Chapter 2
“Brynlee Eclipse, you stand accused of attack my future daughter in law Tanya Cross. For that, you will be demoted to an Omega.” Alpha Valor calls out. My eyes widen and body flinches as I feel my title being ripped from me, my status as a Beta she-wolf being thrown to the wolves as I feel the new title of Omega settle onto me. He literally walked in to me fighting off Scarlet and Ashley, so how could he do this to me.
“Do you have anything to say for yourself?” He continues, his grey eyes stone cold. This was not the Alpha I grew up respecting. Not the man my parents died protecting last year. Many in the crowd watch on with anger, either directed at me or towards the Alpha. It is clear by the way the three she-wolves look versus my dishevelled and wounded state that the Alpha is spouting lies.
“If I tell you the truth, will you even believe me?” I ask sceptically. I try to reach out to Rune, to ask for his support but my mind link to the pack is still blocked and it is clear to me that Alpha Valor is protecting Tanya. Something about this whole situation seems off to me. Like I am trapped in some sort of play.
“Of course.” Alpha Valor agrees readily. I stare at him for a moment, scenting the lie in his words. Whether he believes me or not does not matter, Alpha Valor is against me for some reason and my only hope is whether or not the pack will listen to my words and hopefully come to my defense.
“I did not attack Tanya.” I shot back, glaring at Alpha Valor before my gaze turns to the ever growing crowd of pack mates. I search the crowd for Rune hoping he would come to my defence, even tried to mind link him images of what happened but the block remains. I manage to find him, our eyes meeting for a brief moment before he looks away with guilt. Shocked, I turn back to face Alpha Valor while trying to hide the hurt and disappointment I feel. I know he and Tanya were a couple, but as his Mate he should be protecting and defending me even if it means going against his father.
“I was waking up and getting ready to find Rune when Tanya and her goons attacked me. You can see how badly I am wounded, smell the wolfsbane in the blood that drips from the claw marks they left.” I continue explaining as I look to the wolves in the crowd, pleading with my eyes for them to believe me. Those that sneered at me sniff the air, their eyes widening when they realize I am telling the truth. I can even see some turning to look at Rune as the scent of him all over me is clear as day. Some even muttered that I own my own house so why would I be in the pack house attacking Tanya and her friends this early in the morning.
“Silence!” Tanya snarls as the mummers in the crowd grow louder. Some growl at her, not liking the fact that an outsider is telling them what to do, but Alpha Valor snarls a warning, silencing everyone and drawing a triumphant smirk from Tanya.
“Why would she attack you?” The Alpha asks with a scoff once silence settles. I can tell he does not believe me and I stare at him in disbelief. Could he not scent his son all over me? Heck, I can still feel the aftermath of Rune making love to me well into the night last night.
“Because your son is my Mate.” I deadpan, looking to Rune waiting to see what he would do. His head whips in my direction, his fingers clenching into fists. I stare at him watching to see if he will say anything but instead his eyes turning into a hard glare – a glare that is thrown my way. Taken aback by the cold treatment, I send one last attempt towards the link before I decide to explain further.
“We found out at my birthday party yesterday and he and I spent the day in his room. The pack can smell him on me.” I continue, my own stare hardening as I look away from my Mate wondering why Rune isn’t protecting me.
“You’re lying!” Rune shouts, marching down the steps. The sudden connection of his hand on my cheek sends me flying , the burning pain of being hurt by my Mate causes me to scream in agony. The crowd gasps in horror, my body already weak from the wolfsbane poisoning me mixed with the pain of being attacked by my Mate being too hard to bear in this moment as I try to force my healing into overdrive. I can’t appear weak right now.
The pain subsides as soon as I focus on healing and I turn to face my so called Mate just in time to watch two wolves rush forward to retrain him for hurting me further. But Rune is frozen as the mark of a Mate Beater appears on his neck, causing him to scream like a bloody banshee while everyone watches in a mix of shock and horror. It is clear now that I am telling the truth.
The Alpha looks between his son and I, worry for Rune etched into his grey eyes, but he chooses to remain where he stands. As an Alpha dealing with a pack member accused of attacking a visitor, Alpha Valor can’t afford to help his son through a crisis he caused all on his own.
“By the mark that just appeared on your neck Rune, I would say you are the liar. I am disappointed in you.” Alpha Valor states, giving his son a look of pity before he turns back to glare at me. Taken aback by the hostility in his eyes, I stand to my feet and ready myself for a fight all my instincts are telling me is coming.
“Unfortunately Brynlee, Rune and Tanya were arranged to be married years ago.” He continues, his grey eyes so cold and uncaring that I suppress a shiver.
“You cannot be with my son as I made a deal with Alpha Jonnah Cross. Our packs will be united in marriage. We made this deal so that he would not attack us for our land.” Shocked by this revelation, the pack begins to whisper amongst themselves again. My mind replays the night I just had with Rune. How I gave myself to him thinking we would be together as intended and we would lead Pine Moon together one day. He promised me so much last night, so how could he have kept this from me.
“What do you mean I can’t be with my mate? He is the only one the Goddess paired me with, I won’t have another mate?!” I question, my voice raising until I am screaming at Alpha Valor. I knew my instincts were right in that something was off. Both he and his son knew I would never be able to be mated to Rune and they planned this whole farce with Tanya.
“You heard me. Now either reject my son or let him reject you.” The Alpha scoffs, glaring at me like I am a misbehaving pup. Shaking with rage at his words, I turn to face Rune who stares at me with his own seething rage. The mark of a Mate Beater will never leave his skin. He will be stuck with it for life unless he repents for his mistake.
“No.” I snap back. I will not reject my Mate.
“Then Rune will do it for the good of the pack.” Alpha Valor shrugs, stepping back and motioning to his son.
“Rune wouldn’t do that! He knows we are meant to be together!” I argue back, turning to face Rune. He stares at me for a moment, his anger subsiding as he takes in my pleading gaze, but guilt flashes as he shakes off the two Warriors holding him back and opens his mouth.
“I, Rune Sterling, reject you, Brynlee Eclipse, as my Mate. May the Goddess finds mercy on you and you find a wolf to spend your days with.” The pain rips through me like a blade heated in Hell’s fire. It tears at my heart, causing an ear piercing scream to wrench from my throat as I fall to my knees. My one and only Mate choose a pack whore over me. Chose his duty over me.
The pack watches on, some in horror, some in shock, and others with amusement. After what feels like eternity, the pain subsides and I look to find that Rune stares at me with a smirk, one that causes the rage to take control. Without thinking I lunge at my now Ex-Mate, my fingers turning into claws as I slash them along his face. He screams in pain, his warm blood coating my fingers. He knew he was engaged to Tanya for years. Knew that he and I could never be together and yet he still took my virginity last night. Still played me like a fool and made me believe we could have a future as Alpha and Luna.
Strong arms pull me off of Rune and I allow them as I recognize the scent of Gale – the man who was made my God Father the moment I was born.
“Brynlee, you need to calm down.” Gale whispers into my ear, holding me tight against him as I try to fight my way our of his grasp. But he is strong, whispering that Rune will get his karma and that I need to calm down so that my healing can work the wolfsbane from my system. I finally stop fighting and allow Gale to help me stay upright while I fight back the tears that threaten to spill from the pain coursing through my heart.
“Brynlee you went too far!” Alpha Valor screams as he steps towards me. The two wolves that held Rune back now grab onto the Alpha, preventing him from attacking me unjustly considering what his son has just done. I glare at him, not caring any more about respecting him as my Alpha. He took away my status as Beta knowing it was the last thing I had left of my parents after their death a year ago. Made me and Omega without hearing my side of the story, then told me I can’t be with my Mate and had Rune reject me. He can go to Hell for all I care. I will even send him there myself if he tries to take another step towards me.
“No. You and your son went to far.” I snap back with a snarl, feeling my power of a Beta trying to break through the constraints the Omega title has placed on it.
“My parents gave their lives for you and your son and this is how you treat me? I deserve better and you know it!” I scream back, the pack whispering their disapproval at the father and son pair. Gale tenses behind me, reminding me to stay calm but I can’t. Alpha Valor took everything from me.
“It’s exactly because of what your parents did that I am allowing this.” He snaps back, spit flying from his mouth as he seethes with rage.
“Brynlee Eclipse, you are henceforth no longer a member of the Pine Moon pack. You have until midnight tonight to pack your things and leave my pack or else you will be hunted and killed as a Rogue.” I feel the pack bond break, feel my heart stop beating for a moment from all the pain I have faced in the last thirty minutes. The status of Omega is ripped from me, its shackles that bound my Beta blood gone and I take a deep breath. To think in just thirty minutes I would go from Beta, to Omega, and back to a Beta again. All it took was for me to become a Rogue.
“Valor this is going too far!” Gale shouts back.
“No Gale, this is exactly what needs to be done!” Alpha Valor screams back, his glare turning from me to Gale.
“And if you think I went too far in banishing Brynlee, then you can leave with her.” He adds. Gale opens his mouth to say something but someone else speaks first.
“Fine. We will leave then as clearly Pine Moon is made of liars and snakes.” I turn to the sound of the new voice and Find Miss Asteria walking towards us. Her image is blurry as the pain from the rejection and the banishment course through me.
“Gale take Brynlee home while I deal with this younger brother of mine.” Miss Asteria orders. I move to protest, to stop her from breaking ties with her family, but my steps faulter and I begin to fall. Arms catch me before I hit the ground and Gale’s scent surrounds me once more.
“Hang in their Brynlee.” He coos, helping me to stand.
“You can’t cut ties because of me.” I mumble out, feeling my body sway again.
“If Asteria says we are leaving, we are leaving.” Gale mutters as he scoops me into his arms. I try to fight him, try to push myself away but the pain and the wolfsbane have finally taken their toll on me and as I try to fight to stay awake, darkness takes me and I pass out while Miss Asteria argues with Alpha Valor.
Chapter 3A dull humming of pain wakes me from the darkness, the scent of my home being the first thing I notice as soon as I come to my senses.“Good, you’re awake Brynlee.” Turning to the sound of the voice, I see Miss Asteria standing before me as she removes pictures from frames and carefully sets them into a box. She is meticulous in her packing, making sure not to bend the only images I have of me and my parents.“I don’t want to hear you protest. Gale and I already renounced our status as members of Pine Moon and packed away our house.” She cuts me off as I open my mouth, her hazel eyes staring into mine. I want to say something, to make her change her mind, but Miss Asteria is an Alpha blooded wolf. Once she makes up her mind there is no turning back.“Valor and Rune went too far and you deserve better. I will not stay here while they destroy the pack my ancestors built.” Miss Asteria states as I slowly push myself into a sitting position on my couch. Looking around the room I
Chapter 4“Brynlee, I am vacuum sealing all the bedding.” Miss Asteria calls out, her head popping in the door way. A look of shock fills her eye as she takes in my now empty room before it morphs to one of sympathy. She understands what I am going through as she is also leaving being her ancestral home.“My bedding is on the bed. I wasn’t sure how to pack it.” My voice sounds emotionless and hollow and surprises even me. The calm that washed over me earlier seems to be working. I am holding myself together pushing all the pain and agony from being rejected and banish into a dam inside my mind. Time will tell when the dam will break and all the pain and hurt comes crashing down on me but for now I can manage each task one at a time.“I can pack it up for you while you decide what to do with your parents’ room. I left it for you to pack up.” She pads into the room to where I stand, wrapping her arms around me and pulling my body in for a hug.“Thank you.” I find myself wrapping my arms
Chapter 5“You did the right thing Son.” My father, Alpha Valor, claps me on the shoulder as I watch my Uncle Gale carry Brynlee – my Brynlee – away. My face burns from her claw marks, the pain reminding me that I hurt her all because I was forced to. Judging from how the blood continues to drip down my face, I know these marks will leave a scar. A scar that will match the pain in my heart forever.The pack begins to disperse now that the show is over, some whispering about how the pack will change when my Aunt and Uncle leave. Aunt Asteria was furious when she learned what we had just done to Brynlee before denouncing her role in the pack and breaking all ties with us. She told me I will regret loosing Brynlee and will realize that mindlessly listening to my father will lead me to a life of misery. I asked her if Brynlee had a Mate Beater’s mark like me, but she told me that Brynlee attacked me after I rejected her and there for will not bear the make before she left chasing after Un
Chapter 6Glaring at Rune’s retreating figure, I stand from the floor now that I can breathe again. To think he would find his mate in that slut Brynlee and left me at the party alone to spend the night in her arms. I was furious to learn that she spent the night in his bed, even more furious when I slammed the door open to see her wearing his clothes and covered in his scent. Rune is my play toy and no one can have him but me.“Tanya, why were you on the floor?” Valor walks into the pack house, his own mood soured from the trial outside. It seems getting rid of that slut caused problems with the pack. Many of the pathetic Omegas and lesser Warriors already voiced their opinion on the matter, stating they would rather have Brynlee as their Luna over me. I have a plan to deal with these wolves later as long as Valor keeps Rune in check.“Your son thought to teach me a lesson of respect.” I growl out in frustration, allowing the man before me to see the bruises left on my neck. Valor st
Chapter 7Slinking towards the motel, I shake my fur out as the light misting of rain makes me wet. I am happy that Miss Asteria and Gale chose a motel so close to a forest so that we can stretch our wolf form as it gave me a chance to run free and hunt down a rabbit that I happily gnawed on while mulling over my thoughts. It’s been seven days since we left Pine Moon. Three days that I haven’t been able to shift till this morning. Keeping the dam of pain and emotions at bay in my mind has gotten easier the further we are from Pine Moon and I find myself enjoying the long drives from motel to motel.Shifting to my human form, I find my clothes in the hollow tree I left them in and change, rushing to our room on the first floor and entering it just in time to see Gale and Miss Asteria getting ready to leave.“Did you have a good run?” Gale asks, giving me a hug.“I did. It was needed.” I admit with a small smile.“Well, you have rabbit blood in your hair. I am guessing you went on a qui
Chapter 8.1Glaring at the computer screen in front of me, I read the report sent by the Private Investigator I hired to find Brynlee. Its been a week since she was expelled from Pine Moon and I have slowly come to realize how much I regret what I did. I should have never slapped her, never rejected Brynlee – my Goddess given Mate.The last seven days have been hell for me. Tanya has ramped up her abuse on the Omegas, ordering them around like slaves to prepare for our wedding day in a few months time. Every day, I get reports of her attacking she-wolves that mention my Brynlee and how she would have made a better Luna. It has caused me to placate my pack mates and put Tanya in her place. But when ever I do that, my father indulges Tanya stating that those she-wolves shouldn’t have mentioned Brynlee in Tanya’s presence.It has become a nightmare for me. Always having to perform my duties as heir to reassure pack mates that I am handling Tanya, to dealing with my father yelling at me f
Chapter 8.2Walking through the woods on the outskirts of the pack, I curse myself for being so dumb at loosing track of time and running late. Today Brynlee turned eighteen and as the future Alpha I need to be at her party to congratulate her. To welcome her as a functioning member of the pack. She will begin her Beta training under Jett and will become my Beta when I take over the pack.[Where are you?] Wincing at the sound of my father yelling through the mind link, I roll my eyes and pick up my pace. He seems angrier than usual and me being late does not seem to help.[On my way. I lost track of time in the wood.] I reply back with honesty, deciding to shift into wolf form so that I can move faster. My clothes tear as I shift mid step, my paws hitting the hard forest floor as I take off. The party starts in ten minutes, I need to be there in five to make it in time to change into new clothes and still be on time for the party.[Hurry the fuck up, Rune. Your Aunt will nag me to dea
Chapter 8.3The door to my office slams open and Caspian storms in, plunking himself into the chair in front of my desk and pulling me away from my thoughts of Brynlee and that day a week ago. I was shocked that he was here, figuring we would only talk if it were about his Beta training.“I thought we weren’t on speaking terms?” I ask as I watch my friend runs a hand through his hair. I can feel the anger and hurt radiating off of him and I have a feeling what might have happened to make him choose to come to my office.“We aren’t. But this is the only place my parents won’t bother me.” He answers back, pulling out his phone. I say nothing, knowing the situation Caspian is in with his parents and how they are trying to force him into claiming some random she-wolf as a Mate instead of allowing him to search for her himself. Its an argument that I have witnessed myself many times since he turned eighteen. At one point Caspian had confided in me that he hoped Brynlee would be his Mate to
Sitting at the vanity in my room that Brynlee had placed here, I watch as she slips on the pure white dress that Asteria and she had bought in town. It has been seven days since we took back Pine Moon from Valor and Tanya. Seven days of executing traitors that sided with those vial wolves. Seven days of restructuring the Pack and working with Caspian, Odette, and Quest to learn everyone’s strengths, weaknesses, and what ranks would suit them the most. We were surprised by how many Omegas should have been Hunters or Warriors and in the end, we took down everyone’s names so that we could promote them during the initiation ceremony.“Can you help zip this dress up?” Brynlee calls out, her blue eyes meeting mine in the mirror. I smile, standing from the seat and taking the three steps needed to stand behind her. I carefully zip up her dress, feeling Brynlee shiver as my knuckles graze her skin. With a chuckle, I bend down to press a kiss onto my mark that graces her neck, getting a surpr
Sitting across from Alastor, I watch him take a sip from the coffee mug Sarah handed to him. Breakfast had just ended and as we waited for Asteria and Gale to join us with this meeting, Rune and I decided to bring Alastor into his office while asking Sarah – one of the few wolves we can trust – to bring refreshments for us.“Sorry we are late.” The door opens and Gale walks in followed by a tired looking Asteria. I know they are packing, preparing to leave and head back to Crescent Phoenix tomorrow morning, and I feel guilty for asking them to be here.“No need to apologize, Luan Gale.” Alastor states, waving his hand with a smile.“I see you also brought in a friend.” Stiffening in my seat, I sniff the air and confirm an unknown wolf’s scent. Blackberries and pine reach my nose and I wonder who it is that Asteria decided to allow onto Pine Moon without telling me.“Hey Alastor, long time no see.” A dark-haired, green-eyed man walks through the door, his large frame taking up more spa
Taking a deep breath, I ready myself to see the remains of my childhood home with Rune by my side. Three days have passed since we killed Valor and Tanya. Three days of getting to know our new Packmates and organizing the mess of a Pack that Valor and Tanya left behind. Everything from training schedules to patrolling to even food preparation had been left in the hands of Wade Kane and his Mate Nora Kane while Valor focused on trying to kill Rune, Asteria, and me. Because of this, the Pack was left in dire straights and these last two days have been nothing but torture for Rune and me. Thankfully we had the help of Gale and Asteria and I had the experience I gained from helping Golden Fang become Crescent Phoenix.Yesterday during a small break that Rune and I took to relax and catch our breaths since we had done nothing but work on the Pack, Caspian, Asteria, and Gale took Rune and me aside, a solemn look on their faces. They had asked if there was a quiet place for us to talk not wa
Sitting at the head table with Brynlee on my right and Caspian on my left, my heart feels at ease. Everyone who came to help us take back Pine Moon is mingling with the innocent members Brynlee and I will lead and the room is filled with smiles and laughter. Aunt Asteria and Uncle Gale were welcomed back warmly, the two being surrounded by wolves that had missed them dearly. Tristan was happily making his rounds around the Dining Hall, making sure his wolves were being kind while we all ate breakfast.But the best part of this morning was watching all the pups Brynlee used to train run up to her, wrapping my Mate in a group hug as she cried her heart out telling the pups how much she missed them. I know she is meant to be an Alpha leading as an equal beside me, but I also can see her taking on more traditional Luna roles if the pups continue rushing to her the way they did an hour ago.“Penny for your thoughts?” I hear my Aunt ask, noticing that Brynlee has left the table to grab anot
Standing in front of over one hundred wolves ranging from a newborn pup to the elderly using canes, I wonder just what their opinion are about Rune and me standing here. At the base of the steps to Pine Moon’s Pack House, Asteria, Gale, Caspian, Odette, Ashton, and Quest guard the stairs and prevent anyone from stepping close.“We should say something.” Rune mutters, taking my shaking hand in his. I can feel him shaking and sense the nervousness he has through our Mate Bond while facing everyone who remains in Pine Moon. Even after capturing Valor’s men, there is still one hundred and fifteen wolves in this Pack who now look to us as their leaders.“Do you want to start?” I ask, turning to look up at Rune. He sighs, running his free hand through his messy hair before nodding his head slightly. Giving my hand a squeeze, he releases it and steps down two steps, the crowd watching him with weary gazes.“Hello, everyone.” His calls out loudly, his deep voice projecting over the crowd.“I
Standing in the familiar foyer of the Pine Moon Pack House, I watch as Omegas run around preparing a simple breakfast for all the wolves here. Everyone knows Valor is dead now, they all felt it when he took his last breath.Tristan, Ashton, Rune, and I had stood where we were, the alarms blaring while we took in the fact Valor and Tanya were truly gone. That no one else in Pine Moon would be left feeling scared and hopeless. Tristan had helped Rune off of Valor’s body while Ashton came to stand beside me, my friend making sure that I was not left unprotected. We were left alone to our thoughts. That is until Riley came rushing to us claiming that wolves from Pine Moon had woken to the chaos of losing their Alpha and Luna.Rune waved off Riley, my Mate looking numb to everything around him. In the end, I was the one to order Riley to shut off the alarm and handed him a USB that contained a pre-recorded message Rune and I made before leaving Crescent Phoenix. With a task at hand, Riley
Stepping through the threshold of my childhood home, I smell the family scent of bourbon and cigar smoke floating in the air. It seems father’s nightly routine hasn’t stopped.“Nora!” My father shouts, his belligerent voice coming from the living room.“Are you back from patrol?” I pause my footsteps, looking at Asteria who furrows her brows. Her eyes glaze over for a moment, most likely trying to see if anyone ran into my mother. When her gaze returns to normal, she mouths the words ‘captured earlier’ to me and I sigh in relief. It seems my mother is taking a nice drug-induced nap with the other wolves that supported Valor.“Nora! Answer me you stupid whore!” Asteria and Gale wince, their concerned gaze turning to me. I shake my head, already used to the abuse my father hurled behind closed doors. No one really knew the truth about how my parents acted. They knew the masks of kind loving people they portrayed to the Pack but when it was just the three of us in these four walls, they
Lowering the now unconscious wolf in my grasp to the forest floor, I take a deep breath of the fresh air and try to calm my jittery nerves. It’s been forty minutes since the operation started. Forty minutes since Brynlee and Rune left for the Pack House to kill my little brother. In that hour, our wolves have found many of Valor’s supporters that we have drugged and tied up. As soon as we know Valor is gone, we will gather these wolves and execute them at dawn and cleanse Pine Moon once and for all.“Delilah found many Rogues in the dungeons and Odette is on her way to help them.” Avery calls out, making me jump. Tristan had sent his Beta with us to help in our part of the plan while he and Ashton went off to help Brynlee and Rune.“When did this happen?” I ask, worried that this may be a trap.“About five minutes ago.” She answers, looking up at the night sky. I can feel her worry for her Mate as Jamal went with Delilah to protect his cousin and Luna.“They will be fine.” I reassure
Keeping my gaze neutral as I try to fight back the laughter threatening to spill with Rune’s greeting to Valor, I watch as the Omega wiggles free of Valor’s grasp and runs down the hall towards another room. It seems like this Omega is smart to run and hide away from us as we came here for one reason and one reason only.“R-Rune.” Valor stutters out as Rune takes a step towards him.“What are you doing here in Pine Moon after turning your back on it?!” He demands, his words becoming confident. It seems Valor still has some bravado left after how cowardly he’s been acting.“Like Rune said a moment ago.” I decide to answer, leaning against the staircase railing.“Rune and I are back for our Pack as rightful Alphas.” My words hit their mark and Valor clenches his jaw in annoyance. I can’t help the smirk that grows as Valor chooses to ignore me to focus on Rune. He sees my Mate as the biggest threat out of the two of us and that’s fine. Having an opponent underestimate me makes the beatin