Victor POVI stared down at the dead man lying on the forest floor. I didn’t recognize him. I inspected the wounds on his face and neck and the fatal blow to his chest. I saw three claw marks drawn across his neck and down his chest. I guess that she severed his carotid artery, and he bled out from that. All in all, Tori did some damage to him before killing him. Scratches and bruises were covering his neck and shoulders, his face had deep scratches that began to heal, and his mouth and nose had blood oozing from it.I ran over to Tori and knelt beside her. I grabbed her hand and squeezed as I did my best to hold back my tears threatening to fall.“Tori, baby, we have help coming. They’ll be here soon. Don’t try to talk.” I tried to calm her down as well as myself otherwise I’d panic and go wild. I was having a hard enough time keeping Ivan from shifting and tearing apart the body of the man who attacked her. She was staring into my eyes as she gasped for breath. There was blood flowi
Victor POVI stood in shock as Ryder purposely stalked up to Tori’s bed and leaned over to look her dead in the eyes. Tori was terrified at who she thought was her friend, now baring down on her with so much anger that you could feel the tension in the room like a brick wall.“Ryder! What is the meaning of this?” He continued to stare at Tori without even flinching at my command.“Little Miss Tori. Daughter of our illustrious Alpha Merrick Romanski.” Ryder stands tall, crosses his arms over his chest, and looks down at her.“Poor little girl can’t understand anything! You have a brain in that head of yours, figure it out!” Ryder begins to pace the floor by the bed occasionally glancing at Tori.“What is wrong with you?” Tori shouts at him in anger. He suddenly stops and jumps to the bed and hovers over her.“Ryder!” I shouted but he ignored me and focused on Tori.“Me!? What is wrong with you?” He shouts. “Take a look around you woman! Do you realize where you are?” He stands up and g
Tori POV“Then what the hell happened? Who healed me?!” I looked from Victor to Eric and settled on Tammy.“Mimi, who healed me?!” I all but screamed at Tammy a she came running over and wrapped her arms around me.“It’s okay sweetie, we’ll find out what’s going on, okay? Maybe you have self-healing strength that does not use your powers? It’s okay. You are going to be fine.” Tammy hugged me tighter, ran her hand down my hair and kissed my forehead. As she cooed soft comforting words to me, my tears flowed heavily down my cheeks, and I could see Victor speaking with Eric.“I have no idea. I need to notify the Alpha and let him know…” Before he could finish, I bolted upright in bed and yelled at him.“You will not notify the Alpha!” I felt a wave similar to a shock go through me and into the room. Victor and Eric stared agape at each other and then turned to me.“What the hell!” Eric whispered.“Did you just…?” I wiped my face and glanced between the two men.“What?” Tammy leaned back
Victor POVSweet honeysuckle and lavender filled my nose leaving a smile on my face. I took in a deep breath filling my lungs with the delicious scent. There was something else, but I could not quite place it. It was similar to the lavender but with a lighter tone. Either way, it felt soothing and warm, and even Ivan was wagging his tail as he purred in my mind.I opened my eyes to the beautiful sight of my mate curled up in my embrace. Her hair was splayed across her pillow and over her face. I gently swiped it aside and gazed upon her sleeping form. My heart was full and my mind at ease as I thought back to last night. I was crazy even terrified when I came across her lying gasping for breath in her yard. She fought her attacker hard and won, but almost lost her life in the process. I thought I was going to lose her, and my heart crashed. Then, seeing her in the hospital completely healed and sitting up, and face full of anger; I was so glad that she was alive and well. I would take
Tori POV I slowly opened my eyes and stretched my arms and the soreness from last night’s vigorous activities. Victor had apologized all night long for keeping things from me, and with each climax, I screamed my forgiveness. A smile came across my face but soon disappeared when I realized I was in bed alone. Popping my head up, I peered around the room and listened for the shower, but he was not there. I frowned at myself and felt disappointed until I saw his note on my nightstand. My Dove, Thank you for an amazing evening! I am genuinely sorry for what I did, and I will be forever grateful for your forgiveness. I am sorry to leave you; I am meeting the Alpha early this morning. When you are ready, come down for breakfast, and I will see you there. My love is yours, VMy heart fluttered in my chest at his words. They were so simpl
Ronin POVAfter a restless night’s sleep in unknown territory, I woke before the birds and lay on the bed, staring at the ceiling. A few minutes later, I struggled out of bed and shuffled to the bathroom to shower. The cool water awakened my tired and sluggish body. Once done, I stepped into the closet and grabbed my clothes for the day. I know we are meeting with the Alpha for breakfast and then into a meeting regarding the alliance. I’m unsure, but Mother says it would suit our pack.I finished getting dressed when I heard a knock at my door. I could sense Jax standing there nervously, so I answered.“Come in, Jax.” He opened the door quickly and shut it behind him.“Alpha.” He nodded his head before leaning against the door. “No offense, Ronin, but what are we doing here?” I raised my eyebrows at him in question. “We are in the middle of a foreign pack in the middle of nowhere with no guards, just you, me, and the Luna. Have we gone mad?” I growled at his observance but couldn’t di
Victor POVI knelt on the floor next to the couch and rubbed Tori’s back as she sobbed heavily into her father’s shoulder. Teaghan sat beside her and listened intently as she stroked her hair gently. A few tears also came from her eyes, and I looked up at Rick. He had a look of despair on his face but held her tight.“Oh, sweetheart, I’m so sorry you are going through all this. We are here for you.” Teaghan shook her head in sadness.‘Did you hear her say anything?’ I linked to Rick, and his eyes shot up to mine.‘Uh, no. Did she?’ I nonchalantly shrugged my shoulders.‘Ask Teaghan what she is saying.’ I saw him link Teaghan, and she cocked her head, and her eyebrows went down. Rick flinched and then looked back at me.‘She said yes…and then…’ I raised my eyebrows, waiting for the answer. ‘She shushed me!’ I bit my lip, trying not to smile. I guess nobody has ever told the Alpha to shush!‘Victor, send for Tammy. This is a lot of emotion for her; she needs her friends here.’ I heard T
Victor POVI led Tori to meet our guests from the office and go to the dining room. I held the door for her, and we stepped in to see they were waiting for us.We all sat around the table and began dishing food onto our plates. Light conversation held our attention, but soon enough, I noticed Ronin glance nervously at Tori and continue to fidget in his chair. He looked like he wanted to say something to her but wasn’t sure how to begin.“Alpha Ronin?” I placed my utensils down and clasped my hands together. “You seem nervous. I can assure you we are quite safe here.” I tried to be as calm as possible and not come off as condescending.“Thank you, Beta, but I am just unsure…” He took a breath and glanced at Tori, who had moved her attention to him.“Alpha Ronin, are you weary of me? I am only here to help you. I do not want to make you uncomfortable.” Her glorious voice floated across the table and put everyone at ease.He gave her a small smile and cleared his throat. “My mother has h
Alpha Rick POV“So, Victor, talk,” I stated as I took a chair and sat across from Victor. He began explaining his conversation with Warrior Liam. Several times, he needed to calm his wolf, Apache, and soothe him with promises of protecting their pup. I held Tori’s hand tightly during our conversation, afraid if I let go, she would disappear. Victor spoke softly as if not to awaken Tori, but I could tell he wanted to touch her but refrained from doing so.“How the hell did we miss that? We had Tyler and Jeremy on him since Tori’s first attack. Did he meet with anyone? We must bring them in and report what they have found.”I leaned back in my chair and rubbed my hands down my face. Shaking my head with a heavy sigh, I glanced at Victor and hardened myself for the following conversation.“Victor…” He slowly opened his eyes to mine, and I saw regret, pain, and embarrassment.“Yes, Alpha,” He choked out softly. His hands were clenched together as he leaned forward on his knees.“You attac
Tori POVAs I followed the doctor down the hall to Alpha Ronin’s room, my mind was going rampant with thought after thought. Inside, I find him hooked to a heart monitor and several IVs attached to each arm. A nurse was holding pressure on a neck wound with bulky bandages, but the blood was seeping through alarmingly fast.“Tori, please, can you help him?” I stared at the damage Ivan had caused and cringed, realizing the level of power behind his anger—all because of me.“I will try. Alphas can be difficult and stubborn, " I said while keeping my eyes on Alpha Ronin, who was still unconscious.I stepped up to the bed and took a deep breath. I felt Mystic push forward and peer through my eyes.‘The Alpha will survive. It was not meant to kill him. Only a warning.’ I took hold of his beautiful, long-fingered, and strong hands that felt cold and clammy to the touch. My heart twinged in pain because of what this poor man had to go through because of me. He was in the wrong place at the wr
Victor POV“You are too Late!”He grinned with a mouthful of blood before spitting it at my feet.“For what?” I growled as I grabbed him by the neck and squeezed. He gurgled and tried to gasp, but he only drooled. “Tell me!” I roared again. He twisted his head to look at me. His eyes were cloudy and bloodshot. His body was going limp. He was dying.“Liam!” I gave him a shake, and with one last breath, he spoke.“They…come..take…her.” With that, his head lolled over, and his eyes were milky white. I could feel the spirit leave his body and leave behind a cold, hard shell. He was dead.I released my grip, and he fell to the floor with a thud. Over the last hour, my mind raced with his words, trying my hardest to catch a hint of who he was talking about. He never gave any names to those involved. I know he was working with an Alpha, but I have no idea which one!“Beta! What did he mean?” The guard came up behind me and asked with a shaky voice. I spun on him, and then it hit me.“Tori! S
Victor POVI storm out of Alpha’s office in search of Liam. My mind is hazy, and my blood is boiling. I had no idea that Rick had received so many letters threatening to kidnap Tori. He probably felt I would go on the warpath with every pack in the state if I knew, and he’s goddamn right I would!I slammed the front door open and stomped across the yard towards the cells. I vaguely noticed pack members watching with concern out of the corner of my eye. I felt Tori watching me and heard a small whisper, but I could not focus on her right now. Ivan and I needed to neutralize the immediate threat to our little dove.I reached the door to the cells, and as soon as I saw the guards, they opened each door as I walked through to the cement stairs leading to the basement.Passing through the dark, damp, moldy hallways towards Liam’s cell, I was fighting with Ivan to keep him under control. I needed answers from this douchebag, then Ivan can do what he wants.“Open cell number seven now!” I or
Tori POVI watched Victor storm across the field toward the cell house where the prisoners were kept. He disappeared through the large iron doors with a resounding thunder that spread across the yard. I stared at the door for a moment before continuing into the house.I went through the kitchen and into the main hall, where several pack members were hanging out, watching movies and playing games. I overheard a conversation as I came to the foyer to ascend the stairs to my father’s office.“So, Whitney, have you guys made it official yet?” I heard a giggle, then a sigh.“Not yet. He said he wanted to hook up at the barbecue tonight.” She squealed in excitement. “I plan on giving myself to him. He hasn’t exactly said it, but I know he’ll announce that we are officially a mated couple tomorrow.” She giggled along with her friends. I rolled my eyes at their childish behavior until one of them spoke.“It must be exciting! To think that you’ll be the Beta female. I wish I could be mated wit
Merrick POVAfter the dramatic revelation about Jax and Corinne, I instinctively reached for Teaghan’s hand and led her to my office. As we stepped inside, I noticed Charles by the bookshelves, his attention on a history book. He turned to face us, his movements deliberate.“Alpha, Luna.” He bowed his head before replacing the book on its shelf and standing before us.As we all entered the office, I noticed Eric and Victor giving each other confused looks as they saw Charles waiting for us. I sat at my desk and pulled Teaghan to sit on my lap. She smiled down at me as I deeply inhaled her scent, knowing I needed it before the conversation we were about to have.“First order, Alpha Ronin and Luna Daria. I have the final submission of the treaty. We both have a signed copy of the initial agreements. I have here the addendums with the stipulations you requested. Please take your time reading it and tell me if we missed anything.” I handed both copies to Ronin and Daria, and they sat back
Alpha Colton POVI hoisted the warrior over my shoulder, his weight a mere inconvenience. As I prepared to strike, I noticed him still sprawled on the ground, struggling for breath. With a calm stride, I approached, my foot finding its place on his neck.“Submit!” I barked, my voice resonating with authority. In an instant, he complied, his neck exposed in a gesture of defeat. A deep, hearty laugh erupted from my chest. “Excellent! Now, scurry away like the coward you are!” I roared, observing his hasty retreat, his movements a blur of desperation.That was the fourth warrior that I put down today. I hate to admit it, but whatever that healer did to me was f*cking amazing! My shoulder was injured in battle, and some feral rogue bit half of it off. It took me years to heal, and even then, it was only partially healed. I had some mobility and even less strength. Ordering the Healer to prove herself turned out to be a miracle gift. I returned home that day and went straight to the gym. I
Tori POV“Get away from my mate!” Beta Jax's voice boomed, filled with a protective fury.I whipped my head around to see Alpha Ronin holding back his enraged Beta. His eyes were piercing black, meaning his wolf had taken over and wanted to get to his mate, not understanding that we were helping her to heal.“Beta…” Tammy leaned slowly towards me and whispered.“No sudden movements. We don’t want him to attack.”“Why would he attack? We’re not doing anything!” I whisper yelled back, never taking my eyes off of the Beta.“His wolf has taken over. He doesn’t know we are healing her; he thinks we are hurting her.” She swallowed heavily and spared a glance at me. “Tori, he’s a Beta wolf fighting for his mate. Do not cross him! He could take down the Alpha right now!” I shook my head, and before I could say anything more, Mystic spoke.‘Tori, Jasper is going crazy. Slowly let go of her hands and place them in your lap. I will try to talk him down.’‘Who the hell is Jasper!’ I thought to my
Tori POVI was so happy I was practically bouncing out of the packhouse. Hearing that my dad would announce to the pack that I was his daughter was absolutely fantastic! Finally, I will be a part of the pack. I can’t wait to meet everybody properly.“Tori!” Tammy yelled as she shook my arm. Come back to us; you’re lost in Lala land!” She giggled as I focused on her, laughing at myself.“Sorry, I am just so excited he’s finally introducing me to the pack and making me a member! I could bust!”As we left the dining room, I caught one of the Omegas staring at me blankly, almost as if she were holding back a sneer.“Thank you very much for breakfast; it was wonderful!” I commented to her, but she did not answer. The other Omegas had their heads bowed, and I thought that was strange but shook it off. We headed up to Tammy’s room to begin planning the barbecue.“We’ll have to meet with the kitchen staff to ensure we have everything for tonight. Also, I’ll have Eric ask some warriors to acco