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COMING SOON

   
Crimson Moon, Paranormal Romance

 

 

 

CRIMSON SERIES: BOOK THREE

Release Date TBA

Emma Johnson assumed her rightful place beside Caleb Blackney, becoming the lupa to his alpha, ready to take on the responsibilities given to her as his mate. They are establishing their own pack, preparing to face a vampire prince who believes he is a god. Numerous obstacles stand in the way, creating chaos and dissent, making the transition dangerous and difficult.

As Emma struggles to assume her role, attempting to adapt to pack life, she has to master abilities that come with her lineage and change. When things take an unexpected turn, breaking her heart and turning her world upside down, she accepts that some things are worth dying for.

Werewolves mate for life. To keep Caleb by her side, she'll have to risk it all. No price is too high. She'll do whatever it takes to ensure a future with the man she loves more than anything.

She and Caleb are a mated pair, brought together by circumstance and fate.

They are meant to be together. 

In life or death.

The chapter has not been edited at all but merely shared. Apologies for unicorn typos (AKA my idiocy) in advance).

 CHAPTER ONE
 ASCENDING

I felt the dark, intense gaze directed at me, but I pretended not to notice. It wasn’t the first time the woman had glared at me from across the room. She’d been burning holes through my head since I’d arrived at the pack meeting. Over the course of the last hour, I realized she was studying my movements, gauging my strengths, searching for weaknesses. I'd stopped moving as soon as I recognized her interest, paying attention to my surroundings. I wasn’t at home anymore, and I certainly wasn’t human. New rules had to be followed.

I had to keep my head above water if I wanted to survive.

The reminder, as always, hit me hard.

The past week had been full of challenges, tearful farewells, and endless preparation. It had been difficult saying goodbye to my mother and father. I’d watched them walk away, saying a small prayer that they’d be safe, wishing things were different. I knew they were entering the unknown, determined as ever to keep me safe. They were going to recruit supporters to take on a prince who considered himself a deity among vampires. He threatened not only to rule them but to consume them completely.

A puppet master who’d always controlled the strings of his toys.

Decimus Watts.

His face flashed before my eyes, and an invisible hand snaked around my heart, making it difficult to breathe. I attempted to overcome my fear, knowing the pack could smell it. I could taste the lemony bitterness of terror coating the back of my throat, feeling the sting of the fragrance in my nostrils. Eventually I’d face the vampire again. I only hoped that, this time, I’d be stronger and make smarter decisions.

My thought’s drifted to the memory of another vampire—one I loved—and the fear faded. Trent would protect my parents. He’d keep them safe. Together they could destroy anything in their path. Trent would make it out of this mess alive. Jonathan—a powerful vampire blessed with premonition—had told me Trent had someone special waiting for him. Soon she’d come and turn his world upside down.

Trent—arrogant as ever—had shot down the notion.

His response to the information was to kiss me swiftly on the cheek, tell me to be safe, and walk away with my parents. They were gone in a flash, leaving me with Caleb. I hadn’t had an opportunity to mourn their absence. Plans were made swiftly, my future path becoming more clear. Before I was ready I was in a car that rushed along the interstate. The trip from Tennessee to Alabama was short, a couple of hours at most, and it was a true family affair.

Unwilling to be separated from her husband or son, Beverly had insisted she and Sammie make the trip to get the ball rolling. Since Derek, Sarah, and Aidan were also coming with us, it meant traveling with eight werewolves in two vehicles. It had felt odd being a part of the equation. I was no longer a human listening in on werewolf business. I’d become a member of the family in every way. I hadn’t completely adjusted. Even if I knew I’d changed, I had a difficult time with my newfound abilities.

Shifting had come easy.

Manipulating metaphysical energy, not so much.

Lifting my head, I redirected my thoughts.

The monstrous building nestled in the middle of nowhere looked like a barn at first glance. It had been constructed so deep in the country it would be impossible for a random passerby to find the location. However, if a strange person did happen to venture inside, they’d soon discover the exterior was nothing but a ruse. Bales of hay rested by the doors and were used as seats, but the chairs along the wall—next to a large table—were padded and comfortable. The dirt floor had been covered with wooden slats, although they didn’t reach the enormous circular ring in the center of the building.

A pit. Used for fighting.

Werewolves did enjoy their blood sports.

I pretended to wipe something off my jeans and tugged at my overlarge, yet extremely comfie, black T-shirt. I’d wondered why werewolves wore similar clothing—jeans and casual shirts—only to learn the garments were inexpensive to replace after a shift gone awry. Only the rich could afford to replace outfit after outfit if or when they had to shift unexpectedly. Not to mention, looser clothing made it easier to manipulate their skeletons and muscles when they grew in size but maintained human form.

Another pang settled in my chest.

Loose clothing—cheap or expensive—didn’t matter when it came to me. When I shifted the cotton burned away. I wasn’t like everyone else, although the werewolves we'd come to meet weren’t aware of it. The energy around me hastened the change, coming in a blinding rush of heat and fire, destroying everything but metal if something was anywhere near my body when it happened.

Suddenly edgy and aware of myself, I scented the area.

I had been too shy to address strange werewolves when Caleb had introduced me to our new pack. I’d greeted them, but I’d felt uneasy. Nothing in my prior life had prepared me for a future like this. After Caleb had joined Sam’s crew, he’d become the first in line to take over when Sam felt it was best. The time had come, and I’d traveled with my fiancée and mate to see it happen.

A sense of calm washed over me, and I looked for the man I loved beyond reason. It only took a moment to find him across the room. He was speaking to members of our pack. He was—as usual—confident and poised. I took him in and welcomed the stirring in my stomach and the fluttering in my chest. His nearly dark hair had grown, several strands now resting in thick waves at his nape, and he was as beautiful as ever. My breath caught, my heartbeat pounding in my ears.

He was mine.

Forever.

Sometimes I couldn’t believe it.

I studied the girls around him. Some were young, some were older.

An unwanted pang of jealousy speared through me.

With his good looks and kind nature, Caleb was the ultimate mate. Female werewolves threw themselves at him just as human women did. It was impossible not to notice him. When Caleb and I had met, I’d felt the same pull, wanting to be closer to him. I hadn’t understood why. I only knew that he brought forth feelings inside me that I hadn’t known existed.

Caleb glanced at me, as though sensing my tension.

As much as I longed to gaze into his indigo blue irises, I forced myself to look away. I blew a steady stream of air from my pursed lips and made sure our eyes didn’t meet. He already knew I was uncomfortable and uncertain, but I didn’t want to make things worse. He had too much on his shoulders. It was essential that we have our very own pack. I couldn’t get in the way of his ambition.

I felt that level stare again—the older werewolf female staring at me.

What the hell is her problem?

“Daydreaming again?” Aidan asked, shattering my thoughts. As I looked at him, he shook his buzzed blond head, ice blue eyes flashing. He obviously didn’t approve of how I’d handled myself, so he’d decided—per his norm—to say something about it. “Keep it together,” he warned me softly. “Caleb told you to be on guard.”

I gave the werewolf a fake smile before narrowing my eyes.

“How about this?” I snapped, letting my temper rise. “Piss off.”

“That hurts, Emma. It really does.” Aidan feigned pain and gazed forward. “It’s not fun playing babysitter, if it makes you feel better. I have better shit to do than stick to your ass like melted butter.”

His impressive frame completely dwarfed mine, his enormous arms flexing like the fine tuned weapons they were. Movement caught my attention, and I ripped my focus from him.

Sammie—Caleb’s sister—was headed in our direction.

She looked much better now, even though her usual quirky playfulness had vanished. Despite all she’d been through, she’d attempted to recover physically and mentally. It hadn’t been easy. She still had nightmares and didn’t like talking about her kidnapping.

She’d been forced to cut several inches from her hair in order to remove matted tangles that had developed during her confinement. Her deep sapphire blue eyes—so like her brother’s—were no long cheerful or merry. Instead she appeared serious and wary, suspicious of everyone around her.

Aidan tensed as she neared, his breath hitching when she was within reach. I turned to look at him.

Aidan’s I-don’t-give-a-shit-what-you-think attitude took a nose dive whenever Sammie was around. Since her abduction, he’d been annoyingly uptight and bossy. It grated on my nerves, but I’d let it slide. He obviously cared about Sammie. That much was obvious to everyone. And it as a good thing.

Aiden made one hell of an ally.

Sammie stopped in front of us, and I wanted to reach out and touch the dark circles under her eyes. I hated that I was the cause of them.

“Can I have the keys to the car?" she asked. "I want to go outside.”

I glanced at Aidan. The keys were tucked in his pocket.

“No,” he responded immediately, lifting his shoulders, “you can’t.”

“Why not?” Sammie growled, glaring at him. “What’s your problem?”

“Your brother doesn’t want you leaving my sight. You don’t need to go outside.” He managed to get the words out without mumbling, his normally thick voice clear as he addressed her. He didn’t move to retrieve the car keys. Sammie stopped fiddling with her hands and folded her arms over her chest. The anxiety she exuded quickly turned to annoyance.

Great.

They were about to argue—which was nothing new.

When the two came together, sparks ignited.

I’d asked Sammie about her feelings for Aidan, but she’d ducked each query. I had a feeling something was brewing between them. Since Sammie had been through so much, I didn’t want to be pushy. I’d hoped that, with time, I’d get the answers to so many of my questions. Everything had happened so fast. I didn’t feel it was fair to ask for answers I didn’t deserve just yet.

“I already have a father, thank you very much.” She extended her hand, palm facing up, the fire I’d longed to see from her returning with a vengeance. “Give me the keys, or I’ll break up Caleb’s pow-wow and get them myself. I want to go outside. I’m suffocating in this place.”

Caleb had made it clear that no one was to interfere when he spoke privately with the pack. He’d indicated it was his time to assert control of each person he’d protect. That was why I’d taken a backseat and walked away when he spoke to each member. I wasn’t dominant and secure enough to give them a sense of protection. They needed that in order to follow an alpha.

Knowing I had no other choice, I intervened.

“Aiden,” I said softly, peering over at him. He had to obey me—I was his lupa, after all—and I knew he’d do so even if it pissed him off. “Give her the keys.”

“Fuck it. Fine,” Aidan growled. He reached into his pocket and produced the keys. His bright, ice-blue gaze rested on Sammie, his shoulders tensing. “If you want me to do what she wants, you stay put. I’m going to walk her out.”

“I don’t think so.” Sammie ripped the keys from his hand. “You stay with Emma. I don’t feel like dealing with you right now.” Her face softened when she looked at me and said, “If you want to take a break, I’ll be waiting in the truck.”

“Thanks.” Producing a thin smile, I gave her a nod. “Don’t worry about me. I’ll be okay.”

She gave me an equally small smile, turned her head and glowered and Aidan, and turned on her heel to leave. I watched her walk toward the double doors of the barn. She’d once been sweet and innocent. Thanks to me, she’d been forced to erect a wall around herself. I often wondered how much she’d endured. The information she had provided had given me a good idea. She’d been tortured physically and mentally, although—thank God—she hadn’t been forced to endure sexual atrocities.

Aidan didn’t relax, following her with his eyes as she departed.

“Do you want to tell me what that is all about?” I questioned, truly wanting to understand what the hell was going on. “What’s up with you two?”

“Nothing. She knows she shouldn’t go outside unaccompanied.” He immediately defended himself, growling when she vanished from sight. “Caleb will serve my ass to the pack if something happens to her. She knows it, too. He’s going to be pissed when he finds out she left the building.”

“You’re avoiding my question.” He did that often, and I was tired of it. “I’m talking about how you act every single time she comes around.” I turned toward him, twisting my body around, wanting to be face-to-face. “Don’t bothering lying, and don’t think I haven’t noticed. Something’s going on between you two. I want to know what it is.”

“You want to play truth or dare?” he snarled, meeting my eyes. “Let’s start with you.” I frowned, unaware of where he was going with the conversation. “Do you think I haven’t noticed Tara staring your little ass down from across the room? Do you think I haven’t paid attention to the tension coming from you? Give that female a chance, and she’ll rip out your throat. She’s been wanting to tear a piece outta your ass since we got here. Caleb knows it, I know it, and so does everyone else.”

I lowered my voice, speaking softly. “I’ve been ignoring her.”

“The bitch knows you’re aware of her. That’s the problem.” Aidan scowled and studied Tara—the woman who’d taken an interest in me and had been staring for hours—his jaw clenching. “She’s trying to intimidate you, and you’re letting her. The pack knows it, too. They’re watching you, Emma. They’re taking note of everything that’s going on here. If Tara catches your eye, make sure she’s the one to look away first. If she doesn’t show you respect then you stand up, march over to the bitch, and make her. You’re her dominant. Start acting like it.”

“By picking a fight? Are you telling me I need to kick someone’s ass to make a point? ” I winced the moment the words left my mouth. Of course he meant a fight. That’s how werewolf matters were settled.

“Yes,” he answered, tearing his attention from Tara to meet my eyes. “That’s the way pack works. You have to protect your interests, or you’ll be at the bottom of the totem pole. You have to be strong if you want to be Caleb’s mate.”

“Who is she?” Most pack members respected the bond that formed between werewolves. Judging by her behavior, she didn’t care that Caleb had bonded with me. “What’s her damage?”

“She’s Sam’s lupa and mate.”

I frowned, taking in the information. I’d met Sam a long time ago. He was Caleb’s alpha and boss. During all of our conversations, Sam had never mentioned a mate. In fact, I wondered if he had any family at all. It made no sense. If she’d already mated, why the interest in Caleb?

“I didn’t know Sam had bonded with someone.” Actually, I didn’t know he had a woman in his life that he cared for. “I didn’t know he’d met his match.”

“He didn’t.” Aidan arched an eyebrow, looking at me in a way that implied I was a complete idiot. “We don’t always have to bond to choose our mates. If the pack is at stake, we have to shift priorities.”

“I don’t understand.” So much of this world was new to me.

“What’s not to understand? Mating isn’t always roses, chocolate, and moonlight walks. An alpha has to be capable of maintaining stability. If he hasn’t bonded by the time he becomes alpha, he'll do what’s in the best interest of the pack. A good female can back her man and keep the peace.”

“If they’re not bonded…” Caleb had told me it was the strongest connection in the world. Without it, a man and woman would exist without their other half. “How can they keep control? What if one of them bonds with someone else?”

“It doesn’t matter. The pack is what's most important.”

The pack is what's most important.

Oh God.

The werewolves would want me dead if they thought I was weak. It put them at a disadvantage. Packs, for the most part, got along. But they would attack another pack and take its members from another alpha if they could. It was part of their nature.

Why hadn’t Caleb said anything? Didn’t he know I would never do anything to put him at risk?

Darkness swirled around me, the feeling so horrifying it felt suffocating.

I couldn’t make him weak.

He’d already sacrificed so much due to his love for me.

“I don’t know what to do.”

“Take control,” Aidan answered quietly. He inched closer, bending his head so his mouth hovered over my ear. “Be who you’re supposed to be. To command respect, you earn it. You have to make sure they never fuck with you. Not even once. Show no weakness. Become something they all fear.”

I struggled to center my power, calling on my fae nature. Although I was a werewolf, I could have become a vampire just as easily.

I had capabilities werewolves knew nothing about.

I pulled away and met Aidan’s eyes. I didn’t look away from the ice blue irises that lightened as he stared at me. I could feel his wolf, the strength of his beast stirring to life inside him. A growl crept up my throat, the wolf inside coming to life. She resented being challenged by another. My skin itched as my heart started hammering.

I’ll tear the female apart and make her beg for forgiveness.

“That a girl,” he growled and severed eye contact. “That’s the way.”

I released the breath I’d been holding, relaxing my shoulders. I’d never been good at looking someone in the eye. I should have known it would become a necessity in my new life. I couldn’t show an ounce of weakness, especially now.

“Excuse me.” A soft, anxious voice interrupted us. “Emma?”

I looked up, ready to face whatever came at me. I didn’t expect to see a gorgeous young lady standing in front of me. Her long, deep fall of red hair went perfectly with her fair skin, complimenting her grass-green eyes.

“Yes?” I asked, forcing myself to smile.

“I’m sorry to bother you.” Her cheeks turned pink, and she immediately stared at the ground. She offered her hand to me, keeping a safe distance between our bodies. “I’m Becca.”

“Hi, Becca.” I accepted her hand and gave it a firm yet gentle shake. She let go and stood there, wringing her hands. Her lips moved as if she wanted to say something—over and over again—but each time I thought she would finally speak she lost her nerve.

“It’s okay. You don’t have anything to be sorry for."

“I was wondering if I could talk to you,” she blurted, cheeks turning bright red. “I know I shouldn’t ask, but Caleb’s busy and I didn’t know what else to do.”

I glanced at Aidan, hoping he could help me decide what to do. He shrugged and turned from me, studying those nearby.

“That’s perfectly fine. What do you need to talk about?”

“Can we,” she lowered her voice, whispering, “do this privately?”

“No, you can’t.” Aidan shook his head and looked at the girl. “She doesn’t go anywhere without me. I don’t let her out of my sight.”

“Then we’ll make sure you can see us.” I rolled my eyes, and stood. “We won’t leave the room. You’ll be able to see us fine. Sit and watch, Fido.”

I motioned for her to walk with me. She kept her face averted, her posture literally screaming submission and subservience. I didn’t like it and moved closer to her. Perhaps she hadn’t transitioned yet. There was a decent chance—at her age—she’d never changed to wolf-form.

“Are you not part of the pack yet? Is that what’s wrong?”

“I will be part of it soon,” she whispered. “That’s why I need to talk to you.”

I waited until we were somewhat out of earshot. Any of the werewolves could pick up our conversation if they wanted to. I turned and stopped, finding she was right behind me. I studied her bowed head. She was smaller than me, an impressive feat among werewolves.

I was usually the runt of the litter.

“Becca.” I touched her arm. “Look at me.”

She lifted chin but didn’t look at my face, keeping her gaze on my chin. It annoyed me. Not because of anything she’d done, but because she was too young to be so afraid. I didn’t want the pack to fear me, especially if they needed something. And Becca needed something badly. It was obvious.

“Listen.” I moved closer to her and lowered my voice. “You can be afraid of every person in this room, but not of me. I’m not going to hurt you.”

She met my eyes for a split-second and ducked her head. “I need your help.”

“With what?”

“I was told that…I heard that you…” She gazed over her shoulder, watching those across the room. She spoke so softly I almost didn’t hear what she had to say. “I was told you could force the wolf to the surface like an alpha. I heard you could make me shift now and I wouldn’t have to wait.”

“What?”

“I was told you could help me.”

“What are you talking about?” I frowned, uneasiness making my stomach lurch.

“Nathan said you caused someone to transform at Haven’s. He said you touched her and forced the shift. He told me it was so fast the werewolf couldn’t walk afterward. Only alphas can do that.”

My heart skipped a beat and I felt sick.

Oh shit.

Nathan—whoever he was—had seen me send a hunk of energy into a raging werewolf bitch that had picked a fight with me not so long ago. The power had triggered her change, forcing her to shift in front of everyone. I had tried to forget about that night but apparently others carried on the memory.

“I’m not sure what you’ve heard.” It was time for damage control, but I didn’t think it was a good idea to call her friend a liar. “That was an accident. It never should have happened.”

Her expression changed—becoming hopeful. “Then you can do it.”

“I can, but I won’t.” I shook my head and crossed my arms. “Alphas are the ones to make that happen, not lupas.”

“You don’t understand.” The tenor of her voice lifted an octave. Her gaze and face revealed her panic. “I have to change. It has to be now. I can’t wait any longer.”

“Stop.” The smell of her fear was burning my nose, the peppery flavor tingling at the back of my throat. “You’re going to draw attention. Calm down.”

I spotted movement from the corner of my eye. With a slight tilt of my head, I was able to see Tara rise from her seat. She came directly toward us, moving at a clipped pace. Unlike the others in dressed in jeans and T-shirts, she’d worn garments to attract attention.

Velvet skinny jeans enhanced her lean waist, her abnormally tight body suit molding around her torso. She looked like an ice cream cone—thin on the bottom but full at the top.

Rebecca.” Tara’s heavy, southern accept accentuated each vowel. “Get your ass back where it belongs.”

Becca pivoted from me, keeping her eyes downcast. “I haven’t done anything.”

“Cut the shit,” Tara snapped, advancing on us. “Zip the lip and sit back down. Do as you’re fucking told.”

Protectiveness and the desire to protect rose within me.

Rebecca was nothing but a girl who needed my help for reasons unknown to me. From her posture and the way she fidgeted, I knew she was terrified of Tara. Rebecca wouldn’t defend herself. She’d take whatever Tara dished out. I’d been in that position once, forced to remain quiet as my future was decided for me by others.

I’d be damned if I let Rebecca suffer the same fate.

I looked up and met Tara’s gaze.

She didn’t turn away, meeting my stare. Each step that brought her closer seemed to intensify the glow in her swirling blue irises. I’d gotten up close and personal with werewolves. Tara wanted to shift, and it was obvious. I could see her muscles bulging as she grew an inch or so taller than normal. It was a direct challenge and the wolf within me immediately took offense. I felt the animal roar to life, ready to tear Tara a new ass.

“We were speaking privately.” I made sure to keep head up, my gaze steady. I wouldn’t back away, not from this bitch. “Our conversation doesn’t concern you.”

“You heard me, Rebecca," she snarled. “Move that ass. Now.”

Becca attempted to walk away. I rested my hand on her shoulder. “Stay right where you are.”

Tara reached for Rebecca, and I pushed the small girl to my side. The wolf was snarling in my head, my hands shaking. I could feel the familiar hum of energy surrounding my body. I could change in a flash, going from human to wolf in a second. A warm haze of red covered my vision, my wolf gauging her opponent.

Caleb’s scent and strength unexpectedly poured into me. I didn’t have to turn from Tara to know he’d started walking in my direction, coming at me hard and fast as he stormed across the room. I breathed through my nose, forcing aside the urge to pounce on the female threatening someone weaker and smaller than her.

“Do you think Caleb can protect you?” Tara asked and started growling.

“I can protect myself.” And then some. If I wanted I could send a surge of energy into Tara that would send the werewolf through the wall. “If he’s going to have to protect anyone, it’s you.”

We faced off, neither willing to back down.

“I suggest you leave,” I whispered, knowing Caleb was almost on us. “You really don’t want to piss me off.”

She bowed her head and lowered her gaze, warning, “This isn’t over.”

My wolf wanted to pounce, seeing her as prey. With a smooth glide of her feet, she breezed away and brushed past Caleb. I exhaled raggedly, fighting for control. The wolf wasn’t happy, demanding I put Tara in her place.

“What the hell was that?” Caleb normally spoke to me in a much softer tone.

I lifted my eyes and met his gaze. His deep indigo irises had threads of light blue fanning toward his pupils. He lifted his arms and opened them wide.

I stepped into his embrace and his voice changed. “Is there something you need to tell me?”

“I honestly don’t know,” I pulled away to look at Rebecca. “I was just talking to…”

Well hell, she was gone. I glanced around, not finding her anywhere. I used my sense of smell to get the job done, wanting to locate her in the crowd. In an instant the fragrant aroma of fresh straw lined my nostrils, nearly choking me. I exhaled harshly, forcing the scent from my nose.

“Careful, now.” He chuckled, shifting closer. “Don’t inhale so deeply.”

“That’s easy for you to say,” I muttered in embarrassment. “You’ve had time to get used to your sense of smell.”

“I don’t want to rush you, but it’s almost time to start,” Caleb said, stroking my hair. “Sam has everything in order. We’re just waiting for the moon to rise.”

I laughed, nuzzling his chest. “Waiting for the moon is cheesy.”

“I can’t argue with that.” Caleb eased his grip on my waist. “But it’s tradition.”

“Yeah, yeah.” Things had progressed quickly, but I knew werewolves adored their protocols. “How long do you think we have?”

“A few minutes.”

He let me go and stepped back. His shoulders flexed as he shrugged out of his coat and wrapped the warm garment over my shoulders. I slid my arms through the sleeves, basking in Caleb’s woodsy scent.

“Keep this for me," he said quietly, "just in case.”

“Just in case of what?”

Caleb—normally so tender with me—became somber. “We discussed this.”

We had, but I still didn’t like it. I shuddered, remembering how I felt when I’d seen him fight in the past.

“You said no one would challenge you.”

“There’s a good chance no one will. I’ve spoken to the pack and they’ve accepted me. It would be dishonorable to extend a challenge during the tribunal without discussing things with me first, but it does happen. It’s best to be prepared.” His hands wound around mine, his fingers large and warm. He pulled me close and kissed my forehead. “Follow my lead. We’ve made it this far. After tonight we’ll have the protection we need.”

As he pulled away, I wanted to yank him back to me.

Every moment I wasn’t close to him, I felt empty inside.

I needed him right there at my side.

Since I’d changed and we’d fully mated, any distance between us felt unbearable. I followed him as he released one of my hands and guided me to the group of werewolves assembled in front of Sam. There were over a dozen, a few of them standing alongside their mates. Tara had gone to Sam, standing at his side, reclining against the bar.

The barn doors opened and Sarah and Derek appeared. Derek was ever watchful, holding one of Sarah's hands, studying her closely. Since I'd discovered she was pregnant, I didn’t know what to say or how to react around them. The pressures they faced were immense and completely unfair.

Despite their love, Derek’s wolf had refused to bond to Sarah’s. Despite that, their eyes were bright and happy. I prayed the baby would create the bond they both wanted.

I hadn’t given up hope.

“It’s time to get this show on the road,” Sam announced, clapping his hands. He turned to face the crowd. His short grey hair still matched his eyes, but his beard was gone, revealing a more youthful face. He had dressed in black dress slacks and a white button down shirt, appearing so much different than the others around him.

A chorus of howls and cheers erupted in my ears, and I wanted to put my hands over them to muffle the sounds. The bellows echoed off the metal ceiling and walls, the noise almost earsplitting. Everyone walked to the doors that led outside, venturing into the moonlit night.

Caleb turned me around, grasping my shoulders in his strong hands, forcing me to meet his intense stare.

“Remember what I said. No matter what happens, you don’t interfere. It’s an immediate concession if someone acts on behalf of the person fighting. Tell me you understand, Emma.”

“I understand.”

I raised myself on tip toes and kissed him quickly. He grinned, kissing my nose, and pulled me along with him as we made our way outside.