Thank you all for your support, it's really an honour. I've been reading all of your comments and your ideas have been interesting and motivating. It seems like everyone is more in favour of Jonathan. He is a very responsible and thoughtful man but because of that he is not as simple and passionate as Gabriel. He wants to love Amelia but he is also afraid to put her in danger by letting her get caught up in the complexity of the relationship behind him. His hesitation will make Amelia not have faith in his love, so can Gabriel's persistence and confession make Amelia forgive him?
The ceremony for Shane and Lily was beautiful. The sun was shining as the two received the blessings of the people in their pack. Amelia watched as her friend officially became Luna of the Redriver Pack. During the entire ceremony, though, she couldn’t help but cast sideways glances at the river. The sound of splashing water from her days in the cell were all still too real. Amelia shuddered.Gabriel sensed her distress and firmly, but kindly, held her hand.“You’re safe now,” he whispered in Amelia’s ear. She relaxed in his strong and caring presence.Shane and Lily, now Alpha and Luna, finished their sacred vows and knelt by the river’s edge. They placed their hands into the cool, rushing water and the river, which often shone in red hues, turned a magnificent, deep yellow, as though the river itself had been infused with sparkling, liquid gold. At the celebration following the ceremony, Lily asked to speak to Shane. He was beaming from ear to ear, excited to finally and officiall
Amelia was trying to eavesdrop on Jonathan and Asher’s conversation. They were close enough that she could hear their voices, but close enough for her to understand what they were saying.Asher was worked up, she could see that much. Jonathan was shaking his head when suddenly, Asher clocked Jonathan in the face with a roundhouse hook.Jonathan eyes flew open in shock, clearly caught off guard. He touched his lip and saw blood.Amelia started to run over, to stop Asher from hurting Jonathan.“Tell me!” she heard Asher say. “Tell me how you really feel about my sister!”These words made Amelia stop dead in her tracks. How does he feel about me? Really? She wondered to herself. “I have feelings for her. Sincere ones. You know that!” Jonathan admitted to Asher. Asher was still seething though.“Doesn’t look that way to me,” he spat at Jonathan.“Honestly, I do. There’s just – there’s some things I need to sort out.”Amelia’s heart skipped a beat. He has feelings for me. Sincere ones. H
Amelia walked into her office and paused. There was a man sitting in her chair with his feet up on her desk. He had a sheet of paper over his face then rose and fell with his breath. Clearly, he was sleeping.She angrily approached the sleeping intruder and pulled the paper from his face. She was just about to scold this strange man for breaking into her office for a cat nap when she saw who it was.“Alfred!” Amelia declared. Her eyes lit up with excitement.He opened his eyes. “Miss me, little sis?” he asked with a boyish grin.Amelia was too shocked to reply. She looked him up and down. He was wearing a flashy suit, dark green with a bright yellow ascot wrapped around his neck. His feet on the desk exposed his red socks, complete with yellow ducks printed all over them.Some things never change, Amelia sighed to herself. Alfred had always had a splashy sense of fashion. He was the type of person that needed to make a statement and his wide array of brightly colored, unique clothes n
“Who the hell was that?” Alfred asked, shock written all over this face. “That was Amaya Fest,” Asher replied dryly. “Could she be any ruder? Does she know who she’s talking to? We’re the heirs of the Alpha King, for crying out loud. And she’s just a human.” Alfred had clearly taken affront to Amaya’s rude behaviour. “We’re used to it,” Amelia sighed, rolling her eyes. “Does she not know our hierarchy?” “It’s complicated,” Asher said. “Then help me understand,” Alfred said. “I know I’ve been away, but since when did humans start thinking they’re better than us?” “When Dad started the company,” Asher explained, “he had to borrow funds from human capitalists. He needed a way into the human economy, so he turned to several important and powerful people in human society for help. As you know, some of our shareholders are human.” “Well obviously I know that,” Alfred snapped. “But what does that have to
Olivia’s mouth fell open. “Eighteen percent? How is that possible? That can’t be right. That’s not even close to fair!” “And why isn’t that fair?” Alfred asked, still seated comfortably on the couch. “Asher has the least amount of shares? That doesn’t make sense. I mean, I get that he has less than Amelia. Everyone knows that the Old Alpha King Magnus favors Amelia. Always has. It’s no secret she’s his little princess.”“Easy now,” Amelia warned, not sure where Oliva was going with this.“Loosen up!” Olivia said to Amelia. “It’s a compliment! I wish my dad favored me like that.” “Well maybe he would if you did something with that hair of yours,” Alfred teased dryly from the couch. Olivia shot him a dirty look, and then continued. “Asher has put his heart and soul into this company. He’s worked his ass off right from the start. And he has the FEWEST shares? Why do you have more than him? You’ve literally done nothing for this company, Alfred. Magnus must
“The quickest way to get to the resort is to run,” Amelia said to Alfred in the elevator. “But my wolf still isn’t fully recovered.”“Hm. Yes, Asher told me about that. You’ve been through a lot. How about we take my Lamborghini,” Alfred said to Amelia. “I just bought it and I’m itching to take it for a little spin.” “No matter how nice your car is,” Amelia said, “we both know you can run faster than any Lamborghini.” Alfred looked aghast. “You mean shift?” He shook his head. “There is no way I’m going to drop my clothes. Do you have any idea how much this suit cost? Besides, running is just so…” Alfred struggled to find the right word. “Werewolf?” Amelia offered. “Exactly.” The elevator door opened and they walked outside. “Why run through the woods like an animal when we can ride in style.” Amelia’s jaw dropped when she saw the car Alfred was pointing to. “There she is. In all her glory. My new Lamborghini. She’s a beauty, don’t you think
Just stay calm, Amelia said to herself. She and Alfred walked past the line of disgruntled guests. “These people are pissed,” Alfred said in a half-chuckle. “I’ve never seen so many angry people in one place. That is, if you don’t count my last art exhibit. The paintings sold out in less than thirty minutes. Some people didn’t even get a chance to make an offer. Those were some angry art collectors.” “I don’t have time to listen to you rant about your art, Alfred. This place is in shambles.” Amelia snapped at Alfred. Alfred shut his mouth and cast his eyes downwards. He looked like a wounded puppy. Amelia’s heart softened. She shouldn’t be short with him; Alfred was just being Alfred. “I’m sorry,” she apologized. “I just wasn’t expecting it to be…to be…” “Such a shit show?” Alfred offered. He was smiling again. An apology went a long way with Alfred. Amelia nodded. “The contracts with our supplies – I knew it would cause problems
“I knew I brought you for a reason!” Amelia smiled at Alfred. “I’m not sure I’m following,” Alfred admitted. “It all makes sense now,” Amelia said, taking Alfred’s arm. “Walk with me and I’ll explain.” Alfred cast a forlorn look at the pool and whimpered slightly. Then he shrugged, grabbed his shirt and followed his sister. “I always had this feeling like something was lacking here. It’s a beautiful area. Serene. Off the beaten track. Away from all the hustle and bustle of the city. But…” “But…” Alfred coaxed. He knew his sister well and he could see that her mind was racing. “This resort has so much more potential. Yes – there are some problems that we need to address right away. The supplier issue and power source, mostly. That can be fixed. And I wanted to reconfigure the management system anyway. That’s not the REAL problem though.” “And the real problem is…” “Marketing. Appeal. If we can market it better, attract
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