Soon, the pizza and bisque arrived. Lacey could have eaten in bed but wanted to come out and sit up for a bit. "Here you go." Julien set the bisque in front of her, and the pizza in the center of the table. Then he slid a piece of pizza on a small plate and set it in front of her. Then he kissed her forehead."I hate for you to have to wait on me hand and foot like this," she said as he sat kitty corner form her. Julien gave her hand a gentle squeeze. "I'm happy to do it." Then he smiled as he motioned toward her food. "Now, eat."Suddenly, Julien's phone rang, and he answered it. "Hello?" Julien sat back against his chair, listening. "Is she alone?" Lacey's head snapped up, her eyes filled with concern. Who was he speaking about?Julien's jaw clenched, and then he nodded. "Keep them in the car. Do not let any of them enter the castle. I'll call you right back." He clicked off the phone without another word and stared at it for a moment.Lacey said nothing, knowing he would tell her
"Why?" Lacey asked her mother, her eyes wide in disbelief. "Why what, honey?" Camari reached out to touch her hair, but Lacey pulled away. "Why did you bring Wyatt and Calla with you?" Lacey asked. Wyatt had been her boyfriend before he found his mate, Calla, and had broken her heart. Even though she was happy now, she didn't want the constant reminder either. "I mean, it doesn't bother me the he's here... that they're here... but why?"Camari sat back in her chair. "Well, for one thing, you'll have to talk to them personally about their motives for wanting to leave The Silver Pack." She sighed. "But I can tell you this. Rex is planning to attack The Harvest Moon Pack... your pack... and Thorn is backing him up.""I was afraid of that." Lacey took a long swig of her wine."But there are many of us who don't believe in it... who don't want to attack." Her mother tilted her head sideways, studying Lacey. Then she reached over and gave her hand a gentle squeeze. "I could never condone a
Within a few days, Lacey woke feeling much better than she had in days—maybe even weeks—and the wound from her appendectomy was nearly healed. Thank goodness, shifters heal quickly."How are you feeling?" Julien asked, stretched out on the bed, bare chested, with one arm behind his head, looking as sexy as ever.One corner of her lips curled into a smile. "Much better now. Thank you." She pulled some clothes out of the closet and started getting dressed. "I was thinking that I'd start training with the warriors again today.""Well...." Julien sat up, his black hair falling over his shoulders, looking like an ad out of a men's magazine. "I had another idea."Lacey laughed. "I don't think I'm heal up enough for that yet." She kissed the tip of his nose. "Maybe tomorrow."Julien smirked. "Although I'm always up for that...." He took her hand and pulled her onto the bed, flipping her over, his arms forming a protective cage around her. "That's not what I was thinking."She laughed, laying
Before they left the castle, Julien put Brogan in charge. After all, he was the Beta now. With Brogan on watch, Lacey was sure that the castle would be just fine. He was a skilled warrior and very loyal to Julien, Lacey, and The Harvest Moon Pack. And if there was any trouble, Julien and Lacey could be back in a flash. But she still hated to leave.Although Lacey would have let Tima stay, when her mother left to go to The Shadow Pack, she had taken not only Wyatt and Calla, but Tima, too. Lacey found that she was looking forward to seeing him, but a bit apprehensive about seeing Wyatt. But who knew? Maybe they can finally be friends... especially if they were going to be a part of allied packs.But she was glad that she had told Julien about him. After what she had been through with misunderstandings in the past, she didn't want to take the chance of it happening again."Are you okay?" Julien asked in the limo on the way there.Lacey nodded, but turned her attention back out the window
Lacey's heart fell when she walked in and saw Wyatt standing there alone in the grand foyer of The Shadow Pack."Hello, Wyatt," she said, and then turned to Julien. "I'm sure you remember my mate, Julien. Julien, this is Wyatt."A crease formed between Julien's eyes, but he nodded and stepped forward, extending his hand, being a gentleman. "It's a pleasure to meet you."Wyatt nodded once, not taking his eyes from Lacey. "The pleasure is all mine." Just then, Calla walked up and looked between them, obviously sensing the tension in the air. Then she looked over at Lacey and smiled warmly, extending her hand. "Lacey. It's good to see you again."Lacey nodded once. "Before we leave, I'd like to talk to you both about why you left the Silver Pack. But right now, I plan to spend the time with family." Then she gave them both a warm smile. "It's good to see you both here." Then she took Julien's arm. "Ready?"Julien nodded, placing his hand atop hers. "Yes."Arkin looked over at Wyatt and C
"Are you sure this isn't going to be a mistake?" Lacey asked as they headed out of the small dining room and up the stairs to their suite that Arkin had shown them earlier. They had a wonderful time with her real father and The Shadow Pack, but all good things must come to an end."What?" Julien asked as they reached the top, looking down at her with concern. "You mean the collaboration between our packs?"Lacey shook her head. "No, I mean, The Shadow Pack coming to the castle."A crease formed between his eyes. "Does this have anything to do with Wyatt?" She bit her lower lip and then released it, wanting to word it correctly. "Julien, I know how jealous you can be. Or at least how jealous you were when we first met." Lacey let out a deep breath. "I don't want you to get jealous just because my ex-boyfriend is here."Julien narrowed his eyes. "The only way I'll be jealous is if either of you give me a reason to be."Just outside their door, Lacey wrapped her arms around Julien's neck
That night, Julien couldn't sleep. He lay beside his lovely wife, now sleeping, smiling sweetly after their wonderful evening together. But he couldn't help but think of what his sweet, fierce wife had told him. She feared nothing but one thing, and she had revealed it tonight: Losing him. He couldn't allow that to happen... and he couldn't lose her, either.There was only one thing for him to do. Lacey wouldn't like it, but it was the only way to save them both pain and grief. He couldn't allow anyone or anything to come in the way of their relationship... including her ex.He carefully slid out of bed without waking her, dressed, and carried his boots into the hallway, wanting to take no chances of waking his beloved. For she couldn't know. She could never know.After slipping into his boots, he headed down the stairs of the compound until he reached the first floor."Alpha Grey!" Seth said, walking toward him in the foyer, his eyes filled with concern. "Is everything alright?"He n
Lacey stormed up the stairs, unable to believe that Julien had betrayed her like that. Here she had specifically asked him not to say anything to Wyatt, but he went behind her back and did it anyway. When she reached their suite, she walked in and slammed the door behind her, but Julien caught it as he walked in behind her. Lacey rolled her eyes, folding her arms across her chest."Lacey, I—""How could you?" she demanded, flailing her arms. "I specifically asked you not to say anything to him... that I could handle it! But you went behind my back and did it anyway! Why?""Because I love you," Julien calmly replied."Julien, I can't believe you!" She crossed the room to the big picture window. "I can handle myself."Julien placed his hands on Lacey's shoulders but she shrugged away. "Lacey, I just want to protect you… to keep you safe.""I don't need protecting!" But she knew it was a lie as soon as she said it. After all, she had been kidnapped… right from their suite in the castle.
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