Thank you as always for reading! Next update will be Saturday.
~Dakota’s Point of View~ “Shit, shit,” I shout, as I run at full speed. I have zero clue where I am or where the hell I’m going. My lungs burn and it’s not a good feeling. If I had some damn sneakers or some hiking boots that would sure help a lot! *Or you could shift,* Laney whines, though she isn’t in much of a position to fight. “Up here,” William shouts, as he leaps up a tree almost like a damn cat. Without a moment to even rationalize it, my body follows and I reach for his hand. He jerks me like a rag doll, just as the wind of a hungry mouth closing near my foot sends a shiver up my spine. I push on, my body climbing and moving on its own. “One more should do it,” he says, as I mindlessly try to keep up with him. When we’re sitting on a long tree branch looking down at four pissed off wolves, I finally let out a hard breath. The short lived feeling of relief that we’ve escaped danger doesn’t last when one of the wolves begins to shift. “You just might have to accept some
~Dakota’s Point of View~ “You! You’re one of the assholes that did all this,” I snap, my mind suddenly very focused. But more pissed off than anything. I shouldn’t be wasting time on this, my only focus should be Dex. He grins again, but I look away quickly when I see them hoist Dex’s body up, using the hunk of tree as a stretcher of sorts. My feet move on their own, and I run for him. Once he’s laid on the ground I run my hands all over him, beginning to assess his body. He’s got lots of little cuts, and bruises forming, things his wolf should be able to heal. The fact that he’s not is bad, real bad. “Where is he hurt? Is it internal, what if he’s bleeding inside,” I say, not talking to anyone in particular. I have the thought that all these guys could have gotten him out for an easy kill, but they’ll have to get through me. Through my anger anyhow. I have no doubt they could overpower me without issue. *We have to get him to the cave! We can’t trust they won’t take advantage of h
~Harley’s Point of View~Jaxson paces so badly in my head I swear he’s going to wear a hole in our brain. I sigh as I rub my chin for the tenth time. “I need you to get word to my father, it’s the most urgent possible thing. Tell him exactly what I said,” I whisper, glaring at the male who is likely on drugs. He’s clearly tweaked out on something, I can only pray he’ll keep it together long enough to make it home. “I’ve got it Alpha Harley, I won’t let you down,” he says, nodding and turning to shift.“That remains to be seen,” I grumble, and blow out a hard breath. I take my time walking back, trying to figure out what the hell I’m going to do. What a fine fucking mess Dakota made. But I have to treat everything as an opportunity, and this can’t be any different. It’ll be a tight line to walk though, and I have to remember that I represent my pack. Anything I do reflects on them. Pissing off the royals should probably not be on my agenda but here we are. Only an idiot would proba
~Dakota’s Point of View~ “Do I… get a trial or something,” I ask, just above a whisper. A male with a pen and clipboard glares up at me and even though I know he’s no one important, I’m still terrified of him. “A trial? When there were many witnesses all of whom will say it was you? When our own examiner noted your scent all over his majesty? When his blood was on you,” the male says, looking at me like I’m an idiot. I bit my lip as a brick sinks in my belly. I’m still feeling Dex’s pain, I’m constantly sweating and Laney is pissing me off like never before. “I guess I just thought…” I start to say, but instead I blow out a hard breath and fall back on the bench.I have nothing to say that’s helpful. “The King will be here in the morning. Apparently there are many crimes you’re wanted for and this is just the beginning of our investigation,” he says, sticking his nose in the air and turning to walk out. The cameras. The plotting. So many males out here know. They know it wa
~Prince Atlas’ Point of View~ My father eyes me, pissed off that I’m here. That I’m intervening. He’d likely have come here, slashed everyone’s throats and left feeling like he did something. What good would that do? Not to mention the talent we’d lose for an entire generation. But that’s already just about what Blood Creek does anyhow. I’m not at all blind to the fact that the entire shifter world basically hates the royal family. I’ve spent time out in packs, hiding my identity. I know what people think. We’re stuck up, rich assholes with a God complex. Describes Caspian to a T at any rate. I look down at the young female in my arms, and curse this entire mountain. The Alpha war is the most stupid, barbaric and antiquated thing imaginable. Maybe hundreds of years ago when people were fighting for land and resources it was necessary. But everyone does pretty well now, and they sure as hell don’t need to do this. This beauty in my arms didn’t need to be here. The males that are cl
~Dakota’s Point of View~ “Hold the phone there partner, so what exactly was happening to me at the time my brain was somehow so deprived of oxygen that I passed out and now can’t remember who the hell I am,” I snap, pointing at the three males staring at me. Not a single one looks familiar and it pisses me off more! Suddenly, I grab the blanket over my body and move to throw myself out of bed. Just as I plant my feet on the floor and push to stand, my legs don’t quite work and I immediately fall back down. But that’s the least of my worries! “I’m naked! What the fuck! Turn around all of you right now or I’ll have your balls in a jar,” I shout, as I reach for the blanket and quickly wrap it around me. All three do exactly as I asked, and I stick my nose in the air for good measure. They’re all dressed, did they conveniently forget me?! “Now… where is the bathroom? It better be close… ooooohh ohh,” I moan, as I shove my thighs together. One of them points to an open door and I
~Harley’s Point of View~ “I can’t believe I’m saying this shit but we gotta get this fucker to wake up,” I groan, looking down at Dex the douche. “You hate this guy though! He’s trying to take your girl,” Mitch says, dumbfounded. My wolf stirs in the back of my mind, antsy and pissed. All I know is, we need all the help we can get if we’re going up against the royals. A male that’s just as determined to get to Dakota as I am is the help I need. Though all logic tells me I can’t do this without my father’s permission. Without him sanctioning a literal raid on the fucking royal palace. How did we get here? It’s also not at all lost on me that she could very well choose Dex. See him as the hero. Afterall, it seemed like that was the direction things were going in. However, even if I somehow don’t come out of this with Dakota in my arms, the upside is… if there could be one, that they’ll mate and she’ll go off to wherever. Leaving her pack with a huge opening for leadership. None of
~Dakota’s Point of View~ “I just really don’t feel like I would have put all my eggs in the Atlas basket,” I say, making a face in the mirror as a lady tugs on my dress. I’m not built for a dress and I hate it! I literally feel as if I’m about to explode into a rage. Just get married, pop out babies. Not having any life of my own, no real purpose? Is being a mom truly my only purpose? It can’t be. I’m more than my womb damn it! “I don’t follow…” Abbey says, making a face as she looks up from her book. I scoff at a bow on my chest as if it personally did something to offend me. I grab it, throw it to the floor and stomp on it. “Excuse me,” the dressmaker scolds. Abbey is instantly on her feet and in her face. “That is our next Queen you just raised your voice to servant,” Abbey shouts, as I watch the woman, who is easily three times Abbey’s age, cower and fall to her knees. My jaw falls at the spectacle. I shake my head and claw at the dress, ripping it in various places until
~Thirty Years Later~~Dakota’s Point of View~“Now what have I told you about hitting your sister,” I snap, as I scold my grandpup Braxton. He looks at me with the sad eyes that an innocent seven year old can have, but I’m not buying it. He’s the worst manipulator!“You know better! I just knew when I saw you had my birthmark you were going to be trouble and always have been,” I say, wagging my finger. Dex seems to appear out of nowhere, scoop him up and blow on his belly. I frown, irritated that I always have to be the bad guy.I sigh, turn on my heel then barrel through the packhouse, tired and aching. Age is really catching up with me, and yet I don’t feel all that old. When Dex and I moved into the packhouse about ten years ago, I was more than ready to be in the thick of things. I welcomed the way the entire place just felt alive with activity day or night. I told myself I was done with the day to day of babies; my kids were grown and could care for themselves.But they never … E
~Epilogue One~~Five Years Later~~Dex’s Point of View~“How the hell does this work,” I groan, trying to figure out the baby carrier. I hold up the offending fabric and narrow my eyes.Every time I’ve used it, Dakota or another female has helped me with it. But as I stare down at my three week old son, it’s like he’s mocking me. It's like he knows how much it pisses me off to realize there’s something I can’t do. Any male hates to look weak in the eyes of his child.*Let’s just put him down the front of our shorts and pull the string tight,* my wolf suggests. I roll my eyes at that. The pup is literally the size of a football, he’s tiny and fragile.I scratch the back of my head and gaze over the kitchen and living room, which are an absolute wreck from our other pups. We had a bad storm last night, and Dakota and several of our guardians have been out all day assessing the damage. There were many downed trees and some cabins had roofing losses. So, I’m stuck with this carnage.“Tah
~Dakota’s Point of View~*Ohh this is it!! I’m so excited,* Laney squeals, as my father speaks. It was all I could do to maintain myself during the ceremony where Harley and Jenny were made Alphas of Shadow Cove. I wasn’t sure what to expect from Dex, but he definitely got a bit teary. While he may have reservations about Harley, he’s proud. He’s so unbelievably happy for Jenny and it just did things to my belly to see it. The males in my life are certainly not emotional people, it isn’t something I’m used to seeing. Despite training to be Alpha so long, I’ve certainly never thought of myself as “mature.”Unless I’m fighting I guess. Maybe having so many brats for brothers has something to do with that. A way of keeping a bit of my youth. My hand involuntarily goes to my belly, hopeful that my mate and I made a pup on our magical night. If we didn’t, well then there’s always more time to practice. But it’s a heavy feeling, thinking that I’m living for more than myself. Definitely mea
~Dakota’s Point of View~“The nicest clothes can hide the worst people,” I whisper, as I narrow my eyes at my dear cousin Reyes. He’s standing in a large group of males, some from my pack but most I don’t know.He’s wearing a fucking suit. A SUIT. Where did he even get it??*What’s that mean,* Laney questions.SELL OUT!!!I’m not sure why, but heat floods me. My feet move on their own and march right to him. I tap on his shoulder, and when he turns, he’s got a shit eating grin on his face that makes my stomach churn.“You bastard,” I shout, with all I have. My arm rears back, and my fist balls all its own. In the blink of an eye my knuckles are connecting with his face. He doesn’t even remotely see it coming, and I take pride in that. His whole body jerks backward, and I take advantage of the momentum to charge him. I roar from somewhere in my gut, fueled by straight rage.“You want to be one of them so bad don’t you,” I shout, as I punch into his chest. Hands grab at me from all di
~Harley’s Point of View~Jenny and I walk along the creek, both of us on unfamiliar ground, literally and figuratively. We were both just so damn hot for each other last night, there wasn’t a whole lot of talking. Not about anything substantial. Both of our wolves were in control, and there was no breaking, no stopping it.*I regret nothing,* my wolf hums, happier than he’s ever been. But hell, I am too.Everything is different now, and only in the best way. I breathe for her now, I exist for her. There were so few times before that I ever cared what really any female thought. Sometimes I looked forward to Dakota’s opinion but it was just an excuse to talk to her.Jenny squeezes my hand, and I look down at our fingers locked together. This is by far the happiest I’ve ever felt, a deep contentment, more than I could have imagined. But in the light of day, with so many lingering unknowns, for one of the first times in my life I’m really nervous. And that is completely new to me. Granted
~Dakota’s Point of View~“If it was literally anyone but grammy I’d tell them right where to stick their bossy little--”My mate swoops right in with a kiss to silence me, and I suddenly forget being mad. But then again, I wanted more time with my mate and this is the best I can get right now. Without a care as to who is around, I grab the back of his head and kiss him for all he’s worth. Which is a hell of a lot.Cat calls, whistles and whatever else break out since we’re literally a few steps from the pack house. When we finally come up for air, Dex is staring back at me with the drunk in love eyes that have already captivated me. I truly feel as though I’m the luckiest bitch in the world.We go through the motions of breakfast, my brothers give me the jokes I was expecting. They just wish they had their mates. My parents are unusually quiet and Dex’s family… well they’re about the same. I’m suddenly desperate to know what’s been going on. Especially since Dex’s sister is now also a
~Dex’s Point of View~As I lay on top of Dakota, a sweaty and panting mess… I tell myself I should move but I just can’t. Especially not once she starts scratching my head with her nails. How she knows exactly what I want when I don’t even know… it’s everything. Must be a mate thing but I never want it to end.Kent is borderline asleep, satisfied that we finally filled our mate with our seed. It’s literally all he’s lived for, and only the beginning. I tell myself to raise my head from her belly, but I can’t. My legs are stiff but somehow cemented in a standing position. After what seems like far too long I open my mouth to speak just as he fingers fall away. The same second Kent lulls himself to sleep and Dakota’s heartbeat evens out, her breathing too. Awkward. I can’t just fucking stay like this…I blow out a light breath and lift my head, sure enough she’s passed out cold. Her breasts are a bit sideways, her mouth is slightly open. Her hair is an absolute mess. She’s complete p
~Dakota’s Point of View~*About time my sexy mate,* I coo, over mind-link. *I hope you kept some energy,* he replies. I can only roll my eyes at that, seeing as how he just got out of a fight. Granted it was pretty one sided and short but still…I have no clue if Dex knows where he’s going but when I see he’s heading toward one of the far out, remote cabins… I don’t question it. Maybe one of my brothers mind-linked him. Maybe he’s just got a good sense of direction.*Hmm,* Laney hums.“Better stay awake,” Dex teases, and I can only raise my hand and smack his ass as it moves inches from my face. He doesn’t skip a beat and it makes me only want to do it again. That is, until a potent and tart peppery scent hits me. I jerk my head up as much as I can in this position, and the smell is so strong it nearly hits me in the face. Dex sighs loudly, and stops. “Uhhhhh ooooohh,” I cry out, as he suddenly flips me around so fast I nearly get whiplash. I’m barely a few inches from my mate and
~Dex’s Point of View~Kent and I hum, our blood practically shooting sparks all through us as Dakota licks our marking spot, sealing our wound and bond for eternity. The feelings already coursing through our veins, her feelings… are everything. She’s happy, elated. She’s content. It washes over me in waves, making me feel the same.I already want more of it, knowing I’m the reason for her satisfaction.*And imagine how it’s going to be when we get her alone…* Kent sighs, sick of waiting.With probably a hundred pairs of eyes on us, we’re sharing the most intimate moment a mated pair could possibly have; but in a lot of ways I feel like this is how it was meant to be. It had to be done so publicly for us both to get our points across.*Dad will get over it,* Kent says, trying to get me back to the here and now. He doesn’t want anything taking away from this moment or our next one. Sure enough when Dakota pulls back, the look on her face is absolutely everything I could want. She’s far f