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Olivia “You didn’t have to come with me.” I glance over at Kyle from the passenger seat. “Nothing about this is going to be fun.” “I want to be there for you.” He insists. “Besides, I have friends in Glass Lake I can visit when you’re busy.” “Well, thank you.” I reach over to squeeze his hand. The minute Mason explained what little mom told him about Brynlee’s condition, Kyle insisted on coming along. I appreciate the support. I truly do. But I can’t shake the guilt eating away at me. I just wish I knew what I felt guilty for, subjecting Kyle to the disaster that is my life in Glass Lake or bringing a man home when I still have mates. Not that I owe them any loyalty. Ugh! What is wrong with me? “So, do I get to meet these friends? Admittedly, I didn’t go out much so I don’t know a lot of people outside of my family. But I’d love to meet them now.” “Uh, Sure. I mean, if you have time. You might be too busy with . . . everything.” He hedges, and I don’t miss the uncertainty in
Kaden “Alpha, we can’t find a trail.” One of my patrol officers reports in. “There’s no scent, no footprints, no disturbed vegetation, nothing. Whoever he is, he’s like a ghost.” “A ghost didn’t assault Brynlee Cross!” I growl, more frustrated with myself than him. How could I let this happen to one of my pack? That girl was my responsibility and I failed her. “Keep looking, soldier!” I bark the order, brooking no argument. I look around for my “cousin” Rhett, and wave him over. He’s the Alpha heir to the Forest Trails pack but I called him here because his tracking skills are unmatched. If we’re missing something, he’ll find it. “Anything yet?” I ask when he jogs to my side. “Too many scents.” He shakes his head. “And most of them have faded. If I can spend some time with the victim, learn her scent, I’m sure I can isolate it enough to find a trail, maybe even find where she was being held, but right now, I don’t know which scent to follow.” “That makes sense.” I agree despite
Kaden “What are you doing here?” I ask, entering the office to find Declan sitting behind the desk. I’d gone back to the hospital but visiting hours were over for the day. No one remained in Brynlee’s room and even the scent of my mate had faded to just a wisp floating in the air. I plan to head straight to the ex-Beta’s home and demand her identity but the pull of duty has me stopping at the office to order increased patrols in the area where I’d overheard the stranger talking earlier. “Hiding.” He scowls. “I can’t take another minute of mom’s fussing or dad’s pep talks. Even Dani is in on the action, cooking and constantly bringing me food. I’m going to weigh a ton before I get out of this chair.” “The danger is real, man. Your little sister can cook!” I tease, ignoring the elephant in the room, that there’s no guarantee he will get out of the chair. As if he read my mind, Declan addresses the topic himself. “I moved my legs in therapy today.” He announces with a proud grin. “N
Olivia I notice the second Kaden’s eyes land on me. Of course I do, because I can’t look away from him if I tried. Freaking piece of crap mate bond! I’d expected it to have weakened after all these years, but the pull to them both is as strong as ever. I force the smirk on my face, force myself to appear unaffected, but the heat in his gaze makes me feel like I’m burning from the inside out. What I don’t understand is why. Why is he looking at me like he wants to possess my very soul when he hates me as much as I hate him?Then confusion colors his features and he whispers to Declan, whose eyes sear into me, setting me aflame all over again. Despite the fire licking at my skin, the truth is crystal clear. Kaden doesn’t recognize me. Unsure if that realization should hurt or fill me with pride, maybe a bit of both, I slip my hand into Kyle’s, letting his presence ground me. I need to remember who I am, not who my mates believe me to be. Kyle has always done that for me. “No!” Kaden’
Kaden “What are you doing in my room?” Her eyes are hard and her lips set in a thin angry line. That look on her face guts me, but I shouldn’t be surprised. I failed her. I deserve her contempt. “I couldn’t just let you walk away! Livvy, your scent . . . we’re-” “Mates. I’m aware.” Her admission is bitter, full of unspoken pain and resentment. It’s like a knife to my heart. All I ever wanted was my mate, that person made just for me to love and cherish. How did I get so lost? How did I end up destroying the one person I was meant to protect? Fuck! The things I said to her . . . “I’m so sorry, Liv. I know those are just words but I am. If I’d known, I’d-” I knew it was the wrong thing to say the moment it left my mouth.“You’d what, Kaden? You would have treated me better? You would have stood up for me instead of behaving like the other small-minded idiots, making you just one in a sea of dickheads instead of the Alpha, the someone special and set apart you were supposed to be?
Declan “Kaden!” My tone holds a warning that breaks through the fog of anger? Hurt? Regret? I’m not even sure what I’m feeling, let alone what’s going on in his head. “You’re scaring the pups!” I hiss. “Right. Excuse me.” He steps outside, hopefully to cool off. I know I should take the opportunity to say something, anything, to Olivia but I’m too busy staring in fascination at the little boy who looks just like me. Olivia has always been beautiful, and if I’m honest with myself, I wanted her more than I ever dared to admit. But seeing her now, mothering my pup, that shit leaves me speechless.I squirm in my chair, trying to hide my erection. My cock has been rock hard since I first caught her scent in the ballroom earlier, but here in this room, it’s like a bakery exploded, filling the air with sugary, cinnamony goodness.. I want to lick her until she drowns me in all her delicious slick, but it will be a long time before I earn that privilege, if I ever do.“How old are they?” I
Kaden Last night sucked! I went home alone, no mate, no pups, though every cell in my being screamed at me not to let them out of my sight. I’m spent, both physically and emotionally. The raging hard-on that refused to go down no matter how many times I jerked off didn’t help either. I tossed and turned all night, uncomfortable as fuck. So it comes as no surprise that this morning, I’m tired and extremely pissed off. I still have no idea how to make Olivia forgive me. The only thing I do know is that I’m going to have a fucking talk with my twin sister. It’s barely daybreak when I gun my car into the driveway of my parents home, the back tires skidding on the gravel as I slam on the brakes. They may not have known Olivia’s secret but Ellie sure as hell did. I thought we were close, thought I could trust her. How could she betray me like this? “Elena!” I bellow as I burst through the front door, heading toward the sounds of chatter in the kitchen. “Good morning, Uncle Kade.” Aspe
Olivia “Good morning, sunshine!” Kyle greets me with a beaming smile at the bakery where we’re meeting for coffee.. “Good morning!” I try to match his sunny disposition, hoping my face doesn’t give me away. I spent the entire night last night convincing myself I have nothing to feel guilty about. I didn’t ask to be kissed. But there’s only one problem with that theory. I liked it. Of course I liked it! It’s the bond. My body is built to crave my mates, to respond pleasurably to their every touch. And boy did I respond. A wave of shame washes over me at the memory. That and a gush of slick in my panties. I agonized all night over whether or not I should tell him. But no, I’m not even sure what Kyle and I are, so there’s no need to confess, right? So why do I feel like I’ve done something wrong?“I’ve missed you.” Kyle says, and I feel the knife twist a little deeper. “I should be at the hospital with you more. I came along to support you and all I’ve done is work.”“It’s okay. I u
Hello Lovely Readers!That's a wrap for Olivia, Kaden, Declan, Brynlee and Rhett! Thank you so much for taking this wild ride with me! I hope you enjoyed reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it for you! As for what's next, get ready to join Finley as she struggles to prove a female is just as capable of being Alpha as any man, not only to her pack, but to all the men in her life, some of whom want nothing more than her success, while other's can't wait to watch her fall. "Not Their Luna: A Female Alpha Story" will begin serializing in a couple weeks, shortly after the new year. If you're looking for something to read in the meantime, please consider checking out my new stand-alone book, "The Lycan King's Outcast Omega." The first 7 cha[ters are out and I'll begin serializing regularly in the next couple of days. Once again, I'd like to thank you all for the amazing support you've shown my books. You all inspire me everyday. Your comments make me laugh, make me smile, and make me
Brynlee "Left!" I call out, moving in perfect sync with Rhett as we corner the rogue wolf we've been tracking for three days. Our client, the Mountain Ridge pack, watches in amazement as we work together, perfectly matched.The rogue doesn't stand a chance against our coordinated attack. Within minutes, Rhett has him pinned while I secure the spelled restraints."Impressive," the Mountain Ridge Alpha says. "Your reputation is well-earned.""We work well together," Rhett responds, his hand finding its natural place on my nape. Through our bond, I feel his eagerness to finish here. To get home. To Maya.The thought of our daughter makes both our wolves restless. Three days is the longest we've been away since her birth four months ago.“Grace says she's been practicing," Olivia tells us over the phone as we drive home. "The little witch is already moving her toys without touching them."Rhett's grip tightens on the steering wheel. Even after two months of knowing about Maya's magical ab
Brynlee "It's a girl," Grace announces with a smile as she completes my monthly check-up. "And she's thriving under your mate bond. Both of your energies are strengthening her."Rhett's hand tightens on my shoulder. Through our bond, I feel his fierce joy mingled with protective instinct."A daughter," he murmurs. "To raise as strong as her mother.""And as protected as her father makes her mother feel," I add, covering his hand with mine.We're in the pack gathering hall, where wolves mill about preparing for tonight's announcement feast. Rhett and I will officially share our plans to become trackers, to help other packs while maintaining our home ties here."Speaking of protection," Grace says carefully, "have you decided where you'll be when . . .""Here," Rhett answers immediately. "We'll time our contracts around the birth. Make sure we're home for at least the first few months.""Both packs will help," Finley adds, entering with a stack of paperwork. "Though from what I hear, yo
Brynlee"Please remind me, Sir. Make me yours again."And with that, the last of his restraint dissolves, leaving my sexy Dom standing where my gentle mate was only moments before. “Follow me.” He demands, turning away and trusting I’ll obey, that trust only making me want to please him further. “Sit.”I take a deep breath as I lower myself into the chair he led me to. It’s a wood-framed chair that’s slightly reclined, a pillowy black cushion that I sink down into stretched across the surface. There are strange leather loops protruding from the wood at the top of the chair and it’s immediately clear the entire thing was built for one very specific purpose. “Arms up over your head, little wolf.” His command is a deep rumble that sends a frisson of pleasure straight to my clit. He steps behind me, and though I can’t see what he’s doing, I’m not afraid. Excitement and eager anticipation is all I can feel. Until he wraps soft cuffs around my wrists and attaches them to the leather loops
Rhett The pack house buzzes with activity as one of the elders works with other witches to break the spells on affected pack members. Grace moves between them, checking for injuries, while warriors secure Xander and Tracy in spelled cells deep underground.But all I can focus on is Brynlee."You need to be checked," I murmur against her hair. We haven't broken contact since the fight ended, my hand resting possessively on her nape."I'm fine," she starts to protest, but stops at my growl."Grace. Now." I let dominance color my tone, watching her melt into the command."Yes, Sir."Heads turn as we cross the great hall - not with the previous worry or pity, but with new respect. My collar sits proud at her throat, her submission now obvious and willing. No more pretense. No more hiding."The baby's fine," Grace announces after examining her. "Actually, it's more than fine. The energy is stronger, more stable." She looks between us. "Whatever happened during the fight seems to have stren
Rhett Training takes over as I evaluate our options. Spelled wolves on three sides, children still in danger, and Xander approaching from the north.Through our bond, I feel Brynlee's certainty. “Trust me,” she pushes through our connection. “Like in training.”"Grace," I command quietly. "Get the pups out. Dad, contain the spelled wolves. Tracy's mine."Before Tracy can react, Brynlee moves - not away from danger but straight toward it. Toward Xander. Every instinct screams to stop her, but I force myself to trust. To let her fight her own battles while I handle mine."You're done, Tracy." I let my dominance fill the space between us. "Your spells are weakening. Your control is slipping. Submit now and—"Her laugh turns hysterical. "Submit? Like your precious mate? The one walking straight into Xander's trap?"But she's wrong. Through our bond, I feel Brynlee's strength. Her purpose.This isn't her walking into a trap. This is her choosing to face her demons. And my job isn't to stop
Rhett "I can't do this anymore!"Brynlee's voice carries across the pack grounds, perfectly pitched to convey desperation. She's standing just where we planned, moonlight catching the tears on her cheeks."You don't have a choice," I growl, playing my part. "You're mine.""No!" She backs away, one hand going to my collar. "I'm not yours. I'm not anyone's. And I won't let you control me anymore."The gathered pack members shift uncomfortably. In the trees, I catch multiple scents - Tracy's spies, spelled wolves, others waiting to report back. Perfect."Don't." My voice drops dangerously as her fingers touch the collar's clasp. Everything in me rebels at what comes next, but we've planned this.The sound of the collar hitting the ground echoes in the sudden silence.My roar of rage is only partly acting. Even knowing this is planned, seeing her remove my collar makes Kian nearly uncontrollable."You'll regret this," I snarl, advancing on her. Right on cue, pack members move to intervene
Rhett "They've made contact." Dad’s voice is grim as he hands me the surveillance photos. "Tracy met with Xander last night, just outside our borders."I study the images, fighting to maintain control as I see them together, heads bent in conversation. Planning. Plotting. Against my mate."Show me where."He points to the map. "Here. Notice anything interesting?""It's a focal point," I realize. "Between three locations where we found spelled wolves."More photos show increased movement around our territory. Unfamiliar wolves. Dark magic signatures. All converging faster than we anticipated."They're not waiting for the new moon," I say quietly."No." Dad marks another location. "The elders detected four more spelled wolves this morning. All moving into position. Whatever they're planning . . .""It's happening soon."My phone buzzes - Finley: Tracy spotted watching breakfast. Your move.Which means another public performance. Another scene of Brynlee rejecting my claim. Each time cut
Brynlee It takes everything in me not to lean into Rhett's touch when he reaches for me at breakfast. Instead, I force myself to flinch away, hating how his scent spikes with controlled aggression - even knowing it's an act."Don't," I say, letting my voice shake just enough. "Please. I just-, I need space."His hand drops, but not before I catch the subtle brush of his fingers against my collar - a private reminder of what's real. Of what lies beneath this performance."You're wearing my collar," he says, loud enough to carry to the curious pack members pretending not to watch. "My claim."I touch the collar, letting them see uncertainty instead of the comfort it truly brings. "Maybe that's the problem."The whispers start immediately. I catch fragments - "too soon," "traumatized," "rejecting the bond" - exactly what we want them to hear. What we want Tracy to hear when her spies inevitably report back.Rhett growls, playing his part perfectly. "We'll discuss this later.""There's no