The following day Nijra was kind enough to take me to the training grounds with her as soon as she finished her patrolling duties and checking in on some of their elderly members. I was all too relieved that she insisted she’d help me when it was clear Johan would have no time between his duties to spend time training with me. “I did tell you he wouldn’t do it”. Nijra commented as she walked with me to the training ground.“Ok, ok. I knew it might have been a long shot. But if I never at least tried to change things then I’d still be locked away in a cell with a lot of other captives!” I rebuked as we reached the training area and I looked around with a heavy exhale.It was just a big empty circle of dried mud with large stones surrounding its edge and carved seating logs on the outside for spectators. It was extremely basic with no apparatus or weapons. Nijra put down her spear and walked to the centre of the circle and got into a fighting position as she slightly crouched and held
It did take me by surprise that for the last two days, Roman had been helping me train first thing in the mornings and our sessions wouldn’t end until my energy was completely wiped. However, Nijra and Johan were even more shocked by it when I had told them about it, Nijra had even come to watch us yesterday, trying to cheer and encourage me on. I just got dressed and washed for the day hoping that Roman would want to train again. Just as I was leaving the cabin, I was surprised to see him coming up the terrace steps. “Oh, good morning”. I greeted as I closed the door behind me. “Are you ready?” He asked as he quirked his brow and stepped further onto the terrace. “Uhh, I haven’t even eaten yet. Can’t I have some breakfast first?” “No need, you can have what we catch”. He said with a grin. “What we catch?” I questioned with puzzlement. “Yes. Me and you are going hunting”. He stated as a slight buzz fluttered in my stomach. “We are?” I smiled excitedly, but it was q
“Have you got a bad feeling?” I whispered as Roman continued to keep me close against him as he stared out at the meadow, carefully watching the trees on the other side. “I feel like we’re being watched”. He answered and as I looked in the direction of the trees, we both suddenly tensed at the same time when we saw one tree rustling, its leaves and branches moving even though there was no breeze, and none of the surrounding trees moved an inch. “There’s someone out there!” I said in alarm. Then instantly, Kara’s face shot straight into the forefront of my mind and I instinctively darted forward. Roman quickly grabbed my arm to stop me running through the trees keeping us hidden. “What are you doing?” He questioned with bafflement. “It could be Kara! We said we’d find her but we’ve been so distracted she’s still out there and no one’s looking for her”. “Brooke, you have no idea if that could be her. For all you know, Marco could have sent more men to look for you”. He stated an
I could feel my legs tiring as we searched through the forest, we were keeping our whits about us whilst reminding ourselves that Kara was all alone somewhere out here. I had to ignore the niggling thoughts that we’d be too late and something had happened to her. The sun was setting by time we started to slow down our pace after checking every hidden cave we came across, or over-hanging tree that was easy to conceal someone. The footprints had stopped miles behind us but neither of us wanted to give up and return back to the earth pack territory. I knew my main concern was for Kara, but for Roman it was making sure we didn’t lead any danger back to his people. “We’d better gather some firewood”. Roman suggested as he looked up at the sky with an irritated sigh to see the sun was disappearing more and more behind the trees making way for the night sky, and in the middle of the forest, it wouldn’t be long at all until it was pitch black. We both darted around gathering as much wood
I sat with my legs pulled in against my chest trying to keep warm next to the fire. Roman was sleeping soundly as I took my turn to keep watch. For four hours I pondered on things as I looked beyond the shadows glistening along the trees. I realised I was a lot less scared of Marco and his men now, especially with Roman so protectively by my side. ‘Who’d have ever thought….’ I wondered to myself as I glanced at his peaceful sleeping face. ‘This closed off, intimidating Lycan was out here in the wilderness helping someone he vowed he’d never help!’ I smiled to myself, noting how relaxed he looked, lying on his back with his arms tucked behind his head, but every now and then his eyelids would flicker as if he was having a vivid dream, and I wondered if his past ever haunted his dreams like mine did. I quietly moved toward the fire and doused the flames as the sun’s glow began to peak behind the tall trees with the morning blue sky greeting the birds as they all tweeted and flew out
“Are you ok?” Roman carefully asked once my father was long out of view. I shook my head, trying to fathom that I had come face to face with him completely out of the blue. He was the last person I ever expected to see again. It was just another blow to my gut and my heart that he was everything Marco and every alpha painted him to be. I sat down on a grassy knowl, trying to take a breather and let it all sink in as I blinked back the tears that wanted to fall. “I’m sorry it turned out that way. Seeing him like this and then having to feel… well… I don’t know how you feel, but I know it can’t be easy”. “I just… I just can’t decide what man he is”. I uttered with a frown. “Is he the man that loved me and my mother. The one that always seemed to adore her and wanted to watch me grow into a Luna. Or is he the man that doesn’t care about anyone or anything but himself”. “Well, he could be both. He could have loved you and I’m betting he still does, but maybe that’s as far as
I darted toward Roman, quicker this time and grabbed hold of his arm just as he tried to catch me. Within a split second, I raised it up, scratched along the flesh with my nails to distract him as I spun around and jumped onto his back, then simulated slitting his throat as I ran my finger along his neck. “Looks like I got you that time mighty Lycan!” I murmured into his ear with amusement.“You got lucky”. He grinned as I lowered myself from his back. “That pride of yours is stopping you from admitting defeat”. I teased as I stepped back to my starting position. “Now I know you’ve upped your game, I guess I’ll have to up mine!” He said with a mischievous expression as we sized each other up for another round. I ran toward him and attempted to duck as I got closer and aim my fingers for his abdomen, but he quickly side stepped out of the way then knocked me flat onto my stomach with a heavy push. “Damn it”. I groaned as I wiped the dry mud off my face. “Is it comfy down there?”
The following morning, I laced up the leather boots Nijra had given to me, along with the fur skirt, leather top that was cropped just below my breasts and the fur sleeveless jacket she was kind enough to hand over to me last night. The clothes I had been wearing since I left Sun Wolf pack had been worn and washed too many times since I’d been here, and when she noticed the strap on my top was close to snapping, she instantly handed me a whole new outfit. I felt a bit uncomfortable wearing their packs attire, but Nijra insisted, and I loved how warm and soft it all felt against my skin. I stepped off the porch of Nijra’s cabin to head over to the camp fire for breakfast when I heard foot steps coming from above Roman’s porch. I glanced up to see Nina walking down the steps and she clocked me straight away and grinned as she stared at me. I attempted to ignore her as I sat down to eat, but to my dismay, she joined and sat right next to me as she picked up a slice of meat. “I have t
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