Jaxon's POV Melanie and Ameer stand up and walk down the aisle to the front of the pack. They both kneel in before me, showing their allegiance. I place a hand on her shoulder, trying to ignore the sparks dancing along my fingertips. “I appoint you, Melanie Stokes, as the Beta of the Nightshade Shadows.”Her expression is neutral, but I catch a glint of pride as she blinks back the tears forming in her eyes.I do the same to my best friend. “I appoint you, Ameer Carter, as the Gamma of the Nightshade Shadows.” Ameer smiles broadly, just happy to be a part of my team.The murmurs in the crowd continue, and I can feel their skepticism. I know choosing Melanie was going to be controversial, but this was the only way to protect her. They’ll just have to shut the fuck up and respect her.I immediately feel their auras shift to match the authority of their new ranks. As Melanie and Ameer stand up, I turn to the pack, all eyes on me as they await my command. “As your new Alpha, I will now le
Jaxon's POVAs we near the clearing, Alpha Damon suddenly shifts back into his human form, letting out a loud, guttural roar. He hunches over on the ground, clutching his stomach. His eyes are wide as they glaze over, trying to contact his mate. “Sienna? Sienna!” he shouts before collapsing.I can still hear the blood pumping into his heart, so he’s not dead. He most likely just passed out from the pain of losing her. Being an Alpha has saved him from death. The lucky son of a bitch.On cue, Melanie shifts and crouches beside her father, trying to shake him awake. She begins to sob hysterically. “Oh my Goddess, someone help! Something’s wrong with my father!” she screams.Our female is in pain! Shadow howls. He wants us to comfort her, but thankfully I’m in control. I don’t know why he’s reacting like this; he knows this is all an act. I shift and block the view of her naked body with my own. “Get the doctor now!” I roar. Several wolves scurry in the direction of the pack hospital, w
Mel’s POVIt has been three days since Mom died, and my asshole of a father continues to lay motionless in the hospital bed. I keep thinking that if he were on a breathing machine, I’d rip that shit out of the wall without a second thought. I wish he would have died when she did, but apparently, the saying is true: evil never dies. Life just continues to fuck me with no lube, but Goddess forbid karma catch up to him. When he wakes, he probably won’t even care when he realizes that his mate killed herself to get away from him.Like every morning since it happened, Jaxon arrives with breakfast in hand. Today, it’s a cup of coffee and two chocolate-covered donuts with sprinkles. I wonder why he keeps coming back—maybe he just feels sorry for me. Or perhaps he’s trying a different angle to get into my pants. Although, he hasn’t made any inappropriate comments yet, which is surprising. I’m sure it has been hard for him not being a complete pervert for once.“Good morning, Beta Melanie. How
Mel's POV “I haven’t been at the house myself…you know, Alpha duties,” Jaxon says, a hint of weariness in his voice. “But my mom says she is adjusting well. She and Ava are practically getting along like sisters,” he chuckles, mostly to himself. “If she does know anything, she’s not speaking about it.” I scoff. “Look at me already failing at looking after her. What a good big sister I am.” Guilt eats away at me, knowing I haven’t been there for my sister as much as I should. He brushes his arm against mine, and I can’t stop my body from shivering in delight. I hope he didn’t notice. “You’re not failing her. Moon is very happy,” he replies softly. “Yeah, until she finds out that Mom-” I can’t even finish the sentence without feeling my stomach churn. I take a few deep breaths, then meet his gentle, green eyes. “Jaxon, I need to know. How did she do it?” I ask in a voice barely above a whisper. I’ve been dreading asking him this very question, and he forbade anyone from telling me.
Jaxon’s POV“What the fuck do you mean I can’t banish him?” I roar, my body trembling as I glare daggers at the council members sitting in from me. Shadow claws at my control, demanding to be let out.Dusk’s blue eyes remain cool and unwavering, which pisses me off even more. “Jaxon, he was grief stricken. There’s no evidence proving he knew what he was doing when he attacked Melanie.”“No evidence? Just look at her neck!” Shadow’s furious growls echo in my head as he listens to the bullshit being fed to us. I pace back and forth to keep from shifting, while Ameer leans against the wall near the door of the office.Usually, The Alpha Council does not involve themselves in pack affairs, but today they showed up to tell me who I can and cannot banish from MY pack. They weren’t the ones who had to walk in on Damon continuing to strangle his daughter while she was already unconscious. They didn’t have to see the bruises on her neck, or her swollen lips. The only thing that kept her alive w
Jaxon's POVSuddenly, a memory resurfaces in my mind. The second half of the memory of the first time I met them:We crouch down in the bushes waiting for Alpha Damon’s command. After my dad died, he never appointed another Beta, so only me and a select few were put on this task force. It’s a job that requires precision and absolute obedience—traits that matter the most to Alpha.Alpha Owen finally emerges from his house with his mate and two teenage sons. A family, clueless about what’s about to happen to them.Jaxon, this doesn’t feel right, Shadow whimpers.I know, but we can’t defy our Alpha.He knows that I’m right, but it doesn’t quiet the queasy feeling gnawing at my stomach. Our Alpha wants this territory, and it’s our job to get it for him—even if that means killing innocents.Alpha watches from the shadows, “assessing” my performance. I take down one of his closest rivals all by myself, shifting into my wolf form to complete the gruesome task. After tearing Alpha Owen’s head
Mel’s POVIt has been two days, and my voice box and throat are still swollen enough that I can’t talk without extreme pain, so I just communicate with the nurses through mind-link.Faye knocks on the door before entering, placing a tray of strawberry yogurt and apple juice on the table beside the bed.Thanks Faye, you’re the best. I try to sound cheerful despite the frustration bubbling inside me.She smiles. “Beta, how are you feeling today?”Like I want to get out of here, I reply, rolling my eyes.“I’m sure you will be released in a day or two. Just be patient and try to relax,” she scolds lightly, chuckling at my stubbornness. “Are you in the mood for visitors today?”Who is it? I hope it isn’t Jaxon. I’m not ready to face him after what happened between us.“Don’t worry, it’s just Bliss,” she assures me.I nod. Yeah, let her in. Faye leaves the room, and a few seconds later, Bliss walks in with a gift bag and get-well balloons. She places it on the table and sits down at the end
Mel's POVMy face flushes, but I don’t confirm her suspicions. There are some things I won’t be able to discuss, even with Bliss. We drive in silence for a while, the tension in my body easing the farther we get from the hospital. I roll down the window, enjoying the wind whipping in my face. Nina purrs in delight—this is the most we’ve been outside in days, and it feels so fucking good.“How long do you think it’s going to take them to catch up with us?” Bliss asks. The uncertainty in her tone makes me realize she’s just as nervous about this escape as I am.I shrug. Who knows, I just needed to get out of there. Thanks for breaking me out.All I want is to set Nina free for a while or start my duties as Beta—not stay cooped up in a hospital room where all I can think about is my dead mother or my homicidal father. I also want to see Moon again, but I’ll wait until I’m fully heal. I don’t want her freaking out about my extremely fucked-up face.Hey, was my mom’s funeral postponed? I as
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