LeanderThree weeks had gone by.For the most part, Hycinth and I ignored the elephant in the room, the upcoming ceremony, preferring instead to stick to less emotionally-charged subjects. But if anything, three weeks of lighthearted banter and fun just further cemented the truth of what I was going to lose.Because no matter how much closer we became, I could still feel Hycinth's resistance. She wouldn't let go of the wall between us. Over the course of her time here, I'd shown her everything I was and everything we could be together.It just wasn't enough.Ever lifted his beer, eyeing me speculatively over the bottle. "What's going on?"I stiffened. Hycinth, Gwen, and Willow were having a girl's night, so Ever and I had made our way to a local bar. I needed the release. I needed to take the edge off and planned to get completely wasted. Ever's too-intuitive gaze remained locked on me, but talking about my problems was not on the agenda for this evening. Maybe if I acted like I had n
HycinthI stared down at Leander's large frame on the bed, out cold, snoring softly, his clothes from the night before wrinkled and disheveled.The competition was beginning today and I couldn't believe he'd decided last night was the opportune moment to get drunk off his ass. What was he thinking?I let out a little cough, struggling to breathe with the suffocating scent of alcohol in the air. How the hell much did he drink?Moving to the window, I pulled open the curtains. Sunlight flooded the room. Leander let out an irritated growl in his sleep and burrowed his face in the pillow. I shook my head.Unlocking the window, I slid it open. I took a moment to poke my nose outside and inhale deeply, refilling my lungs with fresh air.Turning to face him again, I placed my hands on my hips.And just how the hell was I going to get him out of the bed?As a matter of fact, given his alcohol drenched body, how did he even make it to bed on his own? Ever had to have helped. And probably Asher
LeanderHot water rained down on me in the shower as I pressed my forehead against the cold tile wall. I let out a low groan. Why the hell had I thought drinking until I was arse over tit had been such a good idea? It, sure as fuck, didn't feel that way now.Just breath, I coached myself, letting the air fill my lungs and release slowly. Deep breaths.I could do this...I could stand long enough to take care of a rudimentary task such as cleaning myself.Finally, I pulled myself together enough to stop nuzzling the wall.Squeezing some shampoo into my hands, I began the mundane task of washing my hair and let my thoughts drift. The competition began today. I hadn't looked at the time before stumbling into the shower, but more than likely, I'd already missed the morning session. That was okay. Sydney and Luca had managed to work together without killing each other, just barely. Both were still alive and kicking, and I was confident they had everything under control.I look forward to s
HycinthAll of the surrounding matches halted. Every Wolf's attention riveted to Sydney and Luca. I couldn't believe my brother. I didn't like Sydney, but Sydney had submitted to the mated pair's punishment without question, and she'd acted with the utmost respect around both Leander and I since, eyes lowered, obedient.Pack law wasn't about holding grudges. We were supposed to be better than that. Correction and punishment were for purpose of bringing a Wolf back into accord with the pack. Which was why, I couldn't understand Luca's continued insistence on goading her and publicly rubbing her nose in Leander's rejection. Every confrontation I'd witnessed -and there had been many over the last 3 1/2 weeks- had been unprovoked by Sydney so what point was he trying to make?I'd also been surprised to see the extended stare between Sydney and Leander. That suspended look spoke volumes regarding their history. Leander may have broken it off three years ago, but it was clear, they'd been m
LeanderDamn. I thought Hycinth and I had a complicated relationship, but I wasn't sure what to call the exchange between Luca and Sydney I'd just witnessed.Pulling out of my embrace, Hycinth strode to Luca. Her voice was low but still clear for me to hear. "What the hell was that, Lucky?"Jaw clenched, he replied, "Nothing.""Bullshit!" Hycinth hissed. "That wasn't 'nothing." You deserved a beat-down for those below the belt comments. Is this about me? Because if it is, I'm not a little girl anymore. I don't need you to fight my battles.""No," Lucky snapped, a vein in his neck pulling taut. "She just...gets under my skin."Hycinth's hands found her hips. "And so you harass her? You do realize that's pubescent werewolf behavior, right?—I like her, so I'm going to annoy her to death.""I don't like her," he growled."Really?" Hycinth's brows shot up. "So, shoving your tongue down her throat, was what? Punishment? The literal enactment of a 'tongue-lashing'?"Luca raked a hand through
His WorthinessHycinthI still couldn't wrap my head around it-tomorrow I would be in heat.The concept was impossible. Unfathomable, even.Before Leander captured me several weeks ago, I never thought I'd consider the remotest possibility of mating with him.I hated him.How foolish I'd been...I'd had no idea just how confounding the mate bond was, turning my thoughts from utter loathing to a feeling dangerously close to love. It scared the hell out of me.And now...here we were.As the day drew near, Leander gave up all of his administrative Alpha tasks, his Wolf not allowing me out of their sight even for a moment. Hell, getting him to agree to bathroom privacy had been a full-blown argument.But I'd put my foot down. I did not need Leander hovering over me while taking a shit. Just the thought made me cringe with embarrassment. And it wasn't like I was going to magically 'poof and disappear' once the bathroom door closed.Even now, Leander's darkened gaze shifted frequently betwe
LeanderRight in the middle of my conversation with Ever, I knew something was drastically wrong when he glanced over my shoulder and sucked in a sharp breath, his eyes widening larger than I'd ever seen them.Spinning around, it only took me a second to identify the problem.Hycinth wasn't where I left her.Nope. Not only was she gone from Gwen's side, but my little mouse had taken it upon herself to sidle up to two unmated males and stare them down as though they were beef selections on a platter for her choosing."Oh, fuck, no," I snarled.Ever wisely remained silent as he followed me across the training center.Reaching Hycinth, I wrapped a hand around her elbow. "The fuck are you doing?"If I wasn't already shocked enough by Hycinth's behavior before I reached her, I was outright stunned when she jerked out of my grip, Wolf in her eyes, and bared her teeth at me!She gave no answer. Just stared....expectantly.The fuck??My Wolf was a little bit quicker on the uptake, snarling, "
Keeping my hard gaze trained on him, I took a calculated step to the side. "Planning on getting your dick wet inside of my female?"Hycinth sucked in a sharp breath.I didn't even try to contain my toothy smirk. Guess my little mouse didn't plan on my lewdness. Well, I didn't plan on proving my physical prowess today, but here we were.Oliver grinned, "It seems like your Wolf is in need of some male...attention."His dig was perfectly clear.But he had another thing coming if he presumed I was lacking...in any way. "And you think you can give her what she needs, Buttercup?"Wolves snickered around us."I'm certain-."I had no idea how he planned to finish that sentence because I abruptly cut him off...with the heel of my foot to his throat, crushing his larynx.And that was all it took to get the party started...Oliver lurched back and landed on his ass with a heavy thud, coughing and sputtering. He struggled to his feet, spitting blood, but I could no longer focus on him because all
Leander's povHycinth's startled lake-blue eyes quickly cut from person to person.Her audience sat in rapt attention, smiles and excitement radiating on their faces, waiting for her to say something.But Hycinth's countenance reflected a far different reaction from theirs. Brows furrowing closer with each sweep of her confused gaze, Hycinth abruptly clutched her rounded abdomen protectively and sank as far away into the bed as she could.Instantly, I delved into her mental state, dreading what I would find.FearApprehensionMistrustMy heart dropped.Certainly not the happy reunion I had foolishly hoped for. Hycinth sucked in a harsh breath, unable to keepup with her continuously accelerating heartbeat.She blinked back tears.Without even a word to coordinate their identical reactions, Ever, Asher and Milo all stepped forward and lifted their mates. "Time to go," Ever spoke gruffly. Expression stricken, Gwen reached toward Hycinth, her mouth opening but no sound came out as Ever c
Glancing over, I found Gwen's expression radiating with happiness, tears streaming down her face.Confused by both of their responses and fearful of the unknown, Ever asked urgently, "What...what's happening?"Eyes wide, Gwen whispered, "It's a mate bond.""What?" Ever asked blankly while I echoed with my own shocked, "What the hell?""It feels like the first time I saw you," she giggled softly.Ever shook his head. "But that's not possible.""I don't know how to explain it. It just feels that way."I had no idea what Gwen had actually felt, but I agreed with Ever. I'd never heard of such a thing before.Refocusing on Hycinth, Gwen gently smoothed a strand of hair out of her face and tucked it behind her ear.After a long moment, Ever murmured, "I think we should bring Willow in." "Ooh, that's a good idea," Gwen instantly agreed and looked up at me expectantly.I held a hand up. "Wait. I don't know about that. Yes, Hycinth seemed to react well, but what if more people becomes too much
Ever squeezed my shoulder."I intend to stay by her side and take care of her until she's awake."Quiet agreement was murmured as they nodded their heads. Eagerness to help was transparent on their faces.From the corner of my eye, I saw Gwen carefully make her way through the crowd toward me. Once she reached my side, her little chin came up, fierce determination in her expression. "Leander, let me help you care for her."I hesitated. "That's okay. I can handle it."Clearly unwilling to take no for an answer, she continued, "Leander, I know you love her but she is going to need more care than just you. Ever explained a little bit of what you're dealing with. I love her too. I knew there was no way she was aware of the full atrocities her parents had inflicted. She couldn't. Her innocence was too transparent and her sweetness of spirit. Nobody is that good of an actress. I am your Beta Female. Now, let me do my job."From my back, Ever murmured, "I think it's a good idea."Somewhat su
Leander's povShort beams of moonlight descended from above, intermittent strokes of luminosity breaking through the dense forest canopy as we ran. We didn't need the light. Wolf vision provided striking clarity of the landscape in almost absolute darkness, but even without such a gift, we probably would have been able to successfully navigate the terrain blindfolded. Each of us knew these woods like the back of our hands.Within minutes, the dimness of the forest gave way, revealing a soft glow twenty feet ahead. Not much farther now. My gait slowed, legs feeling heavier with every step. I hated losing wolves. It never got any easier to say goodbye.Finally crossing the tree line, I stepped out into the clearing and stopped. The drums fell silent.To my right stood four unmistakable structures. Meticulously prepared, each fallen Wolf had been anointed with spices and dressed in noble tribal fare. Six feet off the ground, bodies cradled in suspense by an intricately woven labyrinth of
Leander"No!" Hycinth's scream pierced the darkness.Instantly awake, every particle in my body felt like it had been lit on fire. "What is it, love? What's wrong?"Little fists pummeled my chest. Her frail body thrashed in the bed next to me. "Don't touch me!"Still snared by unconsciousness, it was clear the battle was in her mind.Primal instinct drove me forward. I had no intention of letting her fight this adversary alone. Without thought, I blew our partial mate bond. wide open and delved into her subconscious. For a moment, I was disoriented by the chaos in her head. Stark fear swirled amidst nightmare images-darkness stained with slashes of red, so much blood. No concern for her own welfare, but desperately fighting for the precious innocent she carried in her belly."It's okay, you're safe!" I whispered urgently while trying to contain her flailing limbs without hurting her.Torment all-consuming, she couldn't hear me. Continuing to fight her imaginary foe, she violently wres
The cabin door opened just wide enough for Sydney to slip inside. Cool blue eyes flickering to take in the scene around her, Sydney naturally settled into the chair across the room and waited for me to speak.Not wanting to risk stressing Hycinth, I continued to use the mind link, "I need you to stay with her tomorrow night."Sydney nodded, no break in her stoic expression, ever diligent to her duties. But I knew her better than that. The slightest twitch of pain in her eyes didn't escape my attention, revealing her struggle just as all of us mourned such a heavy loss."I don't know how... I'm going to leave her, "I murmured, getting to the heart of the matter.It was Sydney's turn to read my expression, to hear all of the words I'd left unsaid, just as I knew she would. She couldn't repair my stress but immediately, the Delta in her began to plan, "For those hours, we could increase the Sentinels in number and tighten the perimeter around the cabin. Additionally, the bikers-""Bikers
LEANDER'S POV"Leander," Grace's thoughts drifted through the pack mind link we shared. "Hycinth needs your attention."Instantly, I rose to my feet.Startled by my abrupt change in position, Ever lurched to his feet, chest puffed out, ready for a fight.I expected Ever's reaction, but what surprised me was Luca's similar response. Certainly lacking of any decent Alpha experience he could trust, betrayed by the one male he thought loved him the most, I wouldn't have begrudged Luca's reluctance to blindly follow another Alpha so quickly, especially me. But there was no hesitancy in his response as he stood ready, hands out, naturally aligning himself to Ever's body to provide me with optimal cover."Sorry," I muttered as I walked away toward the lakeside cabin. I hadn't meant to alarm them. No further words were necessary. I felt their heightened emotions calm.Breaching the entryway, I watched Sydney gently release Hycinth's hand, lean forward and place a barely-there kiss on her fore
"I know," he replied, "and I'm sorry to put you through this again, but I need to know...what her body went through."I studied his expression.He explained softly, "I can't help her if I don't know.""Okay." I ran a hand roughly through my already disheveled hair as I pulled back images I never wanted to think about again. "From the glimpse I saw into her mind and confirmation from those in the room, I think only two penetrated her vaginally but her wounds indicate her bottom was also violated, probably with claws."Luca's brows went up. "You could see that...in her mind?""Yes," I ground out through my teeth. In my head, my Wolf snarled furiously at the memories. "Thankfully, it appeared Hycinth was unconscious, at least during the time those two bastards defiled her.""What else?""The bruises and wounds on her body were too many to count. She had several spinal breaks that we could feel, likely incurred from multiple kicks due to the massive boot prints left behind on her back, bu
LeanderA sudden northeastern gust of wind rustled through the trees, causing several russet-colored leaves to lose their already tenuous hold on the branches above us and flutter to the ground. Autumn had settled in since Hycinth had left me. Three long months. More than half of her pregnancy. The thought was staggering.Ever's head came up, his astute gaze automatically scanning the horizon."But I don't think so," Luca murmured quietly."What do you mean?""After Oracle Memoree visited us and we finally knew the truth, in all of its ugly glory," he flinched, green eyes losing focus for a moment before continuing, "the plan was to contact you...figure a way to reach out as soon as I returned from our old pack. Hycinth wasn't in great shape...she didn't think you or the pack would want her back...but she wanted to try.""The pack?" I raised an eyebrow. "Why would Hycinth think the pack wouldn't want her back?"Luca's shoulders pulled back, his tone clearly communicating his personal