After a few more texts on what to do next, they determined they would meet just outside the territory. There was neutral ground there for these types of discussions. Well, not exactly these types of discussions. To Rowan’s knowledge, no one had used the area for talking over the next steps after witches cursed a pack and murdered the alpha’s mother and now they needed to know if they would be killed on sight once they stepped back into the territory. This all seemed pretty unique to him.The sun already set leaving behind a streak of red and orange against the dark blue sky. It made the darkened water of the lake look as though it were on fire. Rowan sat leaning against the trunk of a tree and watched his wolves. All of them seemed off and the feeling in the bond had his stomach in knots. Initially, he was so distracted by what Luke was going through with Amber he didn’t even notice a few others were showing the same signs. Rowan plucked a small flower from the ground beside him and

Elly“That must have been really painful.” A deep gentle voice cooed in Elly’s ear as strong hands lifted her from the ground. “We told you not to attempt this without us. You both could have seriously gotten hurt!.” Elly wiped at the tears in her eyes. Her sniffles drew in the thick smell of smoke. Was something burning? She blinked her irritated eyes at the bright kitchen. Darren was still in his mother’s arms bawling his eyes out as if he were the one that just had his powers siphoned.“What do you mean, Anthony? Someone did get hurt. My boy! His connection is torn worse than before thanks to your little princess!” Rebekah spits the words at them as she cradled her son tighter to her chest. His round face was cherry red from either the crying, the pressure of his mother’s grip, or both.“I think we both know that any fault for your son’s current condition does not lie with my three year old. Perhaps you should take your boy and calm him down while my wife and I take care of things

RowanIt was getting late. Well, later. The full moon loomed over them making it hard to tell what time it was. Its fullness was a constant reminder that time was running out for Rowan to figure out how to save his pack. The thought that he had already failed so many of them, especially his mother, was what was keeping him from sleeping.Things were spiraling out of control and Rowan couldn’t figure out why. His mother had been training him to be Alpha his entire life. When his father died he had taken the mantle at such a young age. Strategizing was one of his strengths. He had to be strategic to avoid being challenged before he and his wolf fully were mature. Now, it’s as if he had never come up with a plan a day in his life. As the moon grew fuller his time to come up with something was running out and it did nothing to help him. Even Eris was completely silent. He was more than just the voice in Rowan’s head. He was his conscience and guide. They ran the pack together. Partners.

“You better be worth the trouble.” Light danced in the vampire’s black eyes as he looked hungrily at Elly. She gulped back her panic not daring to ask what vampires wanted with her. The presence of one of her mates was drawing closer. Her eyes darted to the side where Dale was coming closer to her hiding place.The smile widened revealing the lethal glint of the razor-sharp teeth that were hidden beneath his full lips. He leaned in close to her exposed neck. Elly gulped back her fear.“I am.” Her voice was barely audible. It wasn’t a sentence she truly believed. The only thing that mattered what that everyone else seemed to believe it. The smile froze on the vampire’s face. “I am.” although she forced her voice out stronger, it was barely more than a whisper. He leaned closer and a splash of light fell across his chiseled face. His cold black eyes searched her face as she continued to look between him and her still-approaching mate.All she needed to do was call out and she would be r

LukeThe murderous gleam in his best friend’s eye was sobering. Seeing the blood of his pack mate dripping from his alpha’s mouth was terrifying. Eris was always a strong-willed wolf. It was a sign of truly strong alpha that their wolf had a mind of their own but the human counterpart could remained in control. It was madness for Luke to challenge him in the first place. Unsure if it was his rapidly approaching death or if whatever was clouding his mind had passed but Luke truly regretted the challenge. More than that he was confused by it. Even his wolf, Solis, was confused. They loved their alpha. He could tell them to jump off a cliff and Luke would happily oblige.“Alpha Rowan, please.” He croaked. The damage to his neck was substantial and healing slowly. The only thing that healed slower than an alpha bite was a wound made with silver. It was rare for him to use official titles with Rowan but he was desperate. “We need to go. There are vampires right there!” The chances of thes