As overwhelming and petrifying as it was to suddenly find myself amongst another pack that I knew hated Sun wolves and any outsiders, Nijra was kind enough to look after me once we had gotten inside her cabin late last night. I was able to wash, whilst she tried to mend my clothes and clean them. She even had woollen and fur blankets for me to sleep on. I knew she didn’t live alone as I could hear her talking to a man when she went to bed in her own room, I couldn’t hear what they were saying, but they were mumbling to each other for a while. Even without being able to hear their faint voices, I wouldn’t have been able to sleep much anyway as I spent most of the night contemplating my next move.As soon as I could see light drifting in through the cabin, I decided to get up and see what the earth wolves’ land looked like in daylight. I stood on the terrace of the cabin, resting my arms on the wooden railing taking it all in.The way they had built their homes nestled among the trees an
I had spent all morning and most of the early afternoon just hovering around Nijra’s cabin just watching the earth wolves all go about their day as they’d often glance curiously at me. I hated that I was being looked at like something to be cautious of, like I was a threat or a villainous trespasser, when in reality I was the complete opposite.I was so done with being told what to do, treated like scum, forced into impossible situations out of my control, then blamed for all of it! From growing up till now, I realised how little say I had regarding my future. My father always paved the way for me, insisting he knew best, convincing me of his lies and hiding the truth so I was blind to the reality of things. Then came Marco…. A trial I never saw coming.But I refused to just hide at the cabin anymore and allow someone to dictate my choices for me once again and judge me so harshly.I stepped off of Nijra’s terrace and looked up at Roman’s cabin to see he was sitting on his own balcony
The beta was aware just as much as I was that all the earth wolves had stopped what they were doing and were completely enthralled by what was going on. As Roman came toward us, he looked furious enough to kill someone and I’d be his aim.“Alpha, I think it’s best we discuss this privately”. The beta said calmly as he stood between me and Roman acting as a buffer.Roman’s chest rumbled with indignation and when he glanced around, everyone quickly tried to make themselves look busy, but he caught on to their pretences.“To my house, now!” He growled as he turned around and led the way.. His shoulders were still tense, and the scowl hadn’t left his face. The whole time we followed him, I kept rolling my eyes at how controlling and demanding alpha’s really were. I wondered if he was always like this, and if he was, how his people managed to tolerate such a moody and pissed off leader.As soon as we got inside his cabin, his beta shut the door the door behind us and with one quick glance
Nijra still wasn’t keen on me leaving the safety of their territory and to be honest, neither was I! But Nijra and Johan had already managed to keep me here longer than Roman had wanted.After my two nights of being here, some of their members had started to become less afraid of me and more curious when Nijra had insisted I sat by one of the campfires with them for breakfast. They had already overheard where I was from and that something had happened to my pack, but even with their inquisitive questions and friendliness every time they offered me more to eat and drink, I could feel Roman’s glare from the top of his balcony. I had no patience left of being watched by someone, being belittled or looked down upon and I didn’t want to keep putting Nijra in the middle. While some of their members were talking next to me or asking me questions, I’d subtly look at the forest with the corner of my eye and my heart would hammer with trepidation every time.“Is this stray o
I made my way toward the foot of the mountains, hoping I’d get there before the daylight disappeared as I ran through the trees, quickly glancing back every few seconds to make sure no one and nothing was behind me. I had to watch every angle whilst feeling completely exposed and an easy target for any lone or inhumane rogue.I managed to run several miles without having the sensation that I was being watched or hunted, until I heard the sound of a twig snapping and I knew it didn’t come from my own footsteps. I looked all around me as I forced myself to increase my speed, then a cold shiver ran up my spine when I heard it again, along with the rustling of leaves, but what scared me wasn’t just that sound, it was the fact that it wasn’t coming from just one direction. Then the familiar sounds of a breathless wolf panting seemed to be close to me, the noise of paws thudding against the ground, the low growling and snapping of jaws… I knew it wasn
I let out a long exhale of breath as I sat on the cabin porch and watched the earth wolves laughing, talking, working alongside together with their daily tasks. They were all so relaxed, calm and continuously helping one another. Each of them seemed to be compassionate and friendly to one another and it reminded me of how my pack once was. It felt like it had been a lifetime since I had seen anything like it. Shut away in the doom and gloom and confusion under Marco’s rule had made me forget just how peaceful like used to be. There hadn’t been a day since I ran away that his face didn’t constantly flash in my mind. The extreme guilt and regret I felt whenever my mind replayed each kiss, the way we touched each other and the way my heart used to beat harder when he was around. I was so disgusted with myself, especially as I was so close to giving him my virginity. But I could see it clearly now… it was all just a big game to him, it was all manipulation to wi
Nijra had worked wonders on my leg and within two days it was fully healed without even a scratch to show where the wound once was. But this now meant I could get back to my plan and go to the shadow wolves.“I hope you know what you’re doing”. Nina commented as she walked me to their territory border.“Well, I know what I need to do. Whether it goes my way or not… I have no idea”. I replied as we stopped at the treeline and I looked at her, noticing her face was full of concern. “I’ll be fine, I promise. No matter what situation I’ve found myself in, I’ve always found a way out”. I tried to reassure her as I put my hand on her arm.“I just feel so bad that you have to do this alone. If I could leave without repercussions from Roman, then I’d…” “I know!” I interjected as I nodded. “But this isn&rsq
We were still shivering by the time we got to the bottom of the mountains and together we quickly gathered enough wood to light a fire to warm up next to.I stared silently at the burning flames, lost in my own thoughts of how I was going to get me and the Sun wolves out of this mess. I thought of all of it… everything! My father, the night the moon wolves came, Lacey and the other survivors, my mother and the constant haunting memory of Molly and Ronald’s final moments. In my head I was screaming… screaming with outrage, despair and regret. But on the outside, I was motionless and just staring into the void.“You look hopeless”. Roman commented as he sat on the ground and brought me out of my spiral.“Don’t start”. I huffed, feeling all of my tolerance and patience practically at its tipping point. “Not now… just not now”. I murmured as I gulped, inwardly pleading to
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