Ian's POV: I was breathing heavily, and my whole body was covered in blood. Aurora and Roxanne were standing next to me with bloody hands and claw marks on their backs, while the rest were in their wolf form behind us. The shield created between us and the coven elders by their witch was too strong to penetrate, at least for us. But for Roman, it was something else. He easily walked past it and attacked the elders who fought him with everything they had. Something that shocked us even more was what we were noticing. The elders were getting weak one by one each time they sunk their fangs into his skin; it's as if his blood was poisoned. Their movement was getting slower, and a dark trail of blood was coming from their nose. As for the witch, she stood doing nothing. Something was terribly wrong. I looked at my left side and noticed how Chase was still trying to heal Lee, who was badly injured and knocked out on the ground. His hands were pressed on each side of his head as waves
Roman's POV: "What have you done?" Garren asked in disbelief. I stood, staring at the window as tears ran down my cheeks. I had no idea how to stop what I was feeling, and the pain was only getting stronger. "What have you done?" he yelled angrily as I shut him out, completely putting him to sleep. How could he understand what I was feeling? My skin was crawling, and my heart felt like something was piercing through it. I hated being alone, as usual, and I felt scared losing my mate, but it was the right decision to make. Everything Garren went through was nothing compared to what I went through. All the pain, anger, and hate he felt were usually borne by me. Whenever he went through a phase of negative emotions, it didn't take long for him to pull back up. In a year, he was already recovering, not knowing that I was the one bearing all that by myself. A part of me was screaming out for help as I bled, yet he couldn't see that. I shut him off because I knew if he could share w
Roxanne's POV: I sat on the floor in the clinic, sobbing, while my mother's arms were wrapped around me. Angelina was rushing back and forth, attending to all who were injured, despite them already being healed. "Mother, he let me go," I whispered in a cracked voice. "I know, honey, and I'm sure it is for the best. At least we all came out alive," she answered as I stopped crying and looked at her coldly. "Sweetie, I know you don't think that way, but with time you will. Roman was very different from Garren; that man was a monster," she said as I stood up and ran outside the clinic, grabbing Uncle Lee's hand as he was walking to the pack house. He looked at me seriously, then sighed sadly and shook his head. "That witch's ability and level are way above me and Lexi. Even if we were to try and trace where they are, it wouldn't work. If she's going to use an invisibility shield on the territory, then no one could ever find the place besides those who are part of the coven and vamp
Garren's POV: "You have ruined me," was all I could whisper over and over again. I had no strength to move as everything that had happened played through my mind. I couldn't believe he would easily kill the coven just like that, but what was so painful was how he had hurt Roxanne. I could feel how he was hurt too in the process, but couldn't understand why he would shut her out. The tears he had shed came from the pain he felt of letting our mate go and fear. Why would he choose to walk away from her instead of kneeling down and begging her for forgiveness? The deed was already done, and it was obvious she wanted nothing to do with us anymore. I was furious at him for hiding some things from me and for what he had done in the dark. "Let it go, Garren. Her being with us will only bring her pain, and it's already done," he whispered as I clenched my hands into fists. "Shut the fuck up, you bastard!" I yelled loudly, startling the witch who stood at the corner of the room, avoidin
Kyle's POV: "Was that really a wise decision to make?" Neo asked when I sat down on the couch in my father's office. "Are you calling me dumb, uncle?" I asked seriously. "No, he isn't. You are the soon-to-be Alpha, that we understand. But if what I have heard actually did happen, then it's not a good decision to have him in our pack," Blade responded. I stood up and glared at him. "Son, show some respect," my father warned from behind his desk. "If you were the one in our situation, would you keep Larson away from his mate when he's still crying badly in his room?" I asked seriously. He sighed, then shifted his gaze to my father. "Please do answer me," I demanded. "No," he answered in a whisper. "My sister has gone through a lot in just a few months. As a brother, I want to protect and shield her from everything that may harm or bring her sadness. I didn't ask you to forgive him, did I? I'm only asking you to give them time, say an hour or so, to say their goodbyes," I said
Roxanne's POV: I held onto Garren as if my life depended on it. I was scared of letting go, and my wolf felt the same way. He was about to shift when I tightened my grip. "Roxanne," he called in a low, husky voice. "No," I whispered, shaking my head. I wasn't going to move, no! He sighed, then stood up with me in his arms. "I'm not going anywhere without you," he said as he walked to my bed and sat down with me on his lap. I looked at him seriously, then moved my hands to his wet cheeks. "You promise?" I asked softly. "I promise, I will never leave you," he answered in a cracked voice, then raised his hands and grabbed mine in his. "Roxanne, I don't know where to begin to apologize. But even if it takes me years, I will..." "It's okay," I answered seriously. He frowned deeply, then let go of my hands. "Roxanne, I did all those horrible things to you. How could it be okay?" he asked in a cracked voice as tears filled his eyes. Because I understood it wasn't him who wante
Roman's POV: "What?" Garren exclaimed. "If... if it's a joke, Roman, then it's not funny," Roxanne stammered in a low tone as she forced a smile on her face. "What are you saying?" Garren asked furiously. I ignored his words and looked at my beautiful mate seriously, taking her hand in mine. Was there a way I could tell her the truth and not hurt her? No. She had to know. "I wish it could be a lie or a joke, but it's not. You should know by now that I never joke in such situations," I said as she froze and stared at me blankly. "Roman!" Garren screamed in warning as he tried to take over, but I couldn't let him. I smirked when she pulled out her hand and took a step to look at me carefully. "Garren knows nothing about this, and I chose to keep it that way. If there was a way to say sorry a thousand times to you after my death, I would, but sadly there isn't," I said softly. Garren was in shock and he couldn't speak a word, while she stood staring at me with tears swelling in
Roman's POV: "So, you went against my orders?" I asked Jersey furiously. She shifted her gaze from me in silence. Astrid looked at me, then moved closer and hit my face. I flinched and glared at her, ignoring the pain. "Are you saying you enjoy seeing tears on my beautiful face?" she asked. "What?" I asked in disbelief. "I asked you if you enjoyed seeing my beautiful self cry," she answered as I burst out laughing. "Why are you laughing? Are you implying that I'm ugly?" she asked, then pressed her hands on her hips. I stopped laughing and lightly and playfully hit her cheeks with a smirk. "There is no denying your beauty, mate," I answered seriously. "See, so never make Roxanne or me cry ever again," she said, then made a crown gesture on top of her head, making me chuckle. This was a side of Astrid I had never seen before, and I wasn't expecting it. I knew she was serious because of the rank she held, but I couldn't have imagined her being this playful. I moved, closing t
Kyle's POV "So, are you doing okay?" I asked Uncle August on the phone."Yes, my mate is doing much better as well," he answered simply."I'm glad," I said as I stretched myself on the couch."So, you left your pup and went to have fun?" he asked as I rolled my eyes."You are making it sound terrible, Uncle," I pointed out."Well, your pup is only six months old, and you are already out having fun with your mate," he said as I frowned."My mother was the one who encouraged us to come here. Moreover, it was a promise we made at Lui's ceremony," I answered coldly."Oh, so Amelia is looking after the pup?" he asked in a relieved tone."Of course she is. She and Dad were very happy when they knew of our plans. I kind of feel like they want to make another sibling," I answered as he laughed loudly."No way, they are just happy to be taking care of their grandpup," he said, making me smile.After the birth of my pup, they were very supportive in almost everything. My mother was very close
Kyle's POV "Aren't you going in?" Father asked as I stood outside the ward with a rapidly beating heart.I had no idea why my dad, Ian, had given my father, Axel, control, but I felt grateful. Perhaps it was because Father always knew what to say in the moment and at the right time."I feel cold feet, Father," I whispered honestly.He smirked and then moved his hand to my head, ruffling my hair gently and playfully."Son, you just have to go in; she is waiting for you," he said as I looked at him and then smiled."Always remember, we are the strongholds of our mates as they are for us. You being there for her right now will be heartwarming and ease the tension and worries she might have," he said softly."Thank you, Father," I whispered to him and then slowly grabbed the door handle and pushed it open.When Yuki came into view, I quickly went in and went to her side, embracing her with a warm smile.All the emotions I thought I couldn't feel in that moment came crashing down on me: h
Kyle's POV "Son, calm down," my dad said softly.I glared at him, then shifted my gaze to the side.How could he even ask me to calm down when my mate was struggling in the labor ward to give birth?"Dad, you don't get how I feel right now, so don't tell me to calm down," I answered seriously."You really think I don't understand? I felt that way twice when you and your sister were being born," he said, then moved his hand to my shoulder.I looked at him sadly and rubbed my forehead with my fingers."Wasn't I supposed to be in there?" I asked while looking at the labor ward."Yes, but your mother is right there by her side," he answered.I had been so focused on the pack documents the past few weeks that I paid less attention to Yuki.When the news of her going into labor reached me, I panicked and dropped everything I was doing.And right now, I was feeling so guilty that I wasn't by her side when she needed me the most.I had been standing outside for what felt like forever, and eac
Mariana's POV I sat looking at Roxanne's little pup as I clenched my hands into fists.He was so innocent, yet I knew he would grow up to be the very thing I despised the most because of the blood flowing through his veins.His mother was an Alpha Queen, while his father was a very powerful hybrid. The chances of him becoming any of his father's breed were high, but his chances of becoming an Alpha King were even higher.Would killing him in secret be a bad thing?I quickly averted my eyes when the pup smiled at me.He sat playing with a sword toy, and a powerful witch stood close to the door's entrance, watching his every movement."Excuse me, Miss Alpha Queen. Why do you look at the young master like that?" she asked seriously.Damn it, was it so obvious that I was thinking badly of him?I didn't want anyone to know or find out what my exact thoughts were, at least not now. If I was going to kill the little pup, I had to do it discreetly."You must not have heard the news from Rox
August's POV "So?" I asked Kyle on the phone."I called Garren yesterday, and he said Mariana is doing okay, although she looked very afraid and conflicted when she met the other members of his territory," he answered."And the Alpha king's mate?" I asked."She decided to stay in Lui's pack because she felt free and safe there," he replied."I'm sorry, Uncle August, but why did you leave like that without a word? You missed out on a lot," he asked.I slowly turned in my seat behind my desk and looked at Tanya, who was sleeping on the bed. I could still see a light shade of red under her lashes.I had never seen her cry so much before. She refused to eat most of the time or talk to me as much as she used to.I was trying my very best to comfort her, yet it did nothing; I was running out of options."Something bad happened, and I didn't want to inform anyone. We had to leave immediately because it involved my mate, and she asked that of me," I answered and then stood up from my seat."
Lui's POV "Are you okay?" I asked Akira with concern."Yes, how could I not be after the exciting day we have had?" she answered playfully.These past few years have brought us closer than we already were. Not only did we share a mark, but we also shared an amazing, mature bond.She was more open with me, and I got to see a side of her that I never expected. She was naughty in bed and funny whenever I felt down or needed cheering up. She was also very respectful, kind, and mindful.I laughed softly and then wrapped my arm around her shoulders, pulling her into my embrace.We were standing all alone in the living room.After that talk, Dad and Mom asked Mariana to follow them so she could meet her late brother's mate, while the twins decided to get rid of the body.Uncle Alec went on to invite Alpha Ian and his family to join him in the dining hall, while we decided to remain behind for a bit and talk."I'm just very happy that everyone is safe," I said honestly."Me too," she answer
Tanya's POV "Is it usually like this?" I asked August seriously."What do you mean?" he asked back with a chuckle."You know, like some stranger coming into this territory and threatening them all," I answered as he shrugged."Well, what can I say? Our kind are so full of dominance that they tend to have fun ambushing weaker packs sometimes," he said, then looked at my father, who was quietly standing opposite us."Is everything okay with him?" he mind-linked me."I think he is a bit shaken by what happened," I answered through the mind-link and then moved closer to him."Dad, are you okay?" I asked seriously."Yeah, it's just that when I heard that heartwarming talk in the living room, I came to realize how terrible holding secrets is," he answered as I smiled."That's why I have none," I replied softly."Can I talk to you for a second, as in alone?" he asked.I frowned and then quickly shook my head."No, whatever you have to say, you can say it in front of my man," I answered seri
Mariana's POVI stood still, tears running down my face and a beating heart in my hand."I'm sorry," my wolf whispered, then pulled back as I slowly looked down at my brother's dead body.I dropped the heart with a trembling hand and screamed as I fell to my knees in a panic, moving my hand to cover the hole in his chest."No, Diaz, no," I cried as I moved my other bloody hand to his face."You can't die, please, you can't die! Why, oh goddess, why?" I sobbed."Wake up and look at me! Please, look at me! I swear I will never get angry again," I cried at the top of my voice.I was very upset over his words, and for a second, I wished him dead. But how was I to know that my wolf would act upon this wish of mine, as cruel as it was?Every time I wished for something within her reach and power, she did exactly that. Then I felt so happy because she protected me, even when it was against my will!But how could she hurt our only brother like he was nothing? "Mariana," Amelia called as she
Diaz's POV"What exactly do you want to hear from me?" I asked lazily."Everything," Amelia answered strongly.I rolled my eyes and then looked at Ian coldly."There is no need to mind-link each other, so I'll be frank, Amelia," I said seriously."Please," she whispered."Your mate is a thorn in my side," I said.Twin Delta warriors were about to move when Ian raised his hand, and they stopped in their tracks."I'm glad because you will soon bleed from my fists," he answered with a smirk."Ian, I would like to give you that satisfaction, but I won't, because I am not here to seriously fight," I said honestly."And yes, most of you in this room are a nuisance, and most of you are a pest to us. But then there are those like her," I pointed at the ancient witch and then moved my hand to the female dragon."Who we consider useful and very powerful," I said, then sat down."I can see you hate me," I pointed out the obvious."You think? They want you dead," Amelia answered."Fair enough, bu