They fell to the ground, and Sylvie cried out. Scarlett backed away and stood up, spitting out Sylvie's bitter-tasting blood onto the ground before kicking her in the ribs. Her teeth were still embedded in Sylvie's neck, and there was a steady dribble of blood.Scarlett did some damage, but when she examined Sylvie critically, she was sure that she would live.Scarlett loomed over her, standing on her wrist so she was forced to stay down."I said, this is finished." Scarlett's tone was authoritative. For the first time, she really understood the power of the position she held. She couldn't command a room like the Alpha could, but as the Luna, she had her own influence."Go," Scarlett ordered, dismissing Sylvie.Sylvie struggled to her feet, swaying unsteadily. There was real fear in her eyes now as she looked at Scarlett.Scarlett stood tall."You will never hurt my pack or my family again." Her voice was authoritative. For the first time, she really understood the power of the positi
The two River wolves attacked Scarlett and Sage simultaneously. Scarlett growled, opening her legs wide. Sage's training and years of experience kicked in as he defended them, two at a time.Scarlett watched, too caught up in the fight to back away. When he had one of the wolves on the ground, getting him to submit, Sage caught her eye and nodded in the direction of the village.His implication was clear. _Go see if Cleo is there._Scarlett turned around and ran towards it, only slowing down when she hit the main village road.Everything appeared empty. It was eerie. She sniffed every few feet, trying to scent where Cleo would be. Her heart ached to hold her again, to see with her own two eyes that she was safe and sound.She passed a car that was broken down, already rusted over. The smell of wolf was stronger now, and she was on high alert. As she passed the car, a small head popped up, and she startled. A flash of red and then a thin, familiar boy was climbing out onto the road. He
We're nearing the boundary when a thunderous howl breaks through the darkness. I stand still, my heart pounding. It's the alarm.They've discovered we're here.I transform back and rush to seize my clothes from the small bag my father has brought along. Everyone dresses up and walks towards the winding road leading to the River Pack village.Three guards wait at the gate."Your in the wrong place, Bakin Pack," a growls, his yellow eyes flashing."I'm here for Alpha Paxton. Get him. Now," I state, keeping my stance firm. The Alpha tone of command in my voice makes the smaller man flinch."I'm here, Fletcher. Stand down."I look past the guard and see sweat-covered Alpha Paxton approaching the gate with Sylvie at his side."Alpha Landon, what are you doing at my gate at this time of night?" he sneers.Sylvie is glowering at us with a sickening grin, and it makes me bristle."Your people ambushed us and took one of our youth. We demand her return."Sylvie guffaws and Fletcher laughs as h
I am afraid to face my mate and tell her that I let her down and our daughter. As Alpha, it is my duty to keep my pack safe. And today, I let them down. River Pack members under my rule were able to infiltrate and kidnap my own daughter from the woods. They were able to enter our territory and abduct her.Shame and anger and a thousand other emotions boil in me until I believe I am going to be ill. I must fight, yet I must be careful.Moon Goddess, keep her safe until I can find her, I pray with all the force in me.The mere fact that the River Pack had the audacity to kidnap Cleo from our lands is frightening. I have no idea what Alpha Paxton must be thinking to put his men and pack in danger like this unless….My mind drifts back to the interactions we've had with Sylvie over the last few days. Our pack knows better than to say a word of Cleo's skills outside of our land, so could Sylvie have heard it some way? Was she taken for her skills, or is this a case of vengeance against me
"The boundary alarm," Wren whispered. "There are intruders within the area."Scarlett's scowl made her rise from the table. Another howl echoed out, cautioning their wolves to beware.Scarlett knew she was not allowed to leave the house, but she couldn't help it, not when the two individuals she loved most were outside. Her wolf compelled her forward. She couldn't help but feel like she needed to see Cleo. Now.“I’m going to run out and check on Landon really fast,” Scarlett told Wren, already heading toward the door.“They will come here when it’s safe,” Wren said, looking uneasy. “It’s probably a false alarm.”Scarlett ignored her and stepped outside, making her way to the workshop along the side of the house.The crisp fall wind hit Scarlett's face as she sprinted down the leaf-carpeted trail to the workshop where Landon and Sage labored. All had to be well.The howling was becoming stronger, making Scarlett and her wolf grow impatient.What if not a trespasser, but something else?
Scarlett stood tall, meeting their stares. "Gage was being attacked by a human boy. I was only trying to help him. You are cruel the way you are behaving with him. Help him, or if you won't, let me!"Scarlett looked again at the boy and was gratified that he took one cautious step towards her.It's okay, you can come here with me," Scarlett yelled, encouraging him on.Sylvie sneered. "We don't need your kind of help. We take care of our own."Her other pack member pulled the boy away by his shirt collar.Scarlett was speechless in shock, but she heard footsteps and turned to see who was coming.Scarlett didn't move as Cleo's sweet voice washed over her ears. Her throat was dry. Cleo."And then, Daddy, do you know what I saw?" Cleo declared happily, "I saw three butterflies. One was gold, one was purple, and one was orange!"Landon lifted his gaze, his gaze locking with Scarlett's, and Scarlett could feel the confusion on his face as he took in the taut standoff. He stood up tall when