MIKE Several Weeks Later So much has happened in the last few weeks. It seemed like a major event for New Moon had taken place each week since Lyric and I had completed our bond. In between trying to track down Senko, and working with the other kingdoms on this continent, Tyron was rightfully promoted and officially made Royal Delta. I couldn’t be happier for our friend. Tyron and Kellen had worked out their kinks, and Kellen recognized that Tyron was the right wolf for the position and not Rogue. Rouge is a great guy, one of the best fighters of our time, but he had made it clear where he fitted into New Moon and that was protecting our Queen, Tala. The thing Kellen treasured most. Tala’s official crowning had been rescheduled. Tala said she didn’t need a crown and would be happy to use his mother’s for the ceremony, but Kellen wasn’t having any of that and had a new crown commissioned for her anyway. The crowning ceremony took place two weeks ago. We kept it on the down low, in

TRAVIS I hung up with Kellen, bringing my thoughts back to now over a year ago. The day one of our patrols found Petra. She was a frightened little girl. So scared that the smell of her fear almost hid her scent. Petra was eleven now, as a bear shifter she should have her first shift at around fourteen. Werebears shifted earlier than wolves or cats, it was a known fact. I had fallen in love with that little girl because of her bravery. And that she had no family left. The scene of where she had come from had never left the minds of any of us that were there to see the aftermath. A whole Clan was decimated. Bodies torn and shredded. Stripped of clothing. Appendages strewn around like trash. That sight was awful, but the most horrifying thing was the children that had been strung up in the trees. I didn’t want to believe that Petra could be someone other than the girl I had come to know and love. She was the closest thing I had to a little sister. To family. I had abandoned my own f

LYRIC “I Michael Pike Junior accept you Lyric Swift as my fated mate. My one and only now and in the afterlife. I promise to honor our bond in the ways of loving, protecting, and providing for our family.” I gulp the tears away, staring into his hazel eyes that are lit up as he says his vows. “In this life and the next, I promise to always be by your side. The night we met,” He looks at me sheepishly, recalling our first encounter. “I was an idiot. We met under straining circumstances, and it took me a while to realize what an amazing woman you are. Smart, capable, challenging but above all I have come to learn how big your heart is.” A lone tear slides down my face. I hate being so emotional, but Mike's words are not just true, they are honest and raw. “I almost made the biggest mistake in my life Lyric. I don’t know what our futures would have been if I had pushed you so far away to the brink of no return. Little by little you stole a piece of me, showing me who you really were. B

MIKE I ran in my wolf's form, letting Duke take charge and lead the way through the kingdom's forest. We knew these woods like the back of our hands or paws. Could probably navigate the terrain with our eyes closed because we had run through them so much. Duke speeds up when catches Lyric‘s scent. We were spending as much time together as we could. Kellen and I were leaving in a couple of days with three teams of elite warriors heading to the border of Lewe to look for the compound. Rogue would join us, and Tyron would stay back to protect the kingdom with my father. Usually, it Would be the Delta going but for unknown reasons he wanted Tyron to stay back and man the palace. Lyric was also staying behind. On one hand, I was happy for Lyric to not be in the thick of a fight, on the other I didn’t like the idea of being away from her. It was making me apprehensive just the thought of leaving her. Duke catches up with Note and nips at her hind legs playfully. We had been out here for

TALA Meanwhile at New Moon Shrill screams sound from down the hall. With Connor in my arms, I raced towards my sister’s anguished shrieking. I barely notice Olivia and Lizzy behind me as I rush to Jonda’s aid. I fling the door open and Connor begins to wail. My eyes land on my sister and I almost drop my son at the sight. She’s doubled over clutching her large stomach, blood trickling from between her legs, soaking the purple gown she wears. “Jonda!” I cry out with alarm and concern. Immediately I link the pack doctor to come quickly. “Oh my!” Olivia exclaims behind me with shock. Followed by a sharp gasp from Lizzy. I hand Connor to Olivia, “I already linked the doctor.” I say with a rushed breath, quickly crossing the room to my sister's aide. Lightening flashes in the evening sky, illuminating the room and Jonda. That’s when I see the marks on her body begin to move and swirl, crawling across her skin. Becoming darker by the moment. “Jonda. Come lay down please.” I tell her