She brought along a cauldron and lit the logs underneath it that they had set up earlier.“The water, Luke” she said to Luke who passed her the fetcher he stored the water in. She put it in the cauldron and we all waited until it started boiling.“The sand to represent the earth” she stretched her hands to Jason. I haven't asked him where he went to pick it up from.“You did well Jason,” Lyla said after receiving the sand. I turned to him in question “it's from my parents grave. Since they couldn't be here. I wanted them to be a part of this” he explainedI smiled at him. I understood him, but I couldn't understand how she could tell. If the Powers hadn't supported Alpha Matt's decision to kick me out of the pack, I would have loved to have them here too. I know they didn't have a choice, but it doesn't make it hurt any less.The wind picked up, fueling the fire and blowing the rising steam from the cauldron to our faces, completing the final ingredient. It was a perfectly timed coinc
Jason's PovIt's been three days since the ritual and two days since Ares healed Adriana, who was now more clingy than ever to her. Even going as far as throwing tantrums to sleep on the same bed with Ares. I let it happen, but not anymore. I can't take the couch again.“How is it going?” I asked Carlton as I inspected the training. “Well, more than a few have dropped out. Now, it's just these twelve, but expect more to drop”I sighed. I guess I expected that, but hearing it still dampens the mood. “Increase the training hours so those that want to leave will leave now and we can cater for who's left.” “We're already doing five hours a day if I increase it for another two or three, they might all break”“It’s a necessary evil. Do it.” “okay”“Alpha, Alpha Cain's here. He's at the border right now” Luke informs me through the pack link.“Who is he with?” I ask him “just him and a guard”Either he's been too cautious or something's going on. He delayed the meeting all this while only f
Maverick's Pov I've sent James back to the pack to ease the minds of those I left behind. It wasn't really a hard decision. He was already working my last nerve. It was either that, maim him or kill him. I doubt the pack will trust me much if I killed my own beta. “You've been searching for days now rogue, is your sense of direction that bad?” I said, hitting his already bruised face. “I swear it was around here somewhere. I don't know why I can't find it anymore.” he spat out another loose tooth and blood and started looking around frantically. “You are becoming as useless as the seer. The only difference being you're disposable and she isn't. At least not yet” “I swear. It was around here.” He said again. “You have repeated that word one too many times. ‘I swear'. Your swear means nothing if you can't back it up with facts or evidence” I knelt down to his level “I'll give you one more chance. So think carefully about your answers before you say them. Are we in the right direct
Ares’ PovIt's nerve wracking as I watch the volunteers prepare to leave. With each gear they arrange, I feel muscles coil on itself. I've ingrained each face into my memory. Well, all but one.Carlton helps them with their gears while giving them advice. “Even if you're all going in at different points, put your safety first. If you feel like you're in danger, fall back and signal to the rest of the pack and if you can't signal them, then leave a clue so they can find you”“Your safety comes first. Remember all you need to do is get in and get out. Any information you find is enough. Don't die out there tryna prove something” Jason instructed.I have a really bad feeling about sending them out. Especially with Allison as one of them. She might actually kill them before Maverick gets the chance to. They are about to walk into an enemy camp. While I appreciate that they're doing this for me, having someone's death on my conscience isn't exactly giving peace of mind.“Whatever you do, m
Something that represents me. It was something I had to think long and hard on. How I wanted to represent myself. Josh is indirectly asking who I am and who I saw myself as.Who am I? Am I still the same girl that was rejected by her mate for her sister. Am I the girl whose parents stood by and did nothing as I was chased out or am I the girl whose parents died trying to protect me? Am I the girl who has grown to understand that it's okay to rely on people.How can I channel all of this into one bow?. I thought long and hard before I finally started to visualise it.I did it over and over again. It got easier the more I repeated the action. I carved something new in the bow with each materialisation, by the time I was done, I was drenched in sweat, but I felt good about what I'd created. “What would you name it?” Josh finally spoke when I was done.“Verdant heartstring” I whispered in awe.“Why did you choose it?”“It represents me. It represents my growth. It represents what I've be
Jason's PovI warmed up while I waited for Josh to meet me at the clearing. I tried to fill myself with as much adrenaline as I could before he came.I heard the sound of a car pulling up around the corner before I saw it. The gravel crunch under his weight as he walked towards me.“Alpha” he greeted. I know it was just a sign of courtesy. He was always different. Even before I found out he was the last surviving royal beta. His position was higher than mine before I became Ares’ mate.“Josh” I nodded back. “I saw what Ares did. Good work”“Thank you, but we are not here to discuss her progress. We are here to increase yours” he said “I know how you fight and I know you are good with almost all kinds of weapons. Tell me the one you're most comfortable with” he asked.“There are varieties I'm compatible with, it's gonna be hard to choose.” I said.“Okay. think about it while you shift and have Dax use your powers” he said and leaned against a tree.“You want me to burn my fur?” I asked
“Are you sure he's not a psychopath?” Dax said in my mind. “At this point, I'm beginning to question it myself” I answered as I watched Josh fumbling around his car.“Here, catch.” He said throwing a bottle at me. I caught it mid air before I spoke. “What are you up to, Josh?”“I'm giving you time while I do this” he said and jacked out weapons from his booth. A staff, a katana, chains, another spear and a whip. He really came here with the intention to maim or kill me.“I only practiced the katana ‘cause I thought it looked cool. That thing hardly works on a werewolf” I reminded him.“Oh” he returned it and turned back to me. “So what will it be?” He gestured at the rest.I pinch the bridge of my nose to get rid of the incoming migraine. I am going to regret this. “The chains” I finally chose.“Okay” he returned the rest. “Finished?” He nodded at the bottle in my hand.“Yes” I threw the empty bottle at him.“Let's dance”We walked back to the open field with Josh dragging the chains
Maverick's Pov“We found these two near the camp entrance.” One of the guards reported. I didn't pause my movement as I pivoted the last crumb of food from my cutlery to my mouth.I wasn't sure what he was called. Cahill, Calliou, Carson, whatever it was, I don't care. He didn't enjoy spilling blood as much as Deaton and I so that makes him irrelevant to me.Back to the situation at hand. A trespasser. How wonderful. I was getting bored waiting for the seer to work her voodoo and search for Ares.“And who might we have here?” I speak after swallowing. “No one,” one of them answered fearlessly.“What is no one doing in my camp? I don't remember sending invites about hosting a get together. So I see no reason for you to be lurking about my camp” I said.“I wasn't lurking, I was just passing by when your guys dragged me in” ‘no one’ said. I hummed in thought. “What about you?” I asked the other.“I was travelling in this direction. I'm on my way to visit my sister at the pack over” he sa
Cole’s pov It’s been 10 years since I rejected my mate, 9 years since I left the pack to reside with the humans and in two minutes, I’m about to meet a man that will change everything. Jason had given me all the rights to make decisions with the business. Leaving me as the acting CEO. While he remained as the largest shareholder. I had asked the HR to find me an assistant. A competent one. She’s been holding interviews for the past week. Each one she deemed good enough wasn’t for me. I told her if she couldn’t find one before Monday, she would be my assistant. Then she found one. Evans Bernard. I was knee deep in documents, when a knock broke off my attention. Everyone knew not to disturb me while I’m working unless it was absolutely important. “Come in,” I said. The moment the door opens, I’m hit with the most wonderful scent that takes me by surprise. I looked up startled to find the HR, Mrs. Kent and a man, not older than twenty-five or twenty-six beside her. “Mate,” my wolf s
Ares’s povThe next months were a blur. My belly got bigger. Adriana turned five. We got even closer. She’s so excited for the baby. She even promised to give all of her toys to the baby. Bless her pure soul.Lyla told me she’s informed my parents of my pregnancy and they sent their wishes. She, Felix and the elders have been guiding Jason through the whole ruling thing. He started holding meetings with other Alphas once every two months.They knew I was pregnant now. No big shirt could hide it. They all gave their blessings, but one can never be too careful. I was spending my afternoon with Adriana, when my water broke. “Jason, get home now!” I said to the mate link. I rubbed my stomach and tried to breath through the contraptions.“What’s wrong?” he asked worriedly.“The baby!” I said, taking deep breaths. “He’s coming! Get here fast, please.”He got to the house in record time. I could see the sweat dripping off his head, as he went on to take the things he needed. Adriana helped
Ares’ pov All Alphas and Luna's present erupted into cheers, and applause as we were crowned. The pack members cheered the loudest. “Long live Queen Ares and King Jason!” the crowd repeated. Even if they weren’t happy or were uncertain about what the future held for them with Jason and I ruling, they still had to cheer. We sat on the throne for a while before making our way to speak to some familiar faces. “Your majesty, may I have this dance?” a voice sounded beside me, interrupting my discussion with James. James offered me a small smile and excused himself, leaving to go find Isabelle, who was probably in the pack house with Madison and the twins. I turned to see Alpha Killian. An Alpha of a neighbouring pack and somewhat ally. He had this mischievous look in his eyes as he stretched his hands towards me. I accepted it with a smile. I had an image to maintain now. I caught Jason’s eye as Alpha Killian and I made our way to the centre of the room. He led me into a graceful wal
Jason’s povThe mate ceremony yesterday was so beautiful. Watching Ares walk down the aisle to me was the most beautiful sight ever. She shined. Everything about her was glowing. She wants us to hold the ball along with our coronation at the same time before her belly starts to show.After spending half the day with me, she sent me off to go and start working on the invites. She offered to help, but I’d rather not stress her out. Plus I knew more Alphas than she does. It would be easier for me to get the word out.I had Luke help out on sending the invites to other Alphas and Lunas. They were allowed to come with their betas if they wanted, but no more than two extra guests. We sent the invite to over twenty alphas and their lunas. Including Alpha Killian and Cain, who had been of great help to us these past few months. The invitation was for them to attend the grand ball and our coronation too, in the next two weeks. The event would also serve as a way of announcing Ares as the late
Ares’ pov“Wait, what?” I must have misheard him. There’s no way he said I’m pregnant. His face falls at my question.“You don’t want it?” he asked. I could see the hurt on his face. I didn’t mean to cause that. Oh my god, I’m really pregnant!“I’m pregnant!” I said this time with a smile. “We are having a baby.” he nodded, but was still reluctant to smile. My earlier reaction must still be rubbing him the wrong way.“Do you want this baby with me?” he asked again. I could tell from the mate bond that he was a little hesitant to hear my answer. “I know you said you wanted to wait for a year or two first.”“Of course I want this baby with you,” I said, smiling. “I just can’t believe I’m really pregnant. I was trying so hard. I didn’t want to put my hopes up. I saw your reaction, and even felt your emotions when we did the test last time.” I explained to him.“We are having a baby,” he said this time with a smile. I moved closer to him and he pulled me into his chest. “We are having a b
Jason’s povThe next few months were a blur. I gave permission to have other packs in ours. Other packs had volunteered to help. The news had gone round. If they were skeptical about having us rule, they did a good job of hiding it.Felix came back the same time those elders did. He told us we could open the things he brought back after the coronation. He was purposefully leaving us in suspense. Every two weeks, Ares and I were required to take classes with the elders concerning the throne. In less than a month, we would be done with building the castle. The first good news we received was that Madison, my mates best friend, was in labour. Isabelle and Cole came down to the pack so they could be witnesses to the birth. Luke was on tenterhooks about it.He nearly brought down the pack hospital with his pacing and yelling. After an hour of hearing Madison yelling from behind the door, she finally gave birth to twins. A boy and a girl just like her and Cole. We all assumed it would be
Jason’s PovAs the others worked on the castle, I worked alone on the house. I had to tear down some worn out parts and replace them. Cole helped a lot by helping me send the things I ordered down to the pack.It took a lot of time, but I was finally happy with the result. All that was left now was to show it to her. I had already moved our things and Adriana’s to the house before I went to the office to get her. I walked in to find her bent over seriously looking over documents. She had taken it upon herself to take care of the pack work while we worked on the castle. Killian had been kind enough to send some people over, but knowing him, It’s definitely not from the kindness of his heart. He would want something in return. Maybe not now, but I know he will.When he saw Felix though, I saw him smile for the time. A real genuine smile. They chatted and caught up like old friends. He looked more human that day. Cain helped too, and so did James, who got closer to me as we worked toget
Ares’s povI search his face for signs that he was joking, but I see none. I smiled, moved closer to him and cupped his face in my hands. “It’s fine, Jason,” I said. “I don’t think I’ll be changing my mind.” I smiled at him and he leaned in to kiss my lips. We went to bed that night with clear hearts and minds. Tomorrow, we begin building against our future in a year's time. The next morning, after Jason made breakfast for Adriana and I, I barely saw him for the rest of the day. The pack was so busy with people going back and forth with tools and whatnot. I still went into his office to continue the pack work. Josh came around during the day to help out. We sorted out documents together, and I signed documents that needed my approval on things. I have no idea how Jason has been doing it and juggling his company with Cole, but I’m just about ready to call it quits on the whole paperwork.Things went on like that for the next two months. I started getting used to him less and less. W
Jason’s pov“I plan to meet with Luke later and explain things to him,” I said to Ares as I got ready to go to my home office. I looked over to watch her as I finished getting ready. She looked absolutely perfect.“That’s fine with me,” she replied, kissing my cheek. “I trust all of your decisions.” I smiled and gave her a deep kiss before leaving the room. I called Luke as I headed to the office.I’ve explained to Luke what our plan is, so today Ares and I plan to announce it to the pack. We plan to tell them the whole truth. After hanging out with our daughter, we gathered the entire pack in the hall.We waited until everyone was present, including the elders, which I had stayed at the back with, Felix, Hayley, and the guards on duty. Lyla said it would be safe. We waited until everyone was settled in before I started addressing them.“Good evening everyone,” I said to the crowd. “Your Luna and I have a lot to tell you this evening. Those of you that went to fight with us against M