Rae’s POVI’m not sure what happened after I opened my eyes at the Lake. Toby looked at me strangely as did Erin. Before I could figure it out, Toby took off running. The struggle to keep my eyes open was real. I managed to stay awake long enough to hear someone call Toby ‘young alpha’. What does that mean?I lost consciousness again. This time I know what is happening. I wander around in the dark, for I don’t know how long, looking for the lady that I talked to last time. However, she doesn’t come this time.This time, I wander into a chilly place. The air is so cold, my skin is turning blue and goosebumps are rising up all over my flesh. I stop moving for a second as I feel that something is seriously wrong. Am I actually dead this time? I shudder at that thought.I take a deep breath. I need to find a way out of the darkness and into the light. Soon, I find myself at a river. However, the river doesn’t look like a good river. There’s a man in a hood standing there. Don’t ask me how
Mama turns around and offers me a bright smile. “Rae. I’m so glad that you’re okay. I still just can’t believe it. Are you ready to stand up and walk?” She asks.I hesitate for a second and evaluate my body. “I think so.”She smiles again, “Okay, good, let’s get you standing. Oh! I can’t wait to tell your brother! He’s been so worried about you.”She comes over to my bed and start moving my hair away from my face. Once she was satisfied, she offered me a small smile.“Of course, he wanted to be here for you but he had to take care of the horses.” She said as if I wouldn’t understand.“He isn’t the only one worried. Did you know that Toby has been with you almost every day?”Every day? Did she say Toby? Surely, she is mistaken as he has much bigger things to worry about.“Toby?” I ask to confirm my feelings.“Yes.” She looks at me for a second, like she wants to say something, and shakes her head. “Well, you had lots of people come to see how you were. Even Chris.” She says hesitantly.
I wake up to a butterfly feeling on my face. The tingles feel so nice that I feel myself slowly leanding towards it. Slowly opening my eyes, I see a pair of beautiful blues that I would recognize from anywhere.He is pushing the hair off of my forehead. Toby. I don’t know why but I feel very comfortable and content seeing him here and the smile that he gives me, upon seeing my eyes open, makes my heart flutter. How embarrassing.“Hey! How are you feeling?” He asks me quietly.I assess the situation. I feel a little stronger than I did the last time I was awake. A little tired, and still a lot sore, but I’m not going to admit that to him. For some reason, it feels like it would just hurt him.“I’m feeling better.” I tell him.He smiles again. “That’s good.” He runs his finger down my face very carefully. I try to suppress a shiver, at the tingling feeling, but know I failed when his smile widens. “You had us pretty scared there.”“I’m sorry.” I’m embarrassed. I can’t believe that all o
Toby’s POV I have to get out of here. I need to shift and I need to shift fast. I knew that I needed to tell her about Chris before it was too late and I was just prepared to do that. Rae has loved him her entire life. I didn’t want to be the one to tell her but she should not have found out that way. Chris’ love, future Queen, is a horrible person. How can he choose someone like her? At first, I thought that she was full of herself. However, Chris never stopped her craziness and that only confirmed it for me. Now, I had the pleasure of feeling Rae’s intense heartbreak. I could feel her sadness, through our bond, before I left. It hurt me too. My mind pauses as I shift into my massive wolf. Will Rae accept us? Kit hasn’t spoken to me for the last few years. He’s just been hiding in the background of my mind. I’m not sure what his problem has been or why he is so silent. Cian, my wolf, is about four feet tall which is kind of short for our kind. But he makes up for it in strength an
Rae’s POVI watch as Tobias leaves. As soon as I can no longer see his back, I break down. My heart hurts so bad. I just want to go home. Some part of me held hope. I held onto a ridiculous hope that I could be with Chris. Of course, he needs a princess to be his queen.I don’t care that I just woke up and can barely walk. I grab my stuff, to prepare to go home, and notice that I don’t have anything to wear. Shrugging it off, I walk out the doors and head home.I must’ve been lost in my head, or something, because I arrive at my house sooner than I thought possible. I bust through the door and stop in my tracks when I see Talon and Katy lip locked on the couch.Um. Hello? Other people live here!! I clear my throat to catch their attention and Katy jumps off the couch like her hide was on fire. I hide my smile behind my hand and look over at my brother.“Rae! What are you doing out of the hospital?” Talon asks.“I’m coming home.” I reply, with a slight duh to my tone.He furrows his b
Rae’s POVUgh!!! The nerve of him! How dare he show up here acting like the last few years haven’t happened. What did he think was going to happen? That I would just willingly open my doors to him? No, nope. He’s going to have to order me to let me in before I ever do that. The nerve of him to ask me on a walk! Doesn’t he have a fiancee? Shouldn’t he be asking her on those walks instead of reminding me of what I can not have!? I finally just got my head on straight from that horrible encounter. Now my heart aches even harder.I pace around my living room trying to release all the pent up anger. He looked at me like he used to. I really wish that I could trust it to be true. I don’t. I don’t have a clue to why he decided to show up at my door. What would there be to talk about any way? My near death? I doubt it. I guess he could’ve wanted to talk about the murders. I feel guilty for a second before I realize he would’ve just asked to come in.He’s lucky that Talon left to go train one
Rae’s POVWalking quietly, I can hear even the smallest noises. I am remaining quiet because I feel like someone is watching me. It doesn’t feel too sinister so I am only remaining cautious. A twig snapping, however, startles me.I spin around looking for anyone. A squirrel runs up a tree and I laugh at myself. I’m spooking even myself. I shake myself. I can see Em’s house up ahead and I start to pick up my pace.Nerves are causing my hands to shake as I knock on her door. I take a few deep breaths and count to three. I run my hands, nervously, through my hair as I wait for someone to answer the door.Gerald, her dad, should be out working. Her mother, Tina, is usually out as well. So, I am only hoping that Emma is here. For a second, when I don’t hear a sound, I start thinking that maybe she is out. Just as I am about to turn around, the door opens widely.“Rae.” Em says, with a slight smile. “It’s good to see you up and about.”I smile. “Em. I’m sorry for just stopping by.”“It’s ok
Toby’s POVI’m currently sitting at a table in my father’s office. King Chris, Prince Preston, Reginald, Father, Erin, Mother, Beta Richard, Gamma Aaron, Delta John, and five warriors are all here with me. We are going over the murders.It’s clear that this last one is different but it’s still troublesome. None of them have evidence of the murderer. The only other thing in common, except this last one, is the similarities to Rae.“Who would dare to threaten an innocent girl like Rae?” Delta John asks. He was best friends with Brianna’s parents. “Who would kill such a sweet kind soul like Brianna?”“Maybe that’s the connection that we’ve been looking for?” Mother suggests.“What do you mean, love?” Father asks.“Think about it, Dear.” She glances at me. “First there was the dress. Then there was the uncanny similar looks. Now, there is the same kind of soul; sweet and innocent.” She explains.My eyes widen in realization. She’s right. They both have the same personalities and were both
Rae’s POV I open my eyes to bright light. I look around and find myself in a field. Did I die? My heart breaks realizing that I am not going to see my husbands or my children. I slowly stand up and weave my hands through the grass. I glance around when I feel a presence around me. A man steps out of the shadows and my breath hitches. “Daddy?” I ask. “Hello, pumpkin.” He says. I run to him and jump into his arms. “Daddy, I’ve missed you.” “I have missed you too, pumpkin.” He whispers. “What are you doing here?” I ask. “I came to see you. I am supposed to walk you to the moon goddess.” “The moon goddess?” I ask. “Am I dead?” He smiles sadly. “Not yet, dear. There are some very determined people working on you. But, you are dying. Come.” He says, as he wraps his arms around my shoulders. I can’t help but cry. I am glad that I get to see him but I don’t want to leave everyone else behind. “I am proud of you, pumpkin.” He says. “I have been keeping an eye on you. You, and your m
Rae’s POV “Push, baby. You have this. One more time. You’ve got this.” Chris says. I feel like breaking off his fingers with this next push. Despite all of my yelling, and squishing his fingers, he has the brightest smile and radiates happiness. “Where is Toby?” I ask. “I want to wait for Toby.” I whine. “He’s almost here, baby. You know that he had to go to Ryan’s territory. This baby doesn’t want to wait. They are ready come out.” I blow out a breath. He doesn’t have to remind me. I can feel them pushing out. I groan. Toby had to leave to go help Ryan because a few of the hunters that escaped our raids have been causing issues. He’s been gone for a whole week. Now, he’s not here and the babies are coming without him. I want to cry. “You can do this, Rae. One more push and he’s out.” Linda says. I take a deep breath as Chris pushes me up. As I push as hard as possible, the door flies open and Toby rushes in. He rushes to stand on my other side. I am unable to say anything as I
Toby’s POV As Raleigh falls, I rush to catch her. My heart is pounding in my chest. I know that she hasn’t been feeling well lately but I haven’t wanted to bug her about it. ‘Chris, meet me at the pack doctor’s office.’ I holler through the link. ‘Already on my way.’ She groans in her sleep and I pick up speed. I should have seen this coming after everything that we have been doing over the last year. She must’ve exhausted herself out. ‘Cian, can you detect what’s wrong?’ I ask my wolf. ‘Serenity has been blocking us out for the last week or so. I’ve tried to ask if everything is okay but she just assures me that she’s tired.’ ‘Do you think that it has anything to do with what we just did?’ I ask, nervously. A huge wave of guilt hits me. Maybe I shouldn’t have pressed that. Now, that I think about it, she hasn’t been very active in the bedroom lately, either. Cian scoffs. ‘Of course not. It has to be something else.’ “Let me see her.” Chris snaps, pulling me out of my head with
Chris’s POV Exhaustion doesn’t even begin to cover how I am feeling right now. We have traveled three quarters of the globe and destroyed many hunters. I feel like I should have some guilt over this but I don’t. These are the scums of the earth. We ran into some hunter camps that had scientists working on humans. Labs were in more than half of the camps. Humans caged in cells smaller than a bathroom. Speaking of bathroom, they only had a pan to use as theirs. The smells that encompassed these labs were enough to make every one of us vomit. That was before we even saw the first cell. On top of the surface, they look like cabins. We would have not even noticed them if it wasn’t for Jessica. Toby’s top warrior. She smelled something. Of course, she found out that she was pregnant and that’s why she was able to smell it when the rest of us couldn’t. We destroyed the house before we found the secure wall. Magic was in play because once we found it, the house shifted on the outside to s
Toby’s POV Watching Rae and Chris work their magic is incredible. We have arrived at yet another base of Hunters. This one wasn’t as kind as the last five that we arrived at. Most of those five surrendered and agreed to a peace treaty. This one, however, every one was tainted with hatred. A hatred for something that they didn’t understand. The way these hunters live is similar to how our packs live. They are familiar based. I would feel bad for some of these humans but, they are so full of hatred, they can’t be saved. My warriors and I have taken all of the small children, handing them off to the humans. They will figure out who to give them too. There are some hunters that lost their children due to the severity of the battles they waged. All of them were lead to believe that all supernaturals were a danger to them. When Rae stood up in front of them, and offered peace, only a few challenged her. Mostly the oldest ones were filled with hatred. Rae gave them plenty of chances. She
Rae’s POV 2 weeks later I’m dressed up and ready to go. We’re headed to a small town full of hunters. We have sent out squads of warriors from the castle out on the hunt. One set came up with a small town that was full of them. It’s in another part of the world. Sadly, this makes me think of Emma. I feel the tears slipping down my face. Chris walks up behind me and wraps me up in my arms. Yes, I said Chris. In the last two weeks, he has explained things to me. While I am still mad at him, I decided to give him another chance. “It will be okay, Raleigh.” He says. I shake my head. I killed my best friend. “Rae, it was you or her.” Toby said, coming into the room. “I understand that.” I whisper. “It’s just that I feel like it’s sort of my fault. Of course, she is sort of right. She isn’t the only one to feel that way.” Chris stiffens. Toby comes to stand in front. The heat and sparks coming from both of my mates, sends comfort through me. I held onto Toby while I leaned against
Rae’s POV 2 months later Laughter escapes my mouth as I run around the island. Toby is trying to spread icing on my face. Of course, it’s payback because I did it first. We were invited to a birthday party of one of the pups. Their mother asked me to cut the cake and I couldn’t resist. The kids are laughing at mine and Toby’s antics. He feints to the right. Too bad that I noticed he looked to my right first. See, he has a tell tale sign because he is worried that I am going to hurt myself. So, he just looks in that area first. I’m not even sure that he notices it. “You can’t escape me forever, Rae, darling.” He taunts. “Oh yeah?” I taunt back. “Yeah. It’s only fair you know. Don’t you kids agree?” He asks the kids. “The boys agree while the girls say a resounding ‘no’.” We both laugh. I squeal as he makes a move that I didn’t see. I jump across the island and stop in my tracks, my breath freezing in my chest. How did I not hear anyone come up from behind me? The lady standing
Rae’s POVThe warmth of two bodies surround me as consciousness pulls at me again. I remember their names, Toby and Chris. I feel so comfortable that I don’t even want to open my eyes. I just want to go back to sleep. I don’t even know how I got into this position.The bed does not even feel like the same bed that I had been in last night. It’s softer, bigger, and allows the two of them in it. I am squished between these two men. Something nags at me, telling me that I know these two men and that they are an important part of my life.Why can’t I remember them? ‘You will.’ Something in my head says. I’m not bothered by this voice as I know that she is somehow a part of me. ‘Go back to sleep, Rae. When you wake, your memory will return.’ I remember the last time she said that I was blocking myself. ‘You’re opening it up subconsciously. Though, I am sure that it has to do with these cute men beside us. They are your mates, afterall.’Hmm. Okay, maybe I should just get some sleep then. T
Rae’s POVDarkness surrounds me. I can’t seem to understand what is going on in my mind. I feel intense pain and I can hear some voices. I feel as if I should recognize them but I can’t seem to concentrate enough to hear them plainly. Two male voices are very distinct. They seem to be talking to a meek lady.Suddenly, I feel someone pick me up. I feel the pain but I am unable to make a sound or move. I feel a feather like electricity shoot through my temple as someone leaves a kiss. Who is this? There is something in my mind that tells me that I know.A cold rush hits my body as I am taken outside. At least I assume it is outside.“Hold on, little Luna.” I hear, sounding far away.“Please, my Love.” The second voice says.“This way. Hurry, before he gets back.” The meek voice says.I feel a shift in direction. Why can’t I open my eyes? Why do I feel so weak?“Hurry up!” She says again. “I don’t know how long he’ll be kept out of this plane. He’s arguing with his brother right now.”Wh