Darcey’s POV “You don’t have to do this. I am sure she will understand.” Our mom tells us all. “We don’t even know what’s going to happen.” I say to her. “How can we say no to our goddess when we don’t know what she wants?” Jack says, clearly agreeing with me. “We want to do this,” Esme then informs her happily. For me, this confirms we all want to be part of whatever is about to happen. “You’re facing the unknown and are facing it together. I am proud of you all.” Mom tells us. We all put on our pendants, knowing where we need to go. We are confident that we will be safe. Steff hasn’t gone to all this effort to cause us harm. Standing on the top floor of the palace. I am mentally preparing myself. I watched as Jack kissed Isabella. “Be safe.” Isabella tells him. I watched as Esme kissed Layton, then they hugged one another. Ayla whimpers at the sight of them. Yes, I have accomplished all my career goals. But my personal life is a mes
Aaron’s POV Before joining us in the SUV, Jacob is talking with a pack member from the Red Moon Pack. They end up shaking hands and laughing. They must be old friends, they’re very comfortable with each other. I climbed in the back with Sindy and Mack. At first, I sat nervously next to Sindy. Axel keeps insisting I mark her. But I keep telling him to shut up. This isn’t the right time or place. Sindy’s focus is solely on Mack right now. He should just feel lucky that I am taking my mate home with me. I know I feel like the luckiest man alive. I put my arm around Sindy and kissed her when she looked my way. I know the situation isn’t great, but this is the greatest day of my life. After our kiss, Sindy gives me a small smile and rests her head on my shoulder. “Is there any chance of stopping somewhere? I want to get her cleaned up.” Sindy asks. Despite the air conditioning being on, Mack’s odor was still noticeable, but I didn’t want to say anything. Jonathan’s intent
Jacob’s POV “Mom.” I shouted as I ran down the stairs. She met me in the foyer. “Mom, I need a crash course in flying,” I told her. “Jacob, it took me a long time and lots of practice.” “I need to learn how to do it right now.” I said to her through gritted teeth. Flying is the fastest way to get to Charlie. My mom looked at me and nodded her head. Gesturing for me to go outside. “For me, I need to keep a clear head, focus on my goals. My gifts are most effective that way as they are based on my emotions,” she tells me. “Mom, teach me how to fly. I need to know, like yesterday.” I barked at her. My patience is growing thin. She looks at me sternly but speaks calmly. “At first, I had to use my hands to fly. When I got more experienced, the wind flowed through my body. Your wolf is the biggest asset in the learning process.” “Okay hands,” I stood there, palms facing down. “Axel help me.” I demanded of my wolf. My eyes were closed as I felt Axel’s strength surge throu
Charlie’s POV It was as if my entire world collapsed around me. When Jacob told me about Darcey, another reminder of how badly I screwed up. I should have been there for her. No doubt someone tried to call. Alpha Ezra insisted on cutting off all forms of communication. He didn’t want anyone to interrupt the pack’s mourning period. He said “if anyone wanted to know what happened, they could drag their lazy arse’s to the Red Valley Pack and speak to him.” This was something he learned from his father. Isaac would say. “A man’s words mean nothing if you can’t look into his eyes while he is saying them. Then you can see if they are genuine.” “How has Darcey been?” I asked Jacob. Trying to break the awkward silence in the car. “Darcey is Darcey. She studies, she trains, she leads. She’s never changed.” He says before snickering. “There were a few of the major candidates that weren’t happy that so many women got the senior positions. Darcey, Addie, and Avery challenged the lot
Darcey’s POV The lake in Selene’s realm is like a window to what is going on down on earth. All you have to do is think about someone and touch the water. I’ve watched Cooper do this several times. Of course, Steff and Selene just have to wave their hands above it. It’s unnerving to think that someone can watch me whenever they like. But for days I have been watching my physical body. My family and friends come together to support each other as they worry about me. Esme never leaves my side. Telling me how much she loves and misses me. She would never say that if she knew I was watching. I have been watching my body grow weaker by the day. Then he walked in. I felt annoyed at the sight of him. “I’d always dreamed of being swept off my feet when I met my mate. You know, just like in the books.” I told Steff, who appeared by my side. “When he told me I wasn’t good enough for him. It hurt. But it made me realize I didn’t have to be good enough for him. I am Darce
Goddess Selene’s POV “I don’t want you to feel pressured into letting me take her.” I told Annie’s weeping parents. They stroked their daughter’s long brown hair. “Will she remember us?” her mom composed herself long enough to ask me. “The daughter, you know, is no longer of this world.” Her parents sobbed. “I am offering to give her body a soul.” “It’s a lot to take in, goddess.” Her father tells me. “Even seeing you here. It is unbelievable.” “I know.” Whether or not she knows it, Steff’s body doesn’t have much time left. Her frequent visits to earth and using her powers has weakened it so much, it will not last much longer. I would normally choose an infant, allowing them to grow up seeing the beauty and hatred in the world. But on this occasion, I make an exception. Annie had an accident a week ago, just before her 18th birthday. She has been in a coma since. The human doctors informed Annie’s parents that she was showing no signs of brain activity. The doctors also men
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
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
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