~Stuart~I didn’t expect to walk in here and see Kimberly gone. Yes, I rejected her, but she was still my fated mate, and we stayed attached for more than two decades. We may not have lived together and created a family, but we took the time to get to know each other. Kimberly and I would meet up sometimes just to talk. We would discuss our families, our hurts, our states of happiness, and anything we felt we could share with each other. I was probably more intimate with Kimberly than I was with Nikki once we found out we were mates—just something else to be deeply apologetic for.I don’t know how long I sat here, holding Kimberly’s body. My heart hurt when I set eyes on her, and I just wanted to hold her a bit before her body is taken away. I let Kimberly go and stand up. I look down and see remnants of blood on my clothes, but I don’t care. I look around the room, but nothing stands out to me besides the open door.I hate that Kimberly had to die alone and at such a young age. She
~Imogene~I look at my phone again and let out an exasperated sigh. I absolutely HATE waiting on people. I feel like all things should be immediate when dealing with me. Let’s face facts: I’m a super important woman and don’t have time to wait for others to drag their feet. I would tell him to go fuck himself if I didn’t need these items. I could always send him a magical bomb…..I always love seeing those explode. I need to strengthen my spell and get it to cast wider, and I can’t do that without the ingredients. As it is, I snuck off packlands early this morning. My ceremony is later today, and I need the ingredients to sit for a while if I want to be able to cast the spell tonight.A car pulls up, and I start to tap my foot. The car door opens, and he walks out. Always with a hoodie on and the hood on his head; I swear I get so tired of this cloak-and-dagger shit. “What the fuck took you so long?” He doesn’t come close but tosses the bag, which lands a few feet from me.“Here’s you
All eyes land on me, and I stand my ground in the middle of the aisle. Paul steps forward, and a growl erupts from his lips. Knowing what he’s about to do, my heart flutters, but I won’t back down. “How dare you intervene! Warriors!” I stand and wait. I can see movement in my peripheral vision, but everyone isn’t coming for me. Some of the warriors are taking steps back, so they are surrounding the event. I see Lynn step out in front of the stage in a fighting stance. There are warriors who look extremely confused standing on stage. Imogene waves her hand, and two come at me. They approach me on each side, and I know they plan to grab me. I remember what Stuart taught me, and I don’t move, waiting for them to make a move first. They reach for me at the same time, and I quickly hit the ground, sweeping a leg out to my right, causing the warrior to hit the floor. I roll to my knees and face the warrior on my left. I maneuver, so I’m on my toes and motion for him to come forward. He ma
~Tia~Everything has been fuzzy at best. I swear I’m going in and out of consciousness. Sometimes, I can see everything going on around me, but I can’t interact with any of it. Other times, I’m completely involved and aware of my surroundings. I don’t understand what’s going on or why, and I’m not even sure if my baby is at risk.I was livid when it was suggested that we have an Alpha and Luna ceremony for Paul and Imogene. How could it be suggested that they take over the pack? It isn’t like the pack is without leaders, and Paul was already an Alpha. He gave up his position and handed it down to his sons. It’s been less than a year since we took over, but I know we’ve been doing a good job. I tried to protest, tried to scream out against it, but the words wouldn’t come. I couldn’t yell or scream, and the only words that came out were, ‘yes’ and ‘great idea.’ Oh, Goddess, I was ready to rip my own throat out at that time. I couldn’t believe I let this happen, that I lost myself the w
~Nikki~“STOP RIGHT THERE!” My heart had been beating out of my chest. I saw Imogene gearing up, collecting as much power as she could. I flashed back to the pain I felt when she tried to kill me, and I just knew it was going to be a thousand times worse than that. Those words made me hold my breath. I look behind me and see a woman standing there with a few people behind her. I recognize her despite not seeing her in so many years. She’s as regal-looking as I remember. She stands tall; her silver hair sways behind her and swirls around her face. Unlike Imogene, her eyes are a brilliant green. She’s wearing a sheer, black dress with long, bell-shaped sleeves. “Who the fuck are you?!” “Imogene, we’ve been looking for you! You have crimes to pay for.” Imogene throws her head back and laughs.“Screw you! I will pay for nothing. If you know what’s good for you, you’ll leave from here and take your people with you.” High Priestess Owlyn smiles and takes a step forward.“You don’t recogn
~Tia~I felt a little pinch, which morphed into a sharp pain. I tried to block it out to help my mates, but I couldn’t get past it. When I stood up, I felt liquid between my legs. My water broke, but there was also blood. My fear heightened, and my heartbeat increased. I called out to my mom, but she wasn’t the one to grab me.My body is moving fast, and I’m secure against a warm body. I look up, and I shut my eyes quickly. I have to be hallucinating. I thought the scent was familiar, but I figured the pain was messing with my head. I open my eyes again, and he looks at me quickly, giving me a small smile. OMG! How is Stuart here right now? I turn my head to look where we are headed. For all I know, he will throw me in the woods somewhere and end my existence. He blames me for his unhappiness. He blames me for not being able to live life with his fated mate. He has hated me all my life, and I’m sure he’d take the opportunity to end me if it presented itself. We are actually going to
~Tia~All eyes are on me, and my mates look pissed. I can’t believe it myself; I asked for my ‘father.’ I can’t remember the last time I ever considered Stuart as my father. He was horrible to me my entire life, and it made a lasting impression. I just can’t explain what’s so different now. I mean, I know, but I don’t really get it. Love, what are you saying?Did you just call him ‘dad?’ I sigh, knowing this explanation will take a lot more than the words I’m about to say. This is going to be a conversation that I know they were going to want to have later. I need to talk to him. Just…..please….. I watch my dad make his way from the door to the side of my bed. They took the baby for tests, and I want to get this out before they bring the baby back. “I want to talk to my dad, if that’s okay.” My mates look like they want to protest, and Paul looks confused. The only person who seems okay with this is my mom. “Let’s give them some space, though there’s news that everyone should know.
~Nikki~The silence is overwhelming, but I’m finding it hard to concentrate. This is a somber moment, yet all I can think about is my mate’s scent. He smells of pine and freshly cut grass. His scent fills the room and makes my mind fuzzy. I’ve already blocked Aluma; she’s been screaming out for him since the ceremony.I want nothing more than to claim him right here, right now. I have to keep reminding myself that now isn’t the time. Tia just got out of surgery and gave birth to my grandpup; everyone is trying to clear their minds and get back acclimated. As badly as I want to claim my mate, and I do, I have to wait until it’s acceptable.“I don’t know how to feel. How did it happen?”“We aren’t completely sure, Landon. We went to talk to her about this Imogene situation-”“Why would you talk to our mom about Imogene?”“I think it was your mom who sent her. She was constantly texting and calling. I was able to put eyes on her phone a few times and I saw her name. All we know is someon