Summer’s POV The church was in a field by the tree line, didn’t know it was there. Beta Gary led the way. I felt anxious. Two men emerged from the trees. The man from the hospital and another man. He was carrying a small child. We made an agreement, so there is no need to exchange pleasantries. I looked at the boy he was carrying. He was young, about 6 years old. Why did they bring another child? Obviously as payment. But for what? The man from earlier sits on a tree stump and I clean the wound. He hisses as the water touches the wound. I see his fist clench. “It’s sterile water. I am trying to clean out any dirt from your wound.” He acknowledges what I am doing and nods to me to carry on. I put a dressing inside the wound to draw out any of the infected pus. Which should stop an infection from getting worse. “He looked confused. The infection has already started. I need to get rid of it before it spreads any further. If I can deal with the infection, your wolf should be able t
Rogue Leader Isaac’s POV A child broke out of her cell tonight, and Greg went after her. These cells are intended for adults, not skinny children. There are so many children there. I am actually surprised he noticed he noticed one was missing. When we change locations next time, I will handle the cell situation. She wasn’t with him when he returned to camp. If it wasn’t a Blue Moon, my wolf would have ripped him apart for failing such a simple task. He told me about his encounter with a female doctor. A female who bested him in a fight. She could have killed him by the sound of it, but she didn’t. It’s a good job Greg’s wolf is strong. It makes up for his human. Greg is a weak human, especially for a man of his size. He told me about her offer. She thinks that the wound on his arm is definitely infected because of the smell. I don’t even have my wolf’s senses and I can smell it. She has already taken the child, so I don’t see the harm in him being treated. If it is
Summer’s POV I’m exhausted when I wake up, but it’s important for me to see my kids. I miss them. I also know if I sleep too long, I won’t sleep tonight, and I can’t afford my sleeping pattern to be too erratic. Evie and the girls are playing with the kids when I enter the room. Someone gave me coffee and cereal. I could have eaten it ten times over. Evie notified me that the children wished to have a picnic in the fort they had constructed in the lounge area. While the finishing touches are being made for the fort and picnic. I seize the opportunity to get in the shower. As I get dressed afterwards, I think about Mrs Clayton and how Alpha Jackson was beside her the entire time. In my view, this quality makes him a good Alpha. Then I think about how the Alpha and Luna acted last night. We retrieved all the children without any violence, just by offering some basic items and skills. Then I think about how the rogues live and how they don’t have access to necessities.
Summer’s POV We spent hours playing in the hospital suite after returning. But I needed a little more rest. If tonight was a repeat of last night, I should have slept throughout the day. But I am a mom first. Everything else is secondary to my kids. It’s eerie when I go to the hospital ward. There are still only a few patients with minor injuries. There are more staff than patients. Even then, we have the whole ward cleared out by 11pm. What a turnaround from last night. Luna Lucy arrives with some pictures that the children drew for me as a way of showing their thanks. I take the picture, telling Luna Lucy “Anyone would have done the same thing.” She smiles and says, “No. No, they wouldn’t have. Most people avoid rogues at all costs. But you, you don’t see them that way. Do you?” “No, I see them as people, people who, for whatever reason, had to leave their pack. People who needed help. I remember someone like that a few years ago. She was able to receive help thro
Summer’s POV Between contractions, the woman tells me her name is Eleanor. She was an omega in a pack and treated poorly every day. When she found her mate, they decided it was better to become a rogue than suffer the constant abuse they were being subjected to. That’s how they found Isaac, their leader. He brings together rouges and they live as a community. She tells me how her mate is loving and caring. Her contractions are getting closer. Elizabeth tries to teach her some breathing techniques. However, she doesn't understand the concept. Maybe if she had been practicing them throughout her pregnancy, they may have helped. But at this late stage, they are pointless. A friend of Eleanor’s came to the church. She looked nervous but sat beside her friend and held her hand. She encouraged her to use the gas at times when it was appropriate. Eleanor was growing tired and struggling with her pain. I give her some pain relief and encourage her to keep using the gas and air. Whe
Summer’s POV I was woken up by three energetic toddlers. Who are extremely excited about getting out of the hospital today. They want to sleep in their own beds, play with all their toys, and have their own garden to play in. I agree with them. We have spent far too much time cooped up in the hospital. “Let’s go for a walk and discover a secret family spot.” I tell them all. Like it’s a secret. “Somewhere we can have picnics in the future. Just us.” This makes all of them happy. Especially Evie, who overheard the entire conversation but pretended she hadn’t. The good news for Evie is that she gets the entire afternoon to herself. While we are out exploring, I get a mind link informing me that Alpha Jackson has called for a mandatory pack meeting the next morning. He also tells me he wants to meet me before it, privately. “Great, what have I done now? Could he not give me a break? I have had a busy couple of days.” I asked Alexis. Who just snorts at me. We all get dresse
Summer’s POV A meeting was arranged within a week. Either Alpha Jackson is keen to avoid any further attacks or Isaac is keen for his pregnant female members to be cared for. I listen to what both parties want before I offer my contribution. This will determine their level of commitment. “I want the facility to be built either near the church or the church expanded to accommodate my needs. It’s close enough to the forest for everyone’s protection.” They both nodded their heads. “I need a competent assistant. Elizabeth would be brilliant. We get along really well, and she is efficient. But then you have no experienced medical staff in the hospital.” Alpha Jackson looks at Isaac. “If all goes well today, we may not need senior medical staff at the hospital.” Isaac grins at him and nods his head. “I will allocate pack members time slots for pre and postnatal care. These may have to be pushed back because of unexpected labor. I do not want any squabbling over cancellations
Summer’s POV His hands feel so good on my body. My head is telling me to stop him. My heart tells me to stop him, but my body wants him to continue. Before I moaned again, I straightened up and asked him to stop. I had to. He looked hurt. I guess he doesn’t put himself out there very often. I mean, he’s attractive enough. He is still a man and I am a woman. I could definitely get some thrills from his body. He would benefit from a good wash and if he could keep his mouth shut. I don’t even mind that he is a rogue. But what bothers me is that he kills for no reason and that is not what I am about. We also have a business arrangement which I can’t jeopardize. I let him know my decision. He took a step closer to me. I feel like I could jump his bones right now. I am that starved for physical contact. But if things go wrong, it’s not worth it, so I put my hands up to stop him. To be honest, I am flattered by his offer. I mean, it’s the only offer I have had in yea
Charlie’s POV “What are we going to do, Jacob? How did we end up losing track of so much time? Darcey is going to kill me.” “Don’t worry too much. Darcey will be at home, tucked up in bed. She won’t even notice you were gone.” Is he serious? Darcey will know. We’re trying for a baby, and she is demanding sex every night. Not just a quick session either! The past week she has been hornier than ever, and I have been running on fumes. She will know I’m not there. I knew it was a mistake. Letting our wolves go for a run before the blue moon. But Jacob insisted. He convinced me I had been stressed lately. That I needed to let off some steam. Now I was going to be in a bucket full of crap. Thanks Jacob, I think to myself. Our wolves took over, blocking us out. They only let us have our bodies back because they became dormant. Now here we are standing here bollock naked in the middle of nowhere, miles from home. “It’s going to take ages to get back.” “It’s going to take you ages.
Stephanie’s POV “Steff. How are you feeling?” A voice asked me. “Horrible. My head hurts so much.” Am I speaking to someone in my mind? Whoever it is laughing at me. Did I actually die? I can’t have died. I would be back in the wolf realm. From the smells in this place, I am definitely not there. In fact, one smell is so very good, like delicious. I can’t put my finger on it, but it is mouth watering. “That’s our mate.” The voice says again. “I don’t have a mate. I don’t have a wolf.” “You do now. Selene sent me to you.” I slowly figured out that’s who I was talking to me. “There’s so much you need to know, Steff. Or is it Annie or Stephanie?” “No, no, no.” I’m so confused. “What I need to know is which wolf Selene sent me?” Whoever she is shakes herself and stands proud. She then pounds her feet. How do I know what she is doing? “Selene sent me to you. She said, I am to look after you. Ensure you get life-long happiness and joy. The love you deserve.” “Fine,
Hecate’s POV “An opportunity has risen. You’re the perfect choice for the role.” I tell the couple that have been living an isolated life. They both look at me. “Selene needs to give a wolf less soul, the powers of the blue moon goddess. Only someone who is willing can accept the powers. It would mean you would have to live in the wolf realm. With him forever.” I said, gesturing towards her mate. “I can live here with him forever.” She responds. “You can live there forever and oversee your children and grandchildren. You can be with their wolves for all eternity.” I now have the attention of them both. “Can I visit them?” She asks curiously. “Occasionally,” I tell her. I know Selene will restrict visits, especially after Steff burned through her last body so fast. “I also want to negotiate with Selene about you overseeing any hybrids. They need support and guidance. Given your experience in this field, I thought it would be fitting.” She looks at me, then at the wolf at her side.
Tripp’s POV “You are a goddam idiot. You just walked away from her. I thought you said you wouldn’t be rejecting her, no matter what?” I said snappily to Elliot. Still not quite believing he walked away from our mate. He walked away and shifted. “I won’t be rejecting her. It’s just a lot to take in. I needed to process everything she told me. She has lived so many lives, knows everything about us. Not to mention she is in our mate’s body. That’s just weird.” “You couldn’t have told her that?” I roared at him angrily. I have been Elliot’s wolf for a long time and that by far is the stupidest thing he has ever done. “Steff’s body was dying because of her frequent visits to earth, to save your family. Annie’s soul was gone, her body was dying. Why can’t she have a life? She has helped so many over the years and is a good friend to all of us wolves.” I said now, trying to reason with the fool. “Do you know her?” Elliot asked me. “Yes. She lives in the wolf realm most of the time with
Elliot’s POV After my graduation, Dad decided to stop at Blackwood farm on his way home to the palace. Dad wanted to visit his mom’s grave. During my studies, I visited Blackwood farm many times. It was so quiet and away from the busyness of the school. It was a great place to study and Tripp, my wolf, loved being surrounded by nature. Dad visited whenever he came to see me. But he always got upset. This will be the last time he will visit Blackwood Farm for quite a while. I expect him to be worse today. I drove back in the early hours of the morning. I know Elizabeth and I have agreed I will start on Monday. But I am so excited. She is looking forward to some time off. My great aunt Elizabeth has been a great mentor since I started my training. I know my grandma has been as well, but she doesn’t practice anymore. Even though I am a few days early, she hands me my white coat. It feels so official putting it on. I can’t stop smiling as she gives me the tour o
Stephanie’s POV “Come on Stephanie. We’re going to be late.” Charlie calls out to me. I know he wants to get to work early today. But, of course, on the day I am supposed to be ready early. Everything goes wrong and I am running late. Darcey gave Charlie a chance. I am thrilled she did. Knowing what he overcame puts my heart at rest that they will take care of each other forever. Since then, Charlie has become a valued member of the kingdom. Proving to Darcey and everyone else that he is a worthy mate for her. She made him work for it, though. Part of the agreement between them was that he didn’t join the royal guard. He agreed not only because Darcey asked him not to, but because he knew Addie and Avery would make his life hell. They still hold a grudge because of his actions and the emotional suffering they caused her. Instead, Charlie got a job teaching the kids in the kingdom’s school. He also organizes regular camping trips for older children and aids with a program to
Steff’s POV I look at both of Annie’s parents. They look lost. “Will you keep her name?” “I would prefer to keep my own name.” Her mom looked like she was about to cry again. “How about a compromise? Combine the two. How does Stephanie sound?” She nods her head, composing herself. “Why is Hecate coming?” Annie’s father asks. “Annie’s body will need to be strengthened to house my soul. It won’t hurt Annie. I assure you.” Her father’s body seemed to sag with relief. “After the soul transfer. I will stay for a while. Let you say really say goodbye to her.” I don’t think they know what to say to that. But they will when the time comes. “No one is to know about this. It has never happened in the past.” I told them both. Just before Hecate appeared. Her appearance can be alarming if you’re not used to seeing her. Hecate has dark hair and dark eyes. For supernatural occasions, which this is, Hecate wears dark clothes and a spiked headpiece. She looks like an evi
Darcey’s POV When I woke up, all I wanted to do was find Charlie. The images in the lake still broke my heart. But what I needed more than anything was a drink. Elizabeth had been hydrating my body with some intravenous fluids, but my throat was as dry as a desert. Then people started fussing over me. “Take it easy was Caren’s advice.” Esme assured Caren I would. Then she promised to stay by my side until I made a full recovery. “Ayla, you had better make this a swift recovery.” I told her. Although I love my sister, spending a lot of time with her could be challenging. In fact, I am not sure we would be friends if we weren’t sisters. We are that different. But we are always there for one another. I know Charlie isn’t going anywhere. Nat visited me, telling me she had confined him and Jacob to a suite on the first floor. “You make it sound like he is a prisoner.” Esme says curiously to her. “He saved her life.” “I know,” Nat says sweetly. “When Darcey is feeling bet
Goddess Selene’s POV “You said we had more time.” Annie’s mom questions me. I want to remind her I am a goddess. But I really want Steff to have Annie’s body. “You do. I can now answer your questions.” I explained to Annie’s parents. Steff steps forward. “I am the blue moon goddess. I take care of the wolves in Selene’s realm during the blue moon and the eclipse. Your wolves know me well. The rest of the time, I am Selene’s companion. In my youth, my physical body hurt so badly it died. I now require a host body, a vessel to house my soul. Selene says you are considering letting me use your daughter’s body?” “Yes,” Annie’s father says proudly. “It would be an honor.” “I just want to know she will be cared for.” Her mom cried. “I have taken care of many bodies over my long life. Your daughter will be no different.” Her mom cries again but nods her head, implying her consent. “Steff, will you remain with them until Hecate arrives? I have business elsewh