Drake’s POV
I’ve been waiting for Selene to get over Bastien from the first day she set foot in Asphodel. I told myself that as long as I was patient, as long as I proved myself a good friend to her and gave her the space she needed to heal, she would eventually realize how perfect we are for each other.
I don’t care that I’m not her mate, or that this isn’t what the Goddess planned.
As far as I’m concerned mates are overrated. Bastien never appreciated Selene. He was never good for her and she has always deserved better. I’ve worked incredibly hard these last few years to help Selene move past him, and I’m certain we could have been together by now – if he’d only stayed away.
Except he didn’t stay away. He turned up in my city without notice or permission, and immediately set his sights on the woman of my dreams.
 
Bastien’s POVI’ll kill them all.Every last wolf who laid a paw on Selene will pay, followed by that coward they call an Alpha. It was bad enough that Drake wasn’t man enough to fight his own battle, but to let his men attack an innocent she-wolf is a new level of abhorrence.I thought I was hallucinating when Selene joined the fight. After all, my mate doesn’t have a violent bone in her body, but I suppose her wolf had other ideas. Everything should have stopped then and there, but I wasn’t near enough to help her, and Drake’s guards were so blinded by bloodlust they never even registered that the obstacle blocking them from their target was the mother of their Alpha’s child.In fairness, Drake is almost as angry as I am. We both moved for Selene the moment we heard her yelp, surging forward to protect her even as the scent of her blood seeped into
Selene’s POVMy first thought is of Bastien.I remember Drake’s attack, the horrible battle which followed and the terror of watching the odds turn against my mate. I remember Luna’s primal instinct to protect him, and the panic which spurred me to shift faster than should have been possible for someone of my experience. I remember wolves charging toward me with their fangs bared, and then there are only dizzying flashes of color and sound; distant voices and vivid waves of pain.It’s all a blur of fear and torment which my overloaded brain can’t seem to hold onto. The details slip through my fingers like water as consciousness returns, and the aches covering my body make themselves known.Where is Bastien? My thoughts entwine with Luna’s voice, our questions circling and alternating in a maelstrom of worry and confusion.
Bastien’s POV“Bastien, I’m fine!” Selene insists, spreading her arms wide to show me the veracity of her words, “See, all healed.”It’s true that the gashes and bite marks that once littered her body have already faded to the faintest scratches and bruises, no doubt accelerated by the healing power of her Volana blood. Even so, I refuse to risk it.“It’s too soon.” I decree, nudging her back towards the bed. She’s been trying to convince me to let her leave the makeshift infirmary all day long, too anxious about everything going on to stay put. Wrangling her has been surprisingly difficult, it seems I can’t turn my back without her trying to sneak out. If I had any doubts that my little wolf found her strength during our time apart, her rebellious behavior today has certainly erased them.As if reading my mind, my mate
Bastien’s POVFucking incredible. Those are the only words I can conjure as I look down at my mate. Selene is dazed and drugged on pleasure, spiraling towards an overdose that will satisfy her heat and prepare her to be marked. I almost can’t believe she’s really in front of me, the very image of all my erotic fantasies over the last few years.Her taste is still on my tongue, and I can’t help but revel in the Goddess’s wisdom. She could not have made me a more perfect mate if she tried. Selene is an extraordinary beauty, but lots of she-wolves are beautiful. The true magic is in her sweet submission, her incredible responsiveness and vulnerability.Selene is an experienced woman, yet every time with her is like the first. She’s never lost her innocent spirit, that sheltered quality I never get bored of scandalizing. Whatever else might have happ
Bastien’s POVThe early morning sun filters through the windows and bathes the room in dappled light. I trace the patterns its rays form on Selene’s skin, trailing my fingers down her spine, circling the shadows and delicate illuminations across her ribcage before tugging the sheet pooled around her waist down to reveal a broader swath of canvas.Selene sighs in her sleep as my hands travel the length of her body with a featherlight touch. Unable to resist the temptation, I soon replace my hands with my mouth. Selene shivers as my lips find the small of her back, finally stirring her from slumber.She turns onto her side to look up at me sulkily. “How do you expect me to sleep with you doing that?”I chuckle deeply, claiming her mouth possessively before answering, “I think you might be missing the point.”Selene’s breat
Sophie’s POVI’ve been in love with Drake Cavanaugh for as long as I can remember.We grew up together. My dad was his step-father’s Beta, and we spent our entire childhoods tied at the hip. All my fondest memories are with Drake. We spent our days running through the docks of Asphodel like wild things, completely free and completely happy.I always imagined Drake would wake up one day and realize he loved me. The older we got, the harder I fell, and even though it was slow, it really seemed like he felt the same. I know men have to go out and sew their wild oats or whatever you want to call it – they have to explore and get all those primal urges out of their systems. So I didn’t worry when he didn’t immediately fall at my feet during my first heat.I didn’t worry when we reached our twenties and he still seemed more interested in other she-wolves. We were still just kids, and I’ve always been patient. I could certainly be patient for Drake – I’ve never met a man more worth waiting f
Odette’s POVWatching Lila dart gleefully around the playground – positively squealing with happiness – transports me far into the past. I’m no longer a lonely widow far past her prime, I’m a young mother with my whole life ahead of me. My loving, powerful mate stands by my side, and together we look on in amazement as our pup finds his way in the world.My heart aches to return to those halcyon days, but the nostalgia and grief aren’t what concern me most. At first I thought I was seeing flashes of Bastien in Selene’s pup out of wishful thinking. Now I know better.She might be her mother’s miniature in looks, but Lila is my son’s clone in spirit. There is so much of Bastien in Lila I can’t believe he doesn’t see the resemblance. I suppose it’s difficult to recognize one’s own mannerisms and expressions in another person, but I would
Selene’s POVThis isn’t happening.It can’t be real.I’m frozen in place, staring at Odette as if she’s a ghost. I must have misheard her. But if that’s the case, why does she look so distraught? Why are there tears in her eyes? And where is my pup?I swing my gaze from her to Bastien, whose hands are locked in white-knuckled fists at his sides. He’s breathing heavily, his eyes glowing and fangs extended. My first reaction was disbelief. His – apparently – was fury.Bastien’s gaze descends on me, and I feel my lower lip begin to tremble uncontrollably. It’s not real. I think desperately.Luna is frantic, lashing out our heightened senses to every corner of the room in search of Lila and coming up empty. “What do you mean she was taken?” I choke, “How could th