VANESSA POV R rated.I can practically feel his rage through our linked hands. Something about his jealousy feels nice...I know I shouldn't, but I really like it when he calls me "his." I know it's the mate bond calling my body to his, but I can't deny...Gunnar is hot.Maybe we can have what Rosy has with Jaxon. She seems super happy. I have no family and no other friends to go to. If I win the competition and leave, where would I go? I'm not being mistreated. Gunnar is kind to me. The other wolves aren't friendly, but they aren't unfriendly either. They seem to be waiting to judge me, probably waiting until I prove myself. Hilda is a great mentor. She isn't necessarily pleasant, but she isn't hateful or condescending either. It really seems like she is on my side when it comes to the training.....so maybe, just maybe......This could be my home.Gunnar clears his throat and breaks my inner monolog. He stands to his feet and scans the room: his jaw clenches,

HILDA POV (YUP, YOU READ THAT RIGHT HILDA) Three days after Vanessa's breakdown in the bathroom.My phone rings and I check the clock, 3 am. I growl slightly but almost on instinct, I answer it."Hilda,""Hilda. We have a sighting,"I move my tired body into a sitting position."Where and when,""Close to the Reverence Pack thirty minutes ago. Your brother and ten warriors all entered the territory, according to our source there. They seemed at ease,""Thank you. I owe you one,""No, you don't. You stopped an entire rogue horde that was heading towards my pack last year, Hilda. This is me paying you back,""I appreciate that...... Listen, Malcolm.....I should have given you a heads up sooner, but my brother found his true mate. I know your daughter Anita is competing...... Gunnar isn't calling off the competition due to the negative backlash and threat....you understand, but just so you are aware...I'm training her,

GUNNAR POV (r rated)I follow her scent through the halls of our pack's mansion like a bloodhound. I know she is hurt, and she doesn't realize that I already view her as my Luna. My partner. But I hate that she feels like all of this isn't hers. It is. Just like how my den became hers the moment she entered it....this pack became hers the moment I accepted her.Her scent takes a direct path to our den, and I follow it with a purpose. I need to soothe her. Since our bond has grown, I can feel her stronger emotions, and right now.....she is hurting. She is doubting. She is filled with betrayal.I open our door and close it softly while watching her pacing form. She doesn't look in my direction, which doesn't surprise me. I take a seat on our bed and sigh. Emotions and expressing myself, are still challenging but for her..."Vanessa, baby....those females didn't mean anything. Those nights were moments filled with lust and entitlement. I looked at it as

TOOK MEDICINE ABOUT AN HOUR AGO. IT HAS KICKED IN SO......LET'S WRITEGUNNAR POV (R rated)I glance at Vanessa before I stand up and address our pack. I already called the maids in, so everyone knows what I am about to say, is important. I know Vanessa is nervous about changing them.....but this is her destiny. She gives me a tiny head nod, and I focus on our pack."First and foremost, Maids, I would like to offer you a chance to be changed tonight. Things are evolving in our pack, and for your safety and ours, you need to be wolves. The decision to change into a wolf is your own, but before making that decision, you need to know, the process is dangerous. Vanessa is the rebirther, so your deaths are unlikely, but it can still happen.......after I am finished addressing the pack, I need your answers," I say, letting my eyes take in the maids for the first time ever.They look weak but hardened. There isn't an ounce of softness

VANESSA POV"Ness, stop before you hurt yourself. You already have no nails left," Rosy sighs whiles she braids my wild chestnut hair.I push my chewed hands under my thighs and find a place to stare at in the carpet. Today is the day. Today is the day I compete for Gunnar.My stomach is in knots.I feel like a sacrificial lamb. Every ounce of courage and determination has left me. My pores are leaking fear. My body is covered in rippling muscle, but my brain feels like a bowl of weak mush. I'm thankful it is Rosy getting me ready and not Hilda. She would smell my fear and whack me upside the head."What would you do, Rose, if it was Jax," I ask"Fight like hell," Rosy answers immediately, and I nod the best that I can while she braids."Isn't crazy how far we have come? I wouldn't even recognize those two scared little girls anymore," I say as Rosy ties a hair cord at the end of my thick french braid."It was meant to be,