Christina’s POVWe sat around a firepit roasting marshmallows. Jayden and Kayden are all excited about their upcoming birthday. All six of my boys are so close, they always look after one another. Which is why the midnight runs are so special. Their wolves get the chance to share that bond with their siblings.All the boys already have their wolves. There will be no surprises at midnight. As a family, we had been doing a midnight run for years. This year is no different and we are all fine with that. Especially seeing that there will be cake when we get home. The most important thing is family and being together. Spending the day with your loved ones. I have always believed that as that is what I had growing up. Max and Jax had lavish birthdays, receiving lots of gifts, but never appreciating them. But they prefer my way of celebrating now, they are older. Money can’t buy love.Parker’s POV“At this time and within the hour, you may receive your mother’s power. I wish you all the best
Summer’s POV “Thank goodness that is over.” I say, leaning against Dawson. “It’s hard to believe that they have all turned 18,” he exclaims. “I guess that will be the last joint party. Who knows where they will all end up next year?” The kids’ pre- and post-birthday celebrations have always been a good idea. The day, however, seemed to go on forever. Especially this year, as we are preparing a family supper for everyone. I might not get another opportunity to sit with my children and grandchildren for quite a while. We also want to let everyone know about River and Hunter’s decision. Laughter and smiles filled the room as we ate. Seeing everyone together makes me extremely happy. Nathan and Dawson take my hands and we all stand up together. The room falls silent as everyone focuses their attention on us. Nathan announces to everyone that River and Hunter wish to take the roles of the Wolf King’s. Replacing them once they step down. “Actually,” Hunter says. All our heads t
Freya’s POV “Are you ready?” My mom asked me. “As I will ever be.” I responded. I have been living here at Silver Mountain Pack for the last 13 years. It has become my home and Liam. The man whose power I was given. He has become like a big brother to me. His kids even call me auntie. It was awkward when I first arrived with Dylan. But Liam clarified that removing his gift was the best thing that ever happened to him. I have learned so much since being here. Not just about my gift, but about myself. I think I have thrived being away from my home pack. But now it’s time to go home. My dad’s want to step down as Alpha’s and as their eldest daughter, the responsibility falls to me to take over. I asked one thing before returning, though. I asked if it was possible for me to go on a mission. Like the other elementals do, on behalf of the royal family. I just want the experience, even if it is only once. Both my dads were nervous, but agreed. My mother and twin sisters are ta
Max’s POV “Don’t let mom see you buying that. She will freak out.” I overheard two girls talking. I’m picking up a few supplies for our family run. Although we love the family run, me and Jax were not raised to sleep out under the stars and need a few minor items to be comfortable. “Calm down Lacey. We have the afternoon to ourselves. We don’t have to dress pretty or act properly. Mom won’t be there. We can be ourselves. Let’s grab that backpack and pay for the stuff before she comes in.” One of them says before giggling. “Fill it up then.” The other voice tells her sibling. With only boys at home, our house is filled with laughter. No giggly girls, it’s quite a unique sound they make. Poor kids, though. They make it sound like their mom is really controlling. I can sympathize with them. Growing up, we always had to act a certain way, no matter how much we wanted to go off and enjoy ourselves. ‘Princes aren’t supposed to act like that,’ our grandma would often tell us. Wh
Jacob’s POV I dry my sweaty palms on my shorts. It’s not overly hot, but my nerves are causing me to sweat. I am sitting in front of my best friend Charlie on the coach to the palace. “Calm down,” he says, “we will make the cut.” For the last 12 months, I have been training. Training for the tournament I am heading towards. Training to join the royal guard. No one knows who my parents are or how close I am to the royal family. I told everyone I live on the edge of the River Valley Pack, which is true, and that I needed to figure out where my life was heading. That was why I was there. No one ever questioned me after that. To say the last 12 months have been unreal. I never realized how easy my life was. We were in bed long after dark and up before the sun. The food was basic food, that’s if you got any at all. It was hard, really darn hard. Quickly, I learned to appreciate what was given to me as soon as it was offered. We were all equals and treated the same. Then the train
Darcey’s POV “You okay? Addie asks me. She was waiting for me outside of my assessment room. “Yes.” I snapped at her. “What crawled up your butt and died?” she then asks. My shoulders sag. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to snap. Something happened, and it has annoyed me.” “Not with your test?” she asks me. “Gosh no. I know how to keep my personal and professional lives separate. Something happened after you left me earlier.” “Whatever it is. It needs to wait until later. We need to make it this year. It’s rare that there are so many positions available. We could all get in.” She says, all excited. I know she is right. With Brandon leaving, there are four positions up for grabs. But I need to tell someone before I explode. So, I just blurt it out. “I met my mate, and he doesn’t want me.” Addie’s face drops. “What?” she yelled loudly. Thankfully, there was no one around. “Can all major candidates report to the training ground.” The speaker system delivers the announcem
Jacob’s POV The man who has become my closest friend in the last year leaves me in shock. I can’t believe he would reject Darcey as his mate. I don’t know why he would do that. All I know about Charlie is that he began his life as an orphaned rogue. He ended up alone at the old Wolf Council compound. From there, he went to the Red Valley Pack. He wanted his life to have meaning, to serve his kings and country. He always dreamed of joining the royal guard. “Oh, my goddess. Can you imagine if Darcey is your major?” I started laughing. He didn’t find the humor in my comment. “I think you boys have some explaining to do.” Our drill sergeant says quietly from behind us. We know our drill sergeant for being loud, so when he’s quiet, it’s a sign of trouble. I spun around to look at him. But we are thankfully summoned to the training area for our assessments. “This is not over,” he tells us both. We took to the field. Complete an assault course. Perform as a team in our huma
Esme’s POV “Come on Layton, give it to me.” “No. It’s not your birthday until tomorrow.” I glared at him. “Why did you even bother to tell me that my present had arrived then?” He smiled at me. “Because I knew it would wind you up. You’re so impatient.” I slapped his chest. Just before, I wrapped my arms around his neck. Pulling him to me for a kiss. But I didn’t kiss him. I bit his lip instead and then ran away laughing. He laughs as he chases after me. After catching me, he claimed the kiss that was due to him. “I wish you could be with me.” I told him. “Before midnight, you need to spend time with your family. It might be your last chance for a while. Because I am never letting you out of my sight after that,” he tells me as he tickles me. Making me squeal. From the moment I saw Layton working in the stables years ago, I knew he was the one for me. Everyone thought it was just a crush. But I knew it wasn’t. He is only a couple of years older than me and alr
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