Frankie POV
“I just messaged the Alpha that we found the girls.” Marcus said. “Good. Is everyone okay here?” I asked. “Nikki is unconscious, she lost some blood. We don’t know if there are any more injuries yet.” Charity replied.
I took two strides and was standing beside Nikki looking down at her still body. I removed the torn piece of cloth from Nikki’s head and could see that it was still very lightly bleeding. I bent over and began to lick the head wound, “What are doing, that’s gross Frankie.” Silvie said with absolute disgust. “Alpha saliva, Silvie. The saliva of a true Alpha blood or a mate can help healing. And since she isn’t old enough for a mate and I am the next Alpha of this pack, I can at least stop the bleeding.” I answered.
“Are you two girls okay?” Marcus asked. “Would you lick me if I said I wasn’t?” Charity replied. “Oh, I'll lick something alright. Except I am Gamma blood and since you aren’t of age, the most you’ll get is moaning out my name when I do.” Marcus taunted.
“ENOUGH!” I shouted and then lowered my voice. “Okay first things first, how long has Nikki been out? Second, how did she get the gash on her head that knocked her out?” I asked.
“We don't exactly know a specific amount of time, but maybe if I tell you how things went, we could figure it out.” Silvie said. “Okay Silvie, just talk fast so we can determine how best to help Nikki. Tatum, can you link the pack doctor and have Dr. Lynn bring a stretcher and a transport vehicle?” I asked.
“Okay, we left right after the apex like we said we would. It must have been about 5 minutes after we left and heard the attack start. We took off running to get further away, since we didn’t have our wolves to help. When the pack warriors came running towards us, heading for the battle, we ducked behind a big boulder to get out of the way. Then we remembered the old mine wasn’t far and took off running in this direction. Nikki was in an all out sprint and must not have seen the minor drop and went flying. She landed and hit her head. Charity and I picked her up and brought her in here. And she still hasn’t woken up.” Silvie recounted.
Alpha Kieran, Beta Bill, and Gamma Xavier walked in just ahead of Dr. Lynn with the stretcher. “Tatum, Marcus, walk the Richards twins home and then you guys can go speak to the warriors and tell them how this mess started. After we get Ms.Gaffney to the pack hospital and settled, we’ll all meet up.” Alpha Kieran ordered.
“Okay gentlemen, I put a neck brace on Nikki here and we just need to slip the stretcher underneath carefully and transfer her to the transport vehicle.” Dr. Lynn said. “Dr. Lynn, do you think there could be more damage? Charity and Silvie had to pick Nikki up to move her in here to safety?” I asked.
“Don’t worry just yet young Alpha, the neck brace is just a precaution until we can get Nikki in and do an MRI to see if there is more damage than what we see on the surface here. She must have bounced or rolled seeing as the bruise is on one eye and the gash is on the opposite side of her face.” Dr. Lynn said, trying to be calming in the situation.
“Uhm… the bruise was there before the fall. Charity and Sidney had words and Nikki pushed Charity out of the way of Sidney’s fist. So the black eye was separate.” I said, a bit sheepishly. “Sounds like it was quite an evening even before the attack happened.” Alpha Kieran said, arching his eyebrow while looking at me. “Yeah, uhm I will fill you in on the details later.” I replied.
“It looks as though the gash on her face is already healing, so that looks promising.” Dr. Lynn said, while checking Nikki out in the lights from the back of the transport vehicle. “She was still bleeding a little when we found her and the twins, so I licked her.” I said, a little embarrassed. “That was good thinking Frankie. Alpha Kieran, you taught him to think clearly even in stressful situations.” Dr. Lynn said, very matter of factly. “He is very level headed, his mother and I are proud. Once he finds his Luna, I can retire without hesitation.” Alpha Kieran said, while patting me on the shoulder.
Nikki POV The darkness is interrupted. I can't open my eyes yet, but I can see light behind my eyelids. I can’t move any part of my body. I am in pain, my head is throbbing. I am alive, I can hear voices, one sounds like Alpha, another like Frankie, and mom she sounds like she is crying. I am paralyzed, that must be why mom is crying. OH GODDESS NO! Please no, don’t let me be paralyzed. If by some chance Frankie ends up being my mate at the next blood moon, he will surely reject me! I have to wake up! I can feel tears streaming down my face as this terrible nightmare rolls through my head. I slowly manage to get my eyes to open, just a little because the lights are so bright. I can see my mom talking to Dr. Lynn. “Mom?” I managed to croak out. “Oh Thank the Goddess, you’re awake!” Mom said, as she rushed over and placed a kiss on my forehead. I shift my eyes slightly to the side, because I can feel a strong presence on the side opposite from mom. OH MY GODDESS, it’s Frankie! I am
Frankie POV “At this point,it looks like the rogue attack was not random last night. It appears to be provoked, however we don’t know who and why yet.” Alpha Kieran spoke to the group of current and future leaders of the pack. “Okay then, How do we protect our borders against an unknown enemy then?” Beta heir Tatum asked. “Sometimes, The best defense is a good offense. We train every able body to fight. If they are not able to shift yet, then we focus on combat in human form.” Alpha Kieran stated. “But don’t we pretty much do that now, Alpha?” Gamma Xavier stated. “We have up until now left it optional for females under 17 and males under 12. I think it would make us stronger if we started all pups at 8. Pups under 15 would see no battle at all and pups 15 to 17 would be our last line of defense, essentially there to defend those heading for the bunkers, on the chance that enemies could slip through the warriors and those with the ability to fight in wolf form.” Alpha Kieran replied.
Nikki POV Monday morning is here and I am totally dreading Frankie seeing me all sweaty. I dress in my favorite teal sports bra, a pair of tight black leggings, and some joggers and head over to the training grounds. I am already not feeling it, because all I did was lounge around this weekend. I see my friend group and walk over to them. “Hey guys.” I chirped, with false enthusiasm. Charity grumbles “Hey”, Silvie smiles and says “Hey back at ya”, and Jonas, as usual makes an inappropriate comment “Well if it isn’t the founder of the ity bity tity committee.” “Knock it off Jonas, someone could hear you!” I growled as I smacked the back of his head. “Oh come on Nikki, I was just playing. Besides, isn't the saying, ‘More than a mouthful is a waste?” Jonas teased. “Okay well if we’re all done talking about our friends body parts, we can get this training started.” Frankie said looking directly at us and I know my face is a deep shade of red. Beta Bill says, “Pair off and spar.” “Okay
Alpha Kieran POV As I hung up the phone with Alpha Hollis, I mind linked my Beta and Frankie to come to my office. Frankie was now sitting sprawl legged into one of the chairs in front of my desk, while Beta Bill sat tensed in the other. “I received a phone call from Alpha Hollis. He wants to set up an alliance, but was reluctant to tell me the terms by phone. He and his heir will be here at noon tomorrow. I can’t say that I am not concerned that he didn’t want to talk terms over the phone, but I want to us to be prepared for him to drop a metaphorical bomb on us.” I told them. Frankie sat up and said, “Why is he bringing Kendall? He’s almost as much of an asshole as his father is and as worthless as tits on a bullfrog.” “Well son, I don’t know, but I think it would be best that you were here as well. Bill, I want you and Xavier posted right outside the office, so whatever adjustments need to be made for the training schedule needs to be decided and posted immediately.” I answered
Alpha Kieran POV ‘Alpha, we have just cleared Alpha Hollis and his heir through border security.’ One of the warriors mind linked. ‘Thank you’ I linked back and looked at everyone in the room, “Alright team, it’s showtime. I will leave the link open for Bill and Xavier to be able to hear the meeting, despite the soundproofing. I had the desk chair brought in from Bill’s office, so you can sit behind the desk with me Frankie. It will be your space soon enough anyway. I don’t expect any difficulties, Hollis isn’t an enemy, but I don’t necessarily consider him an ally either.” I said as I gave last minute instruction. “Agree to disagree or peacefully coexist?” Frankie replied. “Exactly.” I said. As Alpha Hollis was shown into the room, pleasantries were exchanged and then seats offered to the guests. Kieran: “I hope the trip over was uneventful?” Hollis: “Yes, quite. 45 minutes through neutral territory, looks as though the humans are doing a festival of some sorts.” Kieran: “Ok en
Frankie POV As I walk to the training grounds. I am caught up in thoughts about the meeting with Alpha Hollis. Guy is a total dick and so is his son. Still not sure why he was even at the meeting today. Maybe daddy was teaching him how to be absurd. I mean who uses their daughter mating to propose an alliance? Probably more than I realize, he doesn’t really seem smart enough to come up with that himself. I would never do that to a child of mine. Besides, she’s probably ugly or a total bitch or something. I am really hoping that I find my fated mate. I don’t necessarily want a chosen mate, but if I did, I don’t want to mate with a stranger. But maybe I should actually open my eyes and be aware of who is available and would be a good luna. Nikki POV After swimming all morning in the river with my friends, I have to get ready for training. I think I will wear my red strappy sports bra and navy leggings with my joggers. And since my hair is not going to cooperate without me showering
Frankie POV Well, I can’t say I ever really thought of Nikki before now. She is cute though, dark honey blonde hair and chocolate brown eyes, firm little breasts about the size of a peach and a plump pear shaped ass. Girl is a feast and I am a starving man dying to take a bite. This is probably not the time to start getting wound up about a girl considering everything that is going on with the rogue attack, the threat of more, and then of course there is Alpha Hollis and his indecent proposal and the possibility that I could meet my mate at the the Blood Moon ball that we have decided to host in November. I know Nikki isn’t 18 yet, but I wonder when her birthday is. Will she be old enough to attend the ball? Is she Luna material? I know she can take a punch and I admit she can throw a good one too. She stepped up to defend her friend from being punched, so there is compassion. I really should get her out of my head, but in all honesty I just don't want to. What I really want is to
Nikki POV I felt a shadow come over me and when I opened my eyes I saw the object of my affection standing over me with an unreadable look on his face. So I sat up and said, “Hi.” He was just looking down at me and I couldn’t help but stare at his chest while he breathed in and out. His muscles are on display in all their glory. “Hello Little Bee.” Frankie said and gave a half smile. Then he continued, “You know it isn’t safe to be out here alone with the recent rogue issues.” Frankie himself looked a little dangerous at the moment and I couldn’t help but think ‘Who’s afraid of the big bad wolf’. I tilted my head to the side while looking up at him and said, “I wasn’t going to be here once the sun starts to set. But I can handle myself pretty well.” “You’re good at hand to hand Nikki, better than a lot, but you still haven’t shifted and if a rogue snuck up on you, you’d probably be killed,” he responded. “Why Alpha, I didn’t know you cared so much.” I said trying to sound sarcast
Mia POV I am not one hundred percent sure what Kendall means by public awaits, but I know I wouldn’t be dressed like this for any small event. So I eagerly placed my hand in his and followed Kendall to the back of the packhouse. When we stepped out of the back door we weren’t outside though. There was a dome that had been erected and decorated like a grand ballroom. The linens were deep burgundy and the table decor was greenery heavily trimmed in gold. The scene was absolutely breathtaking and my heart was so full, my chest could have burst right open. This had been done for me? But why? When a familiar voice came over the P.A. system, my head whipped in the direction of a small stage. “So, when I used to tease my sister about sending her far away to some evil Alpha, I never really thought about the fact that she might actually end up on the other side of the country mated to an Alpha that absolutely adores her. Phoenix Storm, may I present to you the guest of honor Luna Mia Rose De
Mia POV As Gabby drove me home I thought about Nikki and Frankie’s romantic evening ahead. I won’t lie, I am just a little jealous. Frankie is still attentive to Nikki, and I wish I could say the same was true for Kendall and I. Maybe I should try getting all dressed up and taunt Kendall with naughty suggestions. But sex doesn’t really seem to be our problem though, he’s been a little cold and closed off, he even has the mind-link blocked most of the time. Maybe I should go home for a visit. It has been a few weeks since I have seen mommy and daddy and I really haven’t gotten to know Eli’s mate Cadence. They say distance makes the heart grow fonder, so maybe if we spent a little time apart things will get better. There has to be something wrong with our bond, every couple I know can barely stand to be apart from one another. I was so deep into my own thoughts that I hadn't realized the Hummer had stopped. I was going to ask why we had stopped outside of the gates when I noticed a ba
Kendall POV Do you have any idea how hard it has been keeping a secret from Mia? It means I have had to keep my block up on the mate bond and keep mind-links to a minimum so that she doesn’t find out what I have been planning. The whole no Luna ceremony thing has really bothered me and I asked her again to consider it after I picked up the ring that I commissioned Simone to make. No go, she doesn’t need a celebration to know that the pack loves and accepts her. The thing is that pack members have asked when we will be celebrating their luna. They are so excited to finally have one and they want to shower her with affection. So while it is really a little late to have a luna ceremony because she is really their luna in every way possible, it’s never too late to just celebrate her. So the pack has been secretly planning a celebration for her. When she comes back from Cold Moon this afternoon she will hopefully be surprised. Once she cleared the gates this morning we started putting
Mia POV Everyone around here has been acting a little weird lately. No one seems to have time to talk and they are always in a hurry. Even Kendall seems distracted at times, I know we have a lot going on, but he has been so attentive from day one that it has me worried. Could our bond be broken or maybe just not as strong as everyone else’s seems to be? I really just don’t understand. I have decided that I am going to meet with Nikki and the rest of the girls at K&T this morning. I am in serious need of some girl time and a decent macchiato. I went to knock on Kendall’s office door and let him know I will be leaving for the day. “Come in,” he called out when I knocked. Gordon and Bertie were in the office with Kendall and it looks as though they are going over some sort of paperwork. I walked over and gave Kendall a kiss and said, “I am heading over to Cold Moon to have macchiatos with the girls, I will be back this afternoon. Kendall reached into his pocket and pulled out his keys
Kendall POV Things went so well meeting with the elders today and I couldn’t be happier. I realize that a name change isn’t much in reality, but I feel like it is one more step away from my father and all of his misdeeds and something that will have a positive effect on pack morale. I am curious as to what Frankie wants to speak with me about, perhaps it is just the formality of signing the alliance that we verbally agreed to back in Atlantic City. Now that we have decided on the name change, we can move forward with the fealty ceremony and that should be another step in the right direction in the healing process of the pack. If it were a financially viable option, I would have this pack house demolished and build a new one to destroy more of the bad memories. I have a little more than two hours before Frankie should arrive and I asked Anita and Letty to keep Mia distracted while I pay Simone a visit. Hopefully they have interpreted what I had in my head into another of their stun
Mia POV I am so proud of the progress that Kendall has made at sifting through the mess left behind by Hollis and the rogues. I can’t even call that vile man Kendall’s father and would never call him an Alpha. He was a disgrace to that title and his picture is next to the definition of evil in the dictionary. I don’t understand how any person can do half of the things he has done and still sleep at night. We discovered that Hollis had a lab set up in one of the warehouses, where he was testing the effects of some of the weapons he had been trafficking on different pack members who had angered him. Dr.Lynn from Cold Moon Pack came with an experimental cure that actually worked wonders in helping those who had been experimented on. She tried to explain that she used vampire blood to make some sort of protein fusion with the endoplasmic reticulum… I am definitely not science minded and it was all gibberish to me. It worked and that’s all that really matters, right? Apparently Holli
Kendall POV I honestly didn’t know what I expected to find sifting through the mess left behind by the rogues and my father’s Beta and Gamma. But the level of depravity was astounding. They took everything they could from my people and when I say everything, I do mean everything. They collected what they called ‘taxes’ but in all reality was just their greed. The more a pack member had the more they took and worse was the treatment of unmated females no matter their status. They had the packhouse running as a brothel and if a female wouldn’t submit to their whims… I just can’t even talk about it. Poor Cookie won’t tell me what she has been through and I won’t force it, but I know it had to have been bad. I accidentally knocked the broom onto the floor when I entered the kitchen and she went into complete hysterics. I had to call Dr. Lynn who came from the Cold Moon Pack hospital to sedate her. I spoke to the human authorities this morning and found that they would not allow me to
Mia POV After the battle was over, our injured and dead were transported off of the field. Kendall, my dad and I made our way to the Rip Claw packhouse. Kendall asked one of the omegas to get some fresh clothing and show my dad to the guest suite so he can shower and change. We stopped by Keegan’s room to find something for me to change into, then we made our way to Kendall’s room to shower and change. I wasn’t completely thrilled with wearing his psycho, dead sister’s clothes, but now is not the time to be picky. “How do you feel, Alpha?” I asked as we undressed quickly to get into the shower. “Relieved it’s over, if I am totally honest,” he sighed. “We freed our people and that is the important part,” I replied. “You said our people,” Kendall grinned. I looked down not knowing if I had misspoken and said, “Well, I hope they are our people anyway. You haven’t changed your mind have you?” He used a finger to lift my chin and his eyes sparkled with excitement. “Yes Luna, they are our
Kendall POV We spent the day in training yesterday and I have to say watching Mia was truly fascinating. She is remarkable both in hand to hand and in wolf form. Her movements were fierce yet graceful; she was no delicate little flower. I have said it before and I will likely say it many times more; She is my treasure, my perfect blessing from Selene. Today is the day and I wish I could say that I am ready for it but the truth is I have slept for crap these last two nights. Don’t get me wrong there is no love lost over killing my father. Quite the opposite actually. It has been two nights of the same thing on loop in my dreams, my father telling me I am worthless, I can’t do this, and he will always win. Today is the day I prove him wrong though once and for all. He may be dead, but he is still in my head and the sooner we free Rip Claw from the rogues and begin rebuilding, the better. There is so much riding on this that if I let my father’s words sway me, I would fail. Failure is