Jaxon’s POV"Ayla, I need to speak with you," my mate demands through clenched teeth. Her furious aura is whipping around her, drawing the attention of everyone around us. I stand close behind her, scowling at the Alpha patrol.Amusement glistens in Ayla's eyes at the discomfort Melanie has created in the room. "Of course, let's talk in private."She elegantly stands up and starts towards the grand staircase with Dusk and Rubeus following behind her.My mate shoots me a concerned glance, but I nod towards them, encouraging her to follow. Ayla leads us into a large office with chairs scattered neatly throughout the room. I was expecting a throne room or something, but it feels more like the principal's office. Ayla sits down in the golden arm chair with Dusk and Rubeus standing beside her. I lean against the door while Melanie stands on the other side of the desk."Now, what would you like to discuss, Beta or shall I now call you, Luna Melanie?" Ayla begins.Fuck, that has a nice ring t
Jaxon's POV"I don't get it," Melanie murmurs, starting to pace back and forth in the little path she has created for herself. "You seem against the mate bond, but you mandate these Mating Balls?"Ayla deadpans. "That is one of the Moon Goddess' wishes. The only way our race will survive is if pups are produced by true mates. The mate bond only imprisons us. Our purpose is different than theirs. We must serve the Moon Goddess and oversee the werewolf world.""Then why give us a mate in the first place?""I wonder that myself, it's a waste of time. Just know that when you reject him, it will make you stronger. If you can handle that kind of pain, you'll be able to handle anything."Melanie balls her fist and lifts her face to look Ayla right in the eyes. "I won't be rejecting him, and what makes you think I want to be a puppet of the Moon Goddess?" she thunders.Ayla crosses her legs on the desk, completely unfazed by her tone. "Well, you won't be tied down by a pack. You can go anywher
Jaxon's POVAs soon as I feel the tingles shoot up my arm, the burning hatred instantly dies back down. My mate wraps her arms around my bicep. "It's okay, Jaxon," she whispers. I nod my head as I take deep, steadying breaths. She turns back to Ayla. "Stop pissing off my mate and tell me what you need from us.""There's been a rogue sighting. I would like you to handle it. Tomorrow night will do." She smirks at me. "Does that sound innocent enough for your Princess, Alpha?""Don't patronize me, Ayla," I growl, shooting another glare in her direction. "By the way...tell me, did he kill my dad?"My question seems to take her by surprise. "When we investigated his death, we could only smell rogues on his remains.""But did you search his memories?" I bite out."No."Fucking liar. "So, when you searched his memories that day, you didn't think to confirm that?"“I don't just see every memory when I touch someone. I only see the ones I'm looking for," she explains quietly.I didn't trust th
Jaxon's POVI feign a smile. "Alpha Philip, how nice to see you again." I want to tell him to fuck off, so I can watch Melanie, but I have better manners than that.I've met Alpha Philip a few times. My pack has an alliance with him and every time I've gone to his pack for meetings with Alpha Damon, he seemed like a good guy. Still looks can be deceiving, and I refuse to let my guard down around someone who was close with him."Have you found your mate?" he asks, poorly sneaking a swig out of the silver flask in his gray dress-jacket. By the smell on his breath, this isn't his first drink.With this being my third year going to the Mating Ball, I can quickly spot who's drunk and who's painfully sober, silently wishing for someone to kill them so they don't have to be here anymore.My throat grows tight. "Unfortunately, not tonight. Maybe I'll have better luck next year."A brick forms in my stomach from the lie and Shadow's growing irritation. It feels wrong not being able to claim her
Jaxon's POVI hate everything about this. I don't want to dance with this girl, I want to dance with my mate. I respect the fact that she wants to hold off from anyone knowing about us, but this is hard already. How are we supposed to do this for an entire month?"Alpha, are you okay?" Daphne asks quietly.I gaze down into her baby-blue eyes. They look too kind, too innocent. I wonder when she asked to dance if she even had a choice in the matter."Tell me Daphne, how old are you?""Why does that matter, Alpha?" Her voice trembles slightly. I can hear her heart suddenly hammering in her chest."Try again.""Sixteen."My jaw tightens.Goddess. Her father is trying to sell her off before she's even old enough to find her mate. Is the Council aware of this?"You don't deserve this, Daphne. You shouldn't even be here until you're old enough to meet your mate," I murmur.My blood is boiling. I'm sure Alpha Damon would've done this same thing if he didn't conclude that Melanie was a lost cau
Mel’s POVI watch in pure rage as my mate dances with she-wolf after she-wolf, looking like a prince straight out of a fairytale. I know he's just giving me what I want, but it feels like torture. Every girl that waltzes into his arms is touching him...flirting with him...trying to seduce him into making them his Luna. Like I get it. He's fucking gorgeous. A young, hot Alpha. Who wouldn't want that? But he's mine!We wouldn't have this problem if you let him mark you, Nina points out angrily.Thanks Captain Obvious, I retort.It's selfish, Melanie. You don't think that hurts him? I know! I shout in my head. You don't think it will hurt him more if I can't outrun my fate? If I give him hope that we can have a happy ever after and I have to rip it away from him? I know I told him it's because I want to finish training camp, but I was also lying to myself about the real reason. He has waited for me for a long time. I don't want to keep him waiting any longer, but we have so much stacked
Mel's POVOnce we're alone again, I turn to Ayla. "So, what is my gift? Seeing if people are good and bad?" I ask sarcastically.She scowls at me. "I think it's subjective. It's not as simple as saying someone is good or evil. It depends on their character, actions, and intentions. I think maybe it can even change." She tilts her head to the side. "I wonder...can you feel my aura?"I immediately shake my head and she frowns. "I know we can't use our powers on each other, but I was hoping you could see we're no threat to you."I guess only time will tell. "I thought it was just Alphas, but I could feel his poor mate's and daughter's energies," I whisper, my voice quivering in horror. "You can’t help them?""We don't interfere in pack relations unless it poses a threat to our world," she states firmly."But they could end up like-" I stop to swallow the lump in my throat.That's why I'm so bothered. I can see me and my mom in them. His mate can't escape, she'll just endure until she ult
Mel's POV"Should I be dancing with my Beta?" Jaxon asks in a low, velvety voice."Probably not, but I couldn't help myself."It's the truth. I need him. It has been too long since we touched, and my body is craving him again like a drug.He smirks devilishly, "I'm not complaining.""Well, I think I ran off your fan club," I mutter, looking over his shoulder at the now empty space. All of the girls seem to have gone back to their tables, but I can still feel eyes on us."Not complaining about that either. There's only one person I need to be a member of my fan club."My heart flutters along with my pussy. "You sure know how to talk your way into a girls panties."He hums, leaning close to my ear. "I've already been there once tonight. I can take you to Poundtown again if you'd like," he murmurs.I can't help but laugh. "Never mind, I'm turned off now."His nostrils flare as my arousal invades them, making his eyes darken with lust. "Tell your pussy that. She's dripping for me."Actual
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