Derek:My mother’s silence was just as damning as any other response I had ever gotten, even from Benny.Hearing her sigh only filled me with more trepidation.“You screwed up,” she patted my hand. “I’m… i don’t know if she could ever forgive you,” she admitted finally.It was as though my fears had come to pass, and I shut my eyes trying to stop the thoughts that threatened to swallow me whole.“But,” my mother continued. “I’m here, Derek. And I believe that Alisha can move on from this. It’s just going to take a bit more time. I’m going to help you. I want to see you both happy. Both of you are my children,” she finished.I held onto the hope in her voice, that i would have a chance of Alisha forgiving me. The other outcomes were too bleak for me to consider.I kept myself busy with work throughout that day, only stopping once the sun had well and truly set, and the pack had gone quiet from pack members retiring for the night.The next day, early in the morning, I stepped into the p
Lila:I was glad to see Derek had returned. But he barely gave me a glance and turned to his mother who sat stiff as a board beside me.“Mother, you should go to the pack clinic,” Derek said to my joy.Finally.I didn’t think anything of his words because of course I knew that Simon and Melissa were together like her father said. I appreciated this woman leaving my side.Beaming, i said, “Yes, you should leave.”I was pleased as the former Luna of the pack finally nodded and stood up, but not before giving me a horrid look.I simply ignored the look though and brought out the spray I had prepared, putting it on my wrists and neck, like a normal perfume.I was glad to hear the woman finally leave and sighed with relief.I found Derek’s mother to be the sorry excuse of what a Luna should be. My father had told me all the tales of how much she had become the butt of many jokes between Derek’s father, the Former Alpha, and himself, who was the former Alpha’s best friend.It was absolutely
Alisha:After Derek left, I felt furious that I let him get to me like that. It had taken everything in me to not scream at him, or punch him or worse.I let out a growl as I entered the bedroom, seeing that Aria and Ares were now dressed up, with Mischa waiting for me with a tense look on her face.“What is it?” I asked her, sighing inwardly. She certainly had words she wanted to say to me, and I wasn’t going to stop her.I gestured for her to leave the twins as they played on the bed and we stepped out onto the hallway.“Alright, Misch. Out with it,” I told her and she audibly let out a large breath.“What was that all about?” Mischa asked me. She was definitely angry.“What was what?” I asked, still not getting it.“Alisha, we talked about this. I thought you finally got it,” she folded her arms and glared at me. “But you’re still doing it. You really are trying to keep the twins away from their father?”“What’s wrong with that?” I demabded defiantly. “He knows nothing about them.
Alisha:Melissa was silent, but I could still see tears pooling in her eyes and it hurt me to make her feel that way.But I knew I had to stand my ground now: if I gave in to her desires, then I would be the one left hurting.“I’m sorry, Alisha,” she apologized with a croaky voice. “I- i really am,” she swallowed.A sharp pain lanced through my chest and I pressed my hand to my heart, where it hurt the most.A turbulent mix of emotions threatened to overwhelm me. Guilt, regret, anger.Why was she the one that had to apologize? Where was Derek? Why was he making his mother go through so much just for the potential of us reconciling? It was enough to make me more furious at him - it was another score I had to settle with him.“I’m sorry my dear,” Melissa repeated.“You have nothing to be sorry for,” I replied to her, murmuring as my heart hurt more for her sake. “Don’t take responsibility for what he did.”“But I have no choice, Alisha,” she pleaded. “I know you don’t believe it. But De
Derek:After Alisha all but stormed out of the kitchen, Mischa let out a sigh, her curls bouncing as she bobbed her head from left to right, shaking it.“I’m sorry for how she’s acting,” She apologized. “She’s on the edge. I noticed it since we came to this pack. Almost like sheens afraid for her safety.”I pursed my lips and nodded in understanding. It was hard for me to not be understanding when I knew exactly what she had faced from Lila and Gerard when she had been here before.“I didn’t expect her to lash out like that,” Benjamin remarked, to which his mate glared at him silently from where she stood washing the dishes. “What?” He asked innocently.“Perhaps you shouldn’t have done anything to upset her more,” Mischa chided her mate. “You know how protective she is of the twins. Even when we were on the road, she could only really trust them with myself, Hilda and four others.”“I only wanted to help,” Benjamin defended himself. “But you’re right. We should give her more time. If
Derek:“Damn it,” I cursed as the Benjamin finished stamping in the dirt to flatten the ground. “I hate doing this.”“What part of it do you hate?” He grunted, looking exhausted. “Finding the spies or having to take care of them afterward?”I didn’t respond; every part of this was a hated thing.I hated having grown used to the idea of looking over my back for anyone that would be watching. I hated that Gerard was like a problem that had no end. Like the head of a hydra, cutting down one of his spies only led to two more taking their place.We made our way out of the forest and back towards the main compound after a few more minutes, covering our tracks on the forest floor and making sure no scent of blood was on our body.“I’m sure that Gerard would soon start suspecting something, if he doesn’t already, that is,” I spoke up as we made our way back.Benjamin hummed, combing his fingers through his hair.“It may get harder to hide Alisha as time goes on,” he finally said. “But for now
Derek:The way to the pack meeting hall was quiet and I was able to mentally prepare myself for whatever would face me this meeting.The guards bowed deeply to me as I walked through the open French style doors, and when I saw Gerard there as well as the pack elders gazing with disapproval in their eyes, I knew something was up.I stood at the topmost part of the elevated podium facing them and spoke, “Pack Elders. I greet you all. For what reason have you summoned me for?”One of the Pack elders stood and began to speak, “Alpha Derek. You must know the reason we have summoned you. Why have you waited for so long before coming to report to us of the new members of the pack? Why would you think to accept rogues who were one of the strongest ones in the region, into our pack like it was nothing? And why would you make this decision on your own without even bothering to discuss it with us? What do you take us for?!”I noticed Gerard smirking to himself. It was clear to me that the damned
Alisha:Ares and Aria were playing on the carpet under mine and Melissa’s watch.“So, I really am sorry for everything I said. I didn’t mean to hurt you,” I finished. I felt bad truly; I never wanted her to get hurt because of my anger. I had lashed out and it wasn’t right.As I tendered the apology to her, she was silent. And when she finally spoke her words were full of relief.She finally spoke, “I’m glad you’re not so upset with me. I didn’t mean to dredge up the past like that. I suppose…” she clasped her hands together, wringing them. “I just didn’t want you both to be unhappy. I know it’s a selfish thing but… I know now that it’s best to stand aside. I don’t want to cause any more problems between the two of you.”As she finished, I noticed Ares stand and walk up to Melissa with a toy in his hand. I smiled as he handed her the toy. It was clear by the way that Melissa’s face lit up that she was pleasantly surprised.“For you,” he said in his soft, adorable voices and then ran
EPILOGUE IIIALISHATWENTY YEARS LATER“Mmm,” I grunted as I sat up, my back hurting after using Derek’s body as a pillow.He had woken up early and left the bed, I remembered, after giving me a kiss as usual.I shouldn’t have drank so much.We were all getting on in years now, and though I had clocked forty-one last night, I still had a long life ahead of me.I smiled to myself as I remembered the way Misch, Benjamin, Hilda, mark and Derek had coerced me to take not one, not two, but THREE whiskey shots.Damn them all for being able to hold their liquor while I, barely used to drinking even at my age, had NOT.“So damn unfair,” I muttered under my breath, and thought briefly about postponing the training session I had with Mischa, Markson and Erika.The two children had grown up so fast, and were already 19 and 20 respectively, already becoming accomplished warriors at their age.Erika was much like her mother, a consummate warrior. I smirked as I remembered the way that Mischa and I
EPILOGUE IIHilda:I opened the windows of the kitchen to let in the fresh air, and enjoyed the beautiful scents of spring. My nose in the air, I sniffed, and ended up my twitching a little.I had grown sensitive to the scent of pollen around the air ever since I had given birth to Alis, my lovely daughter.She was five now, and a delightful little one to have. I began with the task of preparing lunch, as breakfast had long passed. The children would be coming over today and I also needed to go out to get some herbs and meats for dinner and breakfast tomorrow.Somehow, my role in the Red Wolf pack had settled into becoming a part-time assistant for Doctor Simon, who was soon retiring, and handling the children. Meaning, Alisha’s and the Alpha’s four children, Mischa’s and the Beta’s daughter, and mine.That was often a lot to handle, but I many ways I enjoyed it. I loved having children around me and hearing the sounds of their laughter. It reminded me of my own voice which had been s
EPILOGUE IDerek:“…And they all lived happily ever after,” Alisha finished, smiling at the dozing faces of our twins.Finally, I thought with a light chuckle. Some peace and quiet.The head of my son killed on my chest and I gently carried him out of his sister’s bed, and took him over to his own bed.Meanwhile Alisha strengthened, and I heard her take a deep breath.Her abdomen had rounded delightfully, growing our baby in her.Her due date was soon, according to Simon the last time he checked over her. And each day I prayed I wouldn’t have anything that would take me out of the pack long term, because I didn’t under any circumstances, want to be out of the pack when she gave birth. I had missed the birth of my older two children due to my own foolish mistakes, I didn’t want to miss this next one at all.“What are you thinking about?” Alisha asked me, as though she could read my mind.I smiled at her, knowing the best way to rile her up.“Our bet,” I replied with, and felt y grasped
Alisha:I opened my eyes to the sound of birds chirping. The sheets were warm underneath my body and I felt peace within me.There was finally a conclusion, I thought, to the pain and suffering, the hiding and secrecy that had been occurring for ages now.Now I could calmly walk down the streets of our pack with my twins in hand and not fear that Gerard would show up. I could embrace my relationship with Derek fully without needing to second guess myself.Sebastian was Gone.And Gerard, was Gone.Everything was well.“Hello, love,” i felt an arm I knew to be Derek’s worm its way around my waist and I smiled at the contact.It had been several days since I moved back into his home- now OUR home, and I had never felt more complete in my life.“Good morning,” I murmured to my mate, feeling his lips on the back of my neck. I turned my head and met his lips with mine, and I close my eyes as my body felt alive, wrapped up in his.“What are you thinking of?” He asked me as our lips parted an
Benjamin:“Oh goddess,” Mischa’s sigh made me smile. “That was some workout.”We lay side by side facing each other in the dark, sweat sheen over our naked bodies.“I’m glad you feel that way,” I chuckled at my mate’s words, wrapping my arms around her and pulling her closer.The scent of her hair drove me crazy, and I wondered like so many times before what kind of oil she used on it. She was always taking care of her curls with expert ease.Only the bathroom light was on in the entire house, leaving a trail of light towards our bedroom, and I enjoyed the sounds of silence, thinking about how the day had gone so quickly with all the happenings. I was glad that finally, Gerard was condemned for execution, and Sebastian, the thorn in our sides that had troubles us so much, had eventually been taken out.“Things are going to go smoothly from here on out,” Misch murmured and I marveled silently at how we always seemed to think the same thing. Almost like we knew each other since we were
Derek:I turned to glance at the Silver Moon Pack warriors who watched me and Sebastian as their Alpha lay curses on them.In their eyes I saw defiance and weariness, and I smirked inwardly.“Do you think they would come to your aid now that you’ve finally been taken off their hands?” I sniggered at Sebastian, who flared up at me. It wasn’t very much effective as he probably hoped it would be, for his eyes were swollen form the best down I had given him.“YOU ARE ALL TRAITORS!” Sebastian was livid, baring his teeth maniacally at his men. “I will KILL YOU ALL!”“Not if I have anything to say about it.”Kaiden’s voice reached me and I smiled. So the Beta did arrive.Sebastian’s face upon hearing Kaiden’s voice was nothing compared to his expression when his Beta entered the scene with the rest of their pack’s men.“You!” Sebastian spat in Kaiden’s direction, and the Beta only regarded Sebastian with indifference. “What the duck are you doing here? Disobeying my orders?!”“Your orders me
Alisha:Sebastian’s declaration made me want to retch hi whatever was left in my stomach since last night’s dinner.Well, he hasn’t changed one bit I thought. He was every bit as reprehensible as I remembered. The sense of entitlement he still had over me made me furious as well.However I was content to let Derek fight this battle for the both of us. Talking with him would only give me a headache.“Is that so?” Derek said, a calm look on his handsome features. “I had no idea you can still lay claims on someone who has absolutely nothing to do with you. And your threats, Sebastian, are nothing more than words to me. You know you will never win against me.”That served to drive Sebastian more into unbridled rage and frustration.“Alisha is mine!” He growled.Derek took a step forward, and I saw the tension in his jawline and neck as he all but spat out, “She was NEVER yours! She is MY mate, and mine alone! You made that very clear with the way you treated her when you had the chance! A
Derek:The trial had filled me with pain and guilt from the get go. Knowing that my mother had to reveal her past with my father brought me no measure of relief.But thanks to her and Alisha,The door suddenly opened and a guard rushed inside, panting as though he had run a full mile.“What is this?!” The Elders were incensed upon the trial’s interruption.“Silver Moon Pack warriors are out our gates!” The guard blurted out in such a loud voice.Immediately I went rigid. Alarm filled my body and I looked to Alisha who met my eyes at the same time.Sebastian was at our door. And that news brought a chaos that shattered the peace of the meeting hall.I could see the Pack Elders themselves had begun to lose their heads and it made me grit my teeth in frustration.“Everyone please be calm,” Alisha’s voice was like a steady lighthouse in the storm. “Now isn’t the time to panic. We can’t let this distract us. I believe we have to move against Sebastian at once. But Gerard must be put behind
Alisha:I looked to the Elders, all of whom were shocked into silence at Melissa’s confession.“Things got so bad, that I had been unable to have another child. Or rather, I couldn’t carry the pregnancies to term. That was because, due to many of Marcus’ actions, I would end up having a miscarriage before long. There were several times…” she swallowed heavily. “That I had to deal with those losses without any support.“Hearing that shocked me to my core; she had never told me this before! Turning to glance at Derek, I saw pain on his face, and knew he hadn’t heard of this either.How badly he must feel, I thought, to see his mother this way.Every part of me longed to comfort them, but I knew I couldn’t put a stop to this trial just yet.Melissa took a deep breath and exhaled slowly before continuing. “That night Marcus died, was another of his worse nights. Derek stopped him, and Marcus tried to attack him. No… he tried to KILL his own son. And Derek had no choice but to defend himse