NORA POV“Thank you,” I whisper, a smile on my face, hearing Theo’s story.“For what?” He asks, shifting himself along the floor with a wince. His voice sounds raw and scratchy. His jaw is swollen and most likely broken. Cuts run along his body, and some burn marks, too. Goddess, what did these monsters do to him?“For seeing Xander as he is,” I return, closing my eyes so I can see him. I miss him. My heart has done nothing but search for him since being trapped here. Everything before he came into my life seems like a fever dream, unreal.When I think of my life before him, it’s like I am peering through the looking glass of another person. “Xander is like a brother to me. I like to believe that I was meant to find him that day.” His words break through the internal tangent I am on.“How long did he stay with you guys?” I question, wanting to know more. Needing to know like my lungs need oxygen.“He never lived with us,” Theo chuckles, recalling the memories. “After Xander left his pa
NORA POV A peaceful warmth feels me, my skin bubbling with a serenity that I didn’t think it’s possible for the mortal plane. It’s nearly better than being in Xander’s arms, and shame doesn’t claw at me admitting that. “Nora….Nora, my child?” A soft feminine calls out, breaking through the haze. Blinking rapidly, a blinding brightness consumes me, making it difficult for my eyes to adjust. I should feel fear in this unknown situation, but I don’t. After a few moments, my vision returns and I have somehow dropped into a majestic meadow filled with the most beautiful wildflowers. The sight of the pinks, purples, blues, yellows, and white petals reminding me of Mr. Wolf. He’d do anything to picnic here and read poetry in this field where the sky shimmers with a golden hue artists would kill to possess. The entire place having an ethereal essence, it blankets the soul in a warmth. I know I should freak out, but it’s like I am incapable. The peace is too hard to deny. “Nora?” A serene
XANDER POVThe only noise in the tent is the shuffle of bodies as they pile on gear. My eardrums are on the verge of popping from the roar of blood pumping through my veins. The eerie calm that seems to settle over me before a mission like this is going haywire. Every emotion I normally block out coming at me full throttle.Their demon-like talons clawing into my flesh, refusing to release me. Why can’t I get my stomach to settle? The turbulence making me woozy like this is my first rescue. I’ve done this kind of stuff more times than I have fingers or toes.Glancing around the room, the woman claiming to be my mother has her gaze locked onto me. Noticing me, she glances away to finish preparing herself. Truly questioning my sanity to agree to this, but this may be my only chance at getting inside.Swallowing my pride and legions of hurt, I continue preparing like a methodical factory worker. Our people will move in two platoons. The first will act as special ops, getting inside and d
ANDREW POV The trickle of water trickling down the walls of the tunnel fills my ears. Xander and his mother are saying something, but I pay them no mind, Demitri too busy pacing. ‘He’s near,’ my wolf whispers, more alert than he has been in days. All of our wolves have been resting more than usual preparing for the disasters to come. ‘Cerberus is near.’ ‘They’re alive?’ I ask, breathing in a sigh of relief, nearly running into someone's back as the others pause. The possibility of seeing Theo again frazzles my mind, my heart thudding. “This is the door.” Camilla’s voice breaks through the storm of emotions clogging my brain. Without apology, I push through the others standing in front of me as Xander is opening the door. Without thinking, I step forward, a mystical force pulling me to the ladder. Like a trolley on a track, I have only one direction in mind, and the scent I have been craving for weeks. I hear the muffled sounds of others talking, but I barely pay attention. My hand
XANDER POV The man standing a few feet away stares like he has seen a ghost. The sound of others trailing up the ladder has me moving. Lachlan’s eyes moving to the person venturing their way up. “Luna.” His head tilting in respect, the action sending another surge of fury to my fingertips. How many people knew she was alive? “You knew she was alive?” Fletcher growls, asking the questions I am too enraged to find. The others making their way inside, while Camilla stands with defiance, her chin tipping in the air. No shame or hidden regret. “Until a week ago and a half ago,” the demoted Gamma stutters, sensing the tension in the air, as he glances around the warriors who’ve enclosed around him. Everyone moving so silently, our bracelets working wonders. He doesn’t realize until it’s too late. “I thought she was dead. Everyone did. Until Cain brought that girl…then she showed back up a few days ago.” His confession has me reeling with the possibility that I this really is the mother
XANDER POV “Fletcher, you and I will-” I start, looking up from the map, the words failing as I see his guilt-ridden face. “What?” The question lashing out like a whip, not in the mood to deal with more. We have been here nearly ten minutes from the time the last person entered the room. “Charity made us promise to stick together,” Matt grumbles, looking none too happy about the responsibility. “And when did she become the fucking Alpha?” I sigh, exasperated, but I can understand her worry. “Fine, whatever. Andrew is with me, then?” “I would prefer that, anyway. I made a promise to my mate,” Andrew includes, his chest puffing with pride. His words not taking me by surprise, the pair is made for each other. If we weren’t in the middle of this nightmare, I’d be celebrating their union, but more important matters loom. “Well then, it’s decided,” I agree, dividing the other warriors in the room. Pairing rogues with pack members so that we all have a way to communicate with each other.
XANDER POVThe smugness of his voice has Ares pushing forward, wanting to get his paws around his throat and end his worthless life. A rage unlike anything I have ever known, my Alpha energy swirling around the room like a firestorm.“Bringing me back here was a mistake,” I growl, forcing more of my aura onto the others. My gun still raised, as the others from my group navigate the waiting area.“Unfortunately, it’s the only way I can get what should be mine,” Cain snarls, shouting through the mask he wears. I can tell that he is desperately trying to match my energy. The fog in the room clearing giving me a better view.His men haven’t advanced in the slightest, clearly affected by my presence. Standing there like frozen statues. Taking notice, Lachlan and Theo rearrange themselves around, giving themselves a better advantage.“I should have known you would be involved in this, Walsh,” Cain comments dryly.“I’ll always support the rightful Alpha,” Lachlan puffs out in pride. “Especia
THEO POV I didn’t miss the shift in Drew’s energy when I flinched away from him, rushing out before he closed it off. My mate, a smile lighting my lips at the thought. If only we were home, rather than in hell, otherwise I would have taken him in my arms and marked him right then. Claiming Andrew Tyler as mine for the entire world to see. My mark sitting upon his skin where the collarbone and neck collide. Instead, we are stuck here, where the thought of being touched by anyone makes me recoil. I swear to the Goddess when I get my hands on that worthless piece of shit, Zachary; I am going to tear him to shreds. Cerberus hasn’t been vocal for the last few days, choosing to reserve his strength. The most activity I’ve seen from him was to claim Andrew as our own before retreating to the corners of my mind, looking to recover. Not that I blame him. The whole thing isn’t over yet, and if the plan goes awry, I might need him later. Leaning against the damp wall, I shiver, soaked clothe