Thank you so much for reading! All constructive comments and gems are appreciated. I can’t interact here. If you would like to join in the conversation you can find me on the socials, the clock app is where I frequent and the Fbook is where I post publishing updates. Miss. L. Writes. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author, except as permitted by U.S. copyright law. For permission requests, contact Miss L Writes.
43 - BenNow I see why Jax and Dev are the way they are. She doesn’t ask for help, I already knew that, but she has it in her head that she has to do everything alone and by herself. These guys really fuck up her understanding of what her team is supposed to be. I think that is where I am going to start and I will drag her ass with me to make a point. But first I need to be made a part of this pack. I’m sick of having to carry a phone when I could just mindlink people.“What about Richard?” She asks, trying to be stubborn, but I hear the hesitation.“What about him? He failed to protect your father in his time of grief. I’m still not convinced he isn’t a part of the problem.”“And Sebastian?”“Is a dumbass if he didn’t see any of this coming. He is the Delta, my guys have done more to protect your pack than he has. So he is also a part of the problem, or all your leadership got complacent and comfortable and forgot what it means to work for the pack. Either way a few things are going
42 - Elara“So tell me something. When was anyone going to tell me that I was given a new Beta without my consent?” I’m working towards irritation, at least I can concentrate when I am angry with him.“No idea, really. I only just found out when I stopped in Silver Crescent and Alpha James told me he sent all of my stuff here and that my brother was going to take my place.”“And that doesn’t bother you at all? You were basically kicked out and sent here to a pack that is barely holding on by a thread.” I take a breath in slowly and hold it for a moment, relishing the tension in my lungs. When I let it go and turn around, he’s standing close, arms crossed, waiting for me to finish. “You know this is not going to be a quick or easy fix. Why subject yourself to it?”“First, I didn’t subject myself to anything. We came for a neighbor in need. My Alpha chose me to be the liaison.”I roll my eyes and walk away towards the kitchen. I need food and he is not helping me feel better about myself
41 - ElaraI am stunned into silence. I was trying to eat so he’ll leave me alone, but my hand is frozen halfway to my mouth. How do I compete with that? His perfect idea of a woman is a former human he has known his whole life, who now has a wolf and is the Luna of the largest pack I have ever heard of. And apparently is a saint with kindness and goodness shining out of her ass like a fairy godmother. Great, no pressure. I take a deep breath to calm myself and lower the second half of my sandwich to my plate and set it aside. I cannot fight against a past I wasn’t a part of. I have been living with my anger on a constant low simmer since my father died and we caught Jeff. I guess that’s where I should start my story, then maybe we can go see our captives. Ben might be angry enough on my behalf that he forgets he wanted me to sleep. The rogue and Jeff have seen better days for sure, but our healers have taken a special interest in keeping them alive enough to be tortured another day
40 - ElaraI sit on my bed and face him. All I can think about is the way he made me feel so amazing and then so sh*tty when he left without a word. “So, what do we do about Eliza and Ember and Ash?” I grab a pillow and set it in my lap, making a show of getting comfortable. It’s as much as he’s going to get.“No idea.” I tilt my head, “Yet. Jason has been able to sense some type of magic along your borders, but he hasn’t been able to sense or find the caster. But, depending on how long they have been at this, they could be casting from a distance if they have a magical anchor.” He leans forward and hands me his phone. I don’t take it, I don’t want it. “Just look, Elara.” He rolls his eyes, stands, and drops it in my lap. “It’s what Tommy has been able to find so far.” He walks towards the door.“Wait…”“I’ll be right back, princess. I need to eat and so do you. My hands were full when I walked in here the first time.” He gives me a half smile and steps out before I can get my thoughts
39 - ElaraI am fighting tooth and nail to force him to let go of me. I wouldn’t even care if he stumbled and we both fell. I need his hands off of me. The tingles are comforting and calming. My body doesn’t need that right now, my mind doesn’t want that. He left me here and everything went to hell, he doesn’t get to come back and be a hero now. I’m not a side piece or a second choice.The world blurs as I am launched into the air, but I hit nothing on the way down. His arms catch me effortlessly. I blink and we are in my bathroom.“Now, are you capable of showering yourself, or do I need to do it for you?” He leans in, adding a little tension in his grip at my waist and legs.“F*ck you. Who are you to tell me what to do. I am the Alpha of this pack.” I realize my threat is not a real one as he cradles me in his arms.“Then act like it.” He growls low and my breath catches. We are almost nose to nose. Of all the things he could have said, that one thing stings the most. “You are snappi
38 - Ben“What are you talking about?” I know it’s a witch that is hiding these rogues running around with drugs and attacking us at every turn, but he throws it out there like its something we talk about everyday.“It appears that some of the local covens are having a dispute.”I sit forward in my chair. “Dispute?! What the hell kind of dispute could they be having that involves drugging and killing wolves?” “It’s not amongst the covens, per say. Apparently there is a high commodity in werewolf muscle for hire. Witches, warlocks, fae, and vampires all seem to be in a similar mind that if we can be controlled they will have their own well trained pack of dogs to use as they please.”I sit there with my mouth hanging open. What the f*ck? How is that even a thought? We aren’t a new species to be manipulated and controlled. We have been around as long as many of the other supernatural species. This make no sense.“I was thinking the same thing you were.” He smiles at me. Did I say that o