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Sage The woman in the driver’s seat glares at me like I’m the dirt on her fancy shoes. I don’t know her but I can’t help but sulk over her judgmental sneer. I’d actually hoped things could be different in Alaric’s pack, that people wouldn’t treat me like an outcast. Apparently that was too much to wish for. “Eris, what are you doing here? I thought Garrett was meeting me.” Alaric’s tone is borderline frosty, showing no particular emotion toward the woman. Which oddly makes me feel a bit better. I’m not sure why I care. Between her snooty attitude and his bossy personality, they probably deserve each other. “I volunteered,” She beams at him, batting her eyelashes. “There’s been more reports of attacks and disappearances while you were gone. Garrett was busy training a new group of warriors and was happy to let me come instead.”I could swear I hear him mumble something along the lines of “going to murder him” as he climbs into the backseat but I can’t be sure. He reaches over to b
Hello Wonderful Readers,Thank you for joining me on Sage and Alaric's journey! As always with my books, there will be ups and downs, bumps in the road, mysteries to be solved, plenty of spice, and a guaranteed HEA. Sage is a bit different from my other characters in that she's lived a very sheltered life and, apart from the cruelties she's suffered, is completely innocent. For that reason, her story will be more of a slower burn, but I promise to turn up the heat with no looking back when the time is right!As for my updating schedule, I will make every effort to update daily, except for Sundays which I set apart for family time (although I've been known to post on a Sunday here and there). Due to my daytime schedule, I usually update in early evening. I live in Hawaii so I'm on HST. This book is part of the True Love Saves The Day contest so all comments, reviews, and gems are much appreciated. But contest aside, I truly love to hear from you so please don't hesitate to drop a line!
Sage “Welcome to the Silver Crown pack!” The girl who’s currently cutting off my air supply with her vice-like hold exclaims in my ear. “Iris, let her go!” Alaric barks gruffly. “She can’t breathe with you smothering her like that.” The girl, Iris, releases me and takes a step back, wearing a sheepish expression. “Sorry! It’s just, Ric told Garrett he was bringing a friend and my brother so rarely makes friends, I mean, you’ve met him, right? So you can see why. Anyway, I was excited to meet you. I’m Iris, by the way,” She talks so fast, I have trouble keeping up. She sticks out her hand to shake mine and I take it, but I’m glancing in Alaric’s direction, gauging his response to her insinuation that he’s difficult to get along with. He wears an exasperated expression and rolls his eyes at her but I can swear there’s some affection behind it. I can see why. I like Iris already. “It’s nice to meet you, iris. Thank you for the warm welcome. I’m-” “Sage!” She finishes for me. “I kn
Alaric “What the fuck, Garrett?” I hiss as soon as Sage and Iris are gone. But the fucker just chuckles and grins like my irritation amuses him. “What’s the matter Ric? Our great and powerful king can’t handle one little car ride with his ex-girlfriend and his new mate?” He taunts me. “How are we supposed to trust you with a whole kingdom when you can't handle two harmless women?” I roll my eyes at his childish behavior. “I have yet to understand what my baby sister sees in you. And that’s the last time I tell you my secrets. I can’t believe you told Iris about her. She’ll never let it go now.” “You know I tell Iris everything. Shouldn’t have told me if you didn’t want her to know.” He shrugs and I have to resist the urge to punch my Beta. “And don’t pretend you didn't love me long before your sister did. But seriously, Sage is gorgeous and seems really sweet. Have you thought anymore about telling her what she is to you?” I shake my head, wishing it was that simple. “I can’t. H
Sage “Hey, want some company?” Iris pokes her head in just as I’m slipping into some pajamas I found tucked into a drawer, a cami and short set she must have purchased for me. “Of course. Please come in.” Everyone was so prim and proper at dinner and I felt so out of place. I’m not sure how to address her after that. I guess she is technically a princess. Iris giggles. “You don’t have to speak so formally to me. No one does. Well, no one except Eris and I hate it. Come to think of it, I really kind of hate her.”A snort slips out before I can stop it and Iris laughs with me. “Sorry, it’s just, well dinner was a bit overwhelming.” I confess. “It’s not usually like that unless we have guests. Even with Eris, my brother usually doesn’t play along with her ‘Queen of the Castle’ attitude. I’m not sure what’s going on with him tonight. Seems like he has a giant stick up his ass about something.”“He did look kind of constipated.” I comment, and we both break down into full-belly laugh
Sage My heart hammers against my ribs as Alaric's powerful presence fills the pantry doorway. The familiar scent of pine and winter wind wraps around me, but there is something else there too—a dangerous edge that makes the air crackle with tension.Eris's perfectly painted lips curve into an innocent smile. "Alaric, I was just explaining to your... guest... that we have strict protocols about food distribution in the pack.""Is that what you call cornering a traumatized wolf in a confined space?" Alaric's voice is deceptively soft, but I can feel the fury radiating from him in waves. His steel-gray eyes have shifted to molten amber, fixed on Eris with predatory focus."I didn't—" Eris begins, but Alaric cuts her off with a low growl that makes us both flinch."Get out." The words carry the full weight of an Alpha command. Eris's face contorts in rage for a split second before she masks it, ducking her head in a show of submission before slinking past him.As soon as she’s gone, Alari
Alaric I can't stop watching her.Sage has fallen asleep halfway through the movie, her small frame gradually relaxing until her head rests against my shoulder. The sweet scent of honeysuckle and rain that clings to her skin is slowly driving me mad, but I don't dare move. She needs this rest, this moment of peace.My animal prowls restlessly beneath my skin, desperate to claim what we both know is ours. Our second chance mate. The truth sits heavy in my chest, unspoken. Every protective instinct I possess screams at me to tell her, to sweep her into my arms and never let go.But I remember the terror in her eyes in the pantry earlier. The way she'd pressed herself into that corner, expecting punishment for daring to seek food. The fresh wounds Cassius left on her soul are still bleeding, and I won't be another source of pain.Iris catches my eye from her end of the couch, where she's curled up against Garrett, who joined us an hour ago. My sister's knowing look makes me want to growl
Sage Sleep evades me as dawn creeps over the horizon. The nightmare still lingers – Cassius's cruel smile, the searing pain, the pack's jeering faces. But something else tugs at my mind too: the feeling of safety in Alaric's arms, the warmth of his touch as he calmed my fears. It's dangerous to think about that too deeply.Instead of tossing in my too-soft bed, I slip out of my room in the pack house. The halls are quiet this early, and no one stops me as I make my way outside. The morning air carries the crisp bite of approaching winter, and I wrap my arms around myself, following whatever instinct draws me toward the eastern edge of the grounds.I find myself in what must be the pack's medicinal garden. Neat rows of herbs stretch before me, their scents mixing in the morning air. Something about this place feels... right. Like coming home, though I've never had a real home to compare it to.A small whimper draws my attention. Near the garden's edge, a young mother kneels beside her
Lyra The palace looks different this time—less intimidating, more like a potential sanctuary than a gilded prison. Maybe it's because I'm not arriving as a captive or a curiosity, but as someone making a conscious choice to return. Or maybe I'm just too exhausted to be intimidated anymore."You okay?" Kieran asks, pulling his horse alongside mine as we approach the eastern gate."Just tired," I assure him, though that's only part of the truth. The bond with Alexander strengthens with every hoofbeat closer to the palace, the familiar silver warmth spreading through my chest after days of uncomfortable stretching.The guards at the gate snap to attention when they recognize me, their expressions a mixture of relief and curiosity. They wave us through with minimal questions, though I notice how their eyes linger on Kieran and the other healers with suspicion.Some things haven't changed, then.The eastern courtyard bustles with activity—servants carrying supplies, guards changing shifts
Alexander "Your Highness, the eastern patrol has returned."I look up from the maps spread across my desk to see Captain Merrick standing at attention in the doorway. The grim set of his mouth tells me he's not bringing good news."Report," I command, straightening to my full height."We've confirmed the presence of at least eight individuals matching Northern territory descriptions moving through the eastern forests." He points to the area on my map where Lyra's healing community had relocated. "They're using search patterns consistent with tracking specific targets, not random patrols."My stomach knots. "How close to the healer settlement?""Too close," he admits. "Less than five miles from their last known location."A surge of power—part Alpha, part healing—runs through me at the news, making the maps glow faintly beneath my hands. I've been fighting these manifestations all day, each one stronger than the last as the bond between Lyra and me stretches with our separation."Shit
Lyra "What existed between us was real," I acknowledge quietly. "Friendship, respect, potential for more. I never denied that.""And now?" His question carries no accusation, only sincere desire to understand where my boundaries are now."Now complexity exists where once things seemed so simple between us, so easy." I reply, honesty demanded by years of trust between us. "The bond with Alexander doesn't erase what came before, but it changes the context irrevocably."He reaches out slowly, giving me time to withdraw if I choose, and gently brushes a strand of hair from my face. The casual intimacy of the gesture—one he's performed countless times before—suddenly carries a different weight, awareness crackling between us like the static before a storm."If fate hadn't intervened," he murmurs, "if you'd never met him...""We can't know that path because we're not walking it," I interrupt gently, though I don't pull away from his touch. "Speculating about what might have been only makes
LyraThe familiar scents of wild herbs and wood smoke welcome me as we crest the final ridge overlooking our community's temporary settlement. After the palace's overwhelming grandeur, the simple cluster of hide tents and wooden shelters feels like drawing a deep breath after being underwater too long. My shoulders relax instinctively, the tight knot of tension court life created beginning to loosen."You look happier already," Kieran observes, pulling his horse alongside mine. His green eyes study me with the perception that comes from years of friendship. "The palace weighs on you.""It's... different," I acknowledge, remaining deliberately neutral despite the relief coursing through me. "Complex in ways I never imagined.""And the prince?" he asks carefully. "Is he worth the complexity?"The question carries layers beneath its simplicity. Through our temporarily stabilized bond, I feel Alexander's presence like a silver thread stretched thin but unbroken between us. Even discussing
Alexander Throughout the day, power surges continue with increasing frequency and intensity. During an afternoon security briefing, my Alpha energy flares so strongly that decorative weapons mounted on the walls rattle in their holdings. Later, while reviewing border reports, healing power manifests as visible glow surrounding my hands, making parchment maps luminescent where I touch them.By evening, controlling these manifestations requires constant focus, draining energy needed for royal duties that cannot be postponed despite my discomfort. The council reconvenes to discuss increased activity along the eastern border—reports of strangers matching Northern territory descriptions moving through regions where healing communities traditionally hide."Vega's agents, most likely," Dominic assesses, pointing to locations marked on the tactical map. "Their movement patterns suggest searching rather than random patrol.""Searching for what?" Lord Harrison questions."Not what—who," I corre
Alexander The council chamber feels like a trap this morning—a gilded cage of obligation, duty, and politics that keeps me from what I truly want to be doing. My attention drifts repeatedly toward the window, toward the eastern gate where I know Lyra will soon depart with Kieran. Every instinct rebels against letting her leave the palace, letting her travel with another man who clearly harbors feelings for her."Your Highness?" Lord Harrison's voice cuts through my distraction. "Your thoughts on the Northern territories' proposal?"I refocus on the documents before me, forcing composure over agitation. "Their offer of partial reparations is insufficient," I state, scanning the diplomatic language that disguises the Northern delegation's attempt to minimize consequences for their actions. "They participated in an unprovoked attack on our throne. I won’t accept anything less than full accountability."The council members exchange glances, some approving, others concerned."The Northern
LyraThe council chambers occupy an imposing section of the palace, all dark wood and serious faces. When I enter, conversation halts abruptly. Alexander stands at the head of a long table scattered with maps and documents, looking exhausted but commanding. Relief crosses his features when he sees me."Lyra, thank you for coming," he says, gesturing me forward. "The council requires information about Vega's capabilities and possible locations."I step further into the room, acutely aware of the scrutiny from a dozen pairs of eyes. Most expressions range from skeptical to overtly hostile, with only Dominic and Elara offering friendly faces among the assembled advisors."Surely there are more reliable sources of intelligence than a... healer," one councilor objects, the pause before "healer" making the word sound like an insult."You’d do well to remember my mother, your queen, is a healer. As am I.” Alexander snaps, a hint of Alpha authority edging his tone. “Lyra has firsthand experien
Lyra Dinner progresses with excruciating formality. I struggle with the bewildering array of utensils, the unfamiliar dishes, the careful dance of court conversation where nothing is directly stated and everything carries double meaning. Kieran fares no better, his discomfort evident in his tense posture and minimal responses.Alexander tries to include us in conversations, explaining context and introducing friendly nobles, but his attention is constantly divided. Royal matters continuously draw him away—urgent whispers from advisors, formal greetings required by protocol, political discussions that cannot wait despite the occasion.Each time he's pulled away, our fragile bond stretches thinner, fluctuating uncomfortably. Across the table, I notice Elara watching with concern, clearly perceiving the strain through her growing abilities."The court will always demand his attention," Kieran murmurs during one such absence. "This is his life, Lyra. Endless politics, endless obligations.
Lyra The palace rises before us, gleaming white against the afternoon sky. After days in forests and mountains, its manicured perfection seems almost unnatural—too orderly, too controlled. Guards snap to attention as our small party approaches, their expressions shifting from alert wariness to shock when they recognize Alexander."Your Highness!" The captain of the guard rushes forward. "We've had search parties combing the kingdom for days."Alexander straightens in his saddle, exhaustion visibly pushed aside as he assumes royal bearing. "Inform my parents of our return. We'll speak with them immediately.""And the others, sire?" The captain's gaze slides over me, lingering longer on Kieran with undisguised suspicion."They are under my personal protection," Alexander states firmly. "Escort us to the royal chambers."As we enter the palace grounds, I feel eyes tracking our every move. Servants pause in their duties to stare, courtiers whisper behind hands, guards assess Kieran and me