Goldie’s POV I was so comfy and warm that I didn’t want to move. Then something moved next to me. I woke up and couldn’t remember where I was. Asher was lying next to me, still sleeping. That’s who moved. Looking at his still face, I smirk as I remember what we got up to last night. This man has rocked my world twice in a week and I know nothing about him. Who is he? Maybe it’s best that I don’t know. That way, there are no complications. I looked around the room. It was light. I got to my feet and walked to the door, hoping it was early morning. But looking up beyond the trees, the sun was shining brightly. “Crap. Crap. Crap.” I shouted as I searched for my clothes. “What’s going on?” Asher asks. “I have to go.” I pulled on my top. “Go where?” he asks while shaking his head. “Home,” I said as I forced my feet into my sneakers. He takes hold of my hand. “Stay.” He pleads. “I can’t,” I answered him. Then he kissed me. His lips taste amazin
Dex’s POV As Fred’s car got closer, I saw Fin standing on the side of the road. “Be quick.” Fred snapped at me as soon as he stopped the car. Seriously, this man has no patience. Sibling separation will be among the matters I intend to tackle when I reconfigure Alpha Academy. Twins and triplets should have a say in whether they want to be separated. I know me and my brothers would prefer to be together. I climbed out of the car, and Fin stared at me. He looked serious, which was unusual for him. “Are you okay?” I asked. “Asher’s got questions to answer,” he says sternly, using his full name. “Ash? I saw him earlier. He was in such a good mood,” I comment. “Oh, I bet he was,” Fin answers with a smirk on his face. “Boys move it.” Fred hollers. “How was it?” I quickly asked Fin. “Fantastic,” he answers. His response left me so confused. Colt and I try to process the conversation on route. But none of it made sense. Why is he so annoyed at
Goldie’s POV To wash Asher’s smell off me. I jump into the stream on my way home. Kellie would just say I stink, but Dad has a good sense of smell. He would want to know why I have a man’s scent all over me. I don’t think I would ever be ready for that conversation. When I walked into the house, I was still dripping wet. I got an earful from Kellie for tracking mud into the house. I told her I had slipped and that I would clean it up. But Dad insisted on doing it, as I needed to get ready. Dad told me I was told to go upstairs and shower immediately. The hot water scalded my skin at first. But after a few seconds, it felt good. As I scrubbed my skin, it felt as though I was washing away Asher’s kisses. Which made me quite sad, as I liked how they felt. Afterward, I rushed to get dry but didn’t get dressed. There was no point. I would have to get undressed in an hour. I threw on my dressing gown and wandered downstairs. The day was amazing, but the night should be incre
Dex’s POV It’s 6 am. I’ve been waiting hours for my ride. In theory, I should be the last one to be picked up. Ash was the first to be dropped off last week at this location. Once we are together, we track her down. Screw Fred and his schedule. I waited a few more hours before Fred’s stupid car appeared in the distance. But when it pulls over, there is no one in there other than Fred. “Where are they?” I demand to know. “Get in, and you’ll all be together sooner.” He snaps at me, grinning. I assume he has picked me first and is going to collect the others. But once he has, we are coming back here. “Is it torture for you to be away from them for so long?” he mocks. “Because it’s torture for me having to drive out here all the bloody time.” What a twat. Annoyed because he had to do some extra driving. He’s lucky I don’t know the location of my brother’s, otherwise I would knock him out and go get them myself. But I don’t, and he’s right. The sooner I stop complaining
Matty’s POV “I’ll take the couch,” I told Goldie as we looked around our new bedroom. It’s not as big as the bedroom I have at home. But it could easily accommodate a couple of people. What the hell was Mrs. Woodhouse going on about? No room for Goldie? “Like hell you will,” Goldie responds. “You’re letting me share your bedroom. I’m not having you sleep on a couch when you have already been so generous. I am grateful, by the way.” “You shouldn’t have to be grateful. They shouldn’t have messed up. Wait until I tell my dad about this?” I told her as I unzipped my case. “What is your dad going to do about it?” Goldie asked me. Crap. I am not supposed to let anyone know I am one of the Royal Beta’s children. Nor am I supposed to let anyone know I am the future Royal Beta. “Oh, he knows people.” I lied to her. If there was a phone signal or internet here. I would text him right now. As part of his duties, he is to oversee this school, and I have gotten my first comp
Goldie’s POV I plan on becoming the best version of myself while I’m here at Beta Academy. The version I should already be. After enduring years of bullying from Kellie. There’s no chance I’ll let myself be treated like that again. Not by anyone. Matty and I followed Mrs. Woodhouse in silence to Principal Andrews office. This allows Tala to talk to me. She tells me how proud of me she was. For standing up for myself. She’s also proud that I’ve taken my human training seriously. How I compliment her as a wolf. Tala only appeared in my life yesterday. Which was when my life changed for the better. “You are to both wait here for Principal Andrews to arrive.” Mrs. Woodhouse says, gesturing to a couple of seats in front of a large desk. I look at Matty and get an instant feeling of guilt. It’s my fault he’s here. I may not have started the fight, Broady did, when he attempted to put me in my place. But I sure as hell finished the fight and Broady now knows my place. Matty wa
Goldie’s POV Once our bedroom door is closed, Matty drops the binders and grabs my shoulders. “Who the hell are you, Maria Sofia Harper?” “What are you talking about?” I asked him. I didn’t understand what he was asking. “You look so sweet and innocent. But when Broady went for you. You became a different person. Someone I wouldn’t want to meet in a dark alley. Or someone I want by my side if I walk down a dark alley,” he says, laughing. “Ah. Matty. There are parts of my life that are not great. It has caused me to train harder than I should. But I wholeheartedly plan on being the best Beta I can be.” He pulls me in for a hug. It’s nice to be held. “I’m sorry for your situation. I still can’t believe you’re a trained fighter. You look so sweet and innocent.” I snicker, and I push myself out of Matty’s arms. I looked at him and gave him a sweet smile. “What’s that saying? Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee. No one sees it coming.” I told him. “Well,
Matty’s POVI sat bolt upright as a voice screamed a singular word. “Run.” I thought we were under attack. It’s so dark that I take a few seconds to figure out where I am. Then I relaxed a little. I switched on the lamp, needing to know what Goldie’s problem was!Goldie was fighting the blankets and shouting in her sleep. Was this what she was saying about not sleeping well? Leaning over, I shook her, trying to wake her up. This causes her to thrash about even more “Run.” she cries out again. This time, she hit herself in the face. Worrying about her safety, I placed myself above Goldie, restraining her arms. Making sure she doesn’t harm herself further or fall off the bed. Then she sobs. Causing me to panic as I may have hurt her. My heart breaks at the thought of hurting my friend.Thankfully, she woke up, and the tears stopped. “You awake now?” I asked her. Thanking the goddess, I didn’t have to watch Goldie being distressed any longer. I quickly got off her, as I had intruded on h
Evangeline’s POV Nathan has been exceptionally accommodating ever since we settled into his home and kingdom. Edgar spends quite a lot of time with him and Jasper. It’s good to see Edgar finally relaxing after all these years. I think abdicating may have been a wise decision. I get to spend time with Ora and Shannen a lot these days. Maria’s mates have been treating her like she is breakable, which is driving her potty. As the date of Maria’s scan approaches. Nathan has been becoming more and more agitated. Edgar and Jasper have been helping him relieve some of that aggression in the training field. But I can see the emotional toll it is taking on him. I talked to Asher, Dexter, and Finley, asking for permission to speak with Maira privately. At first, they said no, “Whatever Maria is going through, she has us to support her,” Finley told me. “This is a difficult time for any family. I understand that. Maria may have relied on her mother for guidance, but she isn’t here. I am no
Benson’s POV “It will be okay,” I told Rhea as we drove to the Dark Crescent Pack. Ora and Rhea are sitting in the back seat and I can see how restless she is. “I know, but I still feel nervous about returning home,” she says. Rhea hasn’t been home since the hunters took her. We are both concerned mom will have a heart attack if she just turns up. So we both agreed to break the news to her gently. Which is why the back windows of the car are tinted. Edgar and Evangeline have given us a head start. But they are on their way to meet their in-laws. “No matter how you are feeling. Can you imagine what mom is going to be like?” I said as I approached the border’s gates. I lower the window and am greeted by a guard. He ushers me through without hesitation, telling me he has informed my dad about my arrival. I drive slowly through the pack so that Ora can see where I grew up. “It’s so quaint,” she says. “The people are so nice here. It was a great place to grow up.” Rhea tells her
Ora’s POV After leaving Scotland, we traveled south. To a place I once called home. I had so many mixed feelings on the journey. I had lived there in that farmhouse for as long as I can remember. I have so many memories there. What stands out in my memory now, is that this is the place where Aunt Jayne and Aunt Josie lost their lives. As we pulled down the long drive, there was nothing in sight. No buildings, no equipment. Nothing but grass. “Everything is gone,” I said sadly as I got out of the car and walked around. “There is a chance Millicent burned the place to the ground to cover her tracks,” Mom told me. “You will always have your memories of this place before the attack,” Benson says. “Do you remember the time I hid in the barn?” I smile, but that’s all it is now, a memory. “Feels like a lifetime ago,” I said as he kissed my hand. “Did you do anything off the farm? Maybe that will cheer you up,” Dad asked me. “I had a pretty strict upbringing. Going out
Evangeline’s POV Our alarm went off just as Edgar and I were still busy. We grinned at one another. “It’s been a while since we had a night like that,” he announced proudly. “Hopefully, we get to do it again. Now that life is as it should be,” I responded. There have been instances in the past where I felt guilty for my happiness while my child was out there somewhere. But that is behind me now. As we entered the dining room, I was surprised to see Ora and Benson sitting there. Ora’s hair was tied up, showing off Benson’s mark on her neck. “I guess we had better get used to having a son and a daughter,” I told Edgar before we sat opposite the couple. Coffee is brought to our table. “Have you given any thoughts about your future?” Edgar asks Ora. She stops eating and questions him about what she means. “You are our daughter. By birth, you are the heir to the throne. A princess.” Ora places her knife and fork down before she looks at Benson. “I would follow you anywhere,” Ben
Evangeline’s POV It’s a hard pill to swallow. The baby I once cradled in my arms is now a woman. I have missed so much. I fear I will never truly get to know my daughter now that her mate bond has snapped into place. As I maneuver around the room, I see so many new friends. But the person I am keeping my eye on the most is Edgar. He is in overprotective dad mode. Every time Benson and Ora go to leave the room, he is there, blocking their path. The next time he does it, I will say something. I tell myself, knowing it won’t be long. But first, there is someone I need to speak to. I glanced around the room, easily spotting her vibrant red hair. She sees me approaching and straightens up. “Be in my lab in an hour. Bring your arrowhead. All being well, we will leave tomorrow.” I told her quickly as I could see Edgar moving again. “See if Kristopher can help,” I said as I rushed away. “Where are you two off to?” I caught Edgar asking the couple as he stood in front of them with h
Jo’s POV “Haven’t you slept for long enough?” Jupiter asks. It’s good to hear her voice even if she is complaining. “A few more minutes,” I pleaded as I stretched my limbs, hitting someone in the process. My eyes flew open, fearing who it could be. I turned my head to the side to see a face I had not seen in a very long time. “Gosh, you’ve aged badly,” I told Nathan as I rolled on my side and stroked his face. “I’ve aged fine. Thank you very much, Joanna. It’s the trouble you’ve brought to my doorstep that’s aged me. I think I’ve aged a decade since finding out you were here.” He retorts. “Are you saying I shouldn’t have come back when I had nowhere else to go?” He pulls me close to him. “You should never have left. You owe me an explanation.” He says adamantly. Seeing the pain on his face makes me think I may have made a bad decision back then. But I made it based on Nathan having a life full of happiness with his mate. I made the hard sacrifice, so he didn’t have to. I love him
Wolf King Nathan’s POV Ajax has been inconsolable since our mate bond was severed. He decided our best chance right now was to be in human form. Being in human form would mean we had a clearer head, as the mate bond was connected through the wolf. Then he could be blocked out. I stood side by side next to my son’s wolves. Face a group of creatures set on destroying us. Every wolf around me stood strong, growling as our enemies got closer. Then, when they were close enough to smell them, we charged forward. Cooper, Colt, and Cody blocked my path. I tried to get involved, but this only distracted them. I begrudgingly took a step back for their safety. It left a bitter taste in my mouth. The howling intensified with the arrival of more wolves to the fight. I don’t know who they are, but I am grateful they are here. To make myself useful, I approach the ice wall, intending to break through it. That will be the next task we face. “It’s solid,” I say as I kick it in frustration. I cou
Merida’s POV With everything going on here and worrying about my Ma back home. I needed to blow off some steam. With my new bow and a couple of quills, I went for some target practice. I know it’s old, a lot older than I am. But this bow feels like it was custom-made for me. It’s the perfect height and weight for me. The wood is sturdy but also bendable, and the string fires my arrows faster than any other material I’ve used. It is a work of art. When Rhea suggested lighting my arrows, I couldn’t believe it. “Best day ever,” I whispered, causing her to snicker. “Wolf hearing,” she responded. I was having a great time until Frederick had to spoil my fun by telling me not to waste my arrows and sending Rhea to be with her brother. Benson is alright, but I still haven’t forgiven him or Ellie for what they did to me. Just as I was aiming to shoot an arrow at a tree, the wall of Beta Academy exploded. While dodging the flying debris, I got hit on the head. A flying piece of debris. Th
Anabelle’s POV Frederick said I would die protecting someone important, and he was right. I protected an unconscious woman and her unborn baby. How important they are doesn’t matter, they are defenseless. The pain in my chest was excruciating, and I had trouble taking breaths. I struggled to keep my eyelids open as I tried to breathe. When they closed, happy memories of my family appeared, the things that brought me the most joy. I could hear Maria’s reassuring voice telling me help was coming. The more time I spent with my eyes closed, the more my memories lengthened. That’s when I saw memories of Ellie and me running around the castle growing up. Getting into all sorts of mischief. I began to cry at the thought of leaving Ellie. She would be all alone in this world without me. But there was nothing I could do. My chest hurt so much. Ellie was my last thought as everything became dark. I felt so cold. As the darkness consumed me. Kristopher suddenly appeared out of nowhere. A br