AUSTIN.“Daddy will miss you, too, buddy…” I said softly as I gently smoothed my hand over his back. “I love you. Don’t forget that.”Soon, he began making noises of excitement, and I didn’t need to wonder as to why because I smelled my father. The sounds of footsteps approaching reached my ear before I felt his presence behind us. “I was at the training building, but your men said you didn’t go there,” Dad said.“I was with David from the time I woke up. I changed his diapers and clothes. Lexi was still sleeping.” I answered without looking at him. “I asked for a time off until they leave today.”David started to make giggling noises and became restless. I felt Dad behind me, and his hands went over me as he held David. I loosened my hold on my son and let Dad take him, but my gaze remained on the vast forest in front of us.“Are you okay?” He asked.“No. I’m not…”“I wish I could do more, Austin.”“Me, too…” I paused before I took a deep breath. “After you realized you wanted Mom,
AUSTIN. I clapped my hands as a proud smile crossed my face after the female with whom Lexi was sparring tapped the ground to surrender. Lexi won the duel against her co-trainees again. I knew it would only be a matter of time before she could match up with Harlene, the top female warrior in our pack and the one handling her training. Because it seemed even if she wasn’t fully trained all her life, she was a naturally born skilled fighter. It was nothing surprising, as she came from an Alpha bloodline. “Aren’t you supposed to be working? Work hours are not over yet.” She said coyly as she approached me. I handed her a towel before opening her water bottle and giving it to her as well. “I don’t mind being an errand boy for my beautiful female.” I flashed her a smug smirk while my eyes basked at the beauty in front of me. She was indeed beautiful, even if she was sweaty and her hair was sticking to the side of her face. A wide smile curled on her lips before she spoke again.
LEXI.“You’re mine, Lexi,” Austin whispered in my ear and his words sent shivers down my spine, but I couldn’t help being terrified of what was about to come. Trust Austin. I kept chanting in my head. I knew he would never put me in danger. Austin let go of his hands, covering my eyes. My lashes fluttered before I slowly opened my eyes. A soft gasp escaped my throat when I saw someone in front of us — not just one person, but a lot. “Austin…” I called him, and I had no idea if a sound came out of my throat. My eyes widened before a smile curled on my lips. Everyone in Austin’s family was here, even Jason and Jessica, and David and Marie. They all looked at us with a wide smile on their faces. “Oh, Goddess! What’s going on?” I asked as I slowly turned my head to look at Austin. And if I thought finding his family here was already the surprise, Austin gave me more. I saw him kneeling on one knee beside me with the rose quartz ring that he gave me as our engagement ring. After the
AUSTIN. I watched with pride in my chest as Lexi walked toward me. Who would have thought that a female as strong and as beautiful as hers would give an easy-go-lucky playboy a chance to be better? She was so beautiful and just perfect. Even if I saw her every day, every night, I was sure I would never get tired of looking at her. I would no longer be afraid to admit that she was indeed the most beautiful female I had ever laid eyes on. The same thought I had when I first saw her when I was thirteen years old and met her for the first time. I knew my young heart was captivated by her beauty, even at first sight. But the fact that she was full of angst and had ignored me was something I couldn’t accept. Before Lexi became a part of the Black Shadow Pack, I was just an ordinary adolescent, crushing on females, but I never made any moves. When she came, and every other person became her friend except me, it challenged me to prove to her that I could do better. I started charming
ALPHA JACE. My brows hiked up the moment the border came into view. One of the men guarding this side sent me a mindlink that Gray was here and had requested to speak with Austin. I told them to let him know Austin was on his way, but it was Tyler and I that drove there. Austin and Lexi took three days off to have an official honeymoon. It could have been longer, but the delegates for the Gamma Camp are arriving in a few days, and Austin needed to make sure we were prepared for that. Since we knew they were being watched and to make sure Lexi would not be taken, they just went to a secluded beach on the east part of the territory. But they should be here by midnight. “Do you want me to go with you, or should I stay behind?” Tyler asked as we approached the border. “If Gray comes with men around him, then come closer. If he will speak with me alone, just stay behind.” “Got it. And just letting you know, the men are ready just in case they insist on entering the border.” I ju
LADY DAVINA. I finally caught Amara alone. She was with Lexi or Catherine most of the time, and as much as I loved them, I didn’t want any audience when I made a fool out of myself. “Can I come in?” I asked, my head peeking at the door of the nursery. She was here alone, playing with Colton. “Sure, why not?” I stepped in and locked the door behind me. It didn’t slip my eyes when her eyebrows hiked up before her forehead creased. “Should I be worried that you locked the door?” I giggled. “I just don’t want anyone to hear or come while we talk.” “Are you okay?” She asked before she patted the space beside her. She sat on the carpeted floor while Colton played with blocks and animal plushies. I nodded. “I just want to ask something, but promise me you won’t tell a soul.” “Even Jace?” “Even Jace.” “If this is a matter of life and death, I cannot keep that from him.” “I’m just curious, but I don’t want anyone to know I’ve been asking.” I told her. To be honest, I was not even
LADY DAVINA. It was already almost dark when I reached home. Dinner was probably over. I went to Mom and Dad’s home, but they weren’t there. Of course, they were at the packhouse, but it didn’t stop me from dipping into their swimming pool and ransacking their fridge. It was only when I got bored that I decided to walk home. “Davina!” My eyes rolled when Cyrus’ familiar voice rang in the air. “Isn’t it too late to drive now? Why are you still here?” I asked him. “Amara invited us to stay for dinner, but we are driving soon.” He answered, placing his hand on his hips. “Where have you been? You shouldn’t be going around alone.” “I’m in my own territory.” “I know, but it’s still dangerous. You have a big forest here without a wolf...” “Stop!” I raised my hand between us. “Just stop, Cyrus. I’m not asking for your opinion.” “I’m just concerned.” “I know. But please stop. I’m not a kid anymore! I can take care of myself…” “There’s nothing wrong with reminding you…” “I don’t
LEXI. After dinner, Austin, Louise, and I went for a walk. We decided it was time to let her know about shifters. I was expecting the worst, but I guess I underestimated my grandmother, or there were things I didn’t know. She seemed quiet while I told her everything — that werewolves were not myths, that turning into a wolf during a full moon was only a reality for first-time shifters, as shifters could shift anytime they wanted. I only got worried when she almost fainted when Atlas came out behind the tree after we told her Austin would shift into his wolf. I waited for her to ridicule us or say that we were crazy, but she didn’t say anything negative and just accepted everything. She asked if I also had a wolf, and I told her about my blood having human blood and that it would take time for my wolf to surface. Austin and I decided she didn’t need to know about the wolfsbane incident or that I might never shift at all. We then talk about mate bonds and how special they were, and