PEONY CRIMSON’S POVXavier in his sleep was a peacefulness I never realized I would treasure. His eyelids were closed, and his lashes were bright. His breath was rhythmic and gentle.We chatted for a while, and I told him to go for a nap because he had so much energy and stamina from throwing the rogues out of the pack all night. Even though his wounds healed entirely because of his amazing regeneration, his exhausted appearance and low energy weren't restored. In the silence and quiet of the private room, his heartbeat was clearly audible. Telling me that he was still alive, still able to open his eyes and smile warmly for me. I took his hand, placing it on my cheek without taking my eyes off his face. I looked out the window. The injured were crammed into the infirmary. Together, healers and nurses were providing care for them, focusing on the wounds that regeneration was unable to mend. I said a prayer to the Moon Goddess, hoping that they would all make it through and that Xavi

PEONY CRIMSON’S POVI wiped the sweat from my jaw with the back of my hand as I went to my three beloved flowers in the corner of the dojo. Darriel gave me a little nod, then walked over to Xander. We had just finished training. Despite being in the same building, the triplets were training in a safe area and I was careful not to get too close to them."You all good, my blooms?" Rose and Violet grinned tiredly. Jasmine lay on her back, just giving a thumbs up. I laughed as I handed out water bottles to them. "Here's your water."Rose couldn't stop admiring me in this black t-shirt and leather leggings. Well, it was indeed the first time I showed this side of me to them.At first I thought they would be scared and skeptical, but I guess they have adapted to all the information about being a werewolf and so on. Well, I did need to show that I was strong enough to protect them, so that wherever we went, no one would dare to hurt them again."Wow, we never saw Mama in such action. How d

PEONY CRIMSON’S POVMy eyes closed, silent tears streaming down my face. With his thumb, Xander wiped them off. He sent out a regretful sigh that covered my face. There was a fresh realization and an all-encompassing silence as we both became silent. That I had made the wrong choice and erred in every way as well. Xander wasn't the only one to blame. He did take me down from Luna's position in favor of Azalea, but I was also playing with fire behind his back with Xavier. Whereas it could have been that time if we decided to communicate and listen to each other, we could have reached an understanding and things wouldn't have been this messy. "I'm sorry too," I whispered, opening my red-rimmed eyes slowly. My eyelashes were wet, cheeks moist with tears. "I wish I'd asked first. I became your mate but had no idea of your suffering.""No, I'm the one to blame." Xander shook his head."So do I.""You did nothing.""I ran away.""I caused you to.""It was my fault as well. I-"When Xander

PEONY CRIMSON'S POV I kept walking toward the tower despite Gloria's yells that she was trying to stop me. I went to the back door from the exterior of the packhouse, which was in addition to the main door inside. My rage grew with every stride.The door made an unbearable thump against the wall as I virtually kicked it. The witches of the Ravens gasped in disbelieving shock, realizing that I was trailing a whole lot of anger. They remained silent but made room for me to pass through."Where's Killian?" I asked one of the witches harshly."Sorry?""Where's that scumbag Killian?!" "No idea," the witch shook her head as she backed away as far as she could."Peony!" Gloria caught up and put her arm around my shoulders. "Don't be hasty!"I froze. As I looked at the strange looks the witches were giving me, I realized how stupid I looked right now. My hands were clenched tightly. Need to remind myself that I wasn't Xander who was easily controlled by his emotions. Gloria released her em

PEONY CRIMSON’S POV"Girls, go to your rooms and pack your clothes. We're getting out of here right now." I shouted at Rose, Jasmine and Violet who were watching TV in the living room. They turned around, looking at each other in confusion."Why?" asked Violet, curious and stiff.As she straightened her legs and stretched, Jasmine, who was curled up in the corner of the sofa, yawned."I'm sleepy, Ma. Why not tomorrow?" she asked sleepily. Rose gave a pillow for Jasmine to lean on, then shot a worried look at me.I dashed into the girls' room and reached into the closet to retrieve a big bag, acting as though it was my final day on earth.Every time I stuffed my girls' things into that large suitcase, a lump formed in my stomach—a sickening, creeping feeling. Like before, we moved around a lot, and I never thought of Blue Moon as my permanent home. I was still unaccustomed to the anxiety and strain it caused, regardless of how frequently I moved.Violet yelled, "Ma, we can't just leav