Nicole POV Walking through the house, I have to stop myself from wrinkling my nose in disgust. The smell of unmated females is vile, and one scent is spicier and more repulsive than the rest. Pineapple sage and honey cling in the air. The female's scent covers everything. My wolf Nalia’s growl rattles my brain, and I understand; however, Michael is a handsome man, and it is only natural that he has a past. It is my first night in my home, and Michael has been gone for hours. Julian has gone to speak to someone called Marian. Looking for something to pass the time, I decided to explore more of my new home. I make myself a coffee before walking upstairs. I have seen Michael's bedroom. Alpha Julian's room is located at the end of the hall. I see four extra bedrooms, each one with a bathroom. Taking my coffee back downstairs, I sit on the porch for a little while. Loneliness settles around me. Did I do the right thing? I will miss my parents, especially my father, and I can't lie; I w
Nicole POV I stand uncomfortably beside Michael in his office as his pack members arrive to give him their condolences for his father's death. We haven't discussed what happened last night, and I am too scared to ask him. Grayson enters, followed by a female; her pineapple sage and honey scent assault my senses as I look up. She smiles at me smugly as her gaze starts at my eyes and runs down to my feet. The satisfied expression on her face as she dismissed me had Nalia growling in my head. She caresses Michael on the back of his neck and purrs as she leans her body close to him, whispering, “I am so sorry about Julian, Michael.” Michael places his hand on hers as he says, “Thank you, Rose.” My body stiffens in anger as I watch them. An idiot could see that Michael and Rose have a history between them. Graysons moves Rose to the side as he claps Michael on his shoulder. “Sorry, Alpha, your father was a great man.” Michael presses his lips together in anger as he says, “Don't
Nicole POV I roll over in bed, looking for Michael; his side of the bed is empty again. I have been here for six months now, and the hurt I feel knowing he is still seeing Rose only increases. I was a naive fool; as soon as Michael showed interest in me, I couldn't wait to run off with him. I won't deny that he is the sexiest man I have ever laid eyes on, but I don't love him; I lust for him. Michael has not marked me, and I will not mark him as we are not true mates. Michael is possessive, but we don't have the wolves' overwhelming urges where their mates are concerned. Michaels's betrayal hurts me, but I am not physically in pain from it. My anger towards Rose has more to do with the total lack of respect she shows me as a woman. Just thinking about the bitch makes me furious. I fling back the covers on the bed; I need to have a shower before Marian gets here. The room spins, and I gag. I crawl to the bathroom and empty the contents of my stomach. I groan, resting my head in my han
Nicole POV The last eleven weeks have flown by; I wiggle, stretching my back, trying to get comfortable in the chair. Once the initial shock wore off, I was excited to tell Michael I was pregnant. I stupidly thought that having a baby would change things between us. He stayed home every night and became more attentive and loving toward me. He gave me compliments, and I started looking forward to him being home. It lasted a fucking week. Rose started coming to the house more, wiggling her arse in front of me as she constantly rubbed up against my so-called chosen mate. The fatter I got, the tinier her clothes got. Naturally, Michael loved all the extra attention she gave him, constantly walking around with a boner. I watch Rose, Grayson, and Michael run into the woods; the pack run has officially started for the night. I am grateful that he won't be back tonight; my back is killing me. I stand walking back into the house, stopping to make a coffee and ham and cheese toastie before he
Maree POV I look down at the baby girl in my mother's arms, and she goes to hand her to me; I shudder. I am not interested in nursing her. “He forced me, mother; why can't you believe me?” “I believe you, Maree, but we could have done something about it if you had told us sooner.” “So he gets away with it, and I have to raise the pup myself. Is that what you are saying?” “You won't be alone, Maree; your father and I will always be here to help you.” “Where is my father now?” “He has gone to speak to Alpha Leon.” I was disgusted with my mother; I was supposed to be Michaels, mate, not my fucking sister. My mother is supposed to love me unconditionally. How dare she humiliate me like this. Now I have a fucking daughter to raise; while Nicole lives the life of my dreams, I will make sure she suffers for all the hurt she has caused. I glare at my mother when she asks, “What are you going to call her, Maree.” “I don't care, mother; you bloody name her if you want.” My mother's
Michael POV Layla tries to walk; she is a quick little thing. I snarl when she puts her sticky hands on my leg fuck me, where is that useless bitch, “Nicole, get this fucking pup out from under my feet.” Nicole runs down the stairs picking her up, holding Layla close to her body, “I am sorry, Michael, I turned my back.” “If you cant look after her, Nicole, get some help.” She glares at me before turning and walking away. I still have not decided what I will do with Nicole. Since Layla was born, she has developed a backbone. I smile, raising my eyebrows, she could always have an accident as my father did, but then I would have to replace her to keep my pack happy. “Alpha, you are needed at the border” Grayson's mind links me. “What the fuck for Grayson?” “It's important, Michael; the fewer people involved, the better.” “Fuck me. Cant, you handle it” “No, there is a baby and envelope here, and the wolf delivering them won't hand it to anyone except you.” I intend to tell the
Nicole POV I turned my back on Layla for one minute this morning, and she went straight to her father. She has just turned one; she is a clever little girl; she knows Michael is her father. I watch Layla playing. There is no way I will take my eyes off her again. I can't risk her being near Michael; Malaki is never far from the surface. I can see him rippling under Michael’s skin more often than not. I still share a room with Layla. I have set it up as a nursery. I keep the king-size bed in the room for my use. The only time I have to share a room with Michael is when we have other packs visiting. I don't get involved in pack business as Michael has made it clear that the Red River pack is his alone. Michael spends most of his nights with Rose; our pack is aware they have a relationship. I do not attend the gatherings or runs anymore; listening to the whispers about Rose and Michael became too humiliating for me. Michael's dominating behavior towards me has become worse. He only allo
Michael POV Feeling pleased with my trip to the other pack, I was glad to be heading back home; I persuaded a few warriors to come over to our pack. The only downfall was Grayson had found his mate. Emily was a pretty little thing, extraordinarily docile and accommodating. Grayson can't keep his hands off her. I have walked around with a boner hearing them go at it every night, and it was killing me. I couldn't wait to get home to Rose. I knock on Rose’s door. She looks surprised when she opens it, “What are you doing here, Michael?” I reach out to take her in my arms when she takes a step back, shaking her head. “No, Michael, I cant Sasha is teething; I have just got her to sleep,” I snarl, “What the fuck do you mean no, Rose.” “Not tonight, Michael. I am tired; go home to Nicole. It is about time she earnt her place as your Luna.” I turn away from Rose before I punch her in the face; how dare the bitch say no to me. I open the front door of my home, still seething with ange
Darius POV Ellie and Beth have just turned five, and watching my daughters interact with the other children in our pack never ceases to surprise me. Whenever the older pups get into an argument, you can guarantee that Ellie is standing in the middle of them, trying to calm everyone down. Beth always stands beside Ellie with her fists clenched, ready to step in if anyone gets too close to her sister. We always knew Ellie would be our diplomat; her calming nature can diffuse just about any situation in which the girls may find themselves. If Ellie can't get through to the other pups, you can guarantee Beth; our warrior, will take control and step in. Beth watches her mother train with the warriors every afternoon, mimicking Layla’s movements; we are trying to delay letting her train with the older pups. But it is getting harder and harder to refuse her, especially when we know what our daughter's future holds for them. Ellie and Beth are highly protective of their little brother; they
Layla POVAll the pups that Willow brought with her now have homes; it never ceases to amaze me how quickly children can adapt to new surroundings. Willow and Riley have marked each other. Willow is a beautiful she-wolf with a loving nature; Riley and Willow are perfect for each other. Darius and I are on our way to my territory; Anita has gone into labor, and Diana is there, but both Zach and Anita have asked if I could be with her in case Zach passes out as Drew did. Our baby is due in a couple of weeks; I feel like a baby elephant these days; my feet are swollen most days, and getting up off the floor never ceases to have Ellie and Beth giggling uncontrollably. We have everything set up for when our pup arrives; I don't mind admitting that I have told Diana to bring any pain relief she can get her hands on when my time comes. I smile when we pull up out front of the packhouse; Zach's pacing frantically in the front yard; he turns toward us and approaches the truck opening my door
Darius POV I wake up in a foul mood; my eyes feel like someone has tipped a bucket of sand in them. Layla is sound asleep beside me; I untangle my body from hers and throw a pair of jeans on before going downstairs. No sound comes from the loungeroom where the pups and Willow are sleeping. I go to the kitchen and make a coffee before going to my office. I go to stand when I hear footsteps getting closer to my office; the door opens, and my eyes widen in shock when Riley enters and sprawls out on the couch opposite me. He rakes his hand through his hair as he says, “I need to talk to you.” I smirk at him and reply, “That's obvious, or you wouldn't be here this morning.” He shakes his head and chuckles nervously as he says, “I need your advice.” I groan, “Please don't tell me you have gotten one of the she-wolves you sleep around with pregnant.” Riley snorts as he says, “If only it were that simple.” I frown; this is serious; it looks like I am not the only one who
Layla POV It had only been a couple of weeks since Soren, Nathan, and Teena came to our territory. It's early on a Saturday morning, Darius and I are still in bed, our pack run was the previous night, and as always, after our packs ran together, we had a bbq. It was a bit of a struggle getting so many wolves in one place, but somehow we always managed to pull it off. Since it's not safe for pregnant females to shift, I waited at home with Ellie, Beth, Amy, Abbie, and the younger members of our packs. Darius and I usually lead the run, he wanted to stay at home, but I didn't see the sense of both of us missing out on one of the things we loved. We have added two toddler beds in the nursery for Ellie and Beth; Darius and I are lying in bed arguing over baby names; we have only just agreed on Bohdi as a boy's name. Choosing a girl's name is becoming impossible. I chuckle when I hear the pitter-patter of two pairs of feet as they run toward us. Ellie and Beth have started climbing int
Layla POV I froze when Teena stood up and went to follow me inside. Did I want this woman in my home? Lea’s voice entered my mind as she said, “Teena and Soren won't harm Ellie and Beth.” I nod and motion her to follow me; Alec is playing with the girls in the lounge room. I pick Ellie up. Teena looks at me and asks, “Can I pick this little one up?” I can see the shock in Darius’s eyes when I say “Yes” Lea had already told me Teena was a witch; as long as she wasn't here to harm my babies, I couldn't care what species she was. When we entered the kitchen, Teena said, “You are pregnant. Would you like to know if you are having a boy or girl?” I shake my head and answer, “No, Darius and I are happy to wait until our pup arrives.” She nods, helping Diana, Abbie, and I carry the food to the porch. Darius has already taken the girl's chairs outside; mom pulls a chair close to her and narrows her eyes at Alec as she says, “Behave yourself, or you will be eating inside
Darius POV We knew Soren and his companions were coming; our patrols spotted them two days before they reached our border. I mind-linked our warriors and told them not to stop him from crossing the border. Alec, Beth, and Ellie were to remain inside the house with Diana and Abbie while they were here until told otherwise. Sebastian was staying on Layla’s territory with her wolves. Everyone was to remain on high alert in case of any trouble, we weren't expecting any, but it was better to be safe than sorry. Lea has already alerted Layla that Alpha Soren would arrive within the next thirty minutes. Layla has set up a meeting area on the porch, she refuses to allow him to enter our home. Zach, Riley, Jackson, Nicole, Leon, and Kyra are already here, and Drew and Amy are on their way over now. Its have been raining non-stop since yesterday, so they would have to walk a fair distance up the mountain; my patrol mind links me and says, “They have pulled the cars off the road and coming
Soren POV The wolves Teena let into my territory have been here for two days; they have recovered from the wounds, and I intend to speak to them today. Teena and I have been in my office since dawn; she sits opposite me, holding a cup of coffee in both hands. I lean back in my chair and cross my arms over my chest and ask, “What did you see?” She frowns as she says, “Nathan was an Alpha before he came here; he has made terrible mistakes in his past and is trying to compensate for the hurt he has caused the ones closest to him.” I nod, looking at her; Teena seems tired. I growl before saying, “And you still want to claim him as your mate?” She nods her head “Yes” and replies, “Everybody makes mistakes, Soren; you know that.” I snort, “That may be so, but it's too dangerous for you to leave here without me.” She chuckles as she says, “Mark my words Soren; Nathan will denounce his title as Alpha and stay here with me.” I roll my eyes at her and say, “Your very con
Layla POVIt's been a couple of days since Josie’s visit. Darius and I have been awake for hours, I get out of bed, and as soon as I place my feet on the floorboards, the room starts spinning. I run to the bathroom, kneel in front of the toilet, and empty the contents of my stomach. I groan, resting my head in my hands until the room stops spinning. I use the vanity to pull myself off the floor and step gingerly into the shower turning the water on so I can have a shower. I stay under the water until I feel better and wrap a towel around myself as I leave the bathroom.Darius is resting against the headboard of the bed with a frown on his face as he asks,“Are you ok, sweetheart, your not making yourself sick worrying about what Josie said?” I sit beside him and rest my head against his shoulder as I say, “Maybe I don't know Darius?”He wraps his arms around me as he whispers, “I wasn't joking when I said I would kill anyone who hurt our girls, Layla.” I sigh, looking up at him, a
Alpha Soren I haven't had anything to do with my family for years; I left home at sixteen and have remained hidden for the last twenty years. The politics of my brother's court sickens me; I had many wolves loyal to me and have built my pack from two thousand wolves to five thousand wolves; we choose to stay hidden. My brother has no idea where I am, and I intend to keep it that way. My brother Phillipe is an evil prick and wouldn't hesitate to kill my mate and my children if he knew our whereabouts. I wrap my arms around Tatiana, holding her close to my chest as the sobs wrack her petite frame; I can smell the fear seeping from her as she murmurs, “What are we going to do, Soren?” I kiss the top of her head as I reply, “I will never let anyone hurt our daughter Tatiana.” My sister Teena has just placed Octavia in her cradle; she smiles at me sadly as she leaves my bed chamber. Octavia is a beautiful baby. She will grow into a beautiful woman just like her mother; the corners