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
Goldie’s POV After enduring two plane rides and a lengthy run, I am standing in front of the pack’s border patrol. “We weren’t expecting to see you here, Goldie. Alpha Stan told us your dad was leaving for Beta Academy yesterday.” They told me. Dad is not at home, and Samuel is calling out for help. That can’t be good. Oh, goddess, please let them be safe. I pray as I run to my house. I burst through the door, expecting the worst. But it’s quiet. I wander around and there is nothing out of the ordinary. “Maybe your dad took them to Beta Academy with him,” Tala suggested. Maybe Samuel sent that message by mistake, I thought to myself, thinking I had possibly overreacted. As I walk towards the door, I question if I have done the right thing by coming here. But I have to face the consequences of my actions. I left while there was an ongoing investigation. Kellie wouldn’t have gone to Beta Academy to support me. She can’t stand me. Maybe that’s why she went to see me get re
Asher’s POV After Matty found her phone. He told us she would head home. Her sister Shannen’s message implied something serious had happened back home. I can’t believe it. Maria has been at Beta Academy this entire time. Why hadn’t I thought about that being a possibility? As we sat on a private plane that Uncle Jasper organized. I crack my knuckles as I stare at Matty. He has been with her this whole time, and I am jealous. “Tell us about her?” Fin asks Matty, breaking the silence. “What do you want to know?” Matty responded. “Everything,” I said calmly. But really, the only thing I want to know is how they ended up sleeping together. “We share a birthday. We met at the airport when we were on our way to Beta Academy. I left early, seeing as my birthday sucked.” Matty said as he looked at his dad. “Matty I...” Uncle Jasper spoke. But we wanted to hear about Maria. “Let him finish, please,” Dex asked politely. “We hit it off right away. We couldn’t stop laughing and joking
Goldie’s POV I opened my eyes and looked at the ceiling. It’s not one I recognize. Where am I? “About time you woke up,” Tala said. “Glad you’re back,” I responded. I can feel someone next to me. By his scent, I know it’s Samuel. I look over and see a sleeping Shannen, next to a sleeping Matty. All my favorite people are in one room. All my favorite people bar one. My dad. I think that’s what that dream was all about. My parents finding happiness together in the afterlife. A happy ending to an awful situation. But why aren’t I with them? I was, but now I’m not. I rolled over and hugged my brother. Samuel wakes up in my arms. “Goldie,” he shouts ecstatically. Returning my hug. “Hey bro,” I respond. That’s when Shannen comes over and joins us in bed. I pulled her in for a hug, too. When she pulls away from me, I see bruising on her face and a lump on her head. I can’t believe Kellie would do that to her daughter. When they pull away, Matty is standing there. “Hey
Goldies’s POV “You’re not listening to me,” Shannen screams at Matty. “I am listening to you,” he yells back at her. “Then what is the problem?” she yells, crossing her arms. Waiting for his answer. Ash comes and sits beside me. Wrapping his arm around my shoulders. “How long have they been at it?” he asks me. “All morning. I’m surprised you haven’t heard them.” I responded, offering some of my popcorn. “Dad has had us in his office. He plans on retiring the second you say you’re pregnant. He wants to be there for his grandkids.” Ash mocks. “He knows I have no intention of getting pregnant until I am older, doesn’t he? It’s fun practicing, though.” I tell Ash, who kisses me. He already knows this. But his dad probably doesn’t and is preparing for the official announcement. “You’re not going and that is final,” Matty shouts at Shannen. I shifted my gaze from Ash to him. Shannen is glaring at Matty like he has two heads. “I am going and not you or anyon
Jo’s POV “Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday dear Ora. Happy birthday to you.” We all sang to the little girl in our care. “Now blow out your candles and make a wish,” Josie suggested. Ora stands there and doesn’t move. “Why don’t I have a mommy and daddy?” Ora stands in front of me, crying her heart out. Josie must have heard Ora crying and, thankfully, came to my rescue. I can be affectionate and often give Ora hugs. But I’m not great when dealing with the intense emotional stuff. Whereas Josie knows exactly what to say and do. I watch as Josie embraces Ora. Offering comfort as she tenderly strokes her hair and kisses her forehead. “Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday dear Ora. Happy birthday to you.” We all sang to the little girl in our care. “Now blow out your candles and make a wish,” Josie suggested. Ora stands there and doesn’t move. “Why don’t I have a mommy and daddy?” Ora asks as she starts crying. The ca