JeremyI startled awake to the insistent rap of knuckles against wood. Blinking gritty eyes, I lifted my head from the pillow, senses still fogged by sleep. Odd...who'd come bangin' at this early hour? Beside me Randelle mumbled incoherently, burrowing deeper under the quilts. I chuckled softly, brushing a kiss over her tousled braid before rolling out of bed. Shivering as cold floorboards leached warmth from my bare soles, I crossed the darkened room. Pale predawn light edged the drawn curtains as I unlatched the door cautiously. Jake's familiar visage greeted me, cheeks ruddy from the chill morning. I cocked a questioning brow as he shouldered past me."Apologies for the rude awakening, brother." Jake made straight for our tiny kitchen, stirring the banked fireplace embers back to life. "But Ezra requests your presence at the longhall once you've broken fast. Urgent pack business."I yawned, scratching fingers through my tousled hair as comprehension filtered through my sleepy brai

RandelleWe met Keiran and the others fighting back Rivero and his mean pack. Keiran's face was tired but fierce. "We won't let them pass!" he yelled. His fur was red from blood.Jeremy pointed his axe. "Freeway pack stay strong!" he bellowed. "We push together!"Everyone roared loud. Their smells were mad and scared but their eyes burned brave. Rivero laughed cold. He was big with black fur and dead eyes. "My wolves will feast well tonight," he sneered. Jeremy jumped at Rivero. Their claws crashed hard. The sound hurt my ears. Rivero kicked Jeremy back. Then his wolves attacked Keiran's team. I launch at a grey wolf. He fell but more came. Their hot breath steamed the air. Their claws and fur were red with blood. My friends were tired from the long fight."Smart Randelle, you lead some wolves around back," Jeremy panted. I gathered Agnus, Kyra, Lana. We snuck behind mean Rivero's pack quiet as foxes. We burst from the bushes yelling. The Rogues turned in surprise. Now my pac

Randelle"It's a new day."I smiled as I sat on top a mossy boulder breathing deep the wet evergreen scents wreathing the dawn-kissed glen. The birdsong and the melodic rush of the swollen creek gradually eased tight muscles in my back, the morning's tranquility balm to battle-rattled senses.The threat of Rivero's marauders had passed like an angry storm front, though his final venomous words still haunted...was our victory merely the eye of a more destructive tempest ahead?Soft footfalls rustled behind me. I turned with a smile to greet Jeremy's approach, taking in the pensive cast to his bearded features. My mate hoisted himself lightly beside me, the boulder barely shifting beneath his bulk. For a time we simply soaked in harmonious surroundings, the press of our shoulders and synchronized breathing enough. But chilling memories would not release their grip so easily.Jeremy sighed heavily, his brooding gaze miles away. "Can't say I much fancy the notion of Rico and his jackal

Randelle "Show yourself. even birds grow weary flitting about so." I exclaimed.An awkward throat cleared before Timothy's bulky frame materialized from the bushes."Timothy?"What's the hell is he doing here? Is he following me now?He looked more abashed cub than formidable warrior, and drunked twigs jutting from his ink black mane. I crossed my arms, cocking one brow in silent inquiry."Er sorry to disturb you, Chosen One. I returned from patrol early and hoped to observe Elder Keiran's lesson then saw you come this way." He scuffed one boot, not quite meeting my eyes. "Didn't mean to lurk like some creeping scout." He laughed wrly.I weighed his words before answering neutrally. "It's nothing, no harm done. But the training grounds is that way." I shrugged my sore shoulders. "Keiran focuses within there."Timothy finally lifted his tawny gaze, conviction burning there. "Oh I know I was following you. Of course. I was amazed by your dedication and how it has great impact on the y