* * * Eve’s POV * * * I can hardly believe that a whole week and a half has come and gone. Time seems to have moved at warp speed. We are now days away from hosting guests and holding the ceremony. The area by the lake has been transformed. There are a large number of benches and seats all placed around a small stage. The stage is 15ft by 8ft, just high enough to elevate us, so that everyone in attendance can see us. Hayley has prepared the decorations for this area and the dining hall, which she will set up on the day. Given how little notice she was given, she’s outdone herself. When she’d shown me the mock-up of the ceremony area and the dining hall, I’d been impressed but doubtful that we could achieve it. I can’t believe it’s the same area. I’m beyond nervous about taking my vows in front of the council and other pack Alphas, the only thing that calms me is that Becca will also be taking hers. That, and knowing that Max will be with me the whole time, soothes my nerves to a man

* * * Max’s POV * * * This afternoon and tonight the guys will be spending time together, to see me off into the mated life with my Luna. The humans call this a stag do, but it’s not quite so dramatic or extravagant. We will be fishing at the lake, running beneath the moon together and finishing with drinks and a barbecue. ‘Alpha Max. Jake has arrived back with a group he says are from the Nights Watch. He said that they are our new pack members’. Cordelia speaks through the link. ‘That’s right. Jake is already sworn into the pack, so he must vouch for every person. Set them up on the system and invite the men to the lake, while showing the women to their temporary accommodation. Please inform them that they must swear into the pack tomorrow. Thank you, Cordelia’, I answer her. I’m pleasantly surprised that the vampires and wizards have agreed to spend the day with us and not just the ceremony. The vampires are looking forward to running with us. The wizards graciously bow out of

* * * Alpha Paul’s POV * * ** * * 10 Days Ago * * *Sitting on my bedroom terrace, enjoying my morning coffee, I can’t help but admire the view of my pack. The sun is still in its slow ascent in the sky and casts a warm orange glow over the pack. The crisp morning breeze, carrying the scent of the evergreen trees and Earth. We are small, but we were flourishing. I’m glad to be back after attending the Mountain View pack for the investigation meeting that didn’t happen because things royally went to shit. I’m glad that Alpha Charles has been replaced, he’s power hungry, and he’s had me backed into a corner for years. Sending him a quarter of our yearly harvests. His pack is too big and too fierce for me to challenge him, and even though it’s never been confirmed until recently, I knew what he had done to the Coral Lake pack. He’s smart and made sure there was never any proof, so I went along with his demands to keep my pack safe. I really hope that Alpha Max will create balance and p

* * * Max’s POV * * * My head is spinning with what has to be the worst hangover I’ve ever experienced, or at least the worst I’ve experienced since my 21st birthday party. Not even Nate had been able to heal that shit, and we had been laid in bed for two days wishing for death. Because it had to be easier than what we had felt. I feel a smile creep onto my face at the thought of that night, and the silence around the pack the two days after, while we all recovered. Yeah, this hangover is on par with that. I don’t even try to open my eyes. I allow myself to go back to sleep. The pack will understand if I’m not seen today. I just hope the others are suffering as much as I am.Nate is snoring in my head, totally oblivious to the fact I’m half awake and partially aware. He will wake up when he’s ready. At least with him asleep, I have a chance of sleeping. He’s like a damn Duracell bunny half the time, constantly bouncing around in my head, wanting to be on the move. Sleep and the dark

* * * Max’s POV * * *The sound of the explosion is still ringing in my ears as I charge forward screaming my mate's name. Large black clouds of smoke are billowing through the air and the flames are rising. ‘Eve, I’m here. I’m coming. Where are you?’ I ask as I reach out through the mind-link. She doesn’t answer.‘Nate, help me reach out, see if you can reach Cora’. I ask my friend. Relying on him to find the connection, as I continue to charge forwards. Sliding across the ground, as a vampire appears before me, swinging his fist towards where my face had been only a fraction of a second earlier. I twist against the ground and push the ground with all my strength to propel myself into the air and deliver the roundhouse kick I’ve been trying to perfect in training. Elongating my claws, I swipe at his neck, almost tearing right through. Taking him by his hair, I twist my body and bring his head over my shoulder. Yanking down and removing his head, I briefly look down, satisfied with