“There it is,” Emma pointed to the large metal building that stood far enough away for them to stay off of Claris’ radar, but close enough to see with the naked eye. “It’s dark out here, but I don’t see any lights coming from inside,” Mitzie whispered chewing her bottom lip while squinting to observe the place. “The spell that Claris possibly used would conceal any indications of activity. She’d have restricted all methods of communication internally, and the building would appear to be desolate,” Emma responded. “I can get closer to scout the area?” Marilee said in an asking way while looking between the two other women. “Yes, that would be perfect,” Mitzie smiled at her. “Don’t let Sheera attempt a take down. We don’t know what we’re up against, so just scent around, and report back,” Emma instructed as she looked at Marilee. Marilee quickly removed the dress she was wearing, closed her eyes and rolled her neck before leaping forward with Sheera padding down on four paws. The w

“I haven’t heard from my sister all day,” Nolan, Alpha of the Mountain Shadows pack – largest and richest werewolf pack in the central and Western regions of the United States – growled as he paced back and forth in his office with his hands on his hips. “It’s not like Marilee to not communicate with you every day. Surely she’s not injured or worse, as you’d have felt it through the pack link,” his Beta and best friend, Bryce assured from the chair he was sitting in across from Nolan’s desk while his eyes followed the wandering Alpha. “I wouldn’t necessarily feel it if she were injured. You know she’s half witch with healing powers, so she could be blocking the pain where I can’t feel it until she heals herself,” the Alpha growled in response stopping at the drink cart in the corner of the room to pour himself some whiskey. He swallowed the two fingers of the deep caramel liquid that he poured in one gulp, slamming the empty crystal glass down on the tray when he finished. “Is she

Mitzie placed a hand on Alford’s shoulder as she wrapped the other around her stomach and gazed into his caramel eyes with her green orbs glowing brightly. “I can feel him, too,” he grumbled pulling his hands away from around her waist. “Team,” he called, turning his body and his attention to the others who had restrained Claris in the same schorl drenched bindings that Alford and Stanley were in. They all looked in his direction waiting for further instructions. Sheera was perched on her haunches with her head leaning forward, growling deeply. “He is here. We must hurry and move out of this place before he lands. We don’t know the size of the army he’s brought, and I know we’ll be outnumbered with limited weaponry to counter.” Claris began heartily laughing from where she lay face-down on the floor with her hands and ankles tied together in double constrictor knots. “You fools,” she spat blood onto the floor from the internal injuries she sustained from Sheera’s attack. “Of course

Mitzie squinted as her eyes slowly opened. Her head was rested against the back of the seat, and she groaned as she cautiously reached her hand to rub the back of her neck. She quickly assessed the environment feeling anxiety creep through her like torrid tendrils. They were surrounded by towering trees that amply obstructed the sunlight above them. Realization struck her that they had crashed through the guardrail on the highway, and although she was unable to tell where they were or how they’d landed, the vehicle didn’t appear to be damaged. She jolted forward with widened eyes as she shot her head in the direction of the driver’s seat. “Alford! Alford!” she shouted in fear as she hastily unfastened her seatbelt while reaching with her free hand to shake his shoulder. Alford’s head was leaned against the driver’s side window with his eyes closed, but he didn’t appear to be bleeding or injured, and his body slightly jostled as he gave out a small grunt in response to her nudging.

“Are you alright, my love?” Alford asked Mitzie as they drove home, concern thick in his voice. “I am, I just need a hot shower and some sleep. The sun is almost up and I’m exhausted,” she replied laying her head back on the headrest and rubbing her stomach. “How about a nice warm bubble bath and a foot rub afterwards?” he smiled glancing at her. “Oh, that sounds divine,” she smiled at him. “But, uhm, I should be the one offering you a bubble bath with a back rub,” she chuckled. “Nonsense. You’re the one carrying our king, anything with me is just my duty as your husband and guardian of Etheron to protect you and the king,” he beamed reaching to grab her free hand over the console. “I like the way you think. I tell you what, how about we both take a bubble bath, and I’ll rub your back while you lay on your stomach and rub my feet?” she arched a brow. “I think I can handle that,” he said raising her hand to his mouth and kissing her knuckles. She giggled as she flexed her feet. “