[Elise’s POV]I step out onto the grounds and take a deep breath while listening to the sound of footsteps behind me. Turning, I watch as Marty and William make their way toward me.“Why are you following me?” I ask, eyeing them curiously.“Because you dashed out of there like a bat out of hell.” Marty responds.“It looked like you were attempting to escape.” William adds. “And isn’t it our responsibility to make sure that you don’t do that?”“Not yours,” I counter, nodding toward William. “Only Marty’s.”Grinning, Marty comes to stand beside me, but when he places a hand on my shoulder, William’s gaze darkens before he storms forward and removes it.“Why were you so eager to go check the borders anyway?” He asks while Marty glares at him. “Are you afraid that something may have happened?”“Not really.” I counter. “I just wanted an excuse to escape before the big lug came after me.”Even if he wasn’t pursuing the subject currently, I knew that Rosco and even Jose still wanted my help
[William’s POV]I stare at Elise as she considers what I’ve said, or was she thinking of something else? I couldn’t quite place why, but I could sense something more, something substantial shining in those beautiful blue eyes of hers, but before I can actually figure out what it might be, it is gone and her mask of indifference returns.“I’ll hold you to it.”“Sorry to disturb.” Marty announces, ruining the moment. “But since we’ve seen that things are being taken care of, we should head back.”“So soon?” Elise pouts. “I was enjoying the breeze and scenery from up here. If you want to go back, you can go without me.”“No can do, beautiful.” He chuckles. “You know that I’m in charge of making sure you stay out of trouble. So, you’re stuck with me.”Frowning, I try to ignore the jealousy that is beginning to bubble in me. If Rosco wanted someone to watch Elise, why didn’t he simply choose me?‘Because you have other motives.’ Rue chuckles, only adding to my annoyance.‘And you don’t thi
[William’s POV]I watch as Elise stands at the edge of the pool, watching me and waiting. From the look on her face, it is clear that she fully expects me to come and join her. Not wanting to disappoint, I remove my shirt and feel a rush of excitement rush through me due to the way her gaze immediately travels down my chest, to my abs, and finally to the v-line just above my pants.Letting a slow smile spread across my face, I don’t move while she continues to watch me, and when disappointment flashes in her eyes, I move forward.“Are you planning on swimming in your pants?” She asks when I reach.“No,” I respond, reaching out and grabbing her hand. “I was hoping you would take them off for me.”Growing quiet, I wait as she begins to understand what it is that I’m saying. And when a look of hunger flashes in her eyes, I know that she’s going to do exactly what I’ve asked, and that fact is confirmed when her hands reach out and begin to work my button. Once she has it free, she moves t
[Elise’s POV]William’s heat rushes through my body, driving me wild and threatening to make my heart, which I swore I would never be allowed to feel again, come to life.This was bad. This was really bad, but with him inside me, I couldn’t help but hope that maybe I could have one more chance.Whimpering, I try to push away any unpleasant thoughts as William pulls out of me long enough to flip me around and shove me against the side of the pool.“Arch your back for me, baby.” He growls close to my ear, igniting the fire within and making me do as he commands. “That’s a good girl.” He continues, nipping my shoulder before shoving deep into me once more."Oh, fuck, William!” I moan as he reaches around and clutches one of my breasts. “Just like that! Oh fuck!”Goddess, this man knew what he was doing, which was a surprise given his gentlemanly demeanor, but didn’t I already see a different side of him? Was this side meant only for those who he was interested in, or did he allow others
[Denali’s POV]I sit with Maria as she cuddles Serenity. Since she arrived so late the previous day, I waited until the next morning to introduce them. Now, she easily cradles Serenity in her arms while Tristan pouts at her side, but he isn’t the one being the biggest baby.Tearing my gaze from Maria, I look to where Rosco sits with his arms crossed and his gaze narrowed. Even from where I sit, I can feel the irritation that is rolling off his body, and it only ruins the calm atmosphere I am trying to present.“If you’re so worried, why don’t you hunt them down?” Jose suggests from his place beside the door. “Instead of sitting there brooding.”“I don’t know what you mean.” Rosco huffs, causing me to roll my eyes.Of course, he knew what Jose was referring to. Ever since William called Rosco and let him know that he was going somewhere with Elise, he has been acting like this.Although I understood the reason he was so on edge over the matter, I also knew that William and Elise were a
[Rosco’s POV]I stare at Denali as she considers what I have said. It is clear from the look in her eyes that she isn’t too certain of what I’m saying, but this was the only way to make sure that Uncle Jaxon didn’t send any spies to keep track of me.“I’ve got things handled.” I assure her now, moving forward and ruffling her hair, so an adorable growl escapes her. “You just focus on your friend and our baby.”“Alright,” she sighs, her expression relaxing. “Just don’t cause too much trouble.”“No promises.” I chuckle before moving.As I head out of the room, I can feel Denali’s gaze on me, but I don’t turn around and keep moving until I reach Charlie’s room.Lifting a hand, I knock on his door and then wait until he appears with glazed eyes and bed head.“What time is it?” He yawns as I shove my way in. “And why are you just entering as you please?”“It’s past noon,” I respond, looking around at his space.Although he didn’t have many things when he came to stay with me, the room was
[William’s POV]I let out a sigh while I turn to take in Elise, who is sitting on the kitchen counter munching on grapes. She is dressed in nothing but a fuzzy robe, and it is ridden halfway up her thighs, causing my heart and my dick to do crazy things.“I’ll see what I can do.” I finally sigh, squeezing my phone while Rosco lets out an annoyed sigh on the other end. “I’m going to go now; thanks for warning me.”Hanging up, I shove my phone back into my pants pocket as I move toward Elise.“Was that the warden?” She asks, offering me a grape. “Has he sent a search team for you yet?”“Not quite,” I respond, accepting her offering. “He actually told me to stay away.”“Stay away.” She repeats, raising a brow. “Have we been banished from Emerald Moon for your bright idea?”“My idea?” I chuckle, leaning forward and kissing her lips. “No one made you come along with me.”“Hey,” she giggles, wrapping her legs around me. “A handsome man invited me to run away with him. I am nothing more than
[Elise's POV]Pain radiates through me. Everything hurts, from my hair to the tips of my toes. It's a burning pain that flares with the slightest of movements, and it makes me wonder if William and I went too hard earlier.Groaning, I attempt to move my body in hopes of finding a position that would help relieve the pain, only to find that I'm being held in place by something.Eyes flying open, I begin to look around me, only to find that I'm not on the balcony of William's family's penthouse. Instead, I'm what looks to be a cathedral with rows of pews that are occupied by the cloaked bastards that we are hunting.They sit and watch me as I continue to take in my surroundings until I understand what is happening. This was another glimpse into what the enemy was doing, and although it felt like I was in my body, I was actually in the body of their next victim.No. I hiss inwardly, trying to figure out what I could do to help whoever this person was, but I was nothing more than a specta
[Elise’s POV]I stare at the Goddess while she waits for me to decide what my next path will be. Of course, remaining here where there was no more suffering or pain was ideal, but I couldn’t just leave Serenity and those who I cared for back on earth to fend for themselves. However, even if I went back there, I wouldn’t be able to be a part of their world like I had been.A pang of pain shoots through me as William’s face appears in my mind, and the thought of him with another woman slams into me. Even if I were beside him again, I couldn’t tell him that I was me and that I would be so much younger than him.“Have you made a choice?” The Goddess asks when I meet her waiting gaze.“I…” I begin, knowing what would be the right thing to do. “I have.”Even if I went back there, where no one truly knew it was me, I could be with those I cared for once more, and I could keep my promise to Serenity. I would also get to redo the childhood that I was never given until it was time to attend the
[Rosco’s POV]I wrap my arm around Denali and pull her against me as she stares at her father’s unmoving form. Where we touch, I can feel all of her emotions and know that what she did couldn’t have been easy but was necessary.“He got what was coming to him.” I murmur, kissing her cheek. “Don’t think too much about it.”“I know.” She sighs, finally dropping her weapon. “But do you truly think that all of this is over?”Was all this over? That was a damn good question. I knew that those responsible for threatening my daughter's well-being were taken care of, but that didn’t mean that more wouldn’t pop up in the future.For the time being, the best thing we could do was learn more about the original members of Denali’s mother’s pack and the curse that their leader brought about. With knowledge was power, and it would help us better understand what was happening and plan accordingly.“As long as I’m here, I won’t let anything happen.” I assure her. “I’ll protect you and Serenity with al
[William’s POV]The next day, I stand between Jose and Charlie while members of Rosco’s pack work to prepare pallets for Elise and Uncle Hamilton. Once they’re in place, Rosco comes forward with a torch in hand. He doesn’t speak as he begins to set the pallets ablaze.As Elise’s body goes up in flame, I feel the last remaining pieces of my heart begin to shatter. This was it; there was no continuing to trick myself into believing that she would magically come back to life.I fix my gaze on Elise’s face as flames surround her body and lick at it, slowly burning away her clothes so they can begin on her skin, muscles, and bones.Swallowing the yell that wants to escape me, I watch on. As she disappears, it feels like a piece of me disappears with her, and when she is finally gone, I feel empty.“I’m sorry, man.” Charlie murmurs, clamping a hand on my shoulder. “I know you…”“Don’t,” I say slowly. “Just don’t say anything.”Although I know that he means well, I know that if I let him con
[Rosco’s POV]I keep my gaze fixed on Charlie as he looks from me to William, who keeps his back to us. Despite my words, I can tell he wants to stop William, but this is a sensitive matter.“Fine.” Charlie finally sighs, deflating. “Go,” he continues to say to William. “Go to that hospital and cause trouble since you’re so hell-bent on it.”“I will.”Not bothering to look at us, William moves, storming out of the packhouse and disappearing. Only once he’s gone do I focus on Charlie again.“Since he is going to deal with retrieving the bodies, I want you to tell me everything that actually happened.”Although I had a general idea of what went down, I was sure there was more to the story.Why did Uncle Jaxon take William back there?What led him to think the only option was blowing up the building?How did Elise and my father end up dying?So many questions raced through my mind, causing my head to spin and my ears to ring. Or maybe it was the illness taking over again. I didn’t know,
[Rosco’s POV]“I told you I was fine!” I hiss as Maria and Olga fight to keep me in bed. Many hours had already passed since Elise, Charlie, and Jose went to save William and retrieve my father, and despite the time, no one had contacted me yet. “I can’t just sit here while my people could be in danger!”“Rosco!” Denali sighs. “You can’t take your frustration out on the ones attempting to help you.”Opening my mouth, I prepare to argue, but I stop as I realize that she is right. However, that didn’t mean that this was frustrating. To sit back and not do anything with such things happening in my old pack lands drove me crazy.Sighing, I prepare to try to reason with them, but stop as the sound of a car pulling in reaches me.Hearing it too, Denali moves, making her way to the window, and when I see her tension disappear, I know that the others have returned.“Thank the Ggoddess.” She sighs, bringing a hand to her chest. “This means that they won, right?”“It has to.” I agree, forcing m
[William’s POV]I look around, trying to figure out what the source of the sudden rumble is, and I quickly get my answer as a loud boom sounds and the roof above our heads disappears.“Shit!” Charlie hisses, beginning to move. “These bastards really are fucking crazy.”Crazy was an understatement. Was this my father’s way of saying that if he couldn’t have Crystal Fang, then no one else could? He was destroying the whole fucking building and any type of proof toward what it was he was doing.Looking around, I try to spot the bitch that was working with him, only to find that she has already escaped. But what about my father? Continuing to search, I finally find that Jose, who is approaching us quickly, has him thrown over his shoulder.“Don’t just stand there!” Charlie continues. “We need to get the hell out of here before the building collapses.”Nodding, I pull Elise, who is fading in and out of consciousness, closer to me and begin to move. However, when we reach the stairs that wi
[William’s POV]Disgust rushes through me as the crazy woman behind me lets her canine touch my skin, and when I feel the rustlings of her mark begin to come to life, I move, yanking my other hand free from its bindings.Ignoring the pain that shoots through me, I use my wrists to grab the woman’s head and then heave, throwing her toward my father and Elise so that she lands between them.“ELISE!” I roar as they remain momentarily distracted. “LEAVE THIS TO ME!”At my words, Elise’s gaze takes me in and then shifts to my feet, which are still chained, and I can almost hear her sarcastic remark.Smirking, I feel a wave of relief knowing that she is still in one piece after barging her way into this place, but how did she do it without getting caught?Nevermind. Now wasn’t the time to be worrying about that. Instead, I need to focus on getting my feet free and taking down my bastard father.Tearing my focus from Elise, I start to work the cuffs around my feet as my hands heal. The metal
[William’s POV]I stare ahead, taking in the scene in front of me in disbelief. How? How could this be happening? I knew that my father was a monster for power, but to go as far as killing his own brother in order to achieve it was not something I believed he could do.As I watch on, so many memories begin to flash before me—images of his kind smile, though those were rare—and of him comforting me. Were all those actions a lie to trick me into believing that he was good?“Why?” I growl quietly. “Why the hell is this happening?”Even if it was my father doing everything, I still felt as though I was also guilty. It was because of his absolute need to make me the alpha of Crystal Fang that he was doing this. Didn’t that make me guilty by association?“Stop.” I hiss, drawing my father’s crazed gaze toward me. “STOP THIS!”Beside me, the woman who my father wished to marry me off to gives a giggle, causing the anger that is slowly building to begin to bubble over.“You’re cute,” she sighs
[Elise’s POV]I wince at the big lug’s words. Man, that was harsh to hear. Not only did William’s crazy father kidnap him while I wasn’t here, but he even managed to murder Hamilton.“Any means necessary?” I ask slowly, needing confirmation of what I could do. “Because I’m pretty fucking close to exploding.”“By any means.” The big lug confirms.“Rosco!” Denali gasps, her eyes growing wide. “You can’t possibly...”“By any means necessary.” Rosco repeats.“Bahahaha!”Feeling my anger spike, I turn to take in my bastard father, who is listening in carefully.“Shut the fuck up, old man.” I snap, lifting a foot and slamming it into his face.Pulling away, I watch with satisfaction as his freshly busted lip and broken nose begin to bleed. Serves him right for finding pleasure in others suffering.‘That was just us a little over a year ago.’ Anna points out. ‘My sweet Elise, you’re growing into a reasonable adult finally.’‘No chance.’ I sigh.I wasn’t being a reasonable adult. Or maybe I w