~ Hardin's POV ~"Being angry with her won't help, it'll only push her further away." Zed sighs, handing me a fresh t-shirt."Since when do you care about my mate?" I glare, yanking the shirt over my head.Zed exhales heavily, glancing away. "Kage was using multiple wolves with high status in the packs, he figured since Kalli was Alpha Female someone would eventually mention her. It was a lie from the beginning, and Kalli...she got it worse."Zed has always been honest with me, given he's been my friend longer than he's been my beta, I know him better than anyone. Something about the way he says Kalli got it worse, makes my gut wrench."Worse how?" I grit out. The fact that I took my frustration and anger out on my mate of all people, riddles me with guilt. I can feel the pain she's in, the agony that haunts her day and night. Not knowing why, or how, or even if I can fix it, is beyond irritating.It seems the pack that once pushed her out, now know more about her than I do."Kalli is
Hands grab me again, but this time I physically couldn't escape no matter how much pain I inflict on the wolf holding me. At some point the pack head off elsewhere, leaving Hardin, Zed, Lori, Jackson, Beck and the man gripping me. "Are you going to lock me up until I'm sane?" I spit at Hardin, glaring at him icily."I was wrong to say the things I said, and I'm sorry." Hardin responds calmly, sincerely.I stare for a short second, before turning my head away. I didn't want to hear his apology, or anyone else's, because deep down they have nothing to apologise for. I did this, I made sure I wouldn't feel the pain, I made certain that they no longer loved me.Why can't he just give in like they did?"You are not to blame for what happened, you were protecting them...you couldn't of known what would happen." Hardin says firmly."I don't hate you, I will never hate you, do you understand? I love you, and I'm here for you." Hardin comes closer.Don't listen."How?" I whisper."How can you
"I don't want my daughter in a pack that is teaching her no mercy." The lady tells me with anger."I understand that-"She scoffs, interrupting me. "Do you? Because my daughter said that you punched her last week during training."Stay calm.My face screws up in confusion. "Punched her? I d-""And let me tell you something, lay your hands on my daughter again and I will go to the elders. Don't think I won't, I'll have your ass thrown out faster than a goddamn rogue." She cuts me off again, and I felt myself become infuriated with her.Stay calm. I tell myself."I-""Are you going to change the way your teaching them? Or should I speak to the real Alpha, wherever the hell he is-"In a flash I grip the woman's face, my hand smothering her mouth and my fingers digging hard into her cheeks. Blood boiling, I couldn't stop myself from snapping."SHUT THE FUCK UP!" I bellow menacingly.The woman literally squeaks in fright, eyes wide as she stares at me."Keep talking and I'm going to rip yo
It had been a whole week since the Elders got in touch, and I don't think Hardin or I have slept properly since. Everyday Hardin is gaining more and more strength back in his legs and back, but balances that, the pack, the training, the paperwork, and my therapy sessions...plus a baby that is arriving today.How are we going to cope with all of that? What if this is a mistake?What if I hurt it? Or don't know what it wants?"Nappies, wipes, bibs, clothes, vests...mitts, bottles..." I list the items as I place them on the bed, for what feels like the hundredth time this week.What if I'm missing something?"Try and relax, everything is going to be fine." Hardin takes my hands, leading me away from the stressful baby items."What if it's not? What if we're making a mistake?" I breathe, my heart pounding. The Elders will be here any minute.Hardin stares into my eyes, those silver orbs instantly stealing my attention. He gently takes my face in his hands, ensuring he has my complete atte
The days fly with Mila around, I felt comfort and peace, like part of me had begun to heal. It was nice hearing little giggles, and seeing her smile, and make a mess with her food. I loved it, but Hardin didn't. He hated the mess, her smiles irritated him, and her giggles just pissed him off. I wasn't sure why he disliked her so much, if it was because she's a baby, a rogue, or just because we lost ours.With time, all good things come to an end.Mila wouldn't stop crying, and no matter what I did she didn't want it. Food, bum change, a bath, toys, attention, I even took her to the pack doctor because I thought something was really wrong with her. Until I realised that the one thing she wanted, needed...I took from her.Her mother.That feeling, knowing she still cries for a woman she probably doesn't even remember, it breaks my heart. Suddenly her cries made me sad, and her laughter broke my heart, her smile just reminding that she isn't mine. That I will never see my own pups at thi
Months go by, slowly I began to feel better, like my mind isn't cluttered and scrambled. I never would have thought that therapy would help me feel like myself again, even if it is a slightly different version. I'm stable, and my emotions are balanced and I finally understand how to express each one, and acknowledge them. That was one of my problems, not being able to feel anything except love, pain and anger, and it wasn't healthy. Part of the reason is due to how I was raised, Kaleb says that being controlled by my parents allowed me no personal growth, they stopped me from doing far more than live my life.I feel different, even if I know therapy isn't done, I'm happy, more than happy actually. Because I know how far I've come, in the six months since I walked in here a broken, fragile bomb of emotions."Remember, two weeks from today." Kaleb says."The seventh of January, I know." I smile, giving him a hug despite the fact that he's my therapist."You have my number to call if yo
I wake up to the sound of shuffling around, instantly I search for Hardin with my hand, wanting him to make the noise go away. Except he's not in the bed.With a low pitiful groan, I drag my eyes open and sit up, only to freeze when I see a bright red Santa hat sitting on top of Hardin's head.Is he having like a early mid-life crisis? I immediately presume, either that or he really does enjoy Christmas."What are you doing?" I ask him, my voice full of sleep, I wipe my eyes and frown at him."Merry Christmas!" He beams at me like a crazy person, that hat jingling every time he moves. What the hell have I signed myself up for?"Merry Christmas." I grumble, falling back against the pillows."Looks like we've got ourselves a grinch." Hardin comments, and I feel the covers slowly being pulled off of me. I couldn't be bothered to fight it, so I let him take the covers.The bed dips around my legs. Opening my eyes again, I glance down, seeing him up over my body. What is he doing?"If you
Slipping my hand away from my moo, I instead grab Hardin's wrist and gently push his back back down. That menacing growl that vibrates through him from my action, tells me that he's happy, if his raging hardness wasn't enough.Pressing myself more against him, I feel myself give in to his sinful hands, one between my legs and the other gliding up my waist. He grabs my boob with warm rough fingers, pinching my nipple just enough to draw a whimper from my lips.Subconsciously, I grip his wrist slightly and guide his fingers to my opening, while pressing my ass against his cock. Hardin doesn't need to be told twice, slowly slipping a single finger into me, his thumb drawing circles on my clit stimulating my desire for him.On second thought, the pack can wait a little longer.***"Thought you'd be awake bright and early." Jackson frowns, seemingly not pleased that we're almost a whole hour late to breakfast."Hardin got me like a thousand presents." I defend, releasing Hardin's hand as
~ 3RD PERSON POV ~ Xander arrives on his sons land, the atmosphere lingering with death. The pack felt somewhat out of place, uncomfortable as Xander takes their Alphas place, temporarily.Beck and Zed greet Xander outside the house, welcoming him in front of the pack."Sorry I couldn't get here sooner." Xander tells the two men, shaking their hands as a token of respect. Even if they are below him, he can't deny how well they've managed the pack in the week it's been abandoned without an Alpha."You're here now." Zed's response is blunt, unable to put on a smile even for a man he's known years."Are they any closer to finding her?" Xander questions with hope, heading into the large, yet somewhat empty mansion.What is usually bursting with life, is now silent, and dull. The pack didn't just lose their future Alphas, but their Alpha female, and possibly their Alpha too.They felt that Hardin would surely return home, but the entire pack knew he would be returning alone.Kali was warn
~ Hardin's POV ~ "We expected to see Kali here, she was the one that convinced me into this and now she can't even show her face?" Maddox is the furthest thing from happy.Considering how many times I've dealt with him in the past, I know first hand how hard-headed he is. It makes me truly wonder how Kali convinced him into this alliance. Perhaps Maddox has a soft spot for my mate? I couldn't help but wonder."Kali is occupied with more pressing matters. If she could be here, she would, you know how much this means to her." I retort firmly.Maddox leans forwards, exhaling. He doesn't approve of Kali not being here, and I get the sense that he doesn't buy the excuse. However, the more Alphas that know about this pregnancy, the more painful it will be once it's over.Kali doesn't deserve to suffer, or be reminded about the loss every time someone calls, or visits."Fine. How many am I expected to take on?" Maddox grunts."For now anywhere between ten and thirty, see how it goes for a c
"You were in and out of consciousness for two days, there's no way you're not hungry." Jackson points his finger at me with a look of intensity."Can you even cook?" I ask with a furrowed look. Recalling the birthday cake he made me a while ago, It was a really nice gesture but...the guy can't cook.Jackson just scoffs, like he's utterly appalled by the accusation. "That's not the issue here, Kali."I couldn't help but smile a little, happy that he isn't walking on eggshells around me like everyone else. I hate being treated like I'm made of glass, Jackson has absolutely no filter and right now I'm beyond grateful for it."If the chef is cooking, I'll have a burger." I tell him, merely satisfying his need to feed me."Coming right up!" He beams, rushing from the bedroom to get me the burger.I shake my head a little and sigh, sitting up a little more on the bed.The depleted energy warning wasn't a joke. Despite feeling much better, I can barely walk due to having no energy. It's been
I wake again, except this time my eyelids feel somewhat lighter. Allowing me to ease them open gently without too much strain, despite still feeling bruised.I felt disorientated, confused as to what happened, and what's wrong with me. I remember pain, so much of it while half freezing to death and shivering. The headache as I open my eyes is more or less instant, even if the room is shaded.As I turn my head side to side, looking around the bedroom with the utter confusion, I notice the tube leading towards me. Despite the weight of my own head right now, I manage to lift it just enough to see the thin tube is inserted into the back of my hand."Stay calm." Hardin's voice is a gentle whisper, his hands gently taking one of mine. The relief in his voice and eyes is so loud, it worries me."What are you doing?" My voice is raspy, my throat feeling like sandpaper. I couldn't help but notice where the other end of the blood pipe leads, straight int the back of Hardin's hand.I couldn't g
"Yeah, Zed, can you show Elder Luther the map of the extension? Hardin put it somewhere and I can't find it-...are you kidding me?" I whine, turning around to see Zed holding up the map which has been staring at me for the last ten minutes."Maybe Doc should check your eyes." Zed muses."If my head wasn't screwed on I'd lose that too." I scoff, taking the map and storming out the office and back outside."Sorry for the wait, it's been a little hectic here." I admit to the Elder standing in front of me."Understandable. Has the rogue recovered?" Luther asks me, attempting to be somewhat caring."She's doing great. Winter just started training with Beck and Zed actually, she's going back to school next week so she's begun training for graduation." I say with a proud smile."Isn't she only fifteen?" Luther arches his eyebrow.I nod my head. "Winter is training to be a protector, she did want to try for warrior but given this law against rogues, protector is the closest thing to it." I ex
A couple of days passed, and my fever got worse before it got better. Doc said it would last a matter of days, and he was right. Four days drag by before it finally clears up, with the help of some homemade herbal soup that Hardin's mom cooked up. It was the first thing I'd kept down during the four days of the fever. Hardin had me on complete bed rest, practically escorting me to the toilet and bath. It's safe to say I was up and gone the day Doc gave me the all clear. Hardin didn't like it, he wants to see the results from the blood, but it's not yet back from the Elders."I feel better than I have all week, Hardin. Please, stop worrying, I'll let you know the results the second they come back." I say with a low groan, trying to push the big oaf out of the door and into his car."I hate leaving you, especially right now." Hardin growls in frustration, not budging in the slightest."I'll take good care of her Hardin, I promise." Lori promises.Hardin is hesitant, glancing between us
"How did it go?" Hardin greets me the second I exit the car, wrapping me in his arms like I've been gone days.Truth be told, hugging him is all I need right now. The whole drive back I barely spoke five words to Jackson, I felt a little numb, and confused, irritated, a little angry."He signed." Jackson announces as he rounds the car towards us."He did? That's great." Hardin is a tad surprised, but happy none the less."Yeah." I force a slight smile.Pulling away from him I brush past Hardin and Jackson, heading into the house as I pull out my phone. Dialling a number that I've literally waited an entire month to call.It rings three times, before he answers."I knew I should have said two weeks." Elder Luthers voice comes through the speaker, his tone disgruntled."I have worked my ass off to get everyone on board, don't even think about backing out now because I am in no mood-""We're not backing out of anything, we made a deal. Email me copies of the contracts and I'll start maki
"Anymore dizzy spells?" Hardin worries like a mother hen, hovering over me as I stand up. "Not in the ten minutes since your last check in." I muse, separating the delivery boxes by names."I'm worried about you, Kal. Maybe we should call the Elders?" Hardin exhales, helping me organise the large heavy boxes."So they can tell me I'm stressed, exhausted and need rest? I'll sleep and rest when this is all over." I state firmly with a small grunt as I lift a box that is far heavier than the others."I've got it." Hardin murmurs, gently budging me aside and moving the box for me."I really do feel fine, Hardin. I promise that if it gets worse I'll see Doc, alright?" I offer a small smile, wrapping my arms around him, placing my hands on his chest and my chin on his back.Hardin places his hands over mine, squeezing gently as he exhales."You realise we only need one more signature for the alliance, right?" Hardin tells me after a minute of peaceful silence."Mhm." I hum, not pleased in
"Hi! Oh, sweetie it's so good to see you again!" Lori gushes as she pulls me into a warm hug, half squeezing me to death.I just smile and awkwardly pat her back. "You too, I'm sorry about the mess...we've been a little run off our feet lately.""Oh no, hunny don't even worry about it." Lori scoffs, waving off my words as she sits next to me on the couch.The pups run riot around me, and today I just didn't have the energy to get up and play games."You look exhausted, why don't you get some sleep? I'll watch the little wolves." Lori smiles warmly, concern in her eyes as she takes me in."No, no I'm fine. Besides, you just got here." I say, sitting up a little so I look more awake."What you're doing for this girl, it's truly amazing. Is it just me or is there a lot more she-wolves here?" Lori asks with a slight frown, uncertain if she's just going crazy."Thank you, and yeah, there's a lot more actually but I don't feel like going into details." I say softly, glancing at the pups as