~Hazel’s Point of View~ When Hector’s head hits the platform, I involuntarily cover my mouth and look away. Travis looks possessed right now, he looks so intense it makes my stomach heave. He gets off on this? On hurting people like this? The deafening thud of his skull cracking off the floor echoes through my bones. How… How and why is Travis like this? He’s calm, he’s collected. Not in the least bit phased by the blood, the broken bones. He’s the Reeve, Hazel. Remember what he said to you. He thinks his heart is black. Maybe it is. How the hell could I want to mate a male like this? Have pups?? He belongs in a psych ward in a straight jacket! I grip the thick curtain that reeks of smoke and a heavy musty odor, as tears roll down my face, completely soaking my t-shirt. Am I crying for Hector or for the black heart of my mate? When I close my eyes only regret hits me. Absolute regret for coming here. I suddenly feel like I’m a foot tall, lost in a sea of absolute chaos. When the
~Punch’s Point of View~ I stare at the brilliant crescent moon as the world whizzes by. Good people, safe in their homes. Believing that this place is safe, it’s a haven for their families. That the almighty Flying Death are their fierce protectors. I’ve never really had the “what does it all mean” bullshit swirl in my brain. But tonight couldn’t possibly be more unlike any other night. How I went from feeling completely untouchable, completely on top of the world to feeling more lost than ever… I’m still trying to grasp. The rumble of the truck beneath me reminds me I’m not alone, though I feel as if I’m floating so far off that I doubt anyone can bring me back. Fingers drives at a calm and average pace through our territory, trying to act normal. Nothing like his usual mad dash of driving as though he’s in a monster truck show. Normal, tsk. *You okay brother,* Shock asks, over mind-link. He’s in the truck with Fingers and it took both of them to rip me away from Red’s mangled
~Punch’s Point of View~ I quickly cut the ties on Nina’s wrists and ankles before dropping the knife in the van and heaving her out. No way am I gonna fucking carry her again. “Walk,” I demand, and push her. “Don’t do this Travis, the Flying Death don’t kill females,” Hazel shouts, and then I feel her knuckles punch my back. “Then leave, nobody is making you stay,” I say, but keep pushing Nina toward the water. There’s a couple cinder blocks and rope that we left here just in case, and I can use those to weigh her down. I tell myself all the obvious things: she deserves this, the world is better off. Literally, nobody will miss her. “Mick! Don’t let him do this,” Hazel shouts, her voice echoing off the water. I laugh. “He has no idea what this female has done to me, what she’s put me through. He wasn’t there to know how fucking bad it was to live with the shit choices she made. Year after year, I was never her priority. I was NEVER put first,” I shout. Nina begins to pull
~Hazel’s Point of View~ “Girl I’m so glad you’re okay,” Ginny yawns, half asleep. I glare at the clock because it’s now 8:30am and I haven’t slept. The house is way too quiet and I have no clue if my father is alive or not. I want to believe Travis doesn’t know. He didn’t act like he knew. “But I don’t know where my parents are, or anything. Did anybody die,” I question. If she doesn’t know, surely her man does. “Heath says nobody knows anything,” she says, sighing. When we finally hang up, I get in the shower then make some toast. I’m so mentally drained that I can barely function when I collapse on the couch. “Hazel? Hey sweetie, time to wake up,” I hear, as I practically jump out of my skin. My eyes pop open to see Missile, hovering over me. I puff out some hot air and fall back onto the couch. “Doorbell much,” I snap, annoyed. He smiles and sits at the end of the couch, picking up my legs and putting them on his lap like it's a common thing he does all the time. No mal
~Punch’s Point of View~ ~One Month Later~ “I look like a fucking clown,” I groan, making a face in the mirror. That’s a testament to my current clothing debacle but it’s also a result of me not getting much sleep lately. I don’t think I’ve slept more than two or three hours a night in weeks. “I assure you, you look hot as hell. If you weren’t a teenager…” the female groans, licking her lips at me. My stomach flips and not in a good way. She’s pushing 50 and clearly not taking very good care of herself. For someone who probably works on commission she definitely shouldn’t be smoking at work. She reeks like she just put something out seconds ago. Pressing my lips together, I turn to get my side profile. The sales girl holds up some shoes that I know for a fact I will never wear. *This is the one,* Mick says, nodding his approval. I run my hand through my hair and sigh. How did I get talked into this? A whole month has gone by without Hazel in my bed, without her touches. Pathetic
~Hazel's Point of View~ ~Prom Night~ When I first take a look at myself in the mirror, more dressed up than I’d ever been, a warm feeling of approval falls over me. I feel like a princess, I just need some serious bling. Then just as quickly, the feeling is gone and replaced with nothing but a cold breeze. There’s no amount of shiny things, make up or primping that can fix it. My eyes move to the open window and for a moment I contemplate jumping out of it. Ripping all this fabric from my body so I don’t feel confined. A year ago I loved nothing more than shopping. Getting dolled up. Trying to look my best in case a hot male crossed my path. Going to the prom was high on my bucket list, though you can’t go until at least your third year. Junior and Senior prom. Meaning, no pups usually. I’ll be like one of a small handful that haven’t shifted. But what’s the point of getting all fancy if I have literally nobody to show off too? No male to embrace me, to tell me I’m beautiful. No m
~Hazel’s Point of View~ I shoot Kylie a sympathetic look as Missile and Klunk both crack open beers and chug them down. Surprisingly, Travis isn’t drinking and he hasn’t taken his hands off my body for a second. Its possessive and I fucking love it. Even if he’s just got his arm around me, it’s weird for people to see it. Kylie makes a face and lightly shakes her head. “I guess it’s still more entertaining than Jeopardy with my mom though this monstrosity is single handedly killing the ozone,” she says, just loud enough for me to hear. I can only grin at that, the female is barking up the wrong tree with this crowd. When Missile lights up a joint, Kylie moves away from him and looks insanely uncomfortable. I need to talk to her, tell her he’s a really good guy. But everyone will hear me and this is a private girl kind of chat. I’ve literally known him my entire life and he’s always been like a brother. I mean, a real brother! Not like a Travis brother… Ugh, yeah whatever. By the
~Punch’s Point of View~ When they announce Hazel as the prom queen, I can only growl and bite my tongue. The shit had to be rigged, there’s no way it wasn’t. Hardly anyone knows Hazel here. She looks like an absolute deer in the headlights, and I can tell she’s waiting for my reaction. For me to tell her it’s okay. Mick demands I let her go, and begins to make me rise. I take her hand and kiss it quickly, pulling her to her feet. I pull her toward the stage and nod my approval with an extremely forced smile. She looks at me, then over at Hector. I’d be lying if I said I was happy to actually see him alive. I really didn't want to kill him, mostly really. Well, once I cooled off about it. But it’s clear now Hazel is mine, more than clear that I’ve staked my claim on her. If he tries anything, he will lose a paw and that shit won’t grow back. *Just keep it cool, she’s coming home with us, just remember that,* Mick warns. The last thing I wanna do is fight at school, and not whe
~Epilogue~ ~Travis’ Point of View~ ~Two More Years Later~ *Yes! That’s it, you made it,* Mick shouts, though I’m the only one who can hear him and he’s about to make my head explode. He nudges little Hatch with his nose, and we couldn’t be more proud than if he were our son. His wolf head pokes up from the ground and looks around for the first time with his new eyes in wonder. I sniffle and Mick teases me. Fuck it. Being a father has literally changed everything. My entire outlook, my reaction to things. Yeah, seeing a pup I’ve been working with and getting attached to for years have his first shift and become a man … it’s fucking emotional. Red runs by, along with his mate and mine. Then it's like a pack of damn … well … Flyers come out of nowhere. Hatch jumps to all fours and gets right in the mix. It’s a brilliant full moon and Mags has all of my pups tonight at her place so it’s gonna be a damn good one for me! Since watching a new shift had us in such good spirits, Mick
~Hazel’s Point of View~ ~One Year Later~ “Zachary! Your little sister doesn’t want a cupcake! She only drinks mommy’s milk,” I snap, just as I knock the treat out of his hand. He looks at me confused but runs away. I scoop my precious little Annabelle out of her baby swing and coo at her. She’s awake but irritated with all the noise around her. Zachary could literally sleep anywhere, anytime. But this girl is too spoiled. It has to be quiet, cozy and everything just right. “Mommy’s little princess, yeah,” I whisper, as I rub my finger over her cheek. “It’s still fucking weird that in the time it took me to have one kid you’ve had two,” Kylie says, falling on the seat next to me. I grin and sit down as well, bouncing my little three month old chubby baby lightly on my lap. “Well now Tessa and Annabelle are going to be the bestest of besties,” I say, a bit too chipper. Kylie shoots me the mom face I know too well that says she didn’t get a lot of sleep. She’s probably also hung
~Travis’ Point of View~ My heart sinks when the two females sit down. The jury is eating out of my palm right now and I don’t need this shit. *Miserable bitches,* Dozer says, turning to eye them both. *Stay calm,* Mick says, as the lawyers whisper at the judge’s bench. If my heart wasn’t racing in my chest I might be able to listen. Doze and Hazel both turn to look at each other and I know they must be mind-linking. *I know I’m not the best tracker but yesterday I sat behind the prosecutor and had to smell him all damn day. I swear this ex-Fly has his scent, like they touched at some point today, but how do we prove it,* Fingers says, over mind-link to all Flyers in range. I lick my lips and instantly know what he’s saying is true. There isn’t a doubt in my mind. She’s feeding the DA intel? Probably pissed she didn’t get Grouch’s cash. When I can’t think of anything else, I raise my hand. The lawyers both go back to their seats. “Yes Mr. Dennison,” the judge says. “May I hav
~Travis’ Point of View~ Much to my annoyance, Hazel comes in and sits down in the far back just as I take the stand. *Couldn’t stay away,* I say, over mind-link. *Bet your ass Dennison,* she chirps. Mick preens at the sight of her, hating that she can’t be in our lap where she belongs. There’s also far too many offensive smells in here blocking hers. “Could you please tell the court why you’re choosing to testify today? It’s rare for a defendant to testify on their own behalf,” Bruce asks, snapping me out of my thoughts. I clear my throat. “I’m fully aware of what humans think of the shifter community. I hope one day we can change that. It’s true we have some bad apples just like any other groups, but we also have incredible people working tirelessly to keep innocents safe. To keep families happy and prospering. While humans have police and other forms of law enforcement, packs handle things their own way. Though the Flying Death sounds scary, we sound evil, we’re far from i
~Hector’s Point of View~ *Maaan what were you thinkin’,* Benji fusses. He doesn’t like the spotlight on us, and neither do I. Unless it's for sports. But it all just didn’t feel right. I know Punch didn’t kill my father but … on the other hand he deserved to die. It was truly only a matter of time. It’s a relief it didn’t have to be me. I wait patiently while the lawyers go back and forth over whether or not I’ll be added to the witness list. My palms get sweaty and I have all kinds of second thoughts. My mind actually wanders to Missile and I have to wonder if I’ll ever have a true friend like that. A real brother that would do anything to protect and defend not only the pack but my female. He fought several males against all odds, only giving up when he fell unconscious. He’s a true brother of the pack and to Punch. My father never, ever inspired that kind of loyalty. Sure, I’ve thought about trying to start up a rival pack to the Flyers. There are several out there that aren’t
~Travis’ Point of View~ Sitting and waiting for court to start with all kinds of people staring at you, hell some are even drawing me for whatever reason … It's a new level of testing my sanity. *I’ve got a good feeling about today! Bruce is wearing his Mr. Arrogant Suit,* Mick chirps. I have several different lawyers and they’re each handling different parts of the trial though it makes no difference to me. I’m hoping like hell today is the last day and it’s all behind me. It better be. I’ve been meeting with them every couple of days for months pawing over every single detail of not only what the humans have and are going to say, but what we want the narrative to be. Everyone that set me up is now dead so really, the only option is to say it was self defense. I know I’m hardly a straight arrow but dear Goddess, please don’t strike me dead for what I’m about to say when I testify. When the judge and jury are seated, my attorney calls Mona as my character witness. I can tell she
~Travis’ Point of View~ ( I base the POV on how they see themselves, he’s no longer Punch in his own eyes) Literally anything to do with the humans makes me positively itchy in the worst way. They hate shifters and they’re unpredictable. I woke up with a damn stress rash on the inside of my arm and I’ve literally never had anything like that. This should be the best week, month, year of my life. I’m a father now and the feeling sits so heavy in my heart. This incredible little tiny pup is so perfect and yet so helpless. He literally can’t do anything for himself and when he looks at me with those innocent little eyes, I promise him he’s not going to have my violence. Mick and I agree, we’ll literally do anything in our power to ensure he’s not a killer. I nearly forfeited my Reeve title the first time I laid eyes on him. But now that most of our enemies are gone, I’m sure as hell praying for things to be calm. My day should pretty much consist of watching my son suck on a nice f
~Kylie’s Point of View~ My dad always said the best way to kill someone would be a snake bite. Literally no one would ever suspect it to be from a shifter, it would be a clean kill. No forensics, no autopsy. Just a poor bastard in the wrong place at the wrong time. A true shapeshifter is still basically a myth to most. That’s partly why I chose to show the pack because your own eyes can’t lie. Though I’d never killed anyone and sure as hell never imagined I would. But it’s beyond personal now. My dad’s terrified face has been in my head non stop and it keeps coming along with little shivers all through me. When I lunge at the first male he screams bloody murder and takes off running. I waste no time darting at the other, and when I slither up his foot and bite his leg, he goes down immediately. Snakes unfortunately have piss poor eyesight and not the best hearing, but I don’t need it thankfully. The vibrations from the pounding of feet are obvious and I now know there are two male
~Hazel’s Point of View~ “Let me go you fuck,” I shout, as I kick and do all I can against the big hands grabbing at me. There’s too many of them, it’s hopeless. Nobody can save us now. Simone pushes her claws through my hand and I swat at a male, drawing some blood but not much. I keep trying. It was as if an army just flooded into the packhouse all at once, they were everywhere. An ear piercing cry breaks out to my side, as Kylie wails. My eyes dart all over and I see Missile’s limp body being beaten. My heart breaks but there’s little time to process it because my body is lifted and whisked away. We’re both carried like brides down the stairs and when the outside air hits me, so does a fucking contraction. Kylie and I are thrown into a van as I search for Mags. It pisses me off to no end that I can’t mind-link her. Is she even alive? Once in a seat, I pull Kylie into my arms as she sobs loudly, and I use her weight to try and hold on. The van is driving erratically, but that’s