TateMy wolf must be far more set on Willow than I thought. He knew the second she needed him, and it was as if I lost all control because he shifted, so suddenly it made me dizzy. I was riding far in the back as he barreled out of the house and attacked. He saw it holding Willow by the throat and attacked without hesitation."What are you doing?" I yell at him, but he's got the guy by the arm and is about ready to tear it from his body when a soft voice comes from behind him."Tate? It's okay. I'm fine." It's her voice.All that anger suddenly starts to melt away as she moves into my line of sight. Then my wolf sees the marks on her neck and decides justice needs to be handed out now. He releases the guy and makes a play for his neck, but then the guy disappears. "What the hell?""Tate. It's okay." My wolf locks eyes with her, and it's instant. My wolf's instincts are far stronger than when I'm in control, and I've kissed her. He whines and lowers his head for her. Her eyes are spa
Ash'He caved. I knew he wouldn't be able to hold out long.' I tell Han through our link.'We got lucky. I don't think most groups meet a potential mate so quickly. At least not that I've heard.' 'She's fated to us, that's why.' I tell him without hesitation.'You were right this time, Ash. We owe you a great debt.'My wolf preens from the confidence boost. 'I did do good, didn't I?' Han's wolf lets out a huff. I'm the youngest out of the three of us, and it shows. The guys think I can be immature a lot of the time, but I feel like it's my responsibility to keep things light. Tate has the burden of being the Alpha, which means he's always worrying and stressing. Han is constantly on guard thanks to his past, but he's far more chill than Tate. I'm strong and ruthless when I need to be, but for the most part, I try to be the comedic relief that every group needs. What I didn't know was that there is one more person a group needs... the strongest piece. The piece that pulls everything
Willow A pain like I have never felt before swallowed me into pitch darkness. I wanted to cry out and beg for it to stop, but I had no voice. No, I was mute and lost in this empty void. What happened? I was sitting on the bathroom counter watching Tate run a bath for me. He had walked over and spread my legs so he could stand between them and locked his intense eyes on mine. I fell hostage to him and was ready to kiss the hell out of him when I felt it.A pull so strong that it felt like my body would be ripped apart if I didn't follow its lead. So I pushed Tate back and jumped down from the counter running like my life depended on it. Suddenly, I was in the woods and down on my knees in front of a huge wolf. He looked like he'd seen some bad times, but there was a familiarity in his eyes that I was drawn to. Han had been wrestling with him, so I see the blood driving down his neck, and it breaks my heart. There was this moment between us where I knew him. He was mine and we had ne
HanWatching Willow with Ash and this new wolf mate I feel a deep sense of envy. My wolf is ready to claim her but fate does not shine on me today. I sense a presence nearby that has me on high alert. The new wolf also senses it and immediately shifts. “Sorry baby we got company. We’ll have to finish this later.” Ash says before pulling his shirt over Willow’s head.“What’s that smell?” She asks and I bite back a smile when her nose scrunches.“That would be a rogue.” Tate says. “They have a distinct smell when they aren’t connected to a pack.”“No kidding. So what do we do?” She stands and walks over to stand next to Tate.He looks down at her and his nostrils flare but he clears his throat and tries to focus. “Han and I will check it out. You need to go back to the house. Your…scent might be what’s attracting them this way.” He says with a pained tone.The new wolf growls at him in protest but Tate cute him a look that has the force of an Alpha behind it. The wolf huffs and growls
Tate“Today is a special occasion! Today my son joins the ranks of young men who will participate in the mate hunt. When our young males go into the world in search of a mate. This tradition started when our ancestors realized changed females were stronger, faster and more fertile. However, it has been over a hundred years since an Omega has been found. A creature that will bring strength and fertility back to our pack. Now we send our sons out into the world in search of such a woman. May the moon goddess be with you all.”The pack cheers after my father’s speech but I don’t bother. It’s the same speech he gives every year, and it has yet to produce any results. All of our changed females have become betas after being bitten, same with all the other packs too. I’m convinced there are no Omegas left, and it will lead to our kind dying out for good. Maybe that isn’t such a bad thing.“Look at Keith and his crew acting like pups in heat.” Ash says with a dark chuckle.I look over at the
WillowA loud sound comes from the darkness making my whole body freeze. I should turn around and go back inside but I can’t move. Fear is clawing at me. All I have to do is drop the bags in my hand and run back inside, that’s it.Just run Willow!There’s another crash that startles me out of my frozen state and I do drop the bags but then I hear a scared meow and a cat rushes out of the darkness.I put a hand over my heart and finally take in a few much-needed breaths.“Oh my God! You scared the heck out of me!” I whisper to the cat. “Why are you sneaking around like that?”The cat walks over to me and rubs its body along my legs. I want to stay mad at the crazy thing but he’s a sweetheart so I can’t bring myself to be upset. Instead, I promise him a snack after I throw out the trash. He follows me to the large garbage bins behind the bar like an adorable bodyguard.“Thank you for your gallant service, sir.” I say giving him a playful bow.He meows up at me, clearly impatient for hi
HanOur search for our mate is over. Tate is hesitant to agree but I sensed it the moment I saw her. He doesn’t want to get his hopes up that our search could possibly be this easy, but I do not want to go searching the country to find a mate when she is right here. Now to convince Ash that she’s the one. He comes back and throws back the rest of his drink while Willow washes Tate and my glass. “Thank you for the drink, Willow.” I say to her giving my best smile. “Of course! I hope you guys find a nice place to stay.” I push back my seat and give her a small bow. “I hope to see you again Willow.” “We’ll see.” She says with a wave. “Nice to meet you, Willow.” Tate says before leaving a few twenty-dollar bills on the bar.“See you, Willow!” Ash says giving her a wave. We walk out and head for Tate’s truck. Ash is oddly quiet, and I know he’s thinking about Willow too. I can’t be the only one feeling it. Once we’re inside the truck Tate starts it without a word. I’m not sure how lon
TateRed eyes appear out of the darkness. A large form slowly follows until a wolf steps into the moon light and the size of him plus his eyes make him look like a demon from hell. Teeth so sharp that they can rip through flesh so easily snap at me as I struggle to get back. He’s coming for me and I’m not the only one. There are signs of a slaughter all around me. Every person being a familiar face, and I am the last one standing.Where did he come from? Why did he come here? There are so many questions running in my head, but I can’t get them out. I open my mouth to scream just as he lunges for me. My whole body jolts when I wake up suddenly. I look around to see flowers everywhere. It takes me a second to remember where we are, and another to try and calm down. “The nightmare again?” I hear Han ask from across the room. I lift my head to see him sitting in one of the floral chairs. The guy barely sleeps but it doesn’t show. “Yeah. How long have you been awake?” I ask trying to s
HanWatching Willow with Ash and this new wolf mate I feel a deep sense of envy. My wolf is ready to claim her but fate does not shine on me today. I sense a presence nearby that has me on high alert. The new wolf also senses it and immediately shifts. “Sorry baby we got company. We’ll have to finish this later.” Ash says before pulling his shirt over Willow’s head.“What’s that smell?” She asks and I bite back a smile when her nose scrunches.“That would be a rogue.” Tate says. “They have a distinct smell when they aren’t connected to a pack.”“No kidding. So what do we do?” She stands and walks over to stand next to Tate.He looks down at her and his nostrils flare but he clears his throat and tries to focus. “Han and I will check it out. You need to go back to the house. Your…scent might be what’s attracting them this way.” He says with a pained tone.The new wolf growls at him in protest but Tate cute him a look that has the force of an Alpha behind it. The wolf huffs and growls
Willow A pain like I have never felt before swallowed me into pitch darkness. I wanted to cry out and beg for it to stop, but I had no voice. No, I was mute and lost in this empty void. What happened? I was sitting on the bathroom counter watching Tate run a bath for me. He had walked over and spread my legs so he could stand between them and locked his intense eyes on mine. I fell hostage to him and was ready to kiss the hell out of him when I felt it.A pull so strong that it felt like my body would be ripped apart if I didn't follow its lead. So I pushed Tate back and jumped down from the counter running like my life depended on it. Suddenly, I was in the woods and down on my knees in front of a huge wolf. He looked like he'd seen some bad times, but there was a familiarity in his eyes that I was drawn to. Han had been wrestling with him, so I see the blood driving down his neck, and it breaks my heart. There was this moment between us where I knew him. He was mine and we had ne
Ash'He caved. I knew he wouldn't be able to hold out long.' I tell Han through our link.'We got lucky. I don't think most groups meet a potential mate so quickly. At least not that I've heard.' 'She's fated to us, that's why.' I tell him without hesitation.'You were right this time, Ash. We owe you a great debt.'My wolf preens from the confidence boost. 'I did do good, didn't I?' Han's wolf lets out a huff. I'm the youngest out of the three of us, and it shows. The guys think I can be immature a lot of the time, but I feel like it's my responsibility to keep things light. Tate has the burden of being the Alpha, which means he's always worrying and stressing. Han is constantly on guard thanks to his past, but he's far more chill than Tate. I'm strong and ruthless when I need to be, but for the most part, I try to be the comedic relief that every group needs. What I didn't know was that there is one more person a group needs... the strongest piece. The piece that pulls everything
TateMy wolf must be far more set on Willow than I thought. He knew the second she needed him, and it was as if I lost all control because he shifted, so suddenly it made me dizzy. I was riding far in the back as he barreled out of the house and attacked. He saw it holding Willow by the throat and attacked without hesitation."What are you doing?" I yell at him, but he's got the guy by the arm and is about ready to tear it from his body when a soft voice comes from behind him."Tate? It's okay. I'm fine." It's her voice.All that anger suddenly starts to melt away as she moves into my line of sight. Then my wolf sees the marks on her neck and decides justice needs to be handed out now. He releases the guy and makes a play for his neck, but then the guy disappears. "What the hell?""Tate. It's okay." My wolf locks eyes with her, and it's instant. My wolf's instincts are far stronger than when I'm in control, and I've kissed her. He whines and lowers his head for her. Her eyes are spa
WillowThis place is...nice. Nicer than the apartment I was living in before and a lot bigger, too."This is swanky." Ash says with a whistle for emphasis."My thoughts exactly." I say, making him smile. "Only the best for you." He says with a wink I can feel a blush coming on, so I look away and head further into the house. the entrance is spacious, and the stairs are set up straight ahead of us. There is a room to the right of us that is set up as a dining room with a table big enough to seat a small army. To the left is what looks like a living room, but it looks too clean and fancy to use. The whole place looks like what I imagine any country house looks like. Southern charm is too good to touch. I have never stepped foot in a place where I'm too scared to even breathe. "Is this the only place available around here? This looks more like a movie set for Hart of Dixie or something." I say."What? is that a girls' singing group?" Ash asks, making me laugh."That's the Dixie Chick
HanTate drives us to the place Ash found as Willow slowly comes back to herself. “Where are we now?” She asks. “On our way to a safe house. We have a lot to talk about, and by talk, I mean we will listen as you explain.” Tate says firmly.Willow gives out a sound of resignation. “Yeah I guess there isn’t much I can hide now. You guys saw what happened.” “What was that?” Ash blurts out. Willow let’s out a humorless laugh. “Where do you want me to start? In short I’m some sort of freak. The long version is that I have no idea what I really am. I’m not normal, but I’m also nothing like the things I’ve met. Who knew so much weird existed right in front of me all these years. It came as more of a surprise to me that no one else was seeing the same thing as me.”“You see things?” I try and ask the question in a way that doesn’t suggest I think she’s crazy but it’s hard. She glares at me but then shrugs. “Yeah. I haven’t told anyone since my parents freaked out over it, and it’s gotten
TateI’m not sure I can describe what's happening in front of me right now. When Ash attacked the rogue wolf I expected Willow to scream and take off running. That would be a very normal response for someone who has never encountered a creature of the supernatural sort before. Except that isn’t what she did. No she watched wide eyed at the strange scene in front of her and stayed. Then to make things even more confusing she spoke to the thing! Like I said, I’m at a loss here.“What is she doing?” Ash asks me but I shrug because I can’t answer that. Willow rest her hand on the creatures head and her whole body jerks like she’s been hit with an electric shock. She doesn’t move away from the animal though and instead continues to shake all over until suddenly she collapses. Han shifts just in time to catch her and the creature she had faced up against lets out one last whimper before collapsing as well.“What…the…fuck…” Ash says and I nod in agreement. What is going on right now? I wa
WillowI don’t have to worry? Did he really just say that? I have been kidnapped, attacked by my crazy ex and knocked unconscious! But yeah no need to worry. Bullshit! There are at least 10 things I need to worry about right now and they are all perfectly reasonable concerns. “That’s very nice of you and all but I can take care of myself. Just drop me off somewhere and I’ll figure things from there.” There is no way I am placing my fate in the hands of some strangers no matter how attractive they are.Nope I’m not falling for that trick ever again. Plus I need to figure out how my ex found me. I’d covered my tracks well and even had help from a friend to make me basically disappear. So how did this happen? “You aren’t safe Willow.” Tate says matter-of-factly. “I got that but I have my own friends to help me out.” I tell him.I can’t exactly tell him who they are or how they help me because they will think I’m crazy. When the weird stuff started happening to me my family was concern
TateThe three of us look at the mark on her chest. “Do you know what that is?” I ask Han. He’s seen more things in his short life than anyone in my entire pack has, and so much of it he never talks about. “It’s a warning. The question I’m most concerned with is why she was warning us away. She couldn’t have seen whatever was attacking her if we didn’t, but she seemed to know what it was.” He reaches out and rests one finger at the top of the image and slowly slides it down, and then it’s gone. What the hell? How did he do that?“What did you do that for?” Ash asks. “Whoever branded her turned her into a beacon. They must want her dead and basically sent out a calling card to anyone willing to do the job.” He explains. “What is this girl into that she gets a death mark put on her?” Ash asks. “I didn’t sense anything unusual about her earlier. She didn’t give any sign that she was aware of what I was, but she has to have a connection to the supernatural if she saw the thing that