Quinn POV Amelia and the remaining members of her and Rowan’s army were nowhere to be found. I immersed myself in helping tend to any injured and to support the mourning families. I refused to acknowledge that now that the other services for the fallen had been commenced, it was now time for my mother’s. The impending storm that threatened to come held off for my mother’s service. Whispers and side glances plagued my senses as I stood next to my father and Ryan. Derek stood behind me, close enough to let me know that he was there, but also allowing me to mourn with my family. My black knee length dress felt like it was suffocating me. I tugged at the fabric, attempting to get more room but unsuccessful. My father stood as still as a statue in an all black bespoke suit. His hands rested in front of him as he continued to look at my mother’s dark cherry coffin. Thomas led the ceremony. His usually bright emerald green eyes were dull and filled with unshed tears. Everyone was dressed

Quinn POVDerek sensed something was amidst and followed me outside where we both shifted into our wolves. The full moon’s energy coursed through us, giving us heightened speed and senses. I heard howls in the distance accompanied by mind-link messages that they too were on their way to see the rise of Damien Pierce. As we approached the hospital, the voices that had quieted since receiving my necklace were now talking all at once. “Savior! Follow the power!” The tall slate brick building came into view. Seline pushed herself faster. Wanting nothing more than to get closer to the energy source that emanated from the tall building. As we approached the hospital, two nurses stood outside waiting for us with scrubs to change into. Derek and I quickly shifted back to our human forms. “My Queen.” The nurses bowed before handing us the clothing. I still didn’t know how to handle being called that. I certainly did not feel like a queen. I gave them a small smile before getting changed. “W

9 MONTHS LATER:POV Quinn “One more push Quinn. She’s almost here.” The nurse encouraged me. I squeezed Derek’s hand once more, making him wince. He had been warned not to look over the curtain and sure enough, as our baby girl was getting pulled out of me, he looked and began to sway on his feet. “Will someone please bring our King a wet compress.” The nurse between my legs instructed. She looked up at me. “One more push Quinn.”I shook my head. “I can’t.” I cried. Derek was able to pull himself together and pressed a kiss to my sweaty temple. “You can do it, baby.” Derek encouraged me. I screamed as I gave my last push, giving everything I had left in me. The equipment and lights moved and flickered at my scream. No one in the room flinched when they heard my scream. Instead they carried on like I wasn’t an octave away from blowing eardrums out. I heard my baby girl’s wail as she entered this world. My body sagged from the immediate relief of being down with pushing. I looked

EPILOGUE 8 YEARS LATER:“Momma, I want to go see uncle Ryan!” Ellie groaned. She stomped her pink-glitter converse into the gravel of the driveway. I continued to buckle Pryor into his car seat. I sighed and looked down at my baby boy who had a big gummy smile on his face. I kissed the tip of his nose before closing the car door. “Ellisse, how many times do I need to go over this with you?” She crossed her arms and looked so much like myself, I almost wanted to take a picture of it. Ellie groaned again and looked up at the sky. “I just don’t understand why I have to go with you to get grandpa.”’I squatted down in front of her. Trying to level with an eight year old was not easy. I straightened her jacket. “We will be quick honey. I know you are excited to see Uncle Ryan on his special day, but Great Grampa wants to be there too.” “I want to see uncle Ryan, but I want to see Rykerrrrr” She growled. Ryker was Mandy and Elan’s son who was a year younger than Ellisse. She was transfix