Merrick POVI opened the door to see Corinne standing there with tears rolling her face. I noticed a silver knife in her hand pointed right at me.“Corinne? What are you doing?” She took a step towards me, and I stepped back.“You. Are. Mine!” Before I could move, she plunged the knife into my chest, and I dropped to the floor gasping for breath. My head was spinning and everything was fuzzy.“Victor….. help.” I mindlinked him just before my eyes went dark and I passed out.My mind had awakened before I even opened my eyes. I could hear people talking, an annoying beep, and a rush of air. A strong smell of bleach or cleaner, soft linen and…. Fresh roses and rain. I smiled to myself knowing that wonderful scent. Teaghan was here. I tried to move my arms, but they felt like they were full of lead. My body was tired and heavy, and my mind was exhausted. I groaned out my discomfort and a moment later I felt a warm hand gripping mine.“Alpha?” I heard her sweet angelic voice call to me. Sh
Victor POV We were all cheering and smiling with relief as we heard that the Alpha would be okay. I could tell Tori was so scared that she was shaking so much until the doctor spoke. I told her to remember her father was strong and he’ll come through just fine. I asked her if she wanted to go see him, but she looked around the room before answering. Looking over to Teaghan, she offered her the chance to go sit with Rick until he woke up. Teaghan jumped at the chance and thanked Tori profusely. Once she disappeared down the corridor, Tori lost the smile on her face and spun to face the door.As she stormed out of the waiting room, I grabbed her arm and held her.“Where are you going?” She looked me dead in the eye.“I need answers!” She pulled her arm out of my hold and continued out the door.Tori turned and disappeared from the waiting room. I ran after her to see her marching across the training grounds toward the detention cells.“Tori! Wait!” Ignoring me, she kept
Tori POV“Okay, I guess you’re just too scared to fight me!” I turned around to walk back to Victor, knowing very well that this a**hat was going to come after me with my back turned. What a coward! I was ready though. I could sense the static in the air as Desmond shifted into his wolf, thanks to Mystic. I heard Jeremy call to me just as Desmond lunged through the air to attack me.I turned just in time to see his front paws come at my face. I pushed them to the side and we both went rolling in the dirt. I jumped to my feet and faced him, ready for another attack.“Not bad rookie!” I heard him jeer as he shifted back to human and walked in circles around me. “Good form, strong stance. Quick on your feet. I’m impressed.” He says with a crooked, creepy smirk. I don’t like this guy; he gives off a foul aura. Even Mystic is watching right below the surface in case he does something I can’t handle. Mystic is extremely strong and agile. If I gave her the reigns and she took over, there’s
Victor POVI saw red.I stood up from the ground and stomped off towards the packhouse in search of a dead man. I busted through the front door and made my way through the living areas and up the stairs. Pack members jumped out of my way as I stormed past them. When I reached the third floor, I turned down the hallway and made my way to Desmond’s door.Just as I was about to pound on the door, Tori came up beside me and grabbed ahold of my arm.“Victor, no!” She pulled my arm down and stood between myself and the door. I flared my nostrils and breathed heavily. I was barely able to control my anger, but when I glanced down at her, she had such a pleading look on her face, I calmed down and so did Ivan.“What? Why?” She took hold of my hand and led me away from the door and down the hallway. Ryder and Jeremy were right behind her.“If you go pounding on his door now, you’ll give us away! We need to know why he did it. Or if there is anyone else involved.” I shook my head; my only goal
Tori POVI sat on one side of the bed while Teaghan sat on the other. Both of us stared at my father, willing him to open his eyes. The heart monitor played its rhythmic tone as the respirator hummed with each measured breath. I watched his chest rise and fall gently. This mountain of a man who looked like he could take on a grizzly bear one-handed, was now lying here in a hospital bed fighting for his life. All because of the jealousy of one woman who wanted nothing more than the power and prestige that came with being with an Alpha. She did not love him. She may care somewhat for him but definitely not love. She saw her chance slipping away when she learned that Rick was spending his time with another lady. Corinne’s simple mind thought if she couldn’t have him, no one could. She ultimately did more damage than she planned to. As I pondered the reasons why Corinne would have done this, it struck me. Would she really kill the man she wanted? I could see her making life miserable for
Tori POVI followed Victor down the long hallway towards the conference room. I could see the heavy double wooden doors that enclosed the large room. Two guards were standing outside ready to open them as we neared.“Victor?” He stopped before entering the room.“Should I be here? I mean, should I be meeting her like this? It might interfere with the process. Remember? I don’t want anyone to know who I am beforehand.” He faced me and grabbed my face in his hands.“Baby, you don’t have to do anything you don’t want to. If you don’t want to go in there for fear of jeopardizing the healing, then you can wait out here. Unfortunately, as acting Alpha, I need to meet with her to find out what it is she wants.” I nodded and smiled. He leaned down and placed a gentle kiss on my lips before grabbing my hand and turning to face the guards.“Open the doors.” He commanded and the guards grabbed the handles and slowly opened the wooden doors. He took a deep breath and stepped into the room with me
Victor POVI stood there contemplating her request. I am in no position to make that call. Unfortunately, Alpha Rick is still in the hospital unconscious and unable to speak with the Luna. I am certainly not announcing to the Luna his condition and whereabouts. I will just have to gather all the information I can and speak with the other high-rank members about a solution if there is one.I sat down in my seat and studied her. Her emotions and appearance seem genuine and Tori’s reaction to her is not as guarded as I would expect it to be for someone showing false emotions or having any hidden agenda. Even Ivan feels as if she is truthful about her speculations on her brother-in-law.I was about to ask her for examples and proof when I noticed Tori stifle a yawn and rub her eyes. It’s been a long night and day for both of us. Spending the night watching over Rick and then sparring this morning, she probably has no energy left to talk about accusations and solutions as serious as this.
Tori POVI woke up to the sensation of fingers running through my hair. I sighed and smiled before opening my eyes. I looked up and saw a pair of beautiful blue eyes staring back at me. I chuckled and he smiled back.“What are you doing?” He leaned over and dropped a kiss on my forehead.“Star gazing” I wiggled my nose at him.“Cheesy, but I like it.” I lifted my arms above his head and wrapped them around his neck. I pulled him down to my level and kissed him passionately on the lips. Beneath the sheets, I felt his legs shift and before I knew it, I was flat on my back and Victor was hovering over me.“Good evening, my beautiful mate.” He growled in a seductive raspy voice. I could feel butterflies in my stomach. He leaned down and sent shivers up and down my spine with open mouth kisses across my jaw and neck. “Dinner should be ready in a few. Are you hungry?” I hummed to him.“Yeah, but not for food.” I wiggled my eyebrows at him, and he blushed. He actually blushed!“You will be t