whatever it was, if Sage kept this up, I was going to cum. I started to step back, not