(Hilda)I took a deep breath, trying to steady my racing heart as I looked up at Arlo. The night around us was quiet, the stars above twinkling as if they were watching our exchange. Arlo stood before me, his presence both comforting and unsettling, his openness seemingly genuine, yet I couldn’t shake the feeling that something lay beneath the surface, something I needed to uncover.“Alright,” I said, forcing my voice to remain steady despite the turmoil inside me. “I want to know everything. I need to understand what’s really happening with the pack. And I need to know why you’ve been so… secretive.”Arlo’s expression softened, but I noticed a flicker of something in his eyes… a hesitation, perhaps? He took a step closer, his gaze never leaving mine. “Hilda, I’ve never intended to keep anything from you. The truth is, there are matters of the pack that are complex and difficult. I’ve been trying to protect you from unnecessary worry.” “Protect me?” I echoed, my voice edged with s
(Hilda)That night, the tension between Arlo and me seemed to dissolve into the stillness of the air, yet the turmoil within me only grew stronger. My thoughts twisted and turned, caught between the loyalty I felt for Soren and the undeniable pull I felt toward Arlo. But as the night stretched on, I allowed myself to be enveloped in the warmth of Arlo's presence, feeling my resolve weaken. The forest around us was serene, the stars above shimmering as silent witnesses to our conversation. Arlo's words echoed in my mind, laced with sincerity and a promise of something more. I couldn’t deny the magnetic attraction that drew me closer to him, even as I fought the conflicting emotions raging inside me. Arlo stepped closer, his eyes never leaving mine. "Thank you, Hilda," he murmured, his voice full of relief and sincerity. "I promise you won't regret this." A rush of emotions flooded through me. Hope, fear, and an undeniable attraction that I could no longer ignore. The connection b
(Soren)I paced back and forth in the clearing. Every passing minute felt like an eternity, my heart hammering in my chest as I waited, praying that Hilda would show up. It had been days with no sign of her, but I kept my promise. I showed up every night. I waited for her. I needed to warn her. But more than that, I needed her help to get to Lilith. I had no chance without her, without King Arlo. And then I would expose King Arlo’s deceit and protect the pack. I had been so sure that she would see reason, that she would stand by my side against King Arlo’s tyranny. But doubt gnawed at the edges of my confidence, its claws digging deeper with every second that ticked by. I glanced at the trees, their leaves rustling softly in the breeze. The sun filtered through the canopy, casting dappled shadows on the ground. The serenity of the forest was at odds with the turmoil inside me. I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself. This had to work. Hilda had to understand. When she fi
(Arlo)I loved her. I loved everything about her. From the moment I found her in the woods, bleeding and whimpering like a fawn, I loved her. The mate bond was nothing compared to the love I felt for her. I needed her. I needed to hear her voice, to feel her touch. Every time I saw her, I felt happier than I’d ever been before. Every time I heard her voice, it was like nothing I’d ever heard. She changed my world with her presence. But I couldn’t get too close to her. I hated that. I hated the lies, the control. I didn’t have a choice. "Arlo," my mother’s voice slithered into my consciousness, her tone dripping with malevolence. "Bring her to me. It is time."I stiffened, my hands involuntarily clenching into fists. "No," I muttered, more to myself than to her. "Not this time."Her laughter echoed in my head, cold and cruel, sending shivers down my spine. "You do not have a choice, my son. You never did. Hilda is essential for the ritual. Bring her to me, or face the consequences."
(Arlo)The morning light filtered through the curtains, casting a soft glow over Hilda's peaceful face. I watched her sleep, her chest rising and falling in a steady rhythm. She looked so serene, so content, and I felt a swell of tenderness for her. I hadn’t been there last night. I would have to explain that. I would have to tell her about my mother. That was a heavy burden that I wished to bear alone, to save her from. But I could only avoid her questions for so long. She would need to know the truth. But maybe not today. Determined to make this day special for her, I quietly headed to the kitchen. I wanted to surprise her with breakfast in bed, something sweet and thoughtful to start her day. As I moved around the kitchen, I couldn't help but smile at the memory of her laughter, her moans, and the way she had clung to me. I wanted to give her more moments like that, to show her how much she meant to me.I prepared a tray with freshly made pancakes, a bowl of strawberries, and a
(Hilda)The morning sun gently woke me from a dreamless sleep. As my eyes fluttered open, they settled on Arlo standing beside the bed. His smile was soft, his eyes radiating a possessive love so deep it seemed to reach into my very soul. “Good morning, love,” he whispered, his voice a soothing melody that made my heart flutter. I returned his smile, a warmth spreading through my chest that had nothing to do with the sunlight. “Good morning, Arlo,” I replied, sitting up slowly. Arlo extended his hand to me. “Come with me,” he said, his voice a soft invitation. We walked together out past the pack to the riverbank. He was quiet as we walked, but his hand gripped mine tightly. When we reached the river he stopped, his face etched with a pain I had never seen before. “Hilda,” Arlo began, his voice low. “There’s something I need to tell you. Something I should have told you a long time ago.” “Arlo…” I said, looking up into his eyes. “What is it?” But the sound of rustling leav
(Soren)Dragging Hilda through the forest, I couldn't shake the image of her standing between me and Arlo, the look of betrayal on her face cutting deeper than any wound. My grip on her wrist was firm, my pace unyielding. The forest was thick with tension, every rustle of leaves a remainder of the chaos we had just left behind. I knew I had crossed a line by taking her, but there was no turning back now. She had to understand the danger she was in, even if it meant risking everything.The hidden cabin came into view, a small, unassuming structure nestled deep in the woods. I pushed the door open and pulled Hilda inside, releasing her wrist as she stumbled away from me. The cabin was quiet, a stark contrast to the storm raging inside me. It was a place of secrets and shadows, much like the feelings I had buried deep for far too long."What are you doing, Soren?" Hilda's voice was sharp, cutting through the silence. Her eyes flashed with anger, and something else. Betrayal, maybe. It t
(Hilda)My lips still tingled from Soren's kiss, a mix of anger and desire swirling inside me. The small cabin felt like it was closing in, making everything even more intense. "I can't stay here," I said, my voice shaking. "You can't decide what's best for me." Soren's eyes were filled with determination and something else I couldn't name. "I won't let you get hurt," he said firmly. "Not by Arlo, not by anyone." "You don't get it," I snapped. "This isn't about Arlo. It's about you controlling me, thinking you know what's best." His jaw clenched. "Hilda, you don't understand the danger. Arlo is hiding something that could destroy us all." "Then let me decide!" I shouted. "I'm not a pawn in your game, Soren. I can take care of myself." He stepped closer, his presence overwhelming. "I won't lose you," he said in a low growl. "Not like this." His intensity made my heart pound with fear and something else—something I didn't want to admit. "You have to let me go," I whispered
Hilda We push forward and the fog disappears as suddenly as it came. The relief at being able to see barely sets in when an arrow comes flying out of nowhere, straight into Arlo’s chest. Blood immediately starts pouring from the wound, dripping in thick splotches to the ground, forming a puddle in seconds.No! No, Arlo, don’t you dare die on me, hang on. Take some of my life essence. We’ll get you out of here and to a healer, I tell him, desperately attempting to share my animus with him. It should be possible, but no matter how hard I push, nothing happens.He sways on his feet, then falls heavily to his side, sending up a flurry of leaves as his large body hits the forest floor. I’m howling in agony, calling the others to us, but they’re nowhere to be seen. It’s just me and Arlo in the half-light of the forest and his eyes are starting to dim.I can’t. This can’t be happening to me again. I won’t survive this loss. Please Arlo, I beg again, but his eyes are wide open and blank. He’
HildaWe’re traveling at an easy pace, more focused on stealth than speed, in hopes that Maelor and his companions don’t know we’re coming for them. The thought that by tomorrow this could all be over is exhilarating. I want my honeymoon period with Arlo. Uninterrupted and without any concerns that pull us out of each other’s arms.It’s good to see Cerelia and Soren bonding. He’s different with her than he was with me. Much gentler. Of course I was an incredible brat who was always courting trouble, but it’s more than that. I don’t know if it’s possible for the magic of the mating bond to make mistakes. It shouldn’t be. Yet, as content and in love as we were once, we’re both far better matched and happier now.Soren and I loved one another deeply, but I don’t think we were ever truly, madly, deeply in love. We would have been at peace together if I was never wounded and left comatose. I prefer what I have now, which is ecstatic bliss. I’m sure Soren would agree with that sentiment.Af
SorenThe relief when we finally get going is immense. I saw King Arlo and his Beta scrambling to swop out guards and I know exactly why. I’m not an idiot, I’ve noticed the way many of his pack members glare at me suspiciously.Given a choice, this is the last place in the world I’d choose to be. As luck would have it, the only place I intend to be is by Cerelia’s side and she’s determined to help them. She should help them, I just wish she could do it from the safety of our pack house, surrounded by my own men.King Arlo made it very clear that none of them are to come here, especially not Damon. Given his history with Hilda, I get that. And the presence of my own army would stretch the already thin tolerance of his people to breaking point.I’m not here to make trouble. I want to make amends, protect my Luna and then go home. Maybe start a family. Cerelia would be an incredible mother. She’s different since she found her magic. More ambitious and assertive. I still love her just the
Arlo It’s a fantastic feeling to finally be able to get moving. I need to ensure the safety of my mate and all the packs who trust me to be their Alpha King. For the first time since taking over this position I’ll get to act solely on my own instincts.Hilda looks incredible in her tight warrior’s uniform and it’s very difficult not to get distracted. Especially when she looks up and finds me staring at her lustfully. Fire immediately kindles in her eyes and her mouth curves up as she drags her teeth over her lower lip seductively, giggling when I have to adjust my pants. She’ll be getting a most thorough hiding for that later.She walks over to me with a bit of extra sashay in her step, getting on her tiptoes in order to whisper into my ear, “You can tan my backside when we get back and then kiss it all better,” as if she can read the inside of my head. “Then we’d best hurry this along. I’m looking forward to peeling you out of these pants,” I growl back at her, heat spiking in my c
CereliaI can tell how hard Hilda is trying to make me feel at home and I wish she’d stop. This was all easier and less confusing when I could secretly resent her. Instead I’m finding out that she’s smart, nice, funny, a great fighter and not at all interested in my mate. I want to like her. She deserves to be liked. She was dealt a rough hand and came out the other side not only whole, but triumphantly, ecstatically happy.I still do everything in my power to avoid spending time with her. It’s taking a bit of time to gather the ingredients and objects I need and I request solitude for the casting. It’s not necessary, but I’m nervous enough that I’ll fail, I don’t want an audience watching it happen.Once I’m in the protective circle of salt, I sprinkle herbs into the copper basin filled with water, heating it to release the fragrances. Lavender for clarity, sage for guidance and rosemary for a clear mind. I surround myself with the crystals and candles, carefully placed in the corre
Hilda It seems they already know. About the spell and Maelor being a traitor. “I had no idea he was planning on coming after you Hilda. I would have done everything in my power to get to you before that happened. I’m glad you escaped.”The news of Cerelia’s magical powers came as a shock, but it explains how she was able to make a simple talisman take out the strongest mage of this generation. “Thank you, I know you would have Cerelia. You know Maelor better than any of us, what would you suggest we do next?”Soren clears his throat and steps forward. “I believe there’s another matter that needs to be settled before we get to that. I acted as a traitor to the throne. I’m hoping my actions can be forgiven, but I will abide by any decision my king makes.”Arlo’s jaw clenches, but he finally shakes his head. “I don’t consider any of your actions to have been perpetrated by you. I know what it’s like to have your mind invaded by outside forces. You’re not pardoned, since there’s nothing
Hilda“They couldn’t possibly have thought I wouldn’t know the second I looked into your eyes that it wasn’t you?” Arlo asks in disbelief. We’re back in our cabin and I’m wearing one of his huge shirts, the sleeves rolled up several times so my hands can poke through.He carried me home in his arms, wearing his t-shirt while he went bare chested. A most enjoyable and highly recommended mode of travel. He sent one of the guards on duty to inform Percy that I’m back and to give us space until morning, we’ll convene then to discuss what happened and the way forward.Feeling chilly, I’d fetched one of his long-sleeved shirts to wear. It’s warm and soft and smells like him, checking every box I had at that moment. “You know there’s a closet full of clothes for you right next to mine, right?” he asked in amusement. “None of them have your scent,” I explained, crawling on to his lap on the couch.“Tell me everything,” he demanded, bringing us to his current state of incredulity. “I don’t thi
Arlo“Hilda!” my jagged thoughts and ragged breathing immediately calms now that she’s safe in my arms. I’ve been running like a maniac since the moment her presence ignited my soul.I went back to the pack house with the others, but only stayed about 10 minutes before quietly heading back to the woods. There would be no rest for me while my mate was in danger, I may as well keep searching.I shifted immediately this time, protecting myself from blindness. None of the other spells seemed to activate to my great relief. The wards still seemed to recognize me as Arlo even though my mother’s control spell didn’t.“I’m so happy to- Wait, what are you wearing? Did they hurt you? Touch you against your will? I’ll disembowel each and every one of them and string them up by their spinal columns.” The words rip from the depths of my being before I can take a moment to think.Hilda’s arms tighten around me and my fury decreases infinitesimally when she says, “No, I’m fine. You saved me before m
Hilda Struggling causes the glowing ropes to singe my skin. I fight through the pain, knowing what will happen if I don’t get out of here. It’s no use though. The harder I try, the more solid my bonds seem to become.Nearly an hour’s passed since Maelor left, I’ve been carefully keeping count. I’ve tried changing to my wolf form, hoping to just slip off into the night. Maelor obviously considered that and took steps to prevent it. I’m out of options. They were limited to begin with, but I won’t give up.Closing my eyes, I take deep, measured breaths, doing my best to remain calm and think. I have no experience with this type of magic. What its strengths and weaknesses are, what I can do to fight it. Except...Finding and loving me helped Arlo finally slip the leash of his mother’s control.This surely isn’t true for all forms of sorcery, but the dark, evil kind practiced by Maelor and his cabal doesn’t seem to enjoy the purity of real love. Maelor’s dampening my connection to Arlo, bu