Maxwell's POV　　Staring into the sinister flames that danced around the once magnificent gothic church, a sense of unbearable sorrow washed over all who stood and observed the misery the hellfire unleashed upon these people's faith! Its ancient walls, composed of intricate sculptures and brightly stained-glass windows, crumbled dramatically around the glorious gold and stone altar as if a force protected the heart of the church.　　An overwhelming reminder of the last time I had witnessed these flames devouring our land played through my mind; Like now, the menacing flames left nothing in their wake but heartbreak and destruction. 　　A neighbouring pack had crossed onto our territory under the pretence of looking for a rogue wolf who had apparently fled through our land after slaughtering one of their elders. We had agreed to help them search through our domain, not fully trusting them or their story. And we were right to have been suspicious because once they were within our borders,

　　Jason's POV　　"Jay, I need you to keep your composure! This imbecile is trying to finish what his damn Father started and get a rise out of the pack! They are looking for provocation- If you react, they will have just that." Marcus' voice resounded through my head firmly. 　　I knew he was right; the logical thing to do would be to ignore the slurs, but this touched fool was getting on my last nerve. Talking about Abigail like she was no more than a common whore. How he dragged her name through mud proved too much for Archer, his temper running rampant through me; his brutal growl vibrated from my chest, shocking even me.　　"Archer, Marcus is right! Don't give in to these psychopath's taunts." I soothed, linking my wolf. I decided to open the link up to my Father and Marcus in case I couldn't control my wolf; I would have the backup I may need. Although given how my Father had lost his cool two minutes ago and almost faced off against this brutes Father, I was a little sceptical at hi

　　Jason's POV　　With my hand tightly grasped around Abigail's throat, I knew I had crossed a line! I watched the events I had set into action unravel around me in slow motion, lost in self-disgust and shame. Thinking Archer's incessant howling while clawing at the confines of my mind was clouding my judgement, I had pushed him so far down that it had blocked him out. I had tried to shut my feelings for Abbi off, wanting to act rationally, instead I had fucked everything up!　　Hindsight is a beautiful thing! I assumed his whining was because he was angry at me for how I had just treated Abigail! But looking at the crumpled body of my Beta and best friend, I realised just how wrong I was- he had been trying to warn me of the threat coming from behind. That error would cost me greatly.　　Looking between Damien and Tommy, thoroughly racked with guilt, I felt Archer roaring to the front of my eyes, fighting my human form for control, all care for the alliance gone- I had become a liability!

　　Damien's POV　　This moron was starting to get on my last nerve! The muscles in my jaw twitched with the anger I felt brewing. He and his whole pack just needed annihilating once and for all. If this was the stress and drama they were causing after a few days, I hate to think what the next year or so had in store for Red and I.　　Looking at her petite hand, turning it over in my grasp carefully, not wanting to hurt her further, the beautiful ivory of her skin sullied with a bruise as black as night. Seeing the swelling forming on her delicate wrist, my expression hardened. Murderous rage blazed in my eyes.　　Pulling back from Red, manoeuvring her gently to straddle my lap, my eyes slowly pursued her body, checking for any other marks or bruises, not that it mattered. I was still going to rip the fuckers head off for hurting her, I was nothing if not a man of my word, and I was done playing nice!　　With the rest of her seeming OK, Ares seemed more at ease. My eyes settled on her beauti

　　Tommy's POV　　Leaning back on the flimsy wooden frame of the chair, the creek that filled the room made me wince with concern that it wouldn't support my weight and I'd end up on my ass, again. My eyes focused on the redhead opposite me, who had been the centre of all the drama this morning. I would be blind if I said I couldn't see what Jason was attracted to!　　She gave off an innocent vibe which we, as wolves, were not used to seeing. We were raised to be brutal, cunning and always keep our wits about us. Yet this female was raw, endearing and vulnerable, even if she didn't want to admit it.　　However, seeing her stand her ground to a future Alpha and whatever the hell Damien was made me smirk because she had a feistiness I liked! For Jason! She would be a good mate for him! Yet, seeing the way Damien's eyes stalked her every move, I had a feeling he would have a different opinion on the matter.　　After coming around, Jason explained a little nervously that Abigail had healed me;