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
Throughout the evening, the whole pack looked for Rex and any evidence of the other Wildclaws, but found nothing.Julien and Lacey were talking about precautions to protect the pack when Scar walked up from the forest, wearing a hoodie, a T-shirt, and jeans, her eyes wide as if nothing were amiss. "What's going on?""Rex was here talking to someone," Lacey answered. But Scar ignored her, only talking to Julien. "Who saw it?""She did." Julien nodded toward Lacey, folding his arms across his chest. "Where have you been?"Scar smirked. "Well, after practice, I headed into the forest to hunt." Then she looked over at Lacey and scoffed, a self-satisfied look coloring her face. "I was in the woods hunting just now and wearing a hoodie. Are you sure it wasn't me you saw?"Lacey's heart stopped. "No one said anything about Rex wearing a hoodie."Julien let his arms fall slowly to his sides. "Scar, where have you been?"Scar's eyes opened wide, looking nervously between them. "What are you sa
Lacey sent word out to the other packs right away, just like Julien had asked. But instead of just sending word to the Shadow Pack and Silver Pack, she decided to visit both herself."I promise, I won't be gone long," Lacey said to Julien the night before she left. Lacey hated to leave him, but she wanted to make the plea to her birthfather, Arkin, in person. Julien looked into her eyes, his hands on her shoulders. "I wish I were going with you. But I'm sending Brogan with you. He will protect you and keep you safe." Lacey wrapped her arms around his neck, knowing this would be the last time she would see him for a few days. "I can keep myself safe." Then she kissed the tip of his nose. But his eyes were serious, pained even, as he laced his fingers through the side of her hair, holding her head still to look deeply into her eyes. "I know you can, but take Brogan. If you want more warriors to go with you, I'll give the order."She smiled as she looked up at him. "No. Brogan will be
Lacey looked out the window and at the fading leaves falling from the trees, she knew that winter would be here soon. Lacey just hoped, when all was said and done and every warrior accounted for, that they would have the numbers to defeat Rex and the rogue Wildclaws... once and for all.After her family's behavior when they came for her wedding, Lacey wasn't looking forward to this visit, but she owed it to tell them face to face. Then again, they may have changed. She planned to give them the benefit of the doubt, as well as another chance.When the limousine pulled to a stop in front of the compound, No one was there to greet them.Brogan slid out of the limo, and then offered her his hand, helping her out. "Are you sure they were expecting you?" Misty asked, looking at the closed door of the compound. Lacey nodded in disbelief. "Yes. And they are my family." When she walked toward the front of the compound, one of the maids was standing at the door. Vivian bowed slightly, giving
"Are you well, Alpha Queen?" Brogan asked as Misty glanced at her in the rearview mirror from the front passenger seat as Victor drove them through the fates, leaving the Shadow Pack.After the frosty welcome she had received with the Silver Pack, the family she had grown up with, she had no idea what awaited them when they arrived at her stepfather's pack. Julien had called ahead and spoke to Arkin, letting him know that she was on her way.Lacey nodded. "Yes, thank you." Then she stared out the window, watching the bare trees, now ready for their winter slumber.Soon, the limo pulled to a stop in front of a mansion, one of the biggest that Lacey had ever seen. She couldn't help but think that it would have been amazing to grow up at this compound. But then memories of the way she had been treated at her parent's mansion came flooding back. If that was the way family treated her, then she wanted no part of it. When she and Julien had a family of their own, she wanted things to be diff
Lacey woke early the next day, ready to have breakfast with Arkin and then go home, but Arkin stopped her, meeting her when she came downstairs for breakfast."Good morning!" Arkin greeted her with a friendly smile, heading her off before she could go into the main dining hall with the other shifters."Good morning." Lacey couldn't believe the difference in how Arkin and his pack were treating her in comparison to the Silver Pack, the family she had grown up with, had treated her. After this visit, she hated to leave, but she was eager to see Julien. And with the impending attack from the Wildclaws, she knew he needed her.Arkin took both of her hands and looked into her eyes. "Would you like to meet your brothers before you leave? I've arranged a private family brunch for you to get to know one another, if that's all right."A broad smile spread across Lacey's lips, touched by the sentiment. "How thoughtful!" she said, nodding. "I'd love to."Arkin offered her his arm and she took it,
"Thank you so much for having me," Lacey said to Arkin, standing by the limo with Brogan and the other shifters from her pack. She hadn't seen her warriors since she had been there, but they seemed to have had a good time. A few members of the Shadow Pack had even come to say goodbye, and Brogan, Misty, and Victor were all smiling, which was a good sign. Misty and Victor got into the car, but Brogan waited for Lacey, holding the door open for her.Arkin placed his hands on her upper arms, and then gave her a kiss on both cheeks. "It was a pleasure to see you again. Please. Promise me that you'll come back again soon."Lacey nodded, smiling. "Only if you promise to come to the Harvest Moon Pack to visit us, too.""That, little sister, may be an offer we can't refuse," Seth said, smiling from ear to ear. "Good. I'm counting on it." Then Arkin pulled her close and whispered in her ear, "And don't worry about the alliance between our packs. It's very strong. When you need us, let us know
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