Alpha Avery “What’s wrong with her?” “She has a silver knife embedded in her thigh. I don’t know how it got there but we need Dr. Sully to remove it.” “I’ve called the wolves back. They will head straight here to help protect her while you carry her back.” “We don’t have time for that. We need to get back now!” “I’ve mind linked our guys. Helicopter will be at that clearing we passed in five.” I pull Haley into my arms and Mason shifts, grabbing her bag. With the silver knife inside her she can’t heal and the poison will spread to her heart. I am running as fast as my legs can carry me with my brother flanking to my left and some warriors on my right. As if this night couldn’t get any worse, we hear howling in the distance. “Wild rogues,” Mason mind links. “Form up,” I order. My wolves make a formation around me and their Luna. We are almost to the clearing Mason was talking about but I don’t think we’ll make it before the wild rogues happen upon us. Their awful pungent smell
Haley This can’t be my life. In and out of the hospital and constantly getting attacked. How long is it going to take me to recover this time? I thought it was just some wolfsbane. I take in my surroundings and find Alpha Avery sleeping in a chair next to me. “Hazel?” “I’m here Haley. We had sliver stuck inside us and the poison was spreading to our heart. Dr. Sully saved us, we are going to be okay.” “That explains the slow healing then. How long have we been out?” “Just a day. Had we been a normal wolf we would be dead right now.” I move to sit up and groan as my muscle protest the movement. In a chair I see my bag and the book. I sigh in relief, I’m glad it’s still there. I look out the window and see it’s barely sunrise, so the boys must be up for training. “Nick? Ray?” I mind link. “Haley?” They answer in unison. “We are on our way,” says Nick and then the mind link cuts. I sit further up and wince a bit. My leg hurts. I pull the blanket back and find some stitches on
Haley I am on the verge of tears having this conversation with Alpha Avery. He says he understands what’s at risk for him but I can’t risk it. He has this whole pack of wolves that were previously slaves that depend on him along with all the wolves that are still slaves. He has a destiny to fulfill and it can’t fail because of me. Suddenly Nick and Ray burst into the room. They rush to my side and squeeze me. I squeeze them back, crying. Guilt fills me for leaving them behind. “How could you Haley!” “Yeah, Ray and I were worried sick about you. We know we can’t track you because you have no scent.” “That was the point. I didn’t want either of you going after me. You have settled in so nicely here and made friends. I couldn’t ask you to give them up for a life that leads to death.” “That’s not your choice to make Haley, it’s ours,” says Nick “Yeah, we aren’t slaves anymore Haley. We can decide for ourselves what to do with our lives,” says Ray. Ray seems more angry with me than N
Alpha Avery I finally head back to Haley’s room to check on her. Dr. Sully cleared her to leave but to take it easy. As soon as she is fully recovered I need to work with her on building some muscle. She’s a good fighter but lacks the strength. As I get closer to Haley’s room I can hear her talking to someone. I know it’s wrong but I decide to snoop. “Haley, the Alpha is a good man.” “I know Dr. Sully, I do trust him.” “Dear, I know what you are and I know of the curse. I have a book just like yours but the text has faded. Our Alpha is strong. Give him the chance to try and change his fate.” “If he died I wouldn’t be able to live with myself. I promised my mother to not accept the bond, to let my mate live.” “Is it really living knowing your mate is near but you can’t have her?” Thank you Dr. Sully. I hope he got through to her. “I spoke with my wolf and she agrees we can’t keep resisting. Will you help me research? I want to find a way to break this curse.” “Of course Luna.”
Alpha Avery I walk Haley back to her cottage, wanting to make sure she makes it inside okay before heading to my office. I need to get a lot of work done so I can spend the day with my mate on our date. Mason is already in the office getting some of his own work done when I walk in. “How is my sister-in-law doing brother?” “She is much better.” I can’t help but think back to our conversation and her letting me kiss her. Mason raises an eyebrow at me before grinning himself. “So you did the deed already I see.” “What? No of course not.” “Your face says otherwise Alpha,” he teases. “We kissed that’s all. I think she’s accepted the bond and isn’t going to run away.” “That’s great, really Avery. Why did she run to begin with?” I go into Haley’s story of her ability and what it does to her. For once Mason doesn’t interrupt and listens carefully to what I am saying. “Interesting. I bet that is why Alpha Jake wants her.” I look at him confused. “What do you know?” “Well, while y
Haley The next morning I feel much better. I examine my leg and find there is not a trace of the stab wound, not even a little scar. I find myself looking out the window wondering what Alpha Avery is up to before getting ready for the day. Christmas is coming up and I’ll need to grab some presents for the boys, my guards and the Alpha. Maybe even my future brother-in-law. “Morning Haley.” “Morning Ray. Where is Nick?” “He’s still training. He’s gotten quite good but he’s sulking.” “I’m sorry.” “We know Haley. Just give him time, he’ll get over it.” “How is the store coming along?” “It’s just about ready. Just need to finish setting up instruments and we can open tomorrow I think.” “That’s great Ray, let’s head over there when Nick returns. We can start making flyers for opening day.” I make breakfast burritos, hoping that’ll win Nick over. He got more attached to me than Ray when he arrived at the Red Moon pack house. I feel bad I let him down. As soon as Nick walks in he hea
Haley The shop seems all set and the boys are making fliers. I pull out a guitar and play Jessica Simpson’s song, With You. I can’t help but smile as I think of Alpha Avery when I sing the lyrics. I am so lost in the music I don’t hear beta Mason walk in. “You have an amazing singing voice.” I jump, startled that he snuck up on me and was listening this whole time. “Don’t stop on my account.” I blush and set the guitar down. I don’t mind playing for an audience but I’d rather know when I am. I would’ve picked a different song. “You shouldn’t sneak up on people like that.” “Sorry. We have a shopping trip remember?” “Oh, right. Sorry you have to take me shopping. I don’t really need a new outfit.” “I don’t mind and Avery insisted you find something you like for this date he has planned.” “You know what we are doing?” “Yes, but don’t ask. I’m not telling.” I begin to put the guitar back in it’s case when he stops me. “Play another song.” I look and find Harrison and Aiden ha
Alpha Avery After Mason told me Haley felt like someone was watching her I have doubled the patrols. All that was found that day was the scent of Red Moon and some wolf tracks. For now they are just following her, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t planning an attack. “How is Haley,” I mind link Harrison. I can tell she wants her space. “She’s fine. I would never know anything happened earlier.” “She tends to keep things bottled up. Let me know if she needs anything.” I hate that she does that. She won’t talk about how she feels and puts on the brave face. I wish I could get her to stop doing that. She is safe here and doesn’t need to protect those boys anymore. I hope I can convince her of that on our date tomorrow. “She’s got good instincts brother.” “She must if she sensed someone’s presence before you,” I reply. “I’ll run with patrol tonight. If they’re out there, we’ll find them.” “How did she seem before you left for the mall.” “Dude, don’t worry. She is already fallin