AXEL Stella was just a vision of beauty and even though she doesn’t like being the centre of attention, she just shined as she stood next to me on that makeshift stage. I smile to myself as everything went perfectly, the introduction of Stella, the Alphas accepting her and then us dancing. I didn't miss the stares of shock as I moved around the dance floor with Stella in my arms and the kiss I gave her, shocked even me but I enjoyed every minute of it. I could have kept going, I could have had her dancing around the small pack entertaining room for the rest of the night however I could tell Stella was getting tired, something she wouldn't have to worry about once she completed the change. That was another reason behind the blood I was giving her after her injuries from Benjamin, I haven't stopped as it is custom and law that if the female is not a wolf, she must be changed and the best way to prepare her body for that change is to give her some of our blood. It allows the body to h

STELLA All I can feel is pain radiating throughout my body. I don’t know if they came back for more or if they just left me. Even though I'm vaguely sure that I heard Axel’s no, I think it was Wulfric's voice. However, I know that was impossible, as he is not with me. I tried hard to focus on what the rough voice had said, but it seemed to be muffled and then drowned out by this intense sharp pain as one of them bit me again. The pain of the bite was nothing as it was then followed by more of that intense burning. It spread through me even quicker than before, making me feel like I was on fire. It seemed never-ending, so when it finally threatened to take me, I gave in to the darkness that was beckoning and promising peace from the constant pain and burning. I seem to be awake but I’m not. Maybe I'm dreaming. I look around me but there is nothing but black and darkness, and then there is a small white light. I look at it and wonder if that is the way to heaven. I take a small step t

STELLA We spent the next two weeks like this. Once a day we would head to the wildflower field together and spend time with just the two of us, with no interruptions. Axel and Wulfric would always start in wolf form and I would sit on the rock with Wulfric's head in my lap, my fingers in his fur and our pup kicking like there is no tomorrow. Wulfric would then disappear and when he came back, he would sit behind me on the rock, hold me close and use the mate touch to help me trust him again. Our pup must have known that the wolf side knew, but the human side didn’t yet, as she will not kick once Wulfric shifts back into Axel. My time with Wulfric and Axel was helping me to trust him again, and I had no problem with Sophie or Hannah, but I freeze whenever Benjamin or any other male walks into a room, from the fear that goes through me. I always feel guilty when Benjamin tries to get close to me, but all he gets is waves and waves of fear. I hope that once I can let Axel near me wit

STELLA During this time, I hide as much of the pain as I can as it goes through me at intervals of different lengths, but I think both Hannah and Sophie are starting to notice. Once my make-up is done, we have three hours before the ceremony starts. As we get into the car, I am not sure how I will go with having to sit down for the 2 hour drive to the Royal castle. About halfway through the trip, I can't stop the slight whimper that escapes as another sharp pain goes through my back. Both Sophie and Hannah look at me with concern, but it is Sophie who says. "So, how long have you been in labour, Stella?" "Who said I was in labour?" "It actually wasn't that hard to tell..." Came the curt reply from Hannah "The pains started yesterday..." "Well, then we need to turn around and head back to the pack hospital..." I move quickly and grab Hannah's arm before she can knock on the window to get the driver's attention. "Hannah please, Axel has already broken too many of the old

AXEL / WULFRIC I didn't expect it to take so long as we spent the next couple of hours making our way around the courtyard, I introduce Stella and our daughter to some of the Alphas, Lunas, Betas and Gammas personally. About half way round I feel Benjamin as he tugs on the Beta bond. "Alpha, we have trouble!" "What is it Ben?" "First, we have had reports from patrols that rogues are circling our borders again." "Okay, increase the patrols once more and inform me of any that actually breach our borders..." I go to cut the link until he continues, "Um, Alpha..." "Was there something else?" "Yes, there was an intruder in the pack house." "Were they caught?" "No, Alpha." "Why?" "They couldn't find any scents out of place." "Who reported the intruder and why?" "It was the maid Cassey, she was sent to your floor by Tabitha to clean and change the bedding ready for your return." "So, what made her think that there had been an intruder?" "Stella's things, all Stell