“You'd better have a bloody good reason for wakening me at 4 am,” Ruben growled into his phone. He sat up, rubbing his eyes.
Lisa stirred next to him.
“WHAT!” He shouted so loudly that Lisa assumed there was an earthquake or something. She sat up pulling the satin sheet around her body.
“What happened?”His brow drew in a dark scowl. “Did Andrea tell you where she was going?”“No, why, what's wrong? Is she the trouble?” Lisa asked with concern.“Big trouble. She will be punished!” With those words, Ruben jumped out of the bed and pulled on his track pants and tee.“Why, what has she done?” Lisa asked following him, pulling on her tee.“I got a call from one of our contacts in the vampires, yeah we have other contacts as well besides…,” his eyes flashed gold with anger. “Sebastian. She made a scene at their bar, Apparently, Sebastian and Andrea are in a relationship.”Andrea walked into the common room. It was early morning and most of the youngsters were out training or sleeping, so the hall was empty. She was so engrossed in blowing up aliens on the screen that she barely sensed the arrival of Lisa and Serena. Lisa didn't interrupt her, just sat down beside her.“I am fine, Lisa.” You don't have to worry. Andrea said, without looking away from the screen. She hadn't considered that Sebastian might side with his people against the wolves. She didn't have the time to think through the situation at all. Andrea let out a deep sigh and ran a hand through her hair wearily.“I never thought claiming my mate would be such a nightmare,” Andrea sighed.“YOU FOUND A MATE! And didn't bother telling me about it ?” Elizabeth's voice boomed, making everyone jump.Andrea paled, “I am going to reject him, it's not a big deal, Beth.”&ld
Mary came to the door. Once her eyes locked with Lisa, she gave a huge smile, then leaned forward and gave her a huge hug. At first, Lisa was hesitant, but something about her mom's touch felt so familiar. She raised her arms and hugged her mother back. Mary looked radiant. Almost like the way Lisa remembered from her childhood.“Good morning, Lisa," Mary said. “How are things ?”“Great,” Lisa said.Lisa went into the doorway and saw where mother's new home. It was a simple yet comfortable flat. Ruben had gifted it, of course.Lisa felt like a little girl. Mary had a big grin on her face like she was more than willing to take care of Lisa. Lisa knew that was not her mother's strong suit, though. There was a skinny hallway that led to a sitting room, with a small kitchen off to the side. Lisa assumed if she kept walking, it would lead to a bedroom or two but instead stopped at the couch.Her mother took a seat
Serena stood near a tree, just out of sight, as Trent turned to leave. Waiting a few minutes after he walked away, she silently went to her mate's door and knocked. She hadn't talked to him since his interrogation. Had spurned all his advances to communicate and get to know each other. She didn't trust him. Just when she thought he had turned a new leaf and that they might have a future together, she saw his betrayal. She heard his voice.“Who is it.....”, as he opened the door to a stone-faced Serena.Trent had been getting ready to shower and only wore his shorts. His magnificent body displayed for her eyes. Serena's wolf growled in appreciation. After a long silence, Serena pushed her way into the room, and a puzzled Trent closed and locked the door behind her.“I saw you in the forest, Trent,” Serena said quickly, coming straight to the point. “What were you doing with Flint?”
“How was your afternoon?” Ruben asked as he saw Lisa waltz inside their bedroom. He had been cautious around her ever since Andrea had dropped her truth bomb. “It was nice actually,” she replied said. “I had a nice chat with mom, I gifted her a phone and Keith gave me this.” She flashed her latest iPhone at him, grinning. “Nice” Ruben smiled.” I had put in an order for you. Glad to see it arrived on time.” “I got one for mom as well, she was sorrowful about the fact that she is unable to reach me.” “Well, that was nice of you,” Ruben said.” And I am excited to see that you are getting along with your mom.” Lisa tightened her grip on him. She wasn't quite there yet concerning her mother, but one step at a time. She could at least be cordial with her. “Are you still mad at me ?” Ruben asked, stepping closer. “I am just feeling bad for Andrea, I know you're worried, love, but she is your sister,” Lisa s
As Lisa gnawed through the raw kill, she relaxed and felt the wolf's presence truly take over. For the first time in weeks, she was completely comfortable and didn't feel grossed out by the raw meat. Ruben had hunted with her and taught her how to catch prey. They caught a deer together and were now munching on its flesh.It was a remarkable place. A jagged mountain rose out of the forest, watching over a winding river and decent sized lake.'Were you raised here?' Lisa asked Ruben while padding through an interconnected cave system in the mountain.He walked in front of her as a wolf and let out a laugh which was like a bark.“I'm not that old, love. I was born in the same estate where the pack lives now. The caves were carved by the early settlers of the pack.”“Well, you are 100, so kind of old,” she teased. “You sure you don't need a joint cream or something? “ She laughed.
The vampires and the wolves were enclosed in one of the private rooms of the building. The room was completely soundproofed. There was an extra layer of static that surrounded the room. It ensured that the vampires and other supernaturals couldn't hear anything, and the conversations inside would the completely private. There were three werewolf council members, along with Ruben, Andrea, and Keith to represent the wolves. Three elders from the vampire council, Sebastian and a few other prominent vampires were representing the vampires.Everyone sat except for Ruben. He turned slowly, surveying the room, meeting all eyes. Few vampires were furious due to were and vampire mating. He didn't give a shit. There were bigger problems to solve.“As you all are aware, my pack is dealing with the dark wolves, Dorcas. I am thankful to my vampire friends who have helped us in the past,” he glanced at Sebastian,” and the help Marcus and Sebastian have given
"Ruben, we need to talk," Andrea said quietly gesturing at him to proceed into the study. They had just returned from the meeting and she was aware that Ruben had been through torrents of emotions already today....they both had. Maybe talking about it tonight was the wrong thing to do but she had to get it out. Ruben entered the study, heading over to his favourite chair beside the fireplace. His thoughts were surprisingly calm considering everything that had happened today. Andrea took the seat opposite him.Ruben's face was carefully neutral. He always put that 'face' on when he was trying to work something out in his psyche, trying to be cautious about what he and how he said it."What do you want to talk about?" Ruben asked."Why won't you let me help you?""I have already mentioned, it's not safe. Dorcas is dangerous and with a demon involved. I would never forgive myself if something happened to you." Ruben frowned slig
It was a quiet night at the bar. Andrea hated quiet nights. She wanted people around her, she wanted to soak it all in. Specifically now, after a week like this, she needed it. She wore the same dress she had worn when Sebastian and she made love for the first time. It always reminded her of him. But It was a waste. Everything was falling apart. She had prioritized pack over her mate. Ruben might try to strike a deal with the vampires, but it was going to be hard. Interspecies mating would be unacceptable.All her human employees were long gone. She had sent them home early, knowing she could handle the closing duties by herself. All the counters were wiped, the glasses washed, and the liquor was stocked. She grabbed her purse, ready to leave. She pulled out her phone. Ten messages from Sebastian. Her smile went slant. Not bothering to reply, she put her phone back and was about to walk out of the door when her phone rang. She frowned, recognizing the number.&ld
There werewolves and vampires in the room. Lisa's scarlet dress clung to her figure snugly, making her appear more shapely. Ruben spun her across the dance floor, bringing her through unfamiliar moves. She admired the way he made it appear as though she knew what she was doing. She felt a sting as his gaze shifted away from hers. Everyone kept reminding her that this night was all about her, but it was also partly about him. He was her mate, and she had been increasingly aware since the transformation that it was in his nature to desire the best for her and the pack. He wanted to talk business with the Alphas of the other packs because he was surrounded by them, but he was stuck with her. "So, who is the blue-shirted gentleman?" Lisa inquired. Ruben answered with a deep growl that she wouldn't have heard a few weeks before. He was still a little possessive of her. Ruben said, "Lucian. He's the Crimson Shadow Pack's Alpha. They are from Florida. We don
The pack was standing together in a circle. Beth and those who had died in the battle were honoured with a brief memorial service.Lisa approached Andrea, who was solemnly observing the happenings. Andrea was depressed, she could tell. She was reminiscing about Elizabeth, small details like how the old wolf made up stories."She loved you. She expressed her gratitude for being such a nice friend." Lisa said.Andrea turned around and looked at her with a puzzled expression."I met her after I was put into a coma. It felt like a dream, yet I believe she came to see me."Andrea stifled a sob as she continued, "I miss her."Lisa took her hand in hers and gently squeezed it. "We all miss her. She claimed, however, that she had a good life and wished to be free. We should probably be happy for her. And most of her stories were made up. But you already know that right?"Andrea gave her a friendly grin and a nod.*************
Sebastian had been bothered by something, so he patiently waited for the meeting to end before scooting over to Ruben and his companion."Ruben, when you say I'm now a member of the pack, do you mean I have to obey you like your dogs?" He roared, his rage erupting in waves. Andrea was rolling her eyes and trying not to giggle as he turned to face her."Whatever gave you that idea, Sebastian?" she asked softly, her arms slipping around his shoulders."Alphas don't give ridiculous orders every five minutes. That is not my objective." Ruben said, amusingly, he understood vampire-wolf mating would be difficult. Vampires were fiercely self-reliant and thrived in their seclusion. Wolves, on the other hand, were devoted to their packs and could not survive without them."Excuse my scepticism, but what exactly do you mean by being a part of the pack?"Sebastian asked sarcastically."It was the quickest means to show my pa
Lisa's chest rose and fell in front of Ruben's eyes. He knew she was his, but he wasn't sure if she realised he belonged to her as well. He carefully lifted her shoulders and climbed out from beneath her when the doorbell rang. On the other side, he was not surprised to see Serena."How is she doing?""Sleeping," he explained.Serena responded, "The last thing that girl needs is more sleep."Ruben stated, "She is alive. Don't think I'm unaware of my good fortune. That's the only thing that matters.""Can you tell me what she remembers?" Serena inquired.Ruben said, "Not much. However, she recalls her mother's or rather her aunt's betrayal.""Mary is still imprisoned among us. What are your plans for her?" Serena enquired."Kill her," Ruben stated emphatically.Serena's pupils dilated."Lisa?""Lisa is unconcerned about my decision. And she has no desire to know."Serena smiled and n
Lisa apologised, "I'm sorry, I don't understand." "Can you tell me what you remember?" Beth inquired. "I recall feeling like I was being sucked into an abyss. I had no sensations. I only saw darkness everywhere, punctuated by agonising screaming." As she described her ordeal, Lisa trembled. "Well, he came close to catching you. Until I arrived and expelled him." Beth remarked. "Are you....dead?" Beth burst out laughing. "Nobody ever dies; they only pass into another realm. Reincarnate into a new body after bidding their time. You offered me the freedom I so sorely desired but couldn't achieve on my own. It can be tiresome to live a long life. Don't be concerned about me. I'm fine." Lisa blinked, unsure of what she was seeing. Then she spotted Beth's red hair, which was identical to hers. "I am your one-in-a-million grandaunt," Beth explained. "What
It had been a week and a half. Ten days since everything had ended. Andrea stood in the doorway of the clinic, watching Ruben gently lower his sleeping mate onto her bed. With a profound frown on his face, he covered her and then looked down at her.Sebastian muttered gently from behind her, "Hey," and she knew exactly what he wanted to hear, but she didn't believe it was the best time.He started to add, "Andrea, she'll be OK..." but her head swung around and his deep blue eyes pierced into her green ones. She groaned and walked down the corridor to a bench to sit.She said calmly, "Lisa was fatally injured. Beth is still missing, and I believe it's all my fault."Sebastian was stiff, his rage pouring out in waves, yet when he spoke again, his tone was soothing. "That is not the case. Even you were on the verge of passing away. Dorcas' use of you as bait was not your fault."Andrea bit her lower lip and swallowed."I miss Beth b
Dorcas got the chance to hit Ruben on his shoulder. Ruben was not anticipating the action and was jerked away, slamming into the far tree. The wind was knocked out of him, and he was gasping for breath.“Clever dog,” Dorcas said.Ruben started to stand up, but felt a hand around his neck, lifting him in the air. He knew that Dorcas could beat him on brute strength, and he needed to think fast. He put his hands against the tree trunk and brought his knees to his chest, using all his force to shove them in Dorcas's chest. It worked and he was released.Taking advantage of the rain, he threw a fist and connected with Dorcas's face. He fell to the ground and Ruben started to kick him. It didn't take long for Dorcas to grab hold of his foot and flip Ruben down on his back. Ruben was on the ground looking up at the monster.“That wasn't very nice,” Dorcas roared.Dorcas darted away with speed, b
Trent was tearing through the maze of dark wolves, his heart pounded so loudly it was all he could hear through the rain and screams. A wolf was suddenly whirling towards him. He positioned himself to take on him when the wolf was suddenly sliced in half and thrown aside.“Serena!” Her name sounded as if it came from a distance, even though it had been directed from his lips. He watched as her body flew through the air, her top wet with rain and blood.“Thanks !” He said.She nodded, "where is Ruben?” She asked.His brain finally connected with what was happening.“I… I am not sure,” he replied, still in awe. Serena had saved his life!“Ruben, where are you !” She almost wept with relief as Ruben's alert mental voice answered her.Her mate knew instantly that something was wrong and didn't stop to
Andrea felt herself falling, heard Lisa's scream. She knew she was going to die. Ruben would go insane with grief if she did. And Sebastian, well, she was terrified for her vampire. Maybe once their mate bond was gone he would go back to living his normal life. Lisa screamed and caught Andrea as she fell. She had seconds to catch her, a very few precious seconds. She reached out, forcing her tired body to move faster than she'd ever moved before. She had no idea where Ruben was, and she didn't care. Her hand caught Andrea's outstretched arm, she pulled hard, wincing as she felt her shoulder dislocate. She managed to slide her body beneath her friend a split second before they hit the ground. She attempted to cushion most of the impact, to keep Andrea protected in her firm embrace, but she heard the other woman cry out in pain and knew that she was badly hurt. “Why did you do that ?” She screamed at Dorcas,” I said I was ready to cooperate.” “She