Rowan paused on the other end of the line. Alicia could tell he was still uncertain.“I have my elven powers as well,” Alicia added. “Let me come to the Winter Howl pack.”“They’re not friendly here, Alicia-”“I don’t need them to be to help treat the disease,” Alicia insisted again.Rowan breathed a sigh down the phone, and Alicia smiled widely. She’d already won him over.“Garnet needs to stay at the pack,” Rowan said, relenting to his wife’s insistence.“I can drive there.” Alicia learned to drive during her time at university. It wasn’t necessary considering Rowan and his driver always picked her up. In times like this, it came in handy.“I don’t like the idea of you coming here without a guard.” Alicia could hear Rowan pacing on the other end of the phone.“I will be fine. Nobody expects me to leave the pack and arrive in the North. Even if somebody did follow with ill intentions, I can take care of myself, and so can Alpine.” Alicia was already in their bedroom packing a bag.“A
Surprisingly, the dinner went well without any commentary from Sarah. She behaved herself except for the odd glare sent in Alicia’s direction. Once the dinner was over, Alicia and Rowan were led to a small gathering at the back of the pack house.Other pack members were having a BBQ. It was strange, considering there was a plague spreading in the Winter Howl pack. All eyes turned to them, many frowning and whispering among each other.Alicia’s sudden appearance, another outsider also added more tension to the pack members eating and drinking. That was until they got a glimpse of what she looked like. Many did a double-take, their mouths pausing whilst eating a burger, or drinking from a bottle of beer.As she was coming to expect of the pack from meeting the leaders of the pack. Everyone was like a giant—must be something they eat. And they were all shirtless, bearing scars. The women wore dresses. Nobody wore shoes.Alrighty then.They also appeared to be a pack full of introverts. A
Tom paced back and forth in his room while Sarah was passed out after their lovemaking. He could tell she was worried about Alicia after discovering they used to be together as teenagers. He needed to put her negative thoughts to rest.Now, Tom paced because Alicia, who he knows to be intelligent and known for being the top student in Pharmacology, has turned up to this plague-ridden pack. Tom arrived at the Winter Howl pack a month earlier than Rowan with the help of his grandmother. He’d had a head start, yet he’d found nothing during his investigation.Tom showered and changed, grumbling about how Alicia and Rowan were taken to the floor above where the rooms were meant to be better. Sarah was still sleeping, her naked body partially covered. Tom left her in the room and ventured outside the pack house in the early morning.It was quiet like it always had been. Tom was at his limit and was desperate now to see if he could find SOMETHING before Alicia and Rowan. Time was ticking now
Out of all the things, Alicia thought Tom might do, mass murder, killing off those infected to stop the spread of the disease, was not one of them. He was a d*ck, but she didn’t think he would turn to such barbaric measures. Tom put aside any humanity he had to win this thing between him and Rowan.Now, Alicia was working against the clock to search for the cause and create a cure. No pressure, huh? She started immediately, going straight to the hospital as Rowan dragged Tom away. Wyatt followed closely, more suspicious of the Prince than Alicia, who put a stop to him.Once inside Alicia already had clearance to everything, and she asked for samples to look through in the lab in the basement. Alicia studied the vials and worked diligently without breaks for two days. Whether she was in the lab or searching the surrounding area.Rowan ensured she was eating, leaving sandwiches outside the lab. They returned with a few bites taken from them when she left to check on the pack’s water sup
After Tom received the antidote and left the lab, Voss collected him under Alpha Rowan’s orders via mind-link. He was there to ensure the Alpha and his troublesome mate left the pack without any issues.Rowan and Alicia went straight to Alpha Wyatt’s office and explained in detail about the wolfsbane poisoning. The Alpha was impressed and readily agreed for Alicia to hand out the antidote and putting it in the water supply. Alicia rushed off to do exactly that while Rowan remained behind.The door swung shut behind his delightful mate. The room was left in silence for a beat before Rowan broke it. “The question now… is who is trying to poison the pack and why? Do you have any enemies?”It seemed unlikely, considering how isolated the pack was.As Rowan expected, Wyatt shook his head. His fists were clenched on the desk, clearly infuriated with someone intentionally killing off his pack members.“It was very sneaky of them to put wolfsbane in the water. I thought the King burned the pl
The Bloody Claw pack celebrated well that night and the following days. So did the fringe packs that were ruled by Rowan and the Shadowmoon pack. Alpha Rowan was heir to the throne, and Alicia was to be the future Luna Queen.Many congratulated Rowan, pulling him away from his mate at the bonfire they had alight while music blasted in the background, pack members drank and ate from the bar and BBQ. Zara had remained at the pack, not wishing to go home, so she spent time annoying Garnet until Alicia returned and Maggie escaped her oppressive parents—her words not Alicia’s—and joined the party.As an introvert, she’d prefer to put up with awkwardly standing at a party and possibly forcing light conversation with others than staying at home any longer.Although Alicia had met Maggie’s parents, they had been nice but certainly stern. They didn’t approve of her choice of course- pharmacology; it was her first rebellion against them. They wanted her to study Law or Medicine to the point she
The Bloody Claw pack members did not panic as Alpha Rowan updated them on their defences, and the pack attacked their territory. They swiftly and calmly returned to their collective homes, and those that would fight joined the Alpha, Luna, Beta and Gamma.Alicia hadn’t seen Zara and Maggie for a while; she presumed Zara found Maggie and had gone to their guest rooms. Zara could protect Maggie if it ever came down to it. Alicia was confident in the Bloody Claw defences, so she was not worried about her friends.Those on patrol had reported back to leaders about the broken lasers and the werewolves behind the walls, who were already entangled with their attackers.‘Do you recognise anyone who can identify the pack?’ Alicia mind-linked to the one in command there.Rowan, Voss and Garnet were also in the mind-link and waited for their answer. The leaders were spread out to different areas of the pack. Although they were being attacked from the front, it was possible there were others that
His smell was almost intoxicating, or maybe it was the two cocktails Maggie had. She was acting much braver than usual, and no, it had nothing to do with how good-looking this guy was. Sure, he was hot, but not at all her type.What the hell was she thinking? Not her type?!The man leaned forward so their faces were mere inches apart. “I wonder, is this you talking or the alcohol? Your friends made it seem like you didn’t like people. Yet here you are having a conversation with me.”Maggie narrowed her eyes at him. “I don’t,” she clipped back. “So, get OUT of my personal space, and stop backing me into a corner. Are you a wild beast? I can tell you now… I will be of no use to you.”The man’s eyebrows shot up, eyes twinkling as though he found Maggie riveting. “I’m not here with Blue Crescent. My job is done.”His job was done? What did that mean? Maggie frowned. So he was here for a reason, yet he wasn't WITH the pack attacking. “What was your job?”“If I answer your question, will yo
Hiding in the bushes, the night had finally come when they were putting their plan in motion. Alicia felt like a thief in the night, especially since she finally got her clothes back. All of them black, a great camouflage for the middle of the peaceful night that was about to turn blood red.Alicia’s hair was hidden beneath the hood as she stared at the palace from a distance. Alpine had finally returned to her, and the first thing her wolf scolded Alicia about was Talon.‘He’s up to no good, child,’ she warned. Alicia needed no warning, however, because she didn’t trust Talon anyway.Alicia only trusted in the plan. They needed the vampires for numbers and power to overthrow the Crown.With Alpine’s return, Alicia’s werewolf healing had improved, along with her strength and speed. The scarring on Alicia’s neck was now minimal and would soon be fully healed. Her strength was replenished.Rowan didn’t intend to use Alicia, but if the royal pack was still too powerful against his packs
The plan to overthrow the throne within a few days was a little too optimistic. Alicia, Rowan and Lamia ended up staying at the vampires lair while they organised it. Although she’d been warned by Talon and her husband, Alicia did roam around the warehouse unguarded.Many vampires sneered and snickered, believing Alicia was acting naïve. But Alicia was protected by Talon as his guest and anyone that lost themselves to their vampiric urges, Alicia took out. Those who sneered ended up nodding respectfully at the future Luna Queen.“What is this?” Alicia asked as Hailey waltzed into the room carrying hangers of clothes.“Lord Talon requests you cover up,” Hailey explained, dipping her head respectfully at Rowan who lowered the phone from his ear, frowning at the clothes being put up in the empty wardrobe.Rowan clicked his tongue. “Did he forget to buy me clothes?”Hailey pursed her lips. “I-I could ask, Mr-”“You’re scaring her,” Alicia scolded her mate, smacking him playfully on the ar
“Now that’s sorted, why don’t we have a drink?” Talon’s eyes glinted as they looked at Alicia, the innuendo clear.Rowan stood. “Like we said before, there isn’t much time.” He reached down to take Alicia’s hand, but Talon’s words stopped them.“We still need to make a plan. Will you accept my hospitality or continue to be rude and dismissive, especially now that you have got what you came here to get?” Talon’s voice was frosty, and goosebumps rose on Alicia’s flesh.Rowan scoffed. He could see Talon eyeing up Alicia from out of the corner of his eye or whenever he didn’t think Rowan was looking. The vampire either lusted after her or wanted her blood.Obviously, he would have neither.“We can swap numbers and go through our plans over the phone. We can return to the pack-”“Once things are resolved here.” Lamia stepped forward, interrupting her son and placing a hand on his arm, giving him a look.Rowan was about to argue, but Lamia spoke again, quietly, only meant for him. “The Quee
Talon stared at Alicia for a beat, the growing silence tense until he burst into a laugh. His head threw back, revealing his sharp fangs in his enjoyment. Those around them relaxed, and the barman, who had paused his actions, returned to drying the glass.Alicia released a quiet breath, unaware she’d been holding it since she’d refused to tell him her name twice. She didn’t know where it came from, but the slight thrill under Talon’s gaze made her feel guilty.Alicia had seen many good-looking and powerful men, but none compared to Rowan. Now, in a matter of seconds, standing before this vampire, she’d felt almost entranced by his presence. Was it a vampire thing?No, otherwise, Alicia would have felt the same way as the others she’d seen so far. This only meant that she found Talon attractive and that she couldn’t accept, especially when her mate was right here.“Very well,” Talon smirked, his dazzling eyes twinkling as he continued to watch Alicia. “I was only asking out of manners,
There was no plan. They just turned up at Talon’s front door.Technically, it was a gate. The Vampire Lord didn’t live in an old manor or some sort of suave penthouse like Alicia was expecting. Instead, the car Rowan managed to rent stopped in front of a closed gate before a warehouse.The entire estate had many warehouses and lorries to the side, and behind it, there were many fields. Vineyards, Alicia realised. This was a winery.“This is definitely the right place?” Alicia questioned, looking to the back seat where Lamia had been resting against the black-tinted window.“I told you we were hiding in plain sight.” Lamia shrugged. “Let me speak to them.”Lamia exited the door and went to the speaker by the gate, pressing on the buzzer and waving at the CCTV.“Lamia?! Is that you?!” A woman’s voice crackled through. “Quick, tell Talon!”Rowan and Alicia glanced at each other.“Are you going to let us in, or will I turn to ash first?” Lamia jested.Silence followed her question before
Although Lamia’s story had been full of pain and betrayal, she still needed time to accept the death of her ex-lover. The vampiress left to take a walk leaving Alicia and Rowan to talk.“Did Tom do anything to you?” Rowan got straight to the point. “I could smell him all over you… You can tell me. I know you were imprisoned and-”Alicia cupped her husband’s face. “He did not r*pe me. I was tortured and humiliated…” She wouldn’t tell Rowan about Tom’s groping. There was no point. “If I stayed any longer he would have… I know he would. Void… the man who’d been torturing me managed to get him away from me before he could do anything.”“That piece of sh*t!” Rowan growled, his voice rumbling with his rage. His fierce eyes returned to Alicia, softening as he tugged her into him so they could cuddle on the bed.“I’m sorry I wasn’t there-”“You don’t need to be. It’s not your fault he is… disgusting.” Alicia shivered, remembering the humiliation of the silver collar, crawling around and weari
Lamia released the dead rabbit to the ground in the forest and wiped her face. She strolled by the river to wash the remnants of the blood from her hands. There was only so many humans she could drink from every other week, ensuring they didn’t remember what happened and the bite mark healed over.So today, Lamia had to drink from animals to keep her cravings at bay. She sighed while splashing her face, her thoughts already turning to the comforts of her luxurious home. She’d already spent a week away from it.While Lamia was preoccupied with her thoughts, cupping the water in the river for a final time, something smacked into her hand. Lamia’s head whipped to the side, her hands withdrawing from the body in the body. The fresh blood and sound of a weak heartbeat forced her to run to where the body floated to, and grabbed the man before he fell down the cascading water of the waterfall.Lamia fell back with the huge man collapsing atop her. She pushed him off her, but the taste of his
Vibrations rumbled along Alicia’s body. At first it felt like a dream. She was flying, with the wind flowing through her hair.Then the fog around her mind gradually faded, and the vibrations grew stronger until she felt herself bouncing and he head jolting every few seconds. It wasn’t comfortable yet she couldn’t open her heavy eyelids.It lasted for a while. It was like she was falling asleep and jolting awake nonstop. A horrid feeling, and one she couldn’t get out of.At long last, the movement stopped but she heard Rowan’s hushed voice with another. Rowan who she thought had been dead. Rowan who had been almost lifeless upon finding him in the hay.Alicia jolted up, wide awake, heart racing as she flailed in a panic, and searched the dark room for him. The bond tugged at her heartstrings as a light pooled into the room where Rowan walked through the door. The moment he saw her sitting up, Rowan rushed forward, the door slamming shut behind him, casting them in darkness once more.
Lamia and Alicia ran from the cells only to bump into Void. Lamia didn’t think twice before smacking the side of her hand into the back of his head. The giant collapsed instantly.“Oh, I’m sorry. Did you want to be the one to hurt him?” Lamia turned back to face Alicia. “I know he tortured you, but time is precious.”Lamia actually looked apologetic for attacking the man before Alicia. She shook her head with a chuckle. “No, no. I never had any problems with Void.”“Void?” Lamia’s voice deepened, a frown tugging between her perfectly shaped eyebrows. “You didn’t have an issue with a man who tortured you?”Alicia shrugged. She already knew how messed up it was, so to avoid her mother-in-law’s questioning and accurately worried gaze, Alicia added, “He was following orders.”Lamia’s lips flattened into a straight line. She didn’t believe Alicia. Still, she answered, “Alright.” Like that she turned, removed the keys from Void’s belt and began putting them in the lock of the silver collar