#Chapter20"What do you mean?" He asked, his voice full of curiosity. "Just trust me." I croaked, the pain was increasing again and I knew something wasn't right. "Why should I trust you? When you don't trust me?" He said, his voice full of pain. I glanced at him, "I want to tell you, but I'm-" I screwed my eyes shut and whimpered. "Amaris?" He panicked. He jumped up from the floor and carefully sat next to be on the bed, placing his hand just above where my bandage was. The pain eased slightly and I opened my eyes gradually, keeping my eyes fixated on him. "You're my mate, aren't you?" He whispered, gazing down at me. "RHYDIAN!" Ezra bellowed from downstairs. Rhydian looked towards the door and then back at me, "I'll go get the doctor." He smiled as he stood up. He walked to the door, glanced back at me then ran out of the room. "No, don't get a shower on your own. Aunt Georgie will be there soon." Tristan finally mind linked back."The pack doctor is here. There's something
#Chapter21Well, that was the most painful thing I have ever had to endure. But the effects from the antidote worked quickly. I wasn't in that much pain anymore.Doctor Reeves apologised profusely for not picking up on the Hemlock. Although he couldn't help it, Hemlock isn't detected until a few hours.1I managed to keep complete control too; well, with a little help from Rhydian.'A lot of help.' Aurora chuffed.I rolled my eyes and snuggled further into my cover. Everyone left so I could get some rest. Well, everyone but Rhydian, he's downstairs in case I need him. Much to my reluctance, he wouldn't take no for an answer.But I secretly like that he's still here... I think. Either that or Aurora is projecting her feelings onto me. We may be one soul but we definitely have two minds. I'm still not sure if I completely trust him whereas Aurora wants to roll over and let him have his way.'Damn right I do. I want to meet my other half. I want his wolf.' Aurora quipped.I blocked
#Chapter22"Thank you for dinner, it was lovely." I thanked Rhydian as we headed towards the clearing for my fathers funeral."It was nothing." He shrugged. "Do you want to lead the funeral?" He asked, glancing at me.I shook my head and sighed. "No, you're the Alpha." I smiled, looking at him. He stopped and stood in front of me. "I may be an Alpha but I'm not their Alpha." He smiled, "You're our Alpha."1He just doesn't give up about me being Alpha. I rolled my eyes and pushed him slightly to continue walking. "You lead." I monotoned, walking towards the clearing.As we neared the clearing, I noticed the whole pack was here already. I stopped dead in my tracks and scanned the area. There was some in wolf form and some in human form.Everyone turned to face me when they sensed me. Some bowed in respect, which I recognised but others observed me. Trying to figure out who I was. As I looked closer, I noticed that she-wolf, Selena was stood with a few other wolves.I growled lowly
#Chapter23"I had a whole speech planned out, I was going to talk about how amazing my dad was..." I started. "But, you all know that.""You all know the type of man he was." I said."So, I'm going to tell him how much he meant to me..." I hesitated, "One last time." I turned around, facing Tristan he nodded and moved to the side.I slowly stepped up to his coffin and layed my hand gently on top. I can't believe the last time I saw him was 3 years ago... I'm so selfish. I should have come back, I had the protection of my necklace."You were my hero." I said, looking at the photo of him on top of the coffin. "You gave me everything I could have ever wished for." I sniffled, tracing the lines along the coffin."You was... you... " I stuttered, trying to catch my breath. I hung my head, letting the tears fall freely.I felt two warm arms wrap around my waist, sending shock waves and tingles throughout my entire body. I leaned my head against Rhydian's chest, inhaling deeply taking
#Chapter24I don't know how long we have been laying beside the lake. Aurora is laid with her head against her paws with Ryder resting his head on top of hers."Ryder wants to meet you," Rhydian commented through our link.He wants to meet me? Why would he want to meet me?'We're his mate. He's met me, now he wants to meet you.' Aurora whined.'Suppose so...' I groaned as Aurora moved her head slightly making Ryder grunt."Make sure he stays where he is," I warned Rhydian through our link.Ryder sat on the ground, keeping his eyes glued on us. Aurora crouched low and we began the shift. The sounds of bones cracking and snapping filled the air. My bones snapped back into my human form as the fur disappeared.I kneeled in front of him, waiting for him to come to me. He stood up and wandered over to cautiously. He stopped maybe a foot in front of me, sat down and just watched me.When neither of us attempted to move, Ryder laid in front of me, resting his head on his paws. I gigg
#Chapter25I tossed and turned trying to fall asleep, but I'm too agitated, it just isn't happening. I have every possible scenario running through my head at how tomorrow will play out. My conversation with Rhydian on the walk home has made everything ten times worse.Every time I close my eyes I see the pained look of guilt and regret spiralling around Rhydian's eyes. This must have something to do with the conversation I heard between him and Lucas. I'm kicking myself for spending time with him...I growled, flailing myself around on my bed like I'm possessed. I'm so fucking angry at myself. Why did I let him get this close?! It's almost like he's in my head. I know the mate band works in mysterious ways but how can you be so drawn to someone you don't want?'But we do want him.' Aurora whined.'No. I don't want anything to do with the mate bond. We still don't know if this is real.' I groaned.I don't trust him but hell, if I don't want him here right now. I pulled the pillow
#Chapter26I sat staring at Lucas dumbfounded. Blinking rapidly like a dear caught in headlights. "I... Um... Rhydian's lying." I spluttered. That didn't sound very convincing at all. Lucas raised his brows at me and frowned. "Rhydian didn't say anything to me." I let out a breath I didn't realise I was holding in." I worked it out on my own." He shrugged."But how?" I asked, confused. He chuckled and placed his coffee cup down. "You didn't hide it very well if that's what you were trying to do." He smiled. "I had an inkling, after the situation with Selena." He explained, leaning back on the sofa. "But it wasn't until you ran that I knew." He sighed.I took a deep breath before sighing. "He was distraught Amaris. He didn't understand why." He explained, "I could see it in his eyes, he was confused." He sighed. I sighed and let myself fall against the sofa. "Why didn't you tell me?" He asked a hint of sadness laced his voice. I closed my eyes and sighed exhaustedly. "You know," He h
#Chapter27"What?" I choked.Of everything I thought he was going to tell me, that wasn't even on the list. I definitely must have heard wrong. I mean, if it was his fault, why the hell is he still here? I turned to run but before I could, Rhydian grabbed my arm. "No, wait!" He gulped, gripping my arm. I turned, growling at him. He flinched but kept hold of my arm. "Don't fucking touch me," I warned. "Let me explain." He pleaded, I could see so much emotion in his eyes. I shook my head vigorously, screwing my eyes shut. "You killed my dad." I hissed, trying to keep my anger in check."What? No, I didn't." He grumbled. I snapped my eyes open and glared at him. "You just said and I quote..." I growled. "Your dad's death it was me it was my fault." I mimicked him, without pausing. He paled and let my arm go, shaking his head. "And you instantly thought that I'd killed him myself." He sounded offended. "What was I supposed to think?" I yelled, getting frustrated. I started pacing ba
#Chapter303WHEREVER YOU GO, I GO“So, we’re going to live in the palace forever?” Callie asked.Brody glanced at me with his brow raised. We haven’t discussed what’s going to happen. I still want to be part of the royal guard, but now I have someone else to think about.What does Brody want to do with his life? Would he be happy staying in the palace? There are all these little things we’re going to have to deal with.Until the threat to my life, well all our lives are dealt with, the best place for us is the palace. But after that, I need to think about Brody and Callie, not just myself.“I don’t know about the future, but yes, for now, we’re staying at the palace.” I answered. “Is that okay with you both?”“I like the palace. I like my bedroom. I like your family. I want to stay.” Callie answered.I smiled at her and nodded. “I’m glad you like it here.”I glanced to Brody, he seemed deep in thought. He smiled sweetly at me and took hold of my hand and Callie’s.“Wherev
#Chapter302LITTLE DETAILSI have no idea how I’m feeling right now, there are so many thoughts running through my mind.I’m confused why I’ve got a mate and a beloved. I know we have a family history of having two... Nanna Ayla had two mates, but they think that was because of the prophecy, and Grandad Leon was always supposed to be her true mate, but never in my wildest dreams would I have expected me to have a mate and a beloved.I’m happy, elated, absolutely over the moon at the fact Brody is my beloved. He’s everything I wanted in a beloved. He’s thoughtful, caring, and a decent being. I’m certainly lucky to have been blessed to spend my life with him.But I’m also worried. No, I’m absolutely petrified. When Luca finds out I’m also destined for someone else, I don’t even want to think about what he’d do. He’s going to be angry and jealous, and that’s a dangerous combination. Jealousy can make even the nicest people do wrong things. Luca is deranged and definitely wo
#Chapter301HIS SCENT“So, you and Brody?” Olivia smirked as she placed some pieces of fruit in five bowls.“I know that face, Liv. There is nothing going on.” I groaned, “we’re just friends.”“Friends definitely don’t look at each other the way you two do.” She snickered.Olivia placed the knife onto the kitchen island and looked at me with a serious expression. She leaned against the kitchen island, resting her chin on the palm of her hand.“In all seriousness, how are you doing now you’re back?” She asked.I took a deep breath, then smiled at Olivia.“I’m glad to be back.” I sighed, “really glad to be back”.”“We’re glad to have you back,” she smiled sweetly. “Are you going with Brody when he gets his scent back?”I nodded and pushed away from the kitchen island. “He’s nervous about it, so I want to be there for him.”"You just want to know what he smells like." Allie quipped.She’s not wrong. I am intrigued to know what his scent is like. When I
#Chapter300WISHFUL THINKINGI halted in the doorway and frowned. My eyes darted around my dad’s office. My dad was sitting behind his desk with his arms crossed over his chest, with Mum perched on a chair beside him holding his arm. Coby and Ryder were standing by Uncle Elias and Uncle Levi in deep conversation. Grandad Leon and Nanna Ayla were behind Mum and each had their hands on her shoulder."No matter what they have to tell us, I’m here, we go through this together." Allie promised. ”We’re stronger than the rogues."They all looked to me with hints of anger and worry all over their faces.“So, what’s wrong?” I questioned as I moved further into the office, and Brody closed the door behind us.“You might want to sit down, sweetheart.” Dad instructed, pointing to the sofas on the other side of the room.I led Brody towards the sofas and made sure he was sat next to me. I’m going to need him close if I’m going to get through this. Mum and Dad joined us, sitting
#Chapter299THE PLACE IS A MAZE“Lila, sweetheart, wake up.”My eyes shot open, and I stared blankly ahead at Brody’s chest; we must have fallen asleep. It took me a few seconds to register, it was my mum’s voice. I peered over my shoulder. My mum was standing beside my bed, awkwardly shuffling side to side on her feet.I sat slowly to try and not wake Brody, and turned completely to Mum.“Everything okay?” I asked.“I’m sorry, Lo.” She sighed, “I didn’t want to enter your room without your permission, but it’s important, baby.”“Sure. What’s wrong?” I asked.She shook her head and took a deep breath.“Dad is waiting for us in his office.”I raised my brow, then nodded.“Okay, give me a minute,” I sighed.I leaned forward and grabbed the comforter from the bottom of the bed and pulled it over Brody.“Brody should probably hear this as well.” She mumbled.“Meet you at Dad’s office then?” I suggested.Mum nodded her head and took a deep breath
#Chapter298A LITTLE NEEDYCallie was over the moon with her bedroom, the smile never left her face. When I showed Brody his room, she didn’t want to come, she wanted to stay in her bedroom and play with her new toys. I didn’t blame her though, she had plenty to choose from, my parents definitely spoiled her.I left Brody to settle in his room, get a shower or whatever he wanted to do. I showed him which room mine was, and that if he or Callie needed me, they could come to my room.I stood in the middle of my room and dragged in a shaky breath. The last time I was in here, I was with Olivia when we were getting ready for my birthday party. I was starting to feel overwhelmed and anxious. Being alone in the room gave me a weird feeling. I need to not think about before and anything that happened. If I think too much, I may just be heading for a mental breakdown."Can we talk?" Brody’s voice filled my mind, and the little anxiety I was beginning to feel about being alone sl
#Chapter297STUPID SOUNDPROOF ROOMSI introduced Callie to the boys after getting the sweetest hello from them. They definitely missed me as much as I missed them. All four of them clung to me for ages. But the meeting between Callie and the boys was cute and warmed my heart. They were certainly excited to meet her. They got on really well, and I knew they would do.We spent time playing in the playroom while Brody was with my dad. I was glad I was with them, because it took my mind off my dad and Brody; it kept me occupied enough that my mind wasn’t constantly thinking about what is being said. I know Brody won’t tell them anything about what happened to me, but part of me wishes he did, because then I wouldn’t have to. Although Brody doesn’t know everything, I mean, he gets the gist of it, but he wasn’t always there."I’ll be there when you tell them. I’ve got your back." Allie cooed."I’m so lucky to have you."When Brody came to the playroom, I heard him and Corbo
#Chapter296FIERY SPIRITBrody’s POV.His eyes went wide, then he cleared his throat and straightened himself out. “You know about our history?” He questioned, raising his brow and leaning forward.I nodded. “Yeah, my mother um, told me after I met Alora.”“And you still saved my daughter?” He questioned.“I’m not my mother. Alora is special, nothing like what they said hybrids were. I had to get her out of there.” I answered.A broad smile appeared on King Alarix’s face as he nodded and sat back with his arms folded.“The guy that pulled her away, who is he?” Corbon asked.I furrowed my brows. “I wasn’t there, so I don’t know what happened, but I assume you’re talking about Luca.” I replied.“And who is this Luca?" Corbon growled.“He’s a wolf, but I don’t know much about him. I can’t tell you anything else though, it’s not my place to say.” I sighed.“The hell you can’t.” Corbon growled. “Tell me about him.”“That’s enough, Corbon.” King Alarix
#Chapter295WHAT EXACTLY ARE YOUBrody’s POV.I followed King Alarix through the palace. It was huge, I don’t think I have ever seen something so grand. When I think of palaces, I imagine old fashion colour schemes, but this isn’t anything like it. The palace is modern and open planned, lots of space.“Just around this corner.” King Alarix mentioned over his shoulder.I nodded and smiled at him. My mind kept going back to the reunion between Alora and her family. Everything we went through getting out of that place, seeing them all together, was so worth it. I don’t think I have ever seen a mum and dad fawn so much over their children. It was heartwarming to witness.My dad died when I was young, so I don’t remember anything about him. Callie’s dad tried, but my mother wasn’t very maternal, so she complained whenever he showed Callie an ounce of love and affection.Our children need to grow up to be leaders, do not make them weak.Showing love and affection does