Libby POVMother Agnes worries for Fallon every second of the day. We know she is safe. Ryan keeps us informed of her training and the decisions she has made concerning her future. Probably the most shocking was the decision to marry Ryan after she completes training. A summer wedding in New Orleans between the big bad wolf and the new reapers will happen soon enough. Mother Agnes is happy, and so am I. It was no secret that Ryan was Fallon's mate, but I did not think it would happen this fast. Maybe I did know but ignored it. Fallon took on new gifts when she accepted her wolf. When she is ready, I will teach her to use her magic. When all her skills are at her disposal, Fallon will be unstoppable. She will be the reaper we need, the protector of our community if that is what she wants. Otherwise, things could get bad for all of the supernatural community. Mother Agnes rocks on the front porch in her rocker and watches for Fallon to return every day. I am trying to understand why.
Alpha Mayhem POVFallon is coming along great. Her training is exceeding everyone's expectations, including mine. Ryan knows how to push her just enough for her to complete any mission he sets up for her. She is coming into all her reaper and wolf abilities beautifully. Ryan, how do I feel about him marking Fallon? At first, I was furious. I want her to be a wolf, not a reaper. This may be the first step toward her finding herself as a wolf. Fallon has her mate and her pack. Why does she need to prove herself as a witch and a reaper? Honestly, watching Fallon train, I can see why she needs to be the reaper. Yes, the supernatural community needs her, but what about her needs? When does Fallon get to be Fallon? My thoughts are interrupted by my wolves approaching. "Alpha Mayhem, there is a woman and an older woman at the gate to see you. I believe both are witches. The older one is demanding I let her in or else," Beta Staggs says. He looks shaken. Only one older woman can make a you
Fallon POVSeeing Libby and Mother Agnes brings me so much joy. I hate that something is happening with Bruce, but part of me worries it is a setup. Maybe that is why Alpha Mayhem is on edge. He looks more worried today sitting here with Mother Agnes than the day I showed up wanting answers. I feel a strong arm come around me and pull me in for a warm embrace. "Ryan, I need your help. Are you willing to help Bruce?" I ask him. I close my eyes and try to enjoy his embrace for a moment. Any moment in Ryan's arms is heaven. "I will help you in any tasks you ask for my help and the ones you don't. You are my future wife, my love and my mate. I am yours and you are mine," Ryan says. He kisses my temple. I notice Mother Agnes watching us. I try to listen to her mind. He loves me, I say to her through a link with her mind. I know she answers and then looks away. She terminates the mind link. I am not sure what is going on with her either. Everyone is on edge. It cannot be just because Um
Bruce POVThe room is cold, and I feel alone. My wounds are not healing. It feels like there is salt buried deep in my wounds. Everything hurts and stings. I try to think of her. Fallon, I loved you so much, but you rejected me. I knew the plan was for me to keep her in constant agony, but I did care for her. I grew to love her as I watched over her, and then she picked Ryan over me. "ARGHHHH!" I scream out. The door creaks, and someone pushes it open. The darkness of the cold room becomes illuminated by the light from the hallway. "I know you loved her, Bruce, but she did not love you that is why she let you leave. She only loves him. Tell me where she is, and I can stop all of your pain and her pain," Umbra hisses at me. I worshiped Umbra and followed her teachings for so long, but Umbra is drunk on power and destroying lives. Did I have a choice in getting involved with Umbra? No! "Stop all this thinking and rationalizing, Bruce. You knew it was your responsibility to watch Fal
Ryan POVI return to Fallon. I am sure she enjoys seeing Mother Agnes and Libby, even if it is not under the best circumstances. She wants a family and a life. I want to give her those things. Fallon rushes out of the Alpha's home and into my arms. I pick Fallon up and swing her around, kissing her lips as if we have been separated for months, not hours. "I missed you," Fallon says, looking into my eyes. I hope she always feels that way. I look behind Fallon to see Libby and Mother Agnes watching us. "They are happy for us," Fallon says. She can see my worry and hear my anxious thoughts. "Good, I am happy for us too. Hopefully, after we rescue Bruce, we can get him to be happy for us," I say. I know that will never happen. I have a terrible feeling about Bruce and Umbra. "Yeah, maybe," Fallon says. Fallon takes my hand, and I follow her to the steps. "We are going home, but we will be back in an hour," Fallon tells Mother Agnes. "I need to help Mother Agnes settle. I will be rea
Fallon POVThe wolves assemble and prepare for a battle. We are unsure what will happen when we rush into Umbra's place and pull Bruce out. Ryan is afraid that Bruce will try to kill me. I know Bruce had a part to play in my life and what Umbra wants with me, but I don't think he would harm me. I have been wrong before?"Calm your mind. The wolves will rush the building, with Alpha Mayhem leading the way. I will go in next, clearing the path for you and Libby. Libby will put a protection circle around you until you reach Bruce. Be careful. I will be in front of you and Libby Behind you," Ryan says. I know he is nervous. We found each other and have a future now. He doesn't want to lose that, and neither do I. "Do all reapers rush into battle with werewolves and a witch? I have to do this without all of you trying to baby me," I respond. Everyone treats me like a child. At least, that is how I feel. I know they are trying to protect me, but it is so annoying. I am eighteen years old
Fallon POVWe arrive back at the wolf territory. Libby is not speaking to any of us. She understands why her brother had to be killed, but it doesn't make any of it any easier. I have watched her cry until my heart aches for her. I did not want to kill my friend. I did not want any of this to end this way, but it happened, and there is nothing I can do about it now except move on from this horrible event. "He loved you, but he was so messed up. Umbra and the ancestors pushed him to make sure you became a reaper, and now look. It cost him his life," Libby sobs as she gets out of the truck. She races to Mother Agnes for comfort. I get out of the truck with Ryan. He puts his arm around me to comfort me. "He would have never stopped hunting you. You did the right thing. Libby knows it, but she needs time," Ryan says, trying to comfort me. "I know," I say. I lay my head on Ryan's chest and close my eyes. Ryan picks me up and carries me home. "You need to rest," Ryan says. Maybe he is
Ryan POVI leave Fallon with Libby and Mother Agnes so the three of them can chat and not talk about Bruce. I know Libby is having a hard time, and so is Fallon. This will be the hard part for her as a reaper. What will she do when she is forced to take a life? Will she embrace her duty or fall? Fallon has to harden her heart. I begin to patrol the grounds, watching and listening. It is important that Fallon is safe. I hear someone following me. The branches break, and the bushes move behind me. I turn to see who it is. "Who is there?" I call out. A wolf leaps out of a tree, Chaos. "What do you want?" I ask him. Chaos and I begin to circle one another. I shift as I watch him. He is here to kill Fallon. "She is dead, and you know it. She has to die," Chaos growls. "Over my dead body, Chaos," I growl. Chaos rushes toward me, and the two of us begin to fight. I hear other wolves coming, but I focus on Chaos. I have to kill him. "Umbra sent you to kill her!" I growl as I swipe acros