ETHAN POV
"This will not stand! I won't allow it," Father Jackson growls as he paces back and forth.
I close their office door and find my way to a chair before slumping down. My body is tired and hungry. I never did eat, and the rage coming off of Kratos is exhausting.
"How is she," mom asks, and I sigh while leaning my head back.
I close my eyes, and her sleeping face immediately appears on the back of my eyelids.
"Tired and in shock. Her life did a 180 tonight... She cried herself to sleep," I admit in a low voice.
"See, we have to implement strict laws. If werewolves choose to live as rogues, that's fine, but harming humans because they feel they are indestructible is unacceptable," Father Jackson growls, and Father Jason nods.
Mom closes her eyes and groans.
ETHAN POV Waiting for my mate to wake up is torture. I told her I would sleep in a guest room, and I meant it. But I didn't think about the fact that me sleeping in another room meant I had to give her privacy until she stirs. Every moment Kratos and I can't see her is agonizing. All I want to do is learn everything about her before the trial begins and she returns to her everyday life. I understand she can't be kept here against her will. And I understand that means one thing...I have to woo her into loving me fast. I have to convince her to give up her life and choose me instead. I have to convince her to throw away her mortality for me....her sister for me.....her parents for me. My bed squeaks softly as my mate finally sits up, and Kratos urges me to knock at the door we have been standing at for thirty nine minutes. I sigh before giving in to our impatient desires to see her. I know she will need t
ETHAN POV "Is she strong enough to witness this," Father Jason asks after I finish telling my parents about my mate's breakdown? After I got Miranda to calm down, I took her down to our kitchen to eat. I made sure she was comfortable before leaving her in peace and finding my parents. "I believe so. If she is to be my mate...the queen of werewolves, then she must witness. After the trial, I will drive her back to her home. I think she needs space," I explain while giving my mother curious glances. My mother was absent from breakfast this morning, and she hasn't shown any of her usual emotions. She seems closed off and reserved. Which isn't like her at all. "I agree with Ethan. There's no point in shielding her," Father Jackson adds while also looking at my mom. We wait for her to give us he
MIRANDA POVMy gut turns as I watch Bryan being chained to the ground. He looks and smells awful. He has multiple bald patches, and his pants look as if he peed himself. I try to focus on my anger and fear, but a small sliver of sympathy plays at my heartstrings.He might be my abuser. He might be the star of all my nightmares. But he is also the guy who kisses me softly when he is apologizing. He is the guy who tickles me until I am laughing so hard I am screaming. He is the guy who I told all my secrets to. He is the guy who I felt sorry for because his mate rejected him. But he is also the guy who has almost killed me. The guy I have run from....hid from.......begged to leave me alone. He is a beautiful nightmare....well, he was."Bryan McCain, you kneel before Riverstone charged with domestic abuse against the werewolf Princess. Do you have anything to say," King Jackson asks as he moves to stand in fr
ETHAN POVEach street that passes makes my heart sink lower and lower. Kratos and I both suck at this. The main issue with avoiding relationships and not getting close to people is you become an introvert. I have no idea how to communicate with my mate. I have no idea how to express to her how sorry I am. And to add to my horror, she actually seems scared of me."That's my house right there," Miranda says as she points towards a small townhouse.I nod before turning in. Kratos whimpers and my mouth goes dry. My entire body is becoming physically ill at the thought of her leaving and never coming back."Would you like to come in? It might be easier to explain all of this to Raine if you are with me," Miranda asks in such a soft voice even my werewolf ears have problems hearing her."Really," I ask in a whisper, and she nods."Yeah. I mean... We are mates, r
ETHAN POV"You can stay here if you like...I'm going to go change. Make yourself comfortable," Miranda says shyly before darting from the room.My eyes widen, and Kratos's excitement explodes through our mind. And while I find the thought of being near her wonderful, spending the night fills me with unease. Gejtting close to someone has always been a no-no. But now I need to bond, connect. In the past, I have had friends. But I never allowed myself to get attached. Sasha was the only mortal I have ever bonded with.Kratos- our mate will only be mortal until she carries our mark.Ethan- she might not want it. Immortality isn't something to be taken lightly.Kratos growls at me, but doubt flows through our link. He might not like my words, but they are true. Miranda is our mate, but she hasn't agreed to share an extended life with us.I move to Miranda's ful
ETHAN POV Louise- Your suit is on your bed, my prince.Ethan- Louise, how many times do I have to ask you not to call me that.Louise- (chuckles) at least once a day, Ethan. Louise cuts the link, and I go back to moping. I have no idea how long I have been in the shower, but the water lost its warmth at least thirty minutes ago. And while I hate cold showers, I can't bring myself to get out and face the day.The thought of being King no longer excites me. What joy will the title bring me if I am alone? Completely and utterly alone except for Louise and Aria. Kratos growls in my head.Kratos- we must win our mate over. She is to be by our side.Ethan- we will give our mate space, Kratos. She deserves it after the things Bryan did to her.Kratos- for how long?Etha
ETHAN POV My stomach knots and my hands twist behind my back as I stand next to the stage our wolves built in record time. I feel overwhelmed, but anyone looking at my face would say I am lying. I have wiped every single emotion from my face. The only outward display of my unease is my twisted hands. "Today marks a monumentous day in werewolf history. Today is the day my mate takes her rightful place as our Goddess, and it is also the day our son becomes King. After today many things will change, and the werewolf community will once again be one," my Father Jackson calls into the packed territory. He nods to my mother, and she steps forward immediately. She smiles at the crowd before her skin takes on its magical glow. "First, I will begin by listing the new changes that will become law as soon as my body transitions into its Goddess state. These changes were the last laws made by the previous Goddess, and I a
ETHAN POV"Next," I order, and a young brunette she-wolf steps towards the veil.She stretches her hand out, and her fingers pass the field immediately."Congratulations, do you accept me as your king and Alpha," I ask in a rushed voice."I do," she whispers, and I nod."I order you to enter the human realm and search for your mate. You must find and mark your mate as fast as possible and return, by command of your king," I order, and she passes through the veil less than a second later."Next," I order.A young gruff angry-looking rogue steps forward and eyes the veil. He reaches out, but his fingers meet a hard surface. He growls, and I bare my teeth in response."Move to Alpha Val's line," I order, and he immediately follows the command.I shift my shoulders before calling the next wolf forward. We have
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