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Chapter 23 - Holly

Penulis: Bryant
last update Terakhir Diperbarui: 2025-01-17 19:34:28
Kira had howled her displeasure the further we got from the ranch or, more importantly, from Alex. She was a wolf. Kira didn’t get it. She couldn’t seem to understand how I felt. The selfish bitch had only thought about herself and how she wanted a new mate.

I know ‘pot calling the kettle black.’ I was also selfish because I had refused to think about what having a second chance mate could mean to anyone beyond myself. It would have offered Kira comfort and renewed strength, which had diminished when Nigel and Leo died.

Then there’s Samuel and Tristan to think of. Both boys have been raised missing a parent, and if I were to accept Alex, we’d be giving the boys the parent they are missing. Even if Alex says he doesn’t want to replace Nigel, I’m terrified of him replacing Nigel with Samuel. Samuel only knows Nigel through stories. It broke my heart to think of a future where Samuel would forget Nigel was his father and refer to Alex as his dad, which brings me back to being a selfish
Bryant

Look at David being a helpful sounding board. let's see if that and knowing what happened at the ranch can make cracks in that wall around her heart.

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Marija Pavlović
David is involve in all Bloodmoon series.
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alana_lynette
This story is amazing… I just hate waiting for updates ...still worth it!
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KPH
David makes sense as a sounding board. he's watched Alex grow. he was the first one to meet the boy and he's firsthand to see the man Alex has become.
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  • Her Second Chance Mate   Chapter 24 - Alex

    I had been thrown from horses plenty of times throughout my life—an occupational hazard that came with working on a ranch. However, this time, it wasn’t me who was in danger; it was Samuel. In a split second of instinct and determination, I leaped off Cyrus to shield Samuel from the impending fall. Although Samuel was a werewolf, I knew he was just as vulnerable as any human child until he reached the age to awaken his wolf. The weight of responsibility pressed heavily on my shoulders, especially considering my already precarious relationship with Holly. If her son had sustained serious injuries while I was supposed to be keeping him safe, I knew my chances of ever winning her trust—or her heart—would vanish in an instant. I wouldn’t have blamed her for being furious. After all, Samuel was her number one priority, just as Tristan was mine. Any parent in her position would have felt justified in being outraged with someone who allowed their child to get hurt. That said, Holly wasn’t

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-01-18
  • Her Second Chance Mate   Chapter 25 - Holly

    I had always worried about my son Samuel’s health and safety. He was my miracle baby, a bright light after the darkness of loss and grief in my past. With every breath, I feared losing him, haunted by memories of my previous pregnancies that ended too soon. Though Samuel had been healthy since birth, that didn’t ease my fear of something happening to him. Given my history, you can imagine the whirlwind of panic that erupted within me when David said Samuel had been hurt. My mind flickered to Alex, but I quickly pushed those thoughts aside; delving into that worry felt too much. Instead, I fixated on the dread of my child suffering, my heart racing with every thought. Rationally, I knew he would be okay. Mikali was there. Even if he hadn’t been a healer by gift, he was a doctor. If I had proved anything in the last twenty-four hours, it was that I was an emotional train wreck. Rational thought hadn’t gotten through. I tried reaching out to Samuel through our family link, but I wasn’t

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-01-20
  • Her Second Chance Mate   Chapter 26 - Alex

    Holly’s laughter, a vibrant sound that seemed to dance in the air, was the sweetest music I had ever heard. Even though she tried to stifle it behind her hand, the joy in her eyes sparkled brighter than any note could convey. I was acutely aware that beneath this light-hearted moment loomed the weight of the serious conversations we still needed to have. I couldn’t predict how long her cheerful spirit would last, so I mentally tucked this precious memory away like a treasured keepsake. I knew our talk would turn heavy, perhaps leading her to walk away again. If that happened, I wanted to reach back into my mind’s archive and find comfort in replaying the sound of her laughter. “The twins would argue that if they were going to get their asses kicked, the charity should be for the arts,” Holly quipped, shaking her head as her laughter gradually waned, leaving behind a warm afterglow. “Fair point,” I replied, a smile tugging at the corners of my mouth. “As long as the proceeds contrib

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-01-21
  • Her Second Chance Mate   Chapter 27 - Holly

    Our conversation flowed so easily. It only hurt a little when I thought about Nigel. I could look back at how he got jealous when Finn wrapped me up in a big hug without a care in the world the day I brought Nigel to meet everyone with humor and nostalgia instead of heartache and longing. It was adorable when Nigel got all growly and demanded Finn stop manhandling his mate. He felt stupid for getting jealous, especially after I put Finn in his place. Then Alex had to go and focus the conversation on what I was avoiding… us. Even Kira found his question difficult to answer. Obviously, we knew he was weaker, but it was not his fault. He was human, while I was a werewolf. We’re naturally on different strength levels. He’s stronger than he was when I left. I didn’t need to spare to know that. I’m a combat instructor. I can tell by looking at someone and if they’ve improved. Being weaker than me doesn’t make him unattractive. But how to word that? ‘If you ask me…’ Kira began, her voice ca

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-01-22
  • Her Second Chance Mate   Chapter 28 - Alex

    I really put myself out there, didn’t I? I told Holly everything—the whole story laid out, no secrets. Now, it was just a waiting game to see how she’d respond. She hadn’t said no and wouldn’t return to Ironfur directly after the memorial service. The fact that she was even considering going on a date with me felt like a win in my book. When I offered to drive her to pick up her rental car, she didn’t hesitate. She was all for exchanging numbers, too—something the boys had already sorted out among themselves. I was glad they got along so well. I didn’t want to manipulate anything between them, but having Samuel on my side could definitely help me win Holly over. If I ever had doubts about being with her, the way Tristan already cared about her made me stop and think. The day after everything happened at the ranch, Holly faced the memorial for Davis and Loretta in Bloodmoon. I wanted to be there for her, but I figured respecting her need for space would be better. I was comforted know

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-01-23
  • Her Second Chance Mate   Chapter 29 - Holly

    I sat at my vanity, applying the final touches to my makeup, fully aware of Nigel leaning in the doorway, watching me. His gaze was warm, reverent even, and I could feel his love like a physical thing in the air between us. He’s always looked at me that way, like I’m the most beautiful woman alive, even though I’ve never seen myself that way. Growing up as a tomboy running wild through the Adirondack mountains with the Ironfur heirs didn’t leave much room for vanity. Nigel knew that. He tells me I’m beautiful every chance he gets and insists that I’m sexy, too. I always call him a liar, but I know the blush on my cheeks and the soft smile I can’t suppress each time gives me away. He’s stayed by my side through everything, even when I told him he didn’t have to. Eight years of trying and failing to bring a pup to term. I told him once I’d understand if he wanted to leave me, to find someone who could give him what I couldn’t. He refused. “I don’t care if we ever have a pup. You’re al

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-01-24
  • Her Second Chance Mate   Chapter 30 - Alex

    Holly sat at the vanity, her back to me, and I couldn’t look away. The intricate lace of her dress hugged her shoulders, drawing my gaze to her curves. As she adjusted her hair, her movements were graceful and mesmerizing. When she finally turned, the dress flowed elegantly above her knees, the neckline dipping just enough to quicken my pulse. Her rich brown hair, swept into a stunning braid and bun, framed her face, making her blue-gray eyes shine. She caught me staring, and I couldn’t pretend otherwise. The way her dress shimmered in the light made everything else in the room fade away. Holly wasn’t just beautiful; she was breathtaking. Holly caught me by my tie with a smirk and tugged me to her. I knew it was an open invitation. I would’ve been a fool to decline such an invitation. I closed the distance, capturing her lips. Kissing Holly was heaven. Her breath hitched, and I swallowed her gasp as the kiss deepened, my arm wrapping around her to press her body into mine. We fit to

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-01-25
  • Her Second Chance Mate   Chapter 31 - Holly

    I let Alex guide me, my heart pounding in anticipation as the heat built between us. But then doubt crept in, and I froze, digging my heels into the floor. The air grew heavy with confusion and pain. I stepped back, my back hitting the vanity, breath hitching as the truth unraveled. When I looked up, it wasn’t Nigel’s face I saw, but Alex’s. My heart lurched. How had I let myself believe it was Nigel, conjuring the man I’d lost instead of facing the one before me? Alex’s brow furrowed, his concern evident. “Holly… what’s wrong? I thought… you told me to ravage you, but now…” His voice was careful, uncertain, as if afraid to break the fragile connection between us. “No. No, I told Nigel. You’re not Nigel.” I shook my head violently. My hand flew to my mouth, the weight of the words crushing me. My knees threatened to give out as I looked at him, his face no longer the comfort it had been just moments ago. My voice rose, trembling with emotion I couldn’t control. “You’re not Nige

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-01-27

Bab terbaru

  • Her Second Chance Mate   Chapter 73 - Alex

    I… I have a wolf. I, Alexander Michael Whitland, the HUMAN among werewolves, have a WOLF! My mind was blown at the thought of being anyone’s mate, let alone Holly’s second chance, and now this. Everything about last night still feels surreal, from the marking, seeing Nigel, to him giving me Leo because the Goddess lost a BET, and shifting for the first time. My brain is still overloaded.‘You’re the excitable sort still, I see.’ Leo commented as Holly and I returned to the farm after packing camp.‘Oh, come on, dude. You barely knew me before you died. I’ve totally grown up since then. You’re in my head; you have access to my memories. You should know I’m not the same boy that had a crush on your mate,’ I huffed.‘Uh-huh. I don’t know how much has changed from what I’ve absorbed from your memories. You dipped your dick in crazy and lucked out to get a good kid out of the deal.' He snorted.'I’ll give you credit, though. You’ve put in the work to train hard and to raise your boy. You r

  • Her Second Chance Mate   Chapter 72 - Holly

    I gasped as reality slammed back into me. The weight of my body pressed into the earth, and Alex on top of me, his skin damp with sweat against mine. His breath was hot and ragged against my throat, his chest rising and falling in uneven shudders. We were back. The air was thick with the scent of earth, pine, and sex. The cool night breeze contrasted with the burning intensity inside me, but I barely noticed. I could still feel the bond between us—woven into our very beings, humming beneath our skin, connecting us in an ancient, irrevocable way. I sensed the swirl of emotions stirring in Alex’s mind through our bond. Alex groaned, his forehead pressing against mine as he exhaled a shaky breath. “Holy shit.” His voice was hoarse, rough from what we’d just done. I swallowed hard, my arms still wrapped around him, clinging to him as if letting go would break the spell. Our mating had been anything but ordinary. What we’d just done wasn’t ordinary, even with Alex being human. It wa

  • Her Second Chance Mate   Chapter 71 - Alex

    Holly’s lips were fire against mine, burning away every hesitation, every lingering doubt. I wasn’t weak. I wasn’t fragile. Not here, not with her. None of the chaos that’s happened recently mattered. Tonight wasn’t about any of that. Tonight was about us coming together and making this official. Or at least official in the eyes of the supernatural community Her body pressed against mine, soft curves molding against me, igniting something primal, something I’d kept buried for too long. The kiss deepened, tongues tangling, teeth grazing, breathy little sounds escaping her lips between each hungry meeting of our mouths. I wanted to hear more of those sounds. I shifted, rolling her beneath me, the thin sleeping bag doing little to shield us from the cool bite of the earth beneath it. The rough texture of dirt and grass pressed against my forearms, grounding me in this moment, this night, this woman. Holly’s hands slid beneath my shirt, her nails dragging lightly along my stomach, se

  • Her Second Chance Mate   Chapter 70 - Holly

    The evening air carried a whisper of cool and crisp autumn against my skin as I fastened the leather straps on my saddle. The scent of pine and earth wrapped around me, mingling with summer’s faint, lingering musk. As the sun dipped lower toward the horizon, the sky stretched wide, painted in gold, orange, and deep purple streaks. We had enough time to reach our campsite before nightfall, where we’d picnic under the new moon. Tonight, everything would change. ‘Stop overthinking,’ Kira’s voice purred through my mind, firm but affectionate. ‘It’s happening. It’s always been meant to happen.’ I exhaled slowly, steadying my hands against the saddle horn. Had it? It had only been a little over two weeks since the fight—two weeks since Benton was finally dead. Since the war he had waged against me, my pack and my family had come to a brutal, bloody end. But the fight wasn’t over. Brendán O’Brion was still out there. And we were no closer to knowing who had sent Benton after me. I cle

  • Her Second Chance Mate   Chapter 69 - Alex

    I hate feeling useless. And you don’t get more useless than being laid up in a hospital bed for TWO fucking weeks. I had to hear secondhand about all the shit that’s gone down since I was injured. Benton is dead. Holly indirectly killed the fucknugget when interrogating him. Bitch folded like a piece of paper when he realized my wildflower was deadly serious about peeling his skin like an app. My mate is hard fucking core. He gave up the name of the fucker who put me in the hospital, the sadistic son of a bitch that would’ve killed my boys. Brendán O’Brion. It’s too bad that was the only name he gave before he went up in flames. I mean that, literally. The asswipe had these magically infused tattoos intended to protect him, but apparently, whoever did the spell-casting neglected to mention it also gave them backdoor control to silence him if necessary. They didn’t care that he gave up the assassin’s name, but his tattoos burst into flames when he was about to tell us who was

  • Her Second Chance Mate   Chapter 68 - Holly

    Oh, I was more than ready to beat answers out of Benton. But why had Finn and Logan called me in? They could make that pissant talk, especially if Logan let Jericho out. I changed into Alison’s training gear—I wasn’t ruining her fancy clothes with Benton’s filthy blood. After ensuring Samuel and Tristan were safe with Alison and Colby, I headed to the cells with John and Clarence. The last time I was here, Claire was the only prisoner. Now, the twenty-five-cell prison was filled. I was shocked so many survived the two-front battle. I glanced at the hunters and werewolves in their Bloodmoon red jumpsuits as we walked. They all looked broken, haunted. Logan and Finn had already worked them over, if I had to guess. Some sat huddled on their cots, rocking, muttering about monsters. Whatever they’d seen had shattered them. “What happened to the ones incoherently whimpering about various monsters?” I asked. John slowed and glanced at one of the pathetic masses, who looked like he needed a

  • Her Second Chance Mate   Chapter 67 - Holly

    I never want to experience that again. I broke when Nigel died. I don’t know if I was fully reassembled when I met Alex again. I’d only just started to feel whole again since accepting this new fate. To hear that Alex was hospitalized while protecting our boys nearly broke me. It’s a damn good thing he’s still alive. I don’t know what would’ve happened if he died. I don’t know if Samuel and Tristan would be enough to keep me and Kira together. I don’t know if the boys would be sufficient to keep me from going feral or just straight-up dying. We weren’t mated yet, but I felt it in my bones. If Alex hadn’t survived, I might not have either. If I’d managed to live through losing yet another mate in battle, I knew I’d go feral. I’d hunt down that masked fucker who took Alex from me to the ends of the earth. I wouldn’t stop till I had snapped his fucking neck. Even if it meant I would die, too. I’d leave the boys in the care of people I could trust, and I’d hunt that bastard till one of

  • Her Second Chance Mate   Chapter 66 - Alex

    Pain. A deep, dragging ache coiled through my chest, sharp and unrelenting. It pulsed with every shallow breath, reminding me with each dull throb that I was still here. I forced my eyes open, blinking against the harsh fluorescent lights. An antiseptic smell filled my nose—sharp, sterile, and far too familiar—Bloodmoon’s hospital. I've been here my share after training injuries, even woke up here once or twice after getting knocked out in a sparing fight. I wasn’t dead. Barely. Fragments of memory clawed their way to the surface, jagged and disjointed. The boys voices—urgent, terrified. A figure in the shadows. The masked man was lunging toward me. The deafening crack of a gunshot. Then, nothing. A presence near the bed made me shift slightly, and immediately, pain flared deep and raw beneath the bandages wrapped tight across my chest. A hiss escaped through my teeth. “Yeah, don’t do that,” a familiar voice muttered. I turned my head, grimacing at the effort, every mov

  • Her Second Chance Mate   Chapter 65 - Holly

    Benton grinned up at me, blood smeared across his lips like some twisted badge of honor. He thought this was a game. This mother fucker thought that he could get away with threatening my pack and family. He thought wrong. I’d ensure he paid for his arrogance, preferably with his life. He moved first, twisting his body in an attempt to throw me off before he even got to his feet. I didn’t let him. I already knew what he was going to do. The second his weight shifted, I countered, adjusting with the precision of instinct, my body reacting before my mind could fully register it. I had seen moves like his before—I had learned, memorized, and mastered them. Benton was a skilled fighter, but so was I. And unlike him, I didn’t fight for sport. I fought to protect. He managed to twist to the side, trying to escape my hold. I let him think it was working. Then, I struck just as he shifted his weight to push off the ground. I moved with him, using his momentum against him as I slammed my elbo

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