Helping Milan pack up the remaining items in the kitchen, I catch site of a few pups helping to bring boxes and bags out to the charter bus where Ashton and Eddison are waiting to load the storage compartments.It has been six days since we arrived at the farmhouse and after realizing how much packing needs to be done, Gale and I had called Asteria asking if we could delay our return to the pack to sort through what Milan and the others will be bringing with us on our return trip home. Luckily, Asteria agreed that us staying would be beneficial to the Willow Bark wolves and just asked that we call her before we make the drive back home.“This should be the last of it.” Milan says as she stands, a smile on her face.“So we should be ready to move out soon?” I ask my niece. She looks around, taking her time to answer as her smile falls and a hint of melancholy washes over her. I know she is sad about leaving the farm, the only safe place she has known since Valor attacked Willow Bark.
Watching Quincy leave the office, I walk around Asteria’s desk and take the seat he previously occupied. Asteria watches me as she does, her eyes filled with un-asked questions.“What did Rune do to you earlier?” She asks and I sigh. I am going to kick Quincy’s ass later.“I was training with Odette when the Mate Bond let out a danger warning to Rune. He came barging in and took me away to my cottage.” I answer, watching as Asteria’s eyes widen. She subtly looks down and I stiffen in my seat as her eyes land on my stomach. I keep my hands on the armrest of the chair, doing everything I can not to confirm her suspicion while Quest watches on in shock.“So that’s why everyone has been talking about Rune being a possessive ass hole.” He laughs out, making me roll my eyes.“He definitely is an asshole.” I agree with a grumble, crossing my arms over and letting out an annoyed sigh. Asteria looks away from me with a small smile on her lips as she turns her attention to Quest.“When it comes
Reading the list of thirty Rogues looking to join Cresent Phoenix, I focus on the skills each wolf has listed. Some wolves come with skills such as farming and manual labor. These are definitely Omegas that left their old Pack for one reason or another. The others are a mix of Hunters and Warriors that would be good to growing the Pack’s strength. Hell, some of our current Pack Mates might be able to find their Goddess given Mates if we accepted these wolves into Crescent Phoenix.Moving to look through the applications list, I note down that out of the thirty Rogues, ten came from two Packs that I remember dealing with when I was in Pine Moon – Flaming Canine and Snarling Spruce. These Packs are ruled similarly to Pine Moon with a patriarchal rule where she-wolves are aa lesser class, only meant to produce pups and take care of the elderly and males are meant to be obeyed without any questions or doubt.I have a feeling that these wolves left for their own personal growth and safety.
Watching Brynlee drive away, I wait for her truck to disappear from my view before deciding to head to my dorm room for the night and get some much-needed rest. Today has been an eventful day that has left me reeling with exhaustion. I had just finished patrol when a sudden urge of danger coursed through me. At first, I thought the warning was because Rogues had crossed our borders into the pack territory, threatening the pack. When I realized it was an internal warning from the Mate Bond, my wolf instincts took over and I rushed directly towards the danger warning without thinking. All I could think of was protecting Brynlee.’I knew I was being irrational when I barged into the training facility without warning. I knew how much of a prick I was when I swept Brynlee into my arms and carried her away from everyone without her consent, but my body kept moving on its own. I felt like a man possessed but until I knew Brynlee was safe in her den – in her cottage – I couldn’t relax.As soon
Glaring at the email before me, I suppress the growl threatening to spill. Our council representative has been hard at work investigating Valor, Tanya, and Jonnah to the point they have begun questioning the destruction of smaller Packs surrounding Blood Claws and Pine Moon. What is worse is that other than Willow Bark, no other survivors have been found from any of these smaller Packs that were destroyed. For all the Council knows, they have either become Rogues hiding deep in the forests in wolf territory or blending with Humans in the many cities.One thing is for sure, Jonnah and Valor have committed more crimes than we originally thought.Reading further along the email, my eyes widen and my hand instinctively reaches for my stomach. Judging by the images attached to the email and the medical report the Council’s spies were able to obtain, it seems that I am not the only one expecting a pup. Now the question is, whose is it?“Brynlee, are you in here?” The door to my office opens
Looking at the empty field that will be perfect for building new houses for new families and Mates looking to transition out of the dormitories and into their own homes, I sneak a peak at Rune as he leans against the front of my truck, a sketchbook in his hands. Right now, Rune is working on a basic sketch for three houses that will be built here come spring in hopes of having them ready for winter next year.“I never knew you could draw.” I muse, watching him jump in surprise before a blush of embarrassment creeps along his cheeks. After lunch, he and I had taken my truck out to drive around the territory, making note of the new land we received from Onix Moon a few weeks ago and finding a few good spots along the stretch of land where we could begin building more dorm buildings and houses families and newly mated pairs could move into. This is how we found ourselves relaxing in the warm fall sun when Rune brought a sketchbook out of the backpack he brought along on our ride.“To be
Waiving at Brynlee as she drives away, I head into the Pack House in search of the Library she mentioned. I had not explored the Pack House being too busy with training and learning the patrol routes, so I felt lost inside this large building.“Can I help you, hun?” Turning to the sound of a friendly voice, I find a woman with soft blue-green eyes and strawberry blonde hair tied into a braid down her back in hopes of keeping the mess of curls tamed. She carries a stack of books in her arms as she watches me with a curious glance.“Yes actually.” I answer feeling relieved.“I am looking for the pack library and the woman who runs it, Alayne.” I continue explaining, watching a smirk spread across this she-wolf’s face.“Well, I can help you with both.” She responds, shifting the books so that they rest in her left arm while holding out her right hand.“Alayne Arctic at your service.” Shocked to find this unassuming she-wolf being the woman I am looking for, I shake her hand and realize th
Sitting in the hospital room with Rune holding my hand, I nervously fidget with his fingers. Right now, we are waiting for Jasmin to finish with a patient so we can do an Ultrasound and find out how far along I am with my pregnancy. Rune silently watches me, concern in his eyes as he pulls his hand out of mine and pulls me closer to his side.“Everything is going to be fine Brynlee.” Rune reassures me, giving me a gentle smile.“So just relax and take a deep breath.” Closing my eyes, I do what he says and take a deep breath, breathing in his scent and feeling my nerves settle slightly. Over the last three days, Rune and I have grown closer as we worked side by side in preparing the pack for more construction.He would come to my office after his morning duties as a Warrior and after lunch, we would go over the map of Crescent Phoenix land and work on finding the perfect locations for new homes and dormitories for our constantly growing pack. Once we found the perfect locations, Rune w
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