Tala’s POV Goldie smacked her head on a tree branch when she jumped off the Ferris wheel. I shifted as soon as I felt her lose consciousness. But as my body fell through the tree, I must have hit every branch the dammed tree had. Now I am lying here on the ground, unable to move. I could hear shouting and sirens nearby. I would have missed the sound of a wolf howling if I had been any closer to the sirens. No doubt Mrs. Woodhouse must be getting everyone back to the academy. But I can’t budge. “Over there. She must have landed over there somewhere.” A man’s voice shouts. Come on Tala, move. I tell myself. A golden wolf will be easily visible if they shine a torch in my direction. Thankfully, I could shuffle a little. Finally, my body is healing. “Girl, are you out there?” someone calls out, before being joined by another voice shouting. They are searching for Goldie. Using my now working front paws, I drag myself along the ground slowly. I have to get us out of here.
Matty’s POV “Will you shut up? I am going as fast as I can,” Killian snaps at me again. I don’t care though. The direct route took 10 hours to drive. Killian has to take the scenic route, which means it will take longer unless I motivate him. “They’re important to me, too.” Is what he says before blocking me out? Killian only unblocks me when he shifts at the gates of Beta Academy. I pushed open the gates and ran up the driveway. “Has she been found?” I shouted as soon as I walked through the academy’s doors. Principal Andrews appeared from behind Coach Carter. He must have broken a few speed limits to get here before Killian. “No. There have been no sightings of Miss. Harper since the Ferris wheel fell.” He says. Mrs. Woodhouse walks in holding a newspaper. She hands it to Principal Andrews. “Miss. Harper appears to have made the morning newspaper in the human world.” ‘Heroine missing.’ Is the headline. ‘Rescue teams refuse to give up.’ Is the subtitle. “I need to
Goldie’s POV I can feel the light hurting my eyes as my eyelids flutter open. “We only have a few minutes before they come and check on you,” Matty says. “To cut a long story short, we’re in a human hospital, and I haven’t been able to get in touch with the academy.” I went to speak, but my throat was so dry. I pointed to a glass of water. Matty grabs it and places a straw in my mouth. Afterward, he puts the glass down and hugs me. “I thought I lost you. Never do that to me again.” The door opens and a woman in a white coat walks in. She smiles at me. “Glad to see you’re awake.” She says as she taps some buttons on a monitor and then lifts my arms and legs. I have no idea what’s going on. “Tala, are you okay?” I asked. “I am now you’re awake,” she responds. “You gave everyone quite a scare when they couldn’t find you the other night. The rescue team promised to keep searching every inch of the woods until they found you.” The doctor said. “The last car.
Matty’s POV “What do you mean? Goldie is to pack her bags.” I yelled at Principal Andrews. Killian snarls angrily at the thought of her being taken away from us. “Following my very lengthy talk with the Royal Beta. There are to be some immediate changes here at Beta Academy.” He informed me. “Most importantly, Miss. Harper is to be moved to her own bedroom. Tell her to pack her bags when she gets back. I have to speak to the staff about some of the other changes that need to happen.” He says before walking off. After closing the door, I looked around mine and Goldie’s bedroom. It would be empty without her. I grit my teeth and clench my fist in anger. I know it was me who told my dad about the situation with Goldie. I only mentioned it because it was just wrong what happened to her. When Goldie walks into the bedroom, she is smiling. “Both of us will have extra wolf training sessions with Coach Carter. This is in exchange for us doing additional border patrol duties instea
Dex’s POV I tried reading my biology textbook. This week I am studying plant biology. But even after reading the chapter three times, it’s still not making sense to me. It’s my fault. I flicked through the textbook and landed on the chapter about human reproduction. Now all I can think about is Maria. The softness of her skin. Her delicious taste. How pleased I was with myself that I made her climax. Just thinking about our encounter made me hard. I slammed the book closed and headed towards the bathroom. I won’t be able to concentrate on anything until I take care of my hard-on. Sitting at my desk afterward, I felt a little less tense than I was before. I opened my textbook again, feeling more focused. The bedroom opens, and I know it’s Ash who has just walked in. It's not just his scent, but the way he moves and breathes. He crashes on his bed. “Principal Sinker wants to see all of us.” He tells me. “Can’t wait,” I said before returning to my book. Not long a
Goldie’s POV Principal Andrews had a decision to make regarding the academic classes. Allow the tutors to have a larger classroom. This would involve extending the classrooms. Or reducing the class sizes. The decision was easy for him, as building an extension wasn’t in his budget. The tutors aren’t happy about teaching the same class twice. But Principal Andrews did not mince his words when he told them all that if they were not happy with the new situation, they could take it up with the Royal Beta or leave. Although they complained about their class duplication. There were no complaints from them regarding their reduction of border patrol duties. As students now make up half of the team required. There is also a new member of staff, Fred. I don’t like him. He’s always grumpy and resents doing anything. I soon discovered that he hates losing to females. Tala takes great pride in beating him when they are on border patrol together. I am proud of how so many of my classmates ar
Coach Carter’s POV I took a deep breath as I passed through the gates of Alpha Academy. In my younger days, I dreamed of coaching here. However, the only position available at the time was at Beta Academy. I can honestly say it was the best decision I ever made. I was puzzled by Principal Sinker’s request for me to step in for Terry here at Alpha Academy. The only thing I have come up with is because he is getting older, and they may be looking for a replacement coach. But I won’t be leaving Beta Academy. I like Terry. We met occasionally at training camps and discussed techniques and tactics. Yes, our styles differ. I couldn’t teach using his methods. But I can understand why he teaches the way he does. I think it has something to do with the people we train. As a strict coach, I carefully observe and correct any errors made by my students. Whereas Terry has more of a student-led approach, he wants his students to recognize when they have made a mistake, as in his opinion
Goldie’s POV “Stop copying my answers.” I quietly told Matty during yet another science test. “I’m not copying. I’m making sure you have got the right answer.” He responds, smiling at me. Ever since the changes in the academic structure at Beta Academy, Matty and I have all our classes together. Principal Andrews firmly believes that we are bonded somehow and that we should stay together because of that bond. Who am I to question my principal? A man who has years of teaching experience under his belt. A man who is telling me to stay beside my best friend. Coach Jamerson has been great, but not as good as Coach Carter. But he is very knowledgeable and willing to help. Tala and Killian are doing well in their wolf training. When the others noticed his offer of extra training classes, they quickly asked if they could be included. Our willingness to learn seemed to please him. Coach Jamerson is still dealing with issues involving Broady and some of his friends. They seem to get k
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