This chapter contains content that may be difficult for some readers.Ryder saw Cressida ahead and shifted into Axel. When he got to where she had been standing, she was gone. He looked around frantically."Where are you? I just saw Cressida disappear," He mindlinked Zoe. There was no response. Axel tried to pick up her scent, but there wasn't anything. They ran around the area calling for her, but she was gone.Axel ran as fast as he could back to the pack house. They needed to get to Cressida and stop whatever plans she had for Zoe immediately. When he reached the house, he saw all the witch's soldiers were dead. He quickly mindlinked the pack."Cressida took Zoe. We have to go to her forest and get Zoe back now." Everyone in the pack came running to where Axel stood tall with fire blazing in his eyes. "Nathan, bring all the warriors except for two. Anyone else that's been training to fight can come as well. If you're scared or haven't been training with Nathan o

Warning. Portions of this chapter may be difficult for some readers. Zoe, Ryder, Ariel, and the wolves returned to the pack house to the sounds of excitement. Ryder had mindlinked ahead so everyone would know Cressida was dead and they were on their way home. Nick and Darina were waiting for them with clothes. Once dressed, Zoe ran to her parents, crying. She had been scared she would never see them again. "We're so glad you made it out of there safely. Did she hurt you?" Darina asked, kissing Zoe's cheek. "Not much physically. I don't want to talk about what else she did. It's too humiliating," Zoe said as Ryder walked over to them. She let go of her parents and hugged him. "She was evil and loved to mess with people's lives. What she did and forced you to do is not your fault. You shouldn't feel any guilt or shame. I love you," Ryder stroked her head as he held her tightly. He could feel Zoe's shame through the mate bond. She looked up at him with tears

"What do you think? Do you want to be the queen?" Ryder mindlinked Zoe. He had expected this conversation, but he and Zoe hadn't had time to discuss it. "I never thought about it. What do you think?" She asked. Being a queen and ruling over all the shifters was something that she could have never imagined. Would they even want her as a queen?"Think about what my parents said and what the moon goddess said. I think this is something we're supposed to do. If you don't accept it, they would have to leave the throne to someone who isn't part of your family. Power can change a person, and whoever takes over may not be the right fit to rule. Look at Cressida. Her need for power is what killed her. I'll support you no matter what you want to do." Ryder was nervous about being a ruler, but he felt sure his parents and Selene were telling them it was their destiny. "Let's do it," Zoe smiled at him as they turned toward her parents."You don't have to make your decision

Five Years LaterRyder was sitting behind his desk listening to an alpha from a nearby pack discuss rogues attacking his pack. Unfortunately, the rogues have become a big problem recently. Ryder agreed to send a few warriors with him to see if they could help find and eliminate the rogues. Once the alpha left, Ryder ran upstairs to his and Zoe's bedroom. When he walked inside, Zoe was lying there waiting on the physician. She smiled at him."How are you feeling?" He asked, rubbing her swollen belly. She was getting ready to deliver their second pup. A female, this time, they had decided to name Samira. Their son Lucas was being kept busy by Darina and Nick until his sister's arrival. "I feel great. Did you have time to meet with the alpha?" Zoe asked. She wasn't really having any pain, but Lyra said it was time."Yeah, I sent a few warriors with him to help with the rogues." They turned toward the door when there was a knock. Dr. Brenton Dean stuck his head in.

Jessi's P.O.V. I stare at the man who just said mate, and I can't move. Who is this man who is obviously my mate? Am I seeing things? Was I kicked in the head too many times because he can't be real? When he smiles, my knees get weak. He's well over a foot taller than me and so muscular I want to run my fingers over every crevice of his hard body, but maybe first, I should speak. "Uh, wh…, wh…, ho.." Yeah, that's not what I meant when I said I should speak. What's wrong with me? Men don't make me tongue-tied. Did my tongue swell? That's the only explanation I have for not being able to form a complete sentence. He continues looking at me, and now I'm getting mad. He sees I'm struggling here. Can't he take the initiative and say something? Maybe I didn't say anything out loud, so he didn't hear me act like a fool just now. I get ready to sigh in relief when the male god begins talking. "It's nice to meet you, Jessi." The way he says my nam