Damien POVI walked in the side door looking for a bathroom when I saw Chris heading upstairs. I wanted to follow him, ask him a thousand questions that burned inside me, but I didn't have the energy to fight. I lost the little boy I barely knew, but wanted to love like a son. I had so many plans for us and now they would never come. While my heart was being shredded over and over again my mate was only inches from my touch, but I had to hide the desire to reach out for his comfort.I spent most the day flickering between sadness, hate, and lust. All I blamed on Chris. When I left the bathroom I stopped at the side door unable to walk back outside. I turned in a rage, stomping my way upstairs and collided right into Chris leaving his bedroom. I slammed him into the wall attacking his mouth with a deep desperate kiss. Chris let me take control and welcomed the pain my teeth and rough hands grabbing at his body gave him. He knew I was lost in misery all day. I wanted my mate and I wan
Ryker POVElena spent most of the day getting to know my pack members. I guess more accurately they were her pack now too. Everyone seemed to swoon over her presence, like she was a celebrity and she didn't exactly know how to handle it. Nate and Damien constantly looked over her while I gave disapproving grunts at their protectiveness. She didn't need them protecting her. I would wrap my arm around her or lay my hand to her back, but I never announced that we were together or kissed her in front of anyone. It would seem Nate and Damien were more her lover with the way they hugged her, kissed her cheek, or teased her with tickles or little punches. I could feel her uneasiness around me and I didn't like it. She didn't know how to act or what was appropriate. In her territory we couldn't ever be this close in front of others. It was uncharted territory for the both of us.Maddox and Alex fell in love with the gorgeous Queen the second they laid eyes on her. They were now thirteen wit
Ryker POVHope saw me slash a man's chest open, making him and the others close by kneel before me. She knew I was second from killing them. I was becoming more and more violent, especially when it came to Elena. I never allowed disobedience, but I also never gave anyone reason for my people to second guess me. Hope came running out the door and stood next to me. "Please calm down Alpha. Elena poses a problem and she is a threat." My eyes dug deep into hers with a deathly threat. "But we trust you brother. It will be difficult, but I know if you two are meant to be. You will find a way and not damn your people. Please trust us and have understanding." She pleadedI took some deep breaths then walked off. I needed to get space between my wolf and everyone that pissed him off.'I won't explain my relationship with Elena. She is mine and no one will speak against it.' I told all of the Shadows as I headed to Dexter's grave. I needed to be alone and gather my thoughts. Being the Alpha o
Elena POVThe next few mornings I meet my family for breakfast, but Ryker and Chris were not here. Now that they were officially a part of the council their presence was only needed for monthly meetings. It seemed odd not having them around everyday. Damien updated the King that his warriors found a few rogue locations, but only had a handful of prisoners so they won't return for another two weeks. Nate, Damien, and I already discussed that they wouldn't hand over anyone else to be experimented on. They ordered their troops to kill only if necessary. The soldiers mostly to let the Rogues be and provide protection to those that needed it. A few of the families they found we were able to get to Ryker to join his pack.Once the King was dead we could decide their fates, but for now we needed to keep them from Luna Marissa's labs. I slipped between the library shelves, wanting to head out to the gardens when the voice of a boy that was about to die by my hands reached my ears."Hey El
Elena POVMy eyes stung as the bright sun burned my eye lids. I huffed at Helena setting a tray of tea and danishes on my bedside. "Come on princess, it's time to get up and face a new day!" Helena said, walking in my closet for clothes."Argh! Today is going to be the worst, best day ever. I just want to skip to tonight and get to the best part." I stretched my body then slid to my food, taking greedy bites."What does the princess have on her schedule today? I was only aware of breakfast with your family." Helena asked, holding a green and beige dress out.I nodded in approval and got up to dress. "Breakfast then volunteering at the hospital with the most vile creature on this earth then dinner with my horrible family, but at night I'll have my handsome beast."Helena took a gulp, swallowing her disapproval of my relationship with Ryker. She knew there was nothing she could say to keep me from him."Well, I'll be sure to pick out a nice dress for dinner then.""Thank you!" I gave h
Hope POVEvery day that I was away from my mate I felt like I was slowly burning from the inside out. My need to be close to Nate felt like it was taking over my subconscious, making me feign to be by his side again. The first few days I buried myself in training. I was the head warrior and had responsibility to my pack. At night I prepared dinner and forced my little siblings to behave with one another. I missed my family and pack more than I could ever express, but I also missed my mate. I didn't know if I could chose one over the other?Maddox and Alex seemed to be fighting over something, Ryker and Chris were clear of their anger, our mom seemed to be distant and oddly racked with guilt, leaving little Rosie to keep the peace around the house. She was only eight years old, but she knew how to work the room. Bouncing between her brothers to force them to do anything she asked, including being nice to each other.I couldn't help but find her amusing. She was going to be such a hear
Chris POVI stormed out of the house in a fit of rage. I threw my car into drive, speeding to the city. Everything was becoming to much to handle for me and I had no one to confide in anymore. I always hated this life, but I had Ryker and Hope by my side. The three of us rebuilt our family and pack after it was torn to shreds. Now we were all at odds with each other. Ryker was choosing the princess over everything we worked so hard for. Damien was my enemy that we needed to kill, but was also my mate. I killed an innocent little boy that did nothing wrong. No, The goddess used that boy's body and soul for her bidding. That is what ended his life.I pulled into a bar and immediately began hammering down one drink after the other. Ryker didn't chose me and neither would my mate. Hearing that the Shadow was fading from Damien broke my heart, even though I knew it had to be this way. "Does your kind ever stay where it belongs?" An old man took a seat next to me. I could smell the magic
Elena POV"Well, Jonathan was your fated mate so I would hope so." Richard said like it was just a fact. I froze at his words. I had to of heard him wrong."What did you say?" I wasn't able to piece a single thought together."Here is my address. Visit me one day, alone, and I'll answer any questions you have." He finished wrapping the bandage himself then scooted off the table. "I thought for sure I had to kill you, but for some reason all I want to do is protect you. Be careful princess, your enemies are by your side."My eyes began tearing and I was losing control. I wanted to run after that man, but I couldn't move. 'What is happening? Are you in danger!' Ryker' voice was filled with anger feeling my pain through our bond and magic. I looked around and noticed that everyone was becoming frozen in place. I was losing control, letting my soul magic run rampant with those I was connected to.'I'm fine Ryker. I'll see you soon.' I quickly responded in our mind-link then closed it sh
Damien POVElena and I stayed in her room hiding from everyone. We had so much drama in these few short months that we were both on edge."Oh, Elena dear. Why is Alpha Damien here?" Helena walked in rubbing her head confused.Elena looked to her sensing something was off. "Are you ok?" She asked."Fine my child. Just seem to have misplaced some time. I guess I'm getting old, no worries though. Would you like me to bring you some dinner?" Helena smiled and her eyes held that soft motherly innocence that we hadn't seen in so long."What do you mean, misplaced time?" My tone let my Alpha aura slip through. I knew something was off and I didn't like it. Not just for Helena sake, but that she was so close to my Queen."I don't know exactly. I woke in the pantry earlier and feel like weeks have passed. In truth, I don't remember being here in the castle that much the last month or so. Like I zoned out or something.""Or something." I growled. My eyes went blank for a few moments mind linkin
Serenity POV"I can't believe you came here, Nicholas. It was foolish and you could have been killed." I huffed in aggravation at my mate."Well, it was worth it because if I didn't we wouldn't be together. I know you had every intention of leaving me." He pouted."I did not!"He gave me a look telling me he knew that was a big fat lie. "Ok, fine, maybe I was thinking about it, but it hurt like hell." I punched him in the shoulder before getting out of the car."Awe! What was that for, beast?" He whined, standing next to me by the front door to our house."That was for making me like you so much. Now what are we going to do about him?" I pointed to the door where my father was close by waiting for us."No clue. Let's just wing it, I guess." He said, grabbing my hand and leaning closer."Wing it? You have gone rogue little witch boy.""I'm not that much younger then you S and I didn't go Rogue. I was born a witch and always will be. Your moon goddess and Hecate linked us together for
Elena POV"I'm sorry S. I was such a foolish child. I can't live without you. Please forgive me!" I pleaded."Seriously, I should be begging you. I lied to you your whole life. You're like my sister, my only true family. I should have told you everything years ago."We stayed in each other's arms for a long time, apologizing over and over. "Ok, I think we both agree we are sorry and forgive each other. Come sit with me and tell me everything." I pulled Serenity to my bed and we laid down side by side.We spent an hour catching up from Serenity's true heritage to meeting her father and unlocking her powers. She even mentioned a certain boy, Nicholas, but pretended like it was nothing. I told her about Tyler's betrayal, my father and Luna Marissa affair in both the bedroom and with experimenting on species. I went on about my love for Ryker and that I finally lost my virginity, which of course Serenity wanted all the details of. I gushed telling her about how Nate and Hope found each
Serenity POVI waited in the small village all night unable to find sleep. I missed Nicholas, but I knew nurturing our bond would only cause more pain. Once he realized the life we would have, he would reject me. Right now, I needed to focus on saving Elena and my friends. Hearing Chris say that Elena and Damien were searching for me filled me with so much happiness. I spent months away from everything I ever known. I thought the people I loved, hated me. That they all viewed me as a traitor and a filthy witch. Now I knew they love me too and I used that to push me forward. I dressed in a long elegant green and beige dress. My dark skin seemed to glow and my black hair was half up with lose curls. I masked my powers from my witch heritage, but didn't lock them away. If I needed to fight I would be ready too. The herbs I gave Chris were harmless, and I prayed he didn't figure it out it until it was too late to do anything about it.I hid myself in the crowd, watching Elena and Damien
Ryker POVI tore apart the forest in my wolf form, taking down one rogue after the other. I could tell which ones were feral beast that spent years losing their humanity. I wasn't sure if this was a way to release pent up anger or some offering to the goddess that I could still help our kind by ridding those that harmed others. I cursed our goddess, but still felt a devotion to her. My wolf was at odds with me, wanting to take complete control, but I wouldn’t let him have it. He would run back to Elena then we would all die.The words Elena spoke of my betrayal kept replaying in my mind. Her eyes held no longing or compassion for me anymore. Her love for me vanished and I feared I would never see it again.~ "There is nothing between us Ryker, not anymore. You broke my heart and betrayed my loyalty. Leave and don't return." Elena's voice echoed over and over as I tore the Rogues limb from limb.My wolf argued that she didn't understand the dangers. That we needed to capture her and b
Hope POV"Oh thank the goddess. Where have you been, mom?" I gave her hug but scolded her for leaving my younger siblings alone. "I was at the castle. After everything that happened I ran back here. Ryker stripped Christopher of his Beta title. He can't do that. We can't let this family fall apart. He is too invested in that damn girl who just crowned Tyler as King."Nate growled at my mom for speaking so disrespectful of Elena. "You will watch your tongue about our Queen. I'm done playing by the Shadow's rules." Lucian came forward and we could both feel the immense power radiating from his aura.I took a second to swoon over his power then smacked his shoulder. "Enough, this is my mother, you will not growl at her, understood. As far as Ryker and Chris are concerned they can sort their own shit out. Right now, we need to get our people to safety. Go pack a bag mom!"Nate smiled at my bossy tone and my mom looked between the both of us about to speak, but retreated to her room inste
Nate POVI looked around the forrest, looking out to our pack house, my home in the distance. This might be the last time I saw these lands. I let out a long sigh then turned and left. I shifted into my white wolf, grabbing my bag in my mouth and headed to Hope. Lucian was desperate to see her. He needed to sense our pup growing inside her. It filled me with a new purpose that I couldn't wait to fulfill.When I arrived to the Shadow Moon's territory people were running around like crazy. I didn't bother shifting to ask what happened though. If there was danger then I couldn't wait another second to find Hope.Her scent grew stronger near the cells which made me let out a ferocious growl. Elena told me she was taken prisoner, but I didn't actually think Ryker could put her in a dungeon. At that moment, I no longer cared who the Alpha was or what anyone's rules were. I was getting my mate and we were leaving to do this our own way in this world.Two large men guarded the cement doors.
Meredith POVI watched the ceremony from a distance with a shattered heart. Everything we worked for was for nothing. Both my boys defied the goddess and now all the Shadows would feel her wrath. I didn't want to admit it, but I was growing fond of Elena too. This new life she was about to lead would be one of a loveless marriage filled with nothing but to please others. I was sad for my son mostly. As much as I wanted them apart and I knew Ryker loved her. This could break our Alpha and our family. Too many secrets have lived between us for too long. I rushed back to the castle to change back to my body. I needed to be there for my sons when they returned home.I left Helena's body in the kitchen's pantry with enough sleeping potion to keep her knocked out for a few hours. If I wasn't able to return I at least wanted Helena to have a chance to get her life back. Elena was going to need her and her husband truly loved her. Helena was a good person and she made a good life here in t
Elena POV"No father! Please don't do this! It's a misunderstanding." I grabbed my father's shirt, kneeling before him, begging him to not kill Nate. The King's eyes turned black then back handed me across the face. The entire crowd gasped at the sudden hit he gave me across the face. They screamed for their Queen to not be harmed by the Savage king.My father cursed at his rash behavior. He knew he couldn't let his emotions take over, but everyone knew he hated to be challenged. I needed to do something."You want to be Queen, then kill this traitor and the crown is yours. Show our people that you will protect them." The King took a blade from a guard and handed it to me.I wrapped my fingers around the blade and the King took his seat. He knew I had to do it or I would lose the faith of our people. I looked out to the crowd in a panic of what to do.I slowly walked to Nate, giving Ryker a look of disgust. This time he caught my eyes and a sharp pain of guilt ran through him. I stoo