[Elise’s POV] Shock rolls through me as my head presses against William’s firm chest and the sound of his heartbeat invades my ears. What was this? What was he doing? As these thoughts appear, his strong hand comes to rest on my back and begins to rub gentle circles. The action is both soothing an
[Denali’s POV] I sit alone, listening to the sounds of movements outside of my door while cradling Serenity against me. Even though I wanted to get up and help with dealing with the funerals for those who were killed by my father’s evil scheme, I knew that I was still much too weak, especially afte
[Rosco’s POV] “She’s being protected just fine.” The words are out of my mouth before I can stop, and as I reach my father, a look of amusement crosses his features. “Not well enough.” That is all he says before he begins to move, making his way out of the room and back down the hall where my mo
[Rosco’s POV] My father doesn’t speak as he examines me carefully. It’s almost like he is wondering if I knew the answer and just wanted to hear it from his mouth. “Are you really asking me that?” He finally says, relaxing in his seat. “Isn’t it obvious?” “Obvious how?” I demand. “You threatened
[William’s POV] I sit quietly, watching Aunt Naomi sleep peacefully. After waiting for Elise to leave, I came back into this room to keep an eye on her until my uncle returned. Once I was sure that she had protection, I would head to mine and Elise’s meeting spot. Sighing, I let Charlie’s words be
Nodding, Uncle Hamilton doesn’t say another word as I head out of the infirmary and begin to make my way out of the large packhouse around me. By this point, the sun had already set and the moon was shining brightly in the sky. I could only hope that Elise managed to escape. Since leaving her, I fo
[William’s POV] Make it worth her while. The words are almost laughable coming from Elise. Who was she to even name a price when she really had no other choice? “If you aren’t willing, then I will…” “What makes you think you’re in a position to say that?” Maybe I was being rude, but I needed to
At her words, a pang of pain shoots through me as I find myself wondering what exactly she had to go through in the past. To be abandoned by your parents and then left to fend for yourself. It had to be hard. “Don’t look at me like that.” She warns, snapping me out of my head. “I don’t need your pi
[Elise’s POV]I stare at the goddess while she waits for me to decide what my next path will be. Of course, remaining here where there was no more suffering or pain was ideal, but I couldn’t just leave Serenity and those who I cared for back on earth to fend for themselves. However, even if I went b
In this moment, I’m absolutely certain that this is, in fact, the afterlife, but I’m a little confused. Why was I here in Nirvana when I truly belonged in hell, suffering for all of my misdeeds?“Because I have summoned you here.”Gasping, I jump up and whirl around, searching for the one who has sp
[Rosco’s POV]I wrap my arm around Denali and pull her against me as she stares at her father’s unmoving form. Where we touch, I can feel all of her emotions and know that what she did couldn’t have been easy but was necessary.“He got what was coming to him.” I murmur, kissing her cheek. “Don’t thi
[William’s POV]The next day, I stand between Jose and Charlie while members of Rosco’s pack work to prepare pallets for Elise and Uncle Hamilton. Once they’re in place, Rosco comes forward with a torch in hand. He doesn’t speak as he begins to set the pallets ablaze.As Elise’s body goes up in flam
[Rosco’s POV]I keep my gaze fixed on Charlie as he looks from me to William, who keeps his back to us. Despite my words, I can tell he wants to stop William, but this is a sensitive matter.“Fine.” Charlie finally sighs, deflating. “Go,” he continues to say to William. “Go to that hospital and caus
[Rosco’s POV]“I told you I was fine!” I hiss as Maria and Olga fight to keep me in bed. Many hours had already passed since Elise, Charlie, and Jose went to save William and retrieve my father, and despite the time, no one had contacted me yet. “I can’t just sit here while my people could be in dan
“Elise,” I snarl, keeping my gaze fixed on the spot where she just was. “I HAVE TO GET ELISE!”At my words, looks of pain cross Charlie and Jose’s faces, confirming my worst fear.“Don’t make her sacrifice be in vain.” Charlie says slowly. “If you stay here and get crushed, then what she did would b
[William’s POV]I look around, trying to figure out what the source of the sudden rumble is, and I quickly get my answer as a loud boom sounds and the roof above our heads disappears.“Shit!” Charlie hisses, beginning to move. “These bastards really are fucking crazy.”Crazy was an understatement. W
As this thought hits me, I see her standing there with a look of approval on her beautiful face. Smiling, she nods and looks toward the heavens.‘I’m sorry,’ I whisper internally, but she simply shakes her head, and as her mouth moves, I feel the weight that I’ve carried for so long begin to slowly