HenryMy family stands a few feet behind the Knights as we watch Alpha Maven, Luna Amelia, and Magnolia. Magnolia looks stunning, like a true leader.We watch as Xavier Black comes out of his car and his eyes immediately survey the area like he’s checking for any immediate threats. His daughter walks up behind him and I don’t know what I was expecting from Beatrix Black, but it’s not what I saw.Her hair is black and is in a high ponytail, she wears a studded head band, her outfit is simple, a black graphic tee with a popular band on the front along with a pair of jeans. She doesn’t look like she cares about impressing anyone and she doesn’t look ready to lead a pack.Her eyes flicker to her father’s back, but he doesn’t introduce himself or her. Her lips part as she breathes out and then she seems to know what she needs to do. She takes a step toward the Alpha’s family and says, “Hi, I am Beatrix Black and I appreciate you welcoming us into your pack and your home over these next cou
VioletThe silence in the air is thick as Cora looks at me. She takes slow breathes as she processes the information of what I said. Finally she says, “You don’t want me to do that, Violet.”“Yes I do!” I exclaim as I take a step towards her and desperation seeps through my voice. I say, “I can’t… I can’t be mated to this man, Cora.”“You don’t know him, Violet, and the moon goddess makes these matches for a reason, surely you believe that.”“This is Phoenix Black, Cora. I can’t do this. You know who his father is, you know what he’s taken from me!”“I do know, Violet, but Phoenix is not Xavier. How can you judge him just based on who his parents are?”“And what’s my alternative?” I argue back, “Be with him, be mated and have kids and carry on the lineage of Xavier Black!”Cora’s eyes squeeze shut and she sits into her chair and she turns her face away from me as she tries to process her conflicted emotions. I kneel in front of her and say, “I believe you have a way out for me that yo
VioletCora left me to my own thoughts after our conversation and before my mind had even processed what my body was doing, I had collected all of my hunting gear and I was walking back toward the Renegade Pack.Selene was quiet through all of this. I know neither one of us knew what to do about Phoenix. She was hurt by his father’s actions too and although, he is not his father, the point still stands. Being with Phoenix means accepting being apart of his family and his family is Xavier.If I killed Xavier before accepting Phoenix would that make things any easier?The trek back to the Renegade Pack seemed to take longer than it did to come home. I think on my way home I had been too lost with my racing thoughts. This time, my thoughts distract me, but the closer I get to the pack the more it feels like there’s lead in my stomach.Before I cross the border I make sure to mask my scent and then I wait. I wait for an opening when the guards wouldn’t notice me walking through.This is
VioletMy heart beats faster as Phoenix turns towards me. I wonder if he can hear how hard my heart is beating. It’s hard to breathe knowing that he’s about to discover me and want to talk.I can’t help but release the breathe I had been holding when I hear a girl yell out, “Phoenix!”He turns around, his back now facing me, as he looks at the girl and she says, “Finally, I caught up with you. You need to come back and get ready. The Knights want us for a formal dinner tonight.”His voice is gruff and sends a shiver down my spine as he responds, “What does that have to do with me?”“You’re apart of our family and the pack. Dad expects you there.”He slowly nods his head as he follows his sister back to the pack house. He’s so stunningly handsome and as arousal and desire stirs within me, so does fear and anxiety. How am I supposed to reject the one that was made for me?And if I don’t reject him… how am I supposed to live with him knowing who his father is?Maybe it’s wrong of me to j
PhoenixDinner is dull and awkward to say the least.It was eerily quiet as everyone felt uncomfortable with my family’s presence, I can’t blame them. My father is an intimidating man. Alpha Maven and Luna Amelia remember the things my dad did to get where he is, I’m sure. I’d be shocked if they didn’t know. I’m not sure what his purpose is with us being here for real, he says it’s so that Beatrix can make an alliance, but I don’t believe him. This pack is awhile away from ours and we have always had peace with them, there’s no reason for him to think that they would attack us.I think this is one of the reasons that he wants Beatrix as a Female Alpha instead of letting me take the position. She hasn’t been trained for this and is following his lead, so he’s able to play puppet master a little longer and remain in control.He set down his fork and says, “Thank you for the meal.”Luna Amelia smiles and says, “Of course, it’s an honor to have you Alpha Black.”He leans back in his chai
VioletI sit on a branch high in the trees as I watch over the Renegade pack house. My stomach churns with anxiety knowing that my mate is inside those walls and I don’t know what on Earth could be happening. I watch as some of the patrol comes to the house and line up on either side of it. I frown as I wonder what they’re doing here and what could be going on inside the house. Suddenly, Phoenix stumbles out of the house and I notice his hands are balled up into fists.The sun is going down and it’s hard to make out details, but I could almost swear that there is black strands that are creeping up his arms. I almost fall out of the tree as I subconsciously twisted my body in an effort to watch him as he walks away.My eyes flicker back to the pack house and I see that the patrol standing and waiting all seem tense. Whatever is going on inside can’t be good and while I’m curious about what’s going on, I need to take advantage of this moment to see Phoenix. I breathe out as I try to fi
Violet“To kill Xavier Black.” Phoenix’s words echo in my ears. He looks at me with a cheeky smirk and I can’t help but think that this must be some kind of trap.Mate or not, I don’t know this man. How can I trust him?His eyes roam over me and he says, “I know what you’re thinking, how could you trust a Black? I know it’s hard to believe, but I agree that the world would be better off without my dad in it.”“You’re his son. How can I trust you? You’re luring me into some kind of trap.”He shrugs, “You can think whatever you want. But I don’t like my father. He’s a cruel man and has done nothing good for me. Hell, he tried to force me into killing Alpha Maven and Luna Amelia and destroy their whole pack house. I had to become a rogue to break free from him and his commands.”“I’m sorry, what?”Phoenix tilts his head to the side and asks, “What confuses you, darling?”His new nickname throws me off and I snap, “Don’t call me that.” I breathe out and continue, “What do you mean you’re a
Magnolia The air is thick with tension as the door closes from Xavier Black and his children leaving the dining room because of my father’s command. I notice that my mom’s eyes flicker to my dad’s and for a moment it’s like everything stands still. No one is sure what to do- if we should stay put or if my dad should follow them or… what. My dad’s voice is hard and demanding as he says, “Magnolia, you need to go somewhere safe. You need to be hidden, just in case, until they’re off our pack grounds. Amelia, take Magnolia-” My mom interrupts him before he can finish his sentence, “Dear, if you think I’m leaving you then you’re insane.” He lets out a low growl, annoyed that his mate isn’t doing what he commands. Henry stands as he says, “Alpha Knight, I can take Magnolia to safety.” Dad nods his head as he says, “Yes, that’s doable. You can keep her safe.” Charlie shoots up as he says, “I’ll go with them.” My dad nods his head and Henry grabs onto my arm and Charlie is right behind