XAVIER'S POVI never thought the day would come when my mind would allow me to share such delicate information with anyone. But here I was, pouring my heart and soul out to a girl I just met.I peeled open my heart, layer by layer, and I revealed every secret that I'd only ever shared with the Moon. We sat crossed-legged on the soft grass facing each other and I left no detail out as I began to tell Athena everything about my past.“So, you also witnessed your parents' murders," she sniffled. “I despise him. I hate that Cyrus so much." Her tiny fists were closed so tightly, I didn't have to look at her face to know she was angry. Her silver eyes hardened like a steel sword when she let her rage take over.“And I promise you this, Athena Moonville, I will gift you Cyrus's head on a spike. You mark my words," I grunted. A ball of anger rolled off my chest, turning my voice demonic. I had to force Exodus to sit down in the back of my mind. He was grunting, raving mad with saliva leaking

ATHENA'S POVTo say I felt awkward and embarrassed would be the understatement of the century.Elder Panton's heavy gaze added a burden to my already weak body. My feet still hadn't recovered from Xavier's touch. They were still wobbly and jelly-like as we followed Elder Panton inside the pack house.Xavier had his hand on my back in a protective manner. Members of the pack stared in fascination as they scrutinized our dripping forms.We stopped in front of a white door. An omega handed us both towels, so we could dry ourselves.“Valerie, why don't you take Athena to her room," Xavier ordered, and it was at that moment I noticed Valerie stretching her arms out to me.“Xavier?"“I will be there as soon as I'm finished here," he took my palm and kissed it, and everybody in eye shot gasped.“Come, let us go now," Valerie wrapped a hand over my shoulder and steered me away from the others.“Why is everybody looking at me like that?” I asked.“It's because the Alpha has never shown emotion

ATHENA'S POVI wandered alone in the woods. The night was quiet, and the wind brought with it an eerie chill. The moon was out, casting its rich blue glow down on me.“How did I get here?" I questioned myself. A rustle sounded near the bushes to my left, then I heard twigs snapping and crunching beneath boots. My body went on high alert with my head swinging from side to side and my eyes scanning the area, trying to catch who or what was lurking nearby.I swallowed hard when I noticed the place fell silent. There was a light chuckle, and the hairs on my neck stood up from the evil static in the air. “Who goes there?" I asked, contemplating in which direction I should run. Soon, a pair of glowing eyes emerged from behind the bushes. I didn't wait to see who it was. I took off running. Sweat soaked my body as I swooped past branches of trees and hurdled over protruding roots from the earth.The beast chased me, howling and grunting. It was no doubt he was enjoying toying with me; loving

ATHENA'S POVIt had been hours since I had been travelling with Maggie through the woods. She led me to believe it would have been a quick trip. My knees were tired, and I was becoming hungry."Maybe I should go back. You said your daughter was only two hours away.""Two hours running in wolf form. But remember child, you don't have that privilege. So it's 6 hours, give or take.”I rolled my eyes. This was fucked up. I should be home getting ready for my ceremony with Xavier. But then it hit me. What did Maggie mean by I needed to learn how the pack ran things?Maybe they were old-fashioned and allowed pack members to watch their Alpha and his mate have sex to ensure that the pair were fully mated. My skin crawled. I didn't think I could survive such an ordeal.“Great,” I whined as I stepped onto the muddy fields. “I wish I'd known how far we'd travel, so I could have worn better shoes,” I cursed, looking down at the brown gladiator sandals that were muddied and wet. Maggie stopped, a

MAGGIE'S POV“Please, Mother. Make me understand the reason you kept this from me," Oneka sniffled. “I always thought my father died protecting you from rogues when I was a pup. I knew he must have been from Alpha's blood because my wolf is an alpha female, but I never in a million years guessed it was the wolf who'd hurt you so badly. The wolf I grew up hating so passionately."“Just listen to me. It wasn't all your father's fault. He had no choice, he was forced —"“Forced! I don't believe that," Nicky cut me off.“Just listen to me. It is time I tell the truth." I spoke, turning to Athena. “This story goes out to you too, my dear. And when I've finished saying what I have to say, and if you still wish to mate with Alpha Xavier, then I will support you."“OK." That was all Athena replied.I would rather not tell Athena or anybody else that I wasn't really welcome in the Midnight pack anymore, I was, in fact, banished. I wasn't a rogue, but I was what my daughter said, a lone wolf, a