I am so angry at Anna that I could literally tear her apart. I was on the verge of doing just that when Lily stood in front of me. Her calming touch helped me to settle down, but it was her telling Patrick that she would let me guard her again that finally had me settling. I know that other Alphas will have heard about her by now and they will be coming for her. But I also know, if I’m with her, they won’t get to her. No one will take my mate from me. I don’t know how Lily can be so forgiving of what Anna did, but I can’t. I won’t forget that she put my mate’s life in danger. When we leave Patrick’s office, I walk her to her room. “Clint, you’re dead on your feet. Come in and lay down.” I don’t have the energy or the will to argue with her. She leaves her door cracked open and takes me to her bed, tucking me in. “What are you going to do while I sleep?” I ask. “I need to catch up on homework and then I’ll order food for us to have when you wake up.” I pat the bed beside me. “I n

While I’m thrilled that I get to move in with Lily, and don’t think I won’t push to keep it that way, I’d rather things stay as-is and know that she’s safe. Since that’s not an option, the next best thing I can do is help her get stronger while protecting her. When we leave Alpha Patrick’s office, I walk her to her room. “What would your preference be, Lily bud? Do you want to move to my room, or have me move in here with you?” She opens her door, looking around. “This isn’t really my room. It’s been a sort of stopping point since leaving my home. I have no connection to it, unlike you who has lived in your room years.” I shrug. Any place will feel like home if she’s there with me. “I want you to be comfortable. I will be comfortable because you are there.” I say, pulling her into a hug. I know tonight has been nerve-wracking for her. Her fear was palpable and all of us could smell it earlier. As angry as I am about having so many Alphas in our territory coming after my mate, I had

I wanted to rip that Alpha’s arm off, not only because he was touching Lily, but he was also holding her hand like he had a right to do so. What’s worse, Lily seemed enamored with him. I had been keeping an eye on her and I saw when Andra flashed in her eyes. Whatever Alpha Eric said, it impacted not only Lily but also Andra. I can’t wait for the day that I can sink my teeth into her neck, leaving my mark, so everyone knows she’s mine. ‘Maybe we should leave a different kind of mark on her neck tonight.” Donovan says. ‘If she’ll let me, I’m all in.’ I say to him as we move into the dining hall. I see Alpha Jerome making his way toward us and I steer Lily toward our seats. Alpha Patrick and I met with Luna Olivia before this event to make sure that Lily would always be surrounded by two of us, at a minimum during meals and that she would never be seated next to one of the other Alphas. I sit Lily beside Luna Estella and I sit on her other side. Alpha Leander is on the other side of

While Calista and Lily were getting ready for Anders’ party, he and I had our own plans to prepare. “So, what’s the play?” He asks me, as I tuck the guitar behind the podium on the stage. “I was thinking, it might work if it looks like I’m going to give you a toast, but instead, I begin serenading Lily.” “You know it’s a risk that she might shoot you down in front of everyone.” I had thought of that, but I don’t think she will. I’m feeling more confident since this morning. If she’s willing to let me scent her in such a bold and sexual way, I’m hoping she’ll agree to go to prom with me. “It is, but it’s a calculated risk and I’m hoping I’ve done my calculations properly.” Anders shakes his head and chuckles. “Well, at least you’re a better singer than I am. You won’t ruin everyone’s evening with your voice.” “Hey, I’ve gotten pretty good on the guitar too.” He raises an eyebrow at me. “Do you know any songs other than the one you’re singing tonight? Because I’m pretty sure I co

The week before Lily’s birthday must be the slowest of my life. All I want is for Sunday to arrive so I can claim her as mine for all the world to see. Anders wasted no time marking Calista. He made sure they were together at midnight and Shali recognized him immediately. By morning, she was officially our future Luna. Olivia and Patrick couldn’t be happier, and plans for the Alpha and Luna ceremonies have started. Calista officially moved in the day after her birthday, her parents thrilled that she is Anders’ mate. Prom was wonderful. I got to dance with my mate all night. She looked stunning and I couldn’t tear my eyes away from her. Anders and I got hotel rooms and enjoyed the private time with our mates. While I want nothing more than to bury myself in my mate, I want to make her birthday special, so I held off. I think she was surprised, but she didn’t fight me. It’s good that she didn’t because I have very little restraint when it comes to Lily. I did, however, sink my teeth i