Lottie’s POV I am still worried about Caren when I climb into Maddox’s SUV. But I know mom will look after her. “Where to?” Maddox asked. “The human town, please.” I told him, still distracted. “I need to pick up a few things.” He grabs my hand. “She will be okay,” he tells me, trying to reassure me. I know she will be. She has to be. What would I do without my big sister? Trying to change the subject, “We need to go to the bakery and the florist.” I told Maddox. We travel in silence and are there in no time when he pulls the vehicle over. We climb out we are heading to the florists, passing a diner along the way. “Would you like a milkshake, Lottie?” He asks. Really, I want to rush home, but what will I do when I get there? Sit and stress about Caren? At least I am out of the house and have a sexy-looking man to distract me. “You know what, okay?” We ordered milkshakes and fries and we sat and talked. He told me about where he was from, about g
Maddox’s POV I could have intervened in the diner, but Lottie needed the confidence to fight her own battles. As Luna, this is a skill she needs to hone. If that was the girl from school that Parker was telling me about, she was lucky I was there. If I wasn’t, I was not sure Lottie would have held back. Then again, if I wasn’t there, Lottie may not have been in the diner. I wondered why Lottie was organizing flowers for her mom. But I guess it’s just something they do in their family, so we picked up the flowers from the florist. I found the interaction between Lottie and the florist exceptionally bizarre, especially when he winked at her. I think if he were a young man, I would have thought he was trying to flirt with my mate. But he was extremely old, like in his 70s. Xavier was not worried about him running off with her either. Lottie explained to me that she and the florist, Mr. Johnson, had had the same interaction every year, with the same words spoken and gestur
Xavier’s Pov It’s a shame this isn’t a real hunt. I would enjoy taking down an Alpha Wolf. But Maddox keeps reminding me I am only about to trap him. He doesn’t need the stress of the Wolf Council breathing down his neck for attacking another Alpha for no reason. Every time I think I see a wolf in the woods, I think it’s him, but it’s not. It’s just another wolf, searching, or maybe it is one of the patrol wolves. Regardless, they are making this difficult. I also have no way of communicating with pack members to stay out of my way. It was getting dark when I heard howling. I guess someone spotted him. I ran to the sound of the howling wolves and I saw him. He is big, he is definitely black, but he is old and looks tired. “Found him. Follow the howling wolves.” I mind linked Saxon. I keep my eye on Alpha’s wolf until Saxon arrives. We need strength in numbers to trap him safely. Saxon always appears on my right side, just like Parker is always on Maddox’s right side.
Caren’s POV I went upstairs after breakfast with my mom, Lottie, and Maddox. I was really upset at the thought of Lottie moving away. We have always been there for each other. What would I do without her, while I am stuck here with our mom? I mean, I love her, but to be stuck with her and no one else. I may go crazy. I walked over to my dresser to get ready for my day. After all, it is the day before my birthday. Out of nowhere, I started with the worst headache I have ever had in my life. It felt like my head was about to explode. I clenched my teeth because of the pain. The pain was so severe I couldn’t even yell. I put my hands to my head, trying to heal the ache a little, which has worked occasionally on smaller migraines in the past. When the pain eased a touch, I opened my eyes. I saw my reflection in the dresser mirror. It was the same as always, but my eyes. My eyes are green, but right now they are glowing green. I leaned on the dresser top, pushing my face clo
Lottie’s POV I watched mom leave Caren’s bedroom, I then sneaked in. We would do this when we were kids. For any reason, we were scared, had a bad day or we just wanted to talk. I also think we just wanted a hug. As we got older and physically bigger, we struggled to get two people in our small beds and our sleepovers had just stopped. That was until last night when Caren climbed into bed with me, but tonight I was worried about my sister, so I climbed into bed with her. My big sis, who I love so much and would probably die if anything happened to her, are my thoughts. I fell asleep too. That is until I got pushed out of her bed. My first thought was ‘that bitch’ as I lay on the wooden floor. But I could hear Caren in the bathroom struggling to breathe, and I immediately felt guilty. She then ran downstairs. I jumped up and ran after her. “Mom” I screamed as I followed my sister, who ran outside. Her whole body was shaking. Mom is beside me in a few seconds. “Car...”
Lottie’s POV It feels like I’ve been running forever. I know the territory, but I think I don’t know where she could have gone. My mind is just all over the place. I just need to find her before anything else does. When I ran around a boulder, I nearly crashed into a girl wearing a blue dress. I stopped suddenly and froze, looking at her “kneel.” My inner voice screamed at me. What? Why? “Kneel” she screams again. This time I do as I am told and kneel. The girl approached me. She is slim and has long brown hair. She delicately takes hold of my head and whispers, “I’m allowing the gift to be used before its time, but only once.” I was about to let her know that I didn't think she had the right person, but when I looked up, she was gone. I glanced all around, but she was nowhere to be seen. I stood up, determined to keep searching for my sister. “Danger” my voice screams loudly in my head. Before I could react, a wolf shoved me against the boulder. I had to gr
Maddox’s POV I spent the night in wolf form next to an irate Alpha Hudson. Every sound Xavier was on point. I am not sure he slept much at all. He was extremely restless. Something was bothering him, but when I asked him, he didn’t seem to know. In the morning, Parker walked into the valley with a breakfast for Alpha Hudson and me. He slipped one into the cage and headed in my direction, which was when Xavier gave me back control of our body. I put some shorts on while I was eating. “How was your evening?” I asked my brother. “Informative,” he says, looking around us. “I spent the evening being entertained by the Beta’s oldest daughter, Ella Thorne. She was a bundle of energy and liked to chat.” He looked around the valley and nodded towards one warrior walking around. I nodded, acknowledging what he meant. He wants to have a private conversation, where no one can hear what he is about to say. “According to Ella, her dad has been Beta here for nearly 18 years. He only came
Millie’s POV I have been hiking for hours and have not come across either of my girls. They have to be somewhere, I tell myself as I sit, having a drink of water. When I heard growling coming from behind the trees, ‘crap’ is what I thought to myself. My only hope is that they think I am a lost hiker and leave me alone. There are not many human disappearances in these parts, mainly because no one wants the human authorities wandering around the area. I text Lottie ‘911’, hoping she knows I need help and can track me using our family app. Aidan told me once that wolves love a chase, so unless you are confident you can get away, but your best bet is to climb, hoping they will get bored. If they think I am a human who has climbed a tree, they won’t stick around as they usually have a job to do. As soon as I spotted a tree that I may be able to climb, I ran towards it. But I didn’t make it very far before a wolf snapped its jaws on my trouser leg and was dragging me along
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