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Chapter Eighty-Three
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Related chapter
Once rejected, twice shy Chapter Eighty-Four
Troy’s POVTroy stayed with Russo until the sun rose before he left his friend. He had a lot on his plate and work waited for no Alpha. Upstairs in his apartment, he showered and dressed in a suit. His gaze lingered on Reese as she slept and he sighed.Troy headed back downstairs to his office and sighed when he opened the door and found Max sitting on the sofa. He looked worried and Troy was instantly on full alert. The steam was still rising from the cups of coffee as Troy sat down.“You look like shit,” Troy said.“What do you know about the rogues you found yesterday?”Troy shifted in his seat and looked intently at Max. “He claims to be the deposed Alpha of the Red Moon Pack and the last survivors. Russo confirmed it, he knew the former Gamma of that pack.”“Are you sure they’re the last of Red Moon?” Max asked him.Troy had never seen Max look so conflicted and he had to wonder what the hell this was all about. Max was always clear-headed, firm in his decisions and he never ques
Once rejected, twice shy Chapter Eighty-Five
Troy’s POVAfter Rico left his office he knew Max would question about this domination fight, Russo’s involvement in Dustin’s death and his imprinting. Troy could feel the headache pulsing at his temples and he was over tired and the day was far from done.“Dustin disobeyed orders and Russo didn’t know he’d gone off on his own. The rogue group caught him while Russo retrieved the stolen weapons. They wanted the weapons in exchange for Dustin. They had snipers on his other team members. Russo chose his team and they shot Dustin,” Troy said.“And the imprinting?”“She’s Dustin’s sister. The commanding officer of their squadron told them that Russo left Dustin to die, he didn’t tell them anything else,” Troy answered him.“I respect any decision you make here, Troy. This is your pack and you’ve always done what’s best for them. I’ll support your decision about the domination fight. We don’t need any bloodshed, not right now,” Max said.“I went to go see Russo this morning. His eyes had t
Once rejected, twice shy Chapter Eighty-Six
Reese’s POVExcitement thrummed in her veins as she dodged through trees and over fallen stumps. Her wolf let out a howl and sped up some more. She felt Troy’s shift and then her wolf’s determination not to get caught too soon.Reese took her normal jogging route and her paws thundered underfoot. She cut through a part of the lake and swam back towards the other side. Troy would find her scent at the water and then assume she’d taken the route to the other side of the territory.She smiled to herself as she backtracked away from where she’d originally intended to go. It would be too easy and she knew what was at stake. The pack needed to know that they had a strong Luna, Troy needed to know that as well.She emerged from the lake well away from the packhouse and shook the water from her fur. She crept forward and went down to her stomach in the undergrowth and listened. The forest around her was quiet and she snuck out of her hiding place and kept running.She had no idea how much tim
Once rejected, twice shy Chapter Eighty-Seven
Troy’s POVHis heart was hammering in his chest as he paced the hallway of the infirmary. Reese had been bleeding badly and all he kept thinking of was that he couldn’t lose her or their baby. She’d been magnificent though, attacking Bryan when it looked like she’d submit.He’d kept one eye on her as he fought off the other four wolves, the Beta and three warriors. He’d made quick work of them, not even as a group were they a match for him. Watching Reese kill her tormentor had been vindicating, knowing he’d never be able to hurt her again.Drake had taken Amber down to the dungeon cells and left her there naked and alone. Word had spread and the entire pack was holding their breath for news about their Luna and Alpha heir. He’d seen the respect in his warrior’s eyes when Reese had killed Bryan and he knew nobody would ever question her loyalty or worth ever again.The door opened and Dr Tyrell stuck his head out. “Luna Reese thought you might want to come in for the next part.”Troy
Once rejected, twice shy Chapter Eighty-Eight
Reese’s POVTroy led her into the bathroom and only let go of her hand to switch the water in the shower on. He turned back towards her and lifted the hem of her dress. His hands were gentle and his movements slow, like he was afraid of hurting her.Troy pulled his shorts down to the floor and took her hand again. They stood under the spray of water and Troy closed his eyes as the water ran over them. His hands trailed over her back and the water draining from the shower plug was bright red for a few seconds.Troy washed every inch of Reese’s body and then washed himself as she washed her hair. She was too afraid to say anything but she knew she had to. They needed to talk and she needed to tell him how she really felt.“Troy … about the divorce …”Troy’s hands cupped her face and he kissed her slowly. It was a gentle kiss and he inhaled sharply when he broke the kiss off. “There will be no divorce, Reese, this baby changes everything.”Troy lowered his head again and kissed her more
Once rejected, twice shy Chapter Eighty-Nine
Russo’s POVRusso leaned against the stone arch near the patio stairs and watched Olivia as she walked towards him. Russo knew what was coming. He’d scented the one warrior on her the previous day and he knew they were sleeping together.In all honesty he wanted her to reject him. He wasn’t sure he could spend a lifetime looking into her eyes and knowing he had some responsibility towards her brother’s death. Troy and Drake had proven that happiness didn’t only come from being mated.He’d hurt her either way; she was a tiny thing compared to him and she wasn’t his type at all. He preferred a chubbier woman, a woman with something to hold onto. Russo turned his head towards the car as it circled the driveway and then the mindlink opened.“Gamma Russo, the last pack member just arrived and she was cleared by Dr Tyrell. More warriors have been dispatched and the borders are secure,” the voice reported.“Keep it that way, Briggins,” Russo replied as Olivia came to a stop in front of him.
Once rejected, twice shy Chapter Ninety
Troy’s POV“Apparently Russo marked his ex-girlfriend last night. They’re in the dining hall so I thought we could eat down there today,” Troy said.Reese slipped ballet flats on her feet and looked up at Troy from where she sat on the cushioned round seat in their dressing room. “Fuck, he moves fast.”Troy grinned and nodded his head. “Let’s go eat, I’m starving.”Troy took Reese’s hand as they went downstairs to the dining hall for breakfast. Russo sat at a table with Tammy Wilder and Troy did a double take. He almost hadn’t recognized her but there she sat with Russo’s mark visible on her shoulder.“Tammy.” Troy grinned as they neared their table.Tammy jumped up and hugged Troy tightly and much to his delight got a growl from Reese. She clamped her hand over her mouth as Russo laughed loudly.“I’m so sorry,” Reese said as Tammy laughed and hugged her too.“It’s okay, I mean I would’ve growled too if Troy was my mate,” she said as Russo shook his head.“Fuck that, I’m not ordering
Once rejected, twice shy Chapter Ninety-One
Reese’s POVThings returned to normal two days later, semi-normal if she had to be honest. Troy had kept her in bed for the whole weekend but she finally put her foot down that morning. She had work to do and Troy had to make a decision about Amber.Reese spent her morning in the lab with Russo and she was surprised at how helpful he’d become. He remembered everything she taught him and within a week Russo was paring and preparing slides for her to examine, tincturing extracts and keeping adequate notes.The lab was quiet, peaceful and Reese was in her element. She loved the work and Russo proved to be an asset rather than a hindrance. He’d interrupt her every hour and make her sit down and put her feet up and drink water.In some ways, he was worse than Troy, hovering and looking intently at her as she ate. Russo had turned into a gentle giant and she loved him for it, but he was starting to get on her nerves. She wasn’t helpless and he was treating her like she’d break.“How’s Tammy
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Once rejected, twice shy Chapter One Hundred and One
Reese’s POVWhen the air fryer pinged, she pulled the drawer open and turned the basket over onto a bowl. She started grinding up the dried petals. Russo just watched her as she kept it up until the petals were ground into a fine powder.She mixed it with a little water and mixed it until it was a smooth paste. She didn’t let up or rest once, she just kept on working. After an hour, she was finally happy and she sat down on the swivel chair and wiped her forehead with her arm.“What now?” Russo asked her.“Now we administer it and wait. I should’ve known sooner, Russo, so many people died because I couldn’t figure this out,” Reese said.“Let’s go see if it works,” Russo said and stood up.He carried the tray with the small bowls Reese had separated the paste into and they headed back to the infirmary. It was nine pm and the streets were quiet as Reese power walked to the building in front of them.She headed straight for Troy’s room and Russo placed the tray down on the trolley table
Once rejected, twice shy Chapter One Hundred
Reese’s POVFor a few moments outside of Troy’s room, Reese couldn’t move or breathe. She wasn’t sure what it was but she was certain that maybe their baby had something to do with Troy wanting to get better. It was one of the biggest blessings for an Alpha, a son to take over from him.“Let’s get you back, Reese. It’s been a long day for you,” Russo said.“I want to check in on Max as well. He has no family here and Troy would want me to,” Reese said softly.“A quick check in, you need to go rest, this emotional rollercoaster isn’t good for the baby,” Russo said.Reese gave him a small smile and nodded her head. She did feel tired and the constant hope and worry were wreaking havoc with her system. She wanted to take a long, hot bath and sleep. Every night she had the same hope, that Troy would magically be awake the next morning.Russo led her just three doors further and opened the door. Max lay alone in the room, looking much the same as Troy had. His oxygen had lowered to 39% and
Once rejected, twice shy Chapter Ninety-Nine
Reese’s POVNothing changed over the course of the next week and Reese felt like there was nothing more she could do to help. She’d exhausted all her options and every mix she could think of had no effect on the patients.Her stomach had gotten a lot bigger over the last two weeks and she’d felt her baby move. Dr Tyrell came up to the Alpha Suite, after Russo had made sure that he was completely sanitized, to do ultrasounds and check on her.They had over fifty people in the hospital now as the flu spread and Reese cried herself to sleep every night. She was the key, so why wasn’t she finding it? She was pissed off at the world and her biggest fear was that Troy would die.Russo had limited her to one visit a week and she was due to go see Troy again after lunch. News had spread and the whole pack knew that Troy and King Maximilian were in isolation rooms and that they were stable for the moment but incapacitated.Drake hardly seemed to leave the office and a conversation with Emily h
Once rejected, twice shy Chapter Ninety-Eight
Reese’s POVThe combinations she’d been working on had kept Max from deteriorating further but it wasn’t healing him. It kept him in a sort of limbo and Reese was grateful for that at least. It gave her some time and she spent every free hour in the lab.Reese pushed herself away from the microscope and her hand rubbed over her chest. Russo was at her side instantaneously, his hand at the small of her back.“What’s wrong, Reese?”“I don’t know. It’s a weird sensation …” Reese turned wide eyes towards Russo. “It’s not me, it’s Troy, something’s wrong with Troy!”Reese was physically lifted from the floor as her legs automatically started moving towards the door. “No, Reese! I can’t let you expose yourself!”“Russo! Put me down immediately!” Her nails clawed at Russo’s arms but he held firm.“Not a chance, Reese! You are my first priority. Troy’s in good hands!”A scream tore from Reese’s throat and her body sagged against Russo’s. He didn’t let go of her, he just tightened his arms and
Once rejected, twice shy Chapter Ninety-Seven
Reese’s POV“I’m okay, Reese, I promise. It’s just a cough and you know Tyrell. He’s going to monitor me and everything will be fine,” Troy said.“I’m coming to see you,” Reese said.“No! You are not coming anywhere near this infirmary. I’ve given Tyrell permission to intubate me the moment I collapse. Keep yourself and our baby safe, promise me, Reese.”Reese tried not to cry but the tears didn’t obey her silent order and they ran down her cheeks unchecked. “I will, I promise.”“Good. It’ll only be for a few days. Drake will be acting Alpha and he has orders to lock you in our suite if you don’t do this for me, okay?”Reese nodded her head, knowing full well he couldn’t see her and she clenched her eyes tight. “Okay,” she finally whispered.“I have to go now,” Troy said with a sigh and the call ended.Reese sank down against the wall and lowered her head to her knees and cried. In that moment, she hated Amber with everything in her. It was her fault that Troy was sick, her fault that
Once rejected, twice shy Chapter Ninety-Six
Troy’s POVTroy ran down the hall when he reached the other side of the floor and the door opened as he neared. Max was sitting on the couch, fully alert now with an oxygen mask over his face. He was a little pale and his hands shook but otherwise he looked okay.Max pulled the mask away from his face and looked at Troy. “I’m not going to the infirmary.”Troy gritted his teeth as he looked at his long-time friend. “Yes, you are. You are not dying, Max. I won’t allow it!”“If I get any worse, I’ll go but not before it’s absolutely necessary,” Max said.“Fine,” Troy relented and leaned against the wall.The other men in the suite didn’t look pleased but they refrained from saying anything because Max was their King and his word was the law. Troy didn’t like it one bit. Max needed to be monitored because he couldn’t let Max die on his watch.“The moment he so much as wheezes, I want him in the infirmary, you hear me?” Troy’s eyes darkened as he looked at each man.“Yes, Alpha. I’ll drag
Once rejected, twice shy Chapter Ninety-Five
Reese’s POVThe week progressed slowly and then on that fateful Friday morning all hell broke loose. Amber was the first one to die from the flu. Her body was moved to the morgue and Dr Tyrell had taken precautions even in the autopsy room and wore protective gear to do her autopsy.They all knew the cause of death would be carbon dioxide poisoning. It had taken Amber eight days longer to die than victims from other packs and that was due to Reese’s plants. She hadn’t liked Amber, but she hadn’t wanted her dead.Troy hadn’t reacted, at all. He nodded his head and went to his office. Reese felt morose and knew that he had to feel something. She was sure that he was hiding his emotions so as not to upset her but this wasn’t something she’d be jealous of.He’d loved her at one point and they had been mates with no rejection between them. She wished he’d talk to her and tell her how he felt. She watched him every night as he ate. The exhaustion was there because Troy never stopped.He wor
Once rejected, twice shy Chapter Ninety-Four
Drake’s POVThe days seemed to drag by. Work was trickling to a slower rate although they were kept busy with conference calls and meetings over Skype. They still had business dealings out in the world and they couldn’t just stop working. Humans weren’t affected by this flu epidemic and it made things difficult for them.At night he’d lie in bed next to Emily and think about the rising numbers of deaths in other packs and wondering what made them so special to hold the key. He’d already figured out that Reese would somehow come up with a cure.It was taking time though and he was worried about the sick warriors they had in the infirmary. He didn’t want any of his people to die, except maybe Amber. He didn’t care if she died, not after the shit she pulled.He shifted on his side and stared into Emily’s open eyes. Her hand cupped his cheek and he gripped it tightly. “What’s bothering you?”Drake sighed internally. “Besides the cock talk? Not much, really.”Emily smiled and his heart flu
Once rejected, twice shy Chapter Ninety-Three
Reese’s POVRusso dressed Reese in a rainsuit with a mask, a plastic shield over the mask and a hairnet. She had to wear medical grade gloves and make her way to the lab in the mornings. She tried to stifle her laughter as Russo trudged behind her, the plastic of his own rainsuit squeaking with each step.“What’s the hairnet for?”“I have no fucking idea but it covers your hair, don’t bitch about it,” Russo said and adjusted his own hairnet.Reese laughed as she stopped inside her office and Russo started disinfecting everything. He did that every single day, even though nobody else came into their office or lab. She felt fine and even Troy had been cleared by the doctor.The number of sick had risen to twenty, all of them warriors that had worked shifts in the dungeon and had had contact with Amber. She was their patient zero and for now it seemed that the many respiratory plants were helping and the patients in the infirmary weren’t doing too badly.“All clear,” Russo said and took
