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Orion’s pov If I thought being an alpha was hard, I was in for a big fucking surprise. Being a dad is so much harder. You’d think that everything I went through would have prepared me, but it’s so different when it’s twins. It’s also so different when they’re newborns. And it's just different when they're your kids. I've helped raise my foster siblings, but they weren't this small. They could do a lot of things themselves. Mateo and Grace are simply helpless without us. Izzy and I try to take turns waking up, but most of the time we both wake up when either Grace or Mateo screams. They wake each other up, too. Especially Grace; she is the loudest baby I have ever met. But goddess, is she cute! She already has her mom’s tiny red curls. It’s adorable. I don’t think I’ll be able to tell her no. Like ever. One look with her big eyes, and I’ll give her whatever she wants. And then Mateo. He is just as cute, and he’s my twin; at least that's what everyone says. It’s so strange to se
Izzy’s pov The fish caught my eye immediately. I had never seen so many fish; the fish tank was filled with beautifully colored fish. They were small and moved in groups, reminding me of home. They move as one, a beautiful school of fish. It was similar to one of the traditions we had at the pack. On every full moon, the ones who are blessed with wolves go out and run as one, sending praise to the Moon Goddess. Do fish have a goddess? Nah, that would be silly. I was so busy staring at the fish that I didn’t even feel the eyes of someone staring at me through the back of the tank. It was his smell that drew my attention to him. I had never smelled anything like him; I didn’t even think humans could smell this good. I looked up, and his eyes found mine. Was I secretly trapped in that movie with Leonardo DiCaprio, "Romeo and Juliet"? This man staring at me was far more handsome than Leonardo was in his younger days, which was saying something because Leo was a bit of a hottie back the
Orion’s povThe moment I saw her stare at the fish tank, I felt an instant connection. It was fucking crazy how drawn I was to her.I stopped myself. No, don’t use those words, I reminded myself. Erin told me plenty of times I should stop calling myself crazy, but it wasn’t easy. Especially since doctors clearly did find me mentally unstable.I stepped back from the fish tank, needing to distance myself.They tested me while I was locked up in a psychiatric hospital, and their conclusion was that I had a psychosis when I turned eighteen, most likely due to genetic reasons. I didn’t know much about my mother, but some of the delusions I had were directly linked to the stories she used to tell me when I was young.Perhaps that’s why Mom left—because she was dealing with her own mental health. I wish I knew, but she didn’t say a word to anyone. My mother just disappeared without a trace, and although Erin and I both told the police it was unlike my mother to leave like that, they refused
Izzy’s povFor years, Jordan has called me names. It started with making fun of my hair—the obvious carrot jokes. Jokes about how ugly I was or how dumb. And since he was supposed to be my future mate and he was saying these words, others would join him. Even my brother Finnegan would join them for a bit and then usually try to distract them with something else. I think it was his way of protecting me while still making sure he kept his beta position. Finn couldn’t go against Jordan.People would say he was teasing me because he liked me. But I knew that was bullshit. No girl would fall for someone who called them names, right? Or maybe they did, but I wouldn’t. So many girls and women tried to sleep with Jordan. Maybe he was different with them, or maybe they didn’t care, because the idea of him choosing them over me was enough to ignore his behavior.But Jordan never kept any girl longer than a few weeks. And then, when I became older and started looking more like a woman than a gir
Orion’s povIzzy sounded like she had cried but came down to eat a few minutes later looking fine—well, still bruised, but fine. Better than fine, actually beautiful.It was hard to take my eyes off her. With her red hair and green eyes, there was something almost fairylike about her. I don’t think she even realized how good she looked, which was sad. Did someone make her believe she was less? Is that who hurt her? A part of me wanted to find out who hurt her and go there and kill them, but I pushed it down, knowing these thoughts were dangerous.Ezra tapped on the table in front of me. [Orion, you have to actually look at me to see what I’m saying.] He signed with a wink. [I get that this woman is much more attractive than I am.]I stopped Ezra. [Sorry. What were you saying?]Ezra smiled, [How was your day? But I have a feeling I already know the answer.][Don’t start. She’s just a guest.]"Boys, it’s not polite to sign in front of people who can’t understand you." Erin said and sign
Izzy’s povWhy did he look at me that way? It was making me feel all kinds of things, and once again, I felt like I was stuck in some romantic novel or movie. I had never had someone look at me the way Orion did. As if I were the most beautiful person in the world.I had seen my dad look at my mother that way, but I was pretty sure there was no way Jordan would ever look at me the way Orion was looking right now.My eyes went down, and I took a few more bites of my food. While I enjoyed the company, it was hard to keep lying to these people. I barely knew them, but they invited me over to dinner and had been nothing but nice to me. I could never tell them anything important about my life. It would either put them in danger or make them think I was insane.Humans didn’t know about werewolves, and for good reason. They would try to hunt us, or worse. We had healing powers, we could shift, and our communities were completely different from the way humans lived. They had a president, cong
Orion’s povI couldn’t sleep. I felt drawn to Izzy in a way I had never felt before. Part of me felt like she needed my protection. From a very young age, I was always very aware of who needed protection. I did everything I could to protect my foster brothers and sisters, but even before that time, I would try to befriend kids who were bullied. Mom used to say I had a kind heart, but would she still think that if she knew what I had done?Another part of me just wanted to be close to her, which was crazy. I didn’t even know her. I should just stay away. It would be safer for Izzy if I kept my distance.I started walking around the motel, hoping to tire myself out. When I walked past Izzy’s room, I heard her scream. My instinct took over, and I used the master key Erin had given me. I used it when I needed to fix something inside one of the rooms or if one of the guests didn’t want to leave and I had to force them out. It had only happened once, though.I ran in, seeing Izzy trashing a
Izzy’s povThe interview went well. Luke needed someone to help during the morning and lunch rush, but I would be free after lunch was over. This would give me some time to figure out the next part of my plan. He didn’t even need my ID; he was planning to pay me under the table. At first, I didn’t realize what that was, but it meant he was going to pay me in cash and without a contract.This meant there was no paper trail to lead to me and no need to give an ID, but it was illegal. Normally I would have never done anything illegal, but did I really have a choice here? This was a safe way to earn money, and as soon as I made enough, I could find a legal job somewhere far away.While it was funny that he was named Luke and had a dinner, because of the similarities to Gilmore Girls, it didn’t mean I could trust Luke. I did trust Orion, even without having any reason to. He was there when I had a nightmare, and he only tried to help me. At no point during that night did I think he would d
Orion’s pov If I thought being an alpha was hard, I was in for a big fucking surprise. Being a dad is so much harder. You’d think that everything I went through would have prepared me, but it’s so different when it’s twins. It’s also so different when they’re newborns. And it's just different when they're your kids. I've helped raise my foster siblings, but they weren't this small. They could do a lot of things themselves. Mateo and Grace are simply helpless without us. Izzy and I try to take turns waking up, but most of the time we both wake up when either Grace or Mateo screams. They wake each other up, too. Especially Grace; she is the loudest baby I have ever met. But goddess, is she cute! She already has her mom’s tiny red curls. It’s adorable. I don’t think I’ll be able to tell her no. Like ever. One look with her big eyes, and I’ll give her whatever she wants. And then Mateo. He is just as cute, and he’s my twin; at least that's what everyone says. It’s so strange to se
Izzy’s pov - - One year later - - As I looked around our pack, I felt such pride. Pride in how our pack had handled the loss of so many with grace. We had come together and supported those who needed us. But we also took pride in how we had grown up together. Orion and I had decided to create a council, similar to our jury, where people from all ranks could join. We met with them weekly, to discuss everything they deemed important. This way, we always knew what was happening around our pack, and it also meant that if anybody found it frightening to speak to their alpha or Luna, they could go to their representative instead. Never again would anyone be able to get away with hurting someone in our pack because of their rank. Orion walked towards me, putting his arms around me and placing both his hands on my belly. “It’s almost time,” he said, before giving me a quick kiss on my mark. “Time for what, Oreo?” I asked, looking up to find him staring at me the way he always does. E
Orion’s pov The pack was buzzing. Everyone was waiting to hear the announcement that either me or Izzy would seen broadcast through the pack link. It was up to the parents discretion to discuss the final judgment with their kids or not. Knowing how pups are raised, there was a good chance they’d share the news anyway. Everyone already expected Nicole to be found guilty. The proof against the former Luna of our pack had been piling up. We had allowed everyone who was wronged by Nicole to speak, if they chose to. Even Izzy’s mom spoke up. After her testimony Izzy had slowly started speaking to her mother more. I wasn’t sure if she would ever forgive her mother, but she at least wanted to be cordial to her. Then there were all the people who lost someone they loved during the attack. Some of them couldn’t handle the loss of their mate and in the coming weeks there were more people dying of a broken heart of self-inflicted wounds than ever before. While we had offered help to everyon
Izzy’s pov I was nervous. I was really nervous, but I could feel everything Orion was feeling. One of us needed to be calm-headed, so I pushed my feelings down. Orion could do this; I had all the confidence in him that he lacked right now. Not only is my mate strong and capable, but he is a fierce protector of those he loves. He’s always been this way. That’s the alpha in him. It’s always been there, before Orion even realized what he really was. As much as I hate that stupid prophecy and everything it brought me, I can’t deny one thing. I am the Luna of this pack, and Orion is the rightful Alpha. He needs to stop doubting himself. ‘Once the pack rallies behind him,-‘ I stopped my wolf from finishing her sentence. It had nothing to do with the pack. Orion’s confidence had to come from within. Although I am glad he responded to my comment, it wasn’t me or anyone else that needed to tell Orion he was here for a reason. Maybe he just needed to do it. To prove to himself that he was
Orion’s pov We’ve been preparing for this day for weeks, but it’s very different to actually have it happen. Together with our soldiers, Izzy and I ran towards the border where the rogues were trying to get in. Although I didn’t want Izzy here, it wasn't really safe for her or anyone else. I couldn’t hold her back. This was Izzy’s pack, more than mine, and if she wanted to defend it, then she should. If we, as a team, run this pack, then we should also defend it as a team as well. But I was terrified of losing her. My mate, my Luna, my girl. There was no way in hell I would be able to run this pack without her or live without her. I’ve been attacked by rogues before, but that was a small group. But seeing this... This was different. Rogues don’t know how to fight fair. They are beasts, animals. It’s like the difference between people who hunt for food and those who hunt exotic animals for fun. They have no compassion, no moral compass. They don’t kill to survive; they kill becau
Izzy’s pov It took Erin a lot longer than I thought it would to get used to life here. She started working in the packhouse, helping out with cooking and whatever else needed to be done. It also helped that one of our widowed wolves seemed to find her very attractive, and he kept hanging around the packhouse kitchen all day long. Erin had not said yes to his invitation for a date, but she hadn't told him to stop coming around either. Perhaps the thought of being with someone who was a werewolf was a step too far for now. But I think she’s learning that we’re not that different from humans. Well, except for our ranks, our mates, the way we rule the pack, and our battles. Okay, maybe we do live a very different life than humans do. But it didn’t really matter what Erin and Ezra thought of life here, because it’s the only place right now where they are safe. And ever since they’ve come here and learned the truth, Orion seems to relax more too. As much as is possible while knowing an
hi,I've been having a tough week and needed a break. but I will try to write this weekend or Monday at the latest.I'm okay, just dealing with some stuff that makes it hard to concentrate. Kids are good, boyfriend too. So, nothing too serious. Maybe in time, I'll share more of what's been happening. (Once everything is settled) But for now, just know I'll do my best to go back to normal starting next Monday. Thank you for your concern and patience.Ik hou van jullie. (Love you)Naomi. p.s. too lazy to throw this through spell check program, so sorry in advance for any mistakes.
Orion’s pov“You’re joking.” Erin said, looking at me like I was crazy. I hated that look, but I knew she didn’t mean anything by it.I had been trying to explain what we were and that what she had seen Nicole do wasn't in her mind.“You were attacked by a woman who had claws. She was like me and Izzy. We’re werewolves. We can shift into a wolf.” I explained calmly.Ezra stood next to me, signing to her that it was the truth.[Show her, like you showed me.] Ezra said, and I took a few steps back before taking off my shirt and pants and shifting into Knox.Ezra stepped back; well, he practically ran back and stared at me with big eyes.‘He meant just shift partially, idiot,’ Knox said, but I needed them both to see the truth. The whole truth.I carefully walked towards the bed, my head low, until I reached Erin’s hand.She touched my snout. “It’s real?”Ezra slowly walked towards me and started petting my fur, laughing softly and shaking his head in disbelief. He knew what we were, bu
Izzy’s pov ‘She’s awake,’ the doctor mindlinked me and Orion. We both quickly put our clothes on and rushed to the hospital, where Ezra was already waiting. [Something is wrong. She’s freaking out. She keeps saying something about claws.] He signed to Orion. Erin’s wrist was still bandaged, which made it hard for her to sign using two hands. Not that she was in any state to sign. "Where is that woman? Is she here? Please, please, Orion, don’t let her get to me." Erin said, looking around frantically. She whispered towards us, as if she didn’t trust the doctor. "She had claws. I know it sounds strange, but she had claws." Ezra looked at us, reading his mother’s lips. [See. Claws. Something is wrong.] Orion shook his head, and I mindlinked my mate. ‘You should tell Ezra the truth, and I will deal with Erin.’ Orion seemed conflicted, but once I sat down next to Erin’s bed and took her good hand in mine, he nodded and asked Ezra to step out. "Do you remember that time I was sick?