Rose’s POVI knew it, there was an infection among the Lycan pack, possibly brought here by Luna Simone. She was in a bad way, apparently, and not expected to survive. I was only glad I didn’t have to see her, though I felt for those poor pups, however they’d been conceived.My sister was missing, again, and now it seemed Connor had disappeared, disrupting Adam’s plans to combat this worrying outbreak. In fairness, he couldn’t have known and he obviously had troubles of his own.It didn’t improve my mate’s temper any when Alpha Horace picked up the phone. I couldn’t believe it when I heard he was planning to annex Red Riding. Was he delusional? An older shifter who didn’t even command all of his own werewolves. Or so the rumour went. Shortly after that I learned he was asking we be returned or that he receive compensation. Adam assured me I was going nowhere.“Could he have Willow?” I asked.“He says not.”“And you haven’t heard from Niall?”I didn’t like bringing that up but it had t
Adam’s POVI was rapidly losing patience.“To do what? Is this a hoax?”Rose’s hand on my arm told me I’d been shouting. The silk shirt felt strange against my muscles and I’d only consented to wear it for her. And because Erica insisted.Mom was right to stay out of it.“Who’s here, Seth?” my queen asked.“Someone who says he used to be a Gamma.”“Hodges.”We said the name at the same time. Yet I couldn’t help thinking Niall was my third.Had he deserted us, too? Was he here on behalf of another, his new master perhaps?“Wait a few minutes. If I’m not back after that, sound the alarm for lockdown.”“Yes, my king.”“Adam, I’m coming with you.”“Don’t be difficult, Rose. Tell her, Mom.”But my mother just shrugged and said something about making tea.“At least take your bodyguard,” my mate pleaded.By the time I’d followed her advice it was too late. The cloaked figure – that was how Seth had described him – had vanished and when we dashed back to the chamber, my Omega queen was gone,
Rose’s POVI couldn’t understand what all the fuss was about. I’d only ventured to the kitchen for a glass of water. Michaela was nowhere to be seen. I wouldn’t have known what to say to her anyway.Without his mark I felt incomplete.Adam’s relief on seeing me soon turned to the inevitable anger.“I told you to stay put, woman.”“And if I had this apparition might have taken me.”He’d been telling me how the mysterious visitor had simply vanished. Could there be a new threat in the form of a vengeful witch? I doubted it. But maybe Alpha Lewis had inherited some of Brandon’s magical qualities.If so, he needed taking down once and for all.Poor Seth came in for a roasting but anyone would have fallen for it. And Adam himself had taken the bait.Marcus had news for us as we ate later. It seemed Alpha Connor was acting strangely, his cousin’s cruel side coming to the fore in him. Rumours were rife that Alpha Horace was about to step in.He said he’d already informed Erica who was going
Adam’s POVSomething must be done about Hodges. I wouldn’t put it past him to welcome back the hybrid Alpha Lewis and declare himself his second. That wasn’t on.I knew Rose couldn’t understand why I was treating Reed so well. Women and warcraft didn’t mix, though Lycan females could make good warriors.She would never be alone with him but I did permit a catch up during which she learned that her sister was improving daily before she was abducted.And now, apparently, she had been rescued yet again. I really hoped Trevor was behaving himself around her, though suspected Niall would keep him in line.The positive thing was that we had another medic at last. It may not even be temporary which would mean Red Riding were vulnerable if and when there were casualties. I’d once tasked Rose with helping to avoid more bloodshed; now I was minded to teach this pack a lesson.Was there no loyalty among its so-called leaders? What an example to set.George had already informed me that the virus
Willow’s POVWhere did it all go wrong? When I saw Alpha Lewis’ face at the window or was it because I didn’t immediately say so to the Lycan?The bloodsuckers were out in numbers, up for a feeding frenzy, and the blonde woman I’d seen before was among them.“Jason will be pleased,” she said, flexing her fingers.I cringed to see the elongated nails, painted green.“How did you get in?” I blurted.“One of my little friends invited me,” she gushed. “Now, all you have to do is submit to your Alpha. Beckon him, or I’ll slit this one’s throat.”“No!” I shrieked.“Don’t do it, Lolo.”Niall looked so determined, so heroic I almost swooned.Jane removed the knife from his neck and pierced his skin with a fingernail.“So fresh,” she purred.“Run, girl!”I wanted to stay and watch the fight but for some reason I felt compelled to obey him. Mom had often told us your true mate would condition you to follow his lead. Had I found him? Alyssa was in no state to know. And it may be different with a
Rose’s POV It was no use pleading with Adam. He was determined Alpha Connor should pay for his treachery and criminal lack of leadership qualities. “He can’t come back here, though I will find a place for Robert.” He grinned. “It will be nice to have more Omega she-wolves beneath me.” “Not literally, I hope.” I winced and touched my stomach but the pain soon went away. “When will Brandon be back?” My mate shrugged. “Who knows? I’m not an expert when it comes to dealing with an unscrupulous mage.” “Lolo’s missing him. They built up quite a rapport.” He took my hand and kissed it. “I’ll always be grateful to your sister for giving up her precious blood.” “But we still haven’t had that war. I mean, it was more of a bloodless takeover.” “Thankfully,” he said. I couldn’t believe the warmonger had just said that. I felt compelled to test him. “Do you think Alpha Horace has delusions of grandeur? I mean, historically, there used to be a King of Alphas. Once the notion’s in his head
Willow’s POVIt was good to see Natalie again, though Joan had a worried frown on her face.“Don’t be scared,” I said. “The Lycan King’s not all bad.”Hearing a cough behind me, I went on to introduce Niall. I made it quite clear we were to be mated just in case Nat was getting any ideas.“I’m here to oversee the packing up and transporting of goods and chattels.”“What he means is – ”“We have a new master. Can’t say I’m sorry.”“But what’s to become of this place?” Joan fretted.Niall shrugged. “A tourist attraction, maybe a hotel. Is there somewhere we can freshen up?”“Of course. I’ll organise some food for everyone. How many men have you brought with you?”That was the housekeeper, ever practical.My mate took it the wrong way. “That’s need to know.”I hated the look of fright on the older woman’s face.“Joan’s only trying to help. She’s not the enemy,” I said.“Good job you’re here or I’d probably get on the wrong side of everyone,” he muttered. “Apologies, she-wolf. Understanda
Willow’s POVWe had a traitor in our midst. It vexed me I didn’t have a clue who it was. Robert also looked shamefaced as if it was all his fault that intruders were trashing the place. Yet he’d stayed behind to do an almost impossible job prior to joining the Lycan pack. They’d been contained in one area but there were others barrelling in and we didn’t have the numbers to deal with them all. Or so I thought.I wanted to ask him about Sarah but didn’t like and now wasn’t either the time or the place.As it turned out, Lucy had been seeing a rogue on the sly. I couldn’t believe it at first; it was Nat who told me. By a strange coincidence it wasn’t Dean, Nathan or Benny but Felipe. What were the chances of me knowing him? I reckoned he was the best of a bad bunch. These loners sought allies and dropped them as easily as feral cats mated and moved on.Alvarez had allegedly murdered our father. I knew I wasn’t brave enough to seek revenge just yet, but maybe my mate would help.Then I b
Rose’s POVTimo backed me up.“She’s right, my king.”“As always. I’ll see to it.”I calmed down after that, making arrangements in my head. Lolo was in my thoughts but my priorities were here.“Put Connor next to Simone. As for that – thing, I want his remains as far away as possible.”I couldn’t help the bitterness after the damage he’d done to my sister.“Noted. Anything else, Rose?”I was grateful he wasn’t grinning otherwise I would have lost it in front of everyone and pummelling the Lycan King’s chest is a good way to get a girl killed.“Let me tell my sister when they return. I don’t want to spoil things.”“Does she know about Brandon?”I shook my head. “She will be disappointed he’s staying put. Have you heard anything about her, this sorceress?”Everyone was looking at me as if I’d lost my mind. I was usually so respectful in company.“Only her name. Hyacinth. You have something in common,” he pointed out.“Adam, what are you trying to say?”He didn’t answer and I worked it
Adam’s POVRose wasn’t in labour long. I thought I heard her murmur, “Sam,” before her eyes closed.I couldn’t decide who was more proud, Erica or me. My sister was back on her feet again and assured me the delivery had gone fine. Mom looked in as well, briefly. She was constantly tired these days, some of her spirit having left with the giving of so many pints of blood.George had examined her and informed me she just needed time to recover. The mage had been threatened by my half-brother so this untypical weakness wasn’t down to either of them.I named the eldest one Zak. He would be my heir. It was too early to tell if they would be light haired and that didn’t bother me any more.Alpha Horace of all people sent his congratulations. He made no mention of a treaty and nor did I.The border guards patrolled regularly and reported back there were no breaches. A poacher intruded once but they sent him to his Maker, the human God and feasted on the rabbits he’d snared.I wasn’t pleased
Willow’s POVWe had a traitor in our midst. It vexed me I didn’t have a clue who it was. Robert also looked shamefaced as if it was all his fault that intruders were trashing the place. Yet he’d stayed behind to do an almost impossible job prior to joining the Lycan pack. They’d been contained in one area but there were others barrelling in and we didn’t have the numbers to deal with them all. Or so I thought.I wanted to ask him about Sarah but didn’t like and now wasn’t either the time or the place.As it turned out, Lucy had been seeing a rogue on the sly. I couldn’t believe it at first; it was Nat who told me. By a strange coincidence it wasn’t Dean, Nathan or Benny but Felipe. What were the chances of me knowing him? I reckoned he was the best of a bad bunch. These loners sought allies and dropped them as easily as feral cats mated and moved on.Alvarez had allegedly murdered our father. I knew I wasn’t brave enough to seek revenge just yet, but maybe my mate would help.Then I b
Willow’s POVIt was good to see Natalie again, though Joan had a worried frown on her face.“Don’t be scared,” I said. “The Lycan King’s not all bad.”Hearing a cough behind me, I went on to introduce Niall. I made it quite clear we were to be mated just in case Nat was getting any ideas.“I’m here to oversee the packing up and transporting of goods and chattels.”“What he means is – ”“We have a new master. Can’t say I’m sorry.”“But what’s to become of this place?” Joan fretted.Niall shrugged. “A tourist attraction, maybe a hotel. Is there somewhere we can freshen up?”“Of course. I’ll organise some food for everyone. How many men have you brought with you?”That was the housekeeper, ever practical.My mate took it the wrong way. “That’s need to know.”I hated the look of fright on the older woman’s face.“Joan’s only trying to help. She’s not the enemy,” I said.“Good job you’re here or I’d probably get on the wrong side of everyone,” he muttered. “Apologies, she-wolf. Understanda
Rose’s POV It was no use pleading with Adam. He was determined Alpha Connor should pay for his treachery and criminal lack of leadership qualities. “He can’t come back here, though I will find a place for Robert.” He grinned. “It will be nice to have more Omega she-wolves beneath me.” “Not literally, I hope.” I winced and touched my stomach but the pain soon went away. “When will Brandon be back?” My mate shrugged. “Who knows? I’m not an expert when it comes to dealing with an unscrupulous mage.” “Lolo’s missing him. They built up quite a rapport.” He took my hand and kissed it. “I’ll always be grateful to your sister for giving up her precious blood.” “But we still haven’t had that war. I mean, it was more of a bloodless takeover.” “Thankfully,” he said. I couldn’t believe the warmonger had just said that. I felt compelled to test him. “Do you think Alpha Horace has delusions of grandeur? I mean, historically, there used to be a King of Alphas. Once the notion’s in his head
Willow’s POVWhere did it all go wrong? When I saw Alpha Lewis’ face at the window or was it because I didn’t immediately say so to the Lycan?The bloodsuckers were out in numbers, up for a feeding frenzy, and the blonde woman I’d seen before was among them.“Jason will be pleased,” she said, flexing her fingers.I cringed to see the elongated nails, painted green.“How did you get in?” I blurted.“One of my little friends invited me,” she gushed. “Now, all you have to do is submit to your Alpha. Beckon him, or I’ll slit this one’s throat.”“No!” I shrieked.“Don’t do it, Lolo.”Niall looked so determined, so heroic I almost swooned.Jane removed the knife from his neck and pierced his skin with a fingernail.“So fresh,” she purred.“Run, girl!”I wanted to stay and watch the fight but for some reason I felt compelled to obey him. Mom had often told us your true mate would condition you to follow his lead. Had I found him? Alyssa was in no state to know. And it may be different with a
Adam’s POVSomething must be done about Hodges. I wouldn’t put it past him to welcome back the hybrid Alpha Lewis and declare himself his second. That wasn’t on.I knew Rose couldn’t understand why I was treating Reed so well. Women and warcraft didn’t mix, though Lycan females could make good warriors.She would never be alone with him but I did permit a catch up during which she learned that her sister was improving daily before she was abducted.And now, apparently, she had been rescued yet again. I really hoped Trevor was behaving himself around her, though suspected Niall would keep him in line.The positive thing was that we had another medic at last. It may not even be temporary which would mean Red Riding were vulnerable if and when there were casualties. I’d once tasked Rose with helping to avoid more bloodshed; now I was minded to teach this pack a lesson.Was there no loyalty among its so-called leaders? What an example to set.George had already informed me that the virus
Rose’s POVI couldn’t understand what all the fuss was about. I’d only ventured to the kitchen for a glass of water. Michaela was nowhere to be seen. I wouldn’t have known what to say to her anyway.Without his mark I felt incomplete.Adam’s relief on seeing me soon turned to the inevitable anger.“I told you to stay put, woman.”“And if I had this apparition might have taken me.”He’d been telling me how the mysterious visitor had simply vanished. Could there be a new threat in the form of a vengeful witch? I doubted it. But maybe Alpha Lewis had inherited some of Brandon’s magical qualities.If so, he needed taking down once and for all.Poor Seth came in for a roasting but anyone would have fallen for it. And Adam himself had taken the bait.Marcus had news for us as we ate later. It seemed Alpha Connor was acting strangely, his cousin’s cruel side coming to the fore in him. Rumours were rife that Alpha Horace was about to step in.He said he’d already informed Erica who was going
Adam’s POVI was rapidly losing patience.“To do what? Is this a hoax?”Rose’s hand on my arm told me I’d been shouting. The silk shirt felt strange against my muscles and I’d only consented to wear it for her. And because Erica insisted.Mom was right to stay out of it.“Who’s here, Seth?” my queen asked.“Someone who says he used to be a Gamma.”“Hodges.”We said the name at the same time. Yet I couldn’t help thinking Niall was my third.Had he deserted us, too? Was he here on behalf of another, his new master perhaps?“Wait a few minutes. If I’m not back after that, sound the alarm for lockdown.”“Yes, my king.”“Adam, I’m coming with you.”“Don’t be difficult, Rose. Tell her, Mom.”But my mother just shrugged and said something about making tea.“At least take your bodyguard,” my mate pleaded.By the time I’d followed her advice it was too late. The cloaked figure – that was how Seth had described him – had vanished and when we dashed back to the chamber, my Omega queen was gone,