Unknown Woman’s POV Everything hurt as the world slowly began reforming around her. Was she being carried at some point? She’d lost all hope - and wondered if she could take her own life before they could do anything more to her… But - the forest smelled different. Her senses had never been as strong as they should have been for a werewolf - she didn’t know if that would change if she could get her wolf to come forward - but they were better than an average humans. Earth. She was on the ground - and this forest smelled - cleaner, somehow. She felt people around her though and debated with herself whether she dared to open her eyes. Slowly, she lifted her eyelids, willing her heart to remain slow - and found herself staring into a matt of copper red fur. Without meaning to, she found herself scrambling back, her wounds reopening, and every muscle screaming in protest. The wolf turned instantly, looking at her, and she shivered at the sight of it, acciden
Garrett’s POV Cassia. The name suited her. He and his brother locked eyes over her, and he stepped forward to inspect her more closely. Her golden hair was an absolute tangle and dirt and blood covered her so that it was hard to tell where her wounds were. He could tell from smell alone that some of it was hers and some of it was not. Her black shirt was in tatters - clearly ripped by more than just her wild run through the forest. He stifled a snarl, quickly glancing at her, anxious that he might wake her, but her breathing remained even. She wore black jeans that were far too big for her and a battered pair of black sneakers. She whimpered in her sleep and clutched at Cole’s chest. And both men immediately bent their heads in to be closer to her, shushing her and murmuring that she was safe. Cracking filled the air and both twins shot murderous looks at their Beta, Delta, and Gamma who shamelessly grinned at them and stepped closer but remained well out
Cassie’s POV Cassie groaned as her senses sluggishly returned to her. She recognised the smell, and it made her nauseous. When she was a small child, someone had snuck them into a hospital to help set her broken leg. After setting it and giving her medicine in an IV, the doctor had left. She’d been laughing quietly with her parents when they heard raised voices and something crashing in the hall outside. Her father grabbed her quickly, her mother unhooking her from the IV, and they’d fled out the window. But not before the door slammed open to reveal a monstrous Lycan and the doctor who had helped them dead on the floor. It was probably not the first time she and her parents had witnessed death or been chased and forced to flee - but it was the first time she remembered. Her parents… Tears streamed down her cheeks, and she pushed her head back and wailed, a haunted, bitter sound. She hardly noticed when two hands grabbed her own - or even cared to remember who they
Cassia’s POV The next time she woke, Cassia’s eyes snapped open, her heart racing - it took a moment for her eyes to adjust to the dark room, just enough time for her to remember everything that happened the past few days. So she wasn’t as shocked as she would have been to see two cots on either side of her with big slumbering men. She stifled a small laugh and wondered again if they really might be her mates. If she really might finally be safe. Tears rolled down her face, but her wild sorrow seemed to have run its course. She was alone - well, not quite alone… apparently. But her parents, the only constant in her entire life - were gone. And the ones who were responsible - well most of them, at least, were now dead. Killed by these two softly snoring giants on either side of her. She sat up, suddenly - remembering why some of the men had stayed behind. She wondered if she should wait - but no, it couldn’t wait. If they were to have any chance, she’d have to act
Cole’s POV As the door shut, Cassia’s eyes flicked to Cole, and he smiled at her encouragingly, rubbing the top of her hand with his thumb. She gave him a small, uncertain smile in return. “My parents always taught me to keep track of how far and what direction I was running,” she began, a couple of tears escaping and racing down her cheek. She bit her lip and tried to stifle a sob, and Cole couldn’t take it. Without asking, he climbed into the bed, lifting her slightly, and pulling her into his arms, resting his cheek on the top of her head. He wasn’t surprised when she tensed, but he smiled to himself when she relaxed into him, letting him hold her. He rocked her just a little before kissing the top of her head. “I hate to push you, baby -“ “No,” she interrupted him, bringing up both hands to wipe her tears. “No they need help. I was running NorthEast for about 10 miles. There’s a waterfall and a mid-sized river. They’ll have to cross the river to get to the camp. It’s in a
Cole’s POV Cole’s wolf growled in his mind as Cole’s heart sank. He reached for her again, keeping his arms around her when she stiffened. “Cassia, please,” he murmured. “Come on, baby, lay back. It’s alright. I know - at least in part - what they did, as we said earlier. I can imagine the rest. And I can promise you, I still very much want you. And so does Garrett.” She didn’t relax, just shook her head, her tears starting to leak through her fingers and drop onto the bed. “He marked me, Cole. I can’t be anyone else’s mate. He marked me.” She turned her body to face him, wrenching herself from his grasp, and ripped the bandage off her neck and shoulder, revealing ugly bites up and down her neck, chest, and upper arm - and a black, oozing mate mark in the delicate spot where her neck met her shoulder. Cole marvelled at how she could be so fragile one moment and so fierce or certain the next, but he wasn’t surprised by the mark. He and Garrett had already dealt with that shock h
Cassia’s POV Cassia felt warm and safe and snuggled into the - no, those weren’t pillows. What was behind her? She slowly opened her eyes, and saw a young woman looking down at her. “Hi Luna,” the woman said in a hushed tone. Cassia blinked. Luna? “My - my name is Cassia.” The woman chuckled as something moved behind Cassia, causing her to start. Only she couldn’t move anywhere - big arms covered in blonde hair held her tight. She pushed at them, starting to panic. “Shh, Cassia,” a deep, sleepy voice whispered in her ear. “It’s just me - it’s Cole.”Cole? Oh yes. Cole. Her mate - one of her mates. She relaxed a little against him, but her bladder seemed to have very different ideas. “I - I have to - uhm,” she started, pushing more gently at Cole’s arms. “Do you need to go to the bathroom, Luna?” asked the woman. “I can help with that. Alpha?” Cole groaned, slowly releasing her. “I don’t mind helping… but she probably would feel better if you did it, Annette. Given - eve
Cassia’s POV Luna. She was a Luna. Cassia shook her head. The moon goddess had to have made a mistake. In spite of what Annette said, her wolf hadn’t shown herself… if she were truly a Luna, shouldn’t she have done so early? Especially with a much danger as she was in so often…? Strong wolves always showed early… didn’t they? “C-Cole,” she asked softly. “How old were you when your wolf showed up?” “Eighteen.” She could hear the smile in his voice. “If I’m your mate, don’t you think my wolf would have shown up by now then? What if I - what if she never shows up? That could hurt you and Garrett. And your pack…”“Hey - hey,” Cole murmured softly, kissing the top of her head and holding her closer. “First of all, you are our mate. I know you can’t feel it, but Garrett and I wouldn’t make something like that up.” He stole to the side and kissed her cheek, making Cassia blush and pull slightly away. Cole chuckled and continued. “Secondly, you heard what Annette said. I’m sure she i
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