The next morning Lacey woke early and headed to the gym. Although she worked out with the warriors on the practice field, it was different than working out with weights in a gym, and she hadn't been there since her arrival at the castle. If was below the castle two flights below ground level, just above the dungeon. It was dark when Lacey first walked in, but she groped the wall and found a light switch, then the whole room was illuminated with florescent lights from above in the high ceiling. No one else was there, so she walked around the gym, checking it out, amazed by all the equipment just sitting there, apparently not in use. Lacey planned to change that.She settled on a shoulder weight machine, set the weights, and began her repetitions. "Well, well, well...." Scar sauntered into the room, setting down her workout bag. Then she threw a hand towel over her shoulder. "Look who we have here."Lacey sighed. "Hello, Scar." After the practice, the day before, Lacey thought that Sc
After Scar left the gym, Lacey was so upset that she couldn't concentrate on working out, and it was time for training now anyway. So, Lacey packed up her things and headed out to the practice ring, just as they were taking the field. Julien looked over at her and a crease formed between his eyes, obviously knowing that she was upset about something. Lacey could see that his superior intuition was one of the reasons why he was Alpha.In an effort to reassure him, Lacey forced a smile as she set down her equipment bag and headed to the center of the practice ring. "Okay young warriors."Scar smirked. "Well, it's about time you got here."Lacey's eyes flared gold. "I was detained... and I don't answer to you."Koi, Willow, and the other young warriors approached. "Ready?""Aye!" they answered in unison and then followed Lacey to the south field along the border. Once they were in position, she said, "Okay, everyone! Let's run some drills!"They had been working out for a while in their
Lacey woke in the castle infirmary and Julien was sitting in a chair by her side, holding her hand. "Julien....""Lacey...." He raised her hand to his cheek with tears in his eyes. "Lacey, why didn't you run when they attacked?"She sighed, trying to sit up, but her head hurt too badly. So, she gave up and lay back down. "I had to protect my young warriors." She shook her head at the memory. "I wasn't about to leave them to fight experienced warriors alone. So, I sent them off." She didn't tell him that Koi wouldn't go."Except for Koi," Julien replied, voicing what she was thinking. Well, so much for keeping the boy safe. "He didn't want to leave me—""Now, Alpha Queen, you know what it's like when someone doesn't obey your orders." Julien smirked. Lacey sighed, defeated. "Touché." At that moment, she truly understood."So, if we're ever under attack again, you'll follow my orders?" Julien smiled, raising an eyebrow. "I'll think about it," she teased, and then became serious. "But
Julien came back a few minutes later, as promised. "The Lobster Bisque is on its way." Then he raised an eyebrow. "Anything else, My Queen?""Umm... I rather like the sound of that," Lacey teased. "My Queen...." He kissed her lips. "My Queen...." His voice was low, sexy, sending a thrill throughout her whole body straight to her sex. "My Queen," he whispered, his hands gently caressing her face. Then his lips descended upon hers, gently at first, but then with a fierceness unmatched by man.Lacey laughed against his lips. He pulled back abruptly. "What's so funny?" One corner of his lips curled into a sexy smile. "I was trying to be sexy.""And you were succeeding," Lacey replied. "In fact, you're sexy without even trying. I just can't believe you're waiting until now, when I'm in the infirmary, to do this."Julien smirked, looking smug, enjoying the effect he was having on her a bit too much. "Sleep."Lacey nodded, her eyelids suddenly heavy. "You'll still be here when I wake up?"
The next morning, Julien woke early, eager to get to the practice field."Morning," Lacey said, rolling over in his bed, where she belonged. "Give me a minute and I'll get ready—""Absolutely not," Julien growled. "You stay in bed and let your leg heal."A disappointed look colored her face, her pout looking so cute. "But what about my young warriors?"Julien smirked. It wasn't lost on him that she had referred to them as her young warriors. Julien slid into his workout pants and fastened his belt buckle, and then slipped on a T-shirt and a hoodie. Even though it was October and getting cold out, it never affected him. "Don't worry. I'll get Scarlett or Raye to take over for them until you're feeling better.""But I—" She started to get out of bed, but Julien stopped her. "Nope! The only think I want you to do today is to rest." He bent down and gave her a quick peck on the lips. "And don't get out of that bed.""Yes, My alpha." D*mn if that didn't sound good on her lips. One corner o
Although Lacey enjoyed spending the last few days in bed, or laying around the suite, Lacey was feeling better now and eager to get back to work. She felt stifled and couldn't take another day being cooped up.So, she got up early the next morning, showered, but when she walked into the bedroom, Julien was waiting for her.He folded his arms across his chest, raising an eyebrow. "And where do you think you're going?"Lacey frowned tilting her head down, her lips forming a straight line. "I'm going to train. I miss my young warriors."Julien chuckled, and closed the distance between them, placed his hands on her shoulders, and looked into her eyes. "Lacey, it's endearing that you miss your babies, so to speak, but I don't want you to get hurt." He shrugged. "Why don't you stay in and rest? Take off a few more days."Lacey shook her head, standing before him, wrapped only in a towel. "No. I hate to bring it up, but the Wildclaws aren't resting. And hard telling when they might attack nex
To her surprise, Lacey was in the Pack Infirmary longer than she would have thought but was able to leave after three days. Dr. Lonan Silva, the Harvest Moon Pack doctor, gave her strict orders not to train or work out for at least a few days. Since wolves heal so quickly, they couldn't put a cast on her leg, after being set, it had healed enough to go back to their suite.Lacey had sensed that things had changed between them, but she wasn't sure to what extent. But as long as they were getting along with one another, that was enough... for now. She still couldn't forget their wedding night... and the wonders he had shown her. But then again, they had to take it easy until her leg was fully healed."Ready, My Queen?" Julien teased, standing over her.Lacey laughed. "You're going to spoil me calling me that, you know."A broad, sexy grin stretched across his lips. "That, my dear, was my intention."Then he swept her into his strong, muscular arms and carried her out of the room, away fr
Lacey looked over the warriors, both young and experienced, and it felt good to be back."Scarlett, Lacey's back so she will take over the training of the young warriors," Julien said. "Thank goodness," Scar said under her breath. Lacey's head snapped up, taking in her young warriors, and they were hanging their heads. Rage instantly filled her. The young warriors had become like her own children, of sorts, and she wasn't about to have someone make her warriors feel inferior just because they were young and inexperienced. Julien narrowed his eyes at Scar in warning. "Since Lacey still needs to take it easy, Raye, I'd like for you to help her with the young warriors today," Julien replied. "Scarlett, you'll take a group to work with." Julien paced with his arms behind his back. "Each time the Wildclaws attack, it's been over the wall. That said, Scar, you and Brock will train the warriors how to defend the wall." Julien rattled off some names and each nodded. "The rest of you will t
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