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Chapter Seventeen
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2024-10-29 19:42:56I move swiftly up the stairs, wanting the element of surprise when I reach the witches. I’m careful not to make a sound. Once at the top, I groan when I see the door is closed, ruining my chance for a silent entrance. I listen but don’t hear movement directly behind this door, so I slowly turn the handle and the door slides open silently. I open it only enough for me to peer out. Seeing nothing, I inch it open so I can stick my entire head through and look around. No one is in the room, so I push through the door, closing it behind me.
My breath leaves in a slow stream. There’s a large granite table in the middle with chairs around it. Noting the papers strewn over it, I file that information away to look at them after.
There are three doors. One is wide open, crossing the room to peer inside, I see it’s a storage room, and no one is in there. I move to the next door, leaning as close as I can withou
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She said Rafe is home. What about Jasper, though? Why and how is he back? Is this a game Duncan is playing, sending Rafe back to spy or infiltrate from the inside somehow?Goddess, all of these questions and I have no answers.I pushed Finn and Lucy to the max yesterday and today, trying to get home. “Raven, we have to stop for the night,” Finn yells.I slow down looking over my shoulder to see him, and Lucy stopped, their chests heaving for air.“We were about a week’s journey from the pack. We won’t be able to get back running nonstop like you have us doing.”I hang my head. Dammit, he’s right. If I keep pushing them it could lead to worse things that would delay us further. I turn around and walk back toward them.“I’m pretty sure there’s a lake over that way, so we may be able to find shelter near there for the night,” I sa
Fate Of The Mates Chapter Nineteen
The moment pack lands were in sight, I took off, pushing my muscles to the point of exhaustion. But not willing to give in until I was in Rafe’s arms. In my haste, I left Finnian and Lucy in the dust without a second thought. Oh well, Finn can figure out what to do with Lucy and her being on pack lands.Once I’m in my backyard, my shift is the fastest it’s ever been. Throwing a dress on, my voice cracks as I call out, “Rafe! Jasper!” while pushing through the back door.My breath catches in my throat and my pulse beats frantically as I wait for a reply, but none comes. I race around the house, up the stairs to check all the rooms, but no one is home. Both adrenaline and exhaustion are warring within me as my body shakes as I stand on the bottom step trying to focus, and think where they could even be.‘Jade, where are you guys?’ I mind link her.‘We are at the confer
Fate Of The Mates Chapter Twenty
A hand runs along the inside of my leg up to my inner thigh before sliding over the curve of my hip and waist, fingers dance over my breast eliciting goosebumps where warm lips take over leaving wet, warm kisses as they work their way up over my collarbone. I moan as those lips stop to kiss and suck on my mate mark.My mind clicks on, no, no, no, not again. I yank my pillow from under my head and go to throw it over my face, but my hand smashes into someone’s head. My eyes spring open, to peer into Rafe’s loving and amused eyes.“Is there a reason you’re trying to beat me with a pillow, love?” he jests.I release the pillow and instantly grab his face, pulling it close to mine. “You’re real? Not just another dream?” I ask as I pat his cheeks and smooth his hair.His chuckle is deep. “Yes I am, babe. Have you been dreaming of me often, though?” He finds th
Fate Of The Mates Chapter Twenty-One
RAFE I woke up early again this morning. As I’ve been doing since I got home. But today without waking Raven, because I know she’s exhausted from last night’s sexcapades, I creep downstairs and outside. Sitting on the stairs with my back against the closed door, I breathe in the fresh morning air. It’s cool enough to wake me up but not chill me. My nights have been rough with dreams of what I know happened over there, but when I wake up, I can’t remember them. When I focus too hard on my time there, my head throbs and quickly escalates into a pulsating pain that radiates through my entire head. Stealing my breath. This morning, though, I’m determined to push through it. My eyes squeeze shut as my teeth clamp down, gritting through the pain, hoping for a glimpse, a memory, anything. I get nothing but searing pain that has me falling down the steps, panting on all four as I expel last night’s dinner on th
Fate Of The Mates Chapter Twenty-Two
RAVEN‘Raven, can you meet us at the library?’ Finn asks through the mind link.‘Yea-’ I start to reply, but he cuts me off.‘Oh, this is Finnian in case you didn’t know.’I give it a moment before responding, ‘s-’‘And I mean to meet us in the secret room,’ he says.I shake my head at him, even though he can’t see me. He jumps in again before I can respond.‘Lucy is with me. That’s who the us is’I can’t help the laugh that escapes. This guy. Once I’m sure he’s done interrupting, I finally reply. ‘Yes, Finn, I can meet you. I will be there soon.’“What are you laughing and smiling about?” Rafe asks in a husky voice as he comes up behind me, enclosing me in a hug.These last few days have been amazing. If we are near each other, we&rsqu
Fate Of The Mates Chapter Twenty-Three
RavenMy anger is still simmering the next morning.“Mom, you just broke the plate,” Jasper gasps as I put his breakfast in front of him. Sure enough, looking down, I see it’s split in two under his food. With a huff, I pick it up as best as I can without the food falling off and get him a new plate.I’m so caught up in my issues, I don’t even think twice about how quiet Jade is this morning.“Good morning. Who’s ready for school?” Haylee calls as she steps through the door.“Hey, good morning,” I say with a sincere smile. She’s kept her distance since Rafe came home, so we could have time as a family, but I am relieved to see her. “Would you like some coffee while you wait?” I ask.She jiggles the travel mug she already has as she sits next to Jade.“What’s up, missy? Why so sad? Did your mom burn the food again?” Sh
Fate Of The Mates Chapter Twenty-Four
“I am telling you, it’s not over. I have proof. Why are you all being so damn stubborn about this?” Heat fuses my cheeks as my anger simmers.“It’s not that we don’t believe you when you say the witches were helping Duncan, but we think it’s just that they were aiding Duncan, not the other way around,” Robert says calmly.“I told you everything the Moon goddess told me. Everything we found in our library and in the temples we visited. Do you not believe the Moon goddess?” I’m now standing and pacing behind my chair.“Until the Moon goddess confides in another, we can’t take your word alone on this. This involves our entire pack,” Phil drolls in a bored tone.“Mmhmm, Okay. Fine,” I say clipped, my frustration riding how. I tried. Again. I’ll have to think of another way to get them on the same page. “Then let’s move on and talk about Rafe’s house arrest. How long do you plan to keep him locked inside? What does he need to prove to you?”We hash things out for another hour before I’m ab
Fate Of The Mates Chapter Twenty-Five
RAFEAfter the kids left for school, I waited as Raven got herself ready for the day. I sit on the edge of our bed as she gets dressed and I take in her every movement. The way her back arches when she bends to pull her pants on. The way she tilts her neck exposes our mate mark as she gathers her hair up in a ponytail.Pulling her loose sweater down, she stops as she realizes I’ve been watching.“Enjoying the show, dear?” She teases.“Always do love.”I follow her down the stairs and we say goodbye. I lean against the doorjamb, watching her walk down the path. Once she’s far enough ahead, I close the door behind me and follow at a distance.I stay hidden in the shadows and off the path as I follow her. Stopping at a house outside of town, tucked away in the woods, she knocks on the door and waits a moment before I see Finnian answer the door, ushering her in.My wolf growls as she disappears from our sight. My mind flashes with images of what I can only imagine is happening inside. I
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RAFEAs I stand here looking across the yard, Raven’s beauty still makes me catch my breath. Right now, her head is thrown back in laughter at something Finn just said as Lucy laughs along with her. Despite the stress, she’s been under this last week. I’m glad she’s been able to find these moments with her friends while they are here visiting.As I walk, I see Marge crossing the yard on the opposite side of me and cringe, knowing what is coming. We both step up to the group and as I drop into the open chair, Marge turns to Raven.“Luna, may I have a word before you leave today, please?”Raven looks over at me with a resigned look before pasting on her smile and allowing a moment of her very limited time for a pack member.“Of course Marge.” She stands and leans down to hug Finn and Lucy. “I love you both. If I don’t get to see you again before you leave or we leave, please travel safely. We will talk soon.” With a sad smile, she walks off with Marge.“She is going to burn herself out
Fate Of The Mates Chapter Forty-Eight
I take a moment and look over the crowd and I see families huddled together, hugging in grief. I see a woman standing by herself, staring up at the sky, her arms wrapped tightly around herself. She’s holding so tight it’s as if she’s imagining she’s in the arms of her lost love.My heart breaks for everyone here, for the women who lost their mates, the children who’ve lost a parent, and the families who lost a son, daughter, brother, or sister. For the ones who lost someone to the outside. I don’t know which loss is harder, never getting to see someone again but knowing they passed on valiantly. Or knowing your loved one is now on their own, living in a world apart from you with no magic or wolf. Always wondering how they are doing, if they are surviving. Even though they were banished, you can not banish love from the heart.“Good evening,” I say, letting my magic carry my voice so all can hear it.Once everyone’s attention is on me, I falter for a moment, trying to think of the righ
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“Mom, stop,” Jasper whines and tries to escape my hold.I haven’t been able to leave the twins alone since we returned. To them, it was no big deal, and hugs of glad you made it home, and Jade said she knew we would return unharmed and successful, were all we received on our return.“Sorry, not sorry. I just love you so much.” I pull him in closer and plaster him with kisses all over his face.“Oh, you think that’s funny, do you? I guess it’s your turn,” I say to Jade, who’s sitting on the couch with Rafe, laughing at her twin.“No,” she squeals as I release Jasper and jump over the side of the couch, landing on both of them and pulling her down to me. Soon it’s me squealing as Jasper and Rafe tickle me, while Jade wiggles free.After our time roughhousing, we all sit laughing on the couch as one big family. I’m feeling the best I have in what feels like a very long time.It’s been two weeks since we returned, and tonight we will have an official memorial for all lives lost during the
Fate Of The Mates Chapter Forty-Six
“Raven, hold on to this, please.” Selene holds the Moonstone out to me.I take the stone and zip it into my vest. I step back as she floats above the ground, light emanating from her, causing me to squint.“Listen closely to my words, for I will not repeat myself, nor will I ever interfere again.”Her voice reaches everyone here. They have all risen to their feet and now give her their undivided attention; the fight is forgotten.“The mistakes I made with your ancestors have festered and have passed down to you to carry out. You are all my creation and are meant to live together and work together in harmony. What one of you excels at the other lacks and needs, and vice versa. I made you to need each other. Whether you get a witch or wolf as a mate or have one as your best friend, both types of relationships are equally important in your life.”People are shuffling their feet, listening to her. The wolves are eyeing the nearby witches wearily. I’m sure not quite believing they are supp
Fate Of The Mates Chapter Forty-Five
So many emotions rush through me as I peer at her. Her shoulders roll back as she turns to fully face me. A brilliant smile illuminates her beautiful face while a thundercloud darkens mine.Everyone appears to be frozen in their spots as I rise on wobbly feet.“Raven,” she says.“Moon goddess.” My tone is curt, nowhere near as soft and pleasing as hers was.Her lips droop into a sad smile before she breaks eye contact to look around her for the first time. As she spins in a slow circle, her hands raise, one to cover her heart and the other to her mouth.She spins back to me sharply. “What happened? What did you do?” Her tone is no longer happy but holds a scary, manic edge.I know I shouldn’t cock an attitude with the Moon goddess, but at this moment I can’t help it. My eyebrows furrow as my eyes squint at her. What kind of question is that? We are obviously in the middle of the war she refused to help with.She stalks the few steps between us as her eyes search me from head to toe. O
Fate Of The Mates Chapter Forty-Four
RAVENWhen I see the sword cut through Rafe’s rear leg, I jump down from the rock and rush toward him. My wolf surges forth, aiding my speed, a desperate attempt to get to him.My eyes stray from the witch and the sword in her hand, to see Rafe faltering on the ground, growing slow in his movements until he’s flipped on his back, watching helplessly as the witch comes for him.I am focused on Rafe that I almost miss the wolf coming at me from the side. Not breaking my stride, I stretch out my arm and shoot a fireball at the attacker. Not bothering to see if they’re down, I leave them for someone else to finish.With each step I take, I feel the burning rage back in my chest. The rage is almost all-consuming and I barely notice the burn in my hand as I watch the witch stalk toward Rafe, wearing a sinister smile as she looks down at my mate in triumph.No, this is not a fight she will win.Only a few more steps.My heartbeat pounds in my ear as she raises her sword.Almost there.Her sm
Fate Of The Mates Chapter Forty-Three
RAFE She is so infuriating. I watch her take off, pushing her way toward danger, while Finn and Lucy fall in step behind her. She’s not staying back safely, as we agreed upon. Instead, she’s rushing to the front line. It’s only a heartbeat that I wait before I follow, but the space between us is quickly closed as I lose sight of them. I try to push through our pack but am soon engaged when something barrels into my side. Thankfully, I don’t fall as I’m pushed into another wolf, which keeps me upright, making it easy for me to recover and turn to the attacker. Saliva drips from his fangs as he bares them in a growl at me. His blank eyes track me as his muscles bunch, getting ready to strike again. My front legs drop, bringing me closer to the ground, readying me to also attack. My hind legs push forward and we clash mid-air. I turn at the last minute to protect my neck and it gives me a clear shot at their exposed neck. My teeth clench around their neck, blood seeps through my bare
Fate Of The Mates Chapter Forty-Two
Howls fill the air as the hairs on the back of my neck and arms stand up. Gnashing of teeth and growling fill me with apprehension as I wait for my chance to get back up there and in the fight. I said I would stay in the back with the rest of the council, but I have no intention of doing that. How can I see how we’re doing or when the other witches arrive if I’m so far removed from the fight? I feel responsible for this, granted I didn’t start all of it, but how I wish I could have lived in ignorance like the rest of the council wanted to when they believed the fight ended with Duncan’s death. How little he meant to this war when at the time he felt like the largest threat out there.Rafe stands glued to my side, his chest vibrating against me as a constant growl rumbles through him. After what feels like forever, flashes of color start mixing with the red and orange glow of the burning fires. That’s my queue to get in there. The witches have joined the fight. I guess the fire is prov
Fate Of The Mates Chapter Forty-One
It’s evening when the forest comes into view. Light reflects through the trees, and torches glow softly, giving away their location within the depths of the forest. We stop a few hundred yards away. Except for those in the back with the food supplies and the council members, the rest are all shifted into their wolves. We bring no light or sound to give us away. We prepared for this earlier at our last stop once we realized we would arrive after dark.As we come to a halt, teams shuffle around to get in position. We hope by attacking while it’s still dark out will affect how the witches fight, seeing as they have the disadvantage of not having night vision like us wolves. The wolves will see and attack just fine. I stand at the front watching the woods, looking for any movement that shows they know we are out here. A nudge at my hip diverts my attention.My hand caresses Rafe’s head. He pushes it further into my hand as I scratch behind his ear.“I’m nervous.” My voice, barely above a
