Cassia’s POV As they walked into the long room where all the women were being looked after, Cassia’s breath hitched in her throat, and she reached back and grabbed Cole’s hand. She felt Garrett lean close on her other side, his breath tickling her ear. “Don’t worry, love. They’re going to be very happy to see you.” The room was long, with several beds on three sides, thin curtains hung around them to create a small amount of privacy when needed. Several couches and plush chairs stood out oddly in the center of the room, having been brought in to make the women feel more at home. Dr. Blake had told them that they’d been put in here together because they felt safer, even though there were plenty of private rooms available. This room was only used in times of war, as an overflow. Only the woman who was in critical condition was kept separate. Their group only stood at the door for a moment before one of the women looked over at them, fear in her eyes turning quite suddenly int
Hey Readers! If you’ve made it this far, first off, thank you!! Secondly, I wanted to let you know that going forward, I will be switching to first person present tense narration, something I’ve been wishing I’d done since the beginning for a few chapters now. Eventually, I will update the first 28 chapters to all be first person as well (except for the prologue/first chapter), but for now, I’m just flipping part way through. Hopefully it won’t be off putting but will make reading far more enjoyable. I’m loving discovering and telling this story so far and hope you enjoy it, too! May the Moon shine brightly upon you! Anna Marie
Garrett’s POV My heart swells with pride as my little mate promises our support to the women she’d been held captive with. I squeeze her shoulder and notice Cole doing the same. She must be feeling safe here, beginning to trust us. And already stepping into her natural role. Thank the goddess she was only there for three days.“Three days too long,” my wolf grumbles. “I know,” I respond. “But look at these women… every single one of them was there longer than her. Brianna is terrified of her mate. Doesn’t even want him in the same room - and they didn’t even mark her or -”My wolf’s internal snarl stops me from going any further. I clench my jaw, looking back down at Cassia. She’s so much more at ease than she was when I left, and I wonder if it’s the time she’s spent with Cole - my wolf grumbles about my needing to play hero, and I chuckle inwardly - or just that she’s starting to feel safe or being around these women… But they seem more at ease, too, now that she’s with them,
Cassia’s POV All three of us ate at the kitchen table, no one around except the kitchen staff checking in to be sure we had everything we wanted or needed - so long as it was on our “allowed” list. Garrett made several joking threats about being an Alpha and how dare they deny him, but each of them ignored him and laughed in turn, making me feel even safer. The entire pack, including the omegas, seems to truly love my mates, to respect them and trust them - I haven’t seen one yet who appears to fear them, even though I know they must have the ability to be terrifying if they were able to kill Albius. Cole left Garrett and me in the same bedroom I’d stayed in the previous night. He said he needed to check in on Markus, Brianna’s mate - who is apparently distraught that she won’t see him - and also visit the prisoner they’d captured when they were attacked. I look up at my more clean cut mate from my spot beside him on the couch. Even with his injuries he’s freshly shaven - he insi
Cassia’s POV Garrett is so gentle as he places me on the bed, tucking me in beneath the covers. And as he leans over me, his eyes finally drift from mine, down to my lips. Without even meaning to, I find myself biting my bottom lip at the sight, drawing a growl from him that makes me shudder. “Be careful doing that, Cassia.” His voice is husky, almost menacing. And I nod my head, not trusting myself to speak.But once again, I find my fear gone. Overwhelmed and replaced by… longing. He sighs as he stands up and walks to the other side of the bed, taking his shirt off as he goes. Leaving him with just his grey sweatpants sitting low on his hips. I gasp at how muscled he is, my eyes wandering up and down his form. Unable to help myself. His eyes snap to mine again, and he looks down at the shirt in his hand. “Oh. Sorry. I wasn’t thinking.” He hesitates. “Do you mind? I sleep better without a shirt. And with the bandages, I’m feeling a little claustrophobic.” I quickly shake my
Cole’s POV Leaving Markus’ wing, I feel heartsick. The place is trashed. His eyes are so haunted. And he can’t seem to get control of his wolf without being commanded. After an hour of talking to him, I finally had to order him to clean up his wing, clean himself up, and think about how to make his mate feel safe instead of himself and his own pain. He flinched at that, and I wince at the memory of it as I make my way downstairs. He’s always been a bit more out of control, our Delta. Very good at organising troops - also very… underdeveloped… in maintaining command of his own wolf. Which can be helpful in war when it isn’t disastrous… but isn’t usually helpful at any other time. I’m hoping his mate will eventually help him get that locked in - but with what she’s been through. I sigh and run a hand through my hair, scowling. I can only hope she doesn’t reject Markus and finds a way to let him - and us - help her. And that Markus will calm down enough to actually be able to help
Garrett’s POVAs I wake up, Cassia’s scent hits me hard, and I growl appreciatively, nuzzling my nose against her neck. “How are you feeling?” I murmur mentally to my wolf. “Almost back to normal,” his voice still sounds gruff and thick with sleep. “Careful not to wake her.” The corner of my lips tug at his caution. But he’s right. She needs rest as much as I do. “Garrett, you up?” Cole whispers into the mindlink. Not that he needs to ask; he can usually tell just by nudging me mentally. “Just barely, brother. Cassia’s still asleep. I might drift back, too.” “You both have to eat, you know. It’s almost 4:30. How about I have dinner brought up? I think I’ve finished with everything for today.”I yawn and nod, absently. I wonder how Alphas without twin brothers manage to get everything done - especially when they’re injured like this. I suppose they rely more on their Betas. Still - with everything that’s happened over the last few days, not having all of it fall on my shoulders m
Cassia’s POV “You are so fucking perfect, Cassia.” As his lips crash back into mine, my heart soars. I don’t know about perfect, but - well if the way he’s kissing me is any indication, he must really think so. Even without my wolf, even with what - no. I let myself stop thinking and lose myself in the way he feels - the way his hand caresses my back, the way his lips and tongue feel on mine, the way his arousal feels on my hip, part of his weight resting comfortably on top of me. Far, far too soon, I hear a knock at the door, and jolt in surprise, pulling away from him. My face heats, knowing the room must smell of my arousal. He only chuckles at me, though, kissing my jaw. “Don’t worry, love. It’s only Cole.” “Oh,” my stomach flip flops, and I wonder again how this whole two mate thing works. He smirks at me before lifting off of me and sitting up against the headboard, gently pulling me against him. “Come in, idiot,” he calls out, and I look at him, shocked. Bu
Cole’s POV With Cassia and Garrett tucked into bed, I try to pick up anything Dad couldn’t. Around midnight, I’m sighing into the reports from the architect and the construction crews, paying attention to notations from my father about additional help being sent from the King, and debating leaving the rest for tomorrow. Apparently, the King is sending people to all border packs to begin construction on border walls - something we all probably should have made a priority years ago. We’ve known a war was inevitable - why had we waited? I growl when a guard nudges me mentally. “Alpha?” “What is it, Stone?” “Sir, there’s a woman here. With a teenager? She says she’s the Luna’s Oracle?” It takes me a moment to remember our Oracle’s words. The past week - no, even less than that really, has felt more like months. So much has happened. “Alpha?” Stone hesitates at my silence. “Sorry, yes, Stone. Bring them to my office, please, and then have someone prepare a suite in our wing for t
Apologies for the long absence. Between being sick, a sister’s wedding, a hurricane, and severe writer’s block, I just haven’t been able to figure out what comes next for our heroine and her pack. But I’m getting back in writing mode today, so you should have several chapters before the week closes out. I hope you’re all well! And let’s dive back in!
Garrett’s POV Dinner was uneventful, but truly pleasant after all that has happened. With Belinda’s encouraging, Cassia seemed to bloom with confidence, easily engaging not only my parents but with the other ranked families as well. My wolf nearly preened with pride, and I don’t think I’ve ever smiled quite so much or so easily. But now, walking with her and Cole in the brisk dusk, I can’t help feeling uneasy. I know the McKinneys don’t blame Cassia - but her willingness to blame herself concerns me. Looking down at her face, I can see it’s tight with anguish, her little lips set in a firm line, her eyes bright with tears I’m certain will pour down any moment. I untangle our fingers to wrap my arm around her and pull her close to my chest. “Remember, darling - let the blame lie with the rogues. It isn’t yours to carry.” She nods - just barely enough for me to see, but I know she hasn’t taken my words to heart. I look over at Cole who just shakes his head, frowning. We walk i
Cassia’s POV From the look on Cole’s face, I can tell they’re teasing me about something, but I have no idea what. Even Garrett’s lips are starting to twitch. “Who’s Belli?” “Oh get ready, Cassia,” Cole grins wickedly. “She’s an absolute menace.” I blink at him, but he gives me nothing so I turn back to Garrett who is grinning now. “She’s been begging to meet you since the nano-second we brought you to the hospital. But we’ve fended her off.” “I’m honestly a little surprised she hasn’t snuck in here herself, the nightmare,” Cole comments, turning back to his food. I shove him slightly, feeding off of their amusement now. “Who? Who is she?” “Nope,” Cole replies, keeping his eyes on his plate. “I think we’ll let you wait and see when you meet her. Eat your food, little mate.” “Yes… that IS what two ogres would do, isn’t it, Brother,” Garret smirks before turning back to his own food. My mouth drops, and I squeak indignantly, pushing at both their massive shoulders. They are en
Cassia’s POV Garrett chuckles, grabbing my chin and moving it so that I’m looking at him. He kisses my forehead, my nose, then my lips - but only for the briefest moment, and then I feel Cole pull away as he looks me in the eyes. “Why’d you stop?” He smirks down at me. “I told you. If you want us to keep going, I want you to say it.” “I - I don’t want you to stop.” My heart flutters… uncertain now that he’s asking. I want their lips back on me, I want them touching me… but… Garrett just nods. “Sex isn’t on the table today, love. Don’t worry about that. Do you want us to keep kissing you?” I nod slowly. Garrett just raises his eyebrow. “Y-yes.” And with that his lips are on mine, and Cole’s pulling my shirt down slightly so he can kiss my shoulder. The two of them together make it hard to focus on any one thing, but it feels so, so good. Cole’s tongue tracing lazy circles over my collarbone, his beard tickling my skin; Garrett gently biting my lip, his hand trailing up my st
Cassia’s POV I shiver and try to roll over, but find myself very, very trapped. “You toss and turn too much, gorgeous,” a sleepy voice murmurs in my ear. I can’t help the grin that springs on my face. “Well if you two ogres didn’t insist on being so close, it wouldn’t bother you half as much,” I purr, snuggling back against him. Yesterday is a blur. My body was so heavy and everything was far too much, but today… I feel almost like I did before this nightmare began. Maybe better. “Wolf?” I call out internally, for once expecting an answer. Instead, I feel both of my mates move, and I huff indignantly. “I wasn’t serious!” Opening my eyes, I see them both gaping down at me, and I can’t help but giggle. “Are you - are you feeling alright… Cassia?” Garrett murmurs, his voice cracking slightly. I notice his bandage is gone, a pink, puckered, shiny scar still lingering on his throat. I find myself wishing the rogue who did it was still alive so I could get my hands on him. “Better
Cassia’s POV Everything hurts, and my body doesn’t seem to want to stop shaking. I reach out wildly around me, attempting to grab Cole or Garrett and drag them closer, my eyelids fluttering just slightly. “You’re okay, Cassia,” a feminine voice croons above my head. “I know it’s painful, but you’re alright.” As my eyes open more widely, the room is far, far too bright, and I slam them closed with a yelp. I hear low growls on either side of me and can’t help but smile in my relief. They’re here. They didn’t leave me. I try to open my eyes again, hissing as the harsh light hits them. “Wh - why is it so bright?” I stammer out, the words somewhere between a slur and a stutter as my teeth chatter. “Why is it - s-so cold?” “We had to bring your fever down, Cassia,” a man says somewhere to my left. I try to look at him, but it’s far too bright, and his face is blurry. I close my eyes again, groaning. A hand reaches out and gently strokes my forehead. I lean into the touch, noticing
3rd PersonThe room is utterly silent save for the ragged breaths of a wild looking man. Blood drips from his mouth and claws as he stalks back toward his throne, throwing himself heavily on the seat.Several servants shrink as best they can into the shadowy depths of the throne room, but there is no hiding from Devlin Anwir. “Clean up this mess before I give you all the same treatment!” Everyone moves to fulfill his orders except for one man who moves closer to him, eyes concealing any emotion. “We’ll have to create more, Your Majesty. Shall I send for… recruits?” Devlin’s golden eyes don’t move from the servants carting off the remains of his rogue platoon. In many ways he looks more wolf than man - his canines permanently lowered, his claws permanently extended - and his black hair more mane than anything else. “Yes, Gifek.” He inhales, seeming to steady himself. “Although it will take some time to train them. Albius and his men were our best - although clearly too stupid to c
Cassia’s POVI slept even deeper and better than I have since I arrived at this pack, and as I wake, I know immediately why. I’m incredibly hot and sweating, tucked tightly between two mammoth men who are convinced I’m their mate. I’m surprised that I’m not panicking. It feels good - their bodies, tight around me. But the covers and the contact have me boiling. “Uhm -” I hesitate to wake them, but I truly can’t stand the heat another moment. “Guys?” I start wriggling, trying to untuck myself from their massive forms. Cole growls, dragging me into him. “Too early, Cass. Go back to sleep.” “But Cole, I’m burning up!” I squeak. Garrett chuckles in front of me, his eyes still shut as he reaches a finger to my forehead. Suddenly, his eyes spring open. “Shit. Cole, she means it. The poor thing is sweating.” In seconds, they’re both on opposite sides of the bed, and the covers are flung away from all three of us. Both of them stare at me wide-eyed, as I chuckle at them. “I’m fine