LEO. I stare at him unblinking, as those words sink in. Winona. Fuck, after the fact the two had some sort of connection that they denied and now this? What more do they fucking want? “So, what’s the issue? You two can deny it, but you both have feelings for one another? Isn’t this the fucking push you need?” I say, my eyes dropping to Mom’s mark on his neck. It is the only thing I really remember her by, the only physical sign of her existence aside from the fleeting memories I hold. We had nothing, no pictures, no videos… nothing. “She ran. I guess the Moon Goddess really created an incompatible pair.” Dad says. “Oh, for Goddess’s sake, no she did not.” Azura snaps. “She’s scared, because she cares for Leo. She doesn’t want to hurt him… that is the issue here because I am sure as hell that she wants you. What sane woman wouldn’t?” I cock a brow as I look at my gorgeous mate, who has a hand on her stomach, clearly in pain but hiding it well. I feel on edge too, excited even, kn

AZURA. The week passed by in a blur, the struggle between feeding, trying to sleep and visitors has been intense. Although everyone helped, she constantly wants milk and I’m the only one who can give her that. Liam, Kiara, and their families had come down too, Raihana and Rayhan and their families also visited. It was a pleasant time, albeit tiring. It was still very lively. Then there were all the pack members wanting to see the Alpha’s child. It was sweet to see the love and excitement they had at her birth. At times I would sneak in naps, but it’s never enough when you have a little pup to take care of. Mama stayed on for a week and she’s still here, and Winona is really helpful too, although she and Marcel still avoid each other. I even notice Mama observing them, but she not once says anything. Back to this little hungry monster. I’m expressing a lot more now so I can sleep whilst someone else can feed Phoenix. “Mommy, I think Phoenix is hungry.” Corrado whispers as he peers i

LEO. The room is silent as they all seem to take in what I’m saying. Azura has taken a seat next to me and she’s feeding under a thin linen blanket. I’ve already told her of these plans. Alejandro nods slowly as he massages his jaw. “That’s actually a good fucking idea. The academy students don’t actually mix with those from the other academies, correct?" "You have four. I think implementing national game competitions would be a good idea. Including fighting competitions. Archery, Mixed martial arts, weapons, it would be fun and give them the incentive to try harder for a title.” I say. “Isn’t that similar to the Alpha Gen X games?” Liam asks, frowning. ‘Jayce is into them…’ Azura explains through the link. ‘A bit of a touchy subject with Liam.’ “Kinda.” I reply to Liam as Raven leaves the room. "It's in our nature to fight, the hunger and satisfaction in fighting... We need to channel that, to show them we aren't only fighting for when the need arises but as a sport too." “I g

AZURA. Over one year later… “Phinie! Come here, come on!” Corrado says, holding his arms out to a fifteen-month-old Phoenix. She giggles and toddles over to him. She’s been walking for about four months now and she’s a right little madam. Her dark hair shines under the sun. It may not be as black as mine but it’s equally glossy and straight. As for her eyes, they are a mix of mine and Leo’s, not as light as his and not as bright as mine, but a gorgeous blue that reminds me of a clear blue summer sky. I lean back against the tree trunk, enjoying the shade of the tree from the heat. A picnic sits in front of us with the double pushchair for the twins next to me. My hair’s up in a messy bun or as messy as it can get with my hair, and I’m wearing shorts and a sheer oversized top that shows off my bra underneath. Life’s been great, since I stopped breastfeeding Phoenix. I’m working alongside my Luna duties, I even get to go out of the pack on training or on jobs, although Leo won’t let

*A short novella that begins a couple of days after Leo and Azura return from their visit to the Blood Moon Pack* BEAUTIFUL BOND Chapter 1 - Splash MARCEL. The alarm goes off and I stretch, sitting up in the guest room of my brother Alejandro’s mansion. I run my hand through my hair, frowning as I stare at the small pattern on the black and grey bedding. I came here two nights ago and I know for me it’s just an escape. Isn’t it pretty funny how I always yearned to have a complete family and now that I have that, I’m unable to spend as much time around them as I would like to? Because of her, my mate. The thought of the blond this early in the morning isn’t a good idea. Not when she’s not here to take care of me. I do need to return home today, though; I have stayed here long enough. Although I know I’m always welcome, it isn’t fair on Kiara and Alejandro either. Maybe I need a trip abroad… Yeah, I’m resorting to running from my fated mate, but you can’t blame me when she acts l