Reed’s POV With Nix out of our bedroom, I finally had time to use the bathroom. I was getting desperate when I had to bang on the door. He had been in there for hours. I really want to encourage him to give Eden a chance. I admit I made a mistake. I made a huge mistake. I never expected to have a second chance mate. Not when she found out I was her mate and went with David, regardless. I didn’t need or want either of them in my life. They deserved each other. I told no one about her, not even Ethan. He didn’t need to know. I had a chance of a better life when I went to work for the council. Or one at least where I wasn’t the upcoming Alpha’s loser brother, who he frequently knocked about. I made my way to the dining hall and found Nix. He is sitting there chewing slowly. He has a smile on his face in between bites. “What’s happened?” I asked him. “Nothing, just taking a friend’s advice.” No idea what he is talking. I know I am taking Lottie’s statement this morning, so ea

Nix’s POV Reed was encouraging me to give the mate bond a chance. I wasn’t sure. When I saw her and she had that blue hair net on, I knew he was right. Suppressing a smile was hard, but I did my best. As I ate my breakfast, I couldn’t get the image out of my mind. I knew she wouldn’t be able to change overnight; she has had a lifetime of being spoiled. But at least she is trying. I told her I was leaving in the morning. It appears she actually listened to me and tried to change before I left. I want to know how she does at the stables. There are only a few jobs to do there. Each one will be hard work. When Reed goes to speak to Lottie, I get the directions to the stables. It’s quite far, but I enjoy the walk. It is beautiful here. So much greenery. When I got there, I saw Eden’s friend, Ara. She is riding a horse with a bow in her hand, shooting at a target. She releases the arrow and actually hits the target. Not dead center, but not far off. I have never seen anyone do t

Council Member Charles POV “Is he dead yet?” I asked, staring at Mike, the head of the council’s protection detail. “Not that we know of Charles. We can only assume he is. From what I was told, the wolves were making a meal out of him. We can’t get through the witch’s barrier to check.” “He had better be dead or he could inform someone of our plans. It is too early.” I thought for a moment. “Make sure someone guards the house at all times.” “Yes sir, I will inform Richards to increase the number of wolves patrolling the area.” I have never had any dealings with Edward’s brother. I have never wanted too either. The way Edward had always talked about him made him sound like he was hellbent on revenge. So, when Edward told us he wanted revenge on the Royals for killing his daughter, I knew that would fit in with our agenda. Richard risking his life to exact his revenge is an opportunity not to be missed. Killing her would weaken her mates. That fits in with our plans and tha

Lottie’s POV After answering Reed’s questions, Maddox and I found somewhere to sit and talk. He was still upset about Parker, and I couldn’t stop thinking about Caren. Especially as I was staring at Reed. I now know where she is and I want to get her. What if she got captured as she was going home? “Everyone here has been so nice to me and I know they want me here because of that prophecy they keep talking about.” I told Maddox. “But Lottie, they need two elemental wolves. We could get Caren and look for Parker while we were there?” “I was told by Ember that the house was guarded. That was why we couldn’t go there after they took you. We could ask the King’s for some guards to help us.” I know no one here could stop me if I wanted to leave. But I have also made some real friends during my time here. It would be a shame to throw that away if I left by force. “Lottie, I really want to look for Parker.” Maddox says sadly, repeating himself. “I know you do, love. I know you do

Ember’s POV “Xavier, I’m worried.” I told my mate. I am worried about Lottie’s mom and sister. Last time I was there, wolves that wanted to capture me surrounded the house. It was just after Lottie killed the Council Man. But what he wanted to do to her was horrific. He even confessed to organizing our mom’s murder. He was lucky she made his death quick. I would have made him suffer. “Stop that.” Xavier scolded me. “I can feel your emotions through the bond. We are stronger this time, better prepared. The element of surprise is on our side, since they don’t know we’re coming. We will find them and we will find Saxon as well.” I forgot about the mate bond. That is when I realized I could feel Xavier’s determination to find his brother. River Valley Pack is close to the palace. With the speed we are running at a speed we will be there in no time. As we get near the human town, the stench of wolves is apparent. The others pause as well. Xavier shifts and tells us to do the same s