LESLIE!!! I hope you all enjoyed this chapter. I know it doesn't focus on Darius and Daya as much, but I love these supporting characters and think they are vital to the growth of the story. Thank you for reading! -J.N.S.
DAYA POV I couldn’t get off the training field fast enough. I can’t believe I almost let my guard down around him. I wasn’t alone in how I was feeling; I felt my wolf becoming more relaxed in that moment, almost like she wanted comfort from Darius. I blame Emmy. She put the ridiculous thought in my head about having a crush on Alpha Douchebag, and now I worry my wolf is developing a crush on him. Too bad he won’t be alpha of this pack for too much longer. Once we figure out who has been leaking information to the rogue wolves, and deal with that threat, I’ll challenge him. However, after seeing him during training this morning, I need to step up my own training. Darius is strong, and surprisingly fast for a bigger guy. I’ll continue studying how he fights to learn his weaknesses; we all have them. The rest of the day went by quickly. Before I realized it, my head was hitting my pillow and I was fast asleep. I was startled awake by my alarm clock. I sat up and reached over to my
DARIUS POV (8 HOURS EARLIER) I was leaving the packhouse after wrapping up a meeting with Tobias and Lucas. Nobody stood out to us during the morning training session as a potential threat, or traitor. We will go back in the morning to continue watching and observing. The walk to my cottage isn’t far, maybe a 15-minute walk. I was about halfway there when suddenly my wolf began to stir, and my body felt like it was being electrocuted. I’ve have had minor shocks and static zaps occasionally, but this feeling was radiating all over my body, and it felt…amazing. I was sensitive all over and I was smelling the most incredible scent in the air. Seconds ago, it smelled like pine trees and fresh snow. Now, I feel like I’m walking along the beach, smelling sea salt with hints of tangerine and orange blossoms. I feel more and more energized with each inhale. Without realizing it, I find myself walking in the opposite direction- my wolf has taken control. What is happening? My
DAYA POV I’m not sure how Emmy got me to the pack’s medical clinic. The pain didn’t stop. The stabbing pain in my chest became deeper. It felt like I was being pierced through my chest and the blade was coming out my back. The coldness- I’ve never felt cold like that. It felt as if ice was coursing through my veins. All I could do was scream and writhe in pain. The lead doctor- I don’t remember his name- asked me what happened. I just continued screaming. I’m not sure how long the pain lasted. Eventually, the stabbing pain lessened and the iciness pumping through me thawed. I don’t remember much else; I must have passed out. I came to later that morning. Emmy immediately shot up out of her seat the moment my eyes opened. “Oh thank everything supernatural, you’re okay!” Emmy clutched my hand, concern flooding her big brown eyes. “What happened?” I asked. My throat sore from screaming for who knows how long. My body was achy, like I had been beat up by the entire warr
DARIUS POV The last 24 hours have been crazy. The other night, under the full moon, the fated mate bond decided to appear out of nowhere for the first time in 30 years and tell me that I have a mate somewhere in my pack. It took all my self-control and mental strength to resist the urge of the bond. Then, I stupidly fucked Mara. Granted, that took my mind off the mate bond, but my wolf was disgusted with me… and I hated myself for it as well. Then Daya had some mysterious ailment, which has made it impossible for her to leave the medical clinic. She was so convinced she would only have the one episode, but a few hours after I left the clinic, she had another episode. I was in my office when I got the mindlink from Richard. He sounded so scared for Daya. Not proud to admit that when he mindlinked me, I was with Mara again. I didn’t want to. I was in my office looking into that girl, Saph Bellos, that Daya and Emmy told me about. Her full name is Sapphire. What is with these gi
DARIUS POV I raced to my office after the realization hit me like a ton of bricks. I immediately mindlinked Lucas and Tobias. ‘Meet me in my office, ASAP!’ I shouted through the link. ‘Darius? Is everything okay? I’m on my way. I just finished meeting with Justin.’ Tobias responded. ‘On my way as well!” Lucas said hurriedly. They both arrived, confusion and concern clear on their faces. I was pacing back and forth behind my desk, unable to get words out- my mind was racing, and anger was building up inside of me. “Alpha, what has happened?” Lucas was trying to break me out of my thoughts. He has always been more formal than Tobias. Being a couple of years younger than I am, he wasn’t expecting to be given the position of Gamma. He is quiet, smart, and rational. For my first few years as Alpha, it was just me and Tobias, and we realized we needed another member within the pack leadership to help with the rebuilding of the pack, and to help us in moments like t
DAYA POV Pain. Bone chilling, gut wrenching pain. Why? Why is this happening? I passed out quickly, thank the Goddess for that. I woke up in the medical clinic again. Four sets of eyes were watching me: Emmy, Saph, Dr. Richard, and Darius. There was a mixture of relief and concern on their faces. My eyes immediately connected with the set of dark brown eyes towards the back of the room. It seemed like he was in pain as well. I went to speak but was immediately stopped. “Don’t try to speak just yet, Dye. Even though this attack was brief, it seemed extremely intense. Perhaps each attack becomes more extreme than the previous ones.” Saph began to explain. I nodded and tried to adjust myself in my bed so I could sit up and look around the room better. “Richard and I have been hitting a wall as to what can be causing these attacks. And since you haven’t experienced one in a week, we let our guards down. But, I do have a new theory.” Saph continued. She glanced at Dr. Richard and
DARIUS POV Mate. She’s… my mate. I was fighting my wolf for control the whole time I was in her room at the medical clinic. I wanted nothing more than her in that moment. I wanted to hold her. Kiss her. Fuck her. Mark her. Make her mine in ways I don’t even know are possible yet. I wanted her to make me hers. I want her. I want Daya- no Diamond. She truly lives up to her name. Sharp edges, but she has a spark and allure that draws me to her. Like moth to a flame. And, oh fuck, how badly I want to be engulfed by her heat. And yet, I couldn’t say any of this to her. I couldn’t muster up the courage to confess to her, in front of everyone closest to us, that she is mine. My mate. How could I? She already hates me for what I’ve done to her. How could I have known that being with Mara- being with anyone- would cause Daya so much pain? She will never forgive me. I’m not even able to forgive myself. I never wanted to have a fated mate, specifically because I didn’t want an
DARIUS POV Mara left and I had to shower again. Even though she didn’t touch me, she was close enough. I don’t want any trace of her near me. After cleansing myself of her presence, I got dressed to go to the packhouse to meet with Tobias and Lucas. Even though Mara probably just has an intense crush on me, I don’t think it’s smart to keep her on the warrior squad. Maybe, in time, she can come back. For now, she needs to find a different job...away from me and Daya. Daya. What do I do about her? I found myself sitting in a simple leather chair in my living area, in front of a stone fireplace. This is my favorite part of my home. It’s a simple cottage, but it brings me peace. Most of the pack lives in cottages close to one another. I choose to live a little farther away from everyone. I love my pack and would do anything for them, but this job is exhausting. Having a small place all to myself provides me with a bit of comfort and privacy I crave at times. Daya is comfortable. That hug