OF course she would right? What's going to happen at dinner? Next update will be Wednesday.
~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
~Dakota’s Point of View~ “What the hell is wrong with your face,” the King snarls, just before shoving a load of food in his mouth. I instinctively touch my cheek and it feels too familiar, like I’ve done it a thousand times. I don't quite know how I knew it, but before I even looked in a mirror I knew it was there. I may not know my name but I can't forget something like that. A dark birthmark covering the bottom half of my cheek and the top of my neck, it's pretty noticeable. I narrow my eyes at the dude, and I’m close to telling him he looks like a barbarian, a caveman and more so an asshole. My eyes blink rapidly as the words are lost on my tongue. He shovels another fork full in his mouth like it's a miniature shovel and dribbles land all in his beard. Something in my stomach flips, nearly making me lose my appetite. “Yes we will have to see what we can do about that, everyone will talk if you are to stay here. It's a bad omen for our kind and we can’t let the public see,” t
~Dex’s Point of View~ What would you do if you had the freedom to choose your life, not the life everybody wants for you? You’d pick the one you want, of course… in a perfect world. But for me, freedom right now is nearly too much to bear. Freedom. What a word. Technically I can move, nothing is restraining me. I’m healed enough to freely get around without assistance. No where close to ready to fight, or to try and shift to run home. *Get that shit out of your head,* Kent shouts. I blow out a hard breath, and shake my head at the three males in front of me fighting like dumb pups. I know they have a ton of energy with nowhere to direct it, it isn’t their fault. But still, we’re supposed to be the best of our packs. Not some morons scrapping for a lame bet they just made that means nothing. For a couple of days I’ve tried like hell to get word to my pack, since I have no clue if they know what’s going on. But finding a messenger right now is proving impossible, at least one that
~Dakota’s Point of View~ ~Nine Hours Earlier~ “I’m so glad you came to your senses,” Abbey says, with a big grin. I give her back my best smile but don’t actually reply. I’ve had these people eating right out of my hand, and it’s been a hell of a lot easier than just getting angry and yelling. Which I definitely still wish I could do, but what’s the point? “The Prince will just die when he sees you in that,” Marissa says, giggling and elbowing her cousin. He’d just die huh? One could hope! They both nod their approval as I step into the high shoes. I wince immediately as my toes get pinched, and look at them with pitiful eyes. But they don’t care or notice. I square my shoulders then go to step forward, and immediately my ankle twists and I fall forward. Thankfully I catch the armrest of the sofa, but what if it hadn’t been there? “You’ll have to practice,” Abbey scolds, even wagging her finger. I make a face as the girls lock arms, and walk out talking about their own dresses
~Later That Evening~ ~Dakota’s Point of View~ I carefully cut the meat on my plate and eat quietly, afraid to really look at anyone. Whatever I thought I knew about the world is apparently all a lie. Though I don’t think I know much since I still don’t remember who the hell I am! It’s bizarre how I know some things… like brushing my teeth. Tying a bow. Like swimming. Yes, I half assed tried swimming in the bathtub only to realize I mostly definitely know how to do it and so the very idea I’d nearly drowned is even more ridiculous! But I still don’t know the full angle here. “Is father joining us,” Abbey asks, a slight twinkle in her eye. It’s obvious she’s a daddy’s girl, but I have to admit I’m extremely relieved he’s not here. “He’s very busy,” the Queen says, just above a whisper. I breathe a little easier at that, and actually enjoy finishing my plate. Though I’d much rather the giant asshole just eat with his family and I sit in a dark corner. “Everything seems in plac
~Dex’s Point of View~ *I can’t tell, what is it,* Kent shouts, as if I won’t hear him over the chaos surrounding us. He kicks at the half burned book and cocks his head to the side. It’s what Dakota lit on fire so it must be significant somehow. Kent squints hard but it's no use, his eyes aren’t made for reading and we’re wasting time. I can’t even tell if it's still readable or not. We leave the book and run out into the yard, trying to get a view of the roof. There are groups of wolves and males fighting all over, so I can’t go by scent alone. I can’t get eyes on her, and I have no idea if she found a way down or not. I want to believe she’d sense me, she’d come to me. But with everything going on and all the blood in the air I can’t plan for that. I can only pray she’s not trying to be tough and throw herself in the middle of the fight. That would be just like my mate and the idea of it nearly distracts me. The familiar sound of car engines flitters into my ears and my heart s
~Dakota’s Point of View~ BEEP BEEP I make a face at the offending noise and snuggle up to the warmth surrounding me. Hmm, so soft, so nice and snuggly. BEEP BEEP “Shut up already,” I groan, as I turn and move my hand. Only instead of finding a nice soft pillow, I find a fistful of hair. In my hazy state, I pop one eye open and see nothing but light brown hair, so much of it. Did I fall asleep on a massive wig? A dog?? I smack my lips together and desperately wish I had water. This is all too much. THUD The sounds of several people talking and what I think is a car door slamming have me waking up more. When I turn, a wet tongue is on my cheek and licking. I groan and put my hands up defensively. “Ohh what the hell,” I shout, shoving it away. There’s a laugh from somewhere but I ignore it, focused only on the large mass in front of me that doesn’t want to move. When I blink rapidly, I’m met with a huge snout. I try again in vein to push it away. “Whose dog is this and why--”
~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