Jaxon’s POVI toss and turn trying to find sleep, but everything feels off. The room feels too hot, then too cold. My pillow is either too firm or too soft. My restlessness only grows as the clock loudly ticks away on the wall.Find mate, Shadow growls, his voice rumbling through my head like distant thunder.Relax, she's in her room. I think we've lost enough control tonight. I didn't plan on fucking her in the bathroom for two hours, but I couldn't stand the sight of that guy talking to her, smiling at her, making her blush—it ignited something dark inside me. On top of that, he's one of the recruits fresh out of high school. She'll be seeing him every day for the next six weeks and it's all my fault. I should’ve assigned her to something else. During training, they'll be sparing, touching, and eventually, he’ll see her shift, meaning she’ll be fucking naked in front of him.Mine, Shadow snarls. His growls are growing louder and louder in my head. I can feel his possessive rage grow
Jaxon's POVThe silence hangs between us, growing heavy. Melanie looks down, seemingly unsure if she overstepped. “It’s okay,” she says quietly. "I understand if you don't trust me enough-”I lift her chin gently, caressing it in my calloused hand. The hurt in her eyes makes it impossible to say no. It's not that I don’t trust her; it’s just that I never planned to tell anyone, especially her, the extent of his abuse."It's not you, Mel. It's just hard to talk about," I admit."Well, I’m here for you, Jaxon." She climbs into my lap, straddling my waist. Before I can ask her what she's doing, her lips brush against my neck. "Does this make it easier to talk about it?" she whispers, her warm breath sending shivers down my spine."Not at all," I chuckle hoarsely. The effect she has on me should be a crime. I can’t focus on shit but my need to claim her, to show her that if she wants me, I’m all hers.She plants a trail of kisses up my neck, her lips soft and teasing. When she reaches my e
Jaxon's POVThe words are getting a bit harder to get out now, but I endure. "After he died, Mom was drowning in grief, and Alpha Damon took that opportunity to convince her that he was the second-best role model for me. He told her making me the next Alpha is the least he could do, since he wasn't there to save my father."My eyes fly open, and I gaze down at her looking like a drooling mess. Those violet eyes hold me captive. Possessing me. Begging me to claim her. Entangling my hands even tighter in her hair, I hold her in place as my hips rock to create longer deeper thrusts."I thought becoming Alpha would make my dad proud, so I fought hard for it, even if it made you hate me. Took whatever Alpha Damon handed to me—torture, beatings, his Alpha tone bending me to his will. Even murdering innocent people for him. I thought, ‘this is completely normal, this is what an Alpha does.’ I couldn't have been more fucking wrong." My words are intertwined with fire, poison, wolfsbane...fuck,
Jaxon's POV Flashback*We are infiltrating yet another pack for Alpha's collection. Blood-curdled screams ring out in all directions as innocent wolves and warriors are slaughtered. Alpha decided that he doesn’t want more hungry mouths to feed, so he ordered us to ‘take care’ of everyone. This pack doesn’t stand a chance against us; we wipe them out easily.There’s one last survivor—well victim—to deal with. Of course, Alpha leaves him to me. I chase the little brown wolf through the forest, my paws pounding against the earth. It doesn’t take long to catch up with him. I lunge at him, sinking my teeth into his hind leg. He yelps, immediately shifts back into a human.His face is consumed in fear, his brown eyes reflecting Shadow with blood seeping from our mouth. The naked man scurries backward against a tree, bleedings, sobbing as he realizes he has nowhere else to run.As I stalk closer, I realize he’s only a kid. He looks about sixteen, probably just learning how to shift. But he w
Jaxon's POV Once I’m done sharing the memory, tears stream down Melanie's face as she looks at me with a mix of pity and fear. "Dad told us Ameer transferred from another pack,” she whispers.Of course, the fucker did. "Yeah,” I laugh bitterly. “After we killed everyone from his former one.”"H-He's so much worse than I ever imagined," she mutters, almost to herself, her eyes wide with disbelief."You see, that's why I desire the Elders' approval,” I explain, my voice low. “I don't want the unchecked power Damon had. I don't want to be the kind of Alpha that everyone fears and hates. I don't want to be a monster like him, Mel."Melanie sits up and cups my face in her hands. "You won't be," she whispers, her soft gaze locked with mine.Her reassurance is a balm to my soul. I rest my forehead against hers, closing my eyes. “I can’t let him win,” I murmur. “I have to be different. To be an Alpha my father wanted me to be, one the pack deserves.”“I believe in you, Jaxon. I won’t allow y
Mel’s POVI awaken to an empty bed. The clock says that it's 5am, so that must mean he must've left a while ago to do patrol with Ameer. My heart pangs at the fact he didn't ask me to join them, but maybe he just wanted me to get more sleep.I didn’t realize it until now, but I have one of the most important jobs in the pack. I’m training the warriors that will defend our Alpha and pack in battle. If I don’t do a good job, I could be the reason Jaxon is injured or killed, and that’s the furthest thing from what I want.Things are getting serious between us, way too fast. Exclusive fuck buddies? It’s perilously close to a full-blown relationship. Not that I have any interest in sleeping with anyone else, but even if I desired more, it seems pointless with the Mating Ball coming up in only two weeks.Sighing, I get up and shower, shaving my entire body until I’m as smooth as the day I was born. Then, I pull my hair into a high ponytail, and throw on a plain white shirt and some black gym
Mel's POVI conceal my aura as I stalk to the edge of the building, surveying the group below. There are about twenty recruits, all males—a disappointment, but hardly surprising. I was hoping to at least see one female, but it is still greatly frowned upon for females to be warriors. I need to find a way to change that, and fast."Guys, they both went to the Alpha Academy. I'm sure they know what they're doing," a new voice speaks up. I turn my attention to Malcom, who’s shirtless and wearing blue basketball shorts. He’s certainly fine as hell, yet this time, there isn't even a spark when I look at him. Jaxon must have gotten into my head because I literally don't feel desire for anyone but him."Pfft, I bet that was nothing. Melanie probably only passed because she's Alpha Damon's daughter, and Jaxon because they feel sorry for his pathetic daddy," taunts a tall, wiry guy with mahogany skin and short, black twists in his head.A growl ripples up my chest, a primal urge to defend my Al
Mel's POVAs soon as I approach Jeremy and his partner, I feel Jaxon's intoxicating aura. Whipping my head around, I meet silver eyes gazing back at me from the forest. They seem to ravish me as he licks his large canines. The pressure between my legs intensifies as I wonder what he must be thinking about doing to me.Not here, Mel, I remind myself. Being completely naked and aroused around a bunch of unmated males? Not a good idea. I shove Nina to the back of my mind before she can make it any worse. Jaxon shifts and appears from the trees. His body and all its glory are on display for everyone to see, but he walks confidently with his hungry, predatory eyes locked on one target: me.All the recruits stop and bare their necks in respect to their Alpha. "Training is over for the day. Go home," he commands, his voice dripping with dominance.I furrow my brows. "No, it's not. We still have thirty minutes-""I said it's over,” he interrupts, his tone final.I could argue with him, but it
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