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
Nathan’s POV I held my little sister when I found out what had happened on her last road trip. Being given a second chance mate is a blessing. But I fully understood why she rejected him. As I stroked her hair, I couldn’t help but admire the strong woman in my arms. I couldn’t believe how lucky I was to be related to a woman who stuck to her morals. A woman who valued love and family, just like our mom did. I am so proud of Kris. She is just like our mom in so many ways. “They loved each other so much, Nathan. You could tell within minutes of meeting them. That they belonged together. Damn, the mate bond.” Kris says to me as she pulls away from me. It would have been wrong. I agree with her, it would have been wrong to break up a family. “Ezra wants to know if Siren wants to go for a run. Let off any pent-up frustrations she has. She was, after all, rejected as well.” Kris smiles at me. “Siren agreed with the rejection. But she wouldn’t turn down a run with her
Kris’s POV “Kris, don’t you think it’s time to go out again? If you plan on being Alpha after your 21st, it’s important to keep searching for a mate.” Rylee asks me. Ever since Emily entered her third trimester, I’ve been avoiding leaving the pack. I was worried about the pack being attacked. I was worried about whether anything should happen while I was away. What if Nathan and Emily need me? This baby is so important to me, and I am her aunt. It’s my responsibility as her Alpha to ensure her protection. I can’t leave. When Rylee mentioned going out searching for a mate again, it made me question whether I was doing the right thing by staying here. “The best way we can protect our niece is to remain as Alpha.” Siren tells me. She reminds me I need to make allies if I want to challenge the Wolf Council. Make sure my niece never experiences the discrimination I have received based on her gender. It’s not just about my niece, it’s for every female in the wolf kingd
Kris’s POV “What was that show Nathan used to watch about the Borg assimilating people into their collective?” I ask anyone who is listening. “Star Trek,” Rylee answers me before he starts laughing. “You have to remember, Kris. The pack follows the Alpha’s rules, regardless of how absurd they are. They’ve got to do it, or they can be banished.” Rylee reminds me. “Surely their Council Member can see what is happening. Shouldn’t he be supporting every member of the pack and reporting any concerns upwards?” “Maybe he is seeing it and choosing to ignore it. Or maybe the higher-ups are not doing anything about it.” Erin chimes in. “Yet I get a douche Council Member getting too involved in mine. Bloody typical.” I looked at Rylee, who seemed to be distracted and looking in the rearview mirror. “What’s wrong?” I asked him. “Not sure, but that car has been behind us for a while,” he said. I know if I turned around in my seat, I wouldn’t be able to see anything.
Erin’s POVKris and the others went to the pack house. But I went directly to my grandma’s house. I haven’t seen her since last year. Mom used to take us to visit her and Grandpa every year without fail. Mom wanted us to know our extended family. But it became more difficult as we got older. I wanted to be with my friends and Tilly. Let’s just say Tilly can be a handful.In the end, it was mutually decided that we would go every couple of years without fail.“Grandma,” I yelled as I walked into the familiar house. I rushed over and hugged her when she made an appearance. She hadn’t changed one bit.“Thank the goddess you’ve come for her. I thought he was going to kick her out before you arrived.” My grandma said, hugging me again.“When she was here at home alone with me. She was an angel. She couldn’t help me enough. I really appreciated her kindness and company. But Erin. You wouldn’t believe what she did. Alpha Axel has grounded her until she leaves. She’s lucky he didn’t banish her
Kris’s POV We left the Mountain Hill Pack a few hours ago. But it felt much longer. Tilly was asking non-stop questions, sometimes not even waiting for the answers before asking another question. In the end, Erin kept telling her to google the answers. Tilly took the hint and sat there playing a game on her phone, sighing every few minutes. I have known Tilly her whole life. She’s different, not a bad different. She simply sees the world differently. I like that about her. The problem people have with Tilly is that if she has nothing to do, she’ll find a way to keep herself occupied. Sometimes that something is dangerous. Sometimes it’s stupid. But in Tilly’s mind, it’s an experiment. My Dad struggled to understand why Tilly didn’t conform to the pack’s norms. Since becoming Alpha, I have increased the school day for those children like Tilly. Those that have been stifled. Allowing them to thrive in their unique way, “Do you want to call into the Fairhaven
Tilly’s POV I need to be methodical. Look at each vehicle individually. I thought to myself as I walked towards the edge of the parking lot. I think back to the day I learned about wolfsbane. It was after school and I was maybe 13. I stayed behind for an extra study session, as I wanted to use the school’s resources to study the difference between poisonous and venomous. Mr Baker, the school’s principal, was running the session. I asked him about the poisonous flower known as wolfsbane. According to Mr. Baker, consuming wolfsbane as a human could cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, breathing difficulties, heart issues, and even death. Depending on the amount of the flower ingested and the health of the human. I curiously asked Mr Baker how wolfsbane affected wolves. Wolves can sniff out the deadly flower and will go to great lengths to avoid it since it’s a death sentence for them. Mr Baker explained that as wolf shifters, our digestive systems w
Kris’s POV We must have driven for at least 30 minutes. “I can’t see anything. It’s too dark.” Erin says. Siren is letting me use her eyesight to look out the window. The others don’t have that luxury, as they aren’t an Alpha. “They have to be here,” Tilly says loudly from the back seat. “They just have to be. I’m sure Kris. I mean Alpha.” The insignificant gesture of Tilly calling me Alpha means she respects my position. But it’s me who should show her respect. I couldn’t have figured out this location with the information she had. She is a lot smarter than me and in years to come, she will be an asset to my pack. Her and her beautiful mind. Rylee is driving slowly down the narrow road we have found ourselves on. There is no moonlight at all here. “There, close,” Rylee comments, gulping between the words. How could he know that? I looked over at him and was about to ask. But I saw sweat beads running down his face. Rylee’s body then slumps against the steering whee
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.”