Jaxon's POVWe come upon the cabin. It's still standing, but there's tall grass and rogue vines and other greenery from years of neglect.I can't smell him, but I can sense his dark presence from all the way out here.Ameer, Dominic, and the creepy brothers stand on the side, so he won't be able to see them right away."Damon, I know you're in there," I say calmly, listening for any movement in or outside the cabin.I count silently in my head and once I get to three, the door creaks open and out walks the man I loathe with my entire being. He's only wearing grey sweatpants as he leans against the porch, biting obnoxiously loud into an apple. There's a crazed look in his eyes that I immediately recognize as one I've only seen in werewolves who have lost their mate. He has no more cards to play. Nothing else to lose. "Jaxon, I've grown tired. We've been playing cat and mouse for six days now. Won't you leave your poor father alone to rest?""You are not my father!" I growl.His eyes fla
Jaxon's POVDamon shifts and immediately lunges at me, knocking us to the ground. I don't hesitate to sink my canines into his throat as we tumble through a grove of trees.Every attack has to be timed perfectly, Shadow. We miss, we die.We will make it back to our mate, he promises.The only advantage he has over me is more experience. Shadow is about the same size as his wolf now, and he can't use his Alpha tone to bitch me around anymore. It's as fair of a fight as we're going to get.The sounds of claws, teeth, and the shredding of flesh and fur fill the air. I can feel every wound he creates beneath my fur, but the adrenaline running through my veins is so powerful, the pain hasn't registered yet.Only once does he pin me down underneath him, but within a heartbeat, I’m able to flip him off. My nails dig up the earth as I retreat to a safe distance.I crouch defensively, preparing for another attack.We're both panting hard now. Blood, my blood, drips from his canines as he mirror
Jaxon's POVThe sun is just going down as we arrive back at the pack house. There is no trace of the party from last night. Only Bonnie and the other Omegas stay in the kitchen cleaning and preparing to leave for the night. That means Melanie must have left already.Ameer and I head upstairs to get ready for the Ball. I take a long shower, scrubbing off all the blood. My wounds are all nearly healed now. Watching the red liquid run down the drain, an image of Damon's mutilated body flashes in my mind and my veins instantly run cold despite the hot water streaming on my skin. I squeeze my eyes shut, shaking the image away.No, he isn't going to haunt me. Not tonight.I put on my purple tux, neaten my curls, and pull the small black velvet box from the top drawer of my nightstand. I saved this birthday gift to give to her personally. I hope she loves it as much as I do her.Ameer meets me at the foot of the steps wearing a black tux. He looks nervous himself, which is unlike him. "Have y
Mel’s POVI walk around the huge, spectacular castle holding a glass of sparkling cider. Like it's supposed to be, alcohol is prohibited here so no one loses control of their wolf and everyone can focus on finding their mates.Maybe alcohol would've helped though, I feel like a nervous wreck.My off-shoulder, royal-purple ball gown seems to be catching a lot of attention. Guys keep walking past me brushing their fingers across my arm, hoping to feel a spark. It's like I'm the prize jewel here and everybody wants to claim me. I'm also assuming they know who my father is and that I can produce strong heirs for them. That's all she-wolves are good for, right?Is that your anxiety or mine? I ask Nina.I think both. I feel like I'm going to fucking throw up. Well, keep it together. Our mate doesn't need to see or smell that!Easy for you to say! I retort.As an Omega walks past with a tray of sparkling cider, I grab another glass. Maybe if I drink enough, I can trick my mind into thinking
Mel's POVA slick sense of trepidation washes over me. I grab onto the nearest chair to steady myself.I'm going to throw up. Or pass out. Or have a heart attack. Maybe all of the above.Is this how the mate bond is supposed to feel? As he comes closer, my breath catches in my throat. But then he veers off to the left.My bad, false alarm. What the hell, Nina? This is the one of the most important night of our lives. Can we please take it seriously? Is that really how you're going to react when we do meet him? she asks, completely ignoring my question.I wasn't prepared. You just yelled it out of nowhere and that guy was looking right at me!Sorry, I thought I felt something. She sounds sincere so I let it go. This is the most I've ever heard her talk. She must be as anxious as I am to meet the asshole the Moon Goddess thinks we belong with.I suddenly notice a hallway of doors two mated pairs disappear down. "What are those for?" I ask some random she-wolf that doesn't seem to hav
Mel's POVOne inhale in his direction and I grow weak in the knees. It shouldn't be possible, but his slutty breakfast scent has increased times ten. It's overwhelming but exactly enough at the same time. My heart clenches so hard, I feel like I can't breathe."Y-You?" I stutter.Okay, that was a dumb first response, but in my defense, I'm in shock.Is this a fucking dream? "Sorry I had you waiting so long, baby girl."His voice sends a shiver of pleasure down my spine. If I thought his voice was hot before, Goddess was I wrong. Every word drips with pure sex.He walks closer to me. "Happy Birthday, Mel." He pulls a little black box out of his pocket and opens it to reveal a gold glass pendant with a sunflower and rose encased in it. It's the most gorgeous piece of jewelry I've ever seen."Turn around," he orders gently.I force my body to obey, still completely under his spell.He silently clasps the necklace around my neck. His fingers graze my skin and I have to stifle a moan from
Mel's POVA beautiful, brilliant smile spreads across his face; one that I've never seen before. If I wasn't in love with him before, I sure am now."How does that feel to say?""Good," I murmur, blinking away fresh tears, "so fucking good."His fingers brush against my cheek."I love you too, Melanie. Forever."He leans down and captures my lips in the same commanding way he has managed to capture my heart. His kiss is soft, tender, but filled with so much longing and desire. I've kissed him plenty of times before, but it never felt like this."I...I need you inside me now," I demand.His eyes blaze like he needs it just as badly as I do. "Where?" he rasps."We're not fucking in one of those rooms, I'm telling you that now," I shudder in disgust.He chuckles. "What about my car?"I nod eagerly and grab his hand as he leads us past the crowd of wolves towards the grand front doors.Suddenly, the Council appears in front of us, blocking the door. "Going somewhere Alpha Jaxon and Beta Me
Mel's POVI stand up and saunter over to him. His dark eyes watch me as I slip his jacket off. Then, I quickly but carefully unbutton his shirt. It's taking all of my patience not to tear everything off, but I manage to undress him without any harm to the tux.My eyes trail up and down his gorgeous, perfect body. Adoring it. Burning it into my memory. I pepper small kisses all over his taut shoulders and chest before swirling my tongue around his nipple."Fuck Mel," he growls softly.My eyes flicker to his, a mischievous smirk spreading across my face. "What's wrong, Alpha? You don't like being teased?""Turn around," he orders. When I don't move, he spins me around himself."Impatient, are we?" I murmur. He only grunts in response.He zips down my dress, careful not to rip it. With the same caution, he yanks down the fabric until the dress pools at my feet. I gasp as I feel his bare erection nestled between my ass cheeks as his fingertips trail up my body, every touch igniting my skin
Mel's POV"He's beautiful, Luna.""He's going to grow up to be such a powerful Alpha."I force a smile, responding almost robotically to their comments and congratulations. I can't shake the feeling that someone's here that shouldn't be, but I'm not picking up any dark energy.When the line finally ends, Jaxon goes to mingle with the other Alphas. Since Zion is safely sleeping in the bassinet, I decide to walk around the building searching for the source of my anxiety. As I grab a flask of sparkling cider from one of the Omegas, I hear a familiar voice behind me. "Luna Melanie, it's nice to see you again," he rumbles, snapping me from my thoughts. It's Alpha Raeden with his mate at his side. "This is my Luna, Caroline."I smile warmly at her. "It's a pleasure to meet you.""Likewise. Your son is so beautiful, I'm still hoping that one day we'll be able to have a baby.""Thank you, and I hope you can too!"Raeden's eyes hold a quiet sadness, a reflection of the pain he must have felt w
Mel’s POVToday is Zion's grand debut with the pack. I dress him up in the most adorable little black suit and hand him over to Jaxon so I can get myself ready.The first few weeks of his life have been hectic, but I have enjoyed every second of it. When Jaxon and Ameer are busy with pack business, Bliss comes with us every time we leave the house. I don't mind the extra protection, plus I get to hang out with my best friend all the time.As I put on my dress and minimal makeup, my eyes are fixed on Jaxon cradling our son. The look of pride on his face is undeniable as he lovingly bounces him up and down, creating a gentle rhythm.I wish Damon would have ever looked at me that way, but I'm so grateful that Zion has a daddy that loves him unconditionally.Our son's adorable coos echo in the air and he has his tiny hand wrapped around Jaxon's finger. His smile widens, "that's right, Son. You're going to meet your pack and a few of our allies today," he says softly, "well, right after we
Mel's POVJudging by his erection, I assume he's excited about this confrontation. Maybe this was intentional, like he wanted to lure us out.There's a smug grin on his face as he gets closer, his yellow eyes twinkling with amusement."Take one more step and I won't hesitate to kill you," I warn callously. Nina flashes in my eyes, but that doesn't seem to deter him.He roars with laughter. "Aww, what are you going to do? I bet you can't even fight your own battles, huh Princess? Got those two men to be your body guards while you pretend to be the big bitch in charge?" he taunts.He couldn't be more wrong. Unlike Ayla, I can fight my own battles. They're just here for backup. But I don't need to prove shit to him.The other rogues are all gathered silently watching the show. They obviously don't want to get involved, or simply not stupid enough to do so.The rogues' leader narrows his brown eyes in recognition."Wait, aren't you that bitch that killed Alpha Kellan? When Alpha Magnus to
Mel’s POV"Jaxon, no fair! You know I'm carrying around a big-ass watermelon!" I growl, missing the volleyball for the twentieth time as he spikes it with all his strength.Ava bursts out laughing. "We win again!" She gives her brother a high five before running over to the ice chest and grabbing a juice box.Jaxon has a huge, cocky grin on his face as he makes his way over to me. "Sorry baby girl, you told not to take it easy on you unless I don't want to touch you for the rest of your pregnancy." He leans down to my ear. "Two months without that beautiful, tight pussy would kill me."I shudder at his words, pleasurable shivers going up my spine. His grin widens at the smell of my arousal. "Although, I'm sure you would've given in before the day was over."I scoff. "No, I wouldn't have."He raises his hands in surrender and takes a step back. "I won't be stupid enough to argue with my gorgeous, pregnant Luna."I shoot him a scowl but can't resist taking his hand as we walk along the
Jaxon's POVI shift and take off into the woods, ensuring that she's right behind me. Once we reach the packhouse, we quickly change into our evening attire and head to the dining hall to join our pack. It Looks like everyone is having a great time!Melanie kisses me passionately before heading off to find her sister and socialize with the rest of the pack. I grab a beer from the bar and sit at our table, watching my amazing mate surrounded by our pack with admiration.I can sense the incredible joy and pride radiating from her. Being embraced by a pack that used to treat her poorly means the world to her. They now accept her as the fierce, determined firecracker she is.Our Luna is perfect, Shadow purrs.She always has been and always will be.Ameer sits down beside me. "Y'all were gone for a while. I was about to send a search party out," he teases, throwing back a shot of whisky."I'd prefer my warriors not be traumatized like that," I chuckle lightly. Although, I'm sure everyone w
Jaxon's POVMy tongue plunges into her mouth, swallowing every whimper, moan, and cry as I pound into her mercilessly. The sound of our bodies clashing together echoes throughout the cave and it's hot as fuck. With one hand tightly gripping her waist, I close my other around her throat. I pull away from her mouth and slow down my pace to look at her. "I'm so proud of you," I breathe, "you're so amazing in every way and I'm grateful for every day that I get to call you mine."I can see the emotion in her eyes, and I know my words have touched her deeply. After what happened with Ayla, I know her heart was bruised from being used by someone she cared about and looked up to. But she knows my praise is genuine and out of love. She's everything to me, and I'll forever prove to her just how much she means to me.I don't know if she realizes it or not, but she's my saving Grace. She saved me from being a monster like her father. She saved me from the letting the darkness of losing both him a
Jaxon's POVI follow the lingering scent, leading me into a dark cave. My eyes quickly adjust to the lack of light, and I can practically feel the heat rolling off my mate from the other end of the cave. With my head hanging low and teeth bared, I close in on her like a predator about to pounce on its prey. Her eyes dart around, searching for an escape, but she quickly realizes there's no way out. As we both shift, I close the gap between us. She kneels, gazing up at me in the dark. A smirk forms on my face as I say, "Looks like you lost, baby girl. Better luck next time."Her eyes trail down my body until she reaches my throbbing erection. "Pity. Thought I could've gotten you a little more worked up first." Her tongue darts out to lick her lips. "Are you going to breed me, my dear Alpha?"My dick jumps at the idea. She'll grow a big, round belly with our pup, but she won't be in the kitchen. My fiery girl will be on the battlefield.I close my eyes, savoring her intoxicating scent. H
Jaxon’s POVIt's been three days since peace was restored in our world. We've got eleven packs without Alphas, but with Mel's help, Dusk and Rubeus are finding worthy replacements to preserve the peace we fought so hard for. Not only has she proven her worth to the pack, but she eliminated the most corrupt Alphas there were and prevented Ayla from literally taking over the world.Goddess, I can't even describe how thrilled I am that the bitch is dead. The moment she stabbed Melanie, she signed her ticket straight to hell. I'm grateful to both Dusk and Rubeus for being able to see past her bullshit and save me. They had me worried for a minute, but they came through in the end.Today is my mate's big day. She's combining her Luna ceremony and the recruits' graduation ceremony, and tonight we're having a huge feast to celebrate.After the recruits swear their loyalty to me and the safety of the pack, Melanie sinks into the water beside me. The thin material of her white dress hardly con
Mel's POV"B-But how?" Ayla stammers, still in shock."In a dream, the Moon Goddess granted me the Eternalbane dagger,” Dusk explains. “I never expected to use it, but she revealed the growing darkness within your heart. I was too blinded by love to believe it. It wasn't until Jaxon uncovered your role in my mate's death and you erased his memories, I knew that it was time. I would never let you do to Melanie what you did to me!"My mouth drops open. When did she erase Jaxon's memories, and how did I not notice?He quickly helps Rubeus to his feet. "You okay?"He winces, watching Ayla whither on the ground in agony. "I'll be fine. I thought she couldn't die?""The dagger only ended her immortality. Melanie will be the one to finish her off." There's a murderous intensity on his face as he hands me the blade. "Kill her and make it painful."Jaxon's fingers press against my waist, a gentle squeeze before he reluctantly releases his hold. "I can't argue with that," he mumbles.I draw clo