MIRANDA POV (rated R)
It hurts! It hurts so bad. Each time he cuts me, it feels like acid is ripping through my skin. And even though the wounds are healing almost as fast as he is inflicting them, the pain will be etched into my mind forever.
I hear Ethan growl through the phone again, but I can't focus on his words at all, not with the bloody scene in front of me. I have no idea where Marcus drug us to, but it is cold. Cold and wet. After he knocked me out in my room, I was out cold until he poured water over my head.
"I have to go now, Alpha. Your mate is looking mighty tasty," Marcus growls into the speaker before ending the call and destroying the phone.
He glares at me but steps away. He looks awful. Worse then, he looked at his and Bryan's trial. He looks as if he hasn't slept or eaten in days. And from the nonhealing defensive w
ETHAN POV (rated R)Relief at having Miranda in my arms is overwhelming as my warriors, and I walk back towards the archway. Out of all my years of life, I have never been as emotional as I have been today. From self-pity to self-hate, from blinding rage to blissful relief, I have never experienced anything like it...and I hope never to have to again.The archway gets closer and closer but instead of heading for our realm happily, my warrior holding Lorraine freezes."My King, I must mark my mate. She is unconscious and can not give her consent....but her home is too dangerous for her to return to," my warrior explains as soon as I make it to his side.I look down at Miranda as she bites her lip hesitantly."Miranda...love, he is right. I pray we captured all the members of this group, but I can't be positive. Returning to your house will place both of you
ETHAN POV"What time is it," Miranda asks while playing with my hair."I would say nearly six. We didn't find you until late morning.....we slept this day away," I admit as I trail my fingers up Miranda's back.The scars that Bryan's claws left are wide, but thanks to mother's healing abilities, they look old."Among other things," my mate cheekily says before giggling.I blush a little before I squeeze her to me."That was okay, right..... I. You had a good time," I mumble while trying to keep my face hidden against her shoulder.Shock, love, and happiness radiate through our bond, giving me my answer before she can."That was perfect, Ethan. Were my screams of pleasure not enough to convince you," Miranda jokes, and I laugh at my own expense."Maybe I just wanted you to compliment me and my newfound skil
ETHAN POVI growl under my breath as Miranda tenses and practically curls against my side in fear. The wolves challenging Andrew are covered in tattoos, but not the art I am used to seeing. The images printed on their flesh are meant to install fear.The poor excuses for artwork depict women being violated and men being tortured or killed. Two of them have their hit list tattooed on their chest."Alpha King, thank you for taking the time to come to the South pack," Andrew says interrupting my thoughts as I approach him in the field they have chosen to fight in."I wouldn't miss a possible shift in power, Alpha Andrew," I respond while shaking his hand briefly.A couple of the challengers grunt in response to my reply, but I pay them zero attention. Their antics are meant to attract attention, and I refuse to oblige."I understand. We are just about to get
MIRANDA POV "You seriously didn't even watch," Raine asks, and I shake my head. "I am so over blood. Even if it isn't mine being spilled," I reply with a shudder. "Okay, well...Ethan handled it, so no worries," Raine says as she stands up from her bed. "I think I need a vacation. My stress is through the roof, Raine. My hair is falling out...If I'm not in Ethan's arms while sleeping, I dream about Marcus and Bryan hurting me. I just need a break from everything werewolf for a few days," I explain, and she stills before turning to face me. "So let's go visit mom and dad. You haven't seen them in forever. We could do some sea turtle watching and introduce them to our new men," Rains says with glee in her voice, and I smile. "That sounds good. I will run it by Ethan. But speaking of men...Who i
ETHAN POV Nerves twist my stomach as I step towards the luggage claim. I absolutely detest Florida. I always have. It stinks, and the air is too thick for comfort. It's like a massive greenhouse filled with pollution. But it's where my mate's parents reside, so here I am. "Ethan, do you see my bag," Miranda asks, and my mood immediately lifts. I could be within hell itself and still be happy if she was next to me. "No, but Mitch and I will get the bags. Why don't you and Raine find your parents," I answer while smiling at her? "Okay, thanks," Miranda replies with a massive smile that makes traveling three thousand miles totally worth it. I watch my mate grab her sister and disappear before turning back to the converter belt. "That was awful...humans actually e
MIRANDA POV Watching Ethan, Mitch, and my dad try to avoid each other is one of the funniest things I have ever witnessed. Today is our last day here, and I know dad will want to sit the "boys" down to talk. He loathes the fact we will leaving to go live in the werewolf realm. But Lorraine and I have both agreed to a quick wedding. That way, we won't be living in a home out of wedlock. That should boost his spirits over our living arrangements. "Love," Ethan whispers as he approaches me sneakily. "Yes," I giggle, and he gives me a smirk. "I sense your father has something to say........do you know what he wants to talk about," Ethan asks while looking at me with playful suspicion. I shrug and laugh at the same time. "Nope. But if history says anything, you both are g
MIRANDA POV (rated R) "How does that feel," Aria asks as she finishes lacing up the corset to my beautiful dress. "Perfect, Aria," I reply as I rub my hands down the white satin. "Good. I'm going to go next door and help your sister. Is it okay for me to send your mom in," Aria asks as she approaches the door to leave? "Yes, please," I immediately answer, and Aria shoots me a smile before leaving. I take a few deep breathes as I turn to look in the mirror for the first time. My eyes widen as I take in my queen-like appearance. My dress is perfect, not too over the top but big enough to suit a queen. The lace accents are perfect, and my brown hair is up, so it doesn't cover it. "Miranda," Mom says as she opens the door to my room. I turn around quickly as mom looks me over with tears
"Ethan," Miranda screams, and my heart tightens in my chest. Everything about my mate being in pain is torture. I have no idea why she refused an epidural. I wish I could force one on her...But I have never been prouder of her. She is absolutely amazing. "I'm here, love," I whisper next to her ear while keeping my eyes off of her tearing area. "Get him out," Miranda screams, and I gulp down my nausea. "They are working on it, love," I reply as gently as possible. But she doesn't hear me because she is once again screaming. "That's it, my Queen! Push," the omega nurse encourages as a contraction rips through my mate's body. Kratos- stop being a wuss and look! Ethan- nope. I already almost passed out! Kratos- you realize we have ripped people apart before! You should be able to watch our