...Wynter POV...I was so tired. It felt like every ounce of energy had rushed out of me. I could feel a warm embrace surrounding me. It was so comforting that I instinctually moved towards it. "Where am I?" I ask, running my hand along my forehead in pain."It's ok, Little One. I'm here. You're safe." I heard the familiar voice coo to me. I shifted my head up to look into his magnificent eyes. I reached up and cupped his cheek."Are you really here? Or is this just another dream?" I ask.I smile as I hear him laugh at me."Yes, Little One. I'm here." He says, smiling at me.As if to prove his statement, he shifts his left hand to run down the back of my head. I feel instantly lost at the sensation. This sensation is far better than anything I could ever imagine."What happened?" I ask."You were in a coma." "What? How? For how long?""What do you remember?" He counters.I find myself relaxing further into his embrace as I try to remember the events from before."I.. I remember a f
...Kenji POV...I've paced the living room floor so much that I'm honestly surprised that I haven't worn a hole through it yet, and found myself in the apartment below. I hear a shuffle at the front door, making me turn from my spot and run towards the door.I open it expecting it to be Darius."Dude! Where have you..." I begin, only to cut myself off once I see that it is most definitely not Darius."Move aside, boy." Alpha Xander calls out.Immediately I move out of the way, allowing the Alpha to enter the apartment. Before I can turn to watch where he's going, a bunch of Alpha's Xander's men follow in behind him. I'm not surprised he brought some of his men here, as he is an Alpha in a foreign country. Anyone would be on edge. "Has anyone been able to reach my son?" Alpha Xander shouts out. "No, sir." They reply in unison.'Who are these people?' I ask myself.'At first, I thought they were just warriors from our pack, except that I don't recognize any of them.' I stay silent,
...Wynter POV...I didn't make it far from the hospital before I started balling my eyes out. I had thought taking his memories away from him was the worst pain I could ever feel, but this was entirely worse. I don't know how long I was there crying before Caedance helped to put me back together. She reminded me of why this had to be done. While it may hurt right now, it would be far more excruciating should something actually happen to him.I knew she was right, but that didn't make it hurt any less.'I know, sweetheart. I wish we could be with him. He's so handsome and caring. I haven't had the chance to meet his wolf, but I'm sure he's just as remarkable.' Caedance said to me.'Do you think he'll understand?' I ask, deep inside wondering if he actually hates that I'm doing this to him.'I know he could never hate you. He'll understand why you chose to do this. This wasn't a decision you were able to make lightly. I wish things were different, and we could ask him what he would pref
I knew it was a risk, but I didn't have any other option. I wanted to know why all of a sudden, Darius was here. Not only that, but if he planned on staying. If he did, that would only cause us more trouble.I used my nose to follow Darius' scent into the building. It led me to the top floor of the building. I stood outside his door, unsure of how I should proceed. I did wipe his memories, so why would he answer me now. At the time, I was too terrified and surprised at seeing him that I never once stopped and considered asking him why he was here before I took his memories away. I realize now that I shouldn't have acted so impulsively.I reach my hand up to knock on his door when my nerves get the better of me and find myself retreating instead. I turned back to face the elevator I had used to come here, pressing the button to head back downstairs. There were other ways I could get my answers. I didn't need to get them direct from the source.Just as the elevator dinged to announce th
"Please! STOP!" I say, crawling over to where Darius' now bare body is lying exposed on the ground. I protectively make my way to him, attempting to shield him from his father.Alpha Xander doesn't hesitate. Instead, he picks me up by the collar and tosses me to the other side of the room. One of his guards immediately walks over to me and picks me up from the floor. I turn to give him a thankful smile, only to realize that he didn't actually come to my aid. Instead, he's holding me up to make it easier for Alpha Xander to lay punches in me.He begins to punch at my sides, not even caring where his fists land."I warned you what would happen if you didn't stay away." He said, thundering another round of punches to me.My legs are so weak that the only reason I'm still standing is because of the guard that's holding me up."Now... who will it be? Him or you?" Alpha Xander hisses at me.My eyes grow wide in horror. The room is silent as we all watch what he does next.With cat-like re
...Alpha Xander POV...That mangy pup managed to get away again. I knew attempting to kill her was futile. I just didn't expect that she had managed to tap into her powers so quickly. I thought I still had time. I was worried knowing that she was still out there, and I won't deny that I also considered killing Darius to ensure that the prophecy wouldn't come true.I loved my son dearly, but at the end of the day, if it were my son versus all the other supernatural creatures in the world, I would pick them every time. My son was nothing but a means to an end. I was fully prepared to kill him once I saw that the girl had vanished. It was my men that had stopped me from doing so. Vince had explained to me that Darius seemed more confused than ever. When I turned to look at him, I saw that he was right. At least that mangy pup was good for something. She must've compelled Darius before she left. I needed to test my theory out before making any decisions."So, how did I do?" Darius asks.
...Wynter POV...I was completely on edge. Ever since I left Darius at his apartment, it was as though Caedance couldn't keep still. I continued to pace my bedroom. We were both worried that something could happen to Darius. I had hoped that my compulsion had worked. I couldn't risk what would happen if Darius started showing feelings for me. The worst part was that there wasn't a way in which I could compel Darius without removing Alpha Xander's actions as well. So while he would continue to forget about me, he also wouldn't know how evil and dangerous his father truly was. There was also nothing that I could do to warn him either. I had to hope that nothing would happen to him as long as he moved on.That thought alone absolutely killed me. I know it's what's best for both of us, but that didn't make it hurt any less. Knowing that my mate would find someone else really hurt to even think about. I let out a large sigh.I'm really conflicted. I know this is our only way, but that do
...Darius POV...I couldn't sleep. I felt like something bad was about to happen. It felt like there was something I should be remembering but couldn't.'Ash, what's going on? Is there something I'm forgetting?' I ask him through our mindlink.'I don't know. I feel it as well. But I don't understand it either.' Tired of feeling so restless, I decided to do the one thing that always helps me calm down."KEN!" I yell at him through our mindlink."What the F man! It's like FOUR IN THE MORNING?!?! Are you freakin kidding me right now?" Ken yells back at me for disturbing his beauty rest."Get up. I need to spar!" I shout at him."Now?! Why now? What do you have against sleeping?" He replies, clearly annoyed."Nothing when I can sleep. Which I can't right now, so you're going to help.""Oh, come on! Why do you need help? Isn't that what punching bags are for?""Yes. Except punching bags don't fight back.""So what if I don't fight back? Can I go back to bed then?""Just get your lazy ass
...BONUS CHAPTER......10 Years Later......Wynter POV...A lot has happened in such a short amount of time. Not long after the merger of our two packs, did more requests come. Alphas far and wide were coming to us in hopes of merging our packs. What had begun as an alliance designed to help strengthen the packs, soon became to act as a Peace Treaty. Each pack we aligned with, were given the same conditions as Crescent Moon. The ranking members would remain in power, so long as they came to myself or Darius for any critical decisions. We had merged with so many packs, that we were no longer separate packs, but one happy kingdom. One of my more recent projects was to create a city devoted to the rehabilitation of rogues. Those that had been rogue would now have the opportunity to reenter pack life once they were deemed to not be a threat. Many of which had already successfully made the transition. Given our extensive reach, we were more easily able to help those in need. We now had en
...Wynter POV...After a lengthy discussion we all came to the unanimous decision to merge with the Crescent Moon Pack. Everyone had very valid concerns for not merging with them, however, I knew Alpha Landon's pleas were genuine. He was only coming to us as it was his only option. Without a merge, his pack could be killed. A fate no Alpha would ever want for their pack. The five of us decided to go over a sort of job description if you will, for Alpha Landon. He would be a valuable resource, but at the same time we couldn't afford to give him too much power. In order to successfully merge the two packs, there had to be one concise leadership. If others felt that they could turn to Alpha Landon for their problems, it could risk a mutiny.So while Alpha Landon would have power, he would have to go through either myself or Darius to make critical decisions. It was the only safe way to merge the packs, while also allowing Alpha Landon a position as well.Before informing Alpha Landon of
...Darius POV...After Wynter and I had finished, we quickly showered and got ourselves ready to meet with Alpha Landon. I was confused as to why he suddenly showed up. But decided not to look too much into it until I had a chance to hear him out.Wynter stayed by my side as we entered my office. Alpha Landon was seated in the chair in front of my desk. However, he stood as Wynter and I entered my office. "Alpha. Luna." Alpha Landon addressed us, bowing slightly.I had walked over to my chair behind my desk. Wynter dutifully followed, and planned on standing behind me. However, Wynter was my Luna and my equal. Whatever Alpha Landon had planned on talking to me about, now involved Wynter. She had just as much say as what happened in this pack as I did. Which meant that I wanted her to be treated as an equal. I reached over to her, and guided her to sit on my lap. I smiled as Wynter quickly obliged my unasked command, and sat on my lap. I kissed the side of her cheek before turning to
...Darius POV...I awoke to the sounds of birds chirping. I could hear a faint heartbeat nearby and felt an incredible warmth. I opened my eyes to see Wynter lying on top of me. Memories of early this morning began to swim in my mind. I kissed the top of Wynter's head, careful not to move her. She's been running at full tilt ever since she woke up from the hospital. We had nothing pressing that needed to be taken care of, so I decided to just lay here and watch her sleep. I smiled as I remembered our lovemaking from earlier. The feeling was so euphoric. We had both longed for this moment in so long, that it felt like we would never get it. Now that we had the chance, I never wanted this moment to end. Without even trying, Wynter made me the happiest man in the world last night. I began to daydream of our future together. Of Wynter chasing around our pups, as I watched from behind. I pictured myself training our son to fight and to become the next alpha. I pictured Wynter running to t
...Wynter POV...As Darius and I continued to run through the woods, I could feel Caedance grow stronger. It was almost as if we were feeding off of our surroundings. The rush was making us stronger. For the first time, I felt truly in control. I had the sudden urge to test my abilities. So far, Darius had managed to not only keep up with me, but he even managed to run past me. I was both stunned and proud. I wanted to perform a few tests of my own. Caedance had given me some suggestions, and I had wanted to see if they would work. Caedance had suggested we try to hide from Asher to see if he would be able to find us. Much to my surprise, he managed to find me each time. Typically when I would try to hide, I would attempt to cloak myself using a mixture of camouflage, similar to a chameleon. I would focus on my surroundings and soon found myself becoming invisible. I had to hide my scent from him as well, which was probably the most difficult task. Each time I had done it, Darius had
...Darius POV...The air in the room had gone serious as Wynter announced her suspicions. While Wynter and I hadn't had the chance to properly discuss what had happened, we were both suspicious of the outcome. People don't just come back to the dead without being changed. I also can't deny the change I felt inside of me. I had long suspected that I'd been changed, I just wasn't sure exactly how. I already felt far stronger than I already had been. To the point that I often found myself having to dial back my strength. I also felt far faster than I had been. It was as if all of my senses had been heightened. I could now see far better along with smell things from a large distance. I had gone for a run the night I had first woken up after the battle. I had a strong sense of restlessness. The urge to get out quickly became the only thing I could focus on. It was as if my entire body had been electrocuted. Every fibre in my being needed me to go on a run. To get out.I began to have flas
I felt uneasy as we made our way back to Darius' office. I could tell that Darius sensed that something was bothering me, but refrained from asking me. There was just one thing that I couldn't seem to forget. Once we made it back to the office, we all quickly resumed our positions. Darius sitting beside me, placing a hand on my knee as a sign of comfort. I found myself biting my lip as I continued to chew over the thoughts plaguing my mind.I looked over towards Kenji, waiting for him to restart the meeting. Kenji stood up, but didn't start the meeting right away. My anxiety started to run full-course. Before I knew it, I found myself speaking out."What does this mean for us?" I watched as all heads turned to me. Waiting for me to continue."What do you mean my child?" The oracle asks.I find myself nervously biting my lip. I look at Darius for support. I watch as Darius nods his head for me to continue."Xander had told me that if Darius and I completed our mate bond, that it wo
...Wynter POV..."Upon the seven daughters of the seven daughters, the completed ritual shall activate the rise of the true king. While lightning strikes twice, a proposal shall mark the age of love and become the fall of unholy ones. It shall be when fire burns red, the forgotten princesses face, will trigger the return of the resistance. Once the green sea swallows towns, a challenge shall mark the start of war and witness the return of the fallen. Those in power will bend to one knee, bowing before the lost queen.""So what does that actually mean?" Darius asks."It basically means that one the descendent of the Kazakh wolves finds her true mate. The true king will come about. A moment in time, born out of love, will result in the downfall of the ones unloyal to the couple.""But what about the princess triggering the return of existence?" I ask."Wasn't that when Xander first realized or at least suspected your origins? He constantly tried to keep you away from me." Darius remarks
...Darius POV...I was quite possibly the happiest man on earth. The love of my life just said yes to marrying me. She may have already said yes to me once before. But I didn't think it really counted. The first time I hadn't planned on asking her, but I thought there was no better time to do it. I had just shown her how I truly felt about her. No other moment would ever be as special. Even though we were mates, I didn't know for certain if she was going to say yes or not. A proposal isn't ruly a proposal if there isn't a ring. Something I had kicked myself for not having at the time. But it was just so spur-of-the-moment, that I had even surprised myself. While this may not have been the ideal proposal, at least I had a ring for her. I know it would never make a difference to her, but I felt she deserved the best. I wanted to show her how special she was to me. I would make up for my sporadic proposal later this evening. When Wynter was in the hospital, I was continuously plagued by