thank you as always for reading I'll have a new chapter this weekend!
~Dex’s Point of View~ *Get ready,* I warn Kent. She only had so much time to tell me very little, but the old Dakota knew to tread very carefully around Harley because of how close their packs were. This Dakota however, doesn’t care about that. She can’t understand it and it’s not her fault. This Dakota knows she was almost forced into a marriage she didn’t want, and she’s not about to let it happen again. I love more than anything that her strength shines through. She knows her mind even when she doesn’t. Dakota won’t be a prop for some male. So when I see the veins in his face and neck practically popping through his skin I know he’s lost control of his wolf and Kent is already pushing through me in response. When a wolf is provoked, and his animal feels wronged, threatened… there’s nothing the human can do. The wolf has to fight the threat. And after all, isn’t that what us Alphas were all trained to do? But I have no real interest in hurting or killing Harley. He’s nothing
~Dakota’s Point of View~Why can’t things look familiar? I should know this, right?The entire ride home… or to my “pack”… I’m practically jumping out of my skin. Quite literally. Nothing says, ‘hey family, I’m home’ like showing up with two random guys and no memory. Not to mention for the last hour I can’t sit still.“Is it nerves or does your skin actually itch,” Dex asks, putting his hand on my arm.I look down and see bright red marks on my arm and shudder. I hadn’t even realized I was doing it. My skin flares in response and suddenly all I can think about is a freezing cold bath.“It hurts, I…” I trail off, as Dex rubs his nose against my cheek. I get a brief respite from his comfort before the feeling returns.“That’s Laney baby. She’s trying her best to push back through. With the full moon, the Goddess is calling her home,” he says, smiling with a nod.“The who,” I question, just as my leg demands a hefty scratching.I practically quiver with relief at the feeling of my nails
~Harley’s Point of View~It’s all I can do to blink the tears away as I take in the ruins of my entire world. Everything my family busted their asses for, everything I wanted to be mine. It’s all gone. Just like that.The few buildings that still stand are ruined beyond repair, and now the insides are soaked in rain to boot. There’s no doubt it’s all covered in mold at this point. “There’s nothing here honey. I tried telling you,” my mom says. I swallow hard as I run my hand through my hair. Just as I come to the packhouse, my home for my entire life, a sob nearly escapes my mouth. It’s literally rubble. It was once a three story masterpiece added onto over the years by each Alpha as they grew the pack. So much history, so many memories.“What are the numbers? I hear there were deserters. Have they had the balls to come back,” I question. With their Alpha dead, they’re all rogues now anyhow.We all are. “Uhm, ohh I have it here,” mom says, fumbling through her bag.My little sister w
~Dex’s Point of View~*They just keep coming! What the hell,* Kent shouts, as we drop and dodge a wolf hurling at our head.*They’re pissed. But we have to try and find the King. I think he’d want to be here. He’d want to see Dakota’s pack burn,* I say.Kent keeps moving but his brain practically splits in two at my words and I don’t mean to distract him. Wolves don’t care much for our human troubles. They understand the pack life and protect it, since they are family. They take care of our family so we take care of theirs. But the royal hierarchy, it's just a bunch of made up stuff. It means nothing. Though Kent isn’t stupid, he knows what it symbolizes. Not only that, he knows how heavily King Micah would be protected so attacking him on our own isn’t wise.In the chaos, it's almost easy to lose who is Misty Glen and who is the enemy. It doesn’t help that I don’t know if there are those from other packs here either. I’ve already lost William somewhere.*I need water,* Kent shouts, a
~Dakota’s Point of View~“Shit,” I groan, as I see I’ve scratched my leg so badly it's bleeding. “You need to calm down Koko. It’s been a couple hours but we may be down here all night,” a woman says, as she dumps some water onto a cloth and cleans my wound.“I can’t help it. I feel like a damn caged animal down here,” I say. Several people nearby laugh.“Don’t we all,” someone says.“You really don’t remember me do you? I’m only like your second mom. I’m your dad’s sister Sandy,” she says, smiling.I shake my head. Though I’ve met so many people since I’ve been down here it’s all a blur.“Sorry, no. I truly thought coming back here would…” I stop mid-sentence as my stomach growls, but it isn’t hungry. Well, maybe a bit. But that’s not why it’s pissed. I grunt as my legs go slack, and I fall forward. Sandy catches me, and someone else quickly moves a chair to support me.“Uhhh! Shit,” I cry out.“It’s Laney honey. She’s a fighter. The full moon is in a few hours. I’m afraid getting
~Dex’s Point of View~“How could you agree to this? We have the Almighty King Micah by the balls, literally. We could take him and the few dumbasses that actually stayed to protect him. We don’t need to risk your neck,” Garrett says.I put my hand on his shoulder and shake my head. I’ve known every one of the males from my pack for literally my entire life. They trust my judgment but they can’t wrap their heads around this crazy ass situation. Garrett is one of the warriors I’m closest to, even if he’s about ten years older than me. He’s an amazing older brother figure, and I value his opinion greatly.“I’m not sure I would believe it all myself if I hadn’t lived it. Harley has been obsessed with Dakota for years, he’s convinced they’re meant to be somehow. Or he’s entitled which only pisses me off more. Atlas went and told everyone they’re fated mates. Everyone at the palace, in the royal court. They’ll be expecting him to return with his bride, so he has to save face somehow. But it
~Dex’s Point of View~Kent sits bored on his hind legs as King Micah blabbers on about who knows what. We don’t even spare Atlas’ wolf a glance because all we can see is Harley’s dark wolf. He’s got quite a presence, there’s no denying that. The male is a beast and a hell of a fighter; he’s really not someone I’d want to go one on one with. He’s probably the closest Alpha that could actually beat me, or worse.Of course the idea that literally anyone else would end up with my mate will be more than enough to fuel me.Especially since the King is making it crystal clear this is a fight to the death not only for Dakota and her future, but for how his kingdom will change depending on the winner. But it's all a show, I don’t see him going quietly. There’s no way in hell Atlas walks away from this. *Wait, what,* Kent asks, when the King points at us. Atlas’ wolf trots forward, and stops at his father. We’re not sure what we missed while we were zoned out, so we walk forward too.“The winne
~Harley’s Point of View~-Five Minutes Earlier-This is so stupid, I can’t even breathe right now.Jaxson turns his head to look at the few from our pack that are here, and it feels as if a literal brick settles in our gut. How is this my life now? So few, hardly anyone left.*What is even happening again,* Jaxon asks, as he cocks his head. I push him forward, then turn to the side and pace as we watch Dex with the pussy prince.It’s literally all I can do to control my breathing, to keep control over my rage. There’s no telling what is about to happen, what happens after this. But what do I know for certain?If Dex is still breathing, Dakota is walking away with him. If he’s not, her heart is gonna be broken. Either way, she doesn’t want me and I can’t let it bother me another second. And I’m damn sure not going to be the one that kills him. What’s the point?Any semblance of life I knew is done and I’m not going to waste any more time on her. Though it’ll always hurt, I’ll alway wond
~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