Amber’s POV I tried to catch Beta Trent’s attention as we filed out of the meeting room, but he stalked ahead of us, hurrying off to goddess knows where. He even seemed busier than the Lycan King himself. Alpha Dale’s uncle was going to be staying for a few days, though I’d rather not see anything related to him. I hoped our paths never crossed during his time here, but I knew how impossible that request was. Alpha Dale was with me, and that was enough. But I could see that he was in a bad mood after everything that happened in the meeting; still, he stayed by my side, putting up a smile when he needed to and growling at anyone that so much as looked at me. Janine and Yeti followed behind us slowly, ready to bundle me to the kitchen or the infirmary so we could finally have some quality girls time, but Alpha Dale waved them on. “I need to speak with my mate; you guys go on ahead.”It was such a firm, no-argument sort of command that neither of them bothered to question or comp
Amber’s POV There was a flutter of nervousness in my belly as I flung my clothes from my body. The heat in Alpha Dale’s eyes was almost physical, like a hunger that caused an itch on his skin he couldn’t stop scratching. He looked at me like I was dinner just served. The moment I shimmied out of my lingerie, Alpha Dale groaned, catching my bra mid-air as he started towards me. His hand caught me easily, holding onto my waist firmly as he spun me up into his arms with a casual ease. Ducking down, he caught my lips in a blisteringly hot kiss, his naked body—when did he get naked?—plastered against my own, and his hands clutched me in hot demand. I wrapped my legs around his waist, hitching myself more securely to him. His lips moved around mine in another scorching kiss that made my body burn with flames of desire and need. His mouth still taking mine hungrily, he directed us to the bed, tugging my legs open so he could crawl in between them. I moaned into his lips, moaning again
Dale’s POV We found one of them. That was why Trent woke me up so early when he knew I’d rather sleep in with my mate. Her heat period was quite close, and now that she had her wolf, it was going to be intense. I would rather have stayed in bed with Amber, savoring the warmth of her skin against mine. But this was just as important as that. Keeping Amber safe was a part of my duty and one that I took very seriously. Trent knew I shouldn’t be staying away from her too long at a time, but he had good reason for bringing me out of bed. He was convinced the woman they found was the same one we had seen in the CCTV recording several months ago—the one who lured Amber out of the mansion. Mallory, of course, was still MIA, but this woman was going to serve as a good scapegoat for those who thought they could double-cross me and harm my mate for any reason at all. Most importantly, she could lead us to Mallory’s hideout as an added bonus. When I arrived at the interrogatio
Amber’s POV I walked with Yeti to the Moon Priestess's home. It was quite far from the mansion and in a very quiet neighborhood. In fact, it was hard to see any other homes for miles, and many times, I had considered turning around, but Yeti was adamant she wanted to see her. I didn’t know what she thought the priestess could do for a witch like her, and it was only when we were quite close to the priestess’ house that I thought about the possibility that she wasn’t seeking out the priestess for her witch side. She was still a werewolf, even if it wasn’t fully. My mind strayed to Alpha Dale, and memories of the night we spent together came to the forefront of my mind. I didn’t want him to think I ran away, so I sent him an emotion of longing and warmth; hopefully, he was going to understand it. Our connection was still weird, but I wanted to understand it, and I wanted to take full advantage of it. Having a mate was something I always desired. I had always envisioned it with fr
Amber’s POV The canteen was crowded when we stepped inside, the hum of conversation filling the vast space. Izzy, Fabian, Yeti, Janine, and I managed to squeeze into a table near the back. Yeti looked worn out and so far was keeping to herself, only speaking when she needed to or when spoken to, and everyone sort of understood not to ask her about anything. Janine kept glancing at her, though, and it made a smile come to my face. I was sure she hated her before—hate was a strong word, but I was sure she couldn’t stand Yeti, and now, she was worrying for the girl the same way she worried for me. I still hadn’t gotten round to how their relationship changed so much in just three weeks of my absence. Izzy gave Janine a wry look, making a show of piling food onto her plate, completely ignoring her glares and scowls. “Eat more,” he said, like she wasn’t eating before. “You look like you just finished fighting a war.” “And obviously didn’t win.” Fabian inputted darkly whi
I was dreaming. There was no question about that, but I already know that something was off about this dream. The moment that awareness hits me, I feel her. It felt like there was something wrong, like there was something intruding in my mind space, because she was my other half. My wolf. A perfect right in this space as I was, but it still felt different having her in my mind, in my dream like this. I thought about the moon’s priestess words. Was this an opportunity to understand my wolf better? To learn about my past?She said I was wrong. What was I wrong about? “Where are we?” I asked, looking at the four-story structure that was sitting in front of us. The house was almost like the one back at Moonstone pack. Alpha Derrick’s pack house. But there was something different about this one. And it wasn’t just the color or that it was one more story larger than Alpha Derrick’s pack house. It felt homey and familiar, and it called to me in a way that I didn’t want to resist.
Amber’s POV I woke with a booming headache. I felt disoriented, dehydrated, and a little dizzy as I blinked my eyes open. The room spun around me, and it took me a second to realize I was no longer dreaming and I was back in my own bed. Alpha Dale was still fast asleep beside me, and he looked so peaceful that I felt a wave of relief wash over me that I hadn’t roused him from sleep. Memories from my dream rushed back to me in an instant, and I let out a terrible groaning sound. My head felt like it was going to explode in a second, and try as I might, I couldn’t find the energy to get out of bed and go to the bathroom, which I really needed. Rolling onto my side, I let out another frustrated groan when I met Alpha Dale’s eyes. Finally, I had managed to wake him up. He raised a brow at me, mumbling something my ears couldn’t quite catch. “I just woke up.” I whispered, running a finger down his arm. “Go back to sleep.” He shook his head. “Was it a dream? ”I swallowed; my
Amber’s POV I woke up to Alpha Dale’s face so close to mine that if I moved a tiny inch, I’d be kissing him. I traced the lines of his beautiful face—it still astounded me how one person could be so handsome that it was breathtaking—etching every detail into memory. His subtle high cheekbones, the sharpness of his jaw, the fullness of his soft lips. His long, crooked nose, which fit his face perfectly, his bushy brows, and long lashes—goddess, they were so long, they would put a woman’s to shame. When I was done committing every minute detail to memory, I slipped quietly out of bed and into the bathroom to relieve my now aching bladder and clean myself up. When I was done with that, I made my way back into our bedroom to find Alpha Dale still fast asleep in bed. As if sensing me there, he popped one eye open and watched me. “What are you doing?” he asked, his voice still rough with sleep. I shrugged. Lifting my weight to either of my feet a little awkwardly. “Just… nothing
Amber’s POV I stared at her. For too long than was considered appropriate. Celia. Saying her name in my head stroked chords of fear and anger. I still dreamt of her, and I hated to admit that a part of me still felt that tremor of fear. I dreamt of all the punishments she made me endure. The strikes of whip that tore my flesh. For a minute, I forgot to breathe. My lungs were frozen and no matter how much I tried, my nose just wouldn’t take in any air. She was here. In front of me and I was the weak, vulnerable and frightened girl that was left for dead in a well. Once again, I was trapped in that suffocating cell and starving because they refused to feed a prisoner like me. I heard her laugh and it felt as though a knife was scraping down the inside of my skull. Rage bubbled through me. My hands began to tremble and my vision became blurry. Athena surged to the surface and her fury seeped into my bones. I squeezed my eyes shut, desperate to regain control and push the memorie
Amber’s POV As Yeti predicted, her glamour was sloppy but the bad work wasn’t that noticeable. Except someone was standing too close and then they’d definitely see the glitches. So, including rule number one which Yeti had spent at least fifteen minutes drumming into me, I now had to add a second rule. Don’t go too close to anyone. We left the hotel an hour later. The anxiety that I was feeling kept me from noticing how beautiful Free City had become with all the decorations for the Culling. Although, I didn’t fail to notice that the city was packed with people three times the usual. “Free City is hosting the Culling this year,” Eric supplied. “It’s been almost seven years since we hosted the Culling. Too bad it had to be this way.” I glanced out the window, thinking about Derrick and the fact that he might be here. Alpha Dale and I were supposed to be enjoying this day, instead, we were being forced to fight to be together. “The pack house is only a mile away,” Eric said, glan
Amber’s POV Days and nights blurred together and before I knew it, a week went by. Beta Trent and Eric spent the one week before the Culling training me even harder than Alpha Dale used to train me. and not just physically, my abilities were tested as well – as best as they could which wasn’t even scratch the surface deep, but at least I got to know that my abilities had something to do with manipulating emotions and elements. While Beta Trent and Eric spent the day sharpening my senses and helping me be more in tune with my wolf, I spent the night trying to suppress the growing ache in my chest whenever I thought of Alpha Dale – which was always. I found little consolation in talking to Athena – who I was getting to know more and more – and talking to the life forming inside me. On the seventh day, I didn’t feel the least ready but I still dressed in a black hoodie – Eric was sure would hide my face and Janine had gotten me a cream which would mask my scent – I pulled my long,
Amber’s POV My heart pounded in my chest and my lungs constricted as I waited for Eric’s answer. There was a frown on his face as he pondered the question, then the frown deepened, and his lips pursed. “Who is Derrick?” he asked. “Am I supposed to know him?” I let out a breath I hadn’t even realized I was holding. But then, I realized if Yeti’s mother was now actively working with Donn, then it only meant Alpha Derrick was somewhere in the picture. Perhaps, behind the scenes, pulling the string and my airways constricted once more. “Derrick is the former Alpha of Moonstone pack and the man who raised Amber,” Beta Trent explained. “He’s Alpha Dale’s number one enemy.” Eric looked lost but he didn’t ask any further questions. Meanwhile, my mind was going through a lot of scenarios. What if Derrick had been working with Donn from the very beginning? What if he was the reason Donn came to Free City and brought the council with him? It was plausible and fit right into the puzzle. I
Amber’s POV For the next three days, it was as though we were in denial. None of us wanted to talk about what had happened, nor even think about it, although it was my waking thought and the last thing I thought about before sleeping. We all wanted to forget about it. But I couldn’t forget Alpha Dale’s expressionless face as he stood beside Mallory with her hand in his. I couldn’t forget him chasing me through the woods and I sure as hell couldn’t stop thinking about the what ifs. What would have happened if he had caught me? Janine couldn’t forget about what role Yeti’s mother played in all of this, and although, I saw her trying to act indifferent, I knew how hard it was for her, seeing as Yeti was once a friend. Yeti… I had no idea what Yeti was thinking. She was quiet and closed off and never left her room except when it was time to eat. Beta Trent couldn’t forget about the fact that Alpha Dale’s uncle was now in control of Free city. Although, we didn’t say it out loud, o
Amber’s POV I shifted back to my human form without even realizing it. “Janine?” I gasped, tears pouring from my eyes. Yeti and Beta Trent stood at a safe distance behind her and both heaved a sigh of relief. “How are you guys here? Beta Trent?” Taking off her jacket, Janine stepped forward and draped it on my naked form. Although the day was dark, I could still make out her pale face, hollow cheeks and bandaged hand. Yeti didn’t look any better. She had cuts and bruises everywhere, but her eyes were still filled with concern as she stared at me. “What the hell happened?” I whispered. “I saw the video. I thought you were –” Janine touched my arm lightly, as if trying to remind me that they were here and they were fine. “We’ll explain everything later,” she said, gently pushing me forward. ‘For now, let’s get out of here.” My eyes darted between all three of them and I felt as if a weight has been lifted off my chest. But my mind went back to Alpha Dale or the man I saw who was
Amber’s POV When I snapped back to reality, it wasn’t slow or gentle. My lungs ached with a burning sensation and my throat was raw. My limbs trembled with exertion and I was no longer on my knees. Instead, I was standing in the middle of what looked like a fucking war zone. Blood and carnage were everywhere – splattered across the concrete walls, soaking the ground, even dripping from a dangling broken light overhead that swung on its last thread. Coppery scent of blood filled the air, nearly suffocating. I staggered back, clutching my stomach as bile rose up in my throat. My entire body felt like it was on fire and my skin crawled. Did – did I do this? I glanced around the bloodied room, gasping when my eyes landed on Alpha Dale’s uncle. He laid a few feet away from me, crumpled and bleeding from… everywhere. His chest rose and fell in slow, shallow breaths. One arm was twisted at an unnatural angle, and a deep gash marred the side of his face. I looked down at my own hands
Amber POV The hum of the car vibrated through my bones as we sped through the woods. I stopped counting the trees or time a long time ago. I was sure we were out of Free City and maybe in another Alpha’s territory, but we were still going. I did not said any words. Not even given the driver directions to where we could find Mallory, but he was still driving. I stopped thinking about everything as well. As long as this man was far from Janine and Yeti, it was enough for me. Alpha Dale’s uncle sat beside me and I could feel his unblinking gaze burning in the side of my face but I had made myself numb to that as well. “You’ve not spoken a word since,” he said suddenly. “Offering to lead me to a place which might not exist is very brave of you.” I raised a brow at him. There was something chilling about the way he observed me. it wasn’t like the look predators gave their preys, but like I was a puzzle he already solved. My heart hammered in my chest. Did he finally figure out my bl
Amber’s POV Alpha Dale’s uncle smirked at the stunned silence that followed his words. “Runaways.” He repeated with a mocking jest, rolling the word around on his tongue. “That’s the story. Alpha Dale’s precious mate ran away because she couldn’t stand her dangerous power. She couldn’t stand being a danger to him or anyone else. Of course, her friends went with her.” Janine lunged forward, but the guards held her back. “You sick, lying piece of—!” “Careful now,” he warned, his voice dangerously calm. “You don’t want to make your last hours more painful.” “Are you really going to kill us?” Yeti’s voice broke as she spoke. “You’ll kill Anber? Alpha Dale won’t let you get away with that. You should know— ”He glanced at Yeti impatiently. “Did I not mention Alpha Dale will never know? To him, you all ran away. But don’t worry, Amber here won’t be executed, if that’s what you’re worried about. ”He waved a dismissive hand, and the guards shoved us forward towards a black transport t