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 You would think that as children of the Alpha, we would have had an easy childhood. But the truth is, it was far from sunshine, lollipops, and rainbows. Our dad was strict, a stoic Alpha. Every bit a man’s man. He didn’t like to be seen as weak. It truly pissed him off that our mother was a kind and gentle soul that didn’t like violence. She was an amazing mother. She was always giving us affection and playing with us. Telling us stories, singing us songs. Nothing was too much trouble for her. They may have been small things, but they were the world to us. We hung onto everything she said and did. She would tell us every night that being our mom was a blessing, and that she wouldn’t change anything about her life. Because then she wouldn’t have us. We knew our dad wasn’t the best mate for her, even from a young age. He made her so unhappy. Deeply unhappy. He didn’t treat her as well as he should have. He didn’t physically abuse her, but he let her know frequentl
Kris’s POV “Are you nervous?” Nathan asked me. It’s nearly midnight. We decided to spend the evening together, alone at my house. “Nothing to be nervous about. I have the best brother and an amazing wolf.” “And a dad you can almost tolerate,” he says, finishing my sentence. We both laugh, but he’s not wrong. Once we turn 18, our wolves can establish a mental connection with the pack. They will also have the chance to recognize their mate. Their soul mate. But the truth is, neither me nor Nathan are that interested. Yes, finding our perfect soul mate is important. Having our fated mate by our side will make us stronger. But what is the rush? We are barely adults. It’s a lifelong commitment, being marked. We want to enjoy a bit of life before it becomes too serious. Dad has already increased the pressure on Nathan to become Alpha. He wants him to take over in the next few months. Surely that is enough pressure for him already? Our birthday came and went. The onl
Siren’s POV I sprinted to the edge of the forest, getting there before Ezra. Wolves were fighting fiercely in the center of the field. Noah, my dad’s wolf, was among them. He was easy to spot, as he was taller than the rest of the wolves in our pack. This also made him a target. The border patrol obviously discovered the attack and alerted Dad. Dad would have sent a message to sound the alarm while making his way to the border, ready to fight. Dead wolves surrounded him, probably members of the border patrol. They are fast and observant, but not strong. That is why we have warriors. Although we have our differences, he always taught us that an Alpha leads. They do not hide behind their warriors like cowards. I have never seen him back down from a fight, verbally or physically. I can honestly say that it’s the one thing everyone in this pack respects that about him. More rogues are running from the forest. I must be one of the first ones to arrive, as there aren’t man
Nathan’s POV I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. I mean I could. But I couldn’t believe it. Dad must have acted so quickly. We only had that argument a few days ago. He must have submitted the paperwork that day. What a total douche! I still wouldn’t wish him dead. But what a damned douche. “We have to talk,” I tell Kris as we leave the pack house. Council Member Clayton has made it very clear I am never to be the Alpha of the River Valley Pack. I want Kris to know that I will support her in her role as Alpha. If it’s not me, then there is no better alternative than Kris. I feel bad for my friends. They have been preparing for the day I became Alpha. They have practically been preparing for the positions of Beta and Gamma. “Yes, we certainly do.” She answers me. “Can we discuss it after Emily has gone to bed? I think this is a conversation we need to have.” I asked Kris. She nods her head at me and grabs my hand. “We can do anything as long as we stick to
Kris’s POV We loaded our bags into the SUV the night before. We had to leave at an ungodly hour for the 9-hour journey to the Yellow Forest Pack. “That’s nine hours without stopping, Kris,” Rylee informs me. “Oh, goddess,” Lacie says, looking like someone just ate her last chocolate bar. She was no better in the morning when our alarms went off. Complaining about it being too early and that she needed her beauty sleep. “Stop being a princess.” Rylee told her, “At least you can sleep on the way.” She still looked unhappy, but it was her choice to come. We all offered to drive. But Rylee doesn’t trust any of us driving for any great distance. Telling us that our attention span was too short and that he wanted to get there in one piece. It was a long journey, but it was fun, and we stopped frequently for coffee. Eventually, we checked in with the border patrol at the Yellow Forest gates. They gave us directions to the pack house and off we drove. As we heade
Kris’s POV It was the middle of the night when we got back to the River Valley Pack. I wanted to go home. My home. Not the pack house. I wanted to be where my family was. I knew Nathan and Emily would be in bed. So I climbed on the couch and closed my eyes. Why are so many people obsessed with image and status? Are they afraid to be a strong, happy leader? That is how I want to be. That’s what Nathan did. I thought to myself as I drifted off. “Hey, Kris.” Nathan wakes me gently. I opened my eyes. It’s still dark. Nathan had put a lamp on before he came and sat beside me with a drink for both of us. I cuddled up to him and I told him about what happened. He hugs me. “The mate bond simply introduces you to your destined mate. It doesn’t make you fall in love with them.” He’s right. “I want you to be happy, Kris. Have everything in a mate that you desire. I’m glad he rejected you. I’m glad you accepted. You would never be happy with someone like him. I want you to be loved with
Rylee’s POV Kris locked herself in her old house with Nathan and Emily. She mind linked me and told me they were doing something important. When she eventually emerged, she had a well-worded letter. Which she planned on sending to every pack in the Wolf Kingdom. She also planned on sending one to the Wolf Council and the Palace. When I read the letter, it didn’t show the Wolf Council in a positive light. “They’re going to be pissed about this,” Dillon says while we’re stuffing letters into envelopes. “I don’t think Kris cares if they’re happy or not. The Wolf Council are the ones that have put her in this position. She is simply explaining to every Alpha in the Wolf Kingdom, why she wants an open invitation to visit their pack.” Kris decided to be honest about the situation the Wolf Council had put her in. I disagree with parts of Kris’s plan. Mainly sending me and one of her friends to the pack house while she goes snooping around the pack. It feels deceitful. But
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.”