XanderAfter Kalyssa left, I quickly finished my shower, wanting to speak with Elias when he came in. If this was going to work, then we all needed to be on the same page.I wrapped a towel around my waist and then headed into my huge walk-in closet. Accent lights immediately popped on. I slipped into a pair of jeans and a black T-shirt, and then slipped on a pair of black boots. After closing the door, the lights turned off immediately. Although mine and Elias' closets weren't as big as Kalyssa's, they were still big enough to suit our needs. I headed back into the bathroom, grabbed the brush off the counter, and ran it through my shoulder length, light brown hair. I needed a haircut but liked it a bit on the longer side. Then I headed into the kitchenette to the right, poured myself a drink, and texted Elias."When you get home, we need to talk," I texted him."Is everything okay?" he texted right back. Even though it was a text, I could still feel the urgency. "Yes, everything's
KalyssaUnable to wait, I woke early the following day, eager to explore my new sanctuary. I quickly showered and dressed and then headed down to the clinic, eager to organize everything and get ready, just in case.I took the elevator, and the doors opened on the bottom floor a moment later. Although I knew veterinary work inside and out, working on humans was quite another matter. But Xander was right. If I got stumped, I could always ask Elias, and eventually, I could go to Medical school. Working with shifters, it would help to know both physiologies.I had been opposed to going back to college at first, but the more I thought about it, the better it sounded. Maybe when things settled down, I could go back to medical school. Maybe.A thrill ran through my chest as I opened the frosted doors of the clinic and looked around. It was clear that no one had worked here regularly for a while. It was obvious that the clinic had been used for emergencies only. But once I started working on
As I put everything away, I thought the interaction with Deven had been strange, but I didn't think much about it. I wasn't used to dealing with shifters, after all. But if I was going to stay, then I'd better learn fast. And after my conversation with Xander and now working in the clinic, I didn't think I was going anywhere. The clinic would provide me the outlet that I so desperately needed. There was no way that I could ever just sit around my condo and not do anything. I'd go stir crazy. I worked in the clinic for the rest of the day, making sure everything was in its place. As I worked, I couldn't help but think of Macy and Maria. I missed Maria's quick wit and Macy, too. I just wished things could be different. Which made me even more determined to find those responsible for their deaths, even if it took the rest of my life. And if Nightshade wasn't the ones responsible, then I was going to find out who was.After I'd put everything away and the clinic was in order, I ripped o
"So, a man came into the clinic today," I said, matter of fact. "Maybe you know him.""Oh really? Who?" Adriana asked, clearly excited at the prospect of getting another juicy tidbit."His name was Deven Craig. Do you know him?" I asked, finishing off the rest of my hamburger.They all looked at each other, creases between their eyes, and then back at me. "Never heard of him.""That's strange," I replied. "He said that he broke his arm during practice today." According to doctor-patient confidentiality, I wasn't supposed to divulge any information about my patients. But in this case, I made an exception. Adriana's head snapped up toward Shannon. "Did you hear anything?"Shannon shook her head. "No, not at all." Then she shrugged. "But there's a lot that Ryan doesn't tell me." A broad smile spread across her face. "Ryan is my boyfriend, and we just got engaged! See?" Before I could answer, she held up her hand, brandishing an enormous, sparkly bauble. A diamond so big I was surprised
When everything was put away, I hurried out the door and into the elevator. Although it was probably nothing, I didn't want to take any chances of Deven not being a member of the Diamond Pack. Now, I wondered if that was even his name.I checked my watch as soon as I stepped off the elevator—seven o'clock—wondering where Elias and Xander were.Somehow, I knew they wouldn't be in the shared room, and I didn't want to start going from door to door, so I headed to my suite. "Where are you?" I texted them both in a group chat."I'm in my room." Xander was the first to reply. "Where are you?""In my room," I texted back. "Elias?""Headed to your room now," he answered. "Xander, meet us there. We need to talk."I rolled my eyes. I had no idea what that was all about, but I could only imagine. But whatever it was could wait as thoughts of Deven Craig ran through my mind. A moment later, the door unlocked, and Xander walked in. "What's wrong?""It's probably nothing, but let's wait for Elias
"So, what do you do?" I asked Bailey, setting the corn on to cook. At the age of a hundred and seven, I knew she probably did more than just spar and prepare for tournaments. "Well, that's something I wanted to talk to you about," Bailey replied as I set a glass of sweet, iced tea in front of her. She took a sip and nodded. "Umm... that's good. I haven't had sweet tea in a long time.""Thanks," I replied, sitting down kitty-corner from her with a glass of tea, too. "So, what did you want to talk to me about?""Well, I have a nursing degree, and I wanted to know if you could use some help." She shrugged. "I saw the way you worked today, and it intrigued me. You're different than other doctors I've seen. Anyway, I could also book appointments, clean... whatever you need.""You're kidding, right?" I deadpanned.One corner of her lips curled into a smile. "No, why?""Because before this manhunt began, I thought that I was going to need some help.""Are you serious?"I shook my head. "Yes
After Xander left, I ended up eating dinner alone, wondering where Deven could be and why he had infiltrated the Compound. And to go so far as to break his arm so he would have an in was way beyond normal.He had to be part of Nightshade. But if that were the case, then why didn't he kidnap or kill me? Unless he was just scoping everything out. It made me wonder if Bailey and I should open the Clinic in the morning. I hated to cancel like that though. Here I had just gotten my freedom back, and now I took a chance of losing it again. But then again, the safety of the pack was critical.After I finished eating, I wrapped up the leftovers for Xander and Elias and then slid them onto the top shelf in the refrigerator, where I was sure they would find it, just in case I fell asleep.After talking to Bailey, it made me nostalgic for old movies. So, I put on Casablanca, and was halfway through the film when it dawned on me. The only place Elias and Xander may not have checked was the Clinic
"So, what are you thinking about?" Cruz asked as we headed toward the elevator.My head snapped up. "Why?"Cruz shrugged. "I just noticed how quiet you were all of a sudden."I chuckled. "I'm usually quiet.""Yeah right." He rolled his eyes. "You, my dear, are not quiet."I scoffed, laughing. "Thanks a lot!""Hey, the truth hurts. But don't change the subject," he teased, giving me a sly smile. "What were you thinking about just then?""I was thinking that Deven probably wouldn't see the light of day." We walked into the elevator, and the doors closed. "But we can't let him go back to Nightshade and tell them everything that he learned either.""Now you're getting it," Cruz replied, smiling."Getting what?"He shrugged. "This is how it is in our world. Loyalty is probably the most important virtue that we hold dear. If you betray the pack, then it's certain death."I nodded. "Well, he was old enough to know better."Cruz nodded. "Yes, he is.""And we can't trust him, either."Cruz shoo
Over the next few days, we prepared for our Pledging Ceremony and Eve and Dannan's wedding. Their wedding had been a few days before our Pledging Ceremony and had been nothing short of an event—the complete opposite of Cruz and Eve's Wedding. But it suited them well. After all, Dannan and Eve were much more flamboyant than Cruz and Bailey. Also, nearly every member of Dannan's pack had arrived for their Wedding, adding to their numbers. But it was a lot of fun.Xander had performed the ceremony, and we had danced into the night. Eve and Dannan looked happy, too. Since they had found each other, both of them seemed to be less grumpy and easier to get along with. And with the trial behind her, Eve was able to concentrate on the wedding and enjoy it. She had surprised me by asking me to be her Maid of Honor, and I had graciously accepted. After what we had been through together, we had continued to grow closer. Even though she was still Eve, she was a better version of herself than she h
The next day, Sasha was found guilty of treason and sentenced to fifty years in the Alpha Supreme's prison. Eve and Dannan were in attendance, along with Xander, Elias, and me. Seven, her brother, was there, too."I'm so sorry, Seven," I said, patting his arm after the trial. "But the evidence was overwhelming."Seven nodded, a crease forming between his eyes. "Yes, I know. Who knows? Maybe the next fifty years will give her time to think. She should be punished for siding with Nightshade against the wolves." He let out a deep breath. "But I'll visit her in prison and will try to help her in any way I can."I gave his arm a gentle squeeze. "You're a good brother."He shook his head. "Thanks, but I don't feel like it.""Seven, this wasn't your fault." I let out a deep breath. "You had no idea what she was up to."He nodded. "I know. I had a feeling she was up to something, but I had no idea what it was." He smiled, looking at Xander, Elias, and me. "Thank you all for everything you've d
When we walked into the Main Dining Hall, Gray was already at the table, talking to Dannan and Eve. Cruz and Bailey were sitting at their usual table, but I stopped, scrunching up my nose as I took them in."What are you two doing here?" I chuckled. "You're supposed to be up there with us!"Cruz smirked as he looked over at Bailey, arching an eyebrow. "Well? What do you think?"Bailey looked up at me and shrugged. "With the Alpha Supreme here, we didn't want to intrude.""Get up here!" I teased. "You're never intruding! Besides, I'd like to introduce you two to him."Bailey looked at me sheepishly. "Are you sure there's enough room?""Absolutely!" I glanced over at Xander. "We could always have another table brought up. Couldn't we?""Yes, of course!" Xander smirked, holding Bailey's chair. "You two are part of the family now."Cruz chuckled. "You go ahead. We're right behind you."I pulled Bailey in for a quick hug, smiling sweetly. "If you don't come up there, then I'll come back for
Chapter 117: Time Alone"You don't think Rolph would do anything, do you?" All we needed right now was for Rolph to find out that we're being Pledged and then do something to stop it. Xander shook his head as we headed toward the elevator. We had just taken the Alpha Supreme to his room to rest before dinner and had a few minutes alone. Xander shook his head, looking toward Gray's room, and his door was closed.We stepped into the elevator before Xander spoke. "No, I don't think so. If he hadn't done anything by now, then I don't think he will."I nodded. "I hope you're right."Once the doors closed, Xander backed me against the wall, placing his hands on either side of me. "Kalyssa, the only thing I want you to think about right now is the Pledging Ceremony." He brushed a strand of hair back away from my face, looking into my eyes, causing my heart to quicken. With him so close like this, it made it difficult to concentrate."Okay," I breathed, lacing my fingers through his light br
We spent the next few days getting everything ready. We had our work cut out for us, helping Dannan and Eve plan their wedding as well as planning our Pledging Ceremony.Come to find out, a Pledging Ceremony is just as much work as a wedding. The only difference is that the couple is bound to one another instead of married. In the shifter world, it's usually common as an engagement ceremony, during which time either party may choose not to marry the other without fault. But it's okay to use as a semi-marriage ceremony, too. Legally, I couldn't marry two men, so this was the next best thing. But in our eyes, we will be bound to one another, whether we're technically married in the eyes of the law or not."So, what kind of flowers would you like?" I asked Eve as we planned with Bailey at the Clinic. Since Sasha ended up being the one who betrayed our pack to Nightwatch, it left Eve with very few, if any, close friends. So, Bailey and I had offered to help her plan since we were planning
"So, I see that my brother and Elias finally put a ring on your finger." Dannan smiled as he took my hand to admire the engagement ring Elias and Xander gave to me. "So, when's the big day?"I shrugged as Xander took my hand and kissed it. "I'm not sure. We haven't set one yet.""Well, why don't you do it while Dannan's here?" Eve suggested, slipping her arm through his."Hey! That's a great idea!" Dannan looked between Xander and Elias. "Why not? I could help you get everything in order while I'm here."Elias smiled, taking my hand as he looked between Xander and me. "Well, what do you think?"A broad smile spread across Xander's lips. "I'm game if you two are."I nodded, smiling. "Let's do it! What day?"Xander shrugged. "A week from today?""That won't give us much time to prepare." Elias suddenly looked lost in thought. and then glanced over at me, arching an eyebrow. "Will that be okay with you?"I nodded. "We can do it if we keep it small. It doesn't have to be an elaborate affai
"Well, hello, brother."When we walked in, I nearly fell over, for standing a short distance away was Dannan Reed, Xander's brother."It's good to see you, Dannan." Xander gave him a manly handshake, pulling him in for a hug, and then released him. "So, what brings you here?"He shrugged, arching an eyebrow. "So, I need a reason to come see my brother?""Usually." Xander burst out laughing, giving him a friendly slap on the back. "Come. Join us. We just held a Celebration of Making and was just about to celebrate with a feast.""So, has the she-wolf Eve been claimed yet?" Dannan asked, looking around. I smiled, biting my lower lip, knowing that was the real reason why he had come. "Why? Has the love bug bitten you?"Dannan scoffed. "Please." He shrugged. "Just wanted to check on her while I was here." His expression turned serious as his eyes met Xander's. "So, has she been claimed?"Xander chuckled, shaking his head. "No. Not yet. She and Kalyssa got into a bit of trouble--"Dannan g
The next day, I woke in the arms of my Alphas, sure, for the first time since we had been together, that I belonged."Good morning," Xander rolled over on me and brushed back the hair from my face and kissed my neck. Then he kissed my cheeks as he slowly pushed into me, moving his lips down as he kissed my breast, his pulls soft and slow, arching his back as he went deep. Then he moved slowly in and out, holding me as he pushed into me.I pulled him to me and kissed his broad shoulders, enjoying the feel of this powerful man in my arms and my bed. Then I pulled his lips to mine and deepened the kiss. When I pulled back, I pushed the hair away from his face to look into his eyes, matching him thrust for thrust.Soon, want and desire overtook us as his pulls became harder, more forceful. He held himself up with one hand and caressed my pleasure spot with the other, while never breaking his stride. His kiss was filled with want and desire as he looked deeply into my eyes. Then he slid my
"That's enough, everyone," Xander said, holding everyone back so I could walk through the garage.When Bailey and I got back, everyone wanted a ride, but Elias and Xander had something else planned for this evening, and I didn't want to disappoint them. Surely, the last thing they wanted was to have me spend the rest of the evening giving members of the pack rides in my new sports car.Bailey pulled me in for a hug. "Thanks for taking me." She arched an eyebrow when she pulled back. "See you at the Clinic Monday?"I nodded, knowing it would give me a few days to rest since this was Friday. "I'll be there."She crossed the room to stand by Cruz, and he wrapped his arm around her shoulders and nodded toward me, giving me his usual mischievous grin. "You know, you're going to let me give it a whirl. Right?"I scoffed. "Yeah, right," I teased as everyone laughed. Even though I was kidding around, I would probably let him drive it at least once anyway.Elias placed his hand on the small of