(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
(Arlo)The forest blurred around me as I raced through it, my heart pounding with anger and fear. Hilda had been taken by Soren, and I was frantic. Losing her was unimaginable. I had to get her back. Every breath was a struggle as I pushed myself through the underbrush. Hilda’s face, filled with pain and confusion, haunted me. I needed to find her, to prove I was the one who truly cared, that Soren was the real threat. I needed to save her. The scent trail was faint but unmistakable. I pushed harder, my muscles screaming in protest as I forced myself to move faster. The trees whipped past me, their branches clawing at my skin, but I didn’t care. All that mattered was finding Hilda before it was too late. Then, a voice cut through the chaos in my mind—it was my mother’s voice, cold and commanding. “Arlo, stop,” she ordered. I skidded to a halt, the shock of her voice hitting me like a slap. My mother’s presence in my mind was as imposing as ever. Her words felt like icy fingers
(Cerelia)The forest was alive with the sounds of the night, but all I could hear was the pounding of my own heart. I moved swiftly, tracking Soren’s scent. It was faint but unmistakable, leading me deeper into the woods. My mind raced with thoughts of what I might find—of what I feared. The moonlight filtered through the trees, casting long shadows across the ground. The air was thick with tension, and I couldn’t shake the sense of dread that hung over me like a dark cloud. I had to find Soren, had to confront him about what I knew—what I felt deep in my bones. Finally, I saw it: a small cabin nestled in the clearing, light seeping through the cracks of the wooden structure. My breath caught in my throat as I approached, every step weighted with the knowledge that nothing would be the same after this. I reached the door and hesitated, hand hovering over the worn wood. I could hear muffled voices inside—Soren’s low, rumbling tone and a softer, feminine voice I recognized too wel
AshThe sun is barely up when I jostle Tara awake, grinning as she groans and buries her face in the pillow. "Get up. We’ve got things to do."She swats at me blindly. "You’re insufferable. It’s too early. Go away." I chuckle, pulling the blanket off her. "Nonsense. It’s the perfect time to go shopping." That gets her attention. She lifts her head, bleary-eyed and scowling. "We don’t have money to waste and you don’t need more clothes."I wave a dismissive hand. "It’s not wasting, it’s investing and we’re going shopping for you. If we’re going to Amber’s tonight, you need to look the part. There’s nothing in your pack that would pass muster at an upmarket establishment. Or anywhere else for that matter. Your clothes should be deemed a crime against fashion."Tara groans, flopping back onto the bed. "Shouldn’t you have a hangover? It’s unnatural to have drunk as much whiskey as you did last night and not suffer for it.""It’s because I was made for debauchery," I say with a smirk. "My
SorenCerelia lies beneath me, her golden hair fanned out across the pillows, her blue eyes heavy-lidded with anticipation. She’s breathtaking, and for a moment I just gaze at her, memorizing the way she looks at me.Want curls through me and I lean over to kiss her. “I have the loveliest mate in the world,” I murmur. She smiles softly, “I think you’re probably a little biased,” she teases.I dip my head to trail kisses down her neck, nuzzling her soft skin and drinking in the sighs of pleasure she offers me in return. My lips slowly trail along her collarbone, while my hands skim down her sides, thumbs brushing along the swell of her breasts. She hums in response, her hands sliding up my back, fingertips tracing the lines of my muscles.Everything about her is gentle and warm and my body responds to every soft sigh and tremor. Her hands frame my face, guiding me into a kiss that’s both sweet and deep, filled with the promise of forever.When we break apart, her gaze locks onto mine,
CereliaThe morning sun filters through the trees, golden streaks painting the forest floor as Scarlett tugs eagerly at my hand. “Come on, Auntie Cerelia! We have to go this way.” Her little feet dance across the mossy ground as she leads me toward the creek.I chuckle, letting her take the lead. As we walk, she chatters non-stop, her small hands waving expressively as words tumble from her mouth.“Did you know Daddy sleeps like a starfish? Mommy says he takes up the whole bed, but he says it’s because he has to be prepared for danger at all times.” She pauses, eyes thoughtful. “But I don’t think that’s true because I poked him the other night, and he didn’t move at all.”I laugh. “Maybe he was too tired to be on high alert.” Scarlett shrugs. “Maybe. Mommy woke up though and took me back to bed. She said I should let the poor man rest. One female in the house sapping his energy is enough.”I laugh softly, “I guess she’s right.” Scarlett nods, “Mommy can be bossy,” she shares, giving m
AshThe moment we step into the city streets, I stretch my arms above my head and breathe in deeply. “Ah, civilization. How I’ve missed you.”Beside me, Tara wrinkles her nose. “It smells like urine and rotten vegetables, I can’t see how anyone could miss a stench like that.”I shrug. “That’s simply the aroma of this part of the city, you’ll get used to it. We need to start looking in the underbelly for what we need and work our way up from there.”She doesn’t look convinced, but she follows me anyway as I scout for the busiest bar. The more people, the more loose tongues. Finally, I spot a place bursting with noise and dim, flickering lights, and I pull her inside.The music is loud, the air thick with sweat and stale alcohol. I order a whiskey for myself and a glass of wine for Tara, nudging her toward the barstool beside me. She takes a sip, immediately grimacing.“Ugh,” she mutters. “This tastes like vinegar. I think it’s off.” I laugh absentmindedly, “No, that’s just the swill t
TaraExcitement thrums through me and I try to ignore the way my hands shake slightly. It’s not fear. Not exactly. It’s just been a long time since I was trusted with something important.Since anyone looked at me and saw more than the fragile girl who lost everything. But Hilda does. She believes I can do this. She trusts me to play spy, keep Ash in line and help her find Malcolm.That belief alone makes this worth it. Now we have to talk to Scarlett. If she says no, then Ash won’t be going anywhere. Even if he wants to.Hilda explains to Scarlett what she wants us to do and I hold my breath, hoping this expedition won’t be cancelled before it’s begun.“I don’t know how long they’ll be gone, sweetheart. I know you’re not sure why you need him, but will it be a problem if he leaves for a while?”Scarlett closes her eyes, little face scrunched in concentration, before she shakes her head. “No, it’s okay. Tara and Ash can go play in the city,” she declares, “I won’t need him yet. And wh
HildaWe need eyes in the city. I pace the length of the room, arms folded tight, trying to think through the problem. Malcolm is out there somewhere, licking his wounds and plotting his next move. And we have no idea where he went.I need to find him and show him what happens when he harms my mate and threatens our pack. Which means we need information. Desperately.“The best option is sending scouts into the city again,” I say, glancing at Arlo. “See if anyone’s talking. If Malcolm left a mess behind, someone will be cleaning it up. We decimated his forces and he’ll need to find new men. I doubt he’s given up on his plans.”Arlo’s fists clench at my words. He told me about the things Malcolm said to bait him. Apparently he no longer only wants dead wolves and land, he wants sex pets too. I really need to find the bastard.“Percy and Nixie can’t go again, they’ll be recognized. Same goes for you, me, Soren, and Cerelia. So who do we send that won’t stand out?”We fall into silence,
ArloI wake up with Hilda’s mouth firmly suctioned around my cock. She slaps my hands away when I try and drag her up, not stopping until she’d joyfully swallowed every drop of semen I had stored in my balls.I kiss her deeply, keen to return the favour, but she stops me when my mouth moves toward her breast.“Baby wait. There’s something I have to tell you and if you move any closer to my nipples I won’t be able to stop you.” I see absolutely no problem with not being stopped, but this has to be serious.“What’s wrong?” I ask, my finger tracing a circle around her areola. Her eyes do that stormy thing and I’m dying for this conversation to be over so I can get back to more important matters.“Don’t freak out,” she says, putting her hand on mine to stop my ardent caress. “That’s never a good way to start a conversation,” I say, sitting up slowly.“Ash is here,” she informs me, explaining how our daughter had apparently forced the former demon to visit, because she ‘needs him’ to do
ArloThe moment my lips meet hers, I lose myself. Every second away from her, every hour spent in darkness and pain, melts away in the heat of her mouth, in the press of her body against mine.Her fingers tangle in my hair, her grip tight, almost painful. I know she needs this just as much as I do. She needs to feel me, real and solid, so she can be sure I haven’t slipped away again.Bathwater sloshes over the edge of the tub as I shift, angling her beneath me. Droplets cling to her skin, her dark hair plastered against her shoulders. She’s watching me, her chest rising and falling in shallow, uneven breaths. Her incomparable breasts appearing and disappearing under the water. Her tight nipples begging to be suckled.Those blue eyes, storm-dark, filled with a hunger that makes my blood burn, lock onto mine. “You have no idea,” she murmurs, her fingers trailing down my jaw, over my throat, down my chest, “How much I missed you.”Her hand is on my stomach when I catch her wrist, pre
HildaThe moment we cross the border into our territory, I feel the tight coil of tension in my chest loosen just a little. Arlo is home. Safe. And though I can feel how weak he still is, his body already healing faster just from being near me, it’s not enough. It won’t be enough until he’s fully whole again.There’s an entire welcoming committee waiting to meet us. The scent of fresh bread, roasted meat and cherry pie fills the air. They’ve obviously been preparing for our return.Gratitude fills me as the pack gathers, murmuring in relief as they see him. Some reach out, clasping his shoulder, murmuring words of welcome. He nods, his usual sharpness dulled by exhaustion, but his lips twitch into a faint smile when Cerelia steps forward.“You look like hell,” she says, but her voice is warm. She reaches for him, magic flickering in her hands as she presses them to his chest. Arlo stiffens, then exhales sharply as the worst of his cuts close. The damage is lessened but it’s taken