Coach Carter’s POV “You three,” I pointed to a set of triplets. “How do I refer to you?” I asked them. They look at each other in confusion. “Asher, Dexter, and Finley.” One of them says, pointing at each of them as he says their names. “It’s important to address an Alpha or a Beta with respect. I can’t call you all, Mr. Zirk. You will never know who I am addressing. I need to know how I refer to you without disrespecting you.” “Thank you for asking, coach. Please use our given names.” Dexter says. It feels wrong to call a student by their first name, but what am I to do? I pair all the students up and watch them spar. I need to assess their fighting abilities to rank them. “Can I see Asher and Dexter spar?” I ask, wanting to observe the dynamics of the triplets. The older brother, Asher, wins. But his confident expression disappears when I ask him to spar against two of his brothers. As I suspected, he lost that fight. “I’d like to meet your wolves,” I told all the students. I
Finley’s POV “He can help. I know it,” I told Asher again. For days, we’ve been discussing whether to ask Coach Carter for his help in our search for Maria. Coach Carter. A man who has just arrived from Beta Academy. Seems to have the student’s best interests at heart. Our best interest. At Alpha Academy, no one has ever shown support for our sibling bond. He’s different and has earned my respect. But like Asher says, “he is a stranger.” Eventually, we all agreed to speak to him. I can feel my heart beating in my chest as we explained our situation. But when he said the words, “How can I help?” I didn’t know what to say. Neither do Ash nor Dex. I suppose we hadn’t prepared for his answer, as we didn’t know what he would say. It felt as though a weight had been lifted off my shoulders when he offered to help. We no longer had to do this alone. We had an ally in our search for our mate. Dex told Coach Carter what we planned to do during our survival training once we got our maps.
Coach Carter’s POV “Faster. Faster.” I yell. The physical capability of this lot is shocking, I think to myself. If they don’t significantly improve, they’ll never beat Beta Academy. I then watch Asher, Finley, and Dexter demolish the assault course in no time. Miss. Harper and Mr. Sharper will have to work hard to beat them. But knowing that pair, they wouldn’t go down without a fight. I can’t wait to watch that match. I asked Principal Sinker for a date I could take the Zirk triplets out on survival training. “For some real survival training, no maps, no resources. Just their wolves and their wits.” I told him. He reminded me of the Wolf King’s instructions. Meaning I had to take two more individuals with me. I have no issue with that and had already asked Carl and Kyle if they wanted to come. They both answered yes, as it meant getting away from the academy for a week. “June 3rd” was the date he gave me. I watched him write it on his calendar. It’s months away. But it w
Goldie’s POV It’s been a hard couple of months. I haven’t been able to get back up to the rooftop since the fire. Which meant I couldn’t send or receive any messages from Shannen. Kane never returned to the academy or his pack. He is officially a rogue now. At first, I ended up sharing a bedroom with a girl called Morgan. But after sharing a room with me for one night, she demanded I be moved. My screaming during the night freaked her out. Now I am officially back in Matty’s bedroom. Three of my classmates have graduated since that night. Two haven’t. Both of them went missing before they were due to return home. We have been working hard preparing for the Alpha versus Beta competition. Matty is so excited about seeing his Alpha friends. He can’t wait for me to meet them. I’m starting to worry he might spontaneously combust because he’s that happy. Every human and wolf in the academy is doing so well with their wolf training. Coach Jamerson and Principal Andrews even take our w
Coach Jamerson’s POV Leading up to the competition, the students worked so hard. Principal Andrews and I decided to organize a late-night group run as a reward for all the students. We were to set off at dusk and return by dawn. A few tutors offered to take a group as well. Meaning we can each take six students. Once I got the names of the students I’d be taking, I grinned. Miss. Harper, Mr. Sharper, Mr. Lowery. Miss. Knowlton, Mr. Stubbs, and Mr. Dunne. I called a meeting for my six students, as I want them to know who is in charge. “I know most of you will outrank my wolf North. But when we go out there, I am in charge. Don’t bother showing up tomorrow if that is something your wolf can’t handle.” I told them. It can be dangerous out there, and I want to get us all back safely. Tala’s POV “This is amazing,” I yelled at Goldie as we chased after North. Normally, he wouldn’t be the type of wolf I would follow. It was made abundantly clear by Goldie that I had no choice t f
Asher’s POV As we walked towards the academy’s gates and before, we shifted. I told Carl and Kyle about the truth. It was only fair. They both laughed, not giving a damn. All they cared about was that they got away from Alpha Academy for a few days. Cooper, Cody, and Colt now run united. They know their place and are so much happier. Cooper compliments them frequently. Coach Carter’s efforts brought them closer together. He is a man I will ensure has a place at the palace when we take the throne. Of that, me and my wolf both agree. We visit pack after pack, day after day. Talking to the border patrol. Coach, Carl, and Kyle stay back each time. If there are six of us, they may be on guard. So the three of us approached. Every time they say there are no young women with that name and description, my heart sinks. “Have faith, brother. We will find her,” Fin tells me as we walk away from yet another pack’s borders. He looks like I feel, so I know he is trying to reassure himself a
Asher’s POV We climbed into the car, and I offered to drive. Coach Carter still seems shaken. The car is silent for a while. “Are you okay coach?” Fin finally asks. “Not really. A couple of my students are no longer in this world. I should have been there. I should have been the one to protect them.” He says, choking back a sob. We all just sit in silence and let the man grieve. He doesn’t even know which students have died, and he is already feeling guilty. Another hour passed. We pull over and switch drivers. I am sitting in the back with a glum-looking coach. He is taking their deaths personally. With Fin driving, Dex pulls out a notebook and starts writing something in it. “Did we visit Ribble Valley Pack?” He asks. He must be writing about our recent trip away. “Have you considered that you should be speaking to the Alpha, not the border patrol?” Coach Carter spoke for the first time in hours. “I mean border patrol guards don’t know every pack member. Whereas the Alpha
Goldie’s POV Mrs. Henderson stays in Matty’s room while I shower. She told me I would have to go to my old bedroom afterward. I am not allowed to be in contact with Matty or Kobe until after the investigation. This is standard practice, I know this. As I stood in the hot shower, I thought about Coach Jamerson. A man died because he wouldn’t turn against me. I thought about him and cried. I cried because he had become more than a tutor. He became a friend. He willingly gave up his free time to train with me and Killian. It wasn’t just us. He would help anyone. Although he was not as firm as Coach Carter. He fitted in here. Now, because of some stupid grudge Broady and the rest had with me, he’s gone. After my shower, I walked into Matty’s bedroom to collect my belongings. I get dressed and shove as many of my essential things into my backpack. There is no telling who will do the investigation or how long it will take. “Is that all you want to take, Miss Harper?” Mrs. He
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