*Claire*
What on earth just happened?
I raised a hand to my swollen lips, tears still pooling in my eyes as I sat in a daze.
My lips tingled as I still felt Jared's warm ones against them. He hadn't just kissed me that time. I swallowed thickly. I kissed him back. I responded and wanted to do so much more with him.
I wanted him to touch me and feel me. I loved the feeling of his body pressing against mine.
More tears trailed down my cheeks as the shocking realization slammed into me.
I wanted him.
I was hurt that he didn’t fully trust me for not killing Rob. I was jealous that Amanda was his mate. I was furious that he threw me in the lake for Goddess’ judgment, and I was so angry that he didn’t come to rescue me from Reeva even though deep down I knew none of the other warriors, Kent, or Todd could come without Jared’s approval.
I was so upset because I loved him, but I knew my love for him was stupid a
Time seemed to stand still when Amanda and Damien turned slowly to look at me. I had tried to hide behind the rock, but it was too late.Damien grinned evilly when he realized it was me. Amanda looked similarly pleased to see me as well, but her eyes burned with fury as well.My body seemed to freeze up.Amanda laughed, her voice amazed. “Well, look who it is.”I swallowed, backing away. This wasn’t good.Damien started to cackle and licked his lips. “I have unfinished business with that one, Amanda. Leave her to me.”Amanda glared at me. “Oh, believe me. I have unfinished business with her as well.”I did the only sensible thing I could do at that moment.I turned around and ran.However, I didn’t make it very far. The unmistakable sound of shoes stomping the dirt. It was easy to tell the difference between the quick and more measured steps of Amanda and the heavier ones o
My wolf was powerful. She loved running above anything else it seemed like. Each long stride made me feel like I was flying through the air.But she was also focused when she had to be. I was no longer mesmerized by all the new smells and sights that filled the forest. I had one goal and that was to return to Moonstone as quickly as I could, which was extremely fast in my new unstoppable form.The strength coursing through me was unbelievable. I felt like I could burst straight through mountains if I wanted to. When I first shifted, I was running just for the sake of it, to test out my new form, and to take in all the heightened sights and sounds. Now as I ran with purpose, it was as if instinct completely took over. I had no idea where I was before finding Bentley’s goons, but somehow, I knew how to get back without thinking about it, as if something was pulling me back to Moonstone.I stopped about a quarter mile away from the gate, shifting back into my
A few wolves had “accidentally” kicked my cage on their way out. My whole body was sore from being trapped in the tiny cage that had probably once been used for a bird.The throne room was empty, except for me, huddled in my tiny cage, my jaw sore from the gag prying my mouth open. Finally, tears threatened to fall not long after everyone had left.I had never felt so alone, but then desperately wished to be once again when Amanda returned, a victorious smirk on her face.“Don’t you worry, I haven’t forgotten about you!” she laughed. And then, she didn’t speak to me more until she had dragged my cage out the doors of the throne room and around the side to a tiny dilapidated door. She opened it, revealing a dark tunnel that led underground. I was unsurprised to find a jail cell at the bottom of the dirty stairs.She didn’t speak as she brought me down into this dungeon, which was actually more worrying than i
Our enemies had gotten stronger.In the short time since our last battle, the Blood Moon pack had somehow doubled in numbers and were much less sloppy in terms of their strategy. We had to be steadfast and diligent as we moved through the trees.“Three men per group. One defends, one attacks and the third should act as a watchman for the group, focusing on identifying the invisible attacker while providing aid to your other two group mates!!” I gave my order, and within fifteen seconds, my warriors finished forming their groups.“Kent,’ I instructed my Gamma via mind link, “take a small team and stay hidden. We need to figure out what the hell is behind the invisible attackers and how they work!”“Got it.”Then we charged toward our enemies, me included.I fought alongside two warriors just like the rest of my troops. My role in our small group was the watchman. I took a deep breath and started
I had subconsciously avoided looking at Jared ever since Bentley was dead because I couldn’t bring myself to face my mate’s miserable state. However, there was only so long I could drag.“Todd, give me a hand please.”“You don’t have to get up. Just tell me what to do … okay, fine.”Todd helped me over to Jared after he saw my stubborn face.I almost regretted it as soon as I saw Jared. His handsome face was swollen and bloody, and his eyes were shut. Even in his unconsciousness, he seemed to be undergoing a great amount of pain.My knees gave in, and I kneeled over him. Tears were already streaming down my cheeks as I dug through the medical pouch on my waist, thanking the Goddess that I thought to pack medical supplies.Luckily, his chest was rising and falling slightly but evenly, giving me some confidence. I brushed the tears from my cheek and got to work, using everything I had learned fr
She tried to rip her arm away from my hand, but I held on to her wrist.Yes, I would have to let her go eventually, but not yet.Not right now.She took a deep breath, and then finally parted her rosy lips.“Good, you’re awake,” she said, her voice flat.I tried not to let my expression change at how calm and almost indifferent her tone was. She was acting as if she wasn’t experiencing any kind of emotional turmoil that I had been.No way that was true. I read the intensity in her eyes just now and when we were in the throne room. The pull between us was powerful, undeniable. She had to be feeling it, which meant she was fighting it.I didn’t say anything, just continued to observe her as she started to struggle in my hold. She refused to give in to her own feelings or the irresistible connection between us.Just how stubborn was this woman?“What are you doing? Please let go of me.&rd
*Jared*I kissed her hard, feeling the desperation surge through me as I hugged her close to my chest. I knew this couldn’t last. I had been through this heartbreak dozens of times already, each time more painful than the last.Some invisible force yanked me away roughly and I was forced to look down into Claire’s confused, but gorgeous blue eyes. Her lips quivered into a frown and I badly wanted to kiss her again so that the sad form would disappear.“I reject you,” I heard myself say in a low, cruel voice.Pain exploded on her face and large tears streamed down her smooth cheeks, as anguish and agony ripped my heart apart.Just as I thought the excruciating burn from the rejection was going to tear me into pieces, I woke up.I gasped and sat up in my bed, my whole body shaking at the nightmare. I wiped a hand over my face, groaning at the pounding headache that felt like it was threatening to split my skull open.
“Wait a moment!” Kent went after me. “What?” I glared at him. He knew he couldn’t talk me out of it. “Don’t get me wrong, I’m not trying to stop you. It’s Avery. She just mindlinked me.” He paused, “Urgent.” “What happened?” I frowned. Ever since Claire’s departure, Avery did her best to avoid me. Deep down, she probably blamed me for everything, and she was right, I pushed Claire away. “She said she spotted Amanda and Damien together in the small woods near the lake, Amanda was arguing with him and mentioned something like ‘another vial’. Avery said she was going to tail them and asked me to tell you that…” Kent looked at me a bit worriedly, and cleared his voice and mimicked Avery’s voice “ ‘if the Alpha is upset with me, he can punish me when I’m back.’” “How dare she!” I growled. “You’re not really going to punish her, aren’t you,” Kent hurriedly defended her, “You know, she would never disobey you with ill intention. She’s just—” “Ask her to keep a safe distance and repo