Later that night, there was a knock on their door. "Room service," someone said through the door.Julien gave her one last kiss in their bed, smiling against her lips. "I thought we'd have dinner in tonight."Lacey giggled. "You think of everything, don't you?"He shrugged. "I try." Then he got out of bed and slipped into a robe. "Stay here. I don't want anyone to see what's mine."Lacey lay on the bed naked, stretching out, glad to be home and in her own bed with Julien again. Then she stood and slipped into a cream-colored silk robe and walked out after the waiters left. A cart covered with a white tablecloth set in the middle of the room. "Wow! You didn't have to do this!"Julien smirked, taking a cloche-covered platter to the table. "This was supposed to be a surprise. I thought that we might like dining in tonight, since it's your first night back."Lacey took the plates and silverware from the cart and began setting it up. "Good thinking."Then Julien set two long-stemmed glasses
The next morning, Lacey woke early, leaving Julien sleeping. It had been days since she had been able to train, and she missed her young warriors. Lacey packed her practice bag and headed down the stairs and into the main dining hall. When she walked in, everyone stepped out of her way."Good morning, Alpha Queen," one pack member said after the other, moving out of her way.Brogan walked up beside her and smiled. "Good morning, Alpha Queen."Lacey looked over the pack and everyone was still looking at her. "What is this all about?"Brogan smiled. "Word of you standing up to Alpha Taregan has spread." He leaned closer. "They're staring at you in admiration."Chills ran over her body. "Thank you." Then she turned around to face everyone that was in the room. "Thank you, everyone, for your allegiance. It will be needed over the next few days or weeks until the Wildclaws attack again." Lacey planted her feet and squared her shoulders. "And this time, we will be ready.""Aye!" they all ye
Outside, Brogan walked over to Julien, standing in the center of the practice field, and whispered something to him just as Lacey was putting on her MMA fighting gloves. Julien looked over at Lacey and frowned, then he went on to address the pack. "Young warriors, you will train with the Alpha Queen today, Team Alpha is with me, Team Omega is with Kodiak...." Then just before they broke into their groups, Julien added, "Scarlett, a word.""Well, at least it isn't me this time," Lacey said to herself as she jogged off with her young warriors. She was tired of Scar and her antics. If Lacey had anything to say about it, Scar's days in the pack were numbered.The day was uneventful, and her warriors did a wonderful job. The young warriors had trained with Kodiak while she was away, and they had blossomed under his guidance. It was true that it takes a village to raise a child... and it takes a pack to raise a wolf-shifter. "Okay, everyone!" Lacey announced at the end of the day. "Gather r
When the meeting was over, Julien took Lacey's hand and led her up the stairs headed toward their suite. "Lacey, we need to talk," he said, looking sexy as his eyes filled with concern.A crease formed between her eyes. "Okay." She took a few more steps, trying to keep up with his long strides. Obviously, the thought of having to take down his brother was weighing on him heavily. Lacey gave his hand a gentle squeeze. "Julien, are you okay?"He nodded. "We'll talk in our suite." It was the first time that he had acknowledged that it was their suite together, and not just his. He pulled her in and then closed the door. Then he walked over to the bar and poured himself a bourbon on the rocks and downed it. Then he poured another and held it up to her. "Want one?"Lacey shook her head. "No, thank you. I'll have a glass of wine, but I'll get it."Julien shook his head and smiled, already taking a long-stemmed glass from the cabinet. "No, it'll give me something to do." Then he crossed the r
After practice the next day, Lacey is packing up when Julien surprised her by wrapping his arms around her from behind."I thought we could have dinner together tonight in the small dining hall," Julien whispered into her ear.Lacey was taken aback by his public display of affection, but pack members smiled as they walked past, obviously approving the match. "Sounds good," she replied, leaning back against his chest, knowing it may be the last chance they had to enjoy their time together before the next Wildclaw attack. But she refused to think about it, wanting to have this one night together. But hopefully not their last."Ready?" Julien raised an eyebrow. When she nodded, he laid his arm across her shoulders and said. "Let's go." When they were inside, Julien gently kissed her forehead. "Why don't you go upstairs and relax. I'm going to speak with the chef.Lacey gave him one last hug. "Okay, but don't be long."Julien chuckled. "Yes, ma'am." Then he gave her another smile over his
Lacey was so tired that she hated to move from the bed but started feeling hungry. In fact, more than hungry; she was famished. "Give me a minute and I'll be ready to go to dinner.""No." He held her tightly to him like a life-sized doll. "But the chef—""Will keep it warm," Julien finished. But then her stomach grumbled loudly, giving her away. He raised up and looked at her. "See? I told you that you were pregnant!""What?" Lacey asked, pushing against his shoulder playfully. "When your stomach growls, it means you're hungry, not pregnant.""Well, let's examine the facts, shall we?" He pulled her to his chest again."You're enjoying this.""Immensely." Then he leaned back, feigning that he was thinking. "Now... where was I? Oh, yeah! Exhibit one!" He held up one finger. "You were so tired that you fell asleep when you came upstairs, when usually, you could still jog around the block after a full day of working out.""But—"He held up two fingers, stopping her. "Exhibit two! Your sto
"Good morning," Julien breathed into her ear the next morning, waking her to the start of a new day.Lacey turned over and yawned. "Good morning." Then she looked around and there was too much daylight streaming in through the door leading to the living room. "Oh, no! We've overslept!"Julien smiled. "No, you needed to rest. I asked Kodiak to take over the training for the young warriors for today so you could rest.""No, I have to work—""You've been burning the candle at both ends for too long." Then he gave her a long, lingering kiss. "Today, you need to rest.""Julien, I really don't think I'm—""Whether or not you're pregnant has nothing to do with it," he breathed, as he got up out of bed. "Now. Take a day off and rest from your trip. That's an order." Then he pointed at her and smiled as he headed toward the shower.Lacey turned over and curled up with her pillow. If he treated her like this for too long, it would drive her absolutely crazy. But then again, one day off couldn't
Lacey ran into the kitchen just as quickly as she could and Chef Mastrano was standing there. He was smiling when he first saw her, but his smile quickly faded when he saw the look on Lacey's face."Alpha Queen...." The chef guided her to a nearby chair. "You don't look well. Are you okay?"Lacey sat and placed a hand to her head, taking a moment to catch her breath, calm her heart, and stop her hands from shaking. "Thank you. I'm so sorry—""No. Do not apologize," Chef Mastrano said in his thick, Italian accent. "You just take a moment to relax."Lacey nodded, taking the glass of water he offered. She had intended to take just a sip but ended up drinking down half the glass. "Chef, have you seen Julien?"He shook his head. "No, I haven't." Then a crease formed between his eyes. "Would you like me to have something brought up for you tonight?"Lacey nodded. "Yes, please." She let out a deep breath. "Anything you recommend will be fine." Then she stood and handed him the glass of water.
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