#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
#Chapter28I sat up, gripping hold of Rhydian's shirt and dragged him up. I wrapped my arms around him, bringing him against me. "He was unconscious most of the time I was with him. When he was conscious, he kept asking for his sister. I asked for her name but he never told me. He just kept saying she was safe."My heart was beating faster every second he was telling his story. It sounded so familiar but yet so different. Like a different side to the story. My breath was caught in my throat, tears were streaming down my face and I made no attempt to wipe them. This was bringing back awful memories, ones I haven't thought about for years. He glanced up and looked at me. His eyes went wide, he used his thumb to wipe the falling tears that kept falling. "Amaris." He whispered quietly. I shook my head, letting out the breath I was holding in. "Plea... Please carry on." I managed to speak. He nodded, bringing me against his chest.I crawled onto his lap, wrapping my arms around his back,
#Chapter29I sat there shocked. "She tried to get me to mark her, said it was only right we marked each other because we were having a pup. But I still couldn't do it." He sighed, "I didn't know why I couldn't mark her then..." He added. 'He knew we were out there somewhere,' Aurora chimed in.'I'm surprised you've only just spoken now,' 'I'm letting you two do this. You both need this.' She added before retreating to the back of my mind. "Anyway, long story short, she wasn't pregnant. She wasn't even who she said she was. Her name was Malia, she was related to the group of rogues somehow." He shrugged. I cringed, that name... I know that name. "What's wrong?" He asked. I shook my head. "Nothing. So, where does my dad fit into all this?" I asked, slightly confused. "Malia told me most of the rogues had escaped and had been in touch with her. Malia said she wanted to go back to them, so we let her." He sighed, "It was the wrong choice, but I couldn't wait to be rid of her. I
#Chapter30I stared out at the open road as we made our way to my favourite spot. A little nature walk, every summer my dad used to take me. It's run by a lovely couple who are both werewolves. Every now and again, they only open for our kind, it's amazing running through there in our wolfs."I can't believe I let you drive my car," Rhydian complained for the second time. We've only been on the road for 10 minutes. I rolled my eyes and giggled."Don't worry. I'll be gentle." I chuckled. I put my foot down on the accelerator, causing the car to jerk forward. "Fucking hell, Amaris! Go careful." He shrieked. I glanced at him quickly, his hand was gripped onto the door handle, his eyes were screwed shut and his bottom lip was stuck between his teeth.I took a deep breath, looking back at the road. I stole a glance at him again, zoning in on his lips. I bit back a groan, he was making me feel all kinds of things."Eyes on the road, Thorne." He smirked, with his eyes still shut. I snapp
#Chapter31Werewolves don't get their wolfs until their sixteenth birthday usually, but we don't shift until we're eighteen. That was different for me too."I woke up one morning and Aurora was there. I could hear her and I was so confused. My brother's wolf had appeared too." I took a deep breath. "We were twins," I whispered. I heard Rhydian gasp. We carried on walking and even though I could tell Rhydian had questions, he never spoke and I was glad. "Our parents didn't say much about it, they took us to see our Elders who had an idea of what was happening," I explained."They say there's a legend about our packs name. One of my ancestors had a rare wolf. They called it the Dark Wolf. They didn't possess any abilities or anything like the legend of the White Wolf. They were stronger and faster than a normal wolf. Their temper and aggressiveness was something to be afraid of." I explained. "But because it was a legend, no one knew much.""We were told not to tell anyone we had our
#Chapter32"Just take a breath," Rhydian whispered against my neck, causing goosebumps to rise on my arms. I sucked in a breath and buried myself further into him. "It just hurts to talk about him," I whispered, well it came out muffled. I felt him nod, "It will, love." He pushed me back a little, holding me at arms-length. "But talking about it can also help." He said, cautiously searching my eyes. I took a deep breath and nodded. "So I've been told." I chuckled slightly. His lips curled up into a little smile, there was no look of pity in his eyes at all. "Do you want to walk ahead a little more?" He asked, motioning his head towards the path. I nodded and smiled back at him, "Yes, there's something I want to show you." I hummed. We sauntered down the path together, our hands were nearly touching and I had to fight the urge to link our fingers together. The pull was strong, it felt like it physically hurt that we weren't touching. I sighed, balling my fists together. Rhydian pee
#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