โWelcome back,โ a beautiful, brown haired she-wolf greeted us. โMaleigha, nice to see you as always,โ Kai smiled, nodding at her. โCami, itโs nice to officially meet you. Iโve heard great things,โ Maleigha beamed, shaking Camiโs hand. โWyatt, looking great as always,โ she winked and I felt a pang of jealousy seeing the way she looked at him. โYou must be Felicity. I am so sorry for your loss. I only met Parker briefly, but he seemed like a really great guy and it was clear he loved you so much,โ she explained, pulling me in for a tight hug. โVincent sends his regards. Heโs in a meeting currently and will see you all in the dining hall for dinner. If youโll follow me, we will head to the pack,โ Maleigha smiled. The four of us followed her to a large black Suburban, climbing inside the back. โAny luck on finding your mate?โ Kai asked Maleigha. She stuck her lip out in a pout, โUnfortunately not. Still single and having a good time until I meet him,โ Maleigha smirked
This trip has been interesting. From Felicityโs dream on the plane ride to this horrible dinner, itโs been a whirlwind. When we had our moment back in the suite, goddess, Iโve never wanted anything more in my life. Dex took control of that situation and part of me was okay with it. Iโve never been the type of guy to be dominant. Funny, sure, confident, absolutely, but dominance was not my thing. Thatโs where Dex and I differ. He is straightforward and knows how and when to take charge. Me, not so much. Iโd fooled around in the past, but one thing that I had always been adamant about was making sure that my mate would be the first she-wolf I ever made love to. Felicity would be the only woman who would get all of me. And I loved the thought of it. I hated that Felicity left with Vincent after dinner. I never liked the guy before, but after Felicityโs dream, just looking at him disgusted me. โIf he touches mate, I will tear his head off,โ Dex growled. For once, I
A dream about Parker woke me from the most restful sleep Iโve gotten in a while. Being wrapped in Wyatt's arms feels safe, but guilt settles in my chest as my fingers run up and down his arm. I frowned, suddenly feeling hesitant about moving forward with Wyatt so quickly. I knew that we had been building a relationship long before Parker passed, but itโs still so fresh. In my dream, Parker was still alive. I felt him. Not just physically, but his presence. It felt more than a regular dream, but not immersive like my future telling dreams. I watched from afar while he played with Helena in the yard of the house that we built together. She was a toddler. Parker chased her around while she ran screaming happily. I felt a stray tear roll down my cheek thinking about the dream. Helena will never have those moments with her father. She never even got to know him. That chance was stolen from the both of them. It makes my heart hurt to think about everything that we lost. I
The two of us agreed and quickly headed out to the car that was waiting out front of the packhouse. As we were driving out of the pack lands, we passed by the Blue Lake. โCan we stop really quickly?โ Wyatt nodded, pulling the car off to the side of the road. I rushed out, looking down over the edge of the hill. The lake was truly beautiful. Something that you would buy a photograph of and put it above your couch in your living room. The way the sun glistened off of the deep, blue water was breathtaking and so peaceful. Large birds dipped low, their wings nearly touching the top of the water as they flew. A family of turtles sat on the shore line basking in the sun. I pulled out my phone, snapping a picture of the lake, but I didnโt like the angle. I sat down, leaning back, and turning the phone sideways. Looking at the new photo, it was perfect. I bit my bottom lip, โWould you..... take a picture with me?โ Wyatt tilted his head and a wide smile spread acro
I watched as Kai carried Felicity away, my heart shredding into pieces. The burning pain in my soul was unimaginable. Ash howled in pain, making my head throb. I knew I was dying. Itโs such an interesting feeling. The pain from the arrow was nothing compared to the feeling of knowing that my life was over. That I would never see my daughter grow up. That I would never hold Felicity again. The rain had long stopped and Iโd gathered enough strength to drag myself behind a fallen tree, hoping that at least I could die in peace. I silently prayed to the Moon Goddess to take care of Helena and Felicity in my absence. I felt dampness on my cheeks, but I donโt have the energy to wipe it away. I lay back in the mud, staring down at the hole in my chest. Black spidering veins crawled from the wound. My skin had grown ashen and it was getting harder and harder to breathe. Each breath felt like someone lit a torch in my lungs. โIโm sorry, Ash. I wish you could have had more
Iโve been trying to think of a plan to find the imprisoned wolves, but my mind does not want to work with me. Iโm supposed to be the Beta, second in command, and my stupid brain wonโt cooperate. โAt least we both agree that your brain is stupid,โ Dex muttered. I rolled my eyes. Heโd become increasingly annoying lately. Itโs been difficult on both of us giving Felicity the space that she needs to move on. The second that the bond snapped into place, Dex wanted to take her and mark her. Holding back has taken a new level of restraint that I didnโt know I had. I ran my hands through my hair in frustration. I wanted to help her. I wanted to help free the wolves. I just didnโt know how to do that safely. Elenore has her place of business locked down in every way imaginable. It doesnโt help that Felicity left for her โdateโ with Vincent about twenty minutes ago. Iโve thought about crashing it, but I know how important it is to her to have Blue Lake as an ally. Bu
Maleigha nodded, sniffling again. โFelicity and I are fated mates. She had a dream, about the future, where we were getting intimate," I exhaled a heavy breath, "and Vincent was taking pictures of us.โ I watched the blood drain from her face. She stood in front of us pale and wide eyed. โOh. My. Goddess. I am so ashamed. I came in here the other night, in front of Felicity, and tried to come on to you," she gasped, shaking her head and pacing, "You guys are mates. What have I done? Iโm so sorry for being so disrespectful....โ Maleigha rambled on. โFelicity is an amazing she-wolf. She understands that our situation is less than conventional, and Iโm sure she will hold no ill will." Maleigha nodded, sniffling, but looking unconvinced. The door to the suite swung open, โWyatt, I need.....โ Felicity stopped, seeing everyone gathered around the television. I rushed over, pulling her in for a tight hug and kissing her on the top of her head. Every moment that she'd spent
I woke up early this morning, tangled in Wyattโs arms. The weight of what happened last night hit me like a ton of bricks. I love Wyatt. Iโm in love with this perfect man, who accepts me as I am. Flaws and all. But grief is a funny thing. One moment, Iโm able to smile, remembering the life that I got to share with Parker, and the next moment, my heart aches, missing him deeply. I chose to give myself to Wyatt last night, out of pure love. I wanted him. I wanted to share that part of me with him. But before last night, Parker was the only man who Iโd shared myself with wholly. I donโt regret it. Not even in the slightest. I just hope that Wyatt doesnโt look down on me for moving on so fast. I guess itโs not even really moving on. Itโs moving forward, because a piece of my heart will always remain with Parker. I almost asked him to mark me last night. I feel my cheeks heat, thinking about it. โWhen are you going to let me out to get a piece of Dex?โ Iris whi
The night was finally here and the room was full. People from all walks of life sat at small round tables together. โYou look beautiful,โ Wyatt whispered in my ear. I decided to wear an all-black sun dress and just enough eye makeup to accentuate my eyes. We opted to keep things fairly casual for the evening. That way, there was no pressure on our new members. Many came here with next to nothing, and didn't want a free handout. Wyattโs father was sitting at a table chatting with a beautiful vampire. He had a broad smile and she was laughing at whatever it was he was saying. He held Dex in his arms and kept glancing down at him while speaking with the woman.โI think that your father might be smitten.โWyatt followed my gaze, โOh yeah, heโs in trouble. Or maybe sheโs in trouble.โKiera joined us, โThere are far more people here than I thought,โ she whispered, nervously wringing her hands. โYou have nothing to worry about. Youโre a natural.โShe took one final deep breath before taki
โDo we have all of the food prepared for the evening?โ Two of the kitchen staff stood before me with clipboards. We were going over everything needed for our welcoming party. We had an overwhelming response once we began sending out invitations for the Safe Haven. At first, it was like a shockwave to the supernatural community. Unheard of in a way. A lot of packs returned our letter, accusing us of trying to steal their members. Some packs asked to come in and see what it was exactly that we were working so diligently on. We had five Alphaโs meeting Kai in total confusion on why we would welcome those of different supernatural races into our pack. โWerewolves are supposed to run packs for werewolves!โ theyโd say. But in the end, they werenโt why we were making the program anyways and we held no room for their outdated ways. Once we had a few wolves show up, it was like the domino effect. It quickly became apparent that we were not prepared for the task ahead of us. โI believe so
Iโve been trembling with excitement since we arrived. Felicity was sitting on a small bed with a towel on her lap, fidgeting her fingers since the nurse brought us in here. Theyโd taken a small vile of her blood and we were patiently waiting for the ultrasound tech to come and start looking at our pup. โI hope they hurry up. Iโm going to burst here in a moment.โFelicity giggled, leaning down and capturing my lips in a sloppy kiss. A soft knock at the door had her pulling away and in came a young nurse. โAre you two ready to see your fledgling?โ she asked with a warm smile. Iโve been calling my pup a kin, or pup, but the correct term is fledgling. The more you know...Felicity leaned back on the table as the nurse squirted jelly on her exposed belly. I grasped Felicityโs hand, squeezing it tightly. My eyes never left the little screen as she placed the wand into the sticky substance. A wiggly bean appeared on the screen causing my eyes to instantly well with tears. That little t
I decided to walk back home slowly, thinking about everything that had happened. I donโt want to believe that Parker is still in love with me. The thought makes me feel dirtied, like I'm betraying Kiera. She deserves his whole heart just as I've given mine to Wyatt.โCan I come to you?โ Wyattโs voice floated in my head.โSure, Iโm walking home from the lake.โLess than thirty seconds later, Wyatt appeared in front of me. I could feel his guilt as he stood there wringing his hands.Closing the distance between us, I wrapped my arms tightly around his body and angled my face to look up at him. โAre you okay?โHis arms snaked around my back, pulling me flush to him. One hand rested on the back of my head and the other squeezed my midsection. His chin rested against my hair, โI feel awful for how I acted earlier. Kiera didnโt deserve that."โIโm sure she will forgive you.โHis head fell onto my shoulder, โDid you talk with Parker?โโI did.โHe pulled away from me, โThatโs all I get?โI s
She nodded and he leaned forward, crashing our lips into hers. His hands went into her hair, gripping it tightly. He pulled her closer to us, snaking a hand behind her back. The sparks from their contact were electrifying. โYou taste like heaven,โ he growled, โBetter than heaven.โ I typically wouldnโt have given Ash full control but I felt like they needed this moment. She climbed onto his lap and from where I was in his mind, it was like watching a show. Almost like seeing my mate with myself but from the outside, which was an interesting twist. He gripped her sides, positioning her directly on his lap. She leaned forward, capturing his lips in a dominant kiss. He plunged our tongue deep in her mouth and she let out a muffled moan. โWill you let me explore you, Kiera? I want to show you just how much you mean to me.โ โPlease,โ she moaned out. He stood, her legs wrapped around our middle and he carried her to the room. โDonโt be too rough,โ I warned. โGo away,โ
As we ran through the thick foliage, Felicityโs voice was on repeat in my mind. I needed to forgive myself. Let go of the need for control. How does one do that when it is the only thing that they know? โThe Goddess made Kiera for us. She doesnโt make mistakes,โ Ash muttered. That was only one piece to my puzzle. How do I forgive myself for not being there when my parents needed me? When Felicity needed me? When..... I needed me? Ash followed Kieraโs scent back to our house and I silently thanked the goddess that she still came home after I had embarrassed her today. He shifted, giving me control. I quickly threw on a pair of shorts and rushed inside. Kiera was sitting on the couch with a packed suitcase. The sight broke my heart. โAre.... are you leaving?โ Her gaze met mine and I saw her puffy, bloodshot eyes. She probably hasnโt quit crying since I left the pack house. The thought that I caused that was a suckerpunch to the gut.โI think that would be whatโs bes
I found Parker sitting by the same lake that Iโd taken him to the first time we talked after he came home. The whole run over here, I tried to think of what I was going to say, but in all honesty, the shock hadnโt worn off. There was never a moment where I would have considered Parker still harboring such deep feelings for me. The air coming off of the lake was bitter, even for myself. I walked over, sitting down next to him on the embankment. We sat in silence for what felt like forever before Parker spoke up, โI come here sometimes to think. Itโs peaceful,โ he chuckled sadly, "Just like you'd said before. Who would of thought you were always right?"I smiled, looking over the dark expanse of water, โItโs my favorite place within the pack lands.โ โWhy did you come to find me?โ he questioned, sparing me a sideways glance. โIt sounds like we need to talk,โ I whispered. Part of me still didnโt know how to approach this situation. I didnโt want to hurt Parker. That was never
When I heard all of the crashing coming from down the hall, I never imagined weโd be walking in on this. Parker being held back by Kai. Wyatt was leaned against the wall spitting blood. Wyatt shook his head with a smirk, his eyebrows raised, โAre you really going to make me tell her?โ โFill me in here. What is going on?โ Wyatt chuckled, looking directly at Parker, โHeโs still in love with you and is pissed that you turned.โ A snort escaped his throat as he spit blood again, swiping the drips that had slid down from his nose, "What a fucking joke."My gaze fell on Parker and he looked absolutely devastated. I thought that we had been through this. We talked by the lake. He had given me a small ounce of doubt, but I was under the impression that we had worked through it. โIs this some kind of joke?โ Kiera whispered. Tears filled her bright green eyes as she stared at Parker waiting for him to contradict what Wyatt was saying. I could hear her heart rate increase. She was hol
I slammed my fist into the opposite wall, โWhatโs my problem?" I seethed, "I donโt know, Wyatt. Ever since you walked into Felicityโs life, you have fucked things up.โ He looked at me, a mix of anger, hurt, and confusion in his features, โWhat the fuck is that supposed to mean?โ โYou destroyed my relationship with Felicity. We were mates, that was supposed to be sacred, but you used your mate bond to destroy what we had. You play daddy to my daughter," I slammed my finger into my chest feeling the emotions inside tryng to explode, "You continuously put my family in danger. Time and time again. Youโre not even a werewolf anymore for Goddess' sake and now... now youโve managed to turn Felicity. You stole her identity. She was perfect. A beautiful she-wolf and now sheโs a filthy bloodsucker.... just like you.โ Kaiโs eyes were wide when I finished my rant but Wyatt just stood there, smirking. โAre you still in love with Felicity?โ was the only thing that came out of his mouth.