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
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
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.
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
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
Dex pulled his truck into the parking lot of what looked like a motel out of a horror movie. "Why are we stopping here?""Because we can't make it to the territory today. I'm done driving.""I can drive.""No. You need some rest, Emma." He opened the door. "Stay here. I'll get us a room."She stayed put but locked the doors. She didn't know what would come at her in the twilight. The motel room was on the back of the building. Dex parked in front of it. The room smelled of mold. Emma wrinkled her nose, but she knew they had to keep a low profile. "I'm sorry it isn't better, Emma."She hugged him after he brought in their suitcases. "It's okay. I get it. We're on the run."As long as she was with Dex, she could do this. "I'll go get some food.""Just order in.""I only have cash," he said.She nodded. "Okay. I'm going to take a shower."He left and she entered the bathroom. The towels were the smallest she'd ever seen. She slid into pajamas when she finished, feeling much better. Her
Dex pulled off the road and onto a dirt road. He had a vague idea where they'd be safe and he expected there to be a cabin here. This was unclaimed territory. If this didn't work, they'd move on and find something else. He'd keep Emma safe no matter what. "Smooth," Emma said as they bumped along the rutted road."Nothing but the best for you," Dex said. She smiled at him as she held onto the dash of the truck. "You spoil me.""Sadly this is the best I can do right now, Emma.""It's fine, Dex. As long as we're together."As long as his Emma wasn't with Lucien. He didn't know what the future held, but as long as Emma was in it, he'd consider it bright. Finally, the trees opened up and a cabin appeared. The porch looked rickety, but the roof was intact as far as he could see. "Home, sweet, home."Emma climbed out. "We can work with this."He loved her so much. She'd been through fire and brimstone to be with him and he was going to make sure her life was the best it could be. He stood n
Emma looked around at the people passing by her. They stood in the parking lot of a real estate agency hoping they'll find an apartment. She tried not to gape at the humans who passed by. There were so many of them. "It's a little daunting," Dex said, standing beside her. "I miss the woods already. Even Fang City wasn't this, uh, busy.""Humans tend to pack into cities." He put a hand on her back. "Shall we?""Sure. This person will help us find an apartment?""I'm hoping."He didn't sound positive, but she followed him into the squat storefront office. Pictures of houses were posted in the windows on either side of the door. "Money is a big deal here."He looked at the prices, then grimaced. "Yeah. Hopefully, we can get something safe."They were wolves. They'd be safe here. At least she hoped. Humans weren't a threat. They'd probably run away screaming if she or Dex shifted into wolf form. A bell above the door dinged as they opened it. A woman with long blonde hair poked her head
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
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
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
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
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,
"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
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
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'
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