The other pack's alpha is huge, even bigger than Nicholas. He looks like he's at least twice his size. He's flanked by several other wolves, and they're all moving quickly.I can hear the sound of their growls growing louder as they approach. They're running full speed towards Nicholas, and I know they mean to attack.I watch as they come closer and closer. I know there's nothing I can do to stop it. And suddenly, I realize that there's a good chance the fight will be fatal.I look at Nicholas, standing there beside Rachel. He's staring straight at the other pack. He looks calm, almost apathetic. His eyes are focused on the alpha, but he doesn't seem too concerned.He's confident he can handle this. But he shouldn't be. I can't take my eyes off of him. I wish I could know what's going through his mind, but I know I can't. I'm so afraid for him."These woods are off-limits," the alpha of the other pack growls. "You know that."I'm surprised at the sound of his voice. It's deep,
NICHOLAS’S POVI'm fighting the other alpha, and in an instant, I realize he's stronger than me. He's older, and he's more experienced. I'm fighting him even though I know I can't win.I have no choice. I am the alpha, and this is what an alpha does. This is my destiny. I fight hard, slashing and biting at him with my teeth. I'm trying my best to rip him apart, but I know he's doing the same to me. We're not just fighting for control of the land; we're fighting for our lives.And I'm losing. I feel myself getting tired. I'm getting tired, and he's just getting stronger. If this goes on much longer, I'll be dead. I know it.Strangely, though, I'm not afraid. I'm not afraid of death. I'm not afraid of the other pack, or of the battle. The only thing that scares me-- the only thing I'm afraid of-- is the thought of never seeing Marla again. And I hate myself for that.And then, suddenly, as if from nowhere, she's here, charging the alpha and telling him to let me go. I can't
NICHOLAS’S POVI don't want to leave Marla, but I have to. I can't just refuse to check on Rachel. Plus, Marla's wounds have been tended to. She'll be okay without me. I'm not sure the same can be said for Rachel."I'll be right back," I say.She's too weak to speak, but she squeezes my hand lightly. My heart leaps at her touch."I'll take you to her," the beta says, jolting me back to reality. I take one last look at Marla before standing up to follow him.He takes me to a tree about 100 yards away. I'm surprised to see Rachel sitting up against it. Her jacket has been wrapped around her, and one of the betas is tending to her. He's cleaning her wounds, and he looks up at me and nods."She'll be fine," he says. "The wounds aren't deep. She'll heal in a few days.""Oh," I say, surprised. "That's great."I stare at Rachel, confused. From the way they were speaking, I thought she was dying. I didn't expect her to be so... okay."I can take care of her wounds," I tell the bet
MARLA’S POVI’m in so much pain, my wounds are aching, leaving me delirious. But once Nicholas returns, I feel a bit better. Everything is better when he’s near me. I know he’s my mate, and I want him more than anything. I desperately want him to feel the same way. I can’t imagine living my life without him.Hope flutters within me as I see him though. I see the way he’s looking at me, and it’s almost like he wants me as much as I want him. “I’m so sorry for leaving you,” Nicholas says as he drops down to my side. “It’s okay,” I tell him. “I know you had to go check on Rachel.”My heart aches at the thought of him with her. I can’t let him go, despite how much this all hurts me. I can’t seem to move on from him. He’s my mate and my life won’t be the same without him in it.“Rachel is fine,” Nicholas says. “She was just manipulating me, and I realize she has been manipulating me all along.”Nicholas looks like he’s in pain, and I want to help him. I want to ease him of this b
MARLA’S POVI’m unsure of what to believe and think. My mind is so hazy that I can’t seem to pick out the truth among the lies. And I want to believe in the best of people.I truly want the drama between Rachel and I to be over. I want to put it all in the past and move forward. I want to be happy with Nicholas without all of this nonsense hanging over our heads.Maybe in order to do so, I need to forgive Rachel. And hopefully she’ll let go of all of this. Hopefully she’ll find her own mate some day and leave us alone.Despite all she’s done, I don’t believe anyone is beyond redemption. So, I accept the cupcake.Then, I notice it. Nicholas hesitates in the doorway, hoping Rachel and I are having a moment to make up. But I suddenly don’t think that’s what Rachel wants.As I bring the cupcake to my lips, I see it in her eyes. They’re gleaming. They’re scheming. I hesitate.“You know, I’d hate to eat this alone.” I say, bringing the cupcake down from my mouth and splitting it in
Dean looks across the table at me and smiles.He is one of the sweetest betas in the pack.I should be happy we are arranged to marry each other.But I am not.I have a secret.It burns inside me of me."Marla? Are you okay?" Dean asks.I snap back to attention and look at him."Yes," I say."You're barely touched your meat."I look at the fresh steak on my plate.The hunters brought back deer today.My favorite food, that I usually devour.I have hardly touched it today."Sorry. I was daydreaming."He looks amused. "What about?"I blush. "Nothing."I cannot tell him I am in love with someone else.I cannot tell anyone.It is forbidden to seek mates outside the pack.But that it exactly what my heart desires.Dean is a good man.He is kind and honest.And he will make a great husband to someone.Just not me."You are quiet," he says."Just thinking," I reply.He takes my hand."I know it has been a long year," he says."It has been hard. Losing your father
I walk toward the center of the village where my mother lives.It is loud and bustling.My mother's house is small and slightly removed from the others.It has a small vegetable patch and a wooden fence that surrounds it.I am feeling a little nervous.But Dean is right.I have to do this.I knock on the door.She opens it."Marla!" she says. "What a nice surprise!"She gestures for me to come in."Hi, Mom," I tell her. "I was wondering if I could have a word with you.""Of course, sweetie," she says.She smiles and lets me inside.My mother wants me to marry Dean.She believes we are the perfect coupling.Before my father died, he was besotted with my mother.Theirs was an arranged coupling, just like everyone in the pack.They grew to love one another, fiercely.It was beautiful to see growing up.Mother things I will grow to love Dean.But I know I will not.We reach the sitting room.I lower myself to the couch.Mom sits beside me."Is something wrong?" she
I run out into the night.I am supposed to wait until the solstice to see Lucas.But now the secret is out, I decide to waste no more time.I cannot go back to Dean's.I cannot stay at mother's.The alpha will certainly disapprove.That leaves me just one choice.To run to the next village where my lover lives.The moon is bright above me.I try not to think of the battle that killed my father and brother in these very hillsides.I think instead of Lucas.I make it to his village.And I find his cabin.He is sitting on the front steps.He looks up at me."Marla," he says, surprised. "What are you doing here?"He stands and gives me a hug.I melt into his arms."I was not expecting to see you until solstice.""I missed you too much," I say."I missed you, too."I move out of his embrace.I look behind me."I have to warn you about something," I say.He nods. "Go on.""I told Dean about you. And my mother."He shakes his head. "Marla, this is not good.""I know