Frost approached the woman lying on the ground, sniffing her as if assessing something or catching an unfamiliar scent. Taylor watched, puzzled, unable to make sense of what he was doing. A strange feeling tightened in his chest, and he wondered if the goddess could have gifted Andriel a new mate. The idea of Andriel having two mates seemed impossible, but fear began to creep into Taylor’s heart.Taylor wasn’t the only one confused. The others around them also watched Frost, baffled by why he was focusing more on the pregnant woman than his own mate. Frost extended his paws, gently touching her belly, and then Andriel shifted back to his human form.Incredulity washed over Andriel’s face as he stared at the woman and her swollen stomach. Brian, sensing the oddity of the moment, reached out through their telepathic bond to ask what was going on. Only then did Andriel realize he hadn’t checked on Taylor, who was injured. He turned to his mate, catching the confusion and faint hurt etche
The sound of snapping branches echoed through the forest as Ian’s beast panted heavily, its pace frantic from the desperate sprint. He knew Andriel was hot on his trail, and a single misstep could be fatal.Ian had hoped his men and the rebels he’d coerced into fighting would hold Andriel back, but his plans were crumbling. The growl he’d heard earlier rang out again, closer now, making his fur stand on end.Suddenly, a sharp pain tore through his back, followed by a crushing weight that brought him crashing to the ground. The metallic taste of blood filled his mouth. Andriel had caught up, his claws sinking deep into Ian’s back, wounding him severely and halting his escape."Did you really think you could get away?" Andriel roared, his voice slicing through the air. "How dare you hatch such a vile plan? What were you hoping to gain by kidnapping our mates?" His tone demanded an immediate answer."I want my claim to the throne," Ian gasped, struggling to his feet and facing Frost. "Bu
Before they reached the designated location, a downpour unleashed, obscuring visibility and washing away the tracks they were following. Andriel ordered the group to stop some distance away, not wanting to alert anyone at the ranch to their presence. He gave the command to mask their scents and conceal their approach, and then everyone began shedding their clothes and shifting.Andriel handed control to Frost, urging him to stay level-headed and use logic despite the tension of the moment. His primary concern was ensuring Taylor was safe and unharmed; after that, he didn’t care if Frost tore the place apart. Brian, meanwhile, was just as anxious and worried. The memory of how he’d first found Stella flashed in his mind, amplifying his distress.------The voices sounded distant as Taylor slowly regained consciousness. He opened his eyes gradually, the fog in his mind clearing as he pieced together what had happened. A sharp pain in his head made him wince, but he forced himself to foc
Andriel and Brian sat tense in the car. Hugo had called to say he’d found the vehicles, but he hadn’t shared any details. Knowing Hugo as well as he did, Andriel was certain he was holding something back.Doubt and uncertainty hung over the brothers as they tried to cling to the hope that they’d find the missing ones safe when they reached the location. But Andriel couldn’t shake the thought of the video. He was convinced, somehow, that the two events were connected."Who do you think is behind this?" Brian asked, cutting through Andriel’s thoughts."One name comes to mind, and it wouldn’t surprise me if he’s involved," Andriel replied."Ian?" Brian asked, seeking confirmation they were on the same page."Yeah," Andriel said. "I heard Ian confronted Taylor at my party. From what I was told, he seemed pissed about the plan falling apart. We didn’t get anything out of those two we questioned. But, Brian, I’ll be honest—I’ve also been thinking about our mother."Brian’s brow furrowed, mu
The idea of the trip was shared with Brian and Stella the next morning, and Stella’s face lit up with excitement. For both Andriel and Brian, the thought of being apart from their mates was tough, but they knew they couldn’t keep them from seeing their friends and pack.With both brothers’ approval, Taylor and Stella began preparing for the journey. They decided not to tell anyone in Ames about their arrival, wanting to surprise Philip and Sara.Perla, ever attentive to the news, quickly stepped in when Brian considered going along with Stella."She’s not a child," Perla said pointedly. "She’s perfectly capable of taking a trip on her own. Besides, she won’t be alone—Taylor will be with her, along with the guards your brother will surely arrange. What could possibly happen? Who would have any reason to hurt your omega?" Her tone was calculated, meant to persuade."Your mother’s right," Stella agreed, her voice calm but firm. "You’ve got a lot to handle here, and I’m sure your brother
After their heated moment in the garden, Andriel and Taylor rejoined the others. Perla shot her son a few sharp looks, and he figured his fake mate had already spilled the details of their conversation to his mother.Andriel noticed Brian seemed happier, standing close to Stella, who looked less tense than before. He wasn’t sure what had happened while they were out of the hall, but something had clearly worked."That pushy woman’s coming over," Taylor said, his voice laced with disgust.She approached, trying to appear confident, but didn’t latch onto Andriel’s arm like before. Taylor stayed glued to his mate’s side, unflinching.The reception and dinner went on, with Andriel wrapping up the matters he needed to address. Relief washed over him as guests began to leave. To keep up appearances, the woman posing as his mate had to wait until everyone else was gone before departing.Perla initially suggested she stay the night at the house, but Andriel shut that idea down immediately. Br