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
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
"Head up! You are a warrior of the Silver Pack!" American Indian Lacey Taregan said within the Pack Mind as she pushed the muzzle of a young, brown wolf up. "Act like it!" She stalked in front of them, giving each wolf a penetrating look. The Silver Pack had a reputation for being one of the best packs in the Nez Perece Clearwater National Forest in Idaho, and she was going to make sure they earned the honor.The wolves either looked away, looked up, or mentally rolled their eyes. But Lacey ignored it. She was the Pack Trainer, after all, whether they liked it or not."You're from a long line of proud warriors, and I'm here to ensure you don't let down the Alpha!""But Lacey, I'm tired!" whimpered Tima, a young warrior who had just turned, lying down on the soft lichen covering the forest floor. "Gggrrroooaaalll!" Lacey growled, jumping at the young wolf, eyeing him down as he turned over onto his belly.Wyatt, an experienced wolf-shifter standing nearby, mentally rolled his eyes."G
Lacey knew it was over, but she wasn't going down without a fight. The rogue wolves stared her down, starting to advance… and there was no escape.All of a sudden, a huge, white wolf barged into the clearing, biting flanks and then he pinned a wolf to the ground. The red wolf ran, along with a silver wolf. Once Lacey had regained her bearings, she grabbed another wolf and sent him flying into a tree, and then tackled another. Through it all, the huge, white wolf never left her side.Within minutes, the rogue Wildclaws scattered. But Lacey knew they'd be back.Once they were alone, the huge, white wolf morphed and phased, pulling himself back together until a very muscular man with long black hair and other... impressive... assets... stood before her. Her wolf wanted him, there was no doubt. The gorgeous American Indian man caught Lacey checking him out and gave her a cocky grin. Then he ran his hand through his perfect hair, biting his lower lip as he looked her up and down. Only a tr
After finding her clothes, Lacey rushed back to the Alpha's mansion. She had no idea who the other guy was, but he was obviously the Alpha of another Pack. Maybe the rogue Wildclaw Pack, for all she knew. Although she was not happy about going home, knowing her stepfather would be there, she had to get home before that sadistic shifter caught up with her. She wasn't into dominance and submission, and she sure as h*ll wasn't going to submit to an Alpha from another Pack.She walked in the door and maids waited with silk robes in hand for the shifters who hadn't taken clothes with them. In a Pack, nudity was no big deal... especially in a pack as big as her stepfather's, but it wasn't allowed in the mansion.Stepfather.Thanks to an extramarital affair of her mother, the Chief wasn't really her father... but he was the only father she knew. She just wished he felt that way. Even though the public saw her as Princess Taregan, the daughter of an Alpha, she was never treated as such. Or at
Lacey tried to calm her nerves as she slipped into her beige dress, even though it was a hand-m-down, not having enough time to shop for anything new. Then she started on her hair.Suddenly, there was a knock on the door. When Lacey opened it, her sister, Marissa, was standing there, one of her six siblings. "Marissa."Marissa looked Lacey up and down and then plastered a smile on her face. "Well! I'm glad to see that you're putting my old dress to good use."Lacey lifted her chin, refusing to let her stepsister get under her skin, as usual. Like it or not, this was her Pledging Ceremony and she wasn't going to let anyone ruin it. "It's expected... since today is my Pledging Ceremony, you know. But don't worry...." Lacey patted her arm. "It'll happen for you one day, too."Marissa, along with her other half-siblings, had treated her horribly over the years, since their father hadn't kept Lacey's paternity a secret. In fact, Thorn had all but encouraged the poor behavior toward her, not
Lacey walked down the hallway, headed toward the stairwell, having no idea what she would face downstairs. She had thought of making a run for it, but then thought better of it. She wasn't a coward... no matter how evil her new mate was.She stood at the top of the stairs and looked down onto the Great Room. Her father stood at the head of the room, wearing a suit, and Julian was looking very dashing in a suit, as well. In fact, the entire pack was dressed up. Streamers adorned the railing of the stairwell. It was clear that her parents had pulled together a beautiful venue in a short time. Julien looked up and their eyes met and held, causing Lacey's heart to pound. Maybe this wouldn't be so bad after all. Lacey headed down the stairwell and all eyes turned to face her, stepping aside when she passed. A moment later, she took her side beside Julien. She looked up at him and smiled, but he reached up and in one swoop, unpinned her hair, letting it fall over her shoulders and down her
Lacey downed half of her drink and then smiled sweetly, stepping close to him. His breath quickened. She smirked, knowing she was having an effect on him."Please tell me something." Lacy trailed a finger along his cheek, looking into his eyes, giving him her sexiest look.One corner of his lips curled into a breathtaking smile. "And what's that?""Why do you want me as your mate?" Lacy asked sweetly.He returned her sweet smile. "I don't... yet." He let out a long, slow breath and looked deeply into her eyes. "I want to try out the merchandise first." Then in one swift movement, he threw her over his shoulder and headed toward the stairs."Oh, no you don't!" Lacey yelled, beating against his back with her fists, which didn't have any effect on him at all. "Put me down!"Everyone laughed and parted the way for Julien. He held her over his shoulder with one arm going up the stairs with Lacey screaming the whole way. "Let go of me, you brute! Let me go!"He stopped halfway up the stairs.
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