All Chapters of For Blood Or Beast: Chapter 1 - Chapter 10

Delia’s POVThe first thing I saw when my eyes opened was my mom’s worried face. I recalled what had happened immediately, fear catching at my throat until I realized I was no longer in the woods; I was back at home, tucked safely into my bedroom. I didn’t understand how I had survived that, but I was grateful. Surprisingly, it didn’t at all hurt when I tried to sit up. I felt good as new, as if I had just woken up from a power nap and I smiled at my mother in relief to show her she didn’t need to worry anymore. She didn’t smile back. “Mom? It’s okay. I’m fine.” I said, looking over my unbroken skin and intact limbs in shock. Maybe it had been a bad dream? Because I remember a large wolf sinking its teeth into me, but here I was, arm as good as new. My mother sighed, her soft brown eyes filling with sadness “No it’s not Delia. I’m so sorry. I did everything I could to keep you with us. Remember that okay?”She said tearfully and I got a little confused. “What? I don’t understand.”

Graeme’s POVThe cool night air whipped past me as I sprinted deep into the forest, the sound of the world fading behind me. My paws pounded against the earth in a steady rhythm, adrenaline surging through my veins, pushing me to run faster. I needed to run. Needed to escape before I found myself doing something I couldn’t afford to do. I left my men—and her—far behind. Despite how badly I wanted to turn back, I didn’t. Panic clawed at my insides, but I forced it down, focusing instead on the forest that enveloped me. The trees blurred by in a rush of shadows and moonlight, but the image of Delia's face wouldn’t leave my mind.She had looked so fragile and bewildered, standing between there staring at me with wide, desire filled eyes. There had been something about her when I met her, something that drew me to her, but never in my wildest dreams had I imagined it could be this. Never had I thought that it was a mate bond that called to me. There was no way that girl could be my mate

Delia’s POV “Sit.” Alpha Oswald gruffed gesturing to one of the visitor's chairs opposite his desk. After only a brief hesitation, I stepped forward and slid myself into the seat. He said nothing for a moment, eyeing me steadily. I was uncomfortable for a moment, and tried to avoid his gaze. When he didn’t let up his silent staring, a small wave of anger started to build up inside me and I found myself glaring back into his eyes. A small sound that suspiciously resembled a growl suddenly arose and until his eyes widened slightly, I didn't know it was from me. “Hm. Your wolf’s got a lot of bite for a mutt.” He said sounding slightly impressed. I didn't really understand what he was talking about, but it sounded like a compliment so I mumbled a thanks even though it came out a bit more hostile than I intended. Eyes trained on me, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a pouch, drawing a cigar out and placing it between his lips. “I don’t suppose you care for some?” He offered a

Delia’s POVThe early morning sunlight streamed through the window, the golden beams too bright for how heavy I felt inside. Sleep had come in fits and starts, offering no reprieve from the memories that haunted me. When I did manage to drift off into nothingness, the nightmares came with a vengeance, the snarling of a wolf waking me up with a terrifying jolt. As if that wasn’t enough, Graeme’s voice lingered in my mind, cold and firm in its rejection, as if he’d carved my fate with a single word. I felt hollow, like some essential piece of me had been ripped away, and the wound wouldn’t close— and it wasn’t just for the life I had lost. A soft knock on the door pulled me from my thoughts. I sighed, knowing it would be Annalise, coming to drag me for yet another round of early morning training. We’d been going at it for a week now, with her filling me in on some Lycan culture and the various hierarchies that existed in the pack. I was still clueless about most wolf dynamics, but she

Graeme’s POVI was at the boardroom for a meeting with my council of elders. From the displeased looks on everyone's faces, it was going rather poorly. Despite the whir of the air conditioners tucked into strategic areas of the room, it was stifling, a palpable tension at large.A large rectangular table dominated most of the room with my pack elders seated around. They were eight in total, seasoned wolves with deep roots to prominent Lycan families and a long history of service to the pack. Usually, I had complete and unwavering support from most of them, just as my father had. Today however, none of them seemed particularly… supportive.I greeted them as I took my seat, trying not to let their stiff nods and reluctant answers get to me. As much as I valued their wisdom and contributions to the pack, I was the authority here. They would do well to remember that— as would I. Elder Marlow, always the first to speak, leaned forward, his gnarled hands clasped on the table. “Alpha. Nic