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Chapter 24: What I Believe
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Finding Her Lost Mate Chapter 25: One Last Night
Lucien was in bed and asleep, to Emma's surprise when she returned to their room. He was snoring louder than usual. She'd expected him to be out drinking. He'd been defeated in his quest to get the packs to return to the old ways. Emma had walked along the beach thinking before she came back to the room. When she entered the bathroom, her phone dinged. "Meet me at the cove, please."Dex."I'll be there."She slipped out of the bathroom, but Lucien was still snoring. She closed the door to the room with a slight snick then listened. Lucien was still asleep as far as she could tell. He wasn't one to wake in the night. Even so, she vowed not to be gone for too long.Dex was at their spot. The moon shone on the water as the waves lapped at the sand. Emma shifted back to human form and stood before Dex. "Hey.""Hey. That was pretty ballsy back there, not agreeing with Lucien."Emma cocked her head. "Was it the right decision? I don't know, but I can't go back and change it. What would you
Finding Her Lost Mate Chapter 26: Back Home
Lucien packed his suitcase in silence as Emma tiptoed around him. She just had to get back to their house to put her plan in action. She doubted that Lucien would leave without her because of how that would look, but she couldn't bank on that. The last kiss with Dex was still on her mind. It was the last for a little bit and then she'd be his. That's what she wanted. That's where she should have been all along. "I need to speak to a few people before we leave," Lucien growled. He hoisted his suitcase off of the bed and left Emma to fend for herself. He left the door open as she struggled to close her suitcase. With it finally closed, she took a breath. Glancing into the hallway, she noticed Dex. He stood outside his room, his bags in his hands. He winked at her, then walked down the steps. She'd have to carry her own bags, but it was a good start towards her independence. When Emma arrived at Lucien's truck he wasn't there. It was a nice day and she used the time to enjoy it. He'd
Finding Her Lost Mate Chapter 27: Thrown Out
The girls' night in had been the best time Emma had had in a long while. She'd gone to bed tired and feeling supported. She woke with a renewed sense of what she needed to do. She might stay one more day in Julie's house, then she had to go onto her next stop. Emma had never been on her own before; she hadn't had a job since marrying Lucien and didn't know what her skills were. If she could find a cheap place to live while I awaiting a meeting with the elders she could probably support herself. The smell of coffee led her out of bed and to the kitchen of Julie's two-bedroom cottage. The place was cozy and Emma could see herself renting a place like this until she was on her feet. Or free from Lucien so she could go to Dex. "Sleep well?" Julie asked pouring her coffee."Yes. Better than I have in years. Thank you for taking me in."Julie waved a hand. "I've always been a little bit independent. I know I'm supposed to do what the pack Alpha wants, but I couldn't turn you away."Emma
Finding Her Lost Mate Chapter 28: We Meet Again
Dex jammed his hands into Emma's hair and his gaze pierced her soul. "What are you doing here?" she asked. "I got your text. If you thought I was going to let you be out here on your own, you have another thing coming," he said.His eyes were full of love and passion and it all enveloped her like a snuggly robe. "This isn't your territory."He kissed her, then grabbed her hand. "I have special permission to bring you through this territory, but we don't have much time."He snagged her suitcases then led her into the woods. "You managed to sort that out since I sent you a text?"He stopped and looked down at her. "Let's just say I've had some plans in place. ""You knew that Lucien would kick me out.""I didn't know. I assumed, Emma. There's nothing nefarious behind me being here."She nodded. Dex was the wolf to trust. "Lead on."He began to move then stopped. "I'm glad to see you, Emma. I can't wani to bring you home."Home. That word sounded so good coming from his mouth. Would his
Finding Her Lost Mate Chapter 29: Abducted!
Emma woke feeling sated and hungry at the same time. Dex wasn't in bed, but she could smell coffee so she'd bet he was somewhere in the house. She stretched, showered, then found him in the kitchen. He handed her a cup of coffee. "You need me to make breakfast?" she said. "No, we're going out. The pack wants to meet you. Well, those that haven't already."Her heart skipped a beat. "What if they don't like me?"He kissed her nose. "You are being silly. Of course, they will like you."He drove her to a clearing in the middle of the woods where a crowd had gathered. Barbecue grills had been set up and the scent of roasting meat reached Emma's nose. Her mouth watered and her stomach grumbled. Dex leaned down and whispered in her ear. "I guess we're getting here just in time."Leyton appeared in front of Emma and dragged her into a hug. "I'm so glad you're here. We can chat when you're ready about what I've been doing to fill in as a Luna."Emma didn't want to crowd out Leyton. "Of cours
Finding Her Lost Mate Chapter 30: Betrayal
Dex looked up to see Leyton shift into human form. Without Emma. He and Brutus were in a deep discussion about pack business in the Wolf Woods Meeting Hall. Emma had been on Dex's s mind since he left her this morning. "Leyton?" Dex asked.She entered the room out of breath. "They. Took. Her.""Emma?"What would he do if something happened to Emma? "Yes. These wolves came out of the woods. I didn't recognize them.""Did they shift at all?" Dex asked. Lucien's wolves had a distinct marking on them. He didn't know if it was a tattoo done when they were in human form or a brand. It translated into their wolf form so Dex suspected it was something permanent on their human skin. "Yes," she said, her eyes wild. Dex put a hand on her. "Leyton. It isn't your fault."She looked at Brutus, who hadn't said anything, then back to Dex. "But I couldn't stop them.""Your job wasn't to guard Emma, but to show her around, Leyton. You couldn't have done anything."She caught her breath then nodded.
Finding Her Lost Mate Chapter 31: My Real Views
Emma woke when someone opened the door to the room where her cell was located. She'd slept fitfully. With her stomach empty she couldn't settle. She would starve before she agreed to anything Lucien had to say. When she opened her eyes, one of the silent guards stared at her through the bars. She didn't bother asking him anything. He would obey his Alpha. That's just how things worked. She sat up and stretched, her stomach rumbling. There would be no food; Lucien had made that clear. Dex must be going crazy with worry by now. As far as Emma could tell, she hadn't been here a full day, but it must have been half a day. She'd slept, but she didn't know if night had passed or not. The room had no windows and Lucien had ordered them to keep the lights on all of the time. The door opened again and Lucien stepped through it. He motioned for the guard to leave. When he turned to Emma a cruel smile split his face. "Hungry yet?"she wasn't going to rise to his bait. She wasn't the Emma he ma
Finding Her Lost Mate Chapter 32: Escape
Lucien came back far too fast to have caught, let alone injured Dex. Emma's love wasn't with her soon-to-be ex-husband. Emma stood in the middle of the cell, her hands behind her back, working on the bracelet. She'd have it off soon and then she'd shift. She'd escape then, with or without Dex. "He may have escaped this time," Lucien said. He clenched his fists as he paced in front of her cell. She watched him, her face as impassive as she could make it. "You've never getting out of here, Emma. You might as well give in."He was losing patience with her and that's when he'd make a mistake. She'd pounce when that happened if she hadn't escaped by then. She kept quiet because he'd want her to engage in this situation. She had been passive during their marriage, but he had to know that she wasn't going to be that way anymore."I know you well enough to mess with your head, Emma."That would take far more brainpower than he possessed. Lucien was more about brawn. None of this worried Em
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Finding Her Lost Mate Chapter 50: Wedding Day
Their day dawned clear and sunny and Emma was sorry that the wedding wouldn't be outside. Dex had said that no one could find Lucien and she'd agreed to have the event at the Grand Hall. It was easier to keep her safe. She hadn't been sick since that one morning and other than naps here and there she'd been able, with Leyton's help, to pull everything together for the wedding."It's the day, Emma," Dex said from the doorway.He held a tray of food in his hands. "Yes, it is. Is that for me?""Yes. Eat up. Leyton is on her way.""She's going to kick you out," Emma said. He put the tray on her lap balancing the heaping plates of food precariously. She hoped the butterflies in her stomach would let her eat. "She can do that today."Emma laughed. "My Alpha doesn't get to be an Alpha today.""It's our day, but I want to make it the best for you, Emma."She put a hand on his face, her heart full to bursting with love for Dex. If she hadn't gotten the courage to go for what she wanted in li
Finding Her Lost Mate Chapter 49: Lucien Again
Dex finally went to work and Emma dialed Leyton's number ready to share her news. "Hey.""Hey. Do we have an appointment today?""No, but I have news.""Go ahead.""I'm pregnant."Leyton squealed. "Oh, Emma. That's the best news ever.""We need to move everything up, Leyton. Can you make some calls for me?" Emma asked. "Sure. Who can I call?""The bakery and anyone who is making food for the wedding," she said. "Got it. You'll call the dressmaker?""Yes""How are you feeling?" Leyton asked. "Okay, but I was queasy this morning. I hope that isn't a habit.""No. That wouldn't be fun.""We'd better get on these calls. I'm worried the dress won't be done in time.""She'll do it, Emma. You're our Luna."Emma grimaced. She didn't want to be known as a demanding Luna, but she needed this dress sooner than expected. "I hope she can do it.""She can. It'll be fine, Emma. I promise."They disconnected, but Emma wasn't so sure about this phone call. She made it and the dressmaker assured her t
Finding Her Lost Mate Chapter 48: Emma's Surprise
Emma woke with a start. Her stomach was queasy and she wasn't sure that she was going to make it to the bathroom. She'd never felt this way before. Wolf shifters didn't get sick and they healed from wounds quickly.She scooted out of bed and ran. Dex murmured something behind her, but she was too busy getting into the bathroom.What was going on, she asked herself as she hovered over the toilet. Dex appeared in the doorway, sleep still in his eyes. His hair was sticking out at odd angles. "You okay?""I don't know."She emptied her stomach then sat back against the opposite wall. Her mouth was dry and her stomach was cramping up. "I guess I ate something that didn't agree with me."She wasn't so sure, but she had no other explanation. Dex settled beside her. She moved away. "I'm gross, Dex.""Doesn't matter. I'm concerned.""I'll be okay. I'm sure."Her stomach had settled, but now she was a little lightheaded. She closed her eyes. "I don't like how you look. You're pale. Let me make
Finding Her Lost Mate Chapter 47: Wedding Plans
Leyton called Emma later that day. "We made up. Thank you for listening to me, Emma.""That's what I'm here for. Not just as your Luna, but as your friend.""Brutus has been especially sweet to me since we patched things up.""He should be. What he did was wrong, but I'm glad you've forgiven him.""And you have for sure?"Emma didn't even need to think about it. "I have, Leyton.""Now you have a million decisions to make, Emma.""About what?""You're wedding."Emma had put off thinking about it, but now she could. She was free and it filled her with joy. "Dex and I haven't talked about it. It's his wedding too. Let me get back to you.""You'll have it in the clearing?""Yes unless it rains. Then the Grand Hall.""This is so exciting. This will be the pack's first wedding. Everyone who is married came here that way. You'll be giving us all a reason to celebrate."Emma laughed. "Good. I'm glad I can bring something positive to the pack.""You always do, Emma."Her friend's response warme
Finding Her Lost Mate Chapter 46: Brutus's Betrayal Revealed
Emma kissed Dex goodbye for the day. He looked down at her, his hands holding her head. "I don't want to leave you.""You have a pack to run, my Alpha."He laughed. "Yes. I know.""I'll be here when you get home. I promise," Emma said. He pulled her into a hug, then walked out the door. She watched him as Leyton appeared out of the woods. "You okay, Leyton?" Dex asked. "I need to talk to Emma."Dex shot Emma a look, then climbed into his truck. Emma had never seen Leyton look so unhappy. She went to her and wrapped her in her arms. "Oh, Leyton."Leyton sobbed and Emma let her. She couldn't imagine what had happened to make Leyton this upset. She would wait until Leyton could talk; right now she was ugly crying and her breathing was stuttering. Emma led Leyton to the porch steps and they sat down. Leyton's crying had finally subsided, but the tears still rolled down her face. Emma wiped them with her sleeve. "Okay. Tell me what's wrong.""Brutus.""Okay. What did he do?" Emma asked,
Finding Her Lost Mate Chapter 45: Divorce
"Their directive was clear, Dex," Emma said the next day. "I have to go there without anyone."She didn't like it, but she would do whatever it took to get free.Dex paced in their kitchen. "I don't like it.""If we want a future together we'll abide by their rules."Dex frowned, taking her into his arms. "You're right and I appreciate you being so brave for us.""I can't imagine this will take long.""I hope not. I'll be waiting at the border of Fang City territory."Emma put a hand on his face. "It's almost over. This is the last step.""I know, but I'd assumed I could be there with you.""I'll be fine.""Come back to me.""In a heartbeat, Dex."He drove Emma as far as he could. She walked the rest of the way, shifting only once to cover some ground. Lucien wasn't in the hall when Emma arrived, but the Elders were waiting. Their seats were higher than where she stood, but she refused to be intimidated. This was her first time back in Fang City since Lucien had kidnapped her. She cou
Finding Her Lost Mate Chapter 44: My Choice!
Emma knew it was time. With the divorce impending, and since she hoped the meeting with the Elders would result in the dissolution of her marriage, she needed to talk to her parents. They'd raised her and she needed to give them one more chance to accept her eventual marriage to Dex. She approached him with the idea of going to see them. "They are my parents and I need to at least respect that."They stood in their kitchen, which she was finally thinking of as hers now, too. He rested his forehead on hers. "You have such a beautiful heart, Emma.""What do you mean?""They sold you off to Lucien and you are giving them another chance.""It's out of respect.""They've done nothing to earn your respect, Emma.""Are you trying to convince me not to go?"He straightened. "No. I'll support your decision. I'll even drive you there if you want."She smiled up at him. How did she get so lucky that her fated mate was Dex? "I'd like that.""Can you wait until this afternoon?" he asked. "Give me
Finding Her Lost Mate Chapter 43: After Battle
Emma would have regretted having Dex kill Lucien. Maybe that was selfish of her, but she wanted her break with Lucien to be clean and right. The Elders would grant a divorce and she would be able to marry Dex. The mood among the packs was triumphant but subdued. Lucien wasn't going to let this go this easily. There would be another confrontation. Emam knew this with every fiber of her being and wondered if maybe she should have let Dex kill Lucien. It would have saved wolf lives. Didn't matter now. Lucien was gone. He'd had to slink off with his warriors.Dex surveyed the wolves, now in human form. "Thank you all for being a part of this.""We can't let Lucien ruin the progress we've made towards peace," Lugo said. Dex shook his hand. "I appreciate you being on my side. This was just the first battle I think."Lugo nodded. "I agree, but we need to regroup before we can fight again. We have wounded."Being wolves they'd heal quickly, but they would all be weak for a few hours. Lugo'
Finding Her Lost Mate Chapter 42: Fighting Together
Dex looked at the crowd gathered in the clearing. He stood on a stump so everyone could see him. He cleared his throat and everyone quieted down. Emma was just within reach as he preferred her. "It seems that war has come to our doorstep."Several people looked at each other. "I didn't ask for this and I don't want it, but we have to defend our territory."A yell went up in the crowd. He put up his hands to quiet everyone down. "We need to do this together."He had their attention. "This is a fight for our land, for our way of life. We are being threatened because of what we believe in. I expect them to come at dawn when they think we are asleep."He glanced at Emma. He took her hand then went back to speaking. "We will spend the night preparing."The crowd dispersed. "They're behind you Dex," Emma said. He nodded, but he was in warrior mode now.As he'd suspected, Lucien and his troops approached at the first light. Dex had his warriors spread out along the edge of his pack's terri
