Alexander’s POV"Isn't the weather wonderful?" My mother's voice rang in my ears as she hooked her arm around mine."Evening Mother," I said, looking down at the pitied blond woman hooked on my arm.She had the same silver eyes as me, and the reflection of the bonfire flames was glittering in them. "Have you decided to join tonight's festivities?"I was surprised to see her here tonight; something must have aroused her to join."I haven't been to one of these festivities for ages, and I wouldn't miss this one for the world," she said, lifting a perfect eyebrow. "I heard that a certain someone had been marked and mated. I hope to become a grandmother soon."If only she knew she was a grandmother already! I could just imagine her spoiling Lex, and that thought warmed my heart.I internally sighed and looked toward my father, who was talking to some of the council members. I tried to keep the marking low-profile, but he must have spilled the beans to my mother."Don't look so concerned,"
Emily's POV"Evening Luna!" Sasha sang as she entered my room. She had a broad smile on her lips and was shaking her hips as she moved around me. She came to do my hair and make-up— obviously Luke's doing.Sasha twirled around me, grabbing my brush, and I couldn't help but chuckle at her enthusiasm."Evening Sasha," I said, "you seem happy about something."Sasha stopped what she was doing and giggled like a teenager having her crush talk to her."Sorry, Luna," she said, trying hard not to let another giggle escape. "But I think I am in love.""Oh?" I replied. That was good news. She needed someone who would accept her for who she was."I-I-I found my mate earlier. He is such a handsome beast. He has those big, dreamy brown eyes, dark, long, curly hair, and muscles to die for. He is the beta from the Blue Moon Pack." Her green eyes glittered like stars for a moment and then suddenly stopped.Her breathing started to race, and I could hear her heart escalate in her chest; it looked lik
Emily's POV"You look nice," my mother chirped when she saw me coming toward the bonfire. "Are you feeling better?""Thanks; I'm fine," I said, giving her a reassuring smile. "Nothing a long hot bath couldn't fix.""That's good news," she said, patting my hand. "I was worried that you would disappear again."The worry in my mother's eyes was visible, and it broke my heart."As if I would be able to get very far," I said, trying to lighten the mood. "I am done running!"Well, at least for now.I internally sighed.My mother knew me all too well; the thought of running off again did cross my mind earlier, but Alex would make it his life's mission to find me again."That's good news," my father suddenly said. "Will you be returning permanently?"Permanently.I haven't thought about it yet.Was I ready to return?I did decide to stay.Not just because I wanted Lex to meet his father and decide if he wanted him in his life, but because I wanted to give Alex and me a chance too.I took a de
Alexander’s POVEmily was left on her own after Beta John and his mate departed for the festival opening. A group of young she-wolves had surrounded Emily, and she looked annoyed while standing stranded in the center.I went forward, curious to know what was happening."Don't," Ghost warned. "Emily can handle herself. Don't intrude.""She is still my mate," I argued. "And I need to protect her.""Protect her from what?" Ghost asked. "Herself?"I huffed, rolling my eyes, annoyed at Ghost."No," I said. "I do not like how those she-wolves are staring at her.""She'll be fine," Ghost yapped. "Now leave her alone!""But...""Alex," Ghost growled, cutting me off. "Listen to me! Leave Emily alone. You have caused enough harm in a single day!""What's going on?" Luke asked. He must have sensed how frustrated I was."Well..." I faltered."Don't you dare!" Ghost gave me a warning growl."I see Sasha has gathered a group to witness her shift," Luke remarked, and I quickly turned my attention ba
Alexander’s POV "Did you sleep well?" I whispered, seeing Emily lying silently in my arms. She had been awake for a while now, yet she didn't put an effort into moving."I did," she said, lifting her gaze to look back at me. Her blue eyes were darker than usual, and she looked happy and relaxed."And you?" She asked, her voice warm like a summer breeze."Same," I said huskily, kissing her on the forehead.Last night was one of the most memorable nights of my life.We had cleared out most of our differences, and it didn't take much effort—just thirty minutes of pure listening and understanding.Besides that, Emily managed to help Sasha."With your help," Ghost yapped, stretching his body lazily.When we left with Emily, I had let down the invisible wall that separated Ghost and me.I decided to give Ghost the benefit of the doubt and let him go after Emily stroked my arm and calmed him down.A small smile appeared as my thoughts quickly returned to what had happened last night.I coul
Emily's POVI have told him.I opened my heart and was honest with him.And it felt so good. Bloody good!A giggle erupted from deep inside me, making my whole body shake out of excitement. Happiness bubbles from the deepest pit inside me—who would have thought that talking would cure our frustration?"It feels good, doesn't it?" Willow asked."It does!" I answered truthfully. "I should have done it a long time ago!""I am happy you did," Willow replied, lying lazily on her back. She was happy and relaxed too, but most of all, she met Ghost last night."He is so," Willow mused dreamily."He is," I said, remembering how the two ran up the highest hill, chasing one another. It was the happiest I ever saw Willow in my life."Did you hear him tell me how beautiful I am?" Willow asked and sighed."I did," I chuckled.I let Willow take control after our talk, surprising Alex.I didn't shift like any other wolf; my shift was a bit different and more terrifying."Wow!" Luke gasped, seeing the
Emily's POVThe remarkable little café my parents owned was small but cozy. Their amount of activity impressed me.The wolves were lining up outside patiently for their morning coffee.There were only eight tables in the café, and most of them were already occupied by regular customers.Luke had already reserved a table, so we were fortunate to get one.My parents were excited when they saw us arrive, and my mother took charge of serving us.My eyes swept across the café's light gray walls. On them hang large printed photos of the pack and wolves.My family and I were positioned in the center of the wall."Is it this busy every day?" I muttered to myself, amazed.Wolves were coming and going, all smiling after they had a chat with my parents.Luke turned the page of the newspaper he was holding and said, "This is a slow day."I was interested to know why he was acting a little differently this morning."Have you chosen what to order?" My mother asked, approaching with a pen and noteboo
Alexander’s POV"Why the f*ck are you in here?" I roared upon entering my office.My anger sent shockwaves through the office, bringing the temperature down.With a shudder, Axel's men bowed their heads in deference and moved in the direction of the door.I interpreted their fear of me as a positive indication.Axel was seated behind my desk, his feet propped up on the surface, reviewing the rogue reports that I needed to approve. He looked at the door idly, ignoring my angry outburst.Pushing the reports back onto my desk and moving his feet off the table, Axel uttered, "Temper, temper, dear cousin. I am completely entitled to be here."I snarled, "Not in here." He did not have permission to be in my office."Well, when I take over the pack, this will be my office soon," he stated. "It is ideal. You truly exceeded expectations. This viewpoint is breathtaking."I am not going anywhere!" I barked."Tick, tick, tick," Axel's right hand said. He then turned to face his friend Vito and smi