All Chapters of The Mark of Betrayal: Chapter 71 - Chapter 80

SamaraMovie night was much needed. Slade stayed attached to Roman like he was a suckerfish until he finally fell asleep and Sloane was nearly the same with me. She pressed her body so close to mine that I’m pretty sure air molecules couldn’t pass between us.But they needed it. It was important. And while it didn’t seem like Sloane was really watching the movie, I kept an arm wrapped around her, alternating between hugging her and rubbing her head while we ate popcorn and drank sodas.Pierce kept up a low-level purr to help Slade relax and even after he fell asleep, Roman continued to rub his back and Pierce continued to purr at him.Sloane fell asleep with her head on my shoulder. Since she also seemed restless even in sleep, Roman and I stayed on the couch long after the movie ended, letting both of our children fall deeper into sleep.When Aria started to stir, Roman took Slade to bed, but I stayed with Sloane. Ayla purred at her, keeping her asleep, but I know Sloane's struggling.

RomanAfter learning that we’re having a boy, I told the omegas to prepare a feast and that night, I stood beside Samara while she held Aria and I held Slade, with Sloane standing by our side as we announced to the entire pack that Samara is pregnant with our Alpha heir.The party went well into the night as our pack enthusiastically celebrated. At one point, I noticed Samara checking on Phoebe. She and Adrian haven’t yet completed their bond and I’m glad about that. I know from experience that when you give your mate the time she needs, that when she gives herself to you, it’s the greatest gift you could ever receive. When I saw Adrian looking longingly at his mate, I said that to him. Watching him with Phoebe makes me think that he might just be a good replacement for Austin. If Phoebe is honest about not holding the pups accountable for what Sawyer did, then I will seriously consider them as my new Beta couple.Since we also have Scarlet and Luca this week, I made sure that I sent S

RomanI knew that surprising Samara by bringing Alpha William early would make her happy and I absolutely love the feeling of her happiness that washes over not just me, but the entire pack. What I didn’t expect was Sloane’s reaction.I realize that Sloane is almost the same age that Samara was when she got to William’s pack, but there’s obviously something about him, something different than me, that makes her feel safe.During lunch, Sloane was practically attached to Alpha William’s hip. He didn’t seem to mind at all. If anything, he seemed to enjoy bringing her peace and comfort. While he talked to Samara and got caught up on our life here, carefully avoiding any discussion of Sawyer and Althea, I watched as he’d casually pull Sloane in for a side hug, or run his hand over her hair while he asked her how she liked her lunch and if she wanted anything else. Maybe it’s because he’s not part of the family and he played no role in killing Sloane’s parents, but I don’t think that’s it e

Roman“Remember what I said, Alpha Waylon,” I growl, my warning very clear.“I’m not going to say anything. I promised you I wouldn’t unless she asks. Who is the man she is calling her grandfather?” he asks, watching Sloane introduce Scarlet to Alpha William.“Why don’t I go get Aria while the four of you talk,” my mother says, walking up. ‘Do you want me to get your father?’ she asks me in the mind link.‘Not yet,’ I tell her.“Slade is with Luna Jasmine, of course,” I tell her out loud. I’m still amazed that he’s attached himself to her so easily.“Alpha Waylon, Judith, follow me,” I tell them.I notice the two haven’t taken their eyes off Sloane. If they do anything to disrupt the peace that she’s just starting to find, I’ll tear them to shreds.Once we’re in my office, I gesture for them to sit, pulling Samara onto the couch beside me.“You asked who Sloane was talking to. That is Alpha William. He’s the man who adopted me when I was on the run after my family was murdered,” Samara

SamaraI can’t remember having this much fun since my mother passed away. When she was alive, I’d sit with her while she would get ready for big events, or we’d get ready together. By then, Althea was old enough that she didn’t want to participate, but my mother and I always had a great time.Getting ready for my Luna ceremony with Elizabeth, Sloane, Scarlet and eventually Luna Devi and Luna Jasmine, was reminiscent of my time with my mother. I was happy to see that Elizabeth and Scarlet have matching dresses, just like Sloane and I.Luna Devi is doing my hair when I feel Roman push his love through the bond. I instantly reach out, embracing it and him.Luna Devi starts chuckling, distracting me.“What’s funny?” I ask her.“Ayla just started purring,” Elizabeth says, grinning at me.I smile. “Roman,” is all I have to say. All the adults are mated so they know what that means.Once we’re done, everyone heads downstairs leaving me and Sloane alone.“Are you ready to stand on that stage b