Ruth’s POV The rest of the day I spent showing Emma around the pavilion and introducing her to all of the families. Liam finally, after much convincing, allowed her to come with me and Ian to the project sites so she could see the buildings we were erecting for real apartment buildings and family homes. Seeing the sheer happiness on her face, free of worry and pain could almost make you forget what happened just two weeks ago. How Emma could push past all of her suffering so painlessly just astounds me. A pair of arms wraps around my waist, pulling me from my thoughts. “Penny for your thoughts, beautiful”. Ian has been so patient with me. He hasn’t once mentioned mating or marking. It’s come across my mind a few times. Sure we’ve made out a few times but we’ve been so damn busy settling all of these families and to be honest, it feels selfish to even think of my own desires. “It just blows my mind how selfless and strong Luna is”. He smiles, following
Liam’s POV Fuck! I flip over my desk, sending papers all over the place. I was supposed to protect her, was supposed to keep her from getting hurt and I didn’t. How am I supposed to do that if she doesn’t do what I say or doesn’t allow me to take care of her? I collapse on the floor with my head in my hands, in frustration. I feel the couch dip behind me and Emma’s scent surrounds me. Her arms wrap around my neck and legs wrap around my torso. “Shh… it’s okay baby”. She kisses the top of my head and gently strokes my hair. I know Ruth was right but I didn’t want her to be, I didn’t want to hear it. “Baby, there’s no fault in loving me as fiercely as you do. You are my alpha. You only know how to be dominant. There is no fault in that”. I listen as she consoles me. “You know my weaknesses. You know I’m stubborn. I forget to eat, I push myself too hard. You know me better than other people do. For these things I love you so much. You fill in the gaps where I fail.
Zak’s POV I prayed to Selene last night for the first time in a while. I never thought I’d have a second chance mate. To be honest, I never thought I could love after I lost my wife and son. I’m conflicted. The thought of loving again and being loved would be a blessing. For now, the only feelings I can feel from the ‘mate bond’ that is barely existent is fear, insecurity and… anger? I think. So I’m giving her a lot of space. I have been checking on her from a distance today. I’m drawn to Dana like a moth to a flame but obviously she’s been hurt… a lot. I also don’t want to become attached only for her to turn around and decide to leave. It would be easier to stay distant if that is her decision. So, I decided it’s best for me to keep away from the pavilion as much as possible. I ask Dan to run things as much as he can there and I opt to work on warrior assignments and anything else I can away from there. He eyed me warily at my request, but understands I think. I
Dana’s POV It was midday and I had tried keeping busy all day. I kept expecting to run into Zak all day which kept me nervous. I didn’t know if I was ready to have a mate. I don’t trust men obviously but more than that, I grew up an orphan and a pack slave. My ‘mate’ and pack knowledge is limited to observation. The pack I grew up in, well let’s just say they weren’t model citizens. I’m helping some of the younger children with an activity when I overhear one of the older she wolves ask about Zak. “Say Dan, where’s Zak today? He’s always here”. He chuckles and I swear I saw him glance at me. “Yeah, he’s got a lot of pack duties to keep up with and I guess he’s got warrior duties today”. Annie chimes in, “he’s probably avoiding our crazy ass since you fucking stabbed him you jerk!”. Annie has been fuming with me today. “Annie, how many times do I have to say ‘sorry, not sorry’ for stabbing someone I didn’t know was our mate. Besides, what’s so damn special about a
Zak’s POV My wolf Beteo hasn’t laughed this hard in quite some time. “Come on girls, keep up the pace”, I yell at the warriors. “Zak, we’ve only run 6 miles, why are they so slow”, he chides. I just shake my head. “Beteo… I do not know but I will be having a nice long chat with Leo here in the near future. This is damn sad”. We finally make it back to the training grounds. They fall over as if they’re dying. “Wow- you guys do know this is warm up yeah?”. I grab my water bottle, taking a small sip. I hear a lot of complaining. “If you have room to complain, you aren’t tired enough. Up, let’s go”. Beteo starts laughing… “make em do pull ups, then they’ll really like ya”. Beteol has always been a bit of a jock and a show off, unlike me but it’s kept us in good shape I suppose. A few of the guys are panting as if they’re drowning. “Josh man, what the hell? Does Leo not make you move at all? What is wrong with you lot? This is embarrassing. Pretty sure Ruth is in bett
Dana’s POV “For starters, I thought I’d address the notion of what a ‘second chance’ mate is. I’ve always hated that term. It makes it seem like somehow our love will be ‘less than’ or sub par. For wolves, most are only granted one mate in their lifetime. Some, are blessed with two. Somehow this is the ‘phrase’ that was come up with. It sucks if you ask me”. His explanation, I like. “But I want you to know, you are no less special. You are my mate Dana, my only mate. Don’t you forget that”. His words make my heart swell. I can feel my eyes watering. I feel a burst of courage. Leaning forward, I quickly peck his cheek. “Thank you for that Zak. I needed to hear that. I uh, I was internally thinking I was somehow damaged goods and maybe not good enough to be a ‘primary’ mate or something”. He rubs the spot I just kissed, “it’s still buzzing”, he says smiling like a school boy. “And absolutely not. You are my mate. None of this ‘second’ anything ok?”. I nod, happy
Michelle’s POV I will be discharged from the hospital today. Grace is putting together my discharge papers, whatever those are. Sitting on the edge of my bed, I smell a familiar scent and can’t help but smile. Leo’s handsome face peeks around the corner. “Hi beautiful, I brought you something”. He brings his hand from around his back to reveal a bouquet of beautiful wildflowers”. I can’t help but smile, “they’re beautiful”. It comes out as more of a shy squeak. “I realize they’re coming right back with you home but I still wanted to surprise you if that’s ok?”. He really is very sweet. He’s come to visit every day since meeting me. He always brings me a treat and I had to tell him to stop bringing me hot chocolate so much. They are too rich and were making me sick to my stomach. He felt really terrible and I wanted to take back my request just so he didn’t feel bad but that sounds ridiculous. Grace comes in, admiring the flowers and smiles at the two of us. “Ok
Ian’s POV The contractor’s needed a hand today putting up trusses and framing before a storm rolls in. It was ridiculously hot and humid. Looking at my watch, it’s already 7pm… damn. I pull out my phone, shit. I ring Ruth, “hey, sorry we’re just finishing for the day. We’re almost done with this last wall. Wanna head this way and we’ll make dinner?”. I am desperate for a nice cold shower and a good meal but more than that, to relax into Ruth’s arms. Probably after a shower though. I am dripping in sweat after today. Damn. Okay, if she’s gonna be here soon, I better hustle. “Todd, help me finish this last section. My girl is on her way to pick me up”. He laughs at me. “Got a hot date with your lady there Ian?”. I chuckle, “every night is a hot date when your lady looks like mine now come on”. He looks at me with a goofy expression, “someone’s cocky”. I just laugh. He grabs the other end of the plywood. I hear a couple of whistles. Looking in the direction, I se