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
Pressure was rising within him, and he fought with his desire to let go. She felt too amazing. It was hard to resist, even as he was determined to wait for her.Sensing this, Scarlett established an erratic beat, pulling him impossibly deeper. He swore, his own beat faltering and his arms trembling with the strength of holding back."Let go," she whispered. "I'm here with you."Her words unmanned him. With a few more forceful thrusts, he lost it, reaching his peak as her back became rigid and she cried out."Landon," she shuddered, every part of her body shaking in ecstasy, "Oh, my God, that was incredible. You are incredible."He opened his eyes and pulled her down to his chest, kissing her lips gently. "I love you, Scarlett," he whispered."I love you, too," she whispered in return.He pulled back and took his T-shirt to clean them up with. When they were cleaned, he picked her up and fitted her against him, closing his eyes as they lay together.She was a perfect fit because she wa
Landon closed the book of tales and looked down at his sleeping daughter snuggled in beside him on the loveseat. His heart almost swelled with joy and happiness. He had a family.He carefully placed his hands under her and picked her up, carrying her to her room. Scarlett went by him down the hallway, turning to follow and help him push open the door.The past few days had been hectic as they settled back into the pack as a family. Everyone had come by to visit and greet their new Luna, and to meet Cleo. It had been amazing, but tiring. The task of handling the unknown wolf and bolstering their borders had been consuming much of his time. There were many nights when he came back so late that he slept right through Cleo's bedtime. But every night, Scarlett waited for him. There was a dinner on the table and a listening ear and a warm, understanding one.Scarlett was his rock, and this time he was not going to let her know how much happier and more grateful he was to her for her support