The pack was too large to host a welcome dinner within the packhouse, so they arranged two celebrations. One was more personal, with the leaders in the pack and close family friends, and the other was a celebration that everyone was invited to. Although Alicia had met a few of them already, she still felt somewhat nervous.“You’ll be fine,” Rowan murmured into her ear before opening the double doors to the dining room.Alicia was wearing one of the new dresses Rowan had brought her, which was left with all the others in the walk-in closet. It was a simple light pink and silver dress fitted to her body to her waist, then flowed out to the top of her knees. Rowan wore his usual fitted designer suit, but he matched his tie to Alicia’s dress.Upon entering the dining room, Alicia’s gaze fell straight to the long rectangular black marble table with floral arrangements and candlabras spread out along it with sparkling silverware.“Alicia!” Rachel was the first to hug her. Rowan's mum was in

In Blue Crescent, the following morning, Darci was led from her cell by one of the guards. She clutched at her shoulders where she’d spent the last two nights in a damp, cold cell. She wasn’t allowed to change from her engagement dress, which was now ruffled.Walking outside into the bright sunlight, Darci squinted, her make-up streaked down her features, her hair dishevelled. She held her arms tighter when a few people passing by looked at her strangely. She looked like the morning after a one-night stand, and this was a walk of shame.Everyone knew who Darci was, though, and why she looked that way. The reason they were scowling was because she was released from her punishment so much earlier. The royal family stated her release was deemed worthy because of her good behaviour. It was more like Tom’s parents managed to convince the King and Queen to release her.Darci tsked. She shouldn't have been in there in the first place! Her plan had been solid! Stupid Alicia!The guard beside

The wind was gentle and caressed Alicia’s face, the stray strands of her hair fluttering across her forehead and cheek while the rest was tugged back in a braid. She stood in a field facing Ruby, who paced back and forth as though she couldn’t wait to get her hands on the future Luna of Bloody Claw. A large crowd, the entire pack that could be there, were gathered. Stalls had even been arranged.Apparently, it was one of the most exciting fights in a while. Alicia thought that was strange because Bloody Claw was known for its thirst for blood and fighting other packs. She’d seen their training, yet she’d pushed past those prejudices when most of the scary-looking wolves had welcomed her so warmly into the pack.This was inevitable, though. If it wasn’t Ruby it would be another she-wolf or werewolf that didn’t agree with her becoming Rowan’s mate. She had been wolfless and raised as an Omega. At least now she could put any rumours or bad talk to rest.Alicia hoped anyway. She wasn’t su

Rowan kissed the top of her head, still glaring in Ruby’s direction.‘Don’t ever turn your back on your opponent again,’ Alpine warned Alicia as they watched the redhead she-wolf dragged away by the pack’s Gamma. Alicia nodded to her wolf’s wise words.“I’m sorry I didn’t intervene sooner. I didn’t expect Ruby to use a blade. I shouldn’t have accepted this in the first place.” Alicia watched as Rowan continued to beat himself up about what had already transpired.“Rowan.” Alicia’s arms slid around his neck and she pressed further into his solid body. “Neither of us knew. Don’t worry about me anyway. I got to prove myself and to be honest… compared to my sneaky sister, Ruby isn’t nothing new. I kind of prefer her antagonism its more direct and refreshing.“She’s easy to handle.”Rowan shook his head and sighed, though a smile slipped past his lips. “I believe you’re capable of dealing with anything, especially with such a family. I’m your mate, though.” He leaned closer to Alicia’s fac

Alpine slammed into Darci, her head hitting the ground as the silver wolf snarled in her face, paws pressing against her chest. Everyone watched wide-eyed.‘Let her go,’ Alicia ordered her wolf. ‘We cannot kill her.’‘Are you sure?’ Alpine tilted her head to the side. ‘She’s caused you much grief, child.’‘You’ve made your point, Alpine. I’m sure they will not mess with us again.’While Alpine and Alicia were discussing Darci’s outcome, Garnet returned with extra clothes from the car. It was clear he wouldn’t get involved, and their parents were too shocked to do much.After some more convincing, Alicia transformed into her human form, stepping back and quickly putting on the shorts and baggy top Garnet offered her. They were actually hers, which surprised her. Did Rowan know she might shift?Or perhaps he knew Alpine might not put up with as much sh*t as Alicia had been from everyone.“Thanks,” Alicia muttered to her Gamma. “Didn’t fancy pulling me off?”Garnet smirked. “Wasn’t order