Arabella’s POVGrief made us unpredictable, and that made us dangerous. Lisa may have been in pain, but I couldn’t risk her acting out having gotten the chance.I asked Kate and Henry to escort the Spring Lake warriors home, and to gather the families of the fallen. It was important that we honor their sacrifice, acknowledging their unwavering loyalty until the very end. I wanted their loved ones to know that their bravery had ensured the safety of all wolves, that they had put an end to the threat that had haunted us.Kate's annoyance at the additional responsibility was obvious, but I made a mental note to address her concerns once we returned home. For now, my priority was ensuring the well-being of my cousin, Trudy.Leo arrived a few minutes after the pack warriors had left, bringing with him a mini van. Susie and Leo threw Lisa into the back, restraining her to one of the headrests in order to restrict her movement.Susie had wanted to cover her with a blanket, but Trudy wanted h
Leo’s POVEver since we returned to Spring Lake, Arabella seemed to be in a world of her own. It was as if she was physically present but mentally miles away.Since her twenty-first birthday, life had dealt her blow after blow. It hadn't even been eight months, and already it was turning out to be a terrible year for her. I wanted to be there for her, to offer her a shoulder to lean on, but that was proving to be a challenge. Arabella had built walls around herself, refusing to let anyone in.I watched as Arabella retreated further into herself, her usually vibrant eyes now dull and distant. It was heartbreaking to see her like this, a shell of the woman she once was. I knew she was dealing with a lot, the weight of the world seemingly on her shoulders. One night, I found her sitting alone on the porch, her gaze fixed on the moonlit lake. The sight of her, so alone and lost, tugged at my heartstrings. I approached her slowly, not wanting to startle her."Arabella," I began, my voice
Arabella’s POV When Leo caught me crying in the bathroom, I was mortified. I didn’t want him to see me like this. I didn’t want him to think I was weak. I had held everything together for so long, I just couldn’t do it anymore. My dad had always been on my mind, but seeing Trudy say goodbye to her father struck me. I needed to say goodbye to mine, but it was too late and I’d never get the chance to change that. The moment Leo wrapped his arms around me I felt safe. Like nothing in the world could touch me. It kept the darkness at bay, for a little while. With all the crying I became worn out and didn’t even remember falling asleep. When I woke and looked at the time I couldn’t believe I’d slept the entire day away, so I quickly dove into the shower. Though when I realised Leo had stood there and listened to me sing, I felt my cheeks heat. When Leo said he had something to show me, I began to panic. Even though I didn’t let him see it, judging by the way he watched me, I knew he co
Arabella’s POV“Sara, you shouldn’t be here. Just because you’re healthy enough to be discharged from hospital, doesn’t mean that you are well enough to be rushing around.” With my hands on my hips, I glared at Sara.“And if I don’t help here, Susie, will drive me up the wall.”“She’s worried about you. We both are. You know how she is, when she’s worried, she mother’s.” Taking Sara’s hand, I gave it a squeeze.“I know, I know… it’s just. I feel so bloody useless. I’m not the sit down and take it easy kind. I’m the…”“The move around and fix things kind. I know.” Sara just rolled her eyes and chuckled. “If you promise to stay sat down, I’ll let you stay. Deal?”“Deal.”Unlike the rest of the pack house which was just days out of being finished, my new office was now ready for use. All except for the filling system.So, Sara and I shifted our attention to organising the mess of paperwork. She had suggested going digital, but I didn’t agree. I understood that technology was the wave of
Leo’s POVSince the day that Kate had accepted the role of Beta, finding a moment alone with Arabella had become a challenge. I had the ring, I had rehearsed my speech countless times, but what I lacked was her undivided attention.I couldn't blame her entirely; being an Alpha to a pack, especially one in the process of recovery, was an immense responsibility. Arabella handled everything with remarkable dedication, but her time management skills left much to be desired.It seemed that every time I tried to steal a moment with her, something urgent would demand her attention. Pack matters, training sessions, and unexpected crises would arise, leaving our personal conversations on hold. I understood the gravity of her responsibilities, having watched my parents go through the same but it made planning a proposal all the more challenging.So, I decided to take matters into my own hands. I approached Sara, who I knew now handled Arabella’s diary, and after swearing her to secrecy, I share
Chapter Fifty-SixArabella’s POVThe past few weeks had been a whirlwind. Between the pack house's upcoming opening day and Kate's beta ceremony on the same night, it felt like I was being pulled in a thousand different directions. There was just so much to do, so many responsibilities to juggle, and it seemed that every waking moment was consumed by pack business.I could see the toll it was taking on Leo. We barely had any time together, and when we did, I was too exhausted to do anything more than collapse into bed. It wasn't fair to him. He had been so understanding, so patient. But I knew he was feeling neglected. I could see it in his eyes, the way they dimmed slightly whenever I had to cancel our plans or when I was too tired to stay up talking like we used to.It felt like I was drowning, like I was being swallowed by a sea of responsibilities and obligations. I knew I had to find a balance, find a way to dedicate time to Leo without neglecting my duties to the pack. But with
Leo’s POVThe ceremony had gone well, the pack cheered and chatted amongst themselves with complete happiness . But as Arabella's voice rang out, calling for everyone's attention, a hush fell over the crowd.I felt a knot in my stomach as she mentioned my name, along with Susie and Sara’s. I looked over at Susie, seeing my own surprise mirrored in my sisters eyes.Arabella's words, her invitation for us to officially join the Spring Lake Pack, hit me like a tidal wave. A flood of memories washed over me - all the times we had stood by this pack, fought for them, bled for them. We had always been there, on the periphery, never truly a part of them, yet never entirely separate either. But, even after I marked their Alpha, I still felt a sliver of unease with my place here.As I looked around, I could feel the weight of the pack's gaze on us. A part of me had yearned for this, to be a part of something bigger, something that felt like home. But another part of me was scared, scared of wh
Arabella’s POVAs my eyes fluttered open, the warm rays of morning light filtering through the curtains, memories of last night flooded my mind. Leo, with his gentle hands and tender lips, had made every moment unforgettable. His touch had been feather-light, caressing every inch of my body with a reverence that left me breathless. His lips had mapped out a trail of kisses, never missing a spot, turning my skin into a canvas of his affection. Each whisper of love, each soft sigh, every shared laugh was imprinted in my memory. The way his eyes had burned with desire, the way his voice had softened when he whispered my name, the way his body had moved against mine... it all felt like a beautiful dream. I turned my head to the side, my eyes meeting Leo's. He was already awake, his dark eyes watching me with a softness that made my heart flutter. "Good morning, beautiful," he murmured, his voice husky from sleep. His fingers traced lazy patterns on my arm, sending shivers down my spin
Arabella’s POV“Sit on there.” I told Leo pointing to the suede armchair in the corner.Leo didn’t hesitate and sat down as quick as he could having left his suit trousers scattered on the floor.It didn’t matter how many times I’d seen this man naked, I still found every inch of him attractive. If anything after all these years, I loved him more.With Leo sat in the chair, his legs parted, I climbed onto his lap.“I love you.” I whispered against his lips, before lowering myself on to him.Hearing my words Leo leaned forward in the chair wrapping his arms around me, and held me close while I rode him. He matched my rhythm with thrusts of his until I fell from the cliff of pleasure. And then, his thrusts became more desperate as I felt him twitch within me.Having gotten cleaned up and reclaimed our place by the roaring fire, I feel into a deep sleep in the arms of the man I loved.Fifteen years later…15 years later…Many years had passed and our lives had changed in ways we never co
Leo’s POV As I sat there and watched the transfer of Alpha ceremony, memories of the past flooded my mind.The day that Joel came and told me that Ankaras father had chosen him to take over his position as Alpha. Proud didn’t even begin to describe how I felt.But then another, more gruelling memory gripped me, transporting me back to the hospital room where Joel lay battered and broken, fighting for his life after the vicious attack by his own father. The sight of him, bruised and bloodied, had stirred a deep well of anger and sorrow within me, a helpless ache for the pain he had endured. Just thinking about it had my knuckles instantly turning white.The journey from that dark and harrowing day to the present, where Joel stood as a beacon of strength and resilience, had been a tumultuous one. The scars, both physical and mental, bore witness to the battles he had fought, the demons he had faced, and the strength he had summoned to rise above his past.But now, to witness the young
Arabella’s POVFive years later….“We are going to be so late!” I called out, hoping Leo could hear me.“I’m out, and we have time.”“But not a lot. We need to make sure that Miles is ready, and that…” My words were cut off as Leo’s lips suddenly met mine. I had been so focused on rushing around that I hadn’t even noticed he was standing right in front of me.His kiss took me by surprise, but it was a welcome distraction from the chaos of getting ready for the ceremony. As we pulled apart, I couldn’t help but smile at him.Leo grinned, his eyes sparkling with mischief. “Just trying to calm you down, Arabella. We’ll make it in time, I promise.”I felt a rush of gratitude for him in that moment. Despite the craziness of our lives, he always knew how to bring me back to the present.Taking a deep breath I turned to quickly checked on Miles, who was surprisingly calm and ready to go. His earlier meltdown seemed like a distant memory, as he sat there watching the t.v.As we made our way to
Chapter Ninety-TwoArabella’s POV"Are you sure you're okay about not having a dress?" Sara asked as she finished curling the last strands of my hair."I really am. I love Leo, I love him more than life itself. I don’t want to wait to marry him," I reassured her, smiling at my reflection in the mirror."Well, that's good because he hasn't stopped bloody calling me," Susie's unexpected entrance startled me."I'm sorry I'm late," she added, looking apologetic."We would have been here earlier, but moving cripples me," I heard Trudy's voice before I saw her. And man did my eyes pop."You’re pregnant!" I screeched, spinning in my chair, unable to contain my surprise."I certainly am, and I don’t regret the decision at all," Trudy responded, her gaze locking with Susie's."How? When?" I stammered, still in shock and struggling to process the information."Long story short, we used a sperm donor. Because we both wanted a baby, we implanted one of my eggs into Trudy's womb before the sperm,
Arabella’s POVJoel and I were in the office for ages. At first he ignored me, but when he realised I wasn’t going to leave, he began to listen and we talked. He told me that coming into our family was a mistake, that if Leo and I truly wanted him, then we’d have allowed him to remain in wolf form until after the run. I got what he was saying, but he also had to understand that being given a wolf like Bax… a wolf that can communicate with us at will wasn’t something that happened all the time.Until Leo marked me, I couldn’t communicate with Storm.When I told him of Leo’s fears, Joel began to let up. He began to understand why we asked him to shift back. That, and the fact he was now no longer skinny shocked us.With Joel calmed down, we left my office and headed back into the garden where everyone was waiting.My eyes found Leo within seconds. I watched as he stood from his chair and walked straight over to Joel and I. With our eyes still locked, I glared at him. But thankfully, he
Arabella’s POVThe moment Joel's shift was complete, I sank to my knees. Tears streamed down my cheeks as I took in the sight before me.Joel’s wolf approached me, taking a few steps closer before gently laying down and placing his paw on my lap."Oh sweetheart, you're beautiful," I managed to choke out through my sobs, that were filled with nothing but love and pride for the magnificent creature he had become.I turned to Leo, who was standing behind me, and asked, "Doesn't he look amazing!" Leo nodded in agreement but then took a step forward. With his gaze fixed on Joel's wolf, he gently pulled me back."Can you sense it?" Leo asked, his words leaving me puzzled."Sense what? What are you talking about?" I questioned, rising to my feet."His wolf, its aura," Leo clarified. In that moment, I understood. I had felt a shift in Joel’s aura, but neither I nor my own wolf sensed any threat."Joel, it's time to shift back now, buddy," Leo's voice sounded tense as he called out to Joel.I
Leo’s POV"Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday dear Joel, happy birthday to you!" We all sang in unison, our voices filling the room.Joel's face flushed with embarrassment as Kate dimmed the lights, and Arabella emerged, carrying a cake topped with a flickering candles."Make a wish!" Kate called out enthusiastically, but Joel responded with a playful glare. We all shared a laugh as Kate playfully raised her hands in surrender, knowing that the birthday boy was not one for making wishes.Arabella had reluctantly agreed to celebrate Joel's birthday at home, but she made no promises about not participating in the traditional singing over a cake.Cheers erupted as Joel blew out the candles on his birthday cake, a small smile gracing his face. I took the cake from Arabella's hands as Miles began to cry, allowing her to tend to him, but Joel beat her to it."I'll take him, and you go get yourself some cake," Arabella suggested, but Joel declined.“I'll get some in
Arabella’s POVAs time flew by, Joel's sixteenth birthday was just around the corner. While for humans it might have been just another birthday, for our kind, it held far greater significance.His birthday coincided with a full moon, signifying that he would undergo his first shift. Leo had been preparing him for the transformation, emphasising the potential pain that accompanied it. However, we held onto hope that with Leo's Lycan blood coursing through his veins, Joel wouldn’t suffer too much.Despite our initial excitement about throwing a party to celebrate his birthday, he seemed to avoid the topic whenever it was brought up. It wasn't until we sat down as a family to discuss the idea that Joel finally opened up about his reluctance.He revealed that every party he had ever had in the past had been ruined by his father's drunken behaviour. My heart sank as I realised the pain and disappointment that Joel had carried with him from those past experiences.We understood his feelings
Leo’s POVThe following morning, I awoke to a sight that brought a smile to my face. Arabella was leaning over the baby's basket, her finger hovering near his tiny nose as she checked for signs of life. The baby was sleeping peacefully, his chest rising and falling in a steady rhythm, his heart beating strong and steady.I couldn't help but chuckle at Arabella's motherly paranoia, her need to ensure our son's well-being even in his most peaceful moments. The love and protectiveness she felt for him were evident in every action, every gesture.My laughter caught her attention, and she turned around to find me watching her. In response, she playfully punched my shoulder. With a playful grin, I reached out and gently grabbed Arabella's shoulders, pulling her back towards me. As she turned in my arms, a smile lighting up her face, she snuggled close against me. I wrapped my arms around her, holding her tight, and feeling the steady beat of her heart against mine.“I suppose we should get