"You're quite the spit fire aren't you?" Maddox chuckles, wiping the blood from his nose."Can't handle the heat?" I taunt, trying not to laugh at his glare."Can't handle the...I'm taking it easy on you." He argues, circling with me."You sure? You seem a little out of breath, do you need to take like a fifteen minute break?" I mockingly ask him.Despite being strangers, he reminds me a lot of Dom. Big and tough on the outside, but under the surface is a whole other person. Then again, I don't know him."I'm not out of breath!" He splutters in rage, absolutely appalled.I couldn't help but grin at the look on his face.Maddox swings for me, an attack that I swiftly dodge, dropping into a crouch and sharply kicking my leg out. He jumps over my leg, assuming he's bettered me when I twist my body to the right, bringing up my left leg and hooking my foot behind his knee. One yank, and I drag the Alpha down onto one knee."Not bad." He comments, brown eyes amused.With a hard kick, I let
"It's working, right?" I worry, edging forwards on the chair as my palms sweat a little.The doctor immediately nods, assuring me it is. The relief I feel is instant, like a breath of fresh air after being buried alive."I assumed otherwise, but yes. The Elders are planning to distribute this rod for wolves that wish to stay pup-free." The doctor tells me, which doesn't come as a surprise.I smile a little. "That's good, so everything is fine?" I double check, naturally feeling like there's something wrong every time I see a doctor."All good, don't worry." He assures me, patting my hand slightly in some attempt to provide comfort.Exhaling slowly, I smile in thanks and exit his clinic. Heading out to the car waiting for me, I jump in the passenger side."Is everything alright? Is it working?" Hardin asks, concerned that the rod is going to infect me or something.He never liked the idea of me having this unproven technology in my arm, but I knew the risks could be fixed with time, an
"She's gone." Hardin assures me, closing the office door behind him. I immediately feel the tension fading away. Beck and Hardin had followed the car Lorelei got into, ensuring that she did in fact leave pack ground. Completely for my benefit, and I'm very grateful."Good." I don't hide my relief."This deal between you and Maddox, are you certain he will hold up his end?" Hardin asks, leaning over the desk to read the form I'm filling out."The man doesn't favour war, and I made it perfectly clear that if he betrayed us, we would show no mercy." I assure Hardin, knowing he isn't completely comfortable with me making deals with other Alphas.I know it's not because of me, or my gender, it's because he hates the idea of someone talking down to me. Which happens a lot when Alphas are making alliances and deals, it's an ego thing."How long will he be training you for?" He asks."We agreed on six weeks, split over a period of three months. After that we'll receive ten wolves every secon
"You do NOT want to go there right now!" Hardin bares his canines, eyes ablaze with the fury I haven't seen in a while. Kind of hot."No, I don't! But if you refuse to just trust me on this, then I don't have another choice." I argue in a calmer tone than his."Don't talk to me about choices...you just brought a rogue onto our land, INTO OUR HOME. There are families! Mothers, children, newborn pups!" Hardin breathes heavily, his entire body trembling as he fights off the urge to shift and maul the girl.I felt the change, the bloodlust inside of me coming forth. Hardin is a reasonable man, just not when it comes to rogues. I felt hurt that he doesn't trust me to know what I'm doing."You knew I was going to help her-""I made it clear that it was staying in the cells!" He snarls bitterlyMy ears ring, and the entire mansion quakes with the sheer power of his beast. I immediately felt threatened, mate or not, my wolf wouldn't allow him to speak to me in such a way. Not after the way w
"Are you sure about this?" Jackson wearily eyes the female across the room."It'll be fine." I assure him cheerfully."You don't put a gun in the hands of a trigger happy serial killer." Jackson mutters.Always so over dramatic. I thought to myself, so badly wanting to roll my eyes at his concern."I'm teaching her defence, just to buy her a little time to get away from anyone that comes after her." I tell him.Heading over to Winter, I smile."This is Jackson, he's a close friend of mine so don't worry about anything. The most important thing is to pay attention to your opponent, be prepared for anything and they can't surprise you." I say, figuring she doesn't need the full rundown given she's been in the field her whole life."Can't I train with you?" She asks in a quiet voice, glancing hesitantly at Jackson over my shoulder."Jackson is new to defence training, it's easier for me to guide you both and correct you as it's happening than it is to actually be the one training with yo
"He should be here by now." I voice aloud, so on edge that I couldn't stop my leg bouncing impatiently.What if they've hurt him?"Stay here, and I mean it this time." I tell her firmly, giving her a firm look.Winter nods silently, so I take a leap of faith in trusting her and I rush from the temple in search for my mate.As I round the corner, arms wrap around my waist and quickly guide me back into the temple. Knowing his touch, I make sure he stays with me as we jog back inside."What took so long? Are they still here?" I worry, turning to face him only once we're inside and I know the Elders won't spill blood.The sight of Hardin's face makes my stomach churn. At the time same I felt the unmistaken rush of adrenaline surge through my veins, and my heart begins to pound. The familiar sensation of hunger rumbling through my wolf as she urges me to go hunting."I'm fine, better me than you." Hardin grabs my face, trying to get my attention, to keep me focused."Don't touch me, pleas
"Hardin isn't available right now, can I take a message?" I ask politely, grabbing the notepad and pen."Can I ask who I'm speaking with?" The man asks cautiously."Oh, I'm Hardin's wife. Is there a problem I should know about?" I ask with a frown, not entirely certain why the stranger would be so cautious to give information out."No, no problem. The items Mr. Stone asked for are available, can you let him know that I'll reserve it until he's back next week?" The man responds."Uh, sure, yeah. Is that all?" I ask, scribbling down the phone number and items being available to pick up."It is, thank you.""Ok, bye." I end the call and place the phone back on the stand.Personally I don't like to pry into Hardin's business because he tells me pretty much everything now, although I can't deny I'm a little bit curious. Maybe he's just ordered something completely ordinary like training gear for the pack?"Kali?...uh, sorry to interrupt but I found this little girl asking for you.." Winter
"Ok, listen up!" I shout over the chatter echoing. Clapping my hands to get everyone's attention on me."Eighteen to twenty one, on this side!" I order, pointing to the far left, to Jackson and Triss."Anyone seventeen or below, over there!" I point towards the edge of the tree line where Beck waits."All those above will be with Zed, all pups aged three and below must stay over there!" I state firmly, gesturing to the large area we've sealed off.It has a paddling pool, a ball pit, a small slide, beanbags, and a ton of toys for all ages. We managed to get five of the pups fathers to watch the area, instead of the mothers because let's face it, the mommas can use a break."Have fun!" I beam, jumping off the chair and joining Beck with the younger teens.Zed, Jackson, Beck, Phoebe, Triss and myself will be watching over everyone, taking turns on different sections so we get around to everyone."What are those?" One of the wolves wearily eye the tub of needles that Beck carries.Picking
~ 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