The girls finished their breakfast and Izzy excused herself to take a shower. The bath had soothed her muscles but she needed to wash her hair again. She was convinced she would never get the leaves and twigs completely out. She still had tangles where her braid had matted underneath the top layer of hair. It was a rat’s nest. Having no brush for her hair over the past week had created a mess that was tough to undo. She had styled the top outer layer for the feast last night to look presentable, but underneath the top layer was a nest of matted and knotted tangles. There were still small pieces of leaves and twigs hiding where she had been unable to see the prior day. To be fair, she really hadn’t cared what she looked like beneath the surface for the feast. When Izzy was finished with her shower she dressed quickly, not wanting anyone to see the fading yellow bruises that still marked her stomach. They were faint, but still visible. They were a yellowish-green hue

Izzy’s eyes were wide as she tasted the fluffy, sugary confection. She had never tasted anything as sweet as powdered clouds. It was like a sweet caress on her tongue. The delicacy looked like a large, powdered lollipop. The one that Nate offered her was rainbow colored, the many colors swirling in a circle around the stick in the center. Nate took a piece off his and ate it, looking at Izzy as she did the same. After that first bite, she would never be the same. She forgot her troubles for a moment, the pure bliss that came with that bite sent her into an oblivion of pleasure. She closed her eyes and savored the taste. “Oh my goddess,” she whispered as she opened her eyes and looked at Nate. His eyes twinkled in amusement. “You like it then?” he asked with a grin. She laughed lightly and nodded. “I more than like it, I could eat this until I die, quite literally.” Nate’s brows rose. Kate came to stand by them with her own stick of powdered cl

Izzy couldn't tell you anything about the final days of the festivities for The Hunt. She walked around in a daze of fear and panic, worried that someone would find her and take advantage of her again. After two attacks, she had lost all hope that this was the end. She was walking in a daze, waiting for the next shoe to drop. She took the time to consider what her father and Marcus had said to her when they had told the girls they had to go to Kreil. The words kept replaying over and over in her head. She didn’t understand them fully but they seemed important. 'There are repercussions to having sex with an alpha'. She wished they were more forthcoming about what they meant, though she had a suspicion. They packed their things and loaded wagons for the long road south to Kreil, it would take five days, possibly six depending on how fast the wagons navigated the terrain. Kate and Susanna were more protective than normal of Izzy, never letting her out of their sight. Na

Cliff looked at the men surrounding him. They were from a tribe that most people thought were extinct. They were Rangers. A second man walked up behind Cliff and whispered in his ear. The man was dressed in black, his hands covered in dark gloves, his body cloaked in long black sleeves and pants, covering his arms and legs. He had dark, black hair and olive skin. His face sported a beard, the scruff covering his square jaw. “They left the castle with the caravan, heading toward Kreil. They should be about to the Forest of Whitaker. We can intercept them there if we are fast,” he whispered the words and Cliff nodded. “My mate has been taken,” Cliff said, talking to the men in front of him. “She was stolen from me. I need her back. The men who stole her are taking her with them in a caravan toward Kreil. They will reach the Forest of Whitaker in a day’s time, I’m asking for help in retrieving her.” “Why can’t you go yourself?” a tall man asked, he was standing

Amelia reached the village of Thieves in the tribe of Brumward after twilight had descended. Daisy was still in good shape, the little mare was hearty and could go long distances without much trouble. Amelia patted her neck lovingly as they trotted into the town centre. Seeing a pub, Amelia tied Daisy to the post and walked into the pub, looking for something to eat and a room for the night. She opened the door and heard the brawdy words of the men inside. She blushed at some of the songs they sang. She walked to the bar and waved at the barmaid, hoping to catch her eye. The barmaid walked toward her. “What can I get for ye?” she asked kindly. She looked Amelia up and down with a suspicious look before she set her elbows on the bar and leaned forward, waiting for her to name her needs. “I’m looking for a stable for my horse, a room for the night, and dinner?” Amelia asked, pulling out some coins and setting them on the bar. The girl’s eyes glanced at