Masuk~Lindsey~ We can’t help but laugh at Mackenzie’s response. Personally I resonate with her quite well. If there’s a heaven, it’s definitely got coffee. “Look out. You and Lindsey might buy out the coffeehouses.” Joie jokes. She sips her salted caramel Frappuccino that looks more like a milkshake than coffee. “I’ll gladly sign up for watch duty if that’s on the agenda.” Deanna raises her cup in a toast before taking a sip. “So what exactly is the doctor going to do?” Mackenzie asks nervously. I take a deep breath in. “Well today is just an assessment. She’s going to take a look at your back-“ “Wait. She?” Mackenzie looks surprised. “Yes she. My dad highly recommended her, so you’ll be in good hands.” I place my hand on the seat between us, not wanting to touch her in case that’s triggering; I remember not wanting to be touched after Blaine’s attack. “Anyways, she’ll assess the damage and put together a plan that best suits your needs. Think of it like therapy.” I smile, t
~Lindsey~My alarm clock rings, waking me up bright and early. I yawn and stretch, ready to get today rolling. Well maybe after a large cup of coffee. After taking a rejuvenating shower, I pull on some leggings and a sweatshirt before tying my hair into a ponytail and pulling on a cap. No need for makeup; after all this is a dermatologist appointment. Seeing people’s flaws is just a part of the job. “Morning!” I smile at Grant who seems half awake. Probably up studying all night. “Morning. I’ve got training and then I’ll be back for you.” “No need. Joie and Deanna are coming. I’ll be more than safe.” The truth of the matter is that I didn’t want a bunch of males prowling around Mackenzie when she’s already making herself vulnerable. Might trigger some unhappy memories of her past. “Well Colton is already over there.” He leans in, his voice barely above a whisper. “He said he left early, but I have a feeling he stayed the night.” Ah yes. Grant with the gossip. “Well I won’t rat
~Brady~“Gina is waiting in my office for you with your mother. Hope you’re prepared.” Dad mind links me once we’re about two miles from the packhouse. I smile to myself, praying I can pull this over. I glance over at Lindsey as she watches the scenery past by. I decided that I would propose to her on her birthday. It’s very risky; if we aren’t fated mates, there’s a chance she may reject me. After all, that was the original deal. However, I truly believe she’s the one for me, and I won’t live with regrets. I’d endure every humiliation and disappointment if it meant I could have her. “Thanks Dad. Pulling in now.” I put the truck in park and sigh, feigning fatigue. “Lin, I’m sorry but I’ve got a meeting. Apparently something urgent has come up. Some alliance or something. I might not be down in time for dinner. Think you’ll be ok?”She smiles and nods. “Take care of our pack, my alpha.” She leans over and kisses me on the cheek. “I’ll be fine. Logan can mind link you if I need you
~Lindsey~I drive Brady’s truck to school, the radio playing softly in the background. I can’t help but think about Mackenzie. Her back looked like a toddler had used a red marker and drawn all over it. I finally got the courage to ask what caused the damage. Her response was short and pointed. Whatever they had nearby. Her most recent injuries were made by wolfsbane coated weapons; the raised bumps around the scar were telling. From what I can tell, it looks like she’s been beaten recently and maybe even burned. I shudder at the pain she must have experienced. I remember Walt’s method of torture, what he called dealing out punishment. For shifters, he’d taken a bull whip soaked in wolfsbane, had them kneel over a wooden bench, and hit them until they begged for mercy or passed out from pain. The only prayer was that Walt would wear out quickly or get distracted by some onlooker, typically female. You could always tell, too; he’d brag about how merciful he was if he wanted to impre
~Lindsey~ I’m woken to a panic. Chatter and hysteria sound from the kitchen. I grab my robe and run in. “What’s going on?” I ask as I look around. Aunt Cammie is on the phone, Uncle Tom is writing, and Grant is crying uncontrollably. “It’s Colton! He didn’t come home, and no one has heard from him since last night.” Grant looks at me. “I still can’t get through to him!” “Hold on. Has anyone checked the hotel?” I get three extremely confused looks. “What do you mean? Why would he be at the hotel?” Aunt Cammie asks. “Because his mate is there.” I’m still confused at the chaos. He probably just spent the night. “I’ll call you back.” Aunt Cammie cancels one call and makes another. “Hello? This is Cammie Mitchell. I’m calling to see if Colton Gressett has a reservation.” “It won’t be in his name. Ask if his jeep is there.” I suggest. “Ok. Well is there a red Jeep in your parking lot? Um…” she waves at Grant. “Here he knows.” Grant tells them the make, model, a
~Brady~I sigh and prop against the door opposite of Trey. “Patrol duty for my own gamma. How did I get so lucky?” I say sarcastically. Colton would tell me exactly what happened, so I don’t know why I’m needed here. Trey chokes back a laugh. “Our mates love their mischief, don’t they?” I look over at him. Trey has never been much of a romantic. I’m pretty sure he defines the term introvert. But lately he’s seemed different. “All due respect, will you stop analyzing me? I’ll be happy to answer any and all of your questions, Brady.” He side eyes me jokingly. I clear my throat, not aware of my actions. “Sorry. I was just thinking. You’ve come out of your shell a lot recently. You don’t look disappointed when you’re on packhouse duties or when you’re assigned patrol like today. You always wanted to be stationed at the border. What happened?” Trey looks at the ground. Underneath his chilly exterior, he’s got a heart of gold. Always the first to volunteer in crisis, always the first
~Lindsey~ After breakfast, Dad and I prepared to head out to buy some essentials. I open the door and almost run into an enormous man. I gasp and take two steps back, almost falling into my dad. “Lin, it’s ok! This is Mr. Matt. He’s here to make sure we’re safe. I’m sorry. I completely forgot t
~Brady~ My alarm goes off at 6, but I didn’t sleep at all; too much was on my mind. I go downstairs to the kitchen to grab coffee and a granola bar before I begin my walk to the gym. I mind link Colton and Grant, my future beta and gamma. “We have some things to discuss today. Plan on a run to
~Lindsey~ I woke up in a panic, not knowing where I was. Then it all came rushing back. Crossing the border at 3am, meeting a Beta friend of Uncle Rob’s, watching as Dad joined a new pack through the blood covenant, getting assigned a warrior for the rest of the night, settling into a new house i
~Brady~ I lay awake thinking about what could possibly have my dad so upset that he walked out of dinner without a single word. Mom always makes such a big deal about us eating together every night as a family. Sometimes it’s our only time together during the week. What’s more nerve wracking is th







