Chapter one: “There you go, little one. You are safer here,” Leofric murmured to the beetle which settled upon the driest pile of leaves he could find. He observed the beetle a few moments more, before he moved away, exhaling deeply. It was very cold, perhaps it would snow tonight, he thought, looking around him. Even his breaths brought out puffs of smoke as he made his way back to where he kept his sketchbook – the large tree trunk flat enough for him to sit on, and large enough too. It was time to head home. He picked up his book from where it lay, and made his way down the oath he had gone on so many times before, out of the forest. He was careful as always to where he stepped, not wanting to willingly crush any insect under his heel. When he was younger he used to cry for killing a whole lot of them just by stepping wrongly. He smiled at the memory, humming a jaunty tune he heard from his beloved one night. Soon he stopped, seeing two women huffi

Leofric would only remember that night in snatches centuries later. He would seek to forget about it, and speak little of it during the long years of his life. For to him, that night was the point at which the life he knew was gone forever.He opened his eyes to see the still night sky. His vision blurred with tears and the melting falling snow, yet he could see clearer than he ever had. Every pain in his body was gone, leaving behind a light-headed feeling. Without thought, the young man stood, not cognizant of where he was or how he got there. He was only faintly aware of the cold, mind still far away.Acting on instinct, the young man put one foot ahead of the other, and began his journey. The snow crunches underneath his feet as he walked in silence through the darkness.He had dreamt of singing - his late mother’s singing intermingled with his beloved Freya’s voice. They both sang to him, the two most important women in his life. He dreamt of being a small child ag

The alphas destined mate The sight of his beloved sent his heart rate beating faster. His eyes took in her lovely figure in the blue gown she wore.Freya was clearly pleasantly surprised to see he was awake. Whatever worry that showed in her gaze was replaced by happiness.She moved to drop the tray she carried to the bedside table, reaching for him.‘Oh Leo!’ She cried out, tugging his body to her bosom.Leofric let her hug him, and he shut his eyes as his wolf calmed, and his growl turned to low purrs he couldn’t control. He felt her heart beating faster through her skin, and her warmth so inviting.She seemed not to notice, only squeezing him tighter, whispering ‘Thank the Almighty’ numerous times, like a mantra.Leofric could not take it any longer. He pushed her away and jumped out of bed to her horror, quickly putting distance between them.Freya was still seated and her mouth was slightly open in a confused expression. Regret filled his being as