Sindy’s POV “I never expected someone as damaged as me to have a mate.” I told Aaron as I sat next to him. “You’re not damaged,” he says, putting his arm around me. “The situation you were born into was messed up. But your aunt raised you with love. You are far from damaged. You’re a survivor, a protector, a sister, and my mate.” He says as he spins around, pressing his forehead to mine. “We are two pieces of the same puzzle.” I feel calm when he touches me. That is, until my annoying wolf shouted “Mate” at me for the hundredth time since meeting Aaron. I pulled away from him. “I have to get Mack back.” “I think there is a queue for saving Mack. Jonathan is more than capable of handling the situation.” I looked at Aaron. “What do you mean by that?” I know Jonathan is a hybrid. But Aaron seems to think he can protect Mack better than I can. He snickers. “You were on your way to the River Valley Pack. Guess who is next in line to be the next Alpha there?” He nodded to

Aaron’s POV Before joining us in the SUV, Jacob is talking with a pack member from the Red Moon Pack. They end up shaking hands and laughing. They must be old friends, they’re very comfortable with each other. I climbed in the back with Sindy and Mack. At first, I sat nervously next to Sindy. Axel keeps insisting I mark her. But I keep telling him to shut up. This isn’t the right time or place. Sindy’s focus is solely on Mack right now. He should just feel lucky that I am taking my mate home with me. I know I feel like the luckiest man alive. I put my arm around Sindy and kissed her when she looked my way. I know the situation isn’t great, but this is the greatest day of my life. After our kiss, Sindy gives me a small smile and rests her head on my shoulder. “Is there any chance of stopping somewhere? I want to get her cleaned up.” Sindy asks. Despite the air conditioning being on, Mack’s odor was still noticeable, but I didn’t want to say anything. Jonathan’s intent

Charlie’s POV It was as if my entire world collapsed around me. When Jacob told me about Darcey, another reminder of how badly I screwed up. I should have been there for her. No doubt someone tried to call. Alpha Ezra insisted on cutting off all forms of communication. He didn’t want anyone to interrupt the pack’s mourning period. He said “if anyone wanted to know what happened, they could drag their lazy arse’s to the Red Valley Pack and speak to him.” This was something he learned from his father. Isaac would say. “A man’s words mean nothing if you can’t look into his eyes while he is saying them. Then you can see if they are genuine.” “How has Darcey been?” I asked Jacob. Trying to break the awkward silence in the car. “Darcey is Darcey. She studies, she trains, she leads. She’s never changed.” He says before snickering. “There were a few of the major candidates that weren’t happy that so many women got the senior positions. Darcey, Addie, and Avery challenged the lot

Goddess Selene’s POV “I don’t want you to feel pressured into letting me take her.” I told Annie’s weeping parents. They stroked their daughter’s long brown hair. “Will she remember us?” her mom composed herself long enough to ask me. “The daughter, you know, is no longer of this world.” Her parents sobbed. “I am offering to give her body a soul.” “It’s a lot to take in, goddess.” Her father tells me. “Even seeing you here. It is unbelievable.” “I know.” Whether or not she knows it, Steff’s body doesn’t have much time left. Her frequent visits to earth and using her powers has weakened it so much, it will not last much longer. I would normally choose an infant, allowing them to grow up seeing the beauty and hatred in the world. But on this occasion, I make an exception. Annie had an accident a week ago, just before her 18th birthday. She has been in a coma since. The human doctors informed Annie’s parents that she was showing no signs of brain activity. The doctors also men

Darcey’s POV When I woke up, all I wanted to do was find Charlie. The images in the lake still broke my heart. But what I needed more than anything was a drink. Elizabeth had been hydrating my body with some intravenous fluids, but my throat was as dry as a desert. Then people started fussing over me. “Take it easy was Caren’s advice.” Esme assured Caren I would. Then she promised to stay by my side until I made a full recovery. “Ayla, you had better make this a swift recovery.” I told her. Although I love my sister, spending a lot of time with her could be challenging. In fact, I am not sure we would be friends if we weren’t sisters. We are that different. But we are always there for one another. I know Charlie isn’t going anywhere. Nat visited me, telling me she had confined him and Jacob to a suite on the first floor. “You make it sound like he is a prisoner.” Esme says curiously to her. “He saved her life.” “I know,” Nat says sweetly. “When Darcey is feeling bet