Ella's POV River's claws were an inch from tearing out my throat when a body suddenly crashed into me from the side, knocking me out of harm's way. I hit the ground hard, the air punching from my lungs. Dazed, I lifted my head to see Aiden now pinned in my place, River's deadly talons sunk deep in his chest. Horror shattered my heart. "Nooo!" Aiden had shielded me from the death blow, at dreadful cost. Crimson poured from his ravaged chest, his face already draining of colour. With a vicious twist River flung him aside like garbage before turning back to me, jaws split wide in a gruesome smile."One loyal fool down. You're next, bitch."Despair and rage warred within me, almost blinding in their intensity. First the mate bond, now Aiden's very life ripped away by this monster! With a feral scream I flew at River, no strategy left, just pure reckless fury. Startled, he hesitated a second before backhanding me easily away. But my distraction provided the window needed for a tan blur
Ella's POVThe journey back to the Silver Fang pack estate passed in a miserable, exhausting haze. Every bump in the road jostled my battered body painfully, but I barely felt the discomfort through the soul-deep weariness dragging at me. Aiden lay utterly still and silent beside me, wrapped in bandages but seeming so diminished, just a fragile shell hovering at death's door. Only the shallow rise and fall of his chest proved any life lingered. I clung to his limp hand as if that alone could keep him tethered here.Jayden kept a grim vigil on Aiden's other side, face etched with grief and exhaustion. He had refused any care for his own wounds until we were safely back at the estate. I knew he feared his twin would slip away if he looked away even for a moment.At last the familiar spires of home rose into view through the trees, stirring relief and also trepidation in my chest. What fresh chaos awaited us within those walls after River's ambush? Luna had sent messengers ahead, but h
Ella's POVThe news hit me like a warhammer straight to the chest, forcing the air from my lungs in a painful rush. For endless moments I could only stare blankly at Luna, desperately willing her words to morph into something, anything else. But the grim sorrow etched into the lines of her beloved face did not change. The awful truth could not be undone."Dead?" I finally choked out in a ruined whisper. "But how...he was supposed to be safe, far from the battle..." Even as denial and confusion spilled from my lips, memories flashed through my mind with awful clarity - the Alpha bravely leading our forces into what had proved a bloody ambush, the savagery of the fight described by those who had survived River's trap. I recalled now with sinking dread that Brian had never returned with the rest of our battered warriors. But like a naive fool I had allowed myself to believe, to hope...Luna reached out as if to embrace me, her own eyes shining with tears. "Oh child, I prayed to shield
Ella's POV I jolted awake well before dawn, pulse already thrumming with restless energy. Today was no normal day of routine pack duties, but one I both anticipated and dreaded in equal measure - the expedition to finally end River's reign of terror. It's been a week after our Alpha's burialAnd we're keeping the pack in line.Careful not to disturb Jayden's sleeping form beside me, I slipped silently from beneath the blankets out into the cold predawn air, letting its bite steady my nerves. He's been trying a lot to cope with his father's death. Keeping the pack and his twin brother in Coma.There was much to accomplish before we could set everything for the revenge we planned, seeking the justice and closure my entire being carved. Brian and all the others lost deserved no less.Pulling on a simple tunic and breeches, I secured my hair tightly back before making my way down to the healing rooms by memory alone, not needing light to navigate these familiar halls.I had walked this
Ella's POVThe infirmary was finally empty as midnight approached, the injured all resting as peacefully as could be hoped. I sagged against the herb table, exhaustion seeping into my very bones but heart lighter than it had been in ages. The worst was behind us now - the shadow that haunted our lands banished, River dead, justice won. Bitter cost though it came at, seeing my pack whole and smiling again was balm to the lingering wounds on my spirit. Laughter rang once more in these halls too long muted by grief, and hope bloomed shyly amidst the ashes.Wearily I gathered my medicinal supplies back into the baskets, tidying up the space that had witnessed so much suffering transformed by tireless care into healing. There was power in this place, the memories of life definitely claimed back from death's jaws lingering in the very air and stones. I let them soak into me, bolstering my flagging strength.The lamps burned low as I finished my tasks, weary muscles protesting. But sleep
Ella's POV After leaving Aiden sleeping deeply, I made my way up to the nursery wing to check on little Bella and get my much needed dose of her sweetness before retiring for the night. My steps felt lighter than they had in ages as I walked the familiar route. The oppressive dread that had clung relentlessly while Aiden's fate hung in the balance was finally lifting, allowing me to breathe freer than I had thought possible just days ago.The nursery doors opened to reveal my baby girl awake and cooing softly in her crib, cherubic face lighting up when she caught my scent. My heart melted all over again as I lifted her into my arms, nuzzling into her impossibly soft cheek."Hello my little sunshine," I crooned, revelling in her solid warmth against me. "Have you been keeping our den safe while your mama was away?"Bella gurgled happily, clearly pleased to have me all to herself for this stolen moment together. I settled with her into the familiar rocking chair, my earlier exhaustion
Ella's POVI sighed in contentment, leaning back against Jayden's broad chest as we relaxed together atop a blanket in the manor gardens. The afternoon sun caressed my skin, coaxing vitality back into my weary body after the long dark winter of battles past. Beside us, the estate's pack pups romped and yipped playfully, their joyful energy infectious. For the first time in too long, peace permeated the very air. The promise of spring renewal hung over the newly budding trees and bloom-laden bushes surrounding us. Omens of brighter days ahead.My mate's deep voice rumbled against my back. "You've gone somewhere far away in that mind of yours, little moon. What deep ponderings steal you from my arms?" His playful nudge tickled my side.I swatted his hand away with a laugh. "Just drinking in this perfect moment, and storing it away for darker times should they come." Sobering slightly, I added, "We have endured more than our share of storms, but days like this remind me it was worth fi
Ella's POVBut our clasped hands spoke what could not be voiced. Side by side we walked the last stretch down the corridor together, Aiden's pride and my own joy needing no expression between us. As ever we were in one mind about what mattered most.But trepidation crept in as we neared the bedchamber door. This first joining carried heavy weight after the yawning absence - a bridge knitting together two shores of self that had grown strained from separation. Would the gulf between us close seamlessly, or highlight cracks that may never fully smooth? Fearing the answer, yet I could not turn back. Restoring unity in full was the only path ahead.At Aiden's subtle cue I stepped across the threshold first, hyper aware of his silent presence just behind. My too-quick breaths were deafening in the intimate hush. But then solid arms enfolded me from behind, Aiden's chin settling atop my head as naturally as it had a hundred times before, and the moment passed. No further ceremonies were n