Mina POV - Her stomach churned at the patches of blood staining the grass and climbing the tree, marring the beauty of the wood. Mina turned her back to it, taking a breath to remind herself that Alastor was okay. She had left his arms little more than an hour ago and, apart from his need for a bit more rest, there was no hidden pain or lingering difficulties in his smile. It was a lazy grin, still lopsided from their night together. If the memory of him wrapped in their sex scented sheets wasn’t enough to quell her unease, the little thrum of the mark on her neck was. She felt her mate's presence like invisible threads wove between them, his heartbeat making them hum beneath her skin. “Are you alright?” Roman asked, moving to her side. His attention flickered behind her, a dark veil shadowing it. “We can go back. You don’t have to be here, Williamina.” “Do you think my disposition weak, Roman?” She let him fumble a reply before she smirked and eased his worries. “We gathered some
Mina POV - No matter how she pleaded, not only did Roman refuse to stop calling her Mini, but he never agreed to save it for private conversations. The gleam in his eye told Mina everything she needed to know about his intention to keep calling her the nickname, even in front of Alastor. There was no chance he’d keep it quiet, so she had to get something in return. The idea struck her just as they re-entered the village and her eyes immediately landed on Alastor. Her mate was stood at the far end of the huge clearing, talking with some wolves she hadn’t met yet. Mina abruptly stopped and turned to Roman. “Okay, let's make a deal. I’ll let you call me Mini,” she ignored his little huff as if it wasn’t her choice, “if, and only if, you tell me what Alastor used to say about me.” A sparkle glinted in her mate’s eye, but she was certain it was just the early afternoon sun piercing through the break in the canopy above. His attention flickered over her shoulder, then he ducked down to
Roman POV - “It’s a pleasure to meet you and your unit, Mrs Lynn.” Mini dipped her head, deferring to his parents. Roman watched her, sharing a questioning gaze with Allie as their mate straightened her back and squared her shoulders, every ounce of playfulness gone. Was she nervous? He couldn’t tell. Her voice was strong, her hands steady, but something felt off. “Thank you for hosting Alastor and I in your village. We hunted some meat on the way. Please accept it as a gift.” His parents exchanged a look, one he couldn’t help but mimic. With an indifferent tone and expressionless features, he could feel a chill coming from her. Is this the strict Luna that Allie had been talking about for all those years? Allie leaned down, his lips brushing her ear. “You’re not in Clear Blue, Princess.” His words were just loud enough for their unit. “No need to pretend, they’ll love you just as you are.” A muscle flickered in her jaw, but they shared a look, brief and sweet. It carried unsaid
Mina POV - When Mina woke up alone, a chill raced down her spine. She spread her arms wide, reaching for the two warm bodies that had slept beside her all night, but the bed was empty. She shivered and sat up. Roman's room was bright with the late morning hour, but there was no sign of him or Alastor. She sniffed the air, their scents strong, but waning with their absence. Mina frowned, and drew the covers tight around herself. It was the first time she had woken up alone since leaving Clear Blue. It felt odd not to have the comfort of her mates beside her. Then, she noticed a piece of paper neatly folded on the side table. ‘It was your turn to sleep, Princess. Breakfast is ready when you are. -A’ A rush of relief blew past her lips, and she flopped back onto her pillow, inhaling the lingering scents of her mates. Sharing a bed with her unit was more natural than she thought it would be. Lying between them, their bodies pressed to hers, so many arms reaching over and under each ot
Mina POV - The trio spent the rest of the day discussing Clear Blue and how to move forward. The main problem was proving Mina’s innocence. Without knowing the ability that her and Alastor had gained through their bond, they couldn’t prove the note was fake, and without knowing who was framing her, they couldn’t gather the evidence they needed to bring the real murderer to justice. She insisted they had to get word to Sam. Not only did she need to know he was okay, but he had been there when the man in the window had killed their mother. She hoped he had caught a glimpse of the culprit, but knew he’d already be working to get her home. It took a lot of convincing from Alastor, but eventually they agreed to use Oliver as a way into Clear Blue to get a message to Sam. Though it made Mina uncomfortable, the pack was a fortress which he controlled. Getting in without his help would just lead to one of them getting imprisoned or killed. Though she had been stubbornly against it, none of
Mina POV - Alastor crawled up her body, his knee sliding between her legs, parting them. Her breath hitched as his thigh pressed to her apex, but her attention was drawn away as a hand cupped the back of her head, guiding it to a pillow. Roman’s fingers threaded delicately in her hair, far sweeter than his dark gaze promised. Her chest warmed. Even when desire was creeping upon them, her mates were gentle with her, making sure she was comfortable. “Can I kiss you?” His voice was little more than a breathy rumble. Alastor’s lips were already on her neck, nipping and licking her flesh, following the trail of her pheromones. She knew his kiss, had felt its searing heat before, the way it consumed her. He was her first mate, the one who showed her how a fiery touch could make her body sing. It longed to sing again, to feel the rush of pleasure as he made her come undone. However, it longed for something else too. Her skin tingled at Roman’s presence, the intensity of his eyes as the
Mina POV - Her head was a fog of mindless bliss, still high from her orgasm, as her mates helped her roll to her knees. They were shaky, the tremble of pleasure still deep in her muscles. Roman settled before her, guiding her to lean against his chest. His fingers trailed light patterns over the length of her forearm as she nuzzled against him, enjoying his scent, his presence, the firmness of his chest. Alastor’s hands settled at her waist. His thumbs massaged circles into her lower back. The touch was small, but intense. Her skin was hyperaware of her mate’s every move, her attention latching to it, making every brush of their skin together heightened, addictive. Mina jerked when his fingers trailed across her sex, coating themselves in her arousal. Heat built in her cheeks at the wet sound, but Alastor’s groan soothed any rising insecurities. It was pure lust, pure need, pure appreciation. How could she shy away from such a noise? A rustle behind her drew her eyes just in time t
Mina POV - “That’s the strangest mark I’ve ever seen.” Mina jerked from her ogling to catch Carla’s wink as she headed over. “I presume you liked our gift?” A blush crept over her skin as she cradled the fading hickey on her neck. Roman had kissed it just before him and Alastor began to spar, promising he would lay his mark there when she was ready. If he had marked her last night, Mina didn’t think she would’ve minded, but she was glad that he didn’t. Though sex with her unit had been incredible, there was something different to marking one’s mate. It was private, personal, a deep moment that only two wolves should share. That’s how it had been with Alastor, and that’s how she wanted it with Roman.Her eyes glanced over his form as he fought, a warmth building in her chest. She had no doubt that she wanted him. The urge filled her from the tingle on her skin to the depths of her soul. He was her mate and she already felt like his. She didn’t think she was the only one. Roman was t
Mina POV - The room was a rush of excitement, everyone moving around, getting ready, beaming with joy. Mina watched them all from the nest, pillows carrying her mates’ scents propped all around her. She inhaled it, letting the familiarity wash though her, soothing any lingering nerves for the day ahead. Two new scents mingled with her unit’s. They were fresh and clear like the morning air after a night of rain, but crisp and warm like a dry heat in the middle of summer. They warmed her with a love she didn’t know she could feel, one that was buried deep inside her, unlocked the moment she realised she was pregnant. It had been three days since her daughters were born. Three days to recover and bond. Three days for her love for them to grow so unbearable strong that she didn’t think she could contain it all. Small faces peaked out from yellow blankets, staring up at her with inquisitive eyes like they knew there was something different about that day. For young pups, intelligence
Mina POV - Concern for Blake swamped any grief that Mina had for Sam the moment he died. She raced to her mate, her eyes widening at the gash that carried the length of his body. She had seen him twist away from Sam’s blow, likely knowing he’d be the one targeted out of the three of them, but to see the amount of damage that had still been done made her feel sick. The cut was shallow but carried from his shoulder to his rump, in one straight slice that threatened to be so much worse. If he hadn’t anticipated Sam’s response, if he hadn’t twisted enough, if he hadn’t... A wet nose pressed to her cheek. ‘I’m fine.’ Then he rumbled a chuckle and gently pushed her to make her turn. ‘Though maybe the others need some attention.’ Mina spun on the spot, panic slicing through her, but it eased the moment she saw Roman and Alastor’s pout. She’d expect it from Alastor, but Roman’s bottom lip was firmly popped, eyes averted. They had shifted back into their human forms, leaning on each other
Roman POV - Given the look on Blake’s face, the wound was bad. It hurt like hell, but Roman had held a slim hope that his body was exaggerating the pain. The iron tang of blood and the wet heat coating his shoulder told him otherwise, but it was the worry etched into his mate’s features that convinced him. Not that it mattered. He could’ve lost his entire front leg, or been knocked unconscious, but would still get back on his paws and keep fighting. He did that now, forcing his legs beneath him, letting his unharmed three take the majority of his weight. A searing heat sliced from his shoulder to his front paw when he attempted to put any weight on it. He whined, but Blake was there, giving him a solid form to lean against, helping him to stand. Roman appreciated his lack of arguing, but it would’ve been hypocritical. If the unit had demanded the others to rest every time they were injured, Blake would still be in the packhouse cells and Allie would’ve clocked out after Derren’s hit
Blake POV - The brutality of Sam’s actions made Blake jerk. If how he treated Chloe, his own mate, wasn’t bad enough, he was trying to bond with another wolf just after she lost her own mate. Whether it was an act of desperation or pure cruelty, it was wrong. The anguish contorting Chelsea’s face twisted further as pain ripped through her. A forced marking was unpleasant, but it must’ve felt a lot worse coming from someone she had trusted. Blake knew it did from the way she struggled, the way she screamed. She tried to pull free of Sam’s hold, but his arms locked around her, holding her in place. Even the Diamond Ridge wolves around them, those who had ignored their Luna’s pleas to help Derren, looked uncomfortable. Finally, Sam pulled back, blood trickling from the corner of his mouth, matching the red line that slid across the Luna’s throat. “Accept it.” He snarled. “You promised me this, now’s the time to pay up.” Tears were already streaming down Chelsea’s cheeks, cries tur
Chapter 103 – I’ll do it myself Roman POV - The tightness in Allie’s jaw worried him. Derren’s blow had been hard and, if they were right about his ability, the hardest punch Allie had ever received. Roman was certain he had heard a crack, yet his mate was back on his feet again, walking into formation. He wanted to tell him to him to go back to Mini, to protect their Luna, but Taylor was already there, keeping an eye on her, Oliver and a still whimpering Owen. Besides, against a foe they didn’t know much about and already were struggling to face, the full force of their unit would be needed to kill him. With the cuts and bites on his own body, Blake still being weighed down after the poisoning, and Allie’s jaw, Roman wasn’t sure they could muster their full strength, but they had to try. Their packmates were fighting around them, keeping the bulk of the enemy away while they took on the leaders. They couldn’t let them down. They had to try and end this fighting before any more unn
Alastor POV - “Isn’t this sweet? A little family reunion. Two Hayres close to dead, and one soon to be.” Sam’s voice grated on Alastor as his attention flickered between his father and the bastard responsible for this mess. He avoided looking at Owen, his brother’s screams lessening to whimpers as the silver took root in his body. The knife Taylor used wasn’t pure silver like the blade that Owen had stabbed their father with. His brother would be able to bare the pain for a few hours before the poison would kill him. Alastor intended to leave it until the last possible second, so Owen would feel a small amount of the pain he’d caused Mina. “Your mother is going to be utterly heartbroken about the death of you three, and that’s before I let slip about the infidelity.” Sam laughed, the sound cruel and haunting. Alastor was sure he didn't care about the Hayre head cheating on his mate, but there was still some satisfaction to the words that let him know he relished every ounce of ang
Mina POV - Lover? Mina was struck immobile with the urge to recoil and surge a protest all at once. Her brow furrowed as she tried to picture her mother on Oliver’s arm, but she couldn’t do it. Not just because it was Oliver, but because it was anyone. Not once had her mother discussed having a partner, nor had she ever had a date. In all the years she had spent with her mother, Mina hadn’t even seen the woman look twice at another wolf. Not unless they had said something rude and she had to make sure they felt the full wraith of her glare. Surely, Mina would know if her own mother was keeping the company of another wolf under the packhouse roof? Yet, Sam seemed to know, and he had lived there just like her. But what about Oliver’s mate? Alastor’s mother? Did she know he was cheating on her, did she care? Mina was pulled from the questions flooding her mind at Oliver’s wheezes. Before he had cast her out of the pack, she had considered him something of a father figure. Despit
Mina POV - As Sam and Chelsea whipped around to face the oncoming threat, her unit pounced. As one, they charged forward in a blink, hitting the front line of the enemy wolves. They moved so fast, no one reacted before three throats were torn out, the first blood of this battle splattering across the floor. Mina winced. Two of those wolves were Clear Blue, but she hardened against the discomfort, knowing they were choosing to side with Sam. If they hadn’t known the truth her guilt would’ve eaten her alive, but she couldn’t feel bad with her unit protecting themselves. These wolves would kill them if given the chance and she knew her mates would give them the same consideration. However, they were trained wolves and wouldn’t go down easily. Alastor, Roman and Blake only took out one wolf each before the others reacted. They pulled around the closest member of her unit and battle ensued. The clash of warriors was a grating sound, the stench of blood slicing through the air immediat
Blake POV - Though a heavy weight riddled his body, Blake stood tall behind Willi. His canines were bared and he stared out at the mixture of Clear Blue and Diamond Ridge wolves that came to do Chelsea and Sam’s bidding. Though their presence was a threat, he was more concerned about Willi. She was still standing strong, challenging the enemy, but he could feel her through their bond. A deep, welling ache was growing beneath her composure as she faced the betrayal of her brother. Blake hadn’t known her when she had been close to Sam, but he knew how it felt to be discarded and used by family. He hadn’t even liked his, yet their betrayal cut deep. He couldn’t imagine the pain she was forcing herself not to feel in that moment. “So, you want to cut me off? You’re doing all this, so I won’t rely on you?” Willi called out. “Rely on me? You did more than that. I was your support for everything and what did I get for it? A whiny sister who didn’t know how good she had it and no credit