We come out of the bathroom to find Bronx watching TV in the sitting area. He stands up when he hears the bathroom door open. When he turns around, he freezes. "Oh my Goddess." He says under his breath. He gulps as he stares at me. "She cleans up nice, huh?" Lenora smiles. "Uh, yeah, I- uh, stun- that - I." He's not able to make a full sentence as he stares at me. "You know what, I'm just gonna go." Lenora says over my shoulder as she points to the door. She gives me a thumbs up and a wink as she leaves. I stand where she left me, not sure what to do with my hands. "Waannnaaa… watch TV with me?" Bronx points behind him at the television. "Sure." I tentatively walk over to the sofa. He takes my hand causing little sparks where he touches me and gently pulls me down onto the seat next to him. “Is this okay? Sitting next to me like this? I should've asked first.” “Yeah, it's fine." I feel myself blushing. "What do you like to watch?” "I don't know. I've never had time to watch
Lenora lunges across the table, sailing over top of me, causing the person who had grabbed me to let go. I hear growling and snarling as she fights with the person. At the same time, Ashley grabs me by the wrist and pulls me away from the scuffle. She runs into the bathroom and locks the door. “Kas, are you okay?" Ashley holds both sides of my face. "Come on, Kas, answer me, please.” I feel myself looking at her, but I feel numb. Like my mind is separating from my body. There is a high pitched hum taking over my hearing. Even Lex is trying to call me, but she sounds so far away. I can't feel her like I usually do. Ashley is patting my face. I see her talking to me, but I can't hear her anymore. All I hear is the steady high pitched hum. My body starts shivering in fear. I need to calm down. Lenora and Ashley are going to make sure I’m safe. I try to breathe but there's no air. Lenora's face comes into view. I see her mouth moving but all I hear is the humming. Oh no! She has a bus
The next day we meet with the Betas and Gammas in Bronx's office first thing in the morning. They all agree on something right away. I don't get to leave the packhouse unless I have two security guards at all times. We don't know where Ryan or his dad are. Bronx is not willing to take any chances. Ashley picks up her phone and laptop and goes to the back of the office where there is a small conference table. She comes back a few minutes later with a smile on her face. “All set. They'll be here in fifteen minutes." She says cheerfully. “Good work, Ashley. Alright team, next order of business. We have to do research and figure out why Kas has powers and if there is anything we need to do to make accommodations for her." Bronx says. "Kas, tell us what you have experienced so far. Please.” His demeanor when we are around other people is a stark difference from when we are alone together. This version of Bronx is kinda sexy, I must admit. “Well, the first thing that happened was my e
“Violet? Like the color of Kas's eyes?" Ashley asks. Her voice is thick with skepticism. “Yeah, Ashley, other than the flower, there are not a whole lot of definitions of violet." Lenora teases. Reggie looks up from the book he's referencing. "Kas, what did you say your dad's name was?” “Andy. Why?” Reggie nudges Bronx who leans over the book and reads aloud. "Selene was so enamored with the way Endymion looked while he was sleeping in a cave on Mount Latmus that she asked Zeus to allow her to have a relationship with him. Oh, holy shit.” “Mount Latmus? Like my last name?" I'm a bit confused.“Kas, what if Andy is like some sort of shortened, modernized version of Endymion. Endy, Andy. What if the Moon Goddess turned him into a werewolf? Because that's what she does right? What if she turned him into the first werewolf?" Reggie starts theorizing. Lenora and Ashley stand behind him with wide-eyed disbelief. I blink a couple of times as he throws out questions until I burst out lau
I pick up the bag and walk down to Kas's suite. Hopefully, I can convince her to accept the gift. She seems weird about money, but I don't understand why. I want to spend it on her. Down to my last penny and according to my accountants, I have a lot of pennies. After the incident at the mall, I don't think she knows just how much Lenora and Ashley bought for her. They left some pajamas and casual clothes in her suite, but the rest they hung up or put in drawers in the closet room of my apartment. They even had a custom upholstered bench added to the closet, so it will be more comfortable when the girls are in there. I decide I probably shouldn't mention it to Kas for now. She will find out eventually. As I think about the closet, I wonder if I could convince Kas to move into the apartment with me or if it is too soon. I just want to be able to spend as much time with her as possible.When I get to her suite, I see James is standing at the end of the hall, giving Kas space so she feel
"So she had powers before her wolf woke up?" Elder Randall questions after Kas tells the Elders her story. He sounds suspicious of Kas's claims. "Randall, Kas is sitting right here. Please address her directly. She doesn't have a rank right now, but she is Blood River's future Luna Regent." I scold the old man. Randall gets a sour look on his face at being corrected and huffs at me. There are fifteen werewolves from around the world on the Elder Council, making up the international governing body for all werewolf kind. They are former Alphas and Alpha Regents who have been elected to their council positions after they turned their packs over to their successors. There are many who believe I will be elected to the Council one day. Only time will tell. The knowledge of the Elders is passed down from generation to generation. Each specializes in the history of their region. If anyone can give us answers about Kas, it will be them. We are in the third hour of this meeting and haven't g
"Let's break, gentlemen. Take the time you need for lunch, tea, follow up on pack business, whatever you need. We'll reconvene later this afternoon." Saint's growl reverberates through my voice as he fights for control. I don't wait for an answer. I bow and leave the room with Kas following close behind. "Bronx! What's the matter?" Kas calls after me. I can't stop. Saint is forcing his way to the surface. I can't risk hurting her or saying something I'd regret. She has been working so hard the past couple of weeks, meeting with the therapist, eating healthy foods so she can gain weight, and getting to know pack members. I can’t ruin that progress by losing my temper in front of her. Even with all the positive strides she made, she still has nightmares almost every night. She tosses and turns, talks and cries in her sleep, and wakes up screaming in cold sweats. I sleep on her sofa, so she won't be alone when she wakes up. It's my responsibility to keep her safe. I cradle her in my ar
Kas's POV Bronx looks like a swamp monster as he walks towards me with a cigarette hanging out of his mouth. I stand up when I see him, putting my hands over my mouth with a little gasp. We make eye contact. With all the mud, I can't read his expression, but I can feel his pain. Not physical pain, emotional pain. "I need you." He growls as he walks past Milo and Lenora. He leans over, wraps his muddy arms around my waist, and picks me up. He doesn't even break his stride. He just keeps walking. There's a squishing sound where his skin contacts my clothes. Welp, I guess this outfit is done for. After listening to everything Milo and Lenora just told me, I had no idea what reaction to expect when Bronx got back, but it certainly wasn't being thrown over the shoulder of a swamp monster. "Uh, bye guys. Thanks for the talk." I wave at Milo and Lenora. They wave back with confused looks on their faces. "Want to tell me what's going on, Bronx?" I ask as he climbs the stairs. He just
I sit on the edge of the bed in the silent room. So this is what twenty-five feels like. I wonder if a hundred and twenty-five will feel just as good. What about two hundred and twenty-five? I laugh to myself at the thought as I head into the bathroom. I look in the mirror and run a brush through my white hair. None of the sparkly gray came back when it grew in four and a half years ago. I examine the mirror closer. It looks like there are some more violet flecks in the light gray of my irises, but maybe that’s just me being hopeful. I still don’t have any abilities other than being able to shift and mind linking other pack members. I splash water on my face and brush my teeth. There will be time to shower later before the pack Summer Solstice party and pack run. I pick up some toys that made their way into the closet room and find a dark blue sundress to wear. Once I am changed, I look at myself in the full-length mirror and smile. When I get into the living room, Marco comes up an
The smell of pine needles and lavender fills the room. I keep my eyes closed and hide my smile as the giggles get closer. “Mommy? Are you awake?” Maya’s little voice whispers loudly. I can feel her weight climbing onto the bed. “Shhh, Maya, Mommy gets to sleep, because it’s her birfday,” Andreas giggles at her while he climbs onto the bed as well. I roll over and pretend to yawn with a big growl and stretch my arms out wide, grabbing them both and bringing them toward me. Their happy squeals fill my heart with joy. “Hello, darlings,” I squeeze them tightly in my arms. “Mommy, happy birfday!” Andreas says happily and gives me a wet kiss on the cheek. “Mommy, Auntie Delilah said she’s made a cake for you,” Maya says with big gray eyes. She lays in my arms and plays with my white hair. She gives a sly little smile, “I think she made chocolate.” “Oh, she did, did she?” I smile back. The twins talk excitedly at the same time, telling me about all the things they want to do with me to
Kas’s POV I sit in front of him, even though he doesn’t know I’m there. I’m afraid if I look away, I may never see him again. Elexis’s black snout pushes under my elbow so I will put my arm around her while she sits next to me. I let myself lean heavily against her while we watch our mate realize that my spirit has left my body. “He broke the mate bond, Kas. Our spirits’ journeys are finished,” Lex says quietly, “There are no more lifetimes for us.” “I understand,” I nod slowly as I run my fingers through her silky onyx fur, “Lex, through everything, I forgive him. I’m sure it seems foolish, but I don’t have the desire to hold on to hate or malice when I move on. So, I forgive him.” “Of course you do. You have a good heart, Kas. I know how much you loved him over the centuries.” “I’ve made my peace, and I died knowing I did everything I could do to save my sisters and keep my pups alive. There is nothing else I need to fulfill me.” “It has been a pleasure being your wolf, Kas. I
“She’s pregnant?” I ask out loud, no one in particular. “Twins,” Reggie says dully. “Based on how big she is and comparing her to when Musu was pregnant, we think she’s due any day. Since she hasn’t eaten, her babies are basically using her body for nutrition. For lack of a better term, they’re eating her alive,” Milo says, as he brushes his hand against her cheek. He sits back on his heels and looks at her with tears in his eyes, “We don’t know what happened to Lex. She hasn’t been able to heal her for over three weeks now.” “What did the doctor say?” I gulp hard. I plant my feet to the ground, afraid to move. “You said no fucking doctors,” Reggie hisses at me through gritted teeth, “or have you forgotten?” “LOOK WHAT YOU DID TO HER YOU SON OF A BITCH!” Saint’s first words in weeks are pure rage against me. He tries to claw his way forward to take control and get to Kas, still protective of her. I take a step forward. A small piece of me, a deep down part that has been hidden awa
Bronx’s POV “Come on, man. It’s been a month. We’re sick of this shit. If this is your order, if this is truly what you want, then man the fuck up and come to the dungeon so you can see your damn handy work,” Milo’s steel-gray eyes bore into me, “Like you said, you don’t give a fuck anymore, so prove it. Come see what you’re doing.” “Watch your tone, Milo,” I stand up, growling at him. “Look, Bronx, you can come with us right now or you can find Blood River another Beta. I have plenty of packs who have already said they would give me asylum. Fuck being a Beta. I’ll take a job as a front gate guard and call it a fucking day. I’ll pack my shit, take Codi, and leave today if that’s how you really want this to go down. Your choice,” he crosses his arms and stares me down. Behind him, Reggie has his hands on his hips, looking at the floor. “What about you, Reggie? You're awfully quiet. Are you part of this ultimatum, too?” I lean forward against the desk, giving him a chance to speak u
Milo’s POV Marco had told us to find her binder before Bronx ordered us to lock him in solitary confinement. He said Kas kept note cards and binders for everything. We just had to find the correct binder to figure out what she was up to. He couldn’t tell us anymore because of some sort of potion he had swallowed. He was right. We rifled through dozens of binders in her office until we found one in her desk drawer that had a sticker labeled ‘Manae Notes’. It detailed everything, complete with cute pictures of rooms and furniture she wanted to use magic to create so her sisters would be comfortable in the home she was building for them. Some of the note cards were actually thin sheets of parchment that looked like they were hundreds of years old. Others were thick handmade papers that were crumbling on the edges. There were at least six different languages among the cards. Musu helped us translate most of them, but a few she said were in dead languages she wasn’t familiar with. Regardl
Kas’s POV I wake up in the morning feeling stiff and sore. I slide out of bed with a groan and look in the mirror. Even more than yesterday, I don’t recognize the reflection I see. Pale skin with dark bags below my eyes. All the violet from my irises is gone, replaced by a gray so light, it could be mistaken for white. I gently run a brush through my brittle, thinning hair. It is no longer gray and glittery. It’s turned into a dull shade of white that matches my eyes. I put on a loose dress and a heavy long cardigan to hide the joints protruding from all my angles before I go out to address my sisters for one last time before escorting them to Kardiá tou Manae. When I first met Lenora, bruises from my nose being broken upset her. What she would think now at my self-imposed deterioration. I turn to the side and admire my growing belly. I let myself smile when I feel the impatient little kicks coming from inside. I spend time with each team of sisters and make sure they are still on
Bronx’s POV Halloween comes and goes. Thanksgiving comes and goes. Winter Solstice is only a couple of weeks away. The frigid Montana winter trudges on. The world keeps turning as if Kas never existed. Last week, I heard Katherine Santoro’s abandoned estate in Greece burned down to the ground. No fatalities and no signs of the other residents and staff who lived there several days prior. A few days later, hunters found Katherine’s naked body, along with an unidentified woman, both mauled by wild animals in a wooded area of Mongolia. The artist's sketch of the other woman is clearly Cora. As soon as they confirmed Katherine was dead, I had my people get to work on acquiring Santoro Enterprises. Within several months, I will be the CEO, absorb the company into MasonCo and create a logistics division. If there are any Manae hiding among Santoro Enterprises staff, I will flush them out and throw them into the dungeon to rot. It’s what they deserve. If Kas ever dares show her face aga
Katherine’s POV The estate is unusually quiet when I get home from work. I don’t notice the usual hustle and bustle, but I chalk it up to coming home later than I normally do. I push open the door to my darkened office, pour myself a glass of scotch, and make my way over to the desk. I turn on the desk lamp and sit down, taking a deep sip of my drink. “Hello, Iokaste,” I lean back in my chair, addressing the woman in the tall wingback seat across the desk, “You look like shit.” “Hello, Katherine. Thank you for the compliment,” she snarks at me and leans forward from the shadow, letting me see her pale skin and sunken eyes be more clearly. Her spindly hand supports her chin. The longer I look at her, the more I realize she is way too thin. “K-Kas. Are-are you alright?” I stammer when I see her true condition. “Don’t worry about me, darling. You never have before. I’m here because I need you to do something for me. I’m going to give you a choice on how you do it,” she says, steepl