Chapter 14Standing at the Library doors looking inside the sparkling room, I find myself smiling despite my exhaustion. The last seven and a half hours had been tiresome from taking down all the dusty curtains and vacuuming up the dust to cleaning the tables we used to organize the freshly cleaned books to moving furniture around. The windows now sparkled and I was delighted to have learned that the wolves who were cleaning the rest of the first floor had come to an agreement of sending four wolves to clean the windows on the outside.“So, we really will have community computers in here for the pack to use?” Ash asks in excitement and I nod.“Some wolves don’t have computers at home so having at least ten to be used here will give everyone access to the internet for home-work, research and finding jobs in the towns and cities outside of the pack that will benefit us.” I answer, running a hand through my blond hair and grimacing at the grungy feel. Cleaning had left me covered in dust
Chapter 15“Brynlee!” Turning to the sound of someone calling my voice, I spy Quincy running towards me with a deer – a buck to be precise – over his shoulders. I laugh as the horn of the buck he caught hits him unexpectedly upside the head and he stumbles before slowing down to a walk. It seems his enthusiasm nearly caused Quincy to injure himself.“Nice catch, the pack will enjoy the meals this buck will provide.” I praise my friend who gives me a wolfish grin. Three days has passed since Alastor visited us and the pack has finally finished with clearing away rubble from the attack.“I know. I can’t wait for some good deer stew.” Quincy exclaims excitedly. I laugh again at his childish enthusiasm, happy to see him no longer looking so sullen and depressed from loosing many of his pack mates. He places the buck onto the pallet I have set just outside the back door that leads to the pack kitchen, the kill currently being the last item I will need to process.With the Golden Fang wolve
Chapter 16Dusk has settled over the pack as I look out at the Golden Fang wolves that have gathered in front of the pack house, I smile at how they mingle and laugh, looking relaxed and carefree. It is a contrast from the scared and hypervigilant wolves I met four days ago and I am happy to see some sense of normality in their demeanor. The sadness caused by the death of their pack mates in the attack still linger in the air, but they have all have accepted this loss as best as they can and are slowly living their life once more.Pups run around with a ball to the left while their mothers watch on sitting on the picnic benches that were taken out of one of the storage barns on Miss Asteria’s orders. Just a little further from the pack house, the aftermath of the attack barely remains. The last four days have been filled with cleaning, debris removal and pressure washing what can be washed. We even had the pups come in and help with painting a fresh coat of paint on the houses that co
Chapter 17“What do you mean Golden Fang won’t let anyone near their borders!” My hand freezes in the air as I pause my intended knocking. I had gotten a report from the Council about Golden Fang rebuilding their pack and that they have chosen their new Alpha and Luna. Some of us speculate that this person is the Head Warrior Quincy Steele and that he has found his Mate, but I have met that wolf a few times at the Annual Assembly of Alphas that take place every August first. He seemed happier leading Warriors under the Beta than leading a full pack by himself – even if he does have a Luna to help.“It is what our men say, Alpha. They flown the plane as close as they could to the pack without being noticed, but when they tried to sneak onto the land, they were stopped and threatened that Golden Fang would kill them for trespassing.” I recognize the voice as Beta Jett – the man who replaced Brynlee’s dad last year. Shocked by the news that my father sent our men to spy on Golden Fang, I
Chapter 18Looking at myself in the vanity mirror, I make sure that no curl is out of place. It has officially been seven days since Golden Fang was attacked and today I will be initiated as their new Beta. I can feel my stomach flip flop with nerves as I wonder if I will do a good job without any Beta training. Miss Asteria, Albert and Marisol have stated that my instinct will guide me and that I have done well with the crash course of being a proper Beta that the three gave me the last few days. I just can’t help but think that I might be too young for this position.I still occupy my room in the pack house and have yet to move into my cottage, too busy the last seven days with Organising training schedules, patrol shifts and hunting parties with Quincy and Miss Asteria. Gale decided he would delve into his Luan role early and began planning where to place a new green house and large garden beds, deciding to leave the leading to us. He even took over leading the Omegas which left me
Chapter 19The full moon hangs high in the sky as Quincy and I exit the pack house. From the steps I can see Miss Asteria and Gale standing beside Alastor under the willow tree, the Council Representative having come down to watch over the ceremony and confirm that the pack indeed had chosen a new Alpha and Luna – Luan in our case. Quincy tells me that Alastor has already helped initiate Gale and Miss Asteria into the pack, hence why the atmosphere was left buzzing with power that radiate from the two. Before leaving the pack house I spied Chase, Henry and Lunette relaxing on the stairs. They will have to be initiated into the pack after me and I can’t wait to watch the three pups finally be given the courtesy they deserved as Alpha blooded wolves.The smile at me as I pass them, and I smile back. I can see the excitement in there faces and secretly pray to the Goddess that she will keep them safe tonight. They have been through so much between living in Pine Moon and leaving Pine Mo
Chapter 20The party for the pack’s initiation is in full swing now that the Ceremony has passed. Everyone in Golden – I mean Crescent Phoenix – are either chatting on one of the many picnic benches or dancing away the night on the dance floor with many enjoying the food the men cook on the grill or that roasted meat from the boar Quest killed a few days ago. I knew that damned pig would be on a fire spit before the end of the week, but it sure was a damned pain to prepare yesterday morning with the Omegas help.Speaking of the Omegas, many were happy to learn that other than preparing the food for tonight in the morning, they would be given the rest of the day off to relax and enjoy the celebration. I spy a few sprawled out by a bonfire roasting marshmallows with a few pups while Quincy and Quest danced with the rest, the little ones entertained by the two goofy warriors.“Brynlee, have I introduced you to the friend that asked Alpha Stanton to allow us to join this pack?” I jump whe
Chapter 21“Shit, shit, shit.” Quincy is beside me, scooping me into his arms as I silently scream into his shoulder, the pain so intense that no sound can form.“Brynlee, I know you can hear me so listen.” Quincy says sternly, his worry for me radiating off of him in waves.“I am going to link Asteria and tell her that your experiencing the pain of rejection finally.” He continues, holding me tighter. I try to say something, to stop him, but the feeling of flames lick at my heart causing me to be unable to breathe for a moment.“Fuck!” Quincy curses, carrying me past the other side of the willow tree. My finger clench at his shirt, the fabric tearing as my body jerks from an onslaught of pain. I can feel the broken bond fizzling. Feel it burning and screaming inside me. I held back the pain for far too long and am now facing the consequences.“Quincy!” As he is putting me in the passenger side of his jeep we hear Asteria call out to him. Quincy turns and lets out a sigh of relief.“I
Walking through the first floor of the dungeon brought back unwelcomed memories. Memories that made me want to become a stronger she-wolf, a stronger Beta. I am glad that unlike those cells Rune, Caspian, and I were held in as pups, going through the life of prisoners just for the greed of a pack of Rogues, these cells were kept clean thanks to Quincy. I am glad that my Pack agrees that no matter who it is, everyone deserves a clean-living space even if that person is a prisoner. Now, staring at the man cuffed to the interrogation chair, I feel my anger and hatred replace the discomfort I feel. This wolf came to us as a Rogue from the Council. Came to our Pack pretending to be excited to join and then turned out to be a spy for Valor, giving that vial man information of Goddess knows what about Crescent Phoenix. Who knows, they could be on their way here, ready to take us out in our sleep without notice.[So why do you need the ice?] I link Gale, getting a deep chuckle from him, the
Watching Brynlee walk into the stone cottage that houses the dungeon entrance, I feel myself grow anxious. Only a handful of people know about her pregnancy and the thought of Devlyn finding out while interrogating him brings a sour taste to my mouth. If we aren’t careful, Devlyn might be able to hand this information on to Valor and place my Mate and unborn pup in even more danger than we are already in.[Ashton, Jett.] I call out through our mind link, feeling it buzz slightly in annoyance.[Let me guess, Devlyn did something stupid?] Jett asks right away. I sigh, turning to face the two men who lean against Brynlee’s truck watching on from a distance.[Yep. Uncle Gale wants you to grab a few buckets of ice and join us for the interrogation. You can use Brynlee’s truck.] I answer back, feeling Ashton’s confusion through the mind link.[Who is Devlyn?] He asks. This time Jett sighs, confirming that he and Ashton will be back with ice before telling Ashton that he will explain everyth
Something feels off. Like the calm before a storm. It is because of this feeling that I find myself unable to focus while staring blankly at my computer screen wondering just what the hell is happening in my Pack to make me feel so uneasy right now.Rune had been stopped by Gale this morning while the alluring scent of apple strudels took all of my attention. I could tell the two were having a serious conversation and before I could walk over and join them, Rune took off. Worried, I had dropped my apple strudel onto a plate and left it on an empty table before rushing towards the Pack House exit when Gale stopped me.“Rune has something he needs to do.” Gale had said just as I managed to catch sight of Rune shifting into his wolf mid-step and racing off towards the border. Gale kept me from following after him, telling me that as his Beta, Rune had a duty to perform for him and that I needed to go perform mine as Asteria’s Beta. He was adamant that I stayed in the Pack House.Reluctan
Slinking through the underbrush of the forest, I try my best to stay hidden in the shadows. I need to leave Crescent Phoenix before it's too late and get as far away from any Packs associated with Crescent Phoenix, Pine Moon and Blood Claws. A twig snaps somewhere behind me and I freeze, trying my best to calm my rapidly beating heart while I focus on sensing the person that has been watching me. When I sense nothing, I breathe a sigh of relief and bolt to the right hopefully growing closer to the edge of Crescent Phoenix’s territory.Sometime last night I felt a pair of eyes watching my every movement. It was during dinner at the Pack House, Carolyn and I had just reported in what role we would like in Crescent Phoenix to Luan Gale and were plating up some dinner when I felt the prickling sensation of being watched washed over me. For a moment I thought it was paranoia from dealing with Valor up until that last phone call, but then that gaze followed me throughout dinner and all the
Watching Brynlee flitter about the cottage getting ready for the day, I sip my coffee by the dining table and try not to smile to brightly. Last night Brynlee spent time teaching me about the basics of living alone starting with laundry. I thought the process of cleaning and folding clothes was a difficult task but found it surprisingly easy the moment Brynlee showed me how to turn the machines on and how to disperse the laundry detergent into the washing machine. The hard part was learning how to fold my clothes. Brynlee had warned me that my laundry was my responsibility. That we may be working on our relationship but she was not my caretaker. She said that I would need to learn these skills before our pup came and that once our pup came, she would not be raising the pup alone like how Valor left my mother to raise me alone. That part stung but she is right. If I am to be a good Mate and father, then I will help her with the chores and take on an active role in raising our pup. I w
Sitting in my living room, my leg bouncing due to being nervous, I sip on the camomile tea while I wait for Rune to return. After he agreed to move in with me for the time being while we deal with Devlyn, Rune drove me home in my truck before taking it to the dorms so that he could pack his things and bring them here. That was about an hour ago and in that time I prepared one of the two remaining bedrooms for him to take. He may be my Mate, but I am not comfortable sharing a room with him yet.The door to the cottage opens and I turn in time to find Rune walking in with a duffle bag slung over his shoulder and a single box that he carries in his arms.“Is that all you have?” I asked, shocked by the small amount of items that Rune brought.“No, I have two more bags to grab from the truck. I wasn’t able to bring much when I left Pine Moon but this box is filled with stuff I gained while being part of Crescent Pheonix.” He admits with a sheepish smile. My heart aches as I think back to h
A feeling of unease settles over me as I watch out the window of my office. Rune had sent me a link an hour ago warning me that there is something wrong with a Rogue that the Council sent over and to be weary of those wolves for now. When I asked him who to look out for, he told me he will explain later and gave me no further details than that. I can’t help but worry that Tanya sent a spy. I wouldn’t put it past the conniving bitch to pull something like this, especially if it meant learning where Rune and I are and killing the two of us without a trace of who the culprit is. Hell, I could even see her demanding her father to send a spy here instead and make a fanfare of my death. A death that would cause a war painting me a martyr.“Brynlee?” Jumping as a hand lands on my shoulder, I turn and without thinking I throw a punch towards the person who has just grabbed me when the scent of mint and vanilla wraps around me. My punch is caught in a gentle hold and I find myself relaxing whe
“That fucking bastard!” I snarl out, throwing my phone against the wall. Anger fills me as I think about how Devlyn, a trusted Warrior, betrayed me because the blood pact that I forced upon him was fulfilled. That snake used this opportunity to escape Pine Moon right from under my nose and I gave him the fucking opportunity to be able to do so.“Darling?” The door to my office opens and Tanya comes rushing inside, her concern for me clear for all to see. Her appearance settles me slightly as I look at the slight bump growing on her stomach and I know that I cannot let my rage take over and accidentally hurt her and the heir growing in her womb in the process. As angry as I am with that snake Devlyn, I cannot take my anger out on my pregnant-soon-to-be-mate.“I heard you snarling, are you okay?” She asks, coming to my side and pressing her hand to my cheek. I reach out, wrapping an arm around her waist, and pull Tanya towards me. I take a deep breath, breathing in Tanya’s scent, and fo
Watching as Gale, Jett, and Rune leave the guest house, I wonder just how in the world did I get lucky enough to find all of the people Alpha Valor is hunting for in one Pack. As far as we knew, Rune and Brynlee had been spotted leaving Onix Moon, now named Shadow Rose, after Alpha Viren was killed by the now Alpha Titus. From there, our men informed us that Brynlee and Rune took refuge in Crescent Phoenix as it is closest Pack to Shadow Rose.Imagine my shock when I climbed off the bus to find Asteria, Gale, Jett, Brynlee, Rune, and Caspian standing in the crowd of wolves as they welcomed the Rogues sent by the Council and the Crescent Phoenix Council Representative Alastor and his men to the Pack while we were shown to the guest house to get settled in by a few Warriors and Omegas. It wasn’t till the welcome dinner that I was told that Asteria is the mysterious Alpha Rose and her Beta – Beta Lilac – is Brynlee herself. It seems that there is more to why these two ladies kept their i