JadenStacey bolts upright in bed, her body drenched in sweat and her breathing ragged. I quickly follow, checking every inch of her skin for injuries. As she tries to catch her breath, her panicked eyes dart around the room, searching for something or someone. “Pumpkin, what’s wrong?” I ask, my heart racing with worry. Stacey takes a few deep breaths before finally meeting my gaze with wide, scared blue eyes. “I don’t know,” she says between gasps. “I think something’s wrong.”“Your safe pumpkin. I told you I’m not going to let anything happen to you.” I wrap my arms around her trembling body, trying to soothe her as she clings to me. “It was just a dream,” I whisper, pressing a kiss to her forehead. But she shakes her head, adamant that something is wrong. “No Jaden, I have this awful feeling something isn’t right,” I kiss her temple as I quickly mind link the guards to see if there has been any breeches to the pack boarders. “The boarders are clear, pumpkin. No sign of anyone tryin
JadenThe first thing that hits me is the deafening silence. No more beeps from machines, no rhythmic drip from the IV, and no steady beat of a heart. I run to Gemma’s bedside, where Stacey is clutching her hand, tears streaming down her face. Hunter and Pax burst into the room, followed by a doctor, and I see the alert control tossed to the floor. As I reach out to touch Gemma’s cheek, I pull back in shock at how cold she feels.“She’s gone,” I murmur to Pax and Hunter, avoiding saying the word “dead” as Stacey wails and clings to Gemma’s lifeless body. I feel like I’ve been punched in the gut. Despite my efforts to prevent this, providing Gemma with the best care and two security guards, it wasn’t enough. All because I chose to be with the woman I love. As I look at Stacey’s tear-streaked face, I can’t help but feel like I’ve let her down again. Despite the notes and threats against my mate, I did everything I could to protect her and her family, but it still wasn’t enough to save G
JadenGemma’s parents arrived in a frenzy, their faces contorted with grief and anger. I could see the pain in their eyes as I tried to explain myself, but my words fell on deaf ears. Their daughter was gone, and it was my fault. I hugged Stacey tightly, feeling the disapproving glares from Gemma’s parents as I carried her out of the hospital room. She clung to me, her legs wrapped tightly around my waist as her tears staining my black t-shirt as she buried her face in my chest. My heart ached for all of us in this moment of unimaginable loss. Guilt and sadness on my shoulders, knowing that Gemma’s death was partly my fault.I didn’t care; I left them all to it. I knew Hunter and Pax would follow me, but I just needed to make sure that my pumpkin was alright before I dealt with any more of this. “I’m so sorry,” I whispered into her ear as she clung to me. I found an empty room and sat down on the bed and gently rocked her back and forth. I rocked her, soothing my hand down her back, e
JadenAs the afternoon wore on, the once vibrant atmosphere of the house was now shrouded in a thick blanket of sorrow. People gathered in the lounge and hushed conversations could be heard throughout the rooms. I wanted to give Gemma’s parents some privacy to mourn their daughter at the hospital. I had mind linked to the funeral director earlier, and I had promised to cover all expenses for the service, no matter what decisions the family made.Stacey sunk into the plush leather armchair, with Gretchen curled up in her lap. She ran her fingers through Gretchen’s soft curls. I ran my fingers through her hair as I leaned back in the chair beside her, my arm hung over her shoulder. Aurora was sandwiched in between her mates on the large sofa. Sabastian and Gabriel were on either side of her as Caleb lounged further back, pinching his brows.Kara perched on Elio’s lap in one corner of the room, while Pax sat next to them on the sofa. Elio glared at Pax as Kara casually chatted with him, o
StaceyThe next morning, Jaden had called a pack meeting. I was feeling rather nervous about the whole thing. Not only was he going to tell the pack the news about Gemma, the fact there was a threat to the pack. But even more nerve-wracking was the fact that he would also be announcing that he had chosen me as his luna. My heart raced with a mix of excitement and anxiety. Given all of the other information, I hoped the pack would be happy - although I knew there would be a few who weren’t.After everyone left, Jaden had made love to me for most of the night. It was different; him being so tender, slow and gazing at me with those startling green eyes as if to memorise every inch of my face. My whole body shook when I climaxed, unable to hold back the emotions and desire that erupted through the bond. Despite the lack of sleep, I woke up feeling refreshed and fulfilled in a way I had never had before.Jaden sauntered back into the bedroom, a black towel knotted around his lean hips. His
StaceyWe arrived at the heart of the Bluemoon Pack, a bustling square filled with eager and anxious members. A raised platform stood in the centre, reserved for the alpha and other leaders to make their announcements and address the entire pack. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation and I could hear the low murmur of voices as everyone eagerly speculated about what news might be shared. Jaden and I walked hand in hand. As we passed each person and group, the chatter slowly died, filling with a heavy silence that threatened to choke me. My heart lodged in my throat as we drew closer and closer to the stage.Jaden squeezed my hand as we walked by, his thumb tracing circles on my palm. “Chin up pumpkin,” he encouraged me through the link, trying to ease my nerves. They must have been going crazy through the bond. My stomach roiled, and I truly believed I was about the hurl. I could feel the hundreds of eyes pressing into me as I walked up the steps. I glanced at Jaden, who wore a
Stacey“Mum … dad,” I greet them as they give me an awkward smile. Dad, after a beat, pulls me into a tight hug as mum wrings her hands together in front of her. “Where’s Libby?” I ask, trying to make conversation. I know Jaden is close by, but he has given us some space to talk. “She’s gone off to nursery. They took all of them after the announcement,” mum explains as I nod. Oh goddess, kill me now. Kara gives me an amused look before I turn back to my parents.“So this is why I have been having so many guards surround our house. Stacey, why didn’t you tell us!” Mum chides. I can see the raw worry in her eyes. “I tried. You didn’t want to hear any of it.” Dad shoots her a look as she tucks her hair behind her ear.“I’m sorry about that. You’ve always been your own person, not wanting to follow the rules. I just never thought you would refuse the mate bond.” Mum keeps her voice low, not wanting to call attention to our conversation with the other pack members. Thankfully, it seems the
StaceyAfter all the drama from this morning, Jaden had announced training with Hunter, Pax and he would be starting shortly through the mind link. I just had time to change into my leggings and sports bra before pulling my hair into a ponytail and heading for the pack’s training centre. It was outside. Everyone found it best to train in all weathers. It helped you prepare for if and when there might be an attack. What was the point at only training on a light spring sunny day with a gentle breeze. Yes, it was easier, but the odds of being attacked with a storm were much higher. So all weathers plus as wolves we much prefer being out in all weathers at one with nature.I was partnering with Aurora. It would give her a chance to practice her shield. We thought as she will be leaving after the funeral tomorrow it would be a good idea. With the full moon coming, it didn’t give her a lot of time to practice, but it certainly helped to use our time now. Plus, with all these new fighting st