Amelia fell to her knees. She was feeling weak and faint. All three men rushed to her side to help her up.“I think we need to get you out of here. You need medical attention,” Jonathan said.“No.” Amelia took Jonathan’s hand and Gabriel’s arm. She stood up. “We need to find out more. It’s just the poison. It gets to me sometimes.”“You still have the wolfbane in your blood?” Gabriel asked. His eyes flooded with guilt. It was his fault! His fault that she’d been poisoned. He’d made her feed Sophia and Sophia had poisoned her! He hated seeing her like this – so weak and fragile.“Yes. It’s still in my blood. When Rick cut me, my blood burned him. He was furious and stormed out. Come to think of it – that’s why he left. He wasn’t because of my promise to help him find Sophia. That’s why I thought it was Sophia. Because of the poison.”Jonathan stepped forward then and touched Amelia lightly on the arm. “Your wolf is weak?” he asked. She nodded. “And your blood burned Rick?” She nodded a
"So do you think your father is in on this?” Gabriel asked again.Shane was taken aback by the question. He paused for a moment to collect his thoughts.“I don’t know,” he confided. “It’s possible, I guess. I actually don’t have a very good relationship with my father. Since my mother died, well, my father and I haven’t really seen eye to eye. I was supposed to take over the Alpha position when I came of age, but we didn’t share the same political stance.” Shane looked down to the floor. It was hard talking about this and the group knew it.“What do you mean, the same political stance?” Amelia asked softly. “It’s okay, Shane. You can trust us,” she added.“My dad – he – he believes in using force to maintain the peace of the pack. And for security. As his Beta, Rick also advocates for the use of extreme measures. They believe in violence. I don’t. I believe there are other ways to protect our pack.”“So your succession didn’t come when you turned of age?” Jonathan asked.Shane nodded.
Rick let out a startled scream. They all turned to see. The Omega was standing behind Rick, the bloody knife in her hand. Hatred shone from her eyes. Mercy ran and shoved the girl away just as Rick fell to the ground, face first. Mercy knelt down and gently rolled him over. Rick gurgled, bubbles of blood dripping from his mouth. His eyes had a look of panic as Mercy pressed on the wound, trying to stop the bleeding. Seeing that it was no use, she cupped Rick’s face in her hands. “Look at me,” she whispered gently. “It’s okay. It’s going to be okay.” When his eyes met hers, he smiled as best he could. “My – my Mercy,” he choked out. Mercy fought back tears. She stroked his face. Then his eyes rolled back and he fell into a deep coma. Three strong men approached and lifted him. “Take him to the hospital,” Mercy said, clearly distraught.*** Later that day, Shane, Amelia, Gabriel, Jonathan, were all gathered in
Mercy removed one of Jonathan’s bandages. It was caked in dried blood. She gently wiped the wound with antiseptic. He flinched. “That stings,” he smiled at Mercy. Mercy didn’t seem to hear him, though. She reached for a clean bandage. “You’re worried about him, aren’t you?” “Who?” Mercy asked. She applied the bandage to Jonathan’s arm. “Rick,” Jonathan stated. “Nonsense.” Mercy shook her head. “Look what he did to those women. He’s a bastard.” Jonathan reached for Mercy’s arm. “Merce,” he said. “You can’t lie to me. We grew up together, remember? I know you too well. I can basically read your thoughts.” Mercy made eye contact with Jonathan. There was sadness in her eyes but she didn’t respond. “You can talk to me Mercy.” But still, she said nothing. So Jonathan continued. “I have a feeling, and correct me if I’m wrong, but the year you left? Was it – was it because of him?” Mercy sighed then. “It was, wasn’t
Lily, Laura and Olivia took a seat in Amelia’s ward. “Where will all the women go?” Olivia asked. “Once they’re healed? Most of them are rogues.” “I’ve been thinking about that,” Lily said. “And as the new Luna of the Redriver Pack, I will help these women. I will offer them a home, here with us.” “That’s very gracious of you,” Amelia smiled at her friend. “I feel somewhat responsible,” Lily sighed, her eyes sad. “It was a member of our pack that did this. They’ve suffered so much. It’s the least I can do.” Just then, Gabriel came in with a tray full of drinks. “I thought you ladies might be thirsty,” he said. “Especially you, Amelia.” The girls barely noticed Gabriel. Gabriel’s eyes were fixed on Amelia as he handed out the drinks. “I think we can do more,” Amelia said, absently accepting a drink from Gabriel. “This might sound crazy, but I have an idea.” “Spill,” Olivia said, putti
The women had lost their patience with Gabriel and his Amelia-centered intrusions. But Gabriel brushed them off. “Seriously, Amelia. I think you should take this.” He held out a bottle of pills but Amelia shook her head. “My wolf is still weak, Gabriel. From the poisoning with Sophia. And being stuck in the water for so long in Rick’s cell – you know that water’s not good for forest wolves. Honestly, I’m not sick and I don’t have any wounds. I just look weak, that’s all.” Gabriel’s face changed. He looked like a young child who had just been scolded for stealing a cookie out of the cookie jar. He put the bottle of pills back in his pocket. “I’m sorry,” he said softly. “I’m just trying to help.”Amelia softened towards him. He looked so vulnerable, so sincere.“It’s all right, Gabriel,” Amelia offered. “I know you mean well. But I don’t need you to take care of me.” But I want to take care of you! Gabriel thought, but he didn’t say it out loud. He knew how
Amelia gasped.“It’s beautiful,” she said, staring at disbelief in the ring on her finger. It had a large sapphire in the centre, off-set by delicate bands of diamonds. It shone in the light.“It belonged to my mother,” Gabriel smiled. “My parents had a troubled marriage, though. Eventually, she took the ring off and gave it to me.”Amelia didn’t know what to say. The ring was beautiful, there was no denying that, but something didn’t feel right. It didn’t feel like HER ring.“When you left, Amelia? When I broke our bond? I didn’t realize it until you left.” Amelia held her breath. “I love you.” The words hung heavy in the air. Gabriel waited for Amelia to respond, but when she didn’t, he walked over to the window.He pulled back the curtains. Moonlight poured into the room. The ring on her finger shone brilliantly. She’s so beautiful, Gabriel thought to himself. Then he sighed heavily. Amelia could feel his sadness. She didn’t want him to hurt like this. She walked over and stood bes
“I’m positive,” Gabriel confirmed. “Jonathan has feelings for you, and I know it.” Amelia’s cheeks flushed. Jonathan. Those green eyes. That boyish smile. Just the thought of him made her heart skip a beat. “But why are you telling me this?” she asked, confused. “I thought you didn’t like Jonathan.” “I don’t,” Gabriel said bluntly. “I don’t like any man who is after my woman. But I welcome the challenge.” “The challenge?” Amelia had a feeling she knew where this was going… “I know he’s just a man, Amelia, and he lacks the power of the wolf, but he’s very strong, for a human. Plus, he’s intelligent. He’s a worthy component. He has a hold on you. I know that. But I’m stepping up now. He thinks he can compete with me, but he can’t. You’ll see. I won’t lose. I won’t lose you again.” Oh boy, Amelia thought to herself. Here we go… “I will fight for you,” Gabriel stated, his eyes serious. “That kiss we just had? It
A hush fell over the crowd. Jonathan stood strong. At once, he possessed the air of authority that only an Alpha had. “But you didn’t want it,” Lucas cried, shaking his finger at Jonathan. “You never wanted to be Alpha. You told me that. It’s MINE. I’m the new alpha. Not you.” “I changed my mind,” Jonathan said. Then he looked to Magnus. Magnus smiled at him and nodded. “Are you sure?” Magnus asked. “I am, your highness,” he replied. “Then it is with great pleasure that I introduce to you the new Alpha of Blackseed,” Magnus declared. The crowd burst into applause and Jonathan beamed. True, he had never wanted the role before, but things had changed. His people, his pack, they needed his help. “As the new alpha of Blackseed, you have my word that Blackseed will no longer be dealing with illegal potions. We will find a new enterprise, a new business. We will become a media conglomerate, under my rule.” Amelia s
“Everyone, gather around,” Magnus said, his Alpha King voice reverberating around the room. Everyone stopped and stared in his direction. Mercy’s news had been most shocking indeed. Magnus knew that Sephora was up to something but without tangible proof, there was no way to charge her. He had planned on launching an investigation into Sephora and her Blackseed Pack dealings, but now that Mercy had come forward, he didn’t need to. He had all the evidence he needed, and he knew where to collect more.The DJ cut the music. “I have an important announcement to make.” Magnus had wasted no time. He waited for the crowd to settle, some in wolf form, some still in human form. This was odd? What announcement? Right in the middle of the party? It must be very important if Magnus was announcing it in the middle of the party. “Something has recently come to my attention,” Magnus declared. “And it is something we MUST address immediately. There is a traitor amongst us.”
Gabriel pulled Mercy back to the party. He told her to wait here, he was going to talk to Jonathan. Mercy nodded. There was something about Gabriel that made her feel safe. She didn’t know him well, but he was an Alpha, and a strong one at that. So she did as she said. Gabriel made a bee-line for Jonathan. He pulled him aside and started talking to him. Jonathan’s eyes grew wide and he looked over at Mercy, shock on his face. Then Gabriel pulled him in closer and kept talking. Jonathan’s face changed and he started nodding along, obviously agreeing with whatever Gabriel was telling him. Then he smiled. The two of them came back to Mercy. “Mercy,” Jonathan said, reaching for her hands. “You could have told me. You SHOULD have told me. You can trust me. I’m one of your best friends.” Then he brought her in for a hug. It felt so good to be in Jonathan’s arms. He was her oldest friend. She had been terrified that he wouldn’t accept her when he found out sh
Gabriel and Mercy walked over to a quiet spot by the edge of the forest. “You know, don’t you?” Mercy asked, her eyes concerned as she searched his face. “Yes,” he said. “How did you find out?” she asked, already knowing the answer. “It was while you were playing. I realized, you were enchanting us. Mercy, you’re an enchantress?” Mercy looked away for a moment and he could see the pain on her face. “Not exactly,” she said. “Well, yes. But I didn’t know. I honestly didn’t know. It was Sephora. She kept my secret and then, at the warehouse, she…she told me.” “Your secret is safe with me, Mercy,” he told her. “Don’t worry about that. I won’t say anything.” She looked at him with gratitude on her face. “Is it..is witch blood then?” Mercy sighed. He already knew, so she might as well tell him. “Yes,” she said. “Sephora told me. I guess my mother was a witch. She fell in love with a wolf and they, they had me.”
Sephora grabbed Lucas by the arm and hauled him away.“I’m very sorry, Jonathan,” Olivia said. “This must be a bit shocking.”Jonathan nodded then he shrugged. “Not really,” he replied. “I think I’ve always known, deep down, that Lucas wasn’t her real son. It doesn’t matter. It doesn’t change anything. It does explain why he was so awful to me all those years, though. I guess he knew, too, in his heart of hearts. He was afraid I would take the Alpha role away from him. I still don’t want it though. He can have it. He’s still the son of a previous Alpha, right?”“Uh, I just thought of something,” Olivia said then, her face pale. “Lucas is my half-brother.” Everyone let that sink in. Then Alfred broke the silence.“Tough break, kid.” He laughed. “But you know what they say? You can’t choose your family.”“No, I guess not,” Olivia laughed. “But you can choose your friends.” Amelia and Jonathan smiled at Olivia.“I feel like I should go,” Agatha said. “I didn’t mean to cause any trouble.”
Sephora recognized Agatha the moment she walked in. That bitch! That human that stole her husband’s heart with her seduction? What was she doing here? Sephora’s mind flashed back to the day she found her husband was cheating on her was a human! Sure, Agatha claimed that he was keeping her there against her will, but she was lying. Sephora knew it. She was perfectly content in her little love nest. The cottage her husband gave her! And now she was pregnant? If the pack found out, Sephora would be the laughing stock of the entire pack! So she had quickly devised a plan. She would keep the baby and raise it as her own. Her husband could keep his pretty little human. Whatever. It didn’t matter. As long as NO ONE KNEW! But then she’d run away and people had found out. She’d gone straight to the Alpha King himself. Sephora had rejected it all, called Agatha a liar. Why would her husband, the Alpha of Blackseed, love a lowly human. It was preposterous! Most people had b
“Davison,” Agatha smiled. “Come, sit with us.” “Oh no, I can’t stay long. And neither can you. Olivia’s friends are waiting for her at the gala. I just thought I’d check in to see how the little reunion is going.”“Reunion? Dad, did you…did you know about this? That she was coming here tonight?” “Of course. I’m the one who invited her.” “What?”“She looks just like the pictures,” Agatha said, stroking Olivia’s hair.“Pictures? What pictures?” Olivia asked. Something wasn’t making sense here. Agatha told her she had left when Olivia was little. But these two were talking like old friends? “He’s kept in the loop,” Agatha smiled. “Over the years.” “Really?” Olivia asked. This was all news to her. “Yes,” Davison confirmed. “I’ve been in contact with Agatha over the years. She made a huge sacrifice, leaving you. So I made it my mission to keep her updated on you and your life.” “He sends me pictures. And tells me about what you’re u
Lucas. Of course. Olivia nodded. There had been rumors that Lucas wasn’t Sephora’s son by birth, which is why Lucas has been so mean to Jonathan over the years. Jonathan had told Amelia that his brother had even tried to kill him once. That’s why Jonathan had left the pack. It was ironic, because Jonathan didn’t even care about being Alpha. He didn’t want it. But it made sense now as to why Lucas was so aggressive and hated Jonathan so much. Deep down, Lucas must have known that Sephora was not his birth mother. Which meant he wasn’t the rightful heir to the pack, Jonathan was. So Lucas had tried to force Jonathan to leave, to get him out of the way, so Jonathan wouldn’t be a threat. This was all starting to make sense now. “It was a secret, one that I swore to keep.” “What happened after Lucas was born?” “I stayed. For a bit. I didn’t know what else to do. But he…he got worse. Meaner. More forceful. I told him I wanted to leave, and he threatened me.
Olivia stumbled backwards, shocked. “Mmmm, mother?” she stammered. Amelia grabbed Olivia’s arm to steady her. “That can’t be.” The woman looked uneasily at everyone in the wings. “Can I talk to you?” she asked, stepping towards Olivia. “Will you walk with me? So I can explain?” the woman asked. Olivia shook her head in disbelief and turned to Alfred. He smiled gently at her and nodded his head. “Give her a chance to explain,” he told her. “Trust me, I’m just as shocked as you are, love. But she deserves a chance to explain herself.” Amelia and Jonathan agreed.“I don’t know what’s going on, but I agree with Alfred. You should talk to her.” So Olivia left the wings of the stage and followed the woman to the bench overlooking the lake.The gala was in full swing inside and they could hear the music and the people laughing. It was a calm evening, and the water was so calm it looked like glass under the light of the moon. “I know this must be quite the