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Mallory’s POV “What did you say?” Clay growled at Evelyn when she admitted to her relation to Miles. “He’s my brother.” She repeated. “When Quade found out I was related to a council member, he forced an introduction. I think he was planning to blackmail him using me as leverage, but Miles has never cared about me.” “But you said he was working with Quade. Why would he do that if it wasn’t to keep you safe?” I probed. “I can’t be totally sure, but from the nature of their conversations, it sounded like Miles had turned the table on Quade, insisting he cut him in on whatever he was into or he would expose his crimes against Hazelwood.” She explained. “And why would Quade tell you all of this? Cary sounded incredulous. “Tell me?” She scoffed. “Quade didn’t tell anybody anything. He just didn’t think enough of us to bother hiding it. To him, we were no more than animated objects meant to do his bidding. “I don’t think it ever occurred to him that we might be in a position to
Cary’s POV We made the decision to stay in Hazelwood until the trial. It allowed us to keep an eye on the Omegas who’d finally agreed to testify for us and help Nathan settle in as the new pack Alpha. We didn’t think anyone knew we were harboring the women but I had no doubt if Miles found out, there would be an attempt on their lives. After a lot of heated discussion, we’d finally all agreed it was best not to do anything that might call attention to the location or even acknowledge the existence of the mercury cache. Our little mate had fought us tooth and nail on that point and I couldn’t blame her for that. It was hard for her to accept that her parents had been murdered for it. Ignoring its existence like it hadn’t been the sole reason their lives were destroyed felt like a personal insult to her. She wanted it eradicated before anyone else could be hurt because of it. But to destroy it required visiting the site and it would be too easy to be followed. I had no doubt Miles
Mallory’s POV I was so anxious I was about to crawl out of my skin. The nerves weren’t helping my already roiling stomach. My mates were already threatening to boycott the trial on the grounds of my fragile health. I had no doubt if I vomited one more time, Clay would actually follow through on the threat. Forcing myself to swallow back the bile that kept trying to sneak it’s way out, I finished getting ready and poured all my focus into blocking my discomfort from the bond. Failing to show up today, for any reason, even a valid one, wouldn’t bode well for us. I needed to keep my shit together long enough to get through the day, no matter what it held for our future. “Tell me the plan one more time.” Colton paced anxiously as the rest of us huddled together at our kitchen table, one last meeting before we headed into the city. “I’m going to testify first.” Darcy answered with a surprisingly steady voice. Braden, her mate, beamed down at her, She still looked frail from her o
Mallory’s POV Nathan helped Evelyn into a chair and stood watch over her while she gave her testimony. His arms were crossed over his chest and he never took his eyes off of Miles, like he expected him to leap from the dais and attack her himself. Actually, I wouldn't put that past him. One of Nathan’s men came in a few minutes later with Regina in tow but no one spared her a glance, enthralled with Evelyn as we were. If she was lucky, her testimony wouldn’t be necessary at all. Evelyn told the council how she came to serve in Alpha Quade’s household and unfortunately, the story had a familiar theme. Apparently even the women in Blood Claw pack hadn’t been immune to his abuses. Quade had found her attractive when she was younger, used her until his interest waned and only granted her the opportunity to remain in his service out of a desire to retain her father’s loyalty, all for access to his wealth. She went on to describe the way he’d forced her to introduce him to Miles and the
Mallory’s POV Weeks of planning had all culminated in this day. I was exhausted, worried my dress would need to be let out again, panicking about the food, the music, and the centerpieces of all things. My nerves were shot! But I couldn’t remember when I’d ever been more excited. I didn’t need all the fanfare for myself, personally. I went along with it because it was expected of me in accepting the Luna role. And also because Luna Erika and my mother would be gutted if I spoiled their fun. But ceremony or no, I was tied to my mates for eternity and that was all that mastered to me. My mates were who I was truly excited for. Alpha Carlton was handing over the Alpha title to them tonight as well and I couldn’t be more thrilled for them. Black Moon would be blessed to have three amazing Alphas and they deserved to be celebrated. “Good morning, darling.” Cary slipped into the steamy shower with me. “You seemed deep in thought. Are you nervous?” “Nervous your mother is going to
Colton’s POV Fucking finally! My mother stole my mate away in the early hours of the morning and hadn’t allowed us to see her all day. My wolf was on edge being denied access to our mate and pups. I needed to get this party started and thankfully, it was time. To say I was excited to make Mallory my Luna would be an understatement. I couldn't care less about the pomp and circumstance of it all, though it was required in order to make it official. All I wanted was to hold her in my arms and know she was mine forever. Yes, she wore my mark and our souls were already tethered for eternity. But there was something about her officially becoming my Luna that set my mind at ease. Maybe it was the memory of what Darcy tried to do in order to take that role for herself that caused my apprehension. I needed to know that no one else could try to separate us in the name of a title. “Ladies and gentleman, our visiting Alphas and Lunas, and all members of the Black moon pack.” My dad address
Mallory’s POV “Whoa!” I yelped when Clay swept me into his arms bridal-style. I looped my arms around his neck and leaned in for a sweet kiss. He was carrying me through the crowded room but I was too drunk on his scent to give much thought to where we were going. When Colton and Cary came up on either side of us, adding their spicy essence to the mix, I was done for. We had spent the whole evening being passed from one well-wisher to the next, smiling and feigning interest in whatever personal or political issue our allies wished to discuss. But my brain couldn’t seem to process much beyond the way my mates looked in their tailored suits that clung to their powerful frames, showcasing their rippling muscles. I’d spent most of the evening clenching my thighs together and praying our guests couldn’t smell my arousal. “Ladies and gentlemen,” Clay turned to face the crowd just before the exit, “On behalf of my brothers and our Luna, thank you all for celebrating with us tonight! It’
Colton’s POV For the past couple of months, Mallory had been intermittently blocking the bond. She never shut us out for long so I didn’t think too much of it. I just assumed she was practicing in case she ever wanted some privacy, which of course she was entitled to. Now, however, I understood the truth and I didn’t like it one bit. “Please little Omega. Open the bond. Let us share the pain with you!” I begged for the hundredth time. “I’m fine.” Mallory gritted out. “No sense in us all suffering.” Her little whimpers and moans were killing me. She refused to scream or cry out but the pain was written all over her face. It was wearing on all of us, watching her suffer. Whoever decided women should bear all the pain of childbirth was a damn idiot! “You’re doing so well, darling.” Cary encouraged, wiping her brow with a cool cloth. And he was right. She was doing well. It was the three of us who were failing epically. Thankfully, I had a lot more experience with blocking