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CHAPTER SIXTY
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Holding on
No matter how hard they all tried, Star couldn’t muster the smile they tried to garner from her. Seated on her hospital bed, she watched- almost as a bystander as her mate and friends told stories even though they seemed to be doing for her benefit.
The psychologist that saw her earlier that morning easily pointed out that she was experiencing PTSD and that it would take a while and a lot of work to get over it and back to normal. As much as the woman persuaded her to not be harsh on herself for the way her mind reacted to her experience, Star couldn’t shake the feeling that she was wrong, the life she knew was a distant memory, nothing could or would be the same again.
“Are you tired, do you want us to leave so you can rest?” Ray offered, h
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The first bloom after the blizzard“How have you been sleeping, are the dreams still present?” Doctor Singh crossed one leg over the other, balancing the black notebook on her exposed knee.“The sleeping pills help me for a few hours, but by the early hours of the morning-” Star cut off, Dr. Singh knew the sequence of her dreams, they spend countless sessions recounting the events, trying to desensitize Star to the events that were more a memory than a piece of fiction from a dream.“Have you ever considered a pet? Often in cases of PTSD, we introduce support animals to help patients, studies have shown that being around animals reduces anxiety and provides a calming presence for humans to latch onto.” Star wanted to smile, but she feared t
The Huntress' Revenge CHAPTER SIXTY-TWO
Haunted by half-truthsShivering from the cold, Star could feel the burn of the lashes on her skin, but the blood that seeped from the wounds froze on her skin. In the dark room, all she could see were two hazel lifeless eyes staring down at her from where the man hung from chains, her heart and mind screamed at the sight, crying out for help, he was dying and she couldn’t even move a muscle to help him.“Max!!!” The cry escaped her chapped lips, but still, he didn’t move. She opened her mouth to scream for help, the violent shaking of her body pulled her from drowning in his eyes.“Star, wake up!” Max was straddling her, shaking her shoulders till her eyes cracked open and widened in the dimly lit room.
The Huntress' Revenge CHAPTER SIXTY-THREE
When I’m with you When Star’s eyes fluttered open the first thing she noticed was the strong, bare arm draped over her midriff and recalled the dream she had. Similar to the feeling she had when Max held her in the lake, she felt at peace with his warm chest against her back and his long legs intertwined with hers. Sighing with contentedness, she turned in his arms, careful not to wake him, she wrapped her arm around him. The chilly January air didn’t bother him in the least, but just seeing the grey clouds in the sky sent a chill through Star’s body. Max’s long eyelashes kissed the tan skin on his cheeks, gone were the frown lines that seemed to be a constant feature over the past few weeks, his plump lips were slightly parted to allow air to pass through. It seemed the caress of her eyes was enough to break his peaceful sleep, Max groaned softly when he felt his mate so close to him and cracked his eyes open to find her staring at him. For a moment neither of them said a word, th
The Huntress' Revenge CHAPTER SIXTY-FOUR
A leap of faith takes only one step Max itched to grab hold of her hand as he pushed her through the distance between their new home and the packhouse, but the wringing of her fingers in front of her stopped him. Nerves were rolling off her in waves, but he remained quiet, nothing he said would change how she felt and the fact that she didn’t stop him was a sign of her determination. She didn’t need his doubt. Emerging from the treeline, they caught the eye of many pack members, but everyone kept their distance, thanks to a forewarning from Max. “Good morning Alpha and Luna, it’s nice to see you both out and about this morning.” One of the older women who ran the pack laundry greeted them when they passed by her.
The Huntress' Revenge CHAPTER SIXTY-FIVE
Sick to the stomach Star’s heart raced, she could feel her breaths coming out in shallow pants as she observed the man before her with wide eyes. “I’m sorry, Star.” Even with the proof in front of her, she couldn’t believe it. “No, you’ve got the wrong guy.” she shook her head and looked at Max with desperate eyes. “No, we don’t.” Ray’s hard voice met her ears and her eyes shot in his direction, he was standing behind them with his hard eyes focussed on the floor, the clenching of his fists told her how hard it was for him too. “Ray…” She wheeled towards him and grabbed his hand desperately, “He’s your best friend, Ray.” She shook his a
The Huntress' Revenge CHAPTER SIXTY-SIX
No pain, no gain Sucking in a deep breath, Star held onto the bars and pulled herself up like she’d done many times before, but this time she was determined to make it to the end of the rails. She smiled slightly when her legs didn’t shake or buckle and despite the discomfort of having all her weight on her legs, she took her first step. “One step at a time, Star.” Cora encouraged. Her eyes were glued to her feet as she slowly lifted one foot after the other, part of her wanted to rush and get it over with, but the pain was worth the gain if she made it to the end without stumbling or crumbling. “Come on Star, you can do it.” She whispered to herself when her left leg shook slightly, she could feel beads of sweat rolling down her back, but the exertion felt more liberating than grueling. Star chanced a quick look at the end of the bars and realized she was more than halfway there, every step caused her arms and legs to strain, but she knew most of the battle was mental. Perhaps s
The Huntress' Revenge CHAPTER SIXTY-SEVEN
Forgiveness is equivalent to freedom “Are you going to do it or keep staring at your phone like he’s going to materialize from it?” Star jumped slightly at the intrusion and turned her chair to glare at Ray. “You nearly gave me a heart attack.” The man in question was unmoved by her heated glare and simply crossed his arms and legs as he leaned against the door frame. “Alas, you’re still here. Don’t change the subject.” Realizing arguing with him wouldn’t be worth it, she dropped her gaze to the phone once again. “I’m pretty sure he doesn’t want to hear from me.” She winced, remembering how effortlessly she lied to his face. “I doubt that, he’s been checking up on you since we found you.” Star’s eyebrows pulled together. “Wait, how did you know who I wanted to call?” Ray’s lips lifted into a smirk. “I’d love to come off as mysterious and all-knowing, but I was just with Max. He could feel your distress and told me you’ve been overthinking calling the Sheriff.” Star’s lips p
The Huntress' Revenge CHAPTER SIXTY-EIGHT
A dreamy nightmare The silk bodice clung to her body like a second skin while the stark white ruffle skirt floated around. The nude heels she wore kept the flawless dress from dragging on the ground, but Star didn’t care a bit, her eyes were focused on the handsome man before her. Max’s navy tuxedo gripped his muscular arms, giving her a sneak peek of what lay beneath, his usual five 0’clock shadow was replaced by his more recent trimmed bearded look and she had to admit she liked it more. Max beamed at her as she walked down the paved pathway, the smell of fresh daisies filled her senses, but Star longed for Max’s signature lemon and eucalyptus scent instead. The path to him seemed to grow longer with every step she took. “Relax, you’ll get there.” His sudden appearance beside her almost made her stumble, but she caught herself before she could make a fool out of herself. “Where did you come from?” She looked up at him, wide-eyed, but all he did was smile. “Wherever you wanted m
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The Huntress' Revenge EPILOGUE 3
The plane ride back to Manchester gave Kiah enough time to think about her plans. The time spent at the Lockwood pack served as a much-needed time out from both avoiding Will and trying to cope with her loss. There was nothing she could do to turn back time and living in the past only seemed to be hurting both of them more than necessary and while her decision would have been different in his position, she too would have been haunted by it the same way he was. Climbing off the car, Kiah sucked in a deep breath before walking through the grand doors of the castle. In the throne room, Will was directing the troop commanders when the doors burst open, revealing their elusive Queen. For a moment everyone just stared until the clearing of Will’s throat threw them into action and one by one they bowed to their Queen, silently rejoicing her return. “You may rise.” Kiah smiled politely and the men rose, some giving her smiles and words of welcome as she approached the throne to take a sea
The Huntress' Revenge EPILOGUE 2
Will watched from across the room as Kiah struggled with the zipper on her dress and after a moment of not realizing he was there he strode towards her, grasping the zip and sliding it down with ease. The feeling of his fingertips grazing her skin was like being electrocuted and without thinking Kiah leaped away from him, not missing the hurt look on his face. For a second she wanted to apologize, but like every time her eyes laid on him, she remembered what he’d done and her face turned cold. “Don’t touch me.” Will remained frozen, inwardly berating himself for hurting her yet again when she slammed the door to the bathroom in his face. His parents were out for the day busy with preparations for the Alpha ceremony, insisting they took the day to relax before all the rush began. With the door to their room shut, Kiah exited the bathroom to find Will with his head in his hands. She knew he was beating himself up for his earlier actions, but she squashed the instinct to soothe hi
The Huntress' Revenge EPILOGUE 1
“I’m sorry, Your Majesty, we have no other choice.” “I choose her. Save my wife Kennedy.” *** The memory of the day Will’s world turned upside down would forever remain vivid in his mind as yet another night he woke to find the bed cold and empty beside him. She didn’t understand, she couldn’t fathom the decision he’d come to when faced with the impossible choice, in her mind, she was certain she would be his last choice, but when she’d woke from her slumber and found out the truth she realized there was, after all, a way the man she called her husband could break her heart even when she knew he didn’t love her. “Good morning, your Majesty.” servants of the castle greeted as he passed them on his way to his office and as he did every morning, Will nodded his head at them. “Morning Azaiah, Serenity; any news for me this morning?” Azaiah had taken the role of his royal advisor as had been decided by the Goddess and when Serenity and Azaiah mated, she moved into the palace, ea
The Huntress' Revenge RISE OF THE ALPHA KING 34
Will’s glowing hazel eyes studied the crowd of Alphas before him, now congregated in their human forms on a floor littered with scraps of their shredded clothing staring up at their King. King William Lockwood. To the left of him stood his company of chosen advisors and to his right, with her hand clutched in his, stood his queen; Kiah Das. WIll barely had the time to comprehend the feelings rushing through him, the power, the responsibility, the primal protectiveness he felt over every person in the room. He knew if he closed his eyes and concentrated he would hear each one of their hearts beating and with that thought he knew he would tear the world apart to keep it that way. Elder Frederick cleared his throat, bringing every eye in the room to him, “Do you William Lockwood, Son of Alpha Maximus Lockwood and Huntress Luna Star Cullen Lockwood solemnly swear to wear the sacred Lycan Crown with honor, respect, and integrity?” “I do,” Will answered boldly. “Do you, William Loc
The Huntress' Revenge RISE OF THE ALPHA KING 33
Elders from far and wide returned to the ancient Palace of the Lycan kind, summoned by the blood running in their veins loyalty of their forefathers to the crown. “The Institution is ready.” The throne room guard announced, opening the doors for Alphas to enter from the main hall. “Good evening honorable Alphas of the Council. Today, after centuries, the Royal Institution has reunited in the name of the Lycan Crown.” Elder Frederick, who was elected as Chairman announced. “We live in a future determined long ago, in a fated world where success is achieved only when the Royal rule prevails. As per the plan of succession left behind by the former King, the Alpha Council must perform a uniting ritual in which they each pledge their allegiance to the Crown and when all is said and done, a sacred scroll will be read aloud, it is only then that the holder of the crown will be revealed.” Max sucked in a deep breath, the course of action they chose was not one which may have traditiona
The Huntress' Revenge RISE OF THE ALPHA KING 32
Will’s face had become a familiar one at Alpha council meetings, having gone from never even being a guest at them to attending them regularly was seemingly paradoxical, but none of the Alphas seemed to notice, or if they did, none had the guts to point it out- certainly not after the second round of attacks occurred based on Will’s prediction. “Commander Lockwood, is there a reason you have insisted on summoning us to the palace for this meeting, as you yourself are aware, the recent attacks on our packs have left them vulnerable, and having alphas away from their packs leaves them more vulnerable to attack.” The Chairman himself was displeased at Will’s actions and he smirked inwardly at how easy it was to upset these men despite only requesting the meeting be held at the palace and not insisting. “I have a few findings I thought it best you heard in person and a picture of what the future holds.” Will stood up and clicked the power button on the wall-to-wall screen in the boardro
The Huntress' Revenge RISE OF THE ALPHA KING 31
Just as Will predicted, the second round of attacks came only five days after the first, but unlike the first time, he was ready. With troops stationed outside five different packs, he set the trap, waiting patiently for the attack, and at midnight when packs had settled for the night, the invasion began. Three packs, uncoincidentally all with Alphas who bashed Will’s suggestion in the meeting were targeted but this time Will’s orders were different. Troops were commanded to capture and not kill on site, unbeknownst to anyone other than himself and troop leaders and by the time the news of the failed attack reached the ears of the Alpha Council, Will’s prisoners were already in custody. “They’re ready for you commander.” Will nodded, shutting the file when the prison guard came in. “Thank you, Grant.” The interrogation room looked more like a dungeon out of a medieval movie than anything else, but it seemed to unnerve the woman sitting in the chair so Will counted it as a win.
The Huntress' Revenge RISE OF THE ALPHA KING 30
As the distance between Will and the Lockwood pack grew, so did Kiah’s anxiety. The Lockwood pack welcomed her openly and she easily felt like she belonged despite not being a shifter which came as a surprise to her, but still, she found herself missing something. “I love you and I’m tired of pretending I don’t, I’m tired of waiting on a promise spoken of by others.” Kiah halted in her step and her eyes widened, certain she was intruding on a private moment but found herself eager to hear the response to the man’s words. “Zai…” The girl sobbed, sounding happy, yet mournful at the same time, “We can’t do this-” Her words were cut off by a startled gasp and Kiah curiously peeked around the bushes only to see Azaiah and Serenity’s lips locked in a passionate kiss. The reminiscent smile that formed on her lips only increased the ache in her heart and Kiah turned away, deciding she would come back to the little sanctuary later. “You’d be proud, Will.” She whispered to herself, chuck
The Huntress' Revenge RISE OF THE ALPHA KING 29
With five votes still left unread the chairman looked up at the council, “By a majority vote of confidence, the Alpha council resolves to assemble a united army under the leadership of William Lockwood as Commander-in-Chief.” he announced, sounding pleased with the outcome. Will paced by Kiah’s bedside recalling the events of earlier today with eyebrows furrowed, he thought about the decision taken by the Alphas to enlist volunteers before actioning the registry and how he would go about creating an army to fight such a widespread army, he worried their mobilization would cause hunters to go into hiding amongst human communities rendering it impossible to find them. “Will?” Kiah’s soft voice broke him from his reverie and his body stilled upon seeing her almost black irises. “Hey, you okay?” She blinked, looking around the lavish room with confusion. “I’m fine, how long was I out?” she appeared disorientated when she finally focussed back on him, a sight Will wasn’t used to see
