Council Member Clayton’s POV It was nearing midnight when I received a voicemail from Fredrick informing me of the rogue attack at the River Valley Pack. I hate rogues. This time, they might have done me a favor, though. There is no way Kristen Steel could handle a rogue attack. She is not capable of leading a pack. Nor is she physically capable of leading a wolf pack to victory against a rogue attack. I bet she hid behind her brother or Beta. No doubt there were countless deaths and everyone in the pack now sees how pathetic and weak she really is. “Zackary, I am leaving. Do you want to come with me?” I called out to my son. “Where are you going, dad?” He asks me as he walks out of his bedroom. I had clearly just woken him up, judging by his disheveled appearance. “River valley pack. I shouldn’t miss out on this opportunity.” “No, thanks, Dad. I have an assessment at the training camp tomorrow night. There is no chance I will be back in time.” H
Dillon’s POV Council Member Clayton has been here for over a week now. Kris hasn’t been able to leave the pack on trips because of his presence. He has been checking pack member’s files every day. Ensuring our records were up-to-date. He is so anal. There was a ‘t’ that wasn’t crossed in one file. He complained it looked like an ‘l’, which could have consequences for that pack member. “We are looking at making it digital soon. It will be ready next time you visit Council Member Clayton.” I informed him. “There won’t be any extensive issues like that in the future. I hope you are computer-literate.” I said snidely to him. The look on his face told me he wasn’t. He doesn’t help himself by being an ass. Council Member Clayton has been checking our schedules, ensuring we are dedicating enough time to our senior duties. He’s been scrutinizing any changes Kris has introduced since her father’s death. Dictating to her how she should run her pack. I have never seen a wom
Kris’s POV It was weeks before we got to leave the River Valley Pack again. But finally, once everything was in order, we were all packed into the SUV and on our way. I felt a bit nervous when we left. Like I had forgotten something. Dillon was sending us south this time. On our last trip, we traveled to the farthest point north and made scheduled stops on the journey back. This time Dillon wanted us to stop off at packs on our way to the Southern Sands Pack. Then a couple along the way back. Our first stop was the Green Meadow Pack. Green Meadow Pack is only a few hours away from the River Valley Pack. They have been our allies for decades. During our teenage years, they often held the Alpha Meetings at Green Meadow Pack. Nathan and I would sneak out of the pack house at night with Aaron, the Alpha’s son. We would get up to all sorts of mischief. We used to place bets on who would be caught first. As we pulled up to the gates of the Green Meadow Pack,
Erin’s POV On the way to the next pack, I couldn’t help but notice how much room there was in the back seat. I noticed that I could comfortably rest my hand where Isabelle used to be. I looked out of the window and shed a tear. We only left a few hours ago, but it felt so much longer. Is this how it is going to be when Lacie and Kris find their mates? Our foursome will be disbanded throughout the Wolf Kingdom? Lacie takes hold of my hand and squeezes it. I glanced at her. She gave me a half-grin while holding back the tears that had filled her eyes. As we pulled up to the entrance of the Blue Valley Pack. Rylee handed over Kris’s invitation to him. The guard looked at it. “Welcome Alpha Kristen,” he said to me. I guess he assumed I was Kris, seeing as I was sitting in the back of the SUV. “It’s not far to the pack house. I will let the Alpha know you’re on your way.” He informed me. I play along. That’s why we’re here. “Would it be possible to wa
Kris’s POV When I find Jordan in the woods, he is hiding behind a tree, kissing a woman. Maybe this was who Alpha Denver was threatening to ‘take care of’. I coughed to gain Jordan’s attention. He had the look of a frightened man on his face. He maneuvered the girl behind him for protection. “Don’t tell my dad. Don’t tell your Alpha. Please.” Jordan pleaded. “What’s going on?” I asked them both. He looked at the girl and put his arm around her. She sobs into his chest. “Lucy is my mate. But my dad keeps threatening to kill her if I don’t do as I am told.” He looks at me and strokes her hair. “Every day, I fear for her life.” I now understand the hold he had over Jordan and why he’s so scared. No one should live in that much fear. Not because of love. “Lucy, are you tied to this pack? Family perhaps?” “Only Jordan. I’m an orphan.” “She isn’t of rank and an orphan. Dad despises everything about her. But I love her. She’s mine.” Jordan said, tightening
Lucy’s POV “Let’s just go together.” I plead with Jordan. “I have things I have to do first. If you’re not here, he can’t threaten me.” Jordan tells me as he looks into my eyes. It’s going to be torture leaving Jordan, but he is right. I cry as he kisses me. “Don’t cry, Lucy. All I need to hear is that you’re safe. You are my life. My future. Lucy, we have a future out in the daylight, not in the shadows.” He says excitedly. I nodded my head and watched him leave. I told myself he’s not walking away from me, he’s making sure I get out safely. My heart didn’t understand that though and ached like I would never see him again. Jordan told me to wait for Alpha Kristen just inside the pack’s border. He gave me a description of what Alpha Kristen looked like, so I knew it was her. As I met Alpha Kristen’s assistant last night, I already knew what she looked like. But did she convince her Alpha to take me with her? As I am a member of the Blue Valley Pack, Alph
Rylee’s POV I couldn’t stay focused and eventually agreed to let Kris drive. I felt dizzy and nauseous. “You look pale Rylee. Kris, we need to skip the next pack and get him somewhere where he can lie down.” Erin tells Kris. I think it’s Erin anyway, I wanted to say no. We have to stay on point. We have missed so many packs already. Then I felt sweat running down my face. But what I said was “Pull over.” The vehicle stopped just in time for me to open the door and fall to the ground, where I vomited. “You’re not okay,” Kris says sympathetically. I can’t move my head to look at her. I stay where I am, on all fours on the ground, looking at the contents of my stomach. “Kris. There is a motel a few miles away,” Lacie says. “Do you think you can make it, Rylee?” Kris asks me. I nodded my head. Breathing feels hard enough, never mind speaking. The lump in my throat makes me feel like I want to throw up again. The girls helped me to the motel room on the first
Kris’s POV “Your friends are welcome to join us, or they can join in the festivities. We’re celebrating, you know,” Harrison, a guard, said to Lacie and Rylee. He must be a mind reader, as that is exactly what I wanted to do. Me, Erin, and Lucy then walked off. I can’t help but smile. This pack has been nothing but welcoming and inviting since we got here. I feel relaxed and safe. Lucy clung to my arm as we walked towards the town center. It was easy to locate. We simply followed the music. “What is that heavenly smell?” Erin said to me as we turned a corner. “It smells amazing. I can practically taste the spices,” Erin proclaims. Erin absolutely loves spicy foods. But she has to make do with her mum’s bland foods. I think her mom’s cooking is great, but I love a home-cooked roast dinner. It makes me feel all warm inside. “Beautiful Señorita’s. Welcome.” One vendor said to us, as we approached his stall. He hands us all a basket of nachos. “Thank you. How much do we o
Kris’s POV Nathan and I are going over some plans to extend the school’s kitchens. He has assumed the role of principal here. Who knew my big brother had something to teach the youth of today? Rylee has assumed the role of combat trainer for the kids. When we transferred packs, I offered Nathan and Rylee joint senior positions. But they both wanted to be close to their mates. Both of whom now work in the school kitchen. But Emily misses her bakery, which is why Nathan wants the kitchens extended. “Council Woman Erica. It’s nice to see you.” I said, greeting our Wolf Council representative. “Luna Kris. How are you? Are you up too much these days?” She asks me while smiling at me. “You know, parenting and pack stuff. Occasionally, I see Cooper at the end of the day.” I say, smirking. Life within the Kingdom has significantly improved since the Wolf Council began acting in the kingdom’s best interests. “Very good. The Wolf King wants to speak to Tilly. Do you know where she is? I
Kris’s POV “Welcome home Tilly,” I said, welcoming home the woman I was looking at. The whiny girl I once knew seems to have disappeared. Tilly has not been home since she left 2 years ago, claiming there was so much to learn at Alpha Academy. Alpha Academy has agreed with her. “Am good Kris.” She says as she reaches out to hug me. But my enormous belly was in the way. She bends down and talks to my stomach. “Auntie Tilly had to come home. She’s dying to meet you both.” I looked at her. “You don’t know you’re their aunt.” Tilly stared, “Even if Raiden isn’t my mate, they can still call me Aunt. Besides. They will need a fun-loving aunt who will be their accomplice. I am perfect for the job.” She holds her hands up and shrugs her shoulders. There’s the girl I know. Raiden walks down the stairs with Cooper behind him. Raiden’s face was a picture. He says nothing. He simply rushes over to Tilly, picking her up and spinning her around like she is as light as a feather. Tilly gig
Kris’s POV I stop by the school on my way to visit my baby niece Jenna. She is so beautiful. Nathan practically kicks me out of his house every day. Reminding me I have Alpha responsibilities to attend to. Which is why I do a few of them on my way over to his place. Today I have to have a word with Tilly. “What have I done now?” she asks, totally unaware of what she has done. I pull her out of the classroom and the children laugh at her. “Tilly, have you been doing any experiments with the children?” “No,” she says while crossing her arms. “That’s not what I heard. Now tell me what you did.” “I wanted a baseline for the kids. So that when they are older, I can compare the results. I wouldn’t call it an experiment. It's research I'm conducting for an upcoming experiment. Does being the fastest child now determine their speed as they get older?” Since the merger of the two packs, the majority of people have adapted well. Freddie stayed at the River Valley Pack to b
Kris’s POV Tomorrow, there will be a significant announcement from the Wolf King. Attendance is mandatory for all Alpha’s in the Kingdom. A warning at the bottom of the letter stated that if an Alpha doesn’t attend, the Wolf King will accept that as their resignation. With immediate effect. Cooper and I plan to travel to the Palace together. But that is a new problem for a new day. Tonight I have other things on my mind. Tonight is the night Cooper and I plan on marking one another. Cooper takes me to what will be our new home. “It’s a shell at the moment. I thought we could decorate it together. Make it ours.” He tells me. He’s so thoughtful. He leads me into an almost empty kitchen, where a pot of stew sits on the stove. “Chase caught it this morning. He wanted to show you what a good provider he is.” He informs me while I chew. We laugh and joke the night away. Then, as we make our way to our bedroom, I get nervous. I excuse myself and go to the bathroom, where I loo
Kris’s POV It’s stupid o’clock in the morning when the Wolf King and I release all the people the Alpha and his brother had tied up. The Wolf King had his eyes open throughout the experience. Especially when they told him how long the abuse had been going on. “Why didn’t anyone tell the Wolf Council?” He asked. “What? And be banished when the Council Member told our Alpha we had reported him. No, thanks. I'd take a beating over being made a rogue any day.” “I am taking Lacie home,” I told the Wolf King. He doesn’t argue with me. He simply lets us climb into a car, so I can take my friend home. Which is surprising, as a few hours ago he wasn’t willing to let me out of his sight. What surprises me even more is that the Wolf King remains in the Mountain Crescent Pack. I helped Lacie upstairs to my bedroom. “I’m fine Kris. Honestly,” she tells me. Not once did I ask on the journey home what they did to her. “They didn't hurt me that much. I’m more annoyed that they s
Siren’s POV “Bloody hell, Kris, the Wolf King is fast.” He has been ahead of me every step of the way to the Mountain Crescent Pack. The only time I overtook him was when he slowed down, waiting for me. “He is the Wolf King though Siren. He is supposed to be the fastest and strongest among us.” She reminds me. “He is also supposed to rule the land with fairness and justice. Caring about every member of his kingdom. But he sits in his ivory castle being fed lies from those he trusts.” I snap at Kris, still annoyed I had to heal her. After he assaulted her earlier in the night. I had been running for hours. “How can they have gotten so far ahead with Lacie?” There is no way they have outrun us. “Lacie may have been miles away when she mind linked us. Clayton caused some delays. I don’t know the answer. What I know is where they are heading.” Kris pauses. “Siren, I can’t lose her,” Kris says. This spurs me on. “No, we can’t.” As we get closer to the Mountain Crescent Pack
Kris’s POV The night is winding down. It’s been great except for that one interruption from Clayton. Both me and Siren are still on edge though. He gave up too easily, even if Zackary encouraged him to leave. He is not one to back down that easily. I was dancing with Aaron when there was a loud bang from outside the doors of the grand hall. All activity in the grand hall stopped. Everyone’s attention shifted towards the doorway. I could see men loosening their ties. Preparing to shift. Uniformed men burst through the doors. The uniforms bore the emblem of the Wolf King. “The Wolf King is here. I can sense his aura.” Siren informs me. I can’t even see the man and she is already sensing his aura. It must be powerful. More guards made their way into the room just before a huge man walked in. Accompanying him was a breathtaking woman, dressed impeccably. I knelt in submission. Every person in the room knelt in submission. Our king and queen had arrived. “Kristen Ste
Kris’s POV “Who knew a tux could look that good?” Aaron says when I walk into the grand hall. I smiled at his compliment. But my attention kept shifting to different parts of the room. “This place looks amazing,” I told Aaron. “Dillon organized it, all of it. All I had to do was sign some paperwork.” Aaron looked around. “He did a good job.” Dillon shows up and pins something to my shirt. “The security cameras will be recording the entire night, Kris. This.” he points to the small flower pin he has just attached to my shirt. “It’s a microphone, Kris. I want your every interaction recorded.” I nodded, smiling. Since we both expect Clayton’s overreaction, I must embody my sweet, kind, and pleasant Alpha persona. I waited inside the grand hall with Lacie. We welcome guests as they arrive. Dillon and a small group were providing security at the building entrances. I intended to stop uninvited individuals from gaining access. Uninvited guests such as those from the Wolf Council
Kris’s POV The day before, the Alpha Ball, Freddie, rushes into the pack house, wanting to see me. “Z has been in touch. Kris. Z said the entire Royal Guard has been deployed.” “Very good,” I said casually. “Kris. You don’t understand. The Royal Guard accompanies the Wolf King wherever he goes.” I shrug my shoulders. “Maybe he is going shopping. Picking out a present for the Luna Queen.” I suggest. Freddie stares at me like he knows what I am up to. “I will fight beside you, Kris. But the royal guard is formidable. There is no winning against them.” I think that’s Freddie’s decree of loyalty to me. Even in the face of the formidable royal guards, he is loyal to me. He deserves a place in my new pack, if he wants one. A thought suddenly struck me. Why hadn’t I thought about it sooner? “Freddie. Can you ask Z if Clayton records what he hears on the listening bug? If he does, can Z possibly destroy anything from this month?” “I can ask, but no promises.”