"Dinner is ready, Alpha. Your mother has just summoned the guests to the dining hall."I feel Malachi tense, and I begin to wonder why. He leads me inside, but before we enter a gilded door into what I assume is the dining hall, he releases my hand and whispers in my ear, "Perhaps it is best if we don't present as mates tonight. Everyone is here to discuss some very important matters, and I don't want to distract from the proceedings."I nod, and when we enter, it is the Beta who leads me to my seat beside my parents while Malachi takes his position at the head of the table."Thank you all for responding to my invitation and joining me tonight for dinner. As you may have heard, my pack has recently been troubled by some unexplained killings. I am humbly asking for your insight and advice, which we will discuss shortly."This admission and request for help takes courage, and though it shows just how young and inexperienced this Alpha is, it also conveys a certain strength and humility
"Malachi!"Ariella breathed his name and shoved him back at the same time, gasping for air as pain shot across her skin and down her spine.The open wound on her neck throbbed as warm blood spilled out, and she glared at her mate in shock. "What have you done?" Lifting tentative fingers, she touched the mark and pulled back with blood-covered fingers, her breath coming out in pants and her veins burning with a fire. It felt as if his toxin was coursing through her blood streams, consuming her, ravaging her with his Alpha intensity."You are mine now," the Alpha growled lowly, and when Ariella looked up at him she saw flecks of red appear in his dark eyes. His fringe hung menacingly over his eyebrows, and his jaw clenched as he came closer once more."No, wait," Ariella held up a hand, a tear slipping from her eye. "Please, just...just don't..." She hated how shaky her voice sounded, and even more she hated how confused she was. Had Malachi really just marked her? Was it what she wante
"Mom! Mom! My bike is missing!" The future Alpha came rushing into the kitchen and exclaimed, pushing her light brown hair out of her face with both hands.Chesca looked over the bowl of chopped fruit at her expressive daughter, and frowned. "Did you remember to bring it in last night? You were out playing till late.""I know, I know. I put it behind the garage like you told me to, but it's not there! And I think Justin stole it!" Savannah walked in circles around the kitchen, too distressed to sit down."And what makes you think he did that? It's not good to accuse someone without any proof," Chesca scolded gently, hoisting Isaiah to her other hip before putting the kettle on to boil. Her other daughter Emerald pulled out a few plates from the cupboard and placed them on the table, before getting sliced cheese from the fridge. Lunch in the Alphas' household was always a noisy affair, and Chesca didn't need Savannah's dramatics this early in the day. Already yesterday there had been s
I grip the shower handle and squeeze my eyes shut. This warmth that envelops me is barely tainted by the cold water streaming down my back.I make the water colder, but it is a waste of time, for the heat is springing from inside me and there's nothing I can do to stop it. The fullness of the moon demands it; the virgin state of my body despite the mark on my neck goes against nature, against the natural plan for mates.If by the first full moon after marking, mates haven't mated yet, the female goes into heat. The pain drives her into the arms of her mate, of the male who won't be able to hold back any longer so great becomes his desire for her.The fact I'm in this situation all because of Malachi angers me.Slowly turning the water off and drying myself, I climb out of the shower and stare at my mark in the mirror.When I first showed my friends, Gabby remarked upon how savage it looked, with a deep and jagged tear in my otherwise flawless skin. She commiserated that it must have h
Malachi couldn't bear to see Ariella in so much pain. It went against every instinct within him, to see his mate going through this.But what could he do? The pain was all because of him. All he'd ever wanted was to treat his mate right and be everything she needed, but right away he'd messed up and caused her to be in this pain, this heat that ravaged her body with desire and torture. He'd barely known her for long, and already he'd failed her.As soon as he met her, he found himself fighting two halves of himself. One was the dominant Alpha, wanting to mark and claim Ariella as his for all the wolves to see. The other was more tender, careful. Hesitant to touch such delicate beauty until she was ready. She was so young, and he was so dark. He didn't want to mar her purity in a way that would ruin her.That's why he'd kept his distance when they'd first sensed each other across the borders of their territories. Malachi didn't want to force her into leaving her pack and family just fo
The hurt in her eyes was still unmistakable, especially when she pressed a hand to her abdomen. He knew that was the main source of her pain. After staring at the bare flesh of her slim waist, he trailed his eyes slowly up her chest, across her slender shoulders and neck, before meeting her eyes."I'm sorry, Ariella, truly I am. But I don't think I'm the only one who's teasing. You should look at yourself."With his gesture, she looked down over her body and cringed at the state of her bareness. A soft flush filled her cheeks, and she squeezed her eyes shut tightly, rubbing her forehead and temples with all fingers at once. Then she looked at him with narrowed eyes, revealing a determination and strength that hadn't been there before. The intensity of the brown hues surprised him."You're right. This isn't working." She stopped and swallowed hastily, perhaps biting back a small cry. "You should probably go. I can put up with the pain myself." Her fists bunched beneath the water, her l
"You must be Ella."The voice makes me blink in surprise, and clutch the towel around me tighter to my body. My gaze searches out the source of the feminine voice, a young shewolf standing by the windows. She pulls back the curtains and sunlight pours into the bedroom, radiating through her and making her smile appear effortless.This girl—around my age I guess—truly is beautiful, with dark blonde hair in a neat ponytail, a wilful and cheery face, and a figure that isn't quite slim, but toned with muscles and athletic strength.My eyes take in her appearance in an instant, female to female, assessing her as either friend or foe. She looks formidable in well-worn trainers, tight exercise pants, a loose tank, and an energy lingering in her hands that had just straightened the curtains."It's actually Ariella," I take her offered hand and try not to wince at the strong shake she gives it.Her smile falters for a brief moment. "But Malachi said—""He didn't know my full name when we first
Ariella gasped and turned quickly to the deep voice beside her. The swift action overbalanced her, and with a small yelp she shifted off the branch and jolted to the ground. She'd have fallen flat on the dirt if it wasn't for two strong hands instantly reaching to grip her elbows."Woah, easy there. Sorry to frighten you.""No, I—" Ariella looked up into rich green eyes, bright with amusement and something else. A charm that instantly put her at ease. Though the eyes were framed with a handsomely chiseled face and black hair that was slicked back to perfection, she felt at ease with this man—the one who had been Seneca's shadow during the dreadful meeting that morning in the kitchen. "It's okay. I- I am the clumsy one. I often don't pay enough attention to what's going on around me," she stuttered, quickly looking away from his stunning eyes that seemed to be riveted upon her. Why he would find her so interesting, she didn't have a clue."I somehow doubt that, Ariella."The way he sai
The song above is 'The Song of the Caged Bird' by Lindsey Stirling, an amazing violinist. Later in the chapter, when Ariella plays her violin, I imagine her song to be similar to the one above :)4312 words8Flames dance between us, glowing orange and golden. Their light is reflected in his onyx irises, illuminating them with amber and scarlet sparks. With a gaze like a cunning predator, he watches me watching him. Aware. Alert. Direct and unrelenting.An icy fist squeezes my chest, making it hard to breathe under his unwavering attention. I blink, and when I meet his gaze once again, his eyes are shifting from navy blue to the signature azure hue I love so much. One side of his beautiful mouth tilts up in a small smile, and my heart jolts after perhaps stuttering to a stop only a moment before.What have I just seen?It doesn't matter. Nothing matters now that he is here. Now that my mate has come to be with me.My legs act before I even command them to move, eating up the distance a
"And this is my doll, I named her Sandy because her hair is yellow like sand. She looks so pretty in this pink dress, don't you think?"Emerald picked up the doll from its place amongst other stuffed animals, and smoothed out the dress that was covered in flowers, ribbons, and buttons. Her side of the room that she shared with her sister was all soft and girly with pretty pink things everywhere, while Savannah's side was decorated with unusual things like smooth rocks from the creek, slingshots made from sticks, and curious leaves dried between books.The two Alpha daughters were opposite in many ways, but so alike in their love for their family and friends."It's gorgeous," Ariella agreed, patting the doll and looking about the room. When Ariella and her mom came to visit for the day, both girls instantly pulled her upstairs to excitedly show her their latest gifts and toys. Now while Emerald was proudly pointing out her neatly arranged collection, Savannah sat in the window seat fli
"He really hasn't changed at all.""Who?""Caleb. Who else would I be talking about!" Lexi placed the stack of plates in a cupboard then wiped the sink dry, and turned a raised eyebrow to her Alpha."Oh, right. What about him?" Chesca asked while hanging up the dish towel. The kitchen was now tidy and clean from the dinner preparations thanks to Lexi's help, but she knew by breakfast the next morning, it would once again be it's usual mess."I saw him chatting to Miranda the other day, down by the lake. You know the spot by the pines? Private. Romantic. He was standing so close to her like he always used to. Leaning, if you know what I mean."Chesca groaned and poured the freshly boiled kettle of water into her teapot. Soon the scent of black tea with rose buds permeated the air, and Chesca felt herself instantly unwinding with just the anticipation of a good cup of tea. This time of night, when her pups were in bed, was a part of the day she looked forward to. Because though she love
"You're leaving?"Malachi is shocked, more so than I expected. He stands up abruptly, nearly pulling away the sheets that he had unconsciously scrunched between his fingers, and looks at me with wide eyes. I see a swirl of storms in his blue eyes, more shadow than light in the dim morning dawn that surrounds us, and I might not be imagining the hurt that creeps in the edges and wrinkles his forehead.It nearly makes me change my mind."You're going home...to ForgedHearts pack?" he questions, like he needs to clarify where I call home. Maybe my choice of wards was poor, but this hasn't felt like home, not ever, even in the small moments I'm enveloped in Malachi's embrace. For a flicker in time, being with him feels right, but everything else around us is so wrong."Just for a few days."He visibly relaxes, his shoulders slumping forward and his clenched jaw loosening while he sits on the edge of the bed. I scoot back and pull my knees to my chest."It's almost the new moon, and I want
I grip the doorpost and feel his words smack into me like a tidal wave of relief. "Who?"Malachi huffs and runs a hand through his hair, an action I've come to know means he's frustrated and agitated, tired of not being in control of the situation."It's complicated. Hamilton and I aren't even sure yet, but we're close. We can feel it.""Then tell me who you're suspect of? Who do you think could have murdered your warriors so disgustingly?"His eyes snap to mine, the blue a riot of crashing waves. "That's the point. It's a terrible accusation to make, so we're not calling it yet. We have to go over the facts again, see if there's anything we missed."He looks tired, and troubled with the fact that he still hasn't yet found the person causing such crimes in his pack. As Alpha, he wants to protect everyone, I know."So do you think you can solve it? You'll be able to stop them before anyone else gets hurt, right?" I'd nearly forgotten about the threat to our lives, so caught up have I b
The air is heavy with my dread, making it almost too thick to breathe. Especially with my mate's hand squeezing my shoulder, his thumb pressing in under my collarbone. Although it doesn't hurt, I understand his meaning clearly."I asked, where have you been?" Malachi growls at me again when I take too long to answer. "And who were you with? I can smell his scent all over you."An extra wave of fear engulfs me as I look into Malachi's dark eyes, dotted with dancing red embers. I know the type of risk a jealous mate poses to another male, especially if it's a jealous Alpha mate. Their strength can be magnificent when fueled by fiery possession.I try and tell him he has nothing to worry about though. "It—it was just a boy—""Don't lie to me!" Malachi leans into my face and snarls, making me flinch. Squeezing my eyes shut, an involuntary whimper escapes my throat.Suddenly Malachi steps back from me, leaving a rush of cold air between us.When I open my eyes, his gaze is to the floor, a
Cornflakes crunch in my mouth, their cracking sound the only thing I can hear in this silent and empty house.As I pour milk into my bowl, I wonder where everyone is, and figure they must be out training, working hard, or avoiding me. The last realisation stings, as I know that Malachi never came home last night. Our bed remained cold and empty beside me.I don't know where he went or why he just ran from me last night. It had been going so well, the pizza and fellowship night I organised in full swing, and I was sure Malachi was happy and proud of what I'd done. I'd seen it in the way his blue eyes were watching me the entire time I told my story. I felt it in his racing heartbeat when I led him to the dance area and wrapped my arms around him.I'd heard it in the gentle way he said my name.But then he was gone.Pushing through the crowd and disappearing into the shadowed forest like my touch was burning him, like the bonfire behind us was consuming his sense and reason.What reason
The pounding on the front door startled her.Who would be calling at this time of the morning?Chesca washed her hands of the fresh fruit she had been slicing, and moved to the door.Opening it slowly, she sensed who was on the other side before seeing him. But the sight of the little boy standing there in dripping wet pyjamas, dark curly hair plastered to his forehead, was still a complete shock."Justin—?""Hey Aunt Chesca, where is Sav—" His eyes widened as they looked past her. "Vannah!!"The he dashed past the Alpha with a shriek and lightning quick speed, and before Chesca could even think of stopping him, he'd tackled a sleepy looking Savannah to the ground. They rolled on the floor of the living room, grasping each other around the neck and shoulders, hitting and yelling at each other in a way that was so not appropriate for this early in the day. This hullabaloo would surely wake baby Isaiah if Chesca didn't get them under control."Children! Get off each other right now!" Ch
"No, I haven't. Is she okay? Maybe I should go visit—""No, no, Ariella. It's fine. She's fine. Just..." Beta Knight leads me to a bench that's situated along the path, encircled by old and brittle shrubs, and takes the time to explain to me. "She gets really bad headaches, maybe two or three times a year. It's gotten worse ever since the Alpha died. When she's suffering, she likes us to all stay away. The noise and interaction only make it worse, you know?""Oh," I frown and wish there was something I could do for her. "Does she like flowers? Maybe I could give her some lavender. Or I could make her some soup! Or—""Ari, really," Knight lays a hand on my arm, stopping me and my mouth slowly shuts. "She likes to be left alone. You have no idea what she's really going through."I nod, deflated."But enough dark thoughts for today. Cheer up! We can still carry on. What did you have planned for today? Let's get that cheerful smile back on your face," he tells me warmly, and I squint my e