Lacey started toward the stairs, but Julien met her there, frowning. "Did you hear?" Lacey asked, wishing that he hadn't.Julien nodded. "Yes, I'm afraid so. But thank you for making the effort."Lacey nodded. Then one corner of Julien's lips curled into a smile. "What do you have planned for today?""Well, I was going to work with the warriors—""I asked Brock to lead the practice today," Julien cut her off. "The only thing I want you to do today is to plan our wedding."Lacey's eyebrows rose nearly into her hairline. "Seriously? Today?"Julien looked at her seductively, biting his lower lip, reminding her of the first time she saw him in the woods. "Yes. I can't wait another day to have you all to myself."Lacey laughed, smacking him playfully on his chest, laughing. "So, I suppose you have wedding planners ready and waiting?"Julien smiled, nodding. "As a matter of fact, they're waiting in the small dining room. I've spoken to the chef and he prepared a nice brunch for all of you
The next day, Lacey hurried down to breakfast. Although she wasn't usually hungry in the morning, she was starving this morning. In the grand dining room, a breakfast buffet was all set up, which included bacon and eggs, Danish, sausage, biscuits, and everything else under the sun. Lacey grabbed a plate and a cheese Danish, along with a cup of coffee, and sat at the nearest table. It was small and decorated with a fall centerpiece. Lacey took a sip of her coffee and sighed, loving the fresh, rich taste.... As well as a moment alone."Well, hello!"Lacey's head snapped up and a guy with long, dark hair pulled back into a ponytail was standing next to the chair across from her. "Hello," she said, turning her attention back to her Danish.A wholesome smile spread across his face. "Mind if I sit down?" He shrugged, holding a plate filled with meat and then swayed his head from side to side, waiting."Okay. Come on." Lacey laughed as she motioned toward the chair, and then went back to eati
"Princess." Cairo nodded, meeting her at the door. She took Lacey's hands and gave her air kisses over both cheeks. "I've been looking for you."Lacey inclined her wet head toward the door. "I was in the practice ring, working with the warriors." A crease formed between her eyes. "What's wrong?"Cairo scoffed. "You were working out with the warriors this close to the wedding?" She wrapped her arm around Lacey's shoulders and led her inside."Well, that's my cue," Raye said, shoving his hands into his pockets. "See you at dinner." Then he took off up the stairs."What would happen if you got a black eye this close to the wedding?" Cairo asked, giving her a look of disapproval.Lacey shrugged. "I'm a shifter and we heal fast."Cairo looked at her as if she had four heads. "But do you really want to take the chance? Your wedding is in three days! What would the Alpha say?"Lacey knew she had a point. "I'm so sorry, but what was it that you wanted?" As a shifter, it was rare when Lacey got
The next two days passed in a whirl, between the fitting for the gown and overseeing the last-minute arrangements, Lacey didn't have much time for anything. Then the day came when her family was to arrive, the day before the wedding. Lacey had tried to tell Julien that she was Thorn Taregan's stepdaughter and not his blood, but they were both so busy that there wasn't time."Julien, I have to tell you something before they get here," Lacey said, standing beside him in the foyer, awaiting the arrival of her family."Okay." Julien looked down at her, raising an eyebrow. "What is it?"Then everything happened at once. The Silver Pack limos pulled up and Julien pushed through the door with Lacey following. As she saw her pack getting out of the limos, their fowl treatment, disrespect, and contempt for her came rushing back. But Lacey had changed, and she wasn't going to let her family treat her badly or hijack her wedding."Lacey," her stepfather, Thorn, nodded as he passed without a seco
After leaving her mother and seeing Scar, Lacey headed to her room to dress for dinner. She quickly bathed and dressed in a long, purple gown that fell over her body like water. This was the last night before she and Julien were to marry. Lacey just hoped that her family behaved themselves. But if they caused any trouble at all, she would have them thrown out.But then again, her family may not be the ones to cause trouble. Scar had overheard her conversation with her mother earlier, and it was clear that she had heard enough to bury her. If Julien heard it from Scar, he'd never believe that she was of royal blood.No, Lacey's best chance, her only chance with Julien, was to tell him herself. When she was ready, Lacey hurried down the five flights of stairs and Julien was standing outside the dining hall."Julien, I have to talk to you—""Can it wait?" he asked, smiling. "Both of our packs are waiting for us.""No, it can't—""Tell me inside." Julien gave her a cocky grin. "I'm eager
Julien pulled her up the stairs as tears streamed down her cheeks. But Lacey said nothing. What could she say that would make this right? But instead of turning toward the left when they reached the fifth floor, he led her toward the right. She had no idea where he was taking her, but he said nothing on the way, obviously feeling hurt and betrayed. Lacey nearly fell over when they stopped in front of his room. Julien opened the door and inside was a suite of rooms, all luxuriously done. He took her to the living room and stood her by the sofa."Sit," Julien ordered, and then walked away.Lacey did as he asked and then buried her face in her hands but said nothing. Julien came back a moment later and nudged her. When she looked up, he held a glass out to her. "Here. Drink this. It'll help you to relax."Lacey reached for it and, for a split second, wondered if it was poison. But then again, if he were going to kill her, he'd do it with his bare hands, not with poison. He crossed the r
When Lacey woke the next morning, the events from the night before came rushing back—her family making fools of themselves, her sister's jealousy. Then Julien believing her and telling her that she had his heart. She smiled at the memory.Lacey sat up and then fell back down onto the pillows, grateful that the wedding wasn't until that evening. At least she would have all day to get ready."Good morning, Princess!" Gwen stepped into the room, carrying a tray, amused when she saw that Lacey was still in bed."Good morning but go away." Lacey closed her eyes and pulled the pillow over her head, needing more sleep. After the events of the night before and thinking about the wedding today, she couldn't sleep half the night.Gwen chuckled. "Here." Lacey opened her eyes and Gwen handed her a glass of orange juice. "Drink this. It'll make you feel better. It'll replenish your electrolytes and hydrate you at the same time."Lacey took a sip and sighed. It felt cool going down. "Thank you.""Yo
Lacey spent the rest of the day preparing for the wedding. Lacey was glad that Julien had understood and helped her through her family's betrayal. Her only regret was that her mother wouldn't be present. But than again, Lacey understood why.Knock! Knock! Knock! "Come in!" Lacey yelled, with only a few short hours to go until the wedding, her nerves were starting to get the best of her. "Is the bride here?" Madame Pomeroy walked in with an assistant with a long, blonde ponytail, heavily done makeup, and wearing a business dress suit, carrying a garment bag draped over both arms."Madame Pomeroy," Lacey rose from her seat and gave her air kisses over both cheeks. "It's a pleasure to see you again." Then she looked over at the garment bag. "Is this it?"The woman nodded. "Yes, this is your wedding dress."Then she proceeded to instruct her assistant to take it out of the bag. When she unzipped the bag and held it up, it was the most beautiful dress that Lacey had ever seen."Oh! Madame
One Year Later...."Ready?" Lacey's mother asked, smiling proudly as she looked into Lacey's eyes. After the war Between the Packs, Lacey had offered to let her mother stay with her, but now that Camari was truly free to do as she pleased, she had decided to become a member of The Shadow Pack, Arkin's pack. Lacey was glad that her mother and Arkin had found one another again... after all these years. And it was strange. Thorn and Camari had been worried about the other dying if one left, but standing before her now, Camari was no worse for wear. Lacey guessed that it was because the Mating Bond between them had already faded years ago. There had been too much water under the bridge between them before he had passed.But Lacey pushed the thought aside, determined not to let anyone ruin this day. Lacey nodded. "Yes. I'm ready."One corner of Camari's lips curled into a smile. "Well, then. You shouldn't keep your Mate waiting."Lacey headed through the living room, dressed in a full-leng
Later that night after the Alphas and her family had either left the castle or had retired for the night, Lacey prepared herself for the talk with her mother about Thorn's and Lynessa's deaths."Would you like me to go with you?" Julien asked as they ascended the stairs. Lacey shook her head. "No. I just want to get this over with."Julien pulled her to a stop at the top of their stairwell and placed his hands on her shoulders, looking into her eyes. "Lacey, it couldn't be helped. They attacked you. Remember that." Then he let out a deep breath. "If you hadn't fought them, then they would have killed you. It was self-defense."Lacey nodded. "Yes, I know. But it doesn't make it any easier."Julien nodded, understanding. "Let me know if you need me."But then she pulled him close. "Julien, I'm proud of you tonight. You are a wonderful Alpha Supreme. You not only think about your pack, but the whole Tribe, as well."He raised his eyebrows. "You mean, our pack."Lacey smiled as she nodded
Lacey sighed, thinking. "Julien, I'll be honest with you."He rubbed his thumb across the top of her hand. "Yes, please do."Lacey nodded, and then looked into his eyes. "Roth was horrible to me while we were growing up. Not only him, but all my siblings with Thorn and my mother. You already know that." She bit her upper lip and then released it. "But I don't think that a year is too much to ask to prove his allegiance to you, and to me." She placed a hand atop his, holding his hand. "A year would be plenty of time to show his allegiance and his loyalty. Then after a year, if he proves unworthy, then you can strip him of his title." Lacey patted his hand, looking into his eyes. "Give him a chance. I think he'll make a strong, loyal Alpha if given the chance to do so. Especially now that Thorn is gone."Julien nodded and then kissed her hand, too. "You are a wise woman, and to you, like our subjects, I also pledge my fealty." Then he gave her a long, lingering kiss as he placed his hand
"Thanks for staying to speak with me," Julien said to Roth, Arkin, Seth, and Chris after the other Alphas had left. Lacey stayed, too. Since the battle, Julien had been including her on all pack decisions, and they had been running The Harvest Moon Pack together as a team. They had truly become partners, with mutual respect.Julien let out a deep breath taking his seat. "I didn't want the other Alpha's to know, so I decided to do this privately." Then he looked over at Roth. "Roth, I know that you didn't make the decision to stand with the rogue wolves and Rex against me." Clearly, Julien was giving him the benefit of the doubt. "Thorn did that. But now you have the chance to do the right thing."Roth leaned forward, folding his hands on the table. "And how do you propose I do that?"Julien sighed, and then looked into his eyes. "You need to step down as Alpha of The Silver Moon Pack."Roth nodded. "Alpha Grey, I understand your position, but this is my birthright." He sighed. "I was
About a week later, after everything had settled down, Julien called the very first council meeting of all the packs in the area. And it was mandatory that all Alphas attend. Julien hosted it in the smaller dining area adorned with Julien's paintings. Although it was much smaller than the grand dining hall, it would be big enough for this meeting. Lacey had ensured that a meal was properly prepared for the meeting and all packs were given a room if they chose to stay overnight. When Eric and Seth walked in with Arkin, they both shook Julien's hand as he and Lacey greeted the Alphas and pack leaders at the door."Julien, I'm so glad you did this," Arkin said, looking around at all the different factions. "It's about time we all start working together.""Precisely," Julien agreed. "I truly appreciate you coming. There's some things I'd like to discuss with you.""Sounds good," Arkin said. "Whatever you need."Julien nodded and then turned to greet the other Alphas coming in behind them
Lacey waited inside the compound along with the rest of The Harvest Moon Pack, all weary from the battle. "Anyone in need of medical attention, go immediately to the infirmary!" "Aye!" the entire pack yelled in unison. Robes had been handed out as they walked in, taking their human forms, along with bottled water."Let me take a look at that." Misty stood at the door and checked a shifter's arm as he came in. "You. Go to the infirmary." Then she stopped three young shifters. "You three look exhausted. Are you hurt?""No, ma'am," the three said in unison. Misty nodded. "Good. Then go upstairs to take a bath and get some rest. Food will be served in the dining hall soon.""Yes, Ma'am." Then the three of them headed up the stairs.Misty spent her time directing the others instead of taking care of herself. "Julien!" Lacey yelled when he came walking through the door. He was bloody, but appeared to be no worse for wear. "Let's get you to the infirmary.""It's you who needs to go." He l
Rex paced like a caged animal, ready to strike. At first, Julien wished he could talk to Rex in their wolf forms. But they couldn't, since they were no longer from the same pack. But it was just as well. Long ago, they had already everything that needed to be said. And it had done no good. This fight was inevitable and a long time coming.Julien waited for Rex to make the first move. But he had gone through too much, sacrificed too much to lose to Rex. He wanted everything… power, money, his pack… even his wife. And Lacey was the one thing that Julien would never give up. The war was won and the Wildclaws and The Silver Pack subdued, but this battle was far from over. Julien knew that a war had been raging in Rex for a long time and wouldn't be quelled.Suddenly, Rex jumped at Julien, but he ducked, flipping him over his back. He landed hard on the cold stairs, crumbling under his weight.Julien stepped on his throat, holding him down, hesitating. Julien didn't want to have to kill Rex
Although Lacey couldn't hear Rex, she didn't need to. She knew exactly what he had come for. Exactly what he wanted. "Julien!" Lacey yelled in the Pack Mind. "I need you over here! Now!" "I'm a little busy at the moment, but I'm on my way!" In the background, she heard the keening of a wolf and then a crunch as the scream cut off abruptly.Lacey sighed as Rex took a step closer. "It's Rex.""On my way!" She could hear Julien's footfalls in the background of the Pack Mind. Lacey stood her ground just outside of the glass double doors of the castle. "Young warriors, stand tall! Steady! Do not let them breach… no matter what!""Aye!" They all took their fighting stances, willing to fight to the death if it was asked of them. Lacey hoped she didn't have to. Rex took a purposeful step onto the bottom stair, his eyes trained on Lacey, licking his lips as one side of his mouth curled into a sinister smile.Lacey took her fighting stance, a low, guttural growl erupting from deep within her
In a short time, Lacey ran onto the grounds of The Harvest Moon Pack, along with Julien and The Shadow Pack. As wolves fought viciously in the clearing, it was clear they were under attack. Lacey took down two Wildclaws but saw that members of The Silver Pack were there, too. Lacey hated to have to fight her family, but if they knowingly stood against her and her pack, then she couldn't just stand by and let it happen. At that moment, she resigned herself to take down whoever she had to and answer questions later. She was just glad that her mother wasn't here to see this. To the right, Koi was fighting a shifter and was losing.Lacey grabbed the Wildclaw from behind and threw it across the practice field. "Get inside and guard the castle!" Lacey yelled to him."Aye, aye, My Alpha Queen!" Koi yelled, making a run for the castle. Lacey was glad that he hadn't argued with her. Then she remembered that her post was also inside the castle, so she ran across the lawn toward the castle, pre