Mag-log in“That’s right,” Maddy smiled, “Get angry with me. It’ll do you no good.”Roxie squeezed her eyes shut, possibly trying to save Archibald.Walker shook his head,“No, little mouse. He’s not coming back. ”There was still a great sadness in Walker’s voice which made Roxie even angrier.Jadis could feel it and so could Jaleesa. Leah and Chet, even Chad had stepped out from the shadows, preparing to fight off the succubi.“You’re no match for all of us, “Roxie said,“We will show you absolutely no mercy. You thought you could just take over Archibald’s little scheme? Look how that turned out. It’s over. People can finally be with their true mates. What do you propose now? A life where you rule? You and your minions?”Maddy locked eyes with Walker.“You’ve got a smart one, my son. Smart and pregnant. Ya know, your father was a good man, Roxie… Too bad he chose to interfere. ”Jenny stepped closer to Walker.“You killed our family, bitch…The things I wish I could do to you.”Maddy appeared sh
Walker held Crystal a little closer as she began to tremble.“Don’t panic. Stay calm,” Walker told her, “There’s got to be a good explanation.”Jaleesa made her way across the dance floor and stopped momentarily beside them.“Get ready to fight… ”Walker noticed Seth and Gordon mingling at the buffet. Their masks were off and they looked immersed in conversation. Pate and his wife, Angie, were eyeing the elders, Maddy and Archibald were dancing as Gina, Valentina, Felicity, and Norman rolled by like an oddball clique. He could sense Metgar and Martina, Corey and Sarai, floating around the room as mere observers. No one suspected witches and wolves to be there.“I’m surprised not everyone’s here,” Crystal said, “The Haven’s, Parker, Felicity’s people...”“The Haven’s are dead,” Jaleesa said, much to the shock of Walker and Crystal, “They tried to get to Roxie....”Walker looked to his mate who was just now receiving the news from Jadis. Her whole body went stiff and he could see her sh
“Just be cool, Roxie...” Roxie mumbled to herself, “Don’t be weird, don’t be weird...don’t be..”“Hey, Rox..”She whirled around, “J-Jesse...hi..”Looking around she didn’t see Felicity, but that mattered not. She didn’t know if Jesse was friend or foe yet.He looked her up and down and smiled, “I like your dress.”“Thank you,” she said, “I see you clean up well.”Jesse chuckled, “Thanks...”There was an awkward silence between them until Jesse piped up.“I’m sorry for causing you pain and being an asshole. You deserved better—you still deserve better..” Jesse said, “I hope that whoever your mate is that they treat you better than I did.”Roxie smiled, her red mask practically suffocating her eyes which seemed ridiculous, but the perspiration was getting to her.“I forgive you, Jesse..” she leaned in and kissed him on the cheek, “Cheers to new beginnings?”Jesse smiled and held up his cup, “To new beginnings...”Roxie wanted to rush off before she was asked about Walker and where she’
“Are you ready?”“Not at all.”“I’m not either.”“I don’t like that we have to be apart.”“It’s only for a little while, mouse.”“I can’t believe the four weeks have flown by.”“I can’t believe we’re going to have a baby.”“I can’t believe I’m letting you talk me into a dozen kids!”“It’ll be fun making those little rugrats… ”“I love you so much, Walker… ”“I love you, too, fancy face… ”They were caravaning to the masquerade ball. It was time–the final battle… possibly the start of a war that they had no intention of losing.The wolves and witches had bound themselves to smell like the vamps and they too were headed to the ball.Anyone in the vampire world could show up to see the 25 couples be united by the lies of the elder imposters.Roxie’s pulse raced even though they were a few hours away from Myrtle.The place had been canvassed, it was secure–or as secure as it could be.The witches, wolves, and vamps at Crow’s Peak had been trained, awakened, and a plan we put into place.I
“Oh my gods! I’ve never had so much fun in my life!” Roxie squealed as Walker whirled her around on their walk home.Walker chuckled, “Honestly, I knew it would be fun with you around.”“Crystal and Dante are so cute together, aren’t they?”Walker agreed, “I’m happy for them. I think they truly complete each other.”They entered their home, both of them giggling like little kids with a crush.“This is where I want to be forever, Walker, locked in your arms..” Roxie said as Walker kissed her gently, “I can never picture myself with anyone else.”“I don’t ever want anyone else, fancy face...” Walker said as they shredded their prom clothes and made love for hours. They wrapped up in a blanket together on the window seat, watching the sun rise.“You aren’t even tired, are you?” Walker said, kissing his mate on the top of the head, “You smell so damn good.”“I smell like you,” Roxie giggled, “No, I am not really tired—just hungry.”Walker snickered, “That little one is hungry.”“She defin
“What did you say?” Roxie asked as Walker straightened up and looked around at the room. He was dizzy, but he knew his awakening was the reason, “Walker?”Walker smiled, “That’s between me and my baby,” he winked, “Come on. Let’s get some punch.”The gym was crowded, but they managed to meet up with Evans, Jenny, and Marlena at the buffet. Marlena was eyeing the chicken tenders.“She’s going to turn into a big ole chicken,” Evans teased loud enough for the little girl to hear him, “But I guess I’ll still love her when she’s got feathers.”Marlena stuck her tongue out, but then smiled, nibbling on a tender.“Fatherhood looks good on you,” Walker said as the two stepped off to the side so Jenny and Roxie could chat, “You doing OK?”“Eh...I’m trying...it’s hard being a dad,for sure, but when it’s for a kid who’s had such trauma...she’s tougher than I am,” Evans said, glancing back at his family, “I want her to be safe and happy.”“She will be with you,” Walker said, “I believe that now,







