After finding recent correspondence between the witches and some wolves that back them regarding the war that is still going to happen, I pushed everyone on the way back to the pack. I didn’t want to give Rafe a chance to see or hear too much or to fall asleep. Granted, that was wishful thinking since we all had to sleep at some point. But when I noticed he was getting groggy a few times, I push us harder, trying to get us on pack lands as quick as I could. It frustrates me to not know how often they check in on his memories. Is it every time he sleeps? Every few days? It would help me out if I knew. And sadly, Rafe does not know when they do, since he’s asleep.We’re taking a break when I walk over to where he stands on the edge of the stream. “What have you been searching for in the library?” I stand staring at the slow-moving water as it trickles and flows over rocks and branches in its way. My arms crossed in a defensive position.“I’ve been looking up what I can about the Moonsto

RAFEI blow Raven’s hair out of my mouth, where it landed after she fell on me after our last round.I tap her ass, and she mumbles into my neck.“Baby,” I get nothing from her. So I wrap my arms around her, one hand holding her fine ass and the other between her shoulder blades. With my grip firm, I roll us so she’s on her back and I’m on top, but I quickly flop off her onto my back. Then I move us into the spooning position. I can breathe now without her hair in my mouth.A small smile soon grows into a tooth-eating grin as I lay here marveling at our bond. This is something I swear to never take for granted, having a mate and being able to feel her love for me.‘Yes, please forget about me,’ my wolf snarks.‘Trust me, I didn’t forget about you. We talked last night.’ I roll my eyes at him. He’s been talking to me non-stop since our bond has cleared. Typically, he is the opposite of me when it comes to attention. I like to be alone and sit in the library's silence. He needs to be ar

RAFESilence. I get being in a hurry and wanting to get to your destination, but we’ve shifted forms a few times and could have made conversation. But Billy is the silent yet grunt in response type. I like silence, more than most, but I also like getting to know the people I work with. It’s part of my inquisitive nature.I know he talks. I’ve heard him carry on with Raven during training and patrols. We are at our last stop before we get to the camp. “I think you should stay on the outskirts just outside the forest line while I go in,” I say to Billy.“I will get as close as I can. No closer, no further. I know your mate and what she would do if I let anything happen to you, because I wasn’t where I should be.” His look is sharp.“I wouldn’t ask you not to do your part, I just meant-.” I trail off. No purpose in trying to explain what I meant since he’s already shifting and runs further out waiting for me.With a deep breath, I adjust the bag on my back and shift. Another hour and the

“Again.” “Rafe, act as if your life is in danger, as if your life depends on winning this fight. Newsflash, it does.” “Finn, stop fucking around and give it your all.” “Lucy! What the hell was that? Do you want to end up like the rest of the templars? Dead?” “Stop, everyone stop. Grab water and take a break,” my voice cracks as I yell across the field. Oh, my goddess, what a day. It excited me this morning to be leading the training, but now, I don’t understand how our pack got so lazy. “Thank goddess.” I hear a few people murmur as they walk past me to their water bottles. “At least she’s not yelling at us as much as she is the others,” another one says. Finn steps in front of me, sweat dripping in his hard eyes. “I can take you yelling and talking shit to me. Bring it on. I know you, and I think I understand even why you are being extra harsh on us, but, what you said to Lucy was uncalled for and a real bitch thing to say,” he growls before shouldering past me to meet up with L

‘Raven, the scouts are almost back. We will meet in the hall.’ A mind link from Robert comes through.‘I will be there soon,’ I let him know.“Alright kids, finish up. You have to get to school,” I say, trying to get them moving this morning, but they are going at a snail’s pace.“Mom, I think I should stay home with you today,” Jade says, setting down her juice. Her eyes are large and pleading as she stares me down.“And why exactly do you think that?” I lean down on the table in front of her, meeting her gaze.“You’re going to need my advice today. I have a feeling you’re going to make some wrong decisions today,” she says it so seriously.Rafe tries to cover up his snort but fails and earns a seething look from me.“Sweetheart, I always value your opinion and guidance, but today, you need to go to school. Any important decisions made today, I will not be making them alone. Thank you, though, for your complete faith in me though,” I say the last part sarcastically, which earns me a