Jason's POV Walking through the packhouse, I sighed. Morning training was the last thing I wanted to be doing today, I really could have done with an easy office day today. With Archer awol- my body ached. It didn't help that my head thundered after my disagreement with Tommy this morning. I knew I was feeling sorry for myself, but I honestly did feel lost without Archer. He had been part of my life for as long as I could remember. I knew most got their wolves when they hit their late teens, but Archer had been with me since at least my 4th birthday. When I started talking about my friend 'Archer', my parents thought I had an imaginary friend, but they soon realised it was my wolf. Throughout the years, Archer and I had disagreements and fallings out, but that was normal when you spent 24 hours a day with someone, especially someone as self-righteous as Archer. But he had never fully shut me out before. Sighing heavily, I considered for a brief moment if Abigail was going to com
Damien's POV Thanks to my family's bloodline, sleep wasn't something I needed but instead chose to do. I wasn't some mere mortal who needed to 'recharge their batteries' or 'get some beauty sleep'. I was lucky enough to be handsome and alert 24/7. However, tonight was a rare exception to my rules. Lying next to Red, her head resting against my chest as she giggled at some chick flick we had settled on watching, I felt my body relax in ways it had not before. Maybe it was the way she absentmindedly trailed her fingertips across my chest in little patterns or the way her heart slowly stopped racing and eased into a steady, strong beat, soothing my soul. Whatever the reason, I was not complaining. Smiling as I opened my eyes to see her head nuzzled perfectly in the crook of my neck, her hands tightened under my arms and around my back, hugging herself to my chest tightly. My arms cradled her head protectively. Even in my sleep, I wanted to keep her safe. Being this close to her w
Abigail's POV Growing up, I thought that my unique black and white wings were a warning from God, a daily reminder of the constant struggle I would have to face navigating through life, fighting the urge to give in to the primal need for destruction and chaos that I had inherited from my father. I wanted to believe God had faith in my strength and determination not to allow sin and corruption to take root inside me; believing instead, he wanted me to follow my mother's example of compassion and mercy. But I knew he would test my faith and resolve from time to time- like now in the realm of sleep—a place where I could so easily close my eyes and shut out the harrowing cries of innocence. I had grown up to be ashamed of my wings; they always reminded me of how different I was, how unnatural and damned. I can count the times I have shown them to people on one hand. One! My mother! That is it! So, it seemed fitting to unleash my one white, one black wing in a world where they belong
Jason's POV Leaving my Father's office, I felt like I was going to throw up; my only saving grace was that I had not eaten anything yet! Nor would I have time now! Following my Father and Marcus down the stairs with Tommy silently at my side, I could feel the apprehension rolling off him. I knew he was picking up on the dread that was eating me up. Kicking myself for being unable to hide it from him, I didn't want to concern the pack with my suspicions until I had chance to talk to Abigail! Coming to stand beside my Father on the steps of the packhouse, I tried to steady my racing heart, locking my hands behind my back stoically. Tommy and Marcus stood to my right, my mother; the packs Luna appeared beside her mate. Taking his hand in her loving embrace, I knew my Father had linked her and asked her to come and address the pack with him; he wanted to show unity and strength. Marcus whistled to get the pack's attention, sensing their alpha had something to say; they all assembled
Maxwell's POV Staring into the sinister flames that danced around the once magnificent gothic church, a sense of unbearable sorrow washed over all who stood and observed the misery the hellfire unleashed upon these people's faith! Its ancient walls, composed of intricate sculptures and brightly stained-glass windows, crumbled dramatically around the glorious gold and stone altar as if a force protected the heart of the church. An overwhelming reminder of the last time I had witnessed these flames devouring our land played through my mind; Like now, the menacing flames left nothing in their wake but heartbreak and destruction. A neighbouring pack had crossed onto our territory under the pretence of looking for a rogue wolf who had apparently fled through our land after slaughtering one of their elders. We had agreed to help them search through our domain, not fully trusting them or their story. And we were right to have been suspicious because once they were within our borders,
Damien's POV "The cavalry's here", Ares chuckled discreetly to me; turning in the direction I had just come from, I quietly observed the scene before me. The washed-up alpha and his pack stood handing out aid to the town folk while boy wonder headed towards the source of everyone's anguish. "Let's see how Mr High 'N' Mighty fares against hellfire, shall we!" I retorted with a chuckle; staying in the shadows, I followed the turd to the church grounds. The horror that spread across his face as he looked up at the ominous flames was hysterical! "Call yourself an Alpha, yet you quiver and shake at the sight of a tiny fire!" I laughed to myself, watching him curiously. "How is this dude even a consideration for our angel? He couldn't punch his way out of a paper bag, let alone protect her," Ares huffed, watching the pipsqueak through my eyes cautiously. A low growl rumbled through my chest, seeing the pack's useless alpha come and stand beside his son. I could feel Ares's despera
Jason's POV "Jay, I need you to keep your composure! This imbecile is trying to finish what his damn Father started and get a rise out of the pack! They are looking for provocation- If you react, they will have just that." Marcus' voice resounded through my head firmly. I knew he was right; the logical thing to do would be to ignore the slurs, but this touched fool was getting on my last nerve. Talking about Abigail like she was no more than a common whore. How he dragged her name through mud proved too much for Archer, his temper running rampant through me; his brutal growl vibrated from my chest, shocking even me. "Archer, Marcus is right! Don't give in to these psychopath's taunts." I soothed, linking my wolf. I decided to open the link up to my Father and Marcus in case I couldn't control my wolf; I would have the backup I may need. Although given how my Father had lost his cool two minutes ago and almost faced off against this brutes Father, I was a little sceptical at hi
Abigail's POV Jolting up right from a deep sleep, confusion whizzing around my head: moments ago, I had been in a different realm made of glass towers, a realm so delicate I was scared I would shatter it with my clumsy feet. I wasn't alone, though; I was with... the darkness! Memories poured back into my mind of the heinous crimes I had inflicted on people. People of this town! On whim! Closing my eyes to hold the tears at bay, I realised that the thunderous banging I had woken up to was not in my dream but on my apartment door! "GO AWAY!" I grumbled, turning over on the sofa; a reminder of the night before played through my mind; I had fallen asleep with Damien! Curled up next to him! Looking around slowly, the banging had momentarily stopped; I gave my eyes a second to focus, hoping they would find Damien's confident grin, one I had grown to adore over the last few days. Maybe he had moved to sleep on the chair or floor or even had to pee! "Damien, can you get it? My body is