Julien had caught Lacey's scent just outside of their suite at the castle, and then followed it down the hallway toward the right, but there was nothing at the end of the hall. On a hunch, he started pushing on the walls over and again, then a panel opened to a hidden staircase that Julien knew nothing about. He ran down the stairwell, all five flights, and it opened to the outside of the castle on the ground floor. Julien cursed to himself, wondering why he had never seen this passage before, making a mental note to have every inch of the castle searched and mapped when everything settled down. Julien followed the scent around the corner of the castle, and then the trail headed for the woods.Julien and the pack had spent the rest of the night and into the next day searching for her, but nothing turned up. With no sleep, he was exhausted, but vowed not to stop until Lacey was found.It was clear that she hadn't left on her own accord. And some time during the search, Scarlett, Brock,
Julien searched the river as he ran and then there Lacey was... clinging to a log in her human form, probably too weak to stay in her wolf form. Rex stood on the other side, pacing the bank, thinking of a way to get to her. But if Rex touched her, he was a dead man.Julien searched the side of the cliff, but there was no path leading down to the river below. He had only one choice. Julien ran back and Rex laughed, thinking Julien would abandon her. But he had another thing coming.When Julien was far enough away to gain momentum, Julien poured on the speed, heading straight for the edge of the cliff, pushing himself harder. He needed to jump into the middle of the river, as far away from the rocks on the edge as possible. When he neared the cliff's edge he pushed off, catapulting himself away from the side into mid-air, feeling the earth leave his paws below him. He fell for what seemed like an eternity and then splashed into the heavy current, plunging deep into the water.Under the w
When Lacey woke, it was dark out and she felt overly warm. Then the events of the day before came rushing back... being kidnapped and then escaping... running from the wolves... leaping to the other side and missing... then landing in the water and being carried downstream. Then she had nearly drowned. But luckily, the current had taken her close to shore, so she swam with all her might and caught the end of a log that was protruding from the shore into the water and pulled herself in. But she had been too weak to pull herself up the bank onto shore.Just when she thought all hope was lost, Julien came. She didn't remember much after that, other than him carrying her in his human form to a cave, and then building a fire. He must have shifted into his wolf form to keep her warm, since there were no blankets. If it hadn't been for Julien, she would be dead.Since they were safe and Julien was still sleeping, she turned over in his paws and faced the fire. She couldn't believe that Thorn
Later into the evening, Julien knew they had to leave now before daybreak. He just hoped that Lacey was up for it. "Gggrrrooolll!!" a wolf-shifter growled outside the cave. "Lacey!" Julien gently shook her shoulder. "Lacey! Wake up!"She opened her eyes, sitting up abruptly and rubbed her eyes. "Julien, what is it?""Someone's here," he said, running his hand along the side of her hair as he rose to his feet. "Stay here." Then he let the tremors run down his spine and throughout his limbs as he stood back away from Lacey, not wanting to hurt her in the process. Then he let the red haze with black edges overtake his vision and then his paws touched down onto the gray cave dust, purplish in the darkness of the cave. Julien crept through the passageway and into the main cave but saw nothing. "Gggrroowwll!!" a shifter's growl resonated into the cave. Then Julien recognized his voice and ran out. "I could use a little help here," Brogan said in the Pack Mind. He, Misty, and Victor were
As they ran from The Silver Pack Compound, Lacey hoped she would never see it again, or her family living there, either. They ran until the faint rays of morning sunshine began to peek through the clouds. The promise of a new day, a new beginning.When they arrived at the compound, Lacey was exhausted, even though she rode the whole way. Luckily, none of the Silver Pack wolves had followed. For some reason, they had let them go. But now she realized why. They were coming here, to the castle.Julien slowly bowed and then slowly lay down on the ground, and Lacey slid off. Then Gwen hurried to wrap a robe around her and started to help her in. "No." Lacey turned and Julien was slipping into a robe, too. She hurried to him and laid her head on his chest. "Thank you, Julien... My Alpha."The sincerity in his eyes touched her as he swept her into his arms. "Gwen, get Dr. Silva... now! Have him meet us in our suite. And have Chef Mastrano prepare her something."Gwen gave a quick curtsy. "Ye
After Dr. Silva spoke with him, Julien came in and sat in a chair beside the bed. "I agree with Lacey. Let's keep her in the castle and do the tests. If it comes back that she has appendicitis, then we'll rush her to the hospital." Then Julien thought of something. "Could you take the samples and run the tests here in our suite?" Julien sighed, shaking his head. "Lacey's been through enough, and she really needs to rest."Dr. Silva nodded. "Against my better judgement, I'll agree. But if she starts running a fever or has more abdominal pain, we'll rush her to the hospital.""Agreed," Julien replied. "Both of you, please don't talk about me as if I'm not here," Lacey said. Julien nodded, patting her leg. "Sorry, darling."Dr. Silva rummaged around in his bag and pulled out a slender box. Lacey knew it was a pregnancy test. "I want you to take this test now. I need to go downstairs to bring up some things that I'll need, and I'll be right back." Then he looked over at Julien. "Do you h
A few minutes later, there was a knock on their bedroom door. Julien opened it and Dr. Silva was standing there. "Well? What did the test say?" The doctor sat in the chair next to the bed, looking more like a kind friend than a doctor.Lacey forced a smile. "I'm not pregnant." Then she bit her lower lip and released it. "So, do you think I have appendicitis?""I think you really need to rest." Dr. Silva sighed, his eyebrows pulling together in concern. "But I'll tell you what. Right now, you don't have a fever and you're not vomiting, so let's get an IV in you and see if the fluids will help. Then if you're not better by morning, we'll take you to the hospital for a possible appendectomy."Julien looked at her and raised his eyebrows, silently asking her permission.Lacey nodded. "Yes, that's fine."It was time that she started being brave. She had learned a long time ago that she needed to be the one to save herself. But now she had Julien. And whether he was with her or not, she had
"Eeekkk!!!" Lacey screamed in the middle of the night. She had been dreaming that Thorn had given her over to Rex, and he had taken her away from Julien. But then Rex grabbed her hard and pulled her to him. "Uuuuggghhh!" Lacey screamed as the strong arms held her tightly, pulling her to his chest. "No! Let me go!""Ssshh.... Lacey... it's me, Julien," he cooed, pulling her to him, brushing her hair from her eyes. "You're going to pull out your IV!"She thrashed about as he held her rms still, tried to calm her, not realizing it was Julien. "Eeehhh!""Lacey! Wake up! You're dreaming!" Julien shook her shoulders hard, trying to wake her. "Lacey! It's me! Julien!"Then she looked into his eyes, as if seeing him for the first time. "Oh, Julien! I'm so sorry! I was just dreaming—" She looked at the IV. Even though it had come untapped, it was still secure in her arm. She quickly smoothed her hand over the tape and the memory of what had happened over the last few days flooded her mind."Sss
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