Chapter 41 - Denial Hunter "She's getting better." Lira panted, taking a long drink of water. I kept my eyes on the field, watching the last of the trainees and seasoned warriors clean up our area in preparation for another snowstorm, one of many we would get in the next couple of months before spring arrived. I let out a small grunt of acknowledgment. We didn't have to exchange names to know who we were talking about. Frankly, I didn't even understand why Lira insisted on giving me updates on things I could clearly see for myself. Lira had always been a hard worker, the underdog of trainees. Most of the seasoned warriors had placed bets, betting how long it would take before she up and quit when she first arrived. But I knew from the moment I met her and saw that fire in her eyes, the same fire I saw in eyes of Mildred and countless others who had been looked down on, that she was going to make it. And make it she did. Lira was one of our top warriors running in the second line of

Chapter 43 -SwiftGarren If I had to pick a time to live in for the rest of my life, it would be this day. I couldn't remember a time when I had felt so alive, so charged with energy that I felt like I could go on forever. From the moment I decided that I was going to take Penelope to Arlo, I was filled with a wave of emotions. I was anxious to see how Ophir would respond to finally meeting Kyra for the first time. I was also anxious to see how she responded to us in turn. But also excited that we would finally have this moment together.The last few months had been indescribable. It was like someone had taken me and thrown me into an alternate universe, one where my past was still shit but my future. My future was better and brighter all because Penelope didn't take my offer and proved to be the perfect match for me in all ways that counted. She surprised me at every turn, and I couldn't be prouder of her for it, even though it scared me. I knew that even if we weren't mates, I wo

Chapter 45 - MarkedMildred "Not so close, Rio," I warned after she spit fire toward Kyra. Rio prepared to shoot more flames at Penelope but held back, heeding my warning. We had been preparing for this day from the first moment I met the little pup. Rio was always present, watching, calculating, and sharing her opinions of others with me; it was how we remained at the top of our game. The only time she ever left my side was when I needed an escape only another person could help create, or when I was asleep. We were an unbreakable pair, only having each other when the rest of my family turned their backs on me for my choices. They were dead to me in all senses of the word, even if they still walked the same castle halls as I did. My father was part of the council until my uncle took over his position two centuries ago. My parents were too ashamed to show their faces around the kingdom all because their daughter chose a life of service to the crown instead of remaining a lady in wai

Chapter 47 - NeverGarren I had thought this over a hundred times, and then I had Gregory review the details a hundred times more to ensure everything was perfect. Penelope deserved perfect, she deserved so much more than that, and after all of her training and watching her grow more and more confident with herself, I wanted to give her a night to relax to, forget everything and enjoy the things she loved. But mate or not, I couldn't stop my hands from clamming up or my throat from tightening. My nerves were getting the best of me; the thought of disappointing Penelope rattled me more than any war or council member ever had. Penelope seemed to pick up on my tension despite us not being fully bonded. We always seemed to know when the other needed us. Her small hand slipped into mine, her fingers lacing themselves with mine as she gave my hand a tight squeeze, flashing a smile that made my heartbeat quicken. I smiled back at her, kissing her temple, as we rounded the corridor befor

Chapter 49 - Distractions PenelopeIt was strange walking into a room full of humans, all of them none the wiser to the shifters that lived amongst them. I had no idea what this event was for, but I assumed it was for another one of Balor's clients. He was always selling himself, constantly marketing, working an angle to gain new clients and make more deals. Going all out to impress the richest of the rich, and tonight was no exception. An orchestra played on the stage; people danced on the dance floor. Tables littered the rest of the room, While people filled the seats, eating the tiny expensive hors d'oeuvres while discussing their next business ventures and big vacation. Staff walked around with trays of champagne and food. The three giant chandeliers above us twinkled against the crystal jewels as they hung effortlessly from the vaulted ceilings. Ribbon also hung from the ceiling; performers twirled and fell from the long silken ribbon as they entertained everyone who watched.