If things weren’t gloomy enough on an average summer day, it felt even harder now to find an ounce of joy or happiness now that the clouds were rolling in and the sun barely peeped any warmth through. I used to love autumn… it’s cool breeze, wind through my fur, running through the trees as their wet orange and yellow leaves brushed past me. I loved the smell of the damp grass, and the way the rain seemed to replenish the dry earth. But now, without the freedom to run around carelessly, or take a moment to stroll through the trees that surrounded our border, there wasn’t much left to enjoy about it, and for the first time in my life, I couldn’t wait for autumn to be over. I chucked on a thick cloak over my acceptable Luna gown and walked away from the window so that I could get on with baking the apple and pumpkin pies and deliver them all before the day had ended. I walked into the kitchen expecting to see one of the omega’s waiting and ready to help me when I suddenly gasped at the
I woke up for once not sighing to myself at the thought of pushing through another day. Last night when we got into bed, Marco had told me he wanted to show me the crops in the morning, so that I could see for myself the changes he had made from my advice. But as I got dressed, although I wasn’t sighing, I was extremely wary and suspicious of his more ‘friendly’ attitude toward me. As much as I felt our conversation in his study yesterday was awkward, I wasn’t expecting to see any eagerness from him over some crops, or especially anything concerning me.As soon as he finished in the shower, and we were ready to go, we walked out of the palace, and I instantly scrunched up my face in confusion to see a swarm of omegas rushing around putting up wooden beams, attaching twinkling lights to them and setting up two long tables with white table cloths. “Umm, what’s all this for?” I asked Marco as I watched the hustle and bustle of it.“Well, they insisted on celebrating”. “Celebrating what?”
For the last three days since Marco’s birthday celebrations, we have been getting along better each day, partly because we have barely seen each other, which was a good thing for me. As much as I have been able to slightly tolerate him lately, I still preferred as much space from him as possible. But I woke up this morning telling myself that today had to be the day, I had to somehow convince Marco to release Richard and Rorke from their cells, and I was going over and over in my mind how I was going to approach it, because I knew that out of all the sun wolves still on our land, Richard and Rorke would be the ones that Marco would be most wary of because they were so close to my father and he probably assumed they had full knowledge of what happened between my father and the slayer. I took my time, slowly walking to his study, preparing myself to come across as calm and understanding as much as I could muster. The way we had been civilised lately, arguing with him wouldn’t work, bein
I flickered open my eyes from my deep sleep and groggily saw the wall in front of me as I led on my side at the edge of the bed. Just as I began to fidget under the blanket, I suddenly tensed when I felt Marco’s leg just behind mine, it was then that I could hear him breathing on the pillow next to me. After I had dashed out of his office last night, I had purposely avoided him and snuck into bed before he’d left his office, I even pretended to be asleep when I heard him come into the room. But I was sure that when he got into bed, he slept on the other side like we’d done every night. I stayed perfectly still when I felt him moving as he stretched out his legs with a tired groan and my eyes widened when his arm reached around and rested on top of me. “I know you’re awake”. He murmured. “You’re breathing is a lot deeper when you’re asleep”. He commented and I knew then me pretending to still be sleeping was pointless. “I’ve only just woken up”. I answered with a fake yawn. I felt hi
I woke up to see the drapes were already drawn back and Marco wasn’t in the bed. I had taken myself to bed early last night when one of Marco’s palace guards came to me and informed me that Marco was too busy to attend our dinner plans. I was all too relieved that I didn’t have to face an awkward dinner setting with him, with enough time for him to discuss that…. That kiss! The one that I wish had never happened. It was such a small thing, and yet… the repercussions were troubling. I hopped out of bed and headed straight for the bathroom, but as I swung open the door, I jolted back in shock and embarrassment. There standing at the bathroom sink brushing his teeth, Marco was completely naked with his towel laid messily on the floor. I shrieked as he looked at me with wide eyes in surprise and I quickly shut the door again and paced around the room feeling mortified and flustered. The bathroom door clicked open as Marco bashfully cleared his throat, and I peeped round to look at him,
Two weeks later: Since Maura had put thoughts into my head of Marco’s feelings or intentions toward me, I’d hoped I could avoid him, especially seeing as he’d wanted to discuss the kiss that happened but avoiding him was impossible. Every day there was always something we needed to do together, whether that was checking the crop fields, blessing the arrival of a moon wolf pup or attending meetings with his guards, we were spending hours with each other constantly. Each time we would be civilised, we’d always even find something we both laughed at and as much as I was relieved he had a soft side, I also hated it at the same time because there was a part of me that was starting to like him and forget what he’d done.“What’s this supposed to be”. Marco whispered at the dining table as he turned his nose up at some thick jelly the chefs had put on our toast.I couldn’t help but snortle, amused when my own wobbled as I moved my plate, and he chuckled as I put some of it on my fork and loo
“You ready for some more pate?” Marco grinned as I approached him at the top of the grand stairs.“As long as it’s not covered in weird jelly, then I’m ready”. I jested in return with a smile as I took hold of his arm.He began leading us down the stairs as people below were being ushered into the ball room by the palace omegas, and I felt a sense of relief when I saw Maura being escorted in along with Landon.“Let’s hope we don’t have to do another formal dinner for a while, I’m not exactly a big fan of mingling”. Marco commented as we reached the bottom of the stairs and waited in the hallway until everyone had been appointed to their right seats.“Really, you? I never would have thought you out of all people didn’t like to socialise”. I joked with a chuckle.“I know! Especially as I’m so approachable”. Marco retorted with sarcasm as we both sniggered and finally entered the room.“Please stand for your alpha and Luna!” An omega announced and everyone got to their feet and bowed the
I could feel the heat of the fire all over my body as the black sky was tinged with it’s fiery orange glow. I looked all around me hoping I’d see Maura safely running toward the palace, and my heart broke to see so much of our land being burned to the ground.I suddenly heard screams of a woman coming from inside the burning house as the fire began to spread along the dry grass, trailing along to the house beside it, incinerating everything in it’s path. The screams echoed again through the roaring sound of the flickering flames, and I saw the front door marginally start to open. My breath stopped with fear as my feet began to run toward the house, fearful for whoever was trapped inside.I kicked open the door as burning debris started falling down and flaming soot landed on my shoulder burning a whole in my dress and sizzling on my skin. A thick cloud of smoke burst out of the house as I tried to enter, covering my nose and mouth with my arm as I tried to see through the smog. I tre
Epilogue. Three years later:I felt as though I could hear the forest sing, as if it was feeling just as joyful and happy as I was. The sun shone along the green leaves as the wildflowers bloomed along the forest floor. Colours of blue, yellow and purple flower buds as far as the eye could see in the tall grass.I laughed again feeling like the luckiest person alive as I watched Roman playfully chasing our two year old son, Conan. They ran through the trees and Conan giggled and squealed every time Roman pretended to catch him. I’ve seen Roman smile or laugh a million times, but I never knew he could smile with his whole soul and being until he first held Conan.Every day we’re either with the earth wolves in their territory or with the sun wolves, and to Conan, both lands are his home. Both of our packs welcomed him with celebration and have adored him right from the start. They’re all so protective of him and I had noticed that my guards as well as Roman’s had become even more vigi
“Thank you for coming”. I smiled with a respectful bow as more shadow wolves walked into the ball room.Me and Roman stood at the entrance witnessing all four clans coming together for a celebration I had decided to arrange. The ball room and entrance hall was already filled with all the different pack members dressed in their gowns and suits as bubbling champagne and delicately decorated food was being passed around on silver trays. I didn’t let go of Roman’s hand as a giddiness kept weaving through my stomach and wanting to burst with excitement. What was even more breath-taking was that as soon as people walked inside, they began mingling with one another straight away. There was no wariness, no one looking uncomfortable or uneasy, it was just as sight to see, a sight I was unbelievably proud of.The idea to do this came to me a month after Henrick had spoken to each of the other three clans face to face and once we had returned to s
“I see he’s here again”. I sighed to Richard and Roman as we stepped out of the palace together.I’d been back for a week since mine and Roman’s getaway and every morning I came outside, I’d always see Henrick sitting under the trees just outside our border. All day every day he’d be there, just sitting and waiting. Any time I walked across my land, or in and out of the palace, at the corner of my eye, or in the back of my mind, I knew he was there. It didn’t concern or scare me, and I definitely didn’t see him as a threat, as far as I was concerned, being my father or not, if he stepped a foot against me, I’d kill him!“Yep! Still here”. Richard responded as he shook his head with exasperation. “Unfortunately, unless he’s on our land, we can’t do anything about it. The forest is free reign to anyone who lives there”. “I know, and I don’t think he’s planning on leaving any time soon”. I said in agreement.“Have you given any more thought about what you want to do?” Roman asked as he
We had spent the rest of the night and morning making love all over the cabin. Any time we attempted to make something to eat or drink, we’d always become distracted by one another again and I’d be against the wall with my legs around his waist, or on the bed or the floor. I knew that now I’d had a taste of what sex with a bonded mate felt like, I was now addicted to his smell, his touch and the ecstasy he gave me every time he was inside me.He smiled joyfully as he took my hand, and we headed outside and walked toward the river. We sat on the grass and dangled our legs in the water as I nestled into his side with his arm wrapped around me. The autumn sun peaked through the clouds glistening along the water as we looked out onto the horizon, savouring the peace and quiet we had alone together.He lowered himself into the water then turned to face me as he ran his hands up my thighs until they held my waist. With ease, as if I weighed no more than a feather, he lifted me from the gras
Nine days later: I bit my bottom lip to keep myself from bursting with the excited nerves that were rushing through my body. Emma smiled at me as she pinned a green and yellow flower she had made herself into my hair as my curls cascaded down my back.She had set up an awning with the help of other sun and earth she-wolves for me to get ready in for my ceremony. She’d even had a long mirror placed inside so I could see how I looked in my white lace dress with a heart shaped neckline and hugging my waist, all the way down to my feet. I looked at my reflection and I was instantly reminded of when I was last standing in another bridal dress with a different man waiting to become my mate. I let out a quiet exhale as I remembered how I had felt that day, how scared, alone and lost I was, feeling as though I had no control over my own fate. But now…. Here I was! It was only then that I really let myself think of how drastically things had changed and how everything led me to this moment. N
I walked out of the palace entrance and my lips widened into a joyful smile when I saw Roman running across our border, on his way to see me. I started walking toward him, excited for the day ahead. We had decided that together we’ll announce to both of our packs that we would be bonding ourselves together. But my gaze momentarily glanced just behind his shoulder and my smile vanished when I noticed my father standing by the treeline. He was watching me, and my people just a few yards away from our territory.“What’s wrong? I thought you’d be happy to see me”. Roman spoke as he reached me and took my hand in his.“Oh, I am”. I quickly replied, looking at him for only a second before turning my attention back onto my father.“Then what do you look so worried about?” “You see that man…” I said as I nodded toward the trees.I looked over his shoulder until his eyes fell onto who I was looking at, then looked back at me with a confused expression. “I see him. But he doesn’t look like a r
“Brooke, sweetheart, Richard said you wanted to speak with me urgently. Is everything ok?” Emma rambled as she rushed into my newly refurbished study.“Everything is fine, Aunty Emma, you don’t need to look so worried”. I smiled to ease the anxious frown on her face.“Oh, what a relief”. She smiled in return as she took a seat opposite my desk. “But what was so important you needed to talk about”. “Well, I have some news to tell you… it’s good news though”. I said as I bit my lip with excitement to tell her.“Well, you look happy about something, so please tell me. I’m intrigued”. “Ok, so as you know, me and Roman have been…. Well, getting closer and we have now decided we want to officially bond ourselves as mates”. I blurted out, bracing myself for her reaction.Her jaw instantly dropped, and her eyes widened. “Wow! This is huge, Brooke”. She stated as she flung her hands to her mouth in astonishment. “My niece has actually found her mate! I never thought I’d see the day consideri
“I know you’re out there, but do you have the guts to face me like a man?” My voice echoed around me as I stood still in the forest, subtly scanning along the trees. “Come out, come out wherever you are”. I chimed and within a flash his body was pressed against my back as he gently brushed my hair away from my shoulder and moved his mouth along the side of my neck. I instantly groaned as I tilted my head back against him, giving him more access to trail those lips exactly where I wanted them.“I’ve missed you”. Roman murmured between kisses as I bit my lip with pleasure, not just from his touch but from the joy of hearing those words.“It’s only been a day”. I grinned as I ran my hand down his thigh then around to his buttocks, giving it a light squeeze.“A day, an hour… I always miss you when you’re not around”. He said as his
One week later:“The soil is looking much better”. I commented to Mr Ansell, one of our dedicated field workers.All morning me and Richard had been assisting with replenishing the crop fields, hydrating them and nourishing them after the fire had burned most of it to the ground.I stood back and just watched everyone, letting myself savour what we fought for. I could see how cheery everyone was now, no longer working themselves to the bone, or until they could barely keep their eyes open. For the first time, in a long time, they were all smiling as they worked, laughing and talking to one another. I felt my heart warm with gratitude that we were all finally here together on our own land and in our own homes, but still, every time I felt a sense of happiness or joy, Lacey’s face would always flash into my mind with a disheartened feeling that she wasn’t here to enjoy it with us.“You look as though you’re a million miles away, Luna. Everything ok?” Richard asked as he came to stand ne