Zayan's Point of View Seeing them huddled so close together snapped something inside of me. Somehow it reminded me that this wasn't the first trip I had had with Eris. Or the fucking last, by the looks of things. It also reminded me that I let Kamari fall into the fire whilst cuddling that bitch of a snake. As much as I hated to admit it, my father was right. Eris was a viper and she never cared about who she bit in the process. That was the truth and I feared I might never be able to fully swallow it. Then the urge to hit Nolan came hard and fast. Nearly took me off of my feet. But my anger shouldn't be pointed at him. Or at Kamari. It should be focused on the bitch that betrayed me for the second time around. It should also be focused on myself for believing she could somehow change overnight. Because self-hatred came in many fucking forms. And I might just have reached the boss level on this one. Watching the sunset didn't calm me as it would normally have. Watching the last
Zayan's Point of View I could hear her humming as I walked up the stairs. A light tune followed by the sloshing of water. Eris had on some music in the background as well. Classical, something I had never thought she would listen to. When I was still me and she was still her, we listened mainly to pop. Sometimes we would branch off into rock or techno but never for too long. Country music was also a fan favorite of hers but the moment something classical came on, I was always forced to change it. No matter how much I enjoyed the lilting music. Or how much it reminded me of my mother. Now here she was, laying in a tub full of water and bubbles, listening to classical music. The water came up to about her breasts, the rest was covered in a large mountain of bubbles. Foam that lapped at her neck and collarbones. Her face was covered in a strange mask of green. In her hand was a long-stemmed wine glass filled with white wine. For a moment I lingered in the door without alerting her t
Zayan's Point of View This was what betrayal truly felt like. Being used and spat back out as if you meant nothing. Was that how Kamari felt when I had chosen Eris over her? This sting in your chest that refused to leave. That refused to do anything but hurt. Especially now that her mask had fallen away. Left a hollow look on her face. A skeleton staring back at me. Then the part came where I just felt stupid for not believing the signs. For looking for the good in her whilst I knew better. Sitting here in front of her now, I knew I had to make the situation right. No longer play the victim in this story. If Eris wanted to be the villain, then I would gladly treat her as such. The monster in my story. "Are you going to remain silent for the rest of this questioning?" I asked, keeping my eyes firmly on her. Eris was sloshing her ice and vodka in her hand. Examined it from every angle. Everything but to look at me. Then a spark hit her eyes and the hollowness evaporated. She wa
Kamari's Point of View It was strange to think that Zayan had been betrayed by his mate twice. Even more so to find out that Malakai and Zayan shared a mate. The thought of it was mind-boggling. Still, there were other factors to be taken into account. What if it truly was Zayan targeting my pack? That he had sought me out not because he wanted revenge on Arik but rather he wanted what I never did. To lead an entire pack. It would have been easy pickings if I hadn't agreed to my mother's terms. But I had and now I could be another obstacle for him. I hoped that this was all just a misunderstanding. That he somehow got that wicked woman to confess to her crimes. Once all of this was cleared up, I could focus on what lay in the future. Or rather, what we were going to do with the true culprit. It seemed fitting that if it was Arik, I would still sleep with him. Claim the money owed to me because of the rejection and make off like a bandit in the night. The thought of it was refr
Kamari's Point of View Things took a darker turn than I had initially thought they would. All of the threads were unraveling and I had no means to stop it. To break it a bit. Zayan was in shambles. His cocky sway was gone. Replaced by a hunched look of anger. His once sharp eyes were dull. Even his hair seemed to have lost all its luster. When he spoke, it was always in a low rumble or nothing at all. A simple nod of the head. Nolan seemed unconvinced of the small story Zayan had told us. That he was framed because they thought the story would be most believable. Then it came time for him to tell us that Eris fully believed Arik to be a more worthy man than himself. That broke him more than words could even describe and he resigned himself to one of the guest bedrooms until we could come up with the best course of action. Until then, he wanted nothing more than to throttle the woman. Feared that left in her presence, he would indeed do such a thing. "He got back," I mumbled into
Kamari's Point of View "Are you sure this is what you want, Kamari? There is no going back from this." Nolan followed me to my room. Stalked in after me, shutting the door in the process. Flitting to my cupboard, I couldn't ignore the pit in my stomach growing larger. Taking up more and more space until I was sure all of my other organs would be crushed in the process. It was a horrible feeling. "I know that. I know what this means. I just need to do it. I can't explain why, I just need to." I huffed out and opened the doors so that I could see all of my clothes. Several different outfits hung before me. They ranged from homeless to goddess and then everything in between. I was almost overwhelmed at the sight of it all. At the choices I had. What would he like? What would lure him in? Something skimpy and slutty, if Eris was any indication. "I'm just scared you are going to lose a part of yourself to him. That's all." Nolan whined. Fell onto my bed like an upset Disney prince
Malakai's Point of View The prisoner's screams had become a melody to me. A sharp-pitched prayer to a goddess that wouldn't answer. The fear of the dungeon was also slowly eroding away. It no longer gripped my chest when I had to go down. On the contrary, a warped part of me enjoyed the sound of my steps as I descended down down down. As if it gave the hurt part of my soul a new meaning to the word. To the sights, sounds, and smells. I was no longer afraid but the person on the other side of this door had to be. Had to fear for their lives. "I see you have been happily mated for four years now. One child born, and another on the way," I flicked my gaze up from the mess of papers Rachel had given me. Noticed more sweat on the man's brow than he ever had before. His mouth was gagged but his neck strained against the restraints we had him in. "I wonder what they would think if they knew what you did. Falsely accusing someone? That is horrible. Especially if you know that person will
Kamari's Point of View By the time I was dressed and ready to go, my dad showed his face at my door. His eyes scanned me once. Twice. Three times before they settled on my face. His face settled into a frown and I felt the world around me slowly cave in. Gaelan was less than pleased with the decision I made. "Are you sure you want to do this, Kami? There is no need for it. I mean, the odds of him being put to death for his crimes is high..." Concern dripped from his voice. Forcing the best smile I could to my lips, I nodded and threw on the small cardigan that matched the dress I chose. The buttons fastened just above my navel, giving me a more cinched looked. The colors I had chosen also made my eyes stand out. Forest green. And a mini-skirt that would make any man look in my direction twice. "I want to do this, dad. I know it isn't what the rest of you want but it is what I want. He needs to feel more pain than just killing him can provide. Besides, the money can fund my coll
Malakai's Point of ViewThree Years LaterWhen I got home from being kidnapped as a child, I knew I would never be able to have children. They had stolen that privilege from me. Snatched it away like thieves in the night.For many years I tried to make peace with it. Work through it.It always stung.Until I met my wife. Until I married her alongside two other men I now called my brothers.Finally, I was able to fit into my own skin. Accept that I might not have biological children of my own but I will have children.The first one took three years to make but it was well worth it. Seeing Kamari with her little belly around the house was always the highlight of my day. It made my world brighter. Shinier. I adored it.Every last drop was wonderful.All four of us lived happily within Jagged Rock. I managed my pack remotely, giving my father some control from time to time. Zayan did the same thing, only his father held almost no control and the old man was pissy about it.Nolan was offi
Malakai's Point of ViewTwo days. Two days and we would be married to the most wonderful woman on earth. Two days and she will become one of the strongest women in werewolf history.Not only did she have her own pack, she also had three mates. Three men that worshipped the ground she walked on. Loved every single aspect of her soul.This was the life I had chosen. The one I had always wanted. Needed.Now more than ever, I was thankful for this blessing. Thankful that Keanus was a pain in my asshole when it came to Kamari.I hated to admit it but the little bugged scored me the biggest prize of my life."Please tell me I'm not the only one that hasn't started on my vows," Zayan whined from his desk on the other side of the room.His hair stood in every direction thanks to his constant ruffling. He looked like a parrot that just took a bath. Every feather in every direction."I did mine last week. I wanted to focus on some other things for the wedding." Nolan offered up as he scanned t
Kamari's Point of ViewThree Months LaterWinter wasn't as bad in Jagged Rock as I remembered. Everything was dead, yes, but it wasn't as cold. Nor as wet. Not that I minded either. With three men sleeping in my bed at night, a girl got hot rather fast.I wasn't complaining. Neither were they.A brush with death made them all realize that I was the one. They were all adamant that this type of arrangement was fine. That they were fine. We bickered from time to time, as one would expect of engaged couples. they bickered all the time. As one would expect from three overgrown toddlers.But everything was right. All of it neatly in place."Hey, what are you doing out here? Do you want to catch a cold the week before your wedding?" My mother called from her cottage.Strange to think that she had changed as well. Handed over the reins to me the moment I was out and about again.According to her, I earned it and then some."Just getting some peace and quiet away from all the people," I call
Malakai's Point of ViewI had dozed off on the couch whilst Keanu carried on with his cartoons. The boy was a brimming ball of energy but soon enough, he had crawled into my arms. Settled in until he fell asleep as well.So, imagine our surprise when our mother came storming into the room. Her shrill voice all but screamed our eardrums out."Malakai! It's Kamari!" She repeated once she realized I was awake.At the mention of her name, I was up. Rushed to the other side of the room to where she stood. Her hand was barely out before I grabbed the phone. Pressed it so hard to my ear that i would have a headache an hour from now."Yes?""The doctor says she is waking up. How fast can you get here?" It was Nolan on the other end.His glee was nearly contagious. Brimmed with excitement. Joy. All of it bled into me. Drummed a steady beat into my step."Give me an hour and clear out the garden. I'm taking the chopper."***The pilot puked the minute we landed. With my flying, I understood wh
Nolan's Point of ViewIt was the perfect day for a funeral. Storm clouds brewed overhead. People were dressed in black. Wrapped in scarves and staring down into a dark pit.It was a miracle it wasn't raining. That the sky relented just for this one moment in time. To commemorate the fall of someone. The sky could mourn later. We wanted to mourn now. Was fully entitled to it, all things considered.Even mother nature had a heart, after all. Malakai had gone back home. Tail tucked between his. Back bowed. His people needed him now. Feared that the rebellion and troubles would spill into their territory. he had gone back to appease them. Put their minds at ease.Zayan was holed up in his room most days. Cried from time to time but always denied it.But I was left to run two packs for the time being. Rachel couldn't. Nor could Gaelan. The state they were in wouldn't allow for rational decision-making. The other alternative was me. The one person on this earth that wasn't born to do t
Kamari's Point of ViewHe was ripping at his hair. Cursing everyone and everything. Screaming. Crying. A grown man reduced to shambles right in front of me. I almost felt sorry for him. Almost but not entirely. "He's dead. He's dead. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck!" He was unraveling before my eyes.Arik fired a shot. Another shot. Let the bullets pepper into the ceiling.I knew he was sick. Knew that he had surely gone mad when Eris also left him. That was no secret but I never imagined he would go this far. Deteriorate this much in such a short span of time."You killed him! You fucking did this! What did you think will happen? You ride off into the sunset a hero? As fucking if!" I screamed.Malakai braced himself. Crouched down enough that he could lung at him at any second without hesitation. But I was already on my feet. Touched Malakai gently.Even when Arik turned the gun on me, I carried on walking until he was right in front of me. Had the gun pressed between my ribs."I didn't... I did
Kamari's Point of View My blood ran cold at the sight of those guns aimed at them. No one from below could see the men. They were well hidden. A death trap for anyone below. This was the last piece of evidence I had need. The last straw that broke the camel's back. Shifting back, I didn't even bother with getting dressed. Rushed over to the crowd in a blur. Nolan and Malakai weren't far behind. Remained on my heels as I shoved myself through everyone. Arik noticed my scent then. His nostrils flared. Eyes narrowed in on the tightly packed crowd in front of him. "Arik!" I screeched and broke the front of the line. His eyes landed on me. Were two small slits compared to the rest of his face. Bags lined the bottom of them. Black, not blue. Hair seemed more undone than ever before. He wasn't tearing at the seams anymore. He had gone full-on mad. Pointing guns at his pack. Looking like utter hell. This was a madman. A tyrant about to lose control and he knew it. "Ah, the prodigal
Kamari's Point of View "There is no way in fucking hell that I am allowing you to go! Do you understand me, Kamari? Not a fucking chance!" My mother screamed at me from across the room. Her eyes were bulging out of her head. Veins popped out on her neck and forehead. But my mind was made up. Nolan, Malakai, and I were going to Crescent Shine tonight. Already had most of what we needed loaded into the car. If things went south, I instructed both of them to leave me there. To head back this side. They had a lot to lose and I wasn't willing to put their lives on the line. "My mind is made up and there is no going back. He crossed a fucking line! Bombed the school! Hurt Zayan! I need to do this!" I screeched back and flung my leather jacket over my shoulders. Another present from the man now laying in a hospital bed somewhere in this house. I couldn't bring myself to see him yet. Silently promised that I would come back, just to make sure he was fine. That he was alright. Thriving,
Malakai's Point of View We were all stationed at opposite ends of the school. Had our eyes peeled for anything that might look out of the ordinary. Even a car passing by one too many times would be reported. Nothing and no one came in or out. Until the explosion hit. It was on the side Zayan had been stationed at. Was ear-deafening, even from so far away. Shook the wind from my lungs. "No," I gasped and made my way through the school. All of the guards ran with me. Not a single one was spared as we traversed this foreign ground. It took us two minutes to get to the other end. To see the chaos in front of us. Body parts were strewn all along the path. Dust floated in the air above a crater in the ground. Another second passed as I mutely stood and took in the carnage in front of me. The vague smell of cooked pork drifted up my nose. Reminded me of the time I had tried to help someone trapped in a housefire. Then my mind jumped to Kamari. To her well-being and everythin