Connor’s POVThe air of triumph didn’t last long. Lew hadn’t received the information he needed and was promised and all because Sarah had fallen ill. I suspected she had done it deliberately to get her own back on Willow. I hoped that would be the end of it. Endless tit for tat games helped no-one, as my own sisters had found out to their cost.May now had a permanent facial scar and Alice was so guilty she seldom wore make-up.And, in the end, Rose had proved stubborn, sticking out for some assurance her little sis was okay. Good for her.“The Omega mentioned a weakness, didn’t she? I wonder what it could be.”“We have to pull her out. It’s far too dangerous.”“Eager to claim your prize? You’ll have to wait a while longer, Con.”So he had been serious about that. My Rose. I wondered how she would take it.Then the Alpha told me what he suspected – no, knew for certain from one of her messages – about her being the Lycan’s fated mate.I was crushed, wanting to shrivel and die on the
Rose’s POVI didn’t see Nina for a whole week because the other kind of curse struck for us both. In my case it was a relief. Lycan Adam considered a menstruating female unclean and I was tempted to celebrate but restrained myself in case he was watching. Concealed cameras had once caught Nina out, she told me. How was I to know for sure my master hadn’t installed some in here, the so-called harem room?It was empty of anyone but me for the moment. I felt isolated, lonely and bored. If I asked nicely, maybe he would allow me to have a TV. He refused, of course, though granted me the temporary use of a cell phone, warning that I would be monitored.Rashly, I had told him I wanted to text my sister. I even gave him her real name. My hope was that she would show the coded messages to Alpha Lewis. We’d played around as kids and I was hoping she hadn’t forgotten how we’d given new meanings to nursery rhymes.“How much do you miss her?” he asked from just outside the open door, Adam’s idea
Rose’s POV “Is your sister still a child?” The demand came out of left field and shocked me to the core. Had Lycan Adam managed to decipher the hidden meaning behind our texts? Admittedly, we hadn’t been very subtle. But why challenge me now? Had someone else seen them? I tried not to panic as I finished lacing up my corset. I was becoming adept at this ever since Jane had left mysteriously to “take care of something”. “In some ways. Why?” “Humpty Dumpty? Seriously?” “He was an old guy who brought us provisions.” “Don’t tell me, he had an egg shaped head?” “Yes, Adam.” I’d been instructed to drop the “Master” unless we were in a play situation. “Reminiscing takes her mind off our situation. Neither one of us expected to be sold by our own father.” I couldn’t emphasise that point enough. If it made him a target it was no more than he deserved. After all, overcoming him would be easy and then Lycan Adam could retrieve what he had forked out and seriously plan where to strike ne
Rose’s POV I would have waited forever if necessary. I still didn’t trust this guy; Alphas were notorious users. Now that I was back in the fold, so to speak, he was capable of anything. Reneging on a verbal promise for a start. Thinking about it, he’d only implied he’d get someone to look out for her and later threatened to turn her into a whore. Well, I wasn’t in a position to ask for anything in writing, was I? “Over to you, Con.” I stifled a gasp as the Beta produced what I knew to be Willow’s cell phone from his pants pocket. No-one else would have a cover with a unicorn nuzzling up to a bear, would they? I knew it must be here somewhere but to have it about his person … He used it to place a call. “Luna, have the Omega come to the phone, as we discussed.” “You didn’t say please,” a familiar voice replied. “Oh, very well.” My heart leapt. “Tell my brother he has terrible timing.” I pretended to be astonished. “She’s still with Simone?” “That’s Luna Simone to you. And ye
Rose’s POVIf it wasn’t for Connor’s messages, I think I would have gone mad. A little subversion was heartening, his especially so. We chatted on the phone, too, when he could ensure privacy, which wasn’t often. I was starting to like him a lot. He didn’t make me feel cheap.Calling myself Polly, being driven up there by none other than Gamma Hodges as part of a fake swap deal with a burned out Omega, I asked myself why all this subterfuge was necessary. Did the Alpha have an expert forger in his pack? Because it certainly wasn’t Joan.The only positive was that Annie with the sad face was getting some respite. In fact, as I found out subsequently, Alpha Sven didn’t want her around any more. So, between the two Alphas, it was a win-win.I was less sure about my fellow Omega and myself. We weren’t sluts, just abused by circumstance.I kinda liked that phrase and would have put it in my diary if I kept one.The pack official seemed friendlier this time around, telling me his first name
Willow’s POVThis wasn’t good. I’d been heading for the woods I grew up in, sometimes on foot, sometimes hitching a lift. I got lucky with my rides and not so fortunate when I was close to home.Dad was gone now, as well as Mom, and no sign of Millicent. Dean helped me dig a grave. It didn’t seem right not to wait for Rose but the body was starting to rot.We placed him beside the marker which bore our mother’s name, Hannah, and the dates I didn’t want to read.I’d all but lost my virginity in return for vehicles eating up the miles and was only too willing to stay with Dean and Nathan, who now had a place of their own. I assumed hiding me from the Alpha would come at a price and I wasn’t wrong, though neither of them had full sex with me and I began to wonder why.They had no right to sell me to that foreign rogue leader, the one who’d done for Daddy. At least, that was what he boasted often enough. Technically, my body still belonged to Alpha Lewis.I kept quiet about Alpha Horace.
Adam’s POVCall me crazy, but it just wasn’t the same in my playroom these days. Simone was no fun. She had stopped hurling abuse at me and given up all hope of rescue. The strange thing was I wanted rid of her. I had proposed an exchange for Rose, a Luna relative for an Omega slave, and heard nothing.Maybe she wasn’t with Alpha Lewis but instincts told me otherwise; he was there that night, after all, and hadn’t bothered to issue a denial when my terms were stated through the usual channels.Time to bruise my captive a little and send him the photo. It could be achieved with make-up, according to my sister, but I wanted to be hands-on with this and didn’t want to be mocked for using a mascara wand, though not on her eyelashes. I preferred the other kind to be pressed in a more intimate setting.If she really was with pup, Lewis’ sister wasn’t far along. Alpha Karl hadn’t sired any others as far as I knew and must be desperate to save his heirs. Funny how he hadn’t returned to Moonwo
Rose’s POV We played a game of what ifs, taking a chance that the Lycan King wouldn’t have ventured so far from his territory just for a no-account sub. My words. Because I hadn’t given him cause to believe I was ‘cheating’, which was a laugh in itself. I caught myself. When had I become so cynical? If he’d somehow found out where I was via one of his spies, maybe he would come after me. I was his property, after all, and giving me a false name and papers would count for nothing when he saw me again. What an elaborate scheme to come to nothing like this. I was pleased to have played my part in thwarting Alpha Lewis although, as the pickup ate up the miles, I became a nervous wreck. Between the pair of them, the Lycan King and my other false owner, it was a no-win situation for me. In the end we made it back to the castle unchallenged. I have to say I was slightly disappointed. Did I want to return to Adam? The answer I’d been avoiding was a resounding yes when we were confronte
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,