CereliaAfter a day of rest, I’m back to normal. As quickly as my power drains, at least it regenerates just as fast. Yesterday had gone well, but there’d been a moment where it was touch and go and my blood runs cold every time I think about what could have happened if I lost control and the mages got their powers back.“What’s wrong?” Soren finally asks with a small frown. I’ve been pacing like a caged tiger and he’s been very patiently trying to ignore me while attempting to read. Hilda found the book in the huge library Arlo’s pack has tucked away in an underground fortress and tasked him with checking whether it contains anything useful.Apparently we’re not the first werewolves to have a run-in with mages. The book is titled: Illusions and How to Dispel them. So far it hasn’t offered up anything of practical value.“I’m sick of having such inconsistent control over my abilities,” I tell him. “Yesterday very nearly went badly wrong. What if I got all of you killed?” Soren puts th
Hilda I’ve been uncomfortable in Tara’s presence since the day we met and she blew a hole in my near-perfect life, but I’m glad Cerelia came to me to accompany her to the small cottage we’d allocated to Tara.“I just need a second pair of eyes to help me make sure she’s not lying,” Cerelia explains. Clutching the piece of obsidian in her hand like it’s tethering her to the world.“Very wise and I’m happy to lend you my deception detection capabilities,” I tell her grandiloquently. She’s apologized twice for bothering me and since nothing else seems to convince her, I’ll tease her instead. Cerelia grins at me, “Okay, fine, I get it,” she retorts.Tara looks surprised to see us and I have to suppress the urge to ask whether she didn’t see us coming. Despite my best efforts, I can’t quite keep myself from resenting her. I do my damnedest to hide it though.After a few quick pleasantries to make sure she’s settling in well, I turn the conversation over to Cerelia.Tara’s eyes grow wide w
HildaI go to find Cerelia first. I’m pretty sure there’s no lingering resentment or jealousy about my and Soren’s past, but just in case it upsets her to know I still have stuff in Soren’s attic, I’d like to give her advance warning to deal with it.“Hilda, that’s incredible! We have to go and look through your stuff immediately,” she says excitedly, nearly vibrating with elation. “Combined with what I’ve just learned, I think we’ll have an edge Maelor will never see coming!”I’m cautiously optimistic that the artifact will help, but there are no guarantees we’ll even find it. I also don’t want to deflate Cerelia’s optimism with my doubts.“So you have more control now?” I ask with a smile. Perhaps her power alone will be enough to beat back Maelor now that her latent powers are being unleashed. Cerelia smacks her forehead, “I haven’t told you!” she practically crows with delight.“Told me what?” I’m becoming a little concerned that there may be too much magic flowing through her vei
Hilda“I get where you’re coming from, but waiting here will waste time. I don’t know where the glade is, but my family belonged to the same pack for many generations. In all likelihood it’ll be on those lands.” I tell Arlo softly.“Hilda, you were pierced with several arrows and just about dead when I found you. Not to mention that you were skin and bones. Clearly too weak to be running or fighting. That asshole used you for sport.”“I know, but he drove me straight to you, so there’s a silver lining,” I say with a smile, trying to dispel his brooding expression. “I would have found you even if you were on the opposite side of the world,” he growls. “I definitely didn’t need him to try and kill you so I could find you.”“Baby, I love that you’re protective and furious about what he did. If our roles were reversed, I’d feel exactly the same way, but this is more important than that. I’m still alive and happier than anybody has any right to be. We’ll ask Soren to make sure he stays hid
CereliaThe closer we get to our pack house, the more out of control my nerves get. Damon is unpredictable at the best of times and I don’t know what his reaction will be to seeing Hilda and King Arlo.He accepted Soren as my mate only because he knew the mating bond had snapped into place and he didn’t want to hurt me by denying me close proximity to my mate. Our pack members believed he was also tired of the constant losses caused by the war with Soren’s pack, but Damon likes war.I love my brother. He looked out for me all our lives and protected me like I’m some fragile treasure. My father wasn’t around much after my mother died, as though being at home with his children was some kind of terrible burden. Damon stepped into the void left by my parents, loving and caring for me all through my childhood.I adored him growing up and it was only at around 16 or so that I became aware that our relationship wasn’t completely normal. He didn’t like other boys looking at me and the way he
DamonI don’t know what the hell is going on here, but I definitely don’t like it. They’ve infected my sister with magic and turned her into one of those harpies who think they should act like one of the boys. I won’t turn my back on her. We’ll find a way to get her back to normal.“What happened to you?” I ask in a low voice, trying to pull her away from Soren. “Did he have you enchanted in some way? Don’t worry, we’ll find a way to fix…whatever this is,” I say, gesturing at the glowing orb.“Damon, please, there’s no time,” Cerelia begs, her big blue eyes staring up at me. I’ve never been able to resist that pleading look.After my mother died, my dad kind of disappeared from our lives too. There was always food in the house, but someone had to prepare it. I was 10 and Cerelia 3 when I made her a sandwich and a cup of milk for the first time and she looked at me like I hung the moon.Nothing else in the world has ever come close to the way I felt that day. Like a hero. Someone to be
Arlo“I’m just dying to know what those plans were, Damon,” I say silkily. Feeling great satisfaction when he flinches away in fear. I can smell his agitation and it makes me want to attack so badly. He’s weaker than I am and he’s a threat to my mate, I should eliminate him right here and now. It would be over in a second.Unfortunately I promised Hilda I wouldn’t. She got impatient with how long Soren and Cerelia were taking and convinced me that time was of the essence and I had to control my inner beast for the sake of everyone’s lives. I’m not sure at this moment if it’s worth it.Hilda wraps both her hands around one of mine. “Save your energy for a real challenge, baby. He’s nothing but a distraction.” Damon wants to snarl at her, but his survival instinct seems to override his bad judgment and he settles for pretending not to have heard Hilda.I have to stop thinking about him putting his hands on her or I’m going to lose it. “Soren, is it okay if Arlo and I go to your cottage
Hilda I’d love to stay right here and roll around on the floor with my king, but we have to get this done. It feels less weird being in Soren’s cabin with my true mate than I could ever have imagined, but it’s still a bit strange.“See, just like a puppy, no self-control,” I keep baiting Arlo, loving the way he bristles in mock annoyance. “Now get up, we have to…Ohhhh,” I moan shakily when he starts lightly rocking his incredible hard-on against me. One hand is already slithering under my shirt and reaching for my nipple, tweaking it through my bra.“You’re right,” he admits huskily, “When it comes to you I don’t have any self-control.” He’s pushing my shirt up, groaning hungrily when my breasts are exposed. “Do you want me to stop?” he asks, tonguing my flesh through the flimsy fabric of my bra, those polished amber eyes glowing up at me, before closing his teeth around my nipple and suckling on the tip.A jolt of desire lights up my entire body. “Never,” I whisper tremulously, bury
HildaThe next morning, I wake up feeling buoyant, as if the sheer joy coursing through me has made me weightless. If I’m not careful I may become airborne and float away on the warm, spring breeze.It seems Arlo is very serious about not wasting any time. He’s gone when I wake up, but by midday, I’m standing before a mirror, my fingers trembling as I run them over the fabric of my wedding dress.It’s perfect. The gown is ethereal. Soft, flowing layers of ivory and pale gold silk hug my body. The sheer sleeves are embroidered with delicate floral designs, like ivy trailing along my skin. As I turn slightly, the delicate train shifts behind me, pooling onto the floor like spun silk.It feels like something out of a dream. A flawless reflection of everything I feel inside. Love, hope and a happiness so fierce it leaves me breathless.My friends choose that moment to burst into our cabin without knocking.“You look like a goddess,” Nixie declares, her hands flying to her mouth. Kestrel n
HildaThe air is crisp and golden with the late afternoon sun, the scent of pine and blooming wildflowers wrapping around us as Arlo leads me through the trees. His fingers are laced with mine, warm and solid, his grip effortlessly guiding me along the mossy path.“I hope you’re not stealing me away for some nefarious reason,” I tease, nudging his side. “You’ve been suspiciously charming today.”Arlo smirks, the wicked glint in his eyes making my stomach flip. “Suspiciously? Love, I’m always charming. It’s one of the many, many reasons that you find me so utterly irresistible.”I hum in consideration. “Mmm, if you say so. What are some of the others?” Arlo leans down, his lips brushing my ear. “You seem to get a kick out of seeing me naked and apparently my kisses make you lose your mind. That’s a direct quote by the way.”He has me there. I arch a brow, but before I can pry further, he tugs me forward and pulls me into a clearing.My breath catches. A blanket is spread over the soft
CereliaBefore Soren can say anything more, a slow, mocking clap echoes through the space. I tense before I even turn to look.Damon stands at the edge of the gathered pack, his expression one of pure amusement. “Well, well,” he drawls, a smirk playing at his lips. “Quite the speech, brother. It’s almost convincing.”Soren doesn’t move, doesn’t react beyond narrowing his eyes. The air around us seems to grow colder.Damon steps forward, hands spread wide as if in greeting. “I have to admit, I’m impressed. I thought you’d be too weak to even stand.” His gaze flicks toward me, his smirk deepening. “And yet, here you are. How… inspiring.”My stomach twists, but I don’t let it show. This is what he does. He slithers in with words, chipping away at confidence until doubt is all that’s left. But Soren isn’t about to allow him to dictate the tone of this gathering.He stands tall, his voice calm and unwavering. “Say what you came to say, Damon. Then get out.” Damon chuckles, shaking his head
CereliaThe journey back to Soren’s pack lands is a quiet one at first. The rhythmic pounding of paws against the dirt, the rustling of leaves in the wind, the occasional crack of a branch underfoot, it all fills the silence we’re too lost in thought to break.Soren moves beside me, his pace steady but slower than it once was. He’s healing, but he’s not healed. I know the weight of returning to a pack who may no longer view him as an ideal leader is heavy on his shoulders.Damon’s betrayal, because that’s what it is, no matter how much I would like to deny it, lingers between us.Soren won’t voice his anger, not in front of me, for fear of burning me with the heat of his fury. But I can see it in the tight set of his jaw, the way his hands occasionally clench into fists before he forces them to relax.I decide to be the one to break the silence. “You don’t have to hold back because of me, you know.” He glances at me, brow furrowing. “I’m not.”I scoff lightly. “Soren.” My voice is fla
ArloPart of me is disappointed that Hilda thought of a non-violent approach to Soren’s Damon problem. I would love an excuse to put him down.Everything about Damon makes my skin crawl. It always has. Werewolves have quick tempers and we tend to choose violence more often than is necessary, but most of us don’t enjoy killing.A good fight is great. It clears the air, allows us to practice our skills and sends a strong message to both our packs and any potential enemies. Taking a life is different. It’s something heavy you have to carry with you.To wolves family is everything and knowing you’ve taken someone’s loved one away from them is a heavy burden to carry. To most of us. That part of Damon’s always been missing though.Lots of important bits of his psyche seems to be lost or broken. His strange obsession with his sister. His blood-lust. His sick plans for Hilda. I’m still not sure allowing him to live is the right thing to do.If his people hadn’t decided to act without his say
SorenThe boy shifts on his feet, his chest rising and falling rapidly as he catches his breath. He’s young, maybe fifteen, but the worry in his eyes makes him seem older.“What do you mean Damon is ‘sniffing around’?” I ask, keeping my voice steady despite the unease coiling in my gut.“He’s been talking to some of our warriors,” the boy says, wiping sweat from his forehead. “Telling them you’re weak. That you left us. That we need a strong leader to protect us.” His expression darkens. “My dad told him to get lost, but… not everyone feels the same.”Cerelia curses under her breath, her hand gripping my forearm in support. “I’m so sorry, Soren. I can’t believe my own brother is doing this, after the peace deal you reached. Maybe I can talk to him and make him see sense.”“This isn’t your fault,” I tell her, shaking my head. “Damon’s always been looking for an opportunity like this. He would have made his move eventually.”The words sound strong, but inside, doubt gnaws at me.Damon i
Hilda Days of endless bliss follow.My healing is speeding up and I’m well enough to go out and show everyone that I’m really alive and well. There’s no war threatening and Arlo delegates a lot of his duties to Percy, so he can spend more time with me. My stamina is quickly returning to what it was and I don’t waste one precious moment of alone time with my mate.We’ve fallen into a routine. Mornings are spent in bed, making love slowly before having brunch. Arlo goes to training and to take care of business until late afternoon. Generally we’re panting for each other by that time and nights are spent in frantic fuck fests that leave me exhausted and deliriously happy.I’m under strict orders to do no exercise other than walking until I’m back to my normal weight, so I alternate who I drag away from their everyday lives to take forced walks with me between Cerelia, Percy, Kestrel and Nixie. I’ve decided frantic sex with Arlo is integral to my overall well-being and thus does not coun
HildaMy stamina isn’t what it used to be. As much as I want to keep making love to Arlo until the sun starts peeking over the horizon, I’m so sated and sleepy after my third orgasm, I can barely summon the energy to roll on to my back.“I’m sorry, baby,” I murmur, breathing heavily and attempting to push my hair off my sweaty brow. He rolls to his side and leans over me immediately, tenderly taking over the task of moving my hair.“Don’t you dare. I would have sold my soul for a single kiss while you were gone. Just having you back brings me enough joy to last me a lifetime and on top of that I got to make love to you for over an hour. There’s no part of me that isn’t fully celebrating right now.”I smile at him sleepily, contentment washing through me, tranquility sinking into my bones. “Me too,” I admit, happily kissing him back when his lips brush over mine.“I never want to spend a moment separated from you again,” Arlo murmurs against my ear, his forehead resting against mine. “
Damon The tension in the air is palpable the moment I step onto Soren’s land.His wolves eye me warily, shoulders squared, jaws tight, their instincts screaming at them to bare their throats in submission. But they don’t. Not fully. There’s deference, sure, but not the kind I need. Complete, unquestionable loyalty to an Alpha. That belongs to Soren, even in his absence.Damn fool. He isn’t even here, yet his pack still clings to him like he’s their salvation.I keep my stance loose, my expression unreadable. It won’t help my cause to show irritation. Instead, I let a slow smirk curl my lips as I address the wolves gathered before me.“I have to say, I’m disappointed,” I begin, scanning their faces, letting my gaze linger just long enough to make each one uncomfortable. “Soren’s abandoned you. He’s off playing house in Arlo’s territory, licking his wounds, and you’re all here… waiting for what, exactly?”A ripple of unease moves through them. I see the flicker of doubt in their eyes,