ALEKSANDR When we finally landed in Amsterdam, the kids were wide awake and well rested. Rieka and I were a bit tired but sated, which was good because we had to focus. It was still a little more than an hour’s drive before we would reach the Night Stalkers Pack territory. They were set up just outside the border on the western side of Veluwe National Park, the largest forest in the Netherlands. Since we wanted to keep the kids close, and we had all of the Luna’s Guards with us as well, we rented a large 15 passenger van and Sebastian drove. A part of me expected the kids to relax and enjoy the trip once we landed, but I also wasn’t surprised when they opted to stick close by their mom, with the exception of Eden who decided she was going to be my shadow for the day. She’s grown quite attached to me and I can’t say I’m disappointed by that. She’s a sweet girl, but she’s also a firecracker! She has so much spunk and personality, if she were a wolf, she would absolutely be consi
RIEKA My eyes slowly open and I glance around the room to gain my bearings as I remember where we are and why we’re here. My husband’s strong arm is draped over my waist, his strong chest pressing into my back as he holds me close. It’s a rare occasion for me to wake before him, but I can tell from his breathing that he’s still sound asleep, so I remain still to avoid disrupting his rest. I turn the dream over in my mind as I try to make sense of it. My son isn’t a coward, but he also knows not to instigate anything with wolves. They have a supernatural strength that we as humans will never be able to compete with, no matter how much we work out. But Ace wasn’t taunting him either. The wolf charged at him, but all Ace did was stand his ground. For that, I was proud of him, even if it was just a dream. Aleksandr began to stir, and I was thankful because I knew I would need to use the toilet soon. ----- Breakfast was casual again, and Cornelis didn’t even join us this time.
RIEKA “I’m sorry,” I break in, “I’m still learning the dynamics of the packs, but there is no such thing as an Alpha over all packs, is there?” “No, the packs are all independent, and for the most part diplomatic with one another,” Fleur answered, “We had an Alpha King many generations ago, but considering how long we wolves live, and how long ago it was, the idea of the Alpha King is just as much legend at this point as the stories about your family.” Aleksandr snorts beside me. “Sorry Love, but I don’t see how that’s possible. We’re mated, and I’m no stronger than I was before. I love you, and I don’t care about being Alpha over all werewolves. But the rumors just aren’t true.” I couldn’t argue with him. He knew his own strength and if being mated to me didn’t change anything then maybe there really was nothing to these rumors. Maybe it was just a legend. Then Cornelis spoke up again, but he directed his comment at me rather than Aleksandr. “The legend is that you have the ABIL
ALEKSANDRThe young pup immediately bared his fangs at Ace, and my protective instinct kicked in. Just as I was stepping forward to warn him off, Cornelis barked “Gerrit! You will be polite and welcoming to our guests!”Rieka’s eyes were wide, and I wasn’t sure if it was because this was Cornelis’ son, because he was growling at Ace, or both, but Cornelis immediately apologized for his son’s outburst.Gerrit bows his head in submission as he side-steps around me to take the empty seat next to his father.The evening was a bit tense, but eventually we all relax enough to make it through dinner. Rieka had a haunted look on her face the entire time. I tried to mind-link her to ask what was going on, but she brushed it off and said we’d talk later. Was she just stressed about Gerrit being aggressive towards Ace or was something else going on?As soon as it was acceptable to excuse ourselves, we did, and we all headed upstairs together as Cornelis began lecturing his son about his beh
ALEKSANDR When Gerrit crashed into the room like he did, I almost took his throat. The pup should know better than to surprise an alpha who is on edge trying to keep his mate safe. “Where is your father?” I growl. “He’s interrogating the spy now, but we need to prepare you all to leave if any information has gotten out.” Rieka gasps and whispers that we need to go get the kids as Fleur glances out the window and moves toward the door of the library. “Follow me,” She commands without glancing over her shoulder to confirm that we’re complying. Pulling Rieka close to my side, we briskly walk down the hall with Ash and Gerrit following close behind us. ‘Oliver, get the kids to safety.’ I mind-linked, ‘There has been a security breach of the Night Stalkers territory.’ ‘Yes, Alpha,” Oliver immediately responds. Fleur turns to head upstairs, and Rieka hesitates, “What about the kids? Don’t we need to get them?” “Danique and your guards are escorting them up to their rooms now,” A
ALEKSANDR Cornelis led us down the hall to an empty guest room while Ash and Fleur stood guard outside. Gerrit was nowhere in sight, but I wasn’t concerned about his whereabouts. Rieka and I waited for the Alpha to speak, but he just stood there looking calm, as if he was waiting for something. The only indication of his stress was the flexing of his jaw. After a few more seconds his shoulders relax a hair, and his face softens slightly. “The spy was well trained, but I managed to break him. He wasn’t able to get his intel out to his pack, but it seems I have a traitor in my pack.” Cornelis clenches his fists at his sides as he reveals the last part. “I assume you’ve identified the traitor and delt with them.” I glare at him. I trusted this Alpha with the protection of my family, and he can’t even keep his own pack in line. “Unfortunately, the traitor has been smart enough to protect themselves. The spy didn’t know who it was. They communicated anonymously through hidden
RIEKA Balancing Calvin on my right hip, while holding Aria’s hand with my free one, we stepped out into the cold night air. The snow on the ground reflected the moonlight so there was nowhere to hide. Calvin buried his face into my neck as we silently walked to the cars. None of them were started yet, and I could see Eden’s face watching us through the window of the second vehicle. We made our way to the front vehicle in the lineup, but just before we reached it, Aria’s teeth began to chatter from the cold. I tense knowing with the heightened hearing of werewolves, if anyone was close by, they might hear her. Quickening my pace, and pulling Aria with me, I silently urge her to get in the car as quickly as possible. Once in the car, I slowly pull the door closed to avoid a loud thump. Calvin opened his mouth, but I quickly raise my finger to my lips indicating that it’s not safe to talk yet. Asher was already sitting in the front passenger seat, but he was focused on watching
ALEKSANDRFleur’s scent was easy to follow, and it didn’t take long before I could see flashes of her tail between the trees ahead.It suddenly occurred to me that running after Fleur and leaving my family with only 5 guards might have been a stupid decision. If an entire pack in out here waiting to take them from me, the Luna’s Guards will not be strong enough to protect Rieka and the kids.I need to catch her and figure out what’s going on, so I can get back to my family and be certain that they are safe!Pushing my wolf as hard as I could, we finally caught up to Fleur, but she was slowing down.Shit! Did she already accomplish her goal of getting me away from my family?Stepping up behind her growling, she quickly shifts and glares at me. “What are you doing here?!” she whisper-yells. “You should be back there with your family! I’ll be back in a few minutes. Didn’t your mate tell you?!”Rieka? She was supposed to tell me something?That was the moment I realized that I was