Arabella’s POV“I want to be with you, Leo. I want to be your mate, I love you." My eyes instantly filled with tears as Leo reached out and took ahold of my hands."I feel the same way," he whispered. "I want to be with you too Arabella, more than anything."Hearing his words, my body moved by itself taking a step closer, closing the distance between us. Leo stood up, and as we wrapped our arms around each other, we just stood there, silently.In that moment, all the nerves and uncertainty I had held within me melted away, leaving behind a feeling of pure happiness.I blushed as Leo's playful smirk met my gaze, his arms securely holding me as he effortlessly lifted me and carried me towards his bed.As he dropped me on the mattress, an embarrassing burst of laughter escaped my lips, the sound filling every corner of the room. Leo's eyes sparkled with amusement, as if mirroring my feelings.I reached out, beckoning him closer, until he had joined me on the bed. Our lips locked as Leo’s
Leo’s POVAs Arabella hopped into her car and zoomed along the road that stretched beyond Spring Lake, I tailed behind. The motorcycle I had borrowed from one of the pack roared to life as I revved its engine, maintaining a safe distance but never losing sight of her. A whirlwind of thoughts swirled in my mind, but my insatiable curiosity urged me to unravel her intentions.What secrets did she hold? Where was she headed? I needed to know, for my own sanity and perhaps for something more profound. As the wind pushed against me, I focused on the road ahead.My grip tightened on the handlebars, adrenaline coursing through my veins asArabella's car suddenly veered off the main road, disappearing into the darkness of a narrow alleyway. Without hesitation, I followed suit, my heart pounding in my chest. The alley was cloaked in shadows, its walls seemingly closing in on me.As I rounded the final corner, my eyes widened in astonishment. Arabella's car came to a halt in front of what appea
Arabella’s POVHaving handed his phone to Jonas, Leo gripped my hand and pulled me out of the room and down the corridor. Once outside, he dropped it.“Arabella, what the fuck!” Anger was evident in his voice.I met his gaze, unflinching. The weight of my decision heavy in the air between us. I refused to apologise for keeping him in the dark, for the secrets I held close to my chest. Especially when I had good reason."What do you expect me to say? That I'm sorry for not telling you everything I get up to? Because I'm not sorry. I did this for you Leo. For everyone like you.”Leo's eyes narrowed, suspicion creeping into his voice. "What about Trudy? I've never even heard you mention her before. Yet here she is encouraging you to do things you wouldn’t normally do. Yes, he seems to be a good lead, but why would you trust her with something so important? You could have come to me.”"Trudy is my family, and now thanks to yours, she’s all I have left that’s blood related to me. She may n
Leo’s POV“Ok, so how many?” Kate asked as she listened to Arabella’s plan.“I’m going to say twenty. I don’t think we’ll need that many wolfs, but I’d rather be prepared.“ Arabella was strong and commanding, as she gave Kate her orders."Alright, twenty it is," Kate replied, her eyes gleaming with an unnerving excitement. Things between the two women had come along way, and now it was obvious that Kate, trusted Arabella's judgment.The room was dimly lit, the lamps light focused on the maps and blueprints that lay on the table before them.Arabella continued, her voice steady. "We'll split into teams of five. Each team will have a designated leader and a specific area to cover. We need to surround and eliminate the threat before they cause any more harm."Kate nodded, her gaze fixed on the map in front of her. "I'll take the eastern sector. It's dense with forests and provides good cover for the wolves. I'll make sure to gather a team of skilled trackers and marksmen."Arabella smile
Arabella’s POVEvery step we took until the warehouse came into sight, was calculated and deliberate. Sure Jonas had been the one to make the call, but he’d been missing for goddess only knows how long. Which meant, they could have already known this was an ambush and they were in fact, setting us up.Trudy was staying with Jonas, pretending to be his ‘Lycan’. We both knew the risks of what could happen should everything go wrong, but it may have been the last chance we’d get to shut them down once and for all. And Trudy, she understood that more than anyone.Six years ago, half her pack was slaughtered by rogues. Her pack were strong and so eventually, the rogues retreated. They ran away so quick, that they forgot a few of their wounded. My uncle, Trudy’s father, was quick to end each of their lives. All except for one. I never knew all the details, until she called me the other day. And after hearing what I had, how could I not let her have a chance at ensuring those who were respon
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“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