Ronnie finally collected himself by the time the plane landed. We quietly grabbed our things and made it to the car that was waiting for us. “You okay?” I sat in the front, next to the quiet Ronnie.
“Yeah.” He nodded slowly and his eyes shifted to the mirror. “You sure?” “I just had the opinion of the last fifteen years of my life shattered, and I realized how toxic and shitty I have been, but yeah, I’m okay.” He wiped his face as he drove. “I never really looked at it from your mom’s side. You know.” He kept his face turned to the road, but his eyes looked at me. “I know.” I huffed out a laugh. “Neither did I until I knew all the facts. I thought she just moved on quickly. I went from living with my dad and mom to living with Morgan within weeks. I was a kid.”“But I wasn’t. I should have known your mother better than that.&rdq“What does that mean?”“It was a saying that was used back when your dad lived his first life. When he was killed in his first life, the attacker said the same thing. Like a mantra. And he never forgot it. So when Beck said it this time, he knew.”“So, we wait until this is figured out.” I sounded as defeated as I felt. I didn’t want this to continue, but I wouldn’t risk anyone’s life.“Yeah, but at least you have something to do.” Ronnie smiled over at me.“What do you mean?”He pulled the car over and hopped out. He went to the trunk and rustled around for a few minutes before coming back with a laptop bag. Once he settled back behind the wheel, he handed it to me. “This is for you.”“What is it?”“Open it.” He tapped the bag and got the car back onto the highway. I unzipped the bag to find a new, sleek laptop and a new ph
We pulled up to the house, and I took a breath. I didn’t want to be here, but I knew I had to be. I had to face everything that was done. Even if it hadn’t happened yet, I knew, given the chance, they would do it again. Brandon was a foolish man that was easily swayed. And Shannon would kill just to get what she wanted, and that just happened to be my mate.A pathetic mate at that. Nix’s voice whispered in my mind and I snorted. Ronnie looked over at me with a lifted brow.“Nix just said something funny.” I took another deep breath.“You have to see this through.” Ronnie’s voice was quiet.“I know.” I take one more minute before I step out of the car. Before I could do much more, my mom was jumping into my arms.“I missed you so much, baby.”“I missed you too, mom.” I pulled away and smiled. “Let me at least get fully out of the car.”M
I pushed the door open, and a feeling of dread settled in my stomach. What happened if this didn’t work? What would I do?You can always reject him. Nix tossed out.I scoffed as I dragged my stuff in. “Yeah, like rejecting an alpha would go over well.”“Rejecting an alpha? Who would be that stupid?” Alpha Vince’s voice had a shiver going down my spine. I thought I would have more than one second before I had to face him, but how was I to know he was waiting by the door?“Some wolves prefer a lower rank mate, or freedom compared to the duties and responsibilities that come with mating an Alpha. Specifically Alpha’s that follow some of the older laws.” Lynn cut in, saving me but painting a target on her back.“You mean weak and stupid she-wolves?” His scoff had me rolling my eyes before I could stop it, but thankfully I had my face settled before I turned the corner into the li
I slowly turned away from Shannon, dropping her arm. I let my mouth drop open to keep my ruse going and to show my shock. โWhy would he think Iโm his mate?โ I found Brandon, who was arrogantly staring at me with hunger in his eyes. I wanted to grimace, but I swallowed the need. โWe havenโt even talked before.โโShannon admitted to wearing your clothes around Brandon.โ Vince smirked like that was the missing piece of information that would make me jump at the chance of being Brandonโs mate. But I just lifted my brow. โSo?โ I let it hang there. The simple word that held my disbelief.โSoooo. It means that it was your scent I liked, that my wolf was attracted to.โ Brandon stepped toward me and went to grab my hand, but I pulled away.โOrโฆit was our combined scent that you liked.โ I lied through my teeth. I felt a pang in my chest and I felt the pain radiating from my wolf. I sent a pulse of love to Megan. This was her mate, after all. Itโs okay. Meganโs words were strong, but tinged wi
I held up my hands in mock surrender. โI told you it might have been a mixture of Shannonโs scent and my own mixing.โ I shrugged my shoulder and turned back to the stairs. I gave a small wave. โIโm going to head up to my room now, unless there is anything else?โ I looked over my shoulder and waited. But my mother waved me off. I made my escape with my suitcases, with Lynn trailing behind me. I stopped in the spare bedroom and opened the door. Lynn looked at me. โMe?โโYeah. This is you.โ I pointed to the far side of the room. โThatโs the bathroom. But yeah, this is your room while youโre here.โโThank you.โ Lynn dropped her suitcase and stared at me expectantly.โWhat?โ I stared at her with a confused look, but she still stared at me.โTake me to your room.โ Lynn lifted her arm, gesturing me to continue, but I was still confused.โWhy?โ Now we were both frozen, staring at each other. โBecause when Iโm here, my job is to protect you.โ Lynn slowly answered as she stared at me. โRememb
“Oh, that’s good. Are you close to Amy?” Morgan turned to face me. But Lynn was already shaking her head.“No. I asked to come to this pack without realizing that Oakenfang was the pack her mother moved to.” Lynn’s eyes would meet mine, or my mother’s, for that matter. She was staring fully at Morgan.“Really?” Morgan tilted his head. “Then why did you seem so close to her when you two walked in?”Lynn smiled. “Beta, if you would have looked outside when we pulled up, I stood away from Alpha Amy and Beta Ronnie. I followed her inside since this was her home, and you were giving me a place to sleep while I explored the pack for my mate.” Lynn cut her eyes to me and there was thinly veiled hatred in them. “Alpha Amy has been as polite to me as I have been to her, but I wouldn’t say we are friends.” She looked back at Morgan. “I follow the protocol my Alpha c
I left them all in the kitchen and retreated to my room. I closed the door and settled myself and Nix, finally shifting back to my normal face.I’m sorry I lost control in there. Nix sounded softer, almost embarrassed.“It’s okay.” I smiled as I flopped onto my bed. “They deserved it.” I chuckled softly as I thought of their surprised faces as they hit the ground.What you both just did will put them on the toes. They won’t think they can easily manoeuvre around you anymore because your wolf has manifested itself. Megan’s voice was confident as she chastised us. She knew that this would make our lives a little harder. You both should have held it together back there.I thought about it. “You’re right.” I admitted, and Nix nodded with me. “We should have behaved back there. It would have been easier to move in the shadows without them knowing I could shift. But we still have
I came back to my room and my mother was spraying the pile of clothes with a bottle of what I could only assume was descenting spray. There were two garbage bags by the door and she nodded to them. “Bring those to the trash. I’ll meet you downstairs in a minute.”“What are you doing?” I pointed to the pile of the clothes.“Covering our asses until we get back with more spray and finish washing everything.” She lifted her lip and continued spraying. She ended up cursing under her breath and unscrewed the lip and upending the bottle on my clothes. “Stupid thing would take forever.” She pointed to the garbage bags, and I lifted them and ran down the stairs. I ran to the trash and dumped the bags, then ran back.“I told you I would meet you downstairs.” My mom was using a soaked top to run some of the descenting spray all over my mattress.“I know, but I wanted to lock my door before
Vince turned to look at Brandon. He looked at its stumpy fingers and shook his head. โWhy would you bring up the brotherhood in front of the wench?โWench? Is he trying to be a fucking pirate or something? Nix snorted and rolled her eyes. Vince is stupid.But I watched him. Something was off in the way he watched us. Ever since I ripped off his cheek. I thinkโฆI think he likes us, Megan. She snapped her head to mine and then gagged. Absolutely the fuck not. She shook her head. But Nix watched him. I think she is right, Megan. Everytime he says something, his eyes flick to us. He is looking for our reaction. She gagged again. No, you two have to be wrong. We ripped off half his face.I thinkโฆI think he likes us because of it. The thought made my stomach clench. Sick fuck. โWench? Dadโฆcommon we all know she is going to be dead soon. So why does it matter?โ Brandon snorted as he passed me, kicking out, but I jumped up and snarled. โI would watch your self Bran. She is feisty. She alr
I sat still. I knew I couldnโt run away without being caught, so I would sit, watch, and wait. I was going to hold back on any magic use until I was somewhere else. Since Rick said the forest was covered in magical traps, this was once I was out I would be safe. I just needed to get out first. Rick narrowed his eyes. โYou arenโt going to come quietly, are you?โ I just settled on the ground. I wasnโt stupid, but I wasnโt going to just fall in line, either. He chuckled and turned to Morgan. โWatch my son. Donโt let him get close to the wolf.โ Morgan nodded, but Vince was already turning away. โRick, come with me. You can carry me back here with our shit and the pup.โ Rickโs eyes tightened again and then he nodded. He smiled. โYeah. Poor thing has to survive another week.โHe shifted and left the clearing while Morgan and Brandon glared at me. โAre you seriously still going after Amyโs mom?โ Brandon sagged against a tree. โI mean, I get it. Sheโs hot. And the power of the women in tha
Vince yelled as he tossed me to the ground. Morgan kicked me as soon as I hit the dirt, chunks of grass and twigs flying, the swift kick to my stomach sending me into a tree. I yelped as my shoulder broke, along with a few ribs, but Vince just looked at me with surprise as a chunk of his face slowly knitted itself back together. I looked at him through hooded eyes, but I watched with satisfaction as his cheek slowly rebuilt itself. Blood poured from his left side of his face. The lip hung loose, cut adrift from the portion of his cheek. I ripped away. His teeth were visible, and the surprised look in his eyes made the slow healing a little easier to deal with. Brandon looked at his father with wide eyes. โAre you okay?โ He went to move closer, but that was the moment I spat out the hunk of meat I had in my mouth, as if his blood was poison. Vince didnโt look away from me. I sat up and wretched, like I was going to vomit. His blood and bits of flesh clung to the inside of my mouth.
I heard them all shift and start after me. One after the other, I heard a growl and then charging feet. Even Rick, who knew I was going to be out here, was charging after me. Rick, fucking Rick.Why would he want me to see all of that? Meganโs words were ragged. She was waning, but Nix was pushing her body to the brink. I think he needed us to see that. Maybe this started as a couple of friends, and he thought they were joking. Or it was a what if, and then he fell in love with Shelly?Nix panted but hummed her agreement. I think it was probably in the middle. He thought they were just assholes joking around with the women they were using, and then he found his mate. But he didnโt want to let go of his friends. Until his pup came back branded. Megan finished, and Nix agreed.I feel bad for him. Her words made us stop. But Nix pushed on. This about it, youโre trying to stay loyal to your friends but faithful to you mate and you think that witchcraft is probably fake and then suddenl
Morgan shrugged. โYou should have kept your pants on. You only had to keep it in your pants for a few years, and you canโt even do that.โ Morgan leveled him with a look. You can blame Shannon all you want, but letโs not pretend she is the only one youโre fucking.Brandon glared at him for a minute before laughing. โTrue.โ He sighed. โBut Shannon was the only one Amy had to deal with.โMorgan level him with another look. โAgain, it isnโt her fault you decided you wanted to drain Amy of her power. You could have chosen anyone else.โBrandon sighed. โTrue again, but she is so fucking strong.โ He grabbed his dick. โAnd she is so fucking stuck up. I was going to enjoy draining her.โ Rick laughed. Fucking laughed, but when he turned, I saw it. A flash of something in his eyes. He didnโt want to be here. What the fuck is going on here? Megan called back to us, but neither of us knew. โShut the fuck up.โ Vince called back and everyone quieted. โVerity. How fucking long now?โShe sighed as s
The world blurred past us. The trees became blurred sticks as we wove in between. Bushes became wider obstacles that we jumped over. The animals, the birds, they knew something was happening, and they stayed quiet and out of the way. Megan passed the borders of the pack lands, she weaved between the border patrols that were following their routes, and others that were just out for friendly hunts. We finally slowed to a stop to catch our breath and to figure out where to go. She looked around. Nix receding back beside me and collapsing. Are you okay? I hurried to her side. Yeah. She huffed and sagged against me. I pushed too hard, thatโs all.I cuddled her to my side, holding her up as she caught her breath, and I realized the sun had set. How long did it take us to run here? Nix huffed out a breath. Not long. Around two hours. Why?Why is the sun setting? I looked around and the woods were definitely darker. Megan looked up, and we saw it. She checked the sun, but there was nothi
I drove past the pack members that had lined the street. All of them were waving and bowing, giving my mother a farewell deserving of a luna, not just another pack member. But she has stepped up where Vinceโs mate failed. My mom helped with the pups. She made sure they were taught properly. She fought for the females of this pack. And wolves never forgot their debts. I drove down block after block of our pack, saluting to my mother, who wasnโt even here to see it. I waved as I drove past the guards at the beginning of the land, and then we were out. My motherโs body double disappeared, and I called for the jet to get ready to take a flight to the coast and come back. โWho are we taking?โI laughed. โNo one.โ There was silence on the other end. โTake you families for a vacation to the coast if you like, my gift to you.โ I looked at the dash. โIโll be there in about twenty minutes. Get everyone to the hangar to leave and Iโll transfer you twenty thousand to have a nice weekend. Make s
We made it back to the house and my mother was ecstatic, dancing her way to my room. We shut the door, and she twirled. โWhere do I go?โ She turned to me and I just gave her a look. โI know Iโm going to the cabin. I just mean how? Wonโt the pack notice if I donโt leave?โI waved my hand. โIโll use magic to pretend to drive you away and Iโll leave your car at the airport and run back. Just pack your essentials and we will go over.โ I kissed her temple. โBut letโs be quick.โโWhy?โ She sat on my bed and I pulled out black clothes. She just lifted her eyebrows. โWhat are you going to do? Rob a bank?โ I laughed. โI need a shower and descenting spray.โ I rummaged through my bathroom, but my mom stood and went into my closet. โWhat are you doing?โโI put the extra spray in here, foolish girl.โ She came out with a bottle. โNow tell me why.โโRick.โ She just twirled her finger. โRick what?โ She handed me the bottle, and I put it on my counter. โWhen he told me to go home for the day. He to
Vince looked at me, then he turned to Morgan with a raised brow. โWell, thenโฆโ He sat back. โThere isnโt much of a choice, is there?โMorgan turned to me. โAmy, you canโt be serious. I raised you. I was your dad.โ My eyes flashed and Nix was in front in a second. โRepeat those words and I will call the Cath Bรกis for pure arrogance from you. You barely looked at us when we were a pup. You did everything and anything to take our motherโs time and attention from us. And when I finally shifted, you stole our bonding night.โ Nix chuffed a warning call. โSo think before you open your mouth again, beta. If you step on my fatherโs legacy and my motherโs hard work, then I will not hold back. I will rip you to shreds and reunite you with your mate.โMorgan paled. โNixโฆI didnโt mean-โโYou dodnโt mean to take credit for work you had no hand in. You didnโt raise me. You didnโt pay my way. You didnโt even house me. Amy bought the house. Amyโs money paid for everything for her and her mother. You