Randelle "You'll never pin me to the dirt like a lame elk at this rate!" Kieran's mocking voice cut through my concentration as I circled the grass sparring ring, sweat dripping down my spine. I gritted my teeth, centering my focus. Don't let him rile you up. Across from me, Kieran prowled like a wolf sizing up prey. His sharp eyes missed nothing as he studied my stance, waiting for an opening to strike. "Feet light as a dancer! Know where my next blow will land before I throw it!" he barked, words punctuated by a sudden flurry of jabs that had me dancing and twisting to evade. The repetitive mantra played in my head as I pivoted and ducked Kieran's probing attacks. Stay loose as a reed in the wind. Sway and weave, anticipating his moves. Avoid damage as much as dealing it. But fatigue weighted my limbs after our hour already sparring. I moved one beat too slow, and Kieran's open palm cracked hard across my cheekbone. Pain exploded across my face, dazing me. "Pay attention, gi
Jeremy"Rise and shine, sleepy wolf," Randelle's amused voice filtered through my drowsy consciousness, followed by the warmth of her lips grazing my temple. I grunted, burying my face deeper into the pillow with a grumble. "Too early...wanna hold you longer." I muttered.A throaty chuckle answered me as Randelle snuggled closer, trailing ticklish kisses along my stubbled jaw. "Come on now, the sun waits for no one. We can continue this later." Her clever fingers danced down my side, finding each sensitive spot that made me squirm."Hey now, fightin' dirty!" I protested through laughter, catching her teasing hands in mine. Blinking fully awake at last, I rolled onto my back and lifted my head to peer at my grinning mate. This moment I crave in the past live. But now giving another chance by the goddess I'll relive it without regrets.Golden sunlight streaming through the windows glinted off her snowy braid and turned her eyes to quicksilver. "Using your feminine wiles to torment a p
JeremyI startled awake to the insistent rap of knuckles against wood. Blinking gritty eyes, I lifted my head from the pillow, senses still fogged by sleep. Odd...who'd come bangin' at this early hour? Beside me Randelle mumbled incoherently, burrowing deeper under the quilts. I chuckled softly, brushing a kiss over her tousled braid before rolling out of bed. Shivering as cold floorboards leached warmth from my bare soles, I crossed the darkened room. Pale predawn light edged the drawn curtains as I unlatched the door cautiously. Jake's familiar visage greeted me, cheeks ruddy from the chill morning. I cocked a questioning brow as he shouldered past me."Apologies for the rude awakening, brother." Jake made straight for our tiny kitchen, stirring the banked fireplace embers back to life. "But Ezra requests your presence at the longhall once you've broken fast. Urgent pack business."I yawned, scratching fingers through my tousled hair as comprehension filtered through my sleepy brai
RandelleI woke up to the scent of frying meat and eggs, my stomach rumbling. Beside me, Jeremy stirred, his warmth against my back receding. I rolled over to see him sitting on the edge of the bed, hair tousled, blinking the sleep from his eyes.“Mornin’ beautiful,” he rumbled, lips curving in a lazy grin, Jeremy here? Who's cooking then. “Jake must be fixin’ breakfast.” Jeremy as spoke as if he read my mind."What a nice brother he is." A smile spreading on my face in answer as I sat up, the cozy quilts pooling around my waist. Dawn’s rosy light filtered between the curtains, gilding Jeremy’s rugged profile where he sat scruffing one hand through his dark mane of hair.I stifled a jaw-cracking yawn behind one slim hand, inhaling the aromatic scents wafting from our little kitchen. My mate chuckled knowingly.“C’mon then, before it gets cold.” He stood and stretched, joints popping audibly, before grabbing a discarded shirt off the floor. I averted my gaze from his muscular torso w
RandelleWe met Keiran and the others fighting back Rivero and his mean pack. Keiran's face was tired but fierce. "We won't let them pass!" he yelled. His fur was red from blood.Jeremy pointed his axe. "Freeway pack stay strong!" he bellowed. "We push together!"Everyone roared loud. Their smells were mad and scared but their eyes burned brave. Rivero laughed cold. He was big with black fur and dead eyes. "My wolves will feast well tonight," he sneered. Jeremy jumped at Rivero. Their claws crashed hard. The sound hurt my ears. Rivero kicked Jeremy back. Then his wolves attacked Keiran's team. I launch at a grey wolf. He fell but more came. Their hot breath steamed the air. Their claws and fur were red with blood. My friends were tired from the long fight."Smart Randelle, you lead some wolves around back," Jeremy panted. I gathered Agnus, Kyra, Lana. We snuck behind mean Rivero's pack quiet as foxes. We burst from the bushes yelling. The Rogues turned in surprise. Now my pac
Jeremy I hurtled into the chaotic melee with a roar, claws cleaving the air around me. All was reduced to flashes of violence, the shriek of metal and screams of dying men. I waded relentlessly into the press, rallying my scattered forces by sheer ferocity. "To me, Freeway! Form up, you Son of a b**tch!" I bellowed, spinning and slashing in a deadly arc to buy precious space. Keiran appeared at my shoulder, golden eyes alight with battle fury despite blood slicking half his face. We traded a single nod before turning our steel upon the roiling enemy ranks.For endless minutes we battled bitterly back to back, carving openings for dazed packmates to surge behind our whirling point defense. I marked brothers and sisters falling with gutting finality, their lives the brutal coin purchased our thin perimeter. Gradually our numbers coalesced into a coherent line, bows twanging sporadically from the fringes to pick off overeager Rogues. But still we yielded ground before the ravening ho
Randelle"It's a new day."I smiled as I sat on top a mossy boulder breathing deep the wet evergreen scents wreathing the dawn-kissed glen. The birdsong and the melodic rush of the swollen creek gradually eased tight muscles in my back, the morning's tranquility balm to battle-rattled senses.The threat of Rivero's marauders had passed like an angry storm front, though his final venomous words still haunted...was our victory merely the eye of a more destructive tempest ahead?Soft footfalls rustled behind me. I turned with a smile to greet Jeremy's approach, taking in the pensive cast to his bearded features. My mate hoisted himself lightly beside me, the boulder barely shifting beneath his bulk. For a time we simply soaked in harmonious surroundings, the press of our shoulders and synchronized breathing enough. But chilling memories would not release their grip so easily.Jeremy sighed heavily, his brooding gaze miles away. "Can't say I much fancy the notion of Rico and his jackal
RandelleI woke to pale dawn light filtering through the curtained window. Beside me Jeremy slept on, the steady rise and fall of his chest reassuringly familiar. I took a moment to trace the beloved planes of his bearded face, relaxed in repose, before easing from the quilted nest of furs. After washing and braiding back my hair, I moved quietly to the kitchen to start water boiling. The simple domestic tasks soothed my churning thoughts. Soon rich coffee aroma filled the small cabin, mingling with sounds of Jeremy stirring in the next room.I savored the peace of breaking fast with my mate as the rising sun lent its golden glow. We lingered over emptied plates, speaking little but communicating much through tangled fingers and lingering glances. All too soon duty's call could be ignored no longer. With a sigh I stood, gathering up my training gear. Jeremy's fingers caught my wrist, halting my motions."You seem uneasy this morn, my heart." His hazel eyes searched my face. "Is the
My heart blazed over Damien's words. The more I was trying to process the reality of his words, the more shattered I became. " Are you serious with what you just said, Damien? And how sure are you?"Damien smiled, rubbing his temples. " Look here, Randelle. I'd not lie to you. If Jeremy truly wants you to rule him he should have given you the scroll, and let you learn from it,".I flanked my eyebrows as he landed. How come Damien knew I was asking for the scroll from Jeremy? Was he eavesdropping on our conversation?" Yes, Randelle. I overheard you and Jeremy arguing about the scroll. There's nothing to argue about if truly he wants you to take the lead as the pureblood. The reason he tabled was dumb. When do you know your abilities would be activated naturally? Is it until Rico kills everyone?" Damien chipped in with urgency in his voice.I exhaled sharply and was lost in my thoughts over his point of view. However, I didn't see it that way. I felt Jeremy was overprotective, and that
I sat down alone on the bed and crossed my arms as I was lost in my thoughts. I never knew Rico had planned to fight us with the witch. Nonetheless, what disheveled me was the fact that I couldn't even make use of my strength as the pureblood. I felt useless.Soon, Blade, and Jeremy walked up to me with mixed reactions on their faces. They came and sat down closer to me." Why are you sad, Randelle?" Jeremy asked, patting my shoulder gently." That's a stupid question, Jeremy. Randelle is the fucking pureblood, and she couldn't even stop that mother fucker witch," Blade raised his voice at Jeremy." She tried her best, Blade. You shouldn't put all the blame on her for our failure," Jeremy fired back at Blade." No, Jeremy. Blade is right. I was useless during the fight. I couldn't even make use of my power to defeat that witch. I felt so disappointed in myself," I turned to Jeremy and said, my eyes blaring with rage and regret." No, Randelle. You're not useless," Jeremy reassured me
Randelle The rays of dawn streamed through the curtains, bathing our entwined bodies in a warm golden glow. I nestled against the solid strength of Jeremy's chest, his arms wrapped securely around me as we lingered in those blissful moments before waking. "I wish we could stay like this forever," I murmured, tilting my face up to meet his sleepy grin. The depth of emotion shining in his eyes made my heart swell."There's nowhere I'd rather be than right here with you, my love," Jeremy replied, his voice still husky with sleep. He brushed his fingers through my tangled hair before capturing my lips in a long, slow kiss."Ahh, slow down wolf." I moan biting his lips."Can't...if it's you." He groans and capture my lips again making me giggle.All too soon, the responsibilities of the day could be ignored no longer. With great reluctance, I untangled myself from Jeremy's embrace and prepared to leave for my training. His brows drew together, forehead creasing ever so slightly in that
Randelle "Show yourself. even birds grow weary flitting about so." I exclaimed.An awkward throat cleared before Timothy's bulky frame materialized from the bushes."Timothy?"What's the hell is he doing here? Is he following me now?He looked more abashed cub than formidable warrior, and drunked twigs jutting from his ink black mane. I crossed my arms, cocking one brow in silent inquiry."Er sorry to disturb you, Chosen One. I returned from patrol early and hoped to observe Elder Keiran's lesson then saw you come this way." He scuffed one boot, not quite meeting my eyes. "Didn't mean to lurk like some creeping scout." He laughed wrly.I weighed his words before answering neutrally. "It's nothing, no harm done. But the training grounds is that way." I shrugged my sore shoulders. "Keiran focuses within there."Timothy finally lifted his tawny gaze, conviction burning there. "Oh I know I was following you. Of course. I was amazed by your dedication and how it has great impact on the y
RandelleI woke to pale dawn light filtering through the curtained window. Beside me Jeremy slept on, the steady rise and fall of his chest reassuringly familiar. I took a moment to trace the beloved planes of his bearded face, relaxed in repose, before easing from the quilted nest of furs. After washing and braiding back my hair, I moved quietly to the kitchen to start water boiling. The simple domestic tasks soothed my churning thoughts. Soon rich coffee aroma filled the small cabin, mingling with sounds of Jeremy stirring in the next room.I savored the peace of breaking fast with my mate as the rising sun lent its golden glow. We lingered over emptied plates, speaking little but communicating much through tangled fingers and lingering glances. All too soon duty's call could be ignored no longer. With a sigh I stood, gathering up my training gear. Jeremy's fingers caught my wrist, halting my motions."You seem uneasy this morn, my heart." His hazel eyes searched my face. "Is the
Randelle"It's a new day."I smiled as I sat on top a mossy boulder breathing deep the wet evergreen scents wreathing the dawn-kissed glen. The birdsong and the melodic rush of the swollen creek gradually eased tight muscles in my back, the morning's tranquility balm to battle-rattled senses.The threat of Rivero's marauders had passed like an angry storm front, though his final venomous words still haunted...was our victory merely the eye of a more destructive tempest ahead?Soft footfalls rustled behind me. I turned with a smile to greet Jeremy's approach, taking in the pensive cast to his bearded features. My mate hoisted himself lightly beside me, the boulder barely shifting beneath his bulk. For a time we simply soaked in harmonious surroundings, the press of our shoulders and synchronized breathing enough. But chilling memories would not release their grip so easily.Jeremy sighed heavily, his brooding gaze miles away. "Can't say I much fancy the notion of Rico and his jackal
Jeremy I hurtled into the chaotic melee with a roar, claws cleaving the air around me. All was reduced to flashes of violence, the shriek of metal and screams of dying men. I waded relentlessly into the press, rallying my scattered forces by sheer ferocity. "To me, Freeway! Form up, you Son of a b**tch!" I bellowed, spinning and slashing in a deadly arc to buy precious space. Keiran appeared at my shoulder, golden eyes alight with battle fury despite blood slicking half his face. We traded a single nod before turning our steel upon the roiling enemy ranks.For endless minutes we battled bitterly back to back, carving openings for dazed packmates to surge behind our whirling point defense. I marked brothers and sisters falling with gutting finality, their lives the brutal coin purchased our thin perimeter. Gradually our numbers coalesced into a coherent line, bows twanging sporadically from the fringes to pick off overeager Rogues. But still we yielded ground before the ravening ho
RandelleWe met Keiran and the others fighting back Rivero and his mean pack. Keiran's face was tired but fierce. "We won't let them pass!" he yelled. His fur was red from blood.Jeremy pointed his axe. "Freeway pack stay strong!" he bellowed. "We push together!"Everyone roared loud. Their smells were mad and scared but their eyes burned brave. Rivero laughed cold. He was big with black fur and dead eyes. "My wolves will feast well tonight," he sneered. Jeremy jumped at Rivero. Their claws crashed hard. The sound hurt my ears. Rivero kicked Jeremy back. Then his wolves attacked Keiran's team. I launch at a grey wolf. He fell but more came. Their hot breath steamed the air. Their claws and fur were red with blood. My friends were tired from the long fight."Smart Randelle, you lead some wolves around back," Jeremy panted. I gathered Agnus, Kyra, Lana. We snuck behind mean Rivero's pack quiet as foxes. We burst from the bushes yelling. The Rogues turned in surprise. Now my pac
RandelleI woke up to the scent of frying meat and eggs, my stomach rumbling. Beside me, Jeremy stirred, his warmth against my back receding. I rolled over to see him sitting on the edge of the bed, hair tousled, blinking the sleep from his eyes.“Mornin’ beautiful,” he rumbled, lips curving in a lazy grin, Jeremy here? Who's cooking then. “Jake must be fixin’ breakfast.” Jeremy as spoke as if he read my mind."What a nice brother he is." A smile spreading on my face in answer as I sat up, the cozy quilts pooling around my waist. Dawn’s rosy light filtered between the curtains, gilding Jeremy’s rugged profile where he sat scruffing one hand through his dark mane of hair.I stifled a jaw-cracking yawn behind one slim hand, inhaling the aromatic scents wafting from our little kitchen. My mate chuckled knowingly.“C’mon then, before it gets cold.” He stood and stretched, joints popping audibly, before grabbing a discarded shirt off the floor. I averted my gaze from his muscular torso w