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~Dex’s Point of View~My wolf and I breathe a collective sigh of relief that King Micah is dead. That Harley got his vengeance, even though it's bittersweet. I lock eyes with his wolf, unsure what to do next. *Desy are you all right,* I hear, as my mom comes through my mind-link. I beam internally, relief flooding me. A voice I know far too well, and didn’t realize how badly I missed it.I didn’t initially want to hear that my parents were coming, but who knows what news they’ve received. It’s likely chaotic and if my mom even thinks it's bad, she’s coming. I was practically convinced she’d try and show up at Alpha camp, it broke her heart when I left.*Love you mom, I’m just fine,* I say, then blink as I see Harley starting to shift.*Phew okay good. What’s the damn deal then!? Why are they saying you led a revolt at Alpha Camp and the King is trying to kill you,* she asks, panting as I can tell she’s still running.Kent and I both laugh to ourselves. Goddess, I need my mate back. I
~Dakota’s Point of View~*I’m sad,* Laney whines. I shake her off as I wobble, trying to stand. But my mom is right there to hold me up. It’s beyond comforting and still hard to grasp that my mom is here. My family is surrounding me, and after only knowing how to fend for myself, it’s beyond welcome. Though in my mind I’ve still only been alive for a week and Laney even less…*We’re still going to be us, we’ll still have…* my breath catches when I inhale a sharp bitter scent, and it tingles my nose and then I make a face.“Achoo! Achoo,” I sneeze, and my ears pop to boot. The action seems to shake my entire body, and then I find I’m blinking heavily. Not only that, I’m a bit dizzy. Why am I unsteady? Did I just shift?I look down at the basic dress, something we’d definitely have around for after a run. I scrunch up my nose at the weird smell in the air. Is someone cooking? When my mom appears in front of me with a questioning look, I cock my head to the side. Why is she looking at m
~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
~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~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~“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
~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~“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
~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