ELLE Ziyah had asked for me to come over at my earliest convenience but without elaboration. She had a serious edge to her voice, so the reason could be anything. Kade and Dante were over at the Slater pack, checking in with the progress thus far. So, it was just me, the boys, and Caiathus that would be going over. The boys were really eager to see their cousins, and so was I. There was no doubt in my mind that they would be close as they grew up. I had once worried that I might not make a good mother because I never really had anyone to show me what it meant to be one. Thankfully, it came naturally. There were days that was smooth sailing but others that were highly challenging. I would not give even a moment of it up though. Each moment was precious and would one day be only a memory. That thought always had a sobering effect whenever I got overwhelmed. Our boys were extremely well-mannered, but they were still just pups. I would have them no other way though. Their journey ahead

ZIYAH The strategy meeting was set for 10:00 A.M. There were going to be many people involved, so we decided to have it in the building where my Luna ceremony had been held at. It was large enough that we would not be crowded. We had quite a few volunteers who set up the long tables, individual seating for those who were more comfortable that way, and a breakfast buffet for anyone who was hungry. This meeting was intended for leadership and those they felt would be able to add to the planning stage. One thing that I loved about our pack was that there was never a shortage of volunteers. It was the same with Nightshade. All of us were more than pack. We were family. From Dark Moon – Jackson and Imeela were not coming, but Brynn, Theo, Dustin, Dahlia, Cadence, and their Lamias were able to head this way. Tris was also coming since she was Brynn’s Vessel guide and would be an asset. Valis was sitting in for Imeela because he understood her abilities and what she could bring to the ta

DANTE ‘Our aiyanos are with me in the magic room. Love you.’ I groaned when I read the note that had been left on her pillow. She was up early again. While I understood her need since everything was counting down, she still could have woken me up. I knew there was not much I could do, but I could at least still support her. ‘Let’s take her some coffee,’ Byron said, yawning and stretching out. ‘Do you need one too?’ I teased him. He flashed me a grin and nodded. Coffee was one thing that he drank plenty of when he had his own body for twenty-four hours because he had loved the taste. I threw on a pair of shorts and a tank since we would be training soon. It was only 7:30 A.M. so there was still a little bit before we had to head out. Coffees in hand, I made my way to the magic room. I smiled at the sight that greeted me. Ziyah was using her magic to create a carousel of magical creatures right in front of them. They were mesmerized by it. “Look who’s here! Come on in, Daddy.” “

ELLE Imeela had reached out to Ziyah and related everything that she and Jackson had witnessed during their astral projection into the coven. First, Toris Klarish had procured some of Loki’s essence to be used against Ziyah. It would completely strip her ability to use her magic. Ziyah had said that Yincenzi was a concoction that contained his essence and specific ingredients which would make the binding permanent. Apparently, Loki despised that Ziyah had found favor with the gods but also because she had made it impossible for some of the fucked-up ventures to continue with the ridiculous powerful boundaries as well as being the one to lead the charge against Blantay. Second, Loki had only allowed Andrei to believe that he would be the one to receive the power from Hecate’s blessing when it was extracted from Imeela. However, it would be Loki’s to receive. It would amp up his power level but would require a sacrifice of thirteen bonded pairs. That was where the forced markings woul

DANTE It was a great thing that we had brought so many people because the enemies were numerous and filled with some serious fucking power. Byron and I wanted to rush out there and rip the fucker’s throat out with the way that he was looking at our mate and the things that he was saying. However, what kept me grounded was knowing that she and our people could be caught in the crossfire. I could not allow that to happen. Did you want to know something seriously fucking amusing? How easily my girl got underneath the fucker’s ugly fucking skin. He was either the star of or the instigator in most of her nightmares. He was the one who imprisoned and tortured her in every single fucking way possible. Watching Elle up against the bitchy Bandore or Brynn up against the fucker who murdered her mother had nothing on this showdown. I had been threading the enemies vines together since the moment that they showed up. Not only had I put in a lot of time and effort to master this, but my girl a