Alexander’s POV "Alpha Alexander Black!" Xavier's voice shot out from behind me when I was crouching next to Emily's body. "Were you really thinking that I would not see you and your beta slinking closer?"While my father went back to my mother's side, Luke helped me get back to Emily sooner than I had anticipated. My parents proceeded to help Sasha and Lula free the pack members."It is over," I said, flinching unwillingly at the sight of his beast up close. "It ends now. You will not win this!"Xavier's ability to remain upright despite the blood spurting from his side shocked me. His neck and chest were covered in a few badly broken scratches and claw marks that would not heal.Was it Basilia who had done that to him?And if she did, where is she?Xavier's thin lips turned up into a grin as he raised his eyebrows."She's dead," he declared. "By the way."Furrowing my brows, I was unable to comprehend his words."Emily is fine," I argued.Xavier laughed and tossed his head back."N
Emily's POV "You are back!" I reached out to Willow in a tired whisper. "I thought you were gone." "I never left," Willow said as she slowly made her way toward me from the depths of my mind. She looked terrible. Her fur was matted, her eyes had lost their brilliant spark, and she appeared to be in excruciating pain. "I am happy you are here with me," I said. "At least you will be by my side when we are dying." "Don't even think about it! It's not your time!" Willow growled, but it sounded more like a whimper than a growl, which made me laugh and cough. "I am too weak," I said. "It would be ineffective even if you attempted to heal me. I am aware of your state, and you are incapable of curing me. Xavier won. It's over! I desire a peaceful death." The outside world quieted down to a murmur, and I felt peaceful for the first time in several days. After stumbling over to my side, Willow rested her head on my chest. I reached over and started petting her behind her ears. "He will
Emily's POV I was getting dressed for tonight's proceedings. We were celebrating the first anniversary of the fall of King Xavier and his rogue kingdom, and I was exceptionally excited about tonight. The event tonight was expected to draw in all the packs. Everyone heard of the battle, and they were thankful for having their pack members back. Not only was it the first anniversary of Xavier's passing, but it was also the first commemorative anniversary of the Lycans' ascent to power. I heard a faint knock on my bedroom door, and Sasha peeked her head around it a moment later. Sasha discovered me applying makeup at the vanity, her gaze lingering over me. "Luna," she uttered as she pushed open the door. "You look amazing. Alpha Alexander will fall deeply in love with you once more." "I appreciate it, Sasha," I said, reaching for the brush and giving it to her. "It means so much to me." Sasha moved in closer, grabbed the brush from me, and began fixing my hair. I could sense som
Emily's POV"Ple-e-e-a-se, Emily!" Mila, my best friend, begged over the link. "I really want to go!""I'm not standing in your way, Mila. You are welcome to go and attend the pack dance," I linked back. "Go and have some fun with Jax."Jax was Mila's mate, and even though we got along just fine, I always felt like a third wheel, tangling long."But you know it wouldn't be the same if you weren't there!" Mila sulked, her voice quivering. "And you owe me one!"I sighed, annoyed.I knew she would draw the "you owe me one card" sooner rather than later to force me to go.The only reason I owed her was that I needed to copy her homework when my shift ended late. I was exhausted that night and had even skipped dinner."So you are cashing in on a favor I owe you?" I growled, frustrated."Is it working?" She asked, giggling.I pinched the top of my nose, shaking my head—this friend of mine! She knew exactly how to manipulate me into saying yes!Mila and I have been friends since kindergarten
Emily's POV The trip down to the pack house was quicker than I had hoped, and before I knew it, Jax stopped the car in front of the pack house. Jax got out of the car and went around, opening the car door for Mila. He held his hand out and carefully helped his mate from the car. "Mila, my love," Jax said, kissing the top of her hand. "I will be right back. Wait for me!" My heart pinched at the tenderness of his voice. He spoke to her with so much love and care. Mila nodded her head, and Jax got back in the car and drove off. Two minutes later, the dark-headed wolf appeared next to Mila. "Ready?" He asked, taking her hands in his. Mila giggled like a typical schoolgirl and blushed. I turned my gaze away, giving them some privacy. Some days I wish I had what Mila and Jax had. Their love for one another was so tender and unconditional. A small smile followed at the corners of my lips, remembering the night Mila found out Jax was her mate. We were all in the clearing, waiting
Emily's POV The cool autumn breeze shook me out of my trance, and I yelped out in fright as the door shut closer behind me. I shook my head, confused, looking over the gardens. Why did I have the urge to come here? There was nothing out of the ordinary out there. Everything was quiet, except for my racing heart. The immense pull was unavoidable, and I took a step forward. I ended up making my way down to the huge fountain centered in the gardens and sitting down on the cold white marble bench, overlooking the water and fountain. I sighed. Was I losing my mind? I lifted my gaze toward Mother Moon's sculpture standing in the center of the huge bowl. She stood protectively among powerful wolves who were howling at the moon. "Why have you kept my wolf from me?" I whispered. An unnerving silence answered me back, and my temper flared out of control. I jumped to my feet as anger and pain rippled through my chest. "Why did you punish me like that?" I cried out and dropped to my k
Emily's POV I woke up with a bang, with my alarm clock screaming his red numbers next to me. 8:30 a.m. My eyes widened. I was late for training! I jumped out of bed and landed on my feet with a groan. "F*ck!" I swore under my breath. My body felt like a bulldozer had run over it. It was sore all over, and my breasts were tender and swollen. I knitted my eyebrows together, confused, trying to remember what had happened last night. I slowly moved toward the bathroom, feeling the tenderness between my legs. Did I have..? I shook the thoughts off just as fast as they came. I couldn't have—did I? "Sh*t!" I gasped under my breath, startled, when I saw my painted reflection in the mirror. My nape was covered in all colors and sizes of bruises, running down my breasts and stomach. Hickeys! What the f*ck! Who did this to me, and why? I sighed, frustrated. There was no way I could go out to training looking like that. I wiped my hand over my face, shaking my head in disbelief. "
Emily's POV The pack house was fairly quiet when Mila and I arrived. My parents, the Beta pair of the pack, asked me to come and help clean the community center. It wasn't a normal occurrence for the Beta family to be involved in helping clean after a pack function. I guess Alpha Cole must have asked them to help after he gave everyone a day off. "Where is everyone?" Mila asked, surprised when no guards were stationed at the front door of the pack house. "I think everyone went down to the clearing to enjoy their snow day," I said, gesturing to the cold, wet, fluffy stuff lying all over the place. Mila sighed. "Why did you talk me into helping?" She asked, shivering. "I could have been lying under the blankets with a cup of hot chocolate in my hands, watching a movie." "Because I needed help," I said, shrugging. "And you are my only friend." Mila rolled her eyes as she entered the pack house. The main reason Mila was sulking was that she was a bit disappointed that Jax went s