Ameer follows me to the back of the building again where the Alpha Patrol remains standing. He keeps his distance, his gaze locked on the people who put his Luna in danger.I really want him to stay, but with the information I learned last night, I know Ayla won't talk until we're alone."Ameer, please meet them at the hospital. Notify me the second she wakes up," I say without looking his way.You sure you don't need backup? he asks telepathically.I don't plan to start a war with them.At least not today.I turn around to nod at him.Yeah, I'll be fine. Now go watch over your Luna. He looks conflicted but bares his neck. In an instant, he is gone and all that remains is his masculine scent.Now...where was I?I turn back to the Alpha Patrol. "What the fuck were you thinking?" I growl, glaring at Ayla, "you nearly got her killed!"Her glowing eyes meet mine and she frowns. "You should have more faith in your mate, Alpha Jaxon. The way she fought today proves her strength and resilie
Jaxon's POV"What the fuck is going on right now, Ayla?" Rubeus demands this time.Dusk still hasn't said a word, but I can sense that he's having an internal battle with himself."We'll discuss this in private," she replies calmly."No," he growls, "tell me now."The aggression in his tone seems to take her by surprise. She tosses her hair behind her shoulder and leans against a tree, folding her arms. Her face remains emotionless. "Centuries ago, the Moon Goddess created the first werewolves. We began as one kingdom, it was strong, prosperous, and peaceful. I ruled alongside my true mate, and we had seven daughters together. He wanted an heir, but it never happened. One day he was unfaithful and while I was withering in pain in bed, our higher-ranked wolves were ordered to murder my daughters. I too was supposed to die that day, but I fought each and every one of them and killed them all, saving my mate for last. After burying my girls, I realized my wolf and I craved more vengeance
His slutty breakfast scent greets me before I even open my eyes. I find myself in a hospital room with strong, protective arms around me. I twist around so I'm facing him, and gently stroke the stubble on his face as he sleeps.I wonder how long he's been here. I'm guessing he couldn't sleep in our bed without me, and his wolf wanted me nearby.I suddenly notice that my mind feels spacious. Where the hell is Nina? She's usually purring now when we’re around our mate.Nina, you there?No answer.Events from the mission come flooding back and I panic, jumping out of the bed. Pain that must have been suppressed by the mate bond comes rushing back and I groan too loudly, slamming a hand on the bed to steady myself.In a flash, Jaxon is awake and towering over me. I gaze up into his dark, angry eyes. "Mel, what are you doing?" he demands, "get back in the bed now.""How long have I been out?" I ask, my mouth parted in shock as I try to piece together how he even got up that fast when he wa
Mel's POV"Jaxon, I'm okay," I say with a reassuring smile.His expression softens a little, but his wolf continues to watch intently as Doc works on me.Surprisingly, Doc ignores it like this is something that has happened before. Wait, has it? I've been out for two days, who knows how often my bandages have been changed in front of Jaxon."That doesn't bother you?" I ask in low voice, still watching my furious mate."I know Alpha will keep his wolf under control. After all, he's only ensuring I'm not causing any harm to his mate," he winks, smearing some ointment on the large wound and picking up a roll of gauze.My eyes widen, but Doc just chuckles. "It's not hard to tell. There's no way your wounds would've healed this fast without the mate bond."He quickly rewraps my arm and chest and applies more ointment to the less severe wounds, including on my face. I try very hard not to wince again, so I don't set off Shadow.After Doc is done, I watch as he disposes everything he used in
Mel's POVJaxon walks over and holds his hand out for me. "Do you need help, baby girl?""Actually, I think you've been too helpful today, Alpha." I playfully roll my eyes.He wraps his arms around me, kissing the top of my head. "Not my fault my mate was in too much pain to walk.""You're right, but now everybody knows about us."He lifts my chin with his finger, gazing at me with so much love, it steals my breath away. "Is that such a bad thing?"Will our relationship change after I'm officially Luna? What if our duties, this shit with Ayla, or the pack's dislike towards us tear us apart?When I don't give an answer, he only smiles. "You can't fly unless you take the leap, baby girl. Remember, you were born to be my Luna.""I guess you're right," I mutter."What was that?" he smirks, putting his hand to his ear.I huff. "I'm not repeating that. You heard what I said."I try to pull out of his arms, but he doesn't budge. "Careful mate, your attitude will get you punished. You've alre
Mel's POVSuddenly, Bliss, Charlotte, Patrick, and Ameer come through the back door. When did they even start all hanging out together?"I know y'all aren't having dinner without me," Patrick says, feigning a gasp, "how could you, Mama?"Elinda laughs. "There's plenty left for everyone."Bliss skips over to the table and gives me a gentle hug before plopping down in the seat across from me. "Oh my Goddess, Melanie I'm so glad you're out of the hospital! Patrick is throwing a party Tuesday night. Are you going?" she asks excitedly.A party? That could be fun. As long as my mate accompanies me, of course. "We'll be there." I gesture towards Jaxon with my head."Mel, it's okay. Go hang out with your friends," Jaxon argues, "last time everyone couldn't seem to relax around me.""That's because you were trying to murder Malcom," I point out."He deserved it," he says unapologetically.I kiss him close to his ear. "Please come. This will be our first appearance as a couple," I whisper.This
Mel's POV"What did you need to discuss?" I ask, changing the subject before I end up tearing up in front of them."Oh yes, I nearly forgot. What will you do with Alpha Carter's pack now that it belongs to you? I have explained the situation and Beta Nathaniel is looking forward to meeting with you."I nod. "I will be there tomorrow."She smiles. "Perfect. I will speak again with you soon. There is still much we must do in order to restore balance to our world, Melanie."Rubeus opens a portal instead of leaving through the door, but I stop Ayla before she has the chance to leave. "Wait, one more thing!" I shout.She turns back to me, eyeing me with curiosity. "What is it?""Leo. I would like him to join my pack... you know, if you haven't killed him already.""Very well. Dusk, Rubeus go fetch him from the dungeon," she says, waving her hand.They nod and within two or three minutes return with the rogue with jet-black hair. He's covered in dirt and blood and his hands are held together
Jaxon’s POVWe drive two hours to the IronClaws pack, leaving Charlotte and Ameer in charge while we're gone. Two black SUVs full of warriors follow behind us in case we run into trouble there.Melanie seems to have returned to her normal self. Shadow can even feel Nina again, so that's a big relief for both of us.She told me all about killing Carter and Ayla assuming that she was going to take over the pack and leave mine. With the bullshit that she's filling her head with, I'm glad Mel is deciding to stay by my side and she's finally going to take her place as Luna. Whether she's ready to be marked is another story though, but of course, I'm not going to press the issue.We haven't had sex in four days, but Shadow is so glad that she's alive, the urge to mark or mate with her isn't as demanding as it usually would be by now. I have brought the bracelet just in case that changes unexpectedly."You think Charlotte is doing a better job with the recruits than I am?" Mel asks, resting
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