I sigh a little, my arms crossed, as I watch the Betas load the boys’ little overnight bags onto the now-familiar party bus. The boys, of course, are thrilled at the prospect of the third trial, but I’m a little sick at the idea.It’s not that I don’t think Victor will win – of course, especially in
“These are more efficient,” Victor says, putting his hands in his pockets. “Besides,” he says, giving me a boyish smile. “It’s cool.”I roll my eyes at him but can’t help but laugh. “Alvin, Ian!” I call to them – they’re getting a little too close to the heat. “Over here, stand by me, until the Beta
Just at the last gasp of dusk, Evelyn stands with the entire Kensington family at the edge of the forest. She looks up into the sky, noting that the stars are just starting to peak out into the velvety blanket of navy blue that coats the heavens. There would be no moon tonight.Good, Evelyn thinks.
“Of course, ma’am,” the Beta on the left says, giving her a kind smile. “No worries at all.”She nods to him, letting him know she is grateful, and then heads to the fire where she sinks into a camping chair that has been left out for her. Marissa gives her an understanding smile and then pours her
The forest is dark, but Victor moves through it like a predator, scenting the air, his eyes attuned to the night. Every one of his instincts is alive, awake to every breath of wind that stirs a leaf, every animal tread that echoes through the night. He has been training for years for a night like t
He was glad, in the end, that he hadn’t listened to Rafe’s urgings to continue with their plan to go to college straight away, to abandon the military path. Because when their father was injured in his early twenties, it was only Victor’s precise military training that allowed him to take firm contr
“Three.”Victor pulls his trigger at the same moment as two of his Betas. All three of Rafe’s troops fall to the ground, shrieking hideously.Victor grimaces at the sounds, but works to stay perfectly still. This is one thing that is different from actual combat. If this had been a real-life situati
Alvin laughs, seeing how easy it was, and quickly follows his brother.When they’re reunited in the next tree, they grin at each other.This will be easy, Alvin says to Ian’s mind, his face carrying the message.We’ll find them in no time, Ian responds, nodding.With that, the boys move briskly thro
“Me me me,” he says, hardly able to contain his excitement. “My turn, mama. Please.” And he looks down, again, at his little girl. “Well,” I say, shifting her in my arms and leaning forward so Ian can better see her face. She frowns in her sleep, squirming a little and making me smile. “I was think
Several hours later, I’m changed and curled up more comfortably in my bed with Victor by my side, a baby in each of our arms, and our boys curled up like puppies at the end of the bed. Archie is on the bed too, cuddled between them. We sit quietly together, all still focused on the two little babie
“It’s all right, doctor,” I say, giving her a little smile and nodding towards the boys. “We found them.” “Oh my god,” she says, shaking her head and placing a hand over her heart. Then she frowns at them. “How did they…” “Window,” Victor says, gesturing towards it and sighing. “It’s all right. Th
“Come on, Evelyn,” the doctor says confidently as Victor squeezes my hand, his eyes darting between my face and the first baby, which the doula is now wrapping in her first swaddle. “One more push, and then you’ll be done, and you can hold your little girls.” “Okay,” I huff, sitting up and shifting
Slumped on the couch, Ian heaves a gigantic sigh. “What is taking so long,” he mutters, glaring angrily at the steps as if they’ve personally offended him. “You knew it would take a while,” Bridgette murmurs, running a hand over Ian’s soft brown hair and smiling fondly at her nephew. She sighs and
“Oh my god,” Victor gasps, instantly wide awake. “Oh my god,” he says again, grabbing my face and searching it like it has answers. “Are you – are you okay?” “Yes,” I say, nodding but then belying my answer with an immediate moan. I grit my teeth, my hand going to my stomach as I weather the contra
And between them, my three Alphas have kept me sane. Even though every other part of the end of this pregnancy has worked hard against that sanity. Very, very hard. Even though the TV is on, capturing both of our attention, Ian very suddenly turns his head towards my stomach, like a dog hearing a w
As it turns out…I cannot. I cannot spend 3 months in bed, waiting for my babies to be born. Two and a half months later, I’m basically climbing the walls, I’m going so crazy sitting here in this bedroom, waiting for my little girls to be born. I’ve done it this long, though. I’ve stayed in my bedr
“Why?” Victor asks, suddenly serious in the sea of merriment. “Evelyn, why aren’t you here? What’s wrong?” “Um…” she says, her eyes glancing away awkwardly. “Because…I went into early labor…and I’ve been put on bedrest…” The tablet cracks as it falls to the floor. Rafe gasps, reaching down for it