Rafe and I exit the cells hand in hand, while Quinn’s echoing wails of fury are muffled by the cell door. My body relaxes with every step we take away from her; I feel the ice in my veins melt away at his touch.We leave out of the underground prison the same way we entered, nodding to the guard at the entrance before locking them inside and ascending the stairs. It’s a different kind of quiet than before. Rafe’s energy is relaxed and he’s practically beaming beside me, squeezing my hand every few steps.“What?”“Nothing.” He grins down at me.“Tell me,” I press, matching his smile with my own.He releases my hand, wrapping his arm around my waist and pulling me into his side. “I’m happy.”“Because I didn’t break down and let her pathetic words hurt me?”“No—I mean, yes. That’s also wonderful,” Rafe chuckles. “But also, this was the first time you…”Rafe stops in the middle of the empty packhouse atrium. The low afternoon light cuts through the stained glass windows and paints his fac
I’m not alone for long. Shortly after Rafe leaves, dozens of people start pouring into his office to take shelter from yet another rogue attack. Their frantic, worried murmurs do nothing to ease my own fear. I need to be out there with him, where I can make sure nothing happens to him!Pacing around the room, I fight with myself. My inner voice cries out hysterically all the ways everything could go wrong. Everything I could lose. For all my suffering and heartache in River Crest, I never had to feal with feeling like this. I never had anything to lose besides my life. Now, I have everything.And I want to keep it.“Calm down, Makayla,” Christobel sighs, grabbing hold of my hand while I’m mid-step. She’s surprisingly strong and stops me in my tracks. “Rafe is strong. I know you know this. Don’t worry about him.”“Logically, I know that a few rogues are nothing compared to my mate. I know that he’s stronger than almost any other wolf I’ve ever met. But…” My voice trails off. There are
Hello my friends! I apologize for not updating this week. There were some unexpected, yet happy changes in my family and I've been with my family out of town celebrating. This time off is also helping me get my outlines for the final arc of Forsaken Mate. That's right, we are nearing the end of this story. I want to go out with a bang and make sure it is interesting for you all. I really appreciate all the support you've given me for my first GoodNovel story. I'll be sure to make a proper thank you at the end!! Until then, Elizra
When the smoke cleared, there were twenty-seven rogues in total who were either killed or apprehended and are currently being questioned. This was the largest wave in Rafe’s reign as Alpha. And the most destructive, as well.Several families were left displaced after the enemy forces destroyed their homes, setting fires and throwing explosives at load bearing walls. Thankfully, none of our people were injured or killed, but that doesn’t stop this from being one of the worst attacks in Io’s history.Several warriors tried to stop me as I fought for Io. They begged me to return to the packhouse, but how could I? When my territory was under active threat from a malicious enemy hellbent on causing mass destruction?Even now, they stand awkwardly behind me, muttering under their breaths about how the Alpha is going to have their hides. My heart goes out to them, it really does. But the displaced pack members need to be fed and given care. That is part of my responsibility as a warrior and
The first celebration happened right there in the auditorium. People brought out instruments and food, there were toasts made in my honor, and tears shed as the story of my tragic upbringing was shared. When it was revealed to everyone that I am Beta Nemora’s lost child, the celebration exploded with joyous applause.I’ve never been hugged so much in my life. It got to the point where my arms were tired from being squeezed so tightly. I couldn’t tell who was more excited for me to become the Luna, Rafe or the rest of the pack. My mate stood back, looking pretty pleased with himself while I struggled under the pressure of so much love and appreciation. At least, he did until it became more obvious that his packmates weren’t going to release me any time soon.His eyes darkened and a grumpy scowl overtook his features when the thirtieth male warrior scooped me up in a bear hug, lifting me from the ground and cheering for my safe return to Io.Rafe ended up prying him off of me and throwi
I don’t recall falling asleep. But I’m awoken by Christobel and a number of attendants rushing in to tend to me. The sun casts the room in a warm, golden glow. Rafe’s scent lingers in the air, but is slowly fading, much to my heartbreak. He must have slipped out earlier and left me to sleep in.“We’ve prepared a bath for you, Luna,” one of the attendants announces, head bowed. I don’t recognize her. I don’t recognize any of the women clamoring around me, eagerly pushing to be ahead of the group. Christobel’s kind eyes shine with pride as she stands at attention in front of all the rest.“Now ladies, I only agreed to let you assist me today because you were all so eager to serve our new Luna,” she declares, silencing the commotion. “If you continue to behave in such an immature fashion in front of Luna Makayla, I will dismiss all of you and serve her myself as I’ve always done.”Ah, I see.She’s showing off our close relationship. I struggle to conceal a smile. I’ve never seen this sid
The downside to being all dolled up for a celebration is limited range of motion and the inability to run full speed when you need to.Trying to keep up with Thane and Christobel is a challenge in four inch heels and this flowing dress. I’ve given up on keeping my hair looking pristine and neat, the curls flow wildly behind me as we surge toward the west gate.Appearances don’t matter. All that matters is getting to whoever is waiting before Rafe does. Not that I care what he does to them, I just don’t want to beg him for permission to see them in the dungeon again. And I’m not overly fond of the idea of going back down there anyway.Plus, if Quinn’s sudden arrival is any indication, calming him down for hours and days after will wear me out. My legs are shaking as is and my lower back is killing me. As much as I love him and our time together, I would rather not have a body cast on for my Luna ceremony.Please, Goddess, don’t let it be Wesley or Deadrick.My silent prayer is answered
“Makayla! Makayla slow down!” Christobel shouts after me.I won’t. I can’t.My legs carry me swiftly back to the packhouse and through the gated doors that lead down to the dungeons. I’ve only been once, but this trip is decidedly faster than the first. I take the stairs four or five at a time, ripping my lovely party dress and ruining all the hard work Christobel and the attendants did to make me look presentable.I can’t care about that right now. I can’t even stop my thoughts from scrambling madly, spiraling to a single point. Quinn Iverson must die. Today. At my hands.How dare she? How dare they?! River Crest wasn’t content with mercilessly tormenting me for years. No, they couldn’t be satisfied now that I am gone and no longer an eyesore to their perfect little pack. They had to go and mess with my new family.She’s not getting away with that. And once I’m through with her, I’m taking Wesley’s head with my bare hands!I bottom out at the end of the stairs, huffing furiously and