ETHAN POV
"Ethan," Miranda whispers after looking at me as if I have been resurrected from the dead.
I shift uncomfortably and glance towards the male watching us in his car. I snap my teeth at him, and he immediately starts his vehicle.
"Hey, be nice," Miranda says, and my head snaps to the front.
My hands ball into fists, and my claws dig into my palms.
"Be nice...be nice? How about you explain why after two months of not hearing from you, I find you out with someone else. The least you could have done was call me," I manage to say without growling.
Her cheeks turn bright pink, and her beautiful blue eyes shift downward before flicking to the left.
"I would have called you if I could. Ethan, please don't be upset. I will explain everything, okay, just...why don't we get in my car. You are drawing a crowd," Miranda whispers as she glances
ETHAN POV "Fuck," I scream as I rip apart trees on the land I grew up on. Tears pour down my face as I destroy my knuckles over and over again. But the blood and carnage do nothing. I still see Miranda's face in my mind. And I still feel her emotions due to our new bond. Kratos hasn't said a word, but he doesn't need to. We both fucked up. There is nothing we can say. Not to her and not to ourselves. We stripped our mate's choice away from her. We marked her. We didn't complete the mating, but I don't believe that prevents her body from changing. I forced my mate into being an immortal. I forced her in to a life filled with mourning and grief. All because I couldn't control myself. "Fuck," I scream again before burying my claws into my thigh. The pain does little to ease the pressure in my chest
ETHAN POV Heads bow all around me as I walk towards the entrance to the cells. But my rage and self-hate keep me from caring about how my mood is affecting my pack. Blasts of power are radiating from my body, and I like it. It keeps everyone away from me. I stomp down the narrow staircase, and my guards all bow low. "When will they arrive," I snap, and one of the younger guards begins to shake. "Two hours, my king," he answers while barely glancing at my blood and dirt-caked body. I growl and punch the wall. I need relief now. I need to hurt something the way I am hurting. Now that Miranda's emotions have drifted to peace, I can only focus on my misery. At least she is resting. "Mindlink me as soon as you have them chained," I growl, and he nods while not making eye contact.&nbs
MIRANDA POV (rated R) It hurts! It hurts so bad. Each time he cuts me, it feels like acid is ripping through my skin. And even though the wounds are healing almost as fast as he is inflicting them, the pain will be etched into my mind forever. I hear Ethan growl through the phone again, but I can't focus on his words at all, not with the bloody scene in front of me. I have no idea where Marcus drug us to, but it is cold. Cold and wet. After he knocked me out in my room, I was out cold until he poured water over my head. "I have to go now, Alpha. Your mate is looking mighty tasty," Marcus growls into the speaker before ending the call and destroying the phone. He glares at me but steps away. He looks awful. Worse then, he looked at his and Bryan's trial. He looks as if he hasn't slept or eaten in days. And from the nonhealing defensive w
ETHAN POV (rated R)Relief at having Miranda in my arms is overwhelming as my warriors, and I walk back towards the archway. Out of all my years of life, I have never been as emotional as I have been today. From self-pity to self-hate, from blinding rage to blissful relief, I have never experienced anything like it...and I hope never to have to again.The archway gets closer and closer but instead of heading for our realm happily, my warrior holding Lorraine freezes."My King, I must mark my mate. She is unconscious and can not give her consent....but her home is too dangerous for her to return to," my warrior explains as soon as I make it to his side.I look down at Miranda as she bites her lip hesitantly."Miranda...love, he is right. I pray we captured all the members of this group, but I can't be positive. Returning to your house will place both of you
ETHAN POV"What time is it," Miranda asks while playing with my hair."I would say nearly six. We didn't find you until late morning.....we slept this day away," I admit as I trail my fingers up Miranda's back.The scars that Bryan's claws left are wide, but thanks to mother's healing abilities, they look old."Among other things," my mate cheekily says before giggling.I blush a little before I squeeze her to me."That was okay, right..... I. You had a good time," I mumble while trying to keep my face hidden against her shoulder.Shock, love, and happiness radiate through our bond, giving me my answer before she can."That was perfect, Ethan. Were my screams of pleasure not enough to convince you," Miranda jokes, and I laugh at my own expense."Maybe I just wanted you to compliment me and my newfound skil
ETHAN POVI growl under my breath as Miranda tenses and practically curls against my side in fear. The wolves challenging Andrew are covered in tattoos, but not the art I am used to seeing. The images printed on their flesh are meant to install fear.The poor excuses for artwork depict women being violated and men being tortured or killed. Two of them have their hit list tattooed on their chest."Alpha King, thank you for taking the time to come to the South pack," Andrew says interrupting my thoughts as I approach him in the field they have chosen to fight in."I wouldn't miss a possible shift in power, Alpha Andrew," I respond while shaking his hand briefly.A couple of the challengers grunt in response to my reply, but I pay them zero attention. Their antics are meant to attract attention, and I refuse to oblige."I understand. We are just about to get
MIRANDA POV "You seriously didn't even watch," Raine asks, and I shake my head. "I am so over blood. Even if it isn't mine being spilled," I reply with a shudder. "Okay, well...Ethan handled it, so no worries," Raine says as she stands up from her bed. "I think I need a vacation. My stress is through the roof, Raine. My hair is falling out...If I'm not in Ethan's arms while sleeping, I dream about Marcus and Bryan hurting me. I just need a break from everything werewolf for a few days," I explain, and she stills before turning to face me. "So let's go visit mom and dad. You haven't seen them in forever. We could do some sea turtle watching and introduce them to our new men," Rains says with glee in her voice, and I smile. "That sounds good. I will run it by Ethan. But speaking of men...Who i
ETHAN POV Nerves twist my stomach as I step towards the luggage claim. I absolutely detest Florida. I always have. It stinks, and the air is too thick for comfort. It's like a massive greenhouse filled with pollution. But it's where my mate's parents reside, so here I am. "Ethan, do you see my bag," Miranda asks, and my mood immediately lifts. I could be within hell itself and still be happy if she was next to me. "No, but Mitch and I will get the bags. Why don't you and Raine find your parents," I answer while smiling at her? "Okay, thanks," Miranda replies with a massive smile that makes traveling three thousand miles totally worth it. I watch my mate grab her sister and disappear before turning back to the converter belt. "That was awful...humans actually e
LORRIANE POV I twist and turn in the mirror while smoothing my silky mermaid-style dress. I absolutely adore how the material hugs my curves, and I can't wait for Mitch to see me. He is going to lose his mind! "Better get going, Raine," I whisper to myself before leaving my room.I get to the room Miranda stayed in last night and take a deep breath. As I enter, Miranda meets my eyes, and I feel my heart squeeze as I look at my big sister in her wedding dress, all dolled up."Look at your baby momma," Miranda whispers, and Mom spins around instantly. She gasps when she sees me, and I immediately begin to cry simultaneously as I laugh. Mom looks us over back and forth... Back and forth with tears streaming down her face."Are you ready," she asks us after a few minutes of tears and tissues.I smile wide before answering
MITCH POV Only one word seems to come to mind whenever I see my mate, flawless. Whether I look at her while she is talking, laughing, or even scowling. The woman exudes absolute perfection. "Are you paying attention to me boy," Luther practically growls, breaking my ogling? "Oh..no, I'm sorry, sir," I apologize quickly, trying to refocus my mind on yet another lecture. He scowls, and Ethan discreetly smirks in my direction. But I honestly can't help it, and I know Ethan is as bad as I am with Miranda. I still can't get over the fact she accepted me. I honestly didn't believe it until her emotions started hitting me. Love and happiness.....all the time. Which mirrors what I feel every day. "Well, you need to pay attention. I know how you werewolves are, and my babies aren't ready for motherhood," Luther snaps, and Heath growls in our head.
LORRAINE POV rated R"Oh, umm. I'm pretty boring, to be honest. I was going to school before....well.... being brought here. I didn't have my career chosen, but I liked the classes. I enjoy playing volleyball, and I like to read," I say while thinking about how much my life has changed in under a week. I went from being undecided about everything to being tied to this man... Tied to him for life? I wish I had a freaking say. It wouldn't be that bad if I had at least been given a choice. But I wasn't. Sometimes having too many choices is problematic. Like in school.....I could choose anything, and it had overwhelmed me.....but I still want a say. "Umm, I...Lorraine, if you want to reject me, you can...," he whispers, and my head snaps in his direction. "What," I ask with wide eyes. He gulps, and I watch his eyes fill with absolute heartbreak.
MITCH POV Spruce myself up. Spruce myself up. I repeat it over and over as I look at my reflection in the mirror. My sandy-colored hair could use a trim, and my eyebrows could be tamer......But as far as everything else...I have no idea how to improve it. My nose is on the larger side. My jaw isn't as chiseled as some of the other male wolves. I do have height on my side, but my muscle mass is low compared to most wolves. Compared to humans, I'm okay, but around other werewolves, I'm nothing special.Mitch- Hey Louise, could you please let Lorraine know I will be by at two to take her on a picnic.Louise- Sure!Mitch- Thanks. I grin at Louise's enthusiasm. At least she is rooting for me. I have three hours to get a haircut, wax, and purchase some food...And if I rush, I can grab her some flowers. I strip out of my clothes
MITCH POV Mitch- Alpha had to reschedule, but we get to speak with him today so, chill.Heath- you are putting off spending time with her until we speak with him, so, no, I will not "chill." Heath growls, and I roll my eyes as I get dressed. Yes, it has been hard distancing from Lorraine, but I think it has had a positive effect. Yesterday she was excited to see us and sad when I said we had to go. Her side of the matebond seems to be growing, and I'm not being clingy. Her emotions are constantly irritated when we aren't around, and part of her longs for us when we aren't there. In my eyes, my idea has been a success. I finish tying my shoes and head out. My tiny cabin definitely looks more like a home now. I even went and purchased furniture that is similar in style to the furniture in her house. Alpha King gave us all a limitless
LORRIANE POVA few knocks sound on my bedroom door, and I grumpily push my covers down. Yesterday was so dull. Mitch only popped in for a few hours, and Miranda was out with Ethan handling some Royal duties. I haven't even seen her since before we were kidnapped.I am over hanging out with Louise and the other omegas. I have read all the books I want to read in Ethan's library, and I officially have cabin fever.I open the door and smile instantly before yanking my sister in for a hug."Oh my God, you are a sight for sore eyes," I mumble while squeezing her right.She returns my hug with just as much enthusiasm before pulling back and looking guilty."I'm so sorry I haven't seen you. I got catch up in the matebond, and then we had to go handle some pack business for another pack. But I'm here now," Miranda says, and I give her a know
LORRAINE POV This place is enormous. I've lost count of how many bathrooms I've come across, and the kitchen is built for feeding a mob. But the decor doesn't scream rich or cold; it's homey. I get to the end of another hall and notice a large door that looks different than the others. I shrug and knock before opening it a few inches. I peek inside and gasp. Ethan has a huge library. Not as big as the one in my favorite Disney movie, but still.....pretty big. I quickly step in and close the door behind me. This looks like a good place to relax and collect my thoughts. Something I haven't really had a chance to do since I woke up. Mitch and the omegas only decided to leave me alone about an hour ago, but not before feeding me about 3,000 calories and showing me my new room. I know they are just trying to be friendly, but I am too overwhelmed. Their
MITCH POV Dr. Bayle- Mitch, your mate, is finally waking up.Mitch- Be right there. My nerves over meeting my mate have lessened due to how long Lorraine has been sleeping. I never thought I could miss someone I've never actually met, but I do. Heath and I haven't been able to focus on anything really.Heath- Run I begin to jog at my wolf's request, but I keep the pace slow. I'm still not sure how I'm going to explain marking her. I don't want to wait and have her feel it or are it before I say anything. So this first meeting between us will include me telling her and her probably getting mad. Great. As soon as I pull back, the tent flap, and my eyes land on my mate's beautiful face. Pure joy explodes through me. But my happiness only lasts a moment because Lorraine's emotions mirror my earlier fears
LORRAINE'S FOREVER// SHORT STORYMITCH POV"My King, I must mark my mate. She is unconscious and can not give her consent....but her home is too dangerous for her to return to," I explain as I go back and forth in my mind about what's best. King Ethan looks torn as he glances down at my mate's sister."Miranda...love, he is right. I pray we captured all the members of this group, but I can't be positive. Returning to your house will place both of you in danger. I can vouch for our pack member. He is young but reliable and trustworthy. He was a member of Riverstone before the veil, so I have witnessed him growing up," he explains to her and my breath catches as I wait her decision."Okay," she whispers after a few tense seconds, and I exhale before looking