SarahI couldn’t be more confused by the girl standing in front of me, and she looks confused as well which makes everything even more confusing.This girl is different than the others. She’s dressed differently, but it goes deeper than that. She radiates a sort of innocence and naivety. She doesn’t seem as tainted as the rest of them.She has to be though. She’s part of this horrible cult. I remind myself that they killed other wolves. They’re all evil. I can’t let her appearance fool me.“You can’t mean that,” the girl says, her already pale face growing even whiter at his words. “You can’t sacrifice her. She’s… she’s a person. We never sacrifice living things.”I’m shocked at this. How can this girl be so clueless? Does she truly believe what she says? Or is this all so twisted act?“I understand why this is shocking,” Kayden says patiently. “But she’s not just a normal human. She’s the Alpha of a wolf pack. She’s far more powerful than she looks, and when we sacrifice her,
SarahI look around at the carnage and realize the true extent of the slaughter we just unleashed upon them. All around us, the dead lie at our feet. Honestly, I blacked out through most of it. I just kept thinking of Lucas and Fergus. Needing to keep our family safe and get better to them fueled me. Now that I’m out of acute danger, I’m exhausted.Though as I look at Adriana, I wonder if the danger is truly over. Her eyes are red and dark tears drip from them. She looks around at the carnage and I can tell her heart is breaking.She steps towards me. Everyone is too afraid to go close to her. She’s vulnerable. I suspect that after this display of power, she’s weak.I could maybe kill her in this moment. I truly suspect I could. And if I did, I might be able to ensure safety for my family and my pack. Her brother is already dead. She seems like the next biggest threat.“Please,” she says, looking at me with those pleading eyes. “Stop. Just stop.”I share a look with Lucas. He
SarahIt’s haunting, what I know without really knowing it. I’m not entirely sure where the information comes from. But it’s a guttural thing. It’s the strongest natural urge in my body.Before having Fergus, I had heard about motherly instincts. I thought I understood it. But it wasn’t until having a baby that I could actually fathom what that meant.Now, I feel that indescribable feeling pushing me forward. I run faster than I’ve ever run before and Lucas keeps pace beside me.Can he feel it too? We don’t have time to stop and ask. All I can do is run towards my baby. I need to get to Fergus.As we reach the pack though, my heart sinks even further. There’s a sense of uneasiness, panic, confusion, and loss surrounding the pack. Familiar faces look at me with pity. They try to get my attention.I don’t stop. We keep running until we reach our house. We go through the door and find Clara crying as she talks to other pack members.“I’m so sorry,” she says looking up at us. “I d
SarahPeople follow flock to us as soon as we’re out of the house. I’m surprised to see that Dustin is one of the most eager ones to approach us.“I heard what happen,” he says, keeping up with our quick pace as we head back towards the forest. “I want to help. We all do.”“Form search teams,” I instruct him.I suspect that I’ll be able to find Fergus on my own. I have something inside me pulling me to where he is. The instinct is strong and powerful.Yet I can’t fully trust it. Because that same instinct convinced me to let Adriana go, and if we had just slaughtered them all while we were there, none of this would be happening.“Same as before,” I continue. “Everyone should know the drill by now.”“Are you going to lead them?” Dustin asked. “Are you going to gather everyone together? Are you going to organize this?”“I already have,” I snarled. “We organized these groups twice before. You take over the rest for now. I’m going to go find Fergus.”At that, I shift into my w
LucasSeeing Sarah like this is a little terrifying. I never thought my mate could look so bent on destruction. Anger has completely taken over everything else.And I understand it. Because I feel that same drive. Fergus needs to come back to us, no matter what that takes.She looks at me with a silent question. Just how savage will we become to get our son back? At one point is it too much?“We have to do whatever it takes,” I tell her.I’m a little disturbed by the way her humanity leaves her eyes. But I know it’s the way things must be. I can’t even imagine finding Fergus in the same state that Abigail and Levi were in.Sarah turns back to Adriana with vengeance in her eyes, then howls out in anguish. In that moment of her glancing away to look at me, Adriana has slipped out of her grasp and has started running across the field.Foolish girl. I don’t where she thinks she’s escaping to, but she’s trapped here. There’s no way we’re letting her get away. She’s only going to ma
SarahMy heart sinks at his words. I can’t fully comprehend what he’s saying. It’s that absurd. Does he really think he could become Alpha of our pack?“You see, I’ve been watching you,” he continues. “I’ve been watching your pack from afar now. I’ve seen the turmoil, and you’ve had a lot of it. I’ve seen the way you’ve triumphed over it. I’ve seen your epic displays of strength.“I decided long ago that your pack is truly mine. I just waited for the perfect opportunity. I made plans, changing them each time. I knew I’d only have one shot at this. It had to be done right.”Regret fuels me. Because we gave him that perfect opportunity. We showed our weakness.“When you left, I knew I had to act,” Adam continues. “So, I watched again until I found a weak spot. Then, I raced in and took Fergus.”“You need to give him back,” I insist.He holds all the cards though. We’re vulnerable, and I hate it. He could let our child die. We could lose Fergus. We’re at his mercy now and I doubt
LucasSarah was meant to be Alpha of the pack. That much has been clear all along. It’s who she is. And it’s absolutely devastating to see her give that up.Yet I can’t help but admit that I’m relieved as I hold Fergus. Our son is safe. He’s alive. Sarah is safe and with me.The pack means everything to us. But our family means even more. Our greatest devotion is to each other. And though I fear how we’re letting everyone down; I know in the end we’re preserving what matters most.“The pack is strong,” I tell Sarah quietly as our territory comes into view. “They do best under your leadership, that can’t be denied.“But I believe in them. I know they’ll thrive under anyone. They will help each other. They will stand strong.”She nods but I can see how much this still hurts her. This isn’t going to be easy for her to let go. And I wish I could do anything to fix this. I wish I could make it better.All too soon though, we’re surrounded by members of our pack. We tell them we hav
SarahShock threatens to overwhelm me as we walk away from our home. I never thought I’d be doing something like this. I never thought I’d be leaving my pack behind again, giving up the position of Alpha to a stranger.It’s different than stepping aside for Lucas to be Alpha was. I trusted him. I knew he’d be a good leader.I have no idea what kind of leaders Adam and Daniella will be but judging off of the way they took their power, I doubt it will be good. They don’t exactly seem like moral people. Most importantly, they don’t deserve this. They weren’t meant to lead a pack. So, I don’t like living my pack in their hands. Everything within me rages against it.I hold Fergus closer to me. He’s had a long day, so he’s starting to drift off and he seems so peaceful. He’s unbothered by everything going on around him. He just knows he has his mother and his father.“I’m so grateful for you,” I tell Lucas, as we keep walking.“And I for you,” he tells me. “I truly couldn’t do thi
SarahThe days that follow are sad ones. We all have to come together as a pack to work through the loss of so many loved ones. “I really thought we were finding peace,” Dustin says, as we gather together three days later. “I hoped it would stay.”“We’ll find that now,” I tell him. “There are always going to be times of peace and times of conflict. I’ve learned we have to accept that as a way of life. That’s the downside of being in a wolf pack.“But the good days outnumber the bad. And we’re strong, we’re fierce. We’ll get through this and defeat any enemies that might come up next. We just have to trust in each other and have faith in the pack.”The words resonate with me as I say them. Despite all the hardships, I’m more devoted to this pack than I ever have been. I’ve learned to accept the ups and downs which are easier to manage now that things between Lucas and I don’t feel quite as fragile.“That’s why you’re a great leader,” Dustin says. “You inspire us all to do just
LucasAs I watch my baby in Sarah’s arms, I’m happier than I ever thought I’d be. A son and a daughter. It feels like now our family is complete. Though I’m open to more children in the future. Right now, I’m just content.Sarah and I tend to be rough sleepers though. So, as Sarah dozes off, I take Evelyn from her arms and place her in the bassinet. Then, I join Sarah on the bed.“She’s beautiful,” I say, cuddling my sleepy mate. “You’re beautiful. I’m so grateful to you for bringing our children into our life like you have. “I know it’s never easy. I won’t even pretend to understand what you go through. But you give up so much for our family. I appreciate that more than I can express.”“And I appreciate you,” she says. “You’re a wonderful father and a fantastic husband. I’m so glad to share all of this with you. I’m so grateful to be building a family with you.”I kiss her and the warmth of having my true mate in my life envelopes me. It just feels so natural and right when y
Sarah“That is an incredible offer,” I say, my eyes staring right into Azar’s. “You’ve promised so much, and I know we’d both prosper within a formed alliance. However, we can’t promise our daughter’s hand in marriage.”My words prompt a hearty response. Some are mere whispers while others are outright defiant. Many can’t believe that we would turn away from this. But we have to do what’s right for our daughter.“Now, I’m not shutting down the idea of a future marriage completely,” I clarify. “Maybe our daughter will end up with your son. Maybe they will be mates.“But we’ll have to wait and see once she’s old enough to decide. Since we’ll be allies regardless, they’ll know each other. They can spend time together.“If our daughter decides that your son is her mate and they both love each other, then they can get married. We’re going to leave that up to her though. We don’t want to make such a big decision for her before she can even consent to it.”Azar’s demeanor falls. It re
LucasSarah looks at me with an expectant look on her face, and I’m just not sure what I should say. The kiss still bothers me. It hurts me. As her mate, I have reason to be upset.The guilt still haunts me though. It reminds me of how I hurt her. It whispers that I deserve this. I know that I deserve this.“It’s nothing,” I insist.“Lucas, please open up to me,” she says. She takes my hand in hers and looks at me with those eyes I never can resist. “I saw you and Azar last night,” I confess. “I saw the kiss.”Sarah looks at me with shock and guilt written upon her face. I hate that. It’s proof that what I saw was true. They did kiss. She betrayed me.“I know I betrayed you horribly,” I continue. “So, I understand that I deserve that. But it still hurts, Sarah. “I thought we had moved past all of that. I thought we were solid. I thought we weren’t ever going to let anyone get between us again. But I guess I was wrong.”Jealous tears through me as the kiss replays in my min
LucasI’m surprised then when I wake, Sarah isn’t beside me. I panic. After everything that’s happened, I simply can’t help it. There are too many ways things can go wrong.I need her near me. I need to always know that she’s okay.After a deep breath, I realize that something feels wrong. Something seems off. I walk to Fergus’ room and see him sleeping peacefully. I tuck the baby monitor in my pocket and step outside. I won’t go far, I can’t go far without Fergus, so hopefully she’s close by.It doesn’t seem like she is at first. I look all around our home and don’t see her. Then, I go towards the back yard and I stop.Sarah is there, but the tree line, but she’s not alone. He’s with her. The anger from earlier boils within me again.I know I shouldn’t be jealous, especially not after what I did to Sarah. I have no right to worry about that after all I put her through. And nothing truly awful has happened between them. I don’t have a solid reason to be upset.Besides, I tru
Lucas“You don’t have to give an answer right now,” he rushes in to say. “I’m not expecting you to be sure of anything right now. It’s just something to think about.”I’m so taken off guard by this that I don’t know a single word to say in response. I have tried to push aside my fears that he wants to seduce Sarah and getting to know them all a little better has helped me to do so.My daughter though… I never thought he’d be after my daughter. Arranged marriage? “That’s a big topic,” Sarah says slowly. “We’d definitely need time to think about it further. We’d have to talk through this amongst ourselves.”“Of course,” Azar replies with a pleasant smile. “I’m not trying to force your hand or anything. Take as much time as you need. It is a big decision but I think it’s the right one.”We don’t stay out much longer than that. We circle back to the gathering for a little while. But everyone is tired, so we all head back home soon after.It’s only once we’re back home that every
SarahI take a moment to give Lucas a hug and another kiss before we step into the area where the feast is being hosted. I can sense that he’s still a little insecure about things, but he had no reason to worry. I’m going to be true to him always.I’ll admit though, I am intrigued by this new pack. I wonder about the kinds of magic they can do. I’m curious about all they have to offer.As we walk towards their Alpha, the pack starts to congregate together, which is a little strange. Before this, they were mingling with everyone else. There seems to be a shift though as we approach them.“We’re so grateful you’ve accepted us,” Azar says, flashing that friendly smile. Is there anything flirtatious about it? I don’t really think so.“To show our gratitude, we would like to show you something,” he continues. “A little show before dinner.”I hesitate. What if this is something malicious? I don’t know anything about this pack. Is it a trap?They’re already here though. They could tr
LucasAfter everything else that’s happened, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t worried about this new pack joining us. It’s not like it’s uncommon for packs to approach each other, especially if they think a mutually beneficial alliance can be formed.The fact that packs are now approaching us like this shows our growth. I’m proud of Sarah for bringing this pack to greatness like this. I’m happy to welcome newcomers in.It’s just that there’s been a lot going on lately. And it still seems like a risk to allow anyone new to come into this peaceful place we created.Then, I realize that I’m sounding a bit like how Liza sounded when we brought Brandon in. It gives me more empathy towards her but also makes me realize that maybe I’m being a bit paranoid.It will be good to have another alliance. This could ultimately be beneficial to us. So, I help answer questions as the pack follows us. I remain as engaging as possible as I get to know them.“You’ve truly created something impres
SarahChills run down my spine as I listen to this prophecy about our daughter. I always knew our children would be great. But I never expected something like this.Could it be true?I assume it is considering the way this prophecy has been delivered. What does it mean though? How do we deal with something like this?Before we can ask any questions, the bubble floats off into the sky which grows lighter again. The lights turn back on. The candles are re-lit.Lucas and I look to each other as everyone looks to us for answers. Yet I’m stumped. Usually I know what to say, but not this time.“I have no idea where that came from,” I admit. I’ve found that when it comes to being Alpha, the best way to approach these sorts of things is from a place of honesty. “However, I can say that I feel blessed.“It’s clear our daughter will be special. I don’t know exactly what that means yet, but we will take care of her to the best of our ability. We’ll cherish her just as we do Fergus. We’ll