Mel's POV Jaxon is unusually quiet, besides occasionally barking orders to the other wolves on the morning shift. I wonder what he’s thinking about. What if he’s immediately regretting the agreement between us? I can’t help but feel tense, like at any moment, he’ll come up to me and tell me that he decided he doesn’t want me. After running the perimeter, we return to Elinda's house and get ready for Mom's funeral. I put on a simple black dress and heels. After applying black winged mascara to my eyes, I comb out my hair and leave it curly—just the way Mom liked it. While Moon and Ava finish getting dressed, I go downstairs to find Elinda in the kitchen making breakfast. My feelings are still a little sore from last night, but it is what it is. Today’s not about my problems. It’s about saying goodbye to Mom. Elinda gives me a weak smile, her eyes carrying a hint of guilt. "Good morning," she says softly. "Good morning," I repeat, matching her subdued tone. She's already shown me h
Mel's POVI exhale in relief, feeling the pounding in my chest slowly subside. Elinda places our plates on the table before sitting down with her own. We eat mostly in silence while the girls talk about various kid shows. I can't help but keep glancing across the table at Jaxon. His face is a mask of indifference, and I can’t lie—it's really bothering me. What's his problem? Is he bothered by what Moon said, or is he just in a shitty mood? I plan to ask him about it later, but for now, I need to focus on getting Moon through this funeral.We take separate cars to the packhouse, so Elinda can take the girls home after the service. Pack members are already gathering near the river where Mom's body lays in a beautiful wooden coffin. She’s going to be buried beneath the biggest oak tree in the forest. Then, tonight we’ll hunt and have a huge feast to honor her life.Moon and I stand beside the coffin, surrounded by the entire pack, while the Elders say a prayer to the Moon Goddess. I know
Jaxon’s POV"Dusk. Ayla. Rubeus. You're early.""Well, we wanted to pay our respects to Luna Sienna as well," Ayla says, stepping out of the forest’s shadows with the two men at her side.Dusk keeps trying to peek past my shoulder to look at Melanie, but I meet his gaze with an icy glare. He smirks, his cold, blue eyes flashing with mischief as he holds my stare. "I didn't know your Beta needed a bodyguard," he teases.Melanie huffs and moves to push past me, but I grab her wrist. "Don't," I growl, keeping my eyes locked on Dusk. Shadow’s instincts surge through my veins, urging me to protect our mate.It's hard to control Shadow when we're both riled up, but I manage to restrain him enough to avoid shifting and risk injuring Melanie. Rage bubbles beneath the surface, making my body vibrate. If either of the Council members make a wrong move, I’ll kill them instantly, no questions asked.Melanie stares at me wide-eyed as she pulls her wrist out from my grip and squeezes my hand. "Hey,
Jaxon's POVBefore Melanie can respond, Ayla walks over to me and touches her fingertips to my forehead. She's searching through my memories for anything related to Melanie’s gift.Just great. “Get your hands off me,” I growl, grabbing her wrist. “If you need to know something, ask. Don’t go rummaging through my head like it’s your personal library.”Her eyes narrow to glowing slits. “This is faster, Alpha,” she replies in a sickly-sweet voice. She's silent for a few minutes before turning to her creepy crew. "Hmm, that's interesting. Damon's Alpha aura doesn't affect her, but Jaxon's does.""W-What the hell did you just do to him?" Melanie demands."That's her gift. She can see and manipulate memories," I explain, since the rest of them are just staring at her. It’s really pissing me the fuck off."Oh." She nods once in acknowledgment."This could be your gift," Ayla continues, her voice laced with excitement. It makes the muscles in my jaw twitch. My mate isn't some shiny new toy fo
Jaxon's POVMelanie, Dusk, and Rubeus all look in our direction, but Ayla waves dismissively.Turning back to me, she smirks, clearly amused by the reaction. "That's what I thought. You should do a better job at hiding the way you look at her. It’s creepy.”I let out a dry, humorless chuckle. "Like you can talk." Don't get me wrong the woman is gorgeous, but she's probably something you would see during a sleep paralysis attack."You know, we're not your enemy, Jaxon,” Ayla says."You are when you're trying to take what belongs to me," I growl.Ayla’s expression darkens. "This is her destiny. Besides, you think she’ll settle for being your Beta when she has Alpha blood running through her veins? Her wolf will be pulling her to join us soon enough."I frown at the thought. I know she's right, but at the same time, I refuse to accept it. I'll do anything to keep her here by my side. To make her mine."And if she doesn't want to leave?" I ask, the question forced through clenched teeth.A
Mel’s POVAs a pack, we hunt deer, bears, and bobcats for the Omegas to prepare for dinner. I don’t hunt directly, but I help drag the animals back to the packhouse. After everyone rinses off in the river, we meet in the dining hall for the feast. The last time we were here, my mom was alive, and my dad hadn’t completely lost his mind. So, sitting in the same spots they did really put me in my feelings."Waitress, I need more champagne!" I call out as she passes by our table again. She hands me a glass, but I shake my head. "You know what, just leave the whole damn tray.""Yes, Beta." She places all six glasses on the table in front of me."Slow down," Jaxon orders sternly.I shoot him a look and roll my eyes. "Kiss my ass, Jaxon.""You'll pay for that later," I hear him mutter under his breath, but I ignore him.The first course has barely started, but I'm already six or seven drinks in. I'm glad Elinda took the girls home early. I wouldn’t want Moon to see me like this—this broken, u
Mel's POVI clear my throat, feeling the alcohol loosening my restraint. “This one’s for my mom,” I announce, my slurred voice booming through the room. Then, I start singing the lyrics to “Rain” by Sleep Token—loudly and likely off-key. Who fucking cares.I feel Jaxon’s heated gaze on me, but he doesn’t make an effort to stop me. The crowd watches, some in shock, many grimacing—all the old, cranky farts. I grab Elder Gregory’s hand, singing in his face, watching while his expression twists in disgust. I hear Patrick burst out laughter, while Bliss quietly scolds him for encouraging me.I start head banging to the beat in my head, and as I cross the stage, I almost trip over my own feet. “Oh shit, that was a close one,” I say loudly into the microphone, then keep singing like my life depends on it. Maybe, just maybe, it’s what I need to finally let go of all the anger, the grief weighing heavily on my heart.Some of the younger crowd, those who know the band, start singing along, wavin
Mel's POVMalcom? Where have I heard that name before? I chew on my lip, trying to remember. "Pat's friend, Malcom?" I ask, my eyes widening with realization."Yeah, that's me,” he nods."Sorry, I didn't mean to stand you up,” I mumble, suddenly feeling guilty. “As you can see, I've had a lot going on lately.”Like the champagne-fueled emotional breakdown I just had. Malcom chuckles lightly. "Oh yeah, I'm not holding anything against you," he replies. "Anyways, I heard you're training the new recruits tomorrow. I guess we'll be seeing a lot of each other."He sounds eager; excited. Shit, maybe I should be too."Wow, that's cool! I don't remember seeing you in high school" I admit quietly.He shrugs. "I remember you. You graduated early, so you probably only saw the awkward, pre-puberty version of me."He smiles again and I feel a slow blush creeping up my cheeks. I giggle, way too high-pitched, like a damn schoolgirl. Ugh, why am I so awkward? I never act this way around Jaxon."Oh ye
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