Fallon POVI ride on Ryan's back. I lay into his fur as the wind rushes over us. I feel at peace. Peace is hard to come by for me lately. It may be time for some peace in my life. But first, more family drama to contend with and then maybe some peace. "You okay?" Ryan asks me as he runs fast through the woods toward a light. That must be the packhouse. I am holding on so tight that I worry I am pulling his fur. "I am fine," I answer him. Am I fine? I think so. "We are almost there," Ryan growls. My head rests on his back as I hold his fur. I listen to his heart beating and the sounds of his paws digging into the ground. The sounds of peace and love are soothing. It almost lulls me to sleep. Ryan stops in front of a house. I assume this is the packhouse. A young woman comes out as Ryan shifts back into his human form. She is staring at me hard. "Fallon, I assume," the young woman says, not breaking the cold stare. "Yes," I answer. I step toward her, but she backs away. "Let her
Fallon POVI follow Ryan out of the packhouse and into the woods surrounding us. The night is enchanting, just like Ryan. "I will shift slowly, and then you follow," Ryan says. Ryan tries to go over every aspect of the shift, but as he speaks, the smell of rain and the whispers of my ancestors consume me. I can hear their whispers of encouragement. Ryan stops ahead of me. "Are you listening to me?" he asks me. He raises his eyebrows. He already knows my mind is elsewhere. "I am listening to you and them," I say with a smile. The moon is enormous and hanging just above the treeline. It seems to engulf Ryan as he shifts. He is talking to me as he shifts, walking me through the steps. I hear bones cracking as he growls. This is going to hurt like hell. Ryan stands before me on all fours. He is a beautiful wolf. His eyes glowing in the moonlight. He is perfection. "You try, go slowly, and take your time. Just think about shifting and let your body do the rest. It may not happen the f
Ryan POVFallon digs into learning the art of reaping, being a wolf, and being a witch. She consumes every ounce of knowledge I give her. She fights with her heart and the desire to kill the ones that are responsible for the death of her family. The ancestors watch as Fallon trains. I watch them as close as they watch her. At times, I do not trust them. They want her to be a reaper. I only want her to be happy. Fallon flashes a smile at me, catching me watching her as she takes out a wolf being than her. "I think they let me win because of my father," Fallon says, laughing. The wolf crawls from the practice mat. "I would never insult you, Fallon," the wolf says. He is injured. Fallon has no idea just how strong she really is. To think she hasn't accepted all of her gifts yet. "I think you can kick their ass, and probably mine too," I say, moving closer to her. I brush my hand through Fallon's hair. Our eyes meet, and we look into each other's eyes for what seems like forever. I wa
Libby POVMother Agnes worries for Fallon every second of the day. We know she is safe. Ryan keeps us informed of her training and the decisions she has made concerning her future. Probably the most shocking was the decision to marry Ryan after she completes training. A summer wedding in New Orleans between the big bad wolf and the new reapers will happen soon enough. Mother Agnes is happy, and so am I. It was no secret that Ryan was Fallon's mate, but I did not think it would happen this fast. Maybe I did know but ignored it. Fallon took on new gifts when she accepted her wolf. When she is ready, I will teach her to use her magic. When all her skills are at her disposal, Fallon will be unstoppable. She will be the reaper we need, the protector of our community if that is what she wants. Otherwise, things could get bad for all of the supernatural community. Mother Agnes rocks on the front porch in her rocker and watches for Fallon to return every day. I am trying to understand why.
Alpha Mayhem POVFallon is coming along great. Her training is exceeding everyone's expectations, including mine. Ryan knows how to push her just enough for her to complete any mission he sets up for her. She is coming into all her reaper and wolf abilities beautifully. Ryan, how do I feel about him marking Fallon? At first, I was furious. I want her to be a wolf, not a reaper. This may be the first step toward her finding herself as a wolf. Fallon has her mate and her pack. Why does she need to prove herself as a witch and a reaper? Honestly, watching Fallon train, I can see why she needs to be the reaper. Yes, the supernatural community needs her, but what about her needs? When does Fallon get to be Fallon? My thoughts are interrupted by my wolves approaching. "Alpha Mayhem, there is a woman and an older woman at the gate to see you. I believe both are witches. The older one is demanding I let her in or else," Beta Staggs says. He looks shaken. Only one older woman can make a you
Fallon POVSeeing Libby and Mother Agnes brings me so much joy. I hate that something is happening with Bruce, but part of me worries it is a setup. Maybe that is why Alpha Mayhem is on edge. He looks more worried today sitting here with Mother Agnes than the day I showed up wanting answers. I feel a strong arm come around me and pull me in for a warm embrace. "Ryan, I need your help. Are you willing to help Bruce?" I ask him. I close my eyes and try to enjoy his embrace for a moment. Any moment in Ryan's arms is heaven. "I will help you in any tasks you ask for my help and the ones you don't. You are my future wife, my love and my mate. I am yours and you are mine," Ryan says. He kisses my temple. I notice Mother Agnes watching us. I try to listen to her mind. He loves me, I say to her through a link with her mind. I know she answers and then looks away. She terminates the mind link. I am not sure what is going on with her either. Everyone is on edge. It cannot be just because Um
Bruce POVThe room is cold, and I feel alone. My wounds are not healing. It feels like there is salt buried deep in my wounds. Everything hurts and stings. I try to think of her. Fallon, I loved you so much, but you rejected me. I knew the plan was for me to keep her in constant agony, but I did care for her. I grew to love her as I watched over her, and then she picked Ryan over me. "ARGHHHH!" I scream out. The door creaks, and someone pushes it open. The darkness of the cold room becomes illuminated by the light from the hallway. "I know you loved her, Bruce, but she did not love you that is why she let you leave. She only loves him. Tell me where she is, and I can stop all of your pain and her pain," Umbra hisses at me. I worshiped Umbra and followed her teachings for so long, but Umbra is drunk on power and destroying lives. Did I have a choice in getting involved with Umbra? No! "Stop all this thinking and rationalizing, Bruce. You knew it was your responsibility to watch Fal
Ryan POVI return to Fallon. I am sure she enjoys seeing Mother Agnes and Libby, even if it is not under the best circumstances. She wants a family and a life. I want to give her those things. Fallon rushes out of the Alpha's home and into my arms. I pick Fallon up and swing her around, kissing her lips as if we have been separated for months, not hours. "I missed you," Fallon says, looking into my eyes. I hope she always feels that way. I look behind Fallon to see Libby and Mother Agnes watching us. "They are happy for us," Fallon says. She can see my worry and hear my anxious thoughts. "Good, I am happy for us too. Hopefully, after we rescue Bruce, we can get him to be happy for us," I say. I know that will never happen. I have a terrible feeling about Bruce and Umbra. "Yeah, maybe," Fallon says. Fallon takes my hand, and I follow her to the steps. "We are going home, but we will be back in an hour," Fallon tells Mother Agnes. "I need to help Mother Agnes settle. I will be rea