Chapter 1 Prologue

Gideon's Pain Gideon "I'm sorry, she's gone. There was nothing I could do." The doctor backed away from me, fear and sorrow in his eyes. "Nothing! There's nothing! Bring her back!" Every part of my being is screaming. I knew, I knew before he said anything. I felt her in my heart say goodbye and let go. An unimaginable pain radiated to my core deeper than anything I had felt before. "I wish I could, but she's already gone. You know she is. Right now, you don't have time to grieve. They need their dad." The doctor directs my attention to the two newborn baby girls also screaming at the top of their little lungs. How am I going to do this alone? In an instant, my world changed but not how I had seen it happening. My mate died giving birth. She had pre-eclampsia and couldn't hold on after the birth. She gave me two beautiful baby girls, Rose and Daisy. She smiled at them, then left this world, left them and me. All I wanted to do was rage and destroy everything in my path. I was a warrior and an investigator. All I know is how to fight my way out of problems. I couldn't comprehend how she was gone, and I was alone; I couldn't fight to save her. She was just gone. I looked down at my two daughters screaming for their mother, and all I could do was cry. Me, the Alpha of the Druit Guard, sobbing as hard and as loud as my two baby girls. Two girls, what am I going to do. How am I going to raise two girls! I don't even know how to change a diaper yet. Their life rushed through my mind as they grew, all the possibilities and what if's. Would I be able to teach them necessary girl things? What are necessary girl things? I can teach them to fight; I can teach them how to lead an army of warriors, but that's it! I have never felt so hopeless and helpless in my life. These two tiny little girls already broke me. They were all I had left of my mate, my last connection to my love. I could not blame them for what happened, but I wanted to. I was hit again with a wave of sadness as I realized these two beautiful babies would never see their mother smile at them. They would never hear her voice reading them a bedtime story. They would never listen to her laugh at their silly antics or feel her warm embrace. Could I do this be both mother and father? With the help of the nurse, I picked up my tiny daughters. I gave them each a kiss. "I promise to give you all that I have. I can't promise I will be perfect, or I won't make mistakes, but I will give my life for yours to keep you safe. We are all we have now." I tried to stop my tears from flowing again, but I failed. Trying not to let my tears fall on my daughters, I lay them back into the bassinet. They had stopped crying, and they wiggled their little arms towards each other till they were holding hands. I sighed "at least they will always have each other." I sat down in a chair next to them, just watching them sleep. A little paranoid, they would stop breathing honestly. As I sat there, I knew I needed to help myself gain control over my grief. I needed to complete our family bond. As much as it hurt, I need to live for my daughters. I extended my claw on my left hand, slicing a small cut on my right, and then as gently as possible, pricked both of their big toes. I touched each of their tiny toes to my cut, letting the smallest drop from each of them enter my cut. I felt them enter my soul, and the sliver of hope and love started to heal me. I looked down at my chest right where my heart was, and I could see my daughter's family mark forming a white rose and a white and yellow daisy. "My tiny flowers, you have no idea how much you have saved your daddy," I whisper. The doctor was right. I didn't have time to grieve. I had to live on no matter how much it hurt. It hurt, my mate mark burning the moment she left this world.  I looked at my mark, and it was already fading. I had to focus on my girls now. I could lose myself in the pain and sorrow that was eating away at my very soul. My mate would never forgive me if I didn't live on and push through for our children. I just wasn't sure how to do it, where to start. I guess I will be fighting, just not with my fists, claws, or fangs. I'll be fighting my broken heart from giving up, just not sure how yet. I only had my little flowers to help heal me.

Chapter 2 Chapter 1

Chapter 1: The "Scarred One" Amelie "I, Amelie Ashwood, reject you, Tate Cozad, as my mate. I REJECT YOU!" I screamed with the last of my energy. I took the silver blade dipped in my blood to my mate mark. The searing pain my body and my wolf felt was like my heart was being ripped from my chest while being hit by a bus. I guess not all new starts are bright and shiny. The physical pain was unbearable, but my mind was clear. "I did it. I'm free." I passed out naked, bloody, and alone but free; after ten years, I was free. I had just done the unthinkable. I completed the rejection ritual marking myself as a mate rejecter, a pariah in my community. I not only rejected my mate but my old pack. My whole identity to that point – was gone. I was now scarred, no longer marked. Now, I carry the black scar created by the silver blade, and I reject the mate made just for me by the goddess.  The cursed life of a "Scarred One" is what I must look forward to now. The sense of loss was foreboding. Was what I lost the only cost for my freedom from my mate bond? As I woke, a flood of mixed emotions rushed through me. The physical pain had dulled; now, it was time for my broken heart to let it out finally. Not only am I a Scarred One, but I lost the ability to shift. I did not lose my wolf, Inari. She was there, just weak. We were both aware of what the full consequences of the rejection ritual would mean and do to us physically. We did not care. We needed to be free. I pulled myself up off the damp cave floor. I couldn't stand yet, and I was barely sitting up. I had left my father's pack to join my mate's pack. I had built a life for myself and my mate. I had a small shop where I made and sold my jewelry designs, but that was gone now - more like taken. I had to pay the Rejection price to pack Alpha Mason to leave. It's hard, but I don't regret it. I'll make this work somehow. I get up from the cold cave floor, my strength returning a bit, and put on the clothes I had prepared for myself. The strap dug into my fresh wound as I put on my bra. I had yet to look at the hideous  damage that I would now live with for the rest of my life.  I have now been marked as a rejector, a home destroyer, a bringer of misfortune. I didn't care. My now ex-mate would have none of the pain and suffering I did, and his mate mark would fade away. It would be a lonely life of judgment for me now. That is why most mated pairs stayed together even if things were terrible. We wolves are a social species, craving a pack and family.  I wanted these things too, but not the pack I had nor the life I was leading. As I finished getting dressed, I thought of what would be next for me. I did not have much going for me. I was broke  as I had lost my business. I’m not young; I'm 30 now. I'm marked as a rejector. What I just did is rare. Rejecting a mate itself is not rare. This happens, but it's customarily done before mating and marking. After marking, it rarely happens. Growing up, one old woman lived on the edge of town that bore the rejector mark. We were all scared that she would come into our rooms at night and curse or eat us. I was to live my life like her now. On the outskirts, alone. Well, at least it will be peaceful. I can garden, my second favorite thing to do. I can still work on my jewelry and start an apothecary business. I will have to hide that I am the owner as no one would dare buy goods handled by a "Scarred One." Before completing the rejection ritual, I was added, once again, to my father's pack. It helped lessen the pain that the mate rejection ritual causes. I looked down at my shoulder to see my deep green Ash Tree mark; it gave me some strength to keep going forward. My one saving grace was that I was the eldest daughter of the Ashwood Pack Alpha, the largest pack in the Northern Midwest - one of the most influential in North America. I didn't have much else; my father loved my siblings and me. I was an all-around oddity in the werewolf community. I was the Alpha's eldest daughter born before my parents found their mated pair. My mother, Ann, was the daughter of my grandfather's Beta. My parents grew up together and thought they would be mated. On the contrary, they were not a fated mate-pair. I was raised in my father's pack but also accepted by my mother's pack. Her mate, Alpha Logan of the Black Hills Pack, didn't want to raise another Alpha's child. He didn't hate me; he loved me. He just didn't want another Alpha in his business. Having me in the pack would complicate things. I was left with my father and his mate, Celest. Most pups are not children of desire but children of destiny.  I was looked at in my mother's pack as a mistake and something that should not have been born. Life on the surface was better in my father's pack. No one dared say what they were thinking to my face. Instead, I was politely ignored. My stepmother was an exception. She loved me as if I was her pup and treated me as such. She never allowed others to treat me differently.  As I grew, I worked to earn the respect of the pack elders, which made life easier. My younger siblings, bright and happy, were bathed in love and care every day. I envied that, but I could not deny spoiling them myself. The youngest was the heir, James. He and I were 13 years apart in age. My sister Hope and I were 11 years apart. I loved every minute of it; to them, I was just their sister. The Luna had complicated pregnancies and lost many pups.  Of course, there were whispers that I was to blame as I was a curse. It was a common belief that the pups died because of me. My father and stepmother did not believe in the old tales and ran the Ashwood Pack with more progressive views. Honestly, my father, Alpha John, was more of a businessman than a warrior. His Luna was the same; they fought with their brains. I found my now ex-mate when I was 20, which was a few years later than most she-wolves, but I was excited. As someone who should not have been born, I thought I wouldn't find a mate. I felt validated! I was meant to be in this world! The goddess had created a mate for me!  He was older, which was not uncommon for males to find their mates in their mid-twenties. On the other hand, females had commonly found their mate before their 19 th birthday.  Of course, I was almost 21 when I found mine.  He was tall and slender, not the regular heaping hulk most male wolves are. He was an artist, as was I, intelligent and passionate.  His dark brown loose curls came to his shoulders. His features were sharp and angled with high cheekbones. His eyes were like a winter sky right after snow—soft blue with a feeling of briskness that took your breath away. "Mine!" My wolf screamed. "Mate, what is your name?""Tate, and yours, my mate?" He asked as he leaned in for our first kiss, unable to hold himself back. "Amelie." I was barely able to whisper my name before he took my lips. I was in heaven. Both his passion and skill were amazing. I would melt and be sent into fields of pleasure I had never dreamed of with the slightest touch. I saw myself growing old with him having a family - just a simple ordinary life with my destined mate. However, those blissful days didn't last.

Chapter 3 Chapter 2

Chapter 2: The Beginning of the End Amelie All that glitters is indeed not gold... or maybe it just tarnishes quickly. It was perfect at the start. We were both artists. I focused my talents on jewelry design. I opened a small shop. The front was my showroom; I had my workshop in the back. I did my metalsmithing.  I also had a small loft upstairs that I used to rest from all the custom festival orders a few times a year.  I would create custom pieces and designs as werewolves cannot wear silver, but we still like shiny things as women. I made a good living with my shop. My mate was not as successful in his endeavors. He was a photographer and amazingly talented.  His pictures took my breath away. They made me long to travel the world so that he could take pictures.  He opened a small gallery but quickly closed it. His ego could not take the criticism of selling one's art. Every person that walked past without saying a word or coming into look was a chip and his frail machismo. Soon my success was my curse. After his father died, his mother came to live with us. My house was taken over. It was my home, but I had no say.  If I attempted to speak up, I was disrespecting his mother and disrespecting him. I found myself spending more and more time at my shop, making more and more excuses as to why I would not be home.  It became my refuge. I was, at this point, supporting three people. I had to focus on my work to keep food on the table.  Soon enough, even my haven was taken from me. My mother-in-law did not like that I was the breadwinner as she was from an older, more traditional generation.  She convinced her son that he should be the one controlling the finances. My mate quickly took control of my business and all our finances after that.   All I did was work under his watchful eye, day in and day out. I lost contact with all my friends and hung on with dear life to keep my connections with my family.  I became a shell of myself. He never hit me or physically abused me in any way. His abuse was control! I made all our money, but I was only allowed $20 a week. I didn't need more because my mate would get me what I needed.  I didn't control what I ate as he was a picky eater and didn't like strange food.  He controlled what I wore as he did not want any other male to look at me. I had to dress in a way that would not bring him shame. He controlled me socially as I didn't need friends because he was the only friend I needed.  The one connection he could not control was my Alpha father, John. My mate tried everything in his power to sever that connection. We fought often, and I tried to regain some semblance of who I was. If we fought about finances, I was reminded I was a bastard who should not have been born. I was the reason that my mate's art had failed because I was a curse. It was only right for me to make it up to him by giving him control of my business. My entire lineage was a secret to the pack as I didn't want it to hurt my business. Some with traditional views would not allow their families to buy from me as I was not a child of destiny.  He would threaten to reveal my secret to the pack and ruin me if I did not comply. If we fought over household issues or his mother, I was just a spoiled brat of an Alpha.  He would remind me I had no power away from my father's pack, and he was in charge.  I couldn't win regardless of what I said. I gave up; I lost who I was. No, I didn't lose who I was; I was stripped of who I was. I was a walking puppet. I didn't even fight him when he wanted sex as I had no passion, no desire for him anymore. I just longed for him to finish and get off of me. I put on a mask of the perfect mate to the ideal man on the outside. I was too scared of what else he would take from me if I disobeyed. The only thing I had that no one could take was my creativity. What I made was mine; I may not have had control of my business or home, but no one could take away my creativity.  I made a safe space in my mind that I would go to in the worst and loneliest of times. In it were all my future creations, and this is where my inspirations lived. I would look at a rough stone or metal and find its true calling. I would whisper, "What were you meant to be?" As I would say that, my eyes would become glassy. I knew part of me was saying this to myself; the stones only answered as I cut and polished them, they still answered. I never did; the pain of that answer cut into my heart too deep to bear. Being the eldest of the most powerful Alpha meant that I still had responsibilities even as an adult.  My father and grandfather never hid my existence but embraced me fully.  My brother was turning 17 soon and hence would have his heir ceremony. This was done when the next Alpha turned 17 giving them time to find their mate and learn how to run a pack.  At 25, they were expected to take over the role. The previous Alpha would then become the leader of the pack elders. Once the next Alpha takes over, he receives the Alpha mark on his left shoulder blade, a full moon, representing his right to rule his pack. The Alpha's mate would then become the Luna after her Luna ceremony and receive the Luna Mark on her shoulder blade, a crescent moon, showing she was one with the Alpha - a phase of his full moon. I felt a bit sorry for my brother and his future mate. They had big shoes to fill. The pressure of taking over the Ashwood Pack was intimidating. My stepmother Luna Celest called me regarding any possible travel needs for both my mate and me. I was so excited. I missed them so much. My brother's heir ceremony was the beginning of the end; I just didn't know it yet. I rushed off the phone with Luna Celest, so excited to relay my news. My mate was not as enthusiastic. He was downright pissed. "Why would I want to go to that bratty little shit’s heir ceremony." He snarled as he sat at the kitchen table with his mother. She just glared at me silently. "He's going to be the next Alpha of the most powerful Pack in the U.S. Show some respect," I said, showing as much pride in my family as possible. His mother, Karen, did not like when I talked back to her son. She snapped, “Do as you are told like a proper she-wolf, or didn't that bastard maker teach you properly?" It took everything in me to hold my wolf back from tearing her throat out. They had control over everything in my life. They hated my father and the fact he held more power than them. My mate growled, "We are not going! And it's final." I scrambled to think of a way to go that he could not say no to. "You don't have to go, but I will have to. Our Alpha Mason is going, I will need to go, or it will look bad on my father and our Alpha." I did it. They could not control me if two Alphas expected my attendance. "Fine!" he growled, knowing he could not win. I prepared for my trip in silent excitement—longing for my family and a few days of love and peace. On the day I was departing, I had only just left 15 minutes earlier when my phone rang. It was my mate. "That's right. When I call, you answer. Otherwise, know, there will be consequences." He snarled over the phone. "I'm only going to be gone a few days, and I'm going to see my family. There's nothing to worry about." I said as calmly and reassuringly as possible. I just wanted to hang up and enjoy my alone time for once. "Fine, but when I call, you answer!" and he hung up. There was no goodbye or love for you and have a safe trip, just dead silence. It was always odd to me that we could not mind-link long distances like other mated couples. We only could for a few hundred feet. My father and Celest could mind link for miles. I assumed it was my fault, as I did with most things. I guess I would have to watch my phone. I wasn't sure what else he could take away at this point, but I didn't want to find out. I continue my three-hour road trip listening to music, and my mind is clear. I had no idea what would be waiting for me when I returned home. At that moment, I didn't want to think about it.

Chapter 4 Chapter 3

Chapter 3: Home Again Amelie As soon as I reached my family's pack territory line, my heart felt like it was floating. I missed them so much. However, my glee was short-lived as my phone rang. It was my mate. "Hello, Hun! I just got to my family's territory line. You must have been watching the clock." I giggle, trying to keep the mood light. He knew how long it took to drive to my father's territory. He snapped back, "I don't need to watch the clock. I always know where you are.""What? What are you talking about?" I was confused by his tone and comment. What does he even mean? I received my answer quickly. "You think I will let you run around without me, not knowing where my property is? I don't think so. I can track your phone and the car. I just wanted to let you know before you tried anything stupid." Tate had utterly lost it. I had never heard him sound more possessive and disgusting in my life. I just wanted to hang up. I knew I couldn't, or this would get much worse. I calmed my breathing and tried to slow my panicked heart. He wasn't even with me, but I still feared him. "Babe, you have nothing to worry about; where would I go? You are my everything." The words left my mouth, and I felt sick. Who was I? What was I doing? Why did I let it get to this point? A few hours away, I was just visiting my family for a few days. Why am I in such a panic?! "Damn right. Don't fucking forget it." Then he quickly hung up. I had to pull over on the side of the road and just cry. It was months of tears streaming down my face. I could not let them out as he was always watching and waiting for me to show a moment of weakness. "What am I doing?" is the only thing I could repeat to myself over and over as I just let the tears flow out. Finally, my wolf, Inari, had had enough and was in a rage of her own. "Turn around. I'll end him." She had threatened his life daily recently. "Inari, you know we can't. I just want to get to Dad's house at this point and sleep. I'm just tired." She calmed down, hearing the break in my voice. I had lost the will to fight. I finished my crying fit and calmed myself down. I took a water bottle out of the cooler in the passenger seat and used it to alleviate the swelling around my eyes. I still had an hour before my parent's Packhouse, and I still needed to put on my mask of the perfect daughter, sister, and mate for the world to see. I can do this. I've done it for ten years. What is one more event? As I continue my drive, I try to remind myself of the happy memories I've had with my mate. Still, they are all quickly overshadowed by the realization that each of those memories was me, slowly giving him complete control over my life. I started to panic at my blind obedience and for not seeing this until now. Unfortunately, I had no one to blame but myself. I didn't even try to stop it at first. By the time I felt  , I had already been stripped of my own identity. My mind was abuzz with this new realization. Before I knew it, I was at my family's Packhouse. "OK, Am! It's showtime," I told myself. On the other hand, Inari was not as encouraging of me putting on an act. "They already know the truth; you should stop trying to hide it. They can help us. He can't get to us here." She begged me to let my family help, but I couldn't. I knew I would have to go back to my mate's pack. There was no getting around it. Alpha Mason was coming as a witness to my brother's heir ceremony.  As the Timberwolves Pack Alpha if I stayed because of Tate it would make Alpha Mason look bad to my father and other Alphas. I rolled my eyes at her persistence. "Please just let it go and enjoy our time while we can." She huffed at me and stepped back into my mind. She knew I just needed a break, and so did she. We were tired and needed this time to recharge. I step out of the car, and I am pounced on by my sister Hope. She caught me off guard and knocked the wind out of me. "Hope, I think you are going to kill me. Let go!" She giggled and smiled down at me. She was much taller than me. Even though I was 11 years older, she was 6 inches taller than my 5-foot 2-inch frame. She had legs that went for days and days. She got her mother's bright blond hair and our father's clear blue eyes. To me, she looked like an angel. She just turned 19 recently and was on the prowl for her mate. I just hoped whoever he was would treat her like the princess she was. I couldn't wait to spoil my Hope! After squeezing the life out of me, she stepped back. "Am, I missed you so much! Why don't you visit more?" This is what I needed - just to feel wanted and loved, even for just a moment. I could feel my eyes tearing up. "I missed you too! But, hey, where's Luna and that bratty little brother of ours. I need to knock him down a peg or two before the heir ceremony. You can't let him get a big head or anything. We need to remind him that he's the baby of the family." Hope nodded with her best serious and intense look, which made us both bust out in laughter. Hope wiped away a tear from laughing so hard and yelled with a fist in the air, “It's time for a brother hunt!" So off we went into the house, tracking down our baby brother. We passed both our father and stepmother, Celest, as we rushed in. They didn't bother to stop us. They knew what was happening. They both just looked at us and laughed. Our father yelled, "Don't hurt his pride too much, girls. He's going to be the next Alpha soon." Hope yelled back, “Don't worry, dad, he has enough pride for three Alphas. That's the problem." We didn't have to hunt. We knew right where our brother, James, was. In his room on his computer, gaming most likely.  A locked door greeted us! We pounded on it and demanded entry! "Hell No! You two are going to mess up my stats! I'll be down later" We both looked at each other with the most devious look we had. We knew what to do to get his full attention. As our brother grew and his interest in gaming increased, my stepmother found an interesting way to make sure lights were out, and he had enough sleep for school and his heir responsibilities. She would flip the fuse box switch to his room. We rushed down to the storage space off the kitchen. We threw open the fuse box and, right away, knew which switch was for James's room. Luna Celest had painted it with blue nail polish so she could cut the power in her sleepy haze when she knew her son was still up. Hope bowed in a curtsy. “The honor of luring the beast from his lair is yours, sister." I bowed back. "Thank you, dear sister. This honor will not be forgotten." With that, we again could not hold back our laughter, and I flipped the switch.

Chapter 5 Chapter 4

Chapter 4: My Special Place Amelie As soon as the switch is flipped, the loudest scream, "NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!" came  from James's room. Next, we heard the door slam open. From the top of the stairs, he yelled, "Who has a death wish? Who did it?" I looked up to see our baby brother, who was not such a baby anymore. He was a towering 6'4" with light brown hair and similar caramel highlights to mine. He also had our father's bright blue eyes and high cheekbones. He was still a bit skinny as he was only 17 and had yet to fill out. I could tell he would be more imposing physically than our father, but could he play the mental game as dad could? This was yet to be determined. As things stood, we sisters were winning. Little, soon-to-be Alpha was losing his mind, and Hope and I could only snicker mockingly. "Oh, Hope, look at the little pup. He seems angry, and whatever will we do? I'm so scared of this little pup." I mocked as James came rushing down the stairs. We ran around the house playing some odd form of keep away and tag until our father stepped into the room. "Enough," he said using his Alpha tone, which made us stop in our tracks. Not fair. "You are adults, yet you act like children whenever you are all together. Now stop tearing up the house before your mom yells at me." We all knew who the actual "Alpha" in the family was. We held it in, trying so hard not to laugh. Our dad just shook his head at his three adult but forever children and said, "Dinner is ready. Come on before it gets cold." He sighed and waited for me to bring up the rear. He put his arm around my shoulder and kissed the top of my head. "How are you doing, kiddo?" "I'm good, dad. It's nice to be home again." He smiled at me, but I could see a little pain in his eyes as he looked at me. "I promise, I'm fine. My business is doing good. Everything's fine." "OK, kiddo. I understand." With that, we continued our walk to the small family dining room that was used only for the Alpha's family. Inari chimed in, "I told you he already knows. He can feel your pain through his family bond. You cannot lie to your parents. You need to talk to him." I knew she was right, but I just wanted to live in this happy moment without my shame and sadness taking over. "Inari, you're right, but let's wait till after the heir ceremony. I'm here for James. Also, I'm mated he can't feel me in the family bond like before. You know that." I could feel Inari agree and shift back again. "Let's go for a run tonight. We'll go to our spot." Inari agreed, and I entered the dining room. Luna Celest gave me a huge hug and a kiss on the cheek. "Hello, love! Did you have a nice drive?" "Yeah, I always enjoy the hills and mountains on the drive." I hug her back and take my seat at the table. The rest of dinner had its usual banter. We caught up on each other's lives, teasing from time to time and getting our marching orders from Celest. We all had a job to do tomorrow to ensure the event went off without a hitch. All I could do was smile and let my heart fill to the brim. After dinner, I switched into some workout clothes, leggings, and a long-sleeved t-shirt and went out the backdoor to the tree line. Once I got there, I stripped down and let Inari out. I was filled with all the love from my family and, at the same time, sadness. I knew it was going to end. I needed some air, and Inari needed to run free. So, I shifted, which I didn't do often enough since finding my mate. My body cracked and twisted. Fur pushed through my every pore. Werewolves who shift repeatedly need a ton of protein. It takes a lot to keep up a wolf's body. Finally, I complete my shift, and Inari stands in her full glory - chocolate brown with an almost gold undercoat; her eyes changed from my stormy grey to a rich topaz. "OK, it's all you, Inari. Let's go to our spot." At that, we take off through the woods to find our favorite mountain clearing. Once we get there, I shift back. I'm naked, but I love this place. Growing up, I would find wildflowers and wild herbs. I would collect the seeds and bring them to this clearing. I walked through the wildflowers and herbs. I looked around to take in the violets, gaillardia, yarrow, feverfew, echinacea mixed with thyme and wild rosemary, and mountain mint. It was a little slice of heaven for me. It was a place where I could indeed be at peace. I could just be with no judgment, no expectations, and no one controlling me. It was just my plants and me growing and thriving. I breathed in the cool mountain air of Western South Dakota and looked up at the clear night sky. Up here, away from everything, you could see every star. I spent the time trying to identify constellations, which I am terrible at. I think everything looks like the big dipper. Good thing I didn't have to navigate by the stars. Who knows where I would end up? "Am, we need to head back. Tomorrow will be a long day, and you will be needed to represent your family." "I know. It's just so peaceful here. I never want to leave." Inari sighed. She felt the same as me. This was our peaceful place. It was the one place we wished we could take with us. With that, I stood up, my naked butt covered in dirt. I dust myself off and step back, making sure not to step on the chamomile in front of me. Inari shifted, and we headed back to where we had left our clothes. I dressed and started to walk back to the Packhouse. I could see a silhouette in the backdoor. It slowly stepped away once it saw me. I could only assume it was my father. It was his regular practice when I lived with him before. He just wanted to make sure I was safe while also giving me my space. I went back to my old room. Everything was left as it was. It was like a time capsule. It was all frozen at the moment; my life changed when I found my mate.  I found it both comforting and a little unnerving. I rinsed off in the shower and pulled on some pajamas. I realized I hadn't checked my phone since I got to my parent's house. A jolt of pure panic shot through me. I didn't want to check, but I knew I would have to. There were five missed calls and 20 texts. The last text sent a chill through me. "Don't answer my calls and texts for hours? There will be consequences." I read aloud. Shit, what was I going to do now? I looked at the time. It was only 10:30 PM. It wasn't that late yet. I quickly text him back, hoping I can stem his anger. "Hey, babe! Sorry for the late text; I was spending time with the fam. I'll call you as soon as I'm up in the morning. Love you, good night." I breathed a heavy sigh. I prayed that was enough to calm him. My phone buzzed again. "Don't let it happen again." That was it. For now, I averted disaster. I plugged my phone into the charger and laid down in my childhood bed. I pushed everything out of my mind and just let the sounds of the woods nearby sing me their sweet lullaby as sleep took over.

Chapter 6 Chapter 5

Chapter 5: Family Obligations Amelie "Wake up, Am!" I was jolted awake by the wind, yet again, being knocked out of me as James was sitting on top of my chest. He jumped up and yelled, "Revenge is sweet!" Oh, he was going to get it after his heir ceremony. He's lucky we all must behave and act like grown-ups. Well, I was awake now. I was still trying to catch my breath, but I was awake. I rolled out of bed and grabbed my phone. I take a deep breath and brace myself for what is about to come. It was still pretty early. There is a good chance that Tate will be asleep. I take in one last deep breath before dialing. It rings and rings then, to my waiting ear, his voicemail picks up. "Thank the Goddess," Inari chimes in. "Hush, I'm leaving a voicemail." I scold her. "Hey, babe, it looks like you are still asleep. I wish I were too. We have a ton to get ready for today, and I'll be greeting guests from all over the country. I'll try calling later tonight. Bye. Have a good day, love you." With that, I hung up and let out a sigh of relief. Then, I jumped up and got my day started. As I'm getting ready, I can't help but laugh at how James woke me up just a bit ago. The three of us have always played pranks and teased each other. We were the only ones who made each other feel normal. Growing up, we all had run-ins with people trying to get close for the wrong reasons, or just flat out hate us due to their jealousy. In front of the world, we had to project a proud, strong, and stone facade. Behind closed doors, we let loose and treated each other like any family would. I knew my baby brother was feeling the pressure and if sitting on me to wake me up helped ease some of that tension, I would let him have it. All I can do today is be the best big sister I could be and support him and my family. I get dressed in jeans and a t-shirt, knowing I'll be changing later for the party. Time to get to it. I head downstairs and eat a quick breakfast. Celest gives us a review of what we need to do before releasing us to our assigned tasks. I'm in charge of the kitchen staff and food prep. Celeste knows that cooking is my third favorite thing after jewelry making and gardening. I'm delighted to take on the task; it's a significant responsibility. The Ashwood packhouse had three wings. It, in all honesty, was huge. One branch was for the Alpha and his family. This could be closed off from the main wing. The secondary wing was for the Beta and his family as he needs to be close to the Alpha. Both had a family kitchen and private areas. The primary wing, or Main Packhouse, resembled a small hotel or lodge. The entry was large and open; it had glass letting in all the natural light and views of the woods and mountains. A grand ballroom was used for Pack business, events, and festivals. Off to the back of the ballroom was my destination, the Pack kitchen. It had everything a major restaurant would need to finish dinner service. With a loud but joyous shout, I walked in and yelled, "Ladies and gentlemen, are we ready to show them what we are made of?!" giving my team of cooks our battle cry. In unison, I got a "Yes, Ma'am!" I grabbed an apron and called over the Head Chef to go over each course and station. One of the things that set our Pack apart from others was how my father handled Omegas. Werewolves took pride in power, strength, and our warrior spirit. My father is a progressive thinker who encouraged talent of all kinds. He had some of the best restaurants in all the Packs. The great thing was that those great cooks and chefs were here in this kitchen to bring the event together. I swelled with pride, knowing these wolves found their home here and respected my father. They would give that respect to my brother one day. Roth was the head chef. I pulled him over to get more details. "Roth, what's our plan so far, and what are we lagging in?" I pull him over to the side. Roth gives me a serious look and quickly gets down to business. "Amelie, I have reviewed the guest list, and we have added a bit more protein to the buffet." Looking at the amounts, it was more than "a bit." I was confused about why we would make such a significant last-minute change. "Was our protein order shorted? Why the last-minute change?" I needed to keep our waste down, and that much protein could easily be wasted. We could look frivolous to the visiting Packs. This could be seen as an insult as we could come across as arrogant. Roth looked at the edited menu and, with a furrowed brow, gave his reason. "The Druit Guard RSVP'd more than we planned; as you know, they are a warrior Pack and shift daily," I cut him off. "I completely forgot they were coming. Their Alpha is participating in the heir ceremony. Looking at the menu again, we may need to increase overall carbs as well. How much bread do we have on hand?" Roth dropped his head with a slight shake. "Not even enough." He looked at me, desperate. I knew what he was trying to ask. I put my hand on his shoulder to reassure him we would make it happen no matter what. "It's still early morning; we have time. I need A.P. flour, yeast, sugar, hot water, milk, eggs, and butter. If we don't have enough here now, I'll start with what we have, and we can send someone out to get more. I need two sous chefs with strong arms; we will be putting our all into these rolls. Roth also gets someone to start on an alfredo sauce with grilled chicken breast. I will call to get some pasta made as well." Roth nodded in agreement as the team got fired up. I loved making bread and pasta, so this was no issue for me at all. After hours of kneading and proofing, we had around 200 Parker House rolls ready to go and about 150 servings of fettuccine noodles. My work was done. I had to check in with Celest and then get ready. I found my Stepmother scolding James. He had snuck away when he was tasked with greeting guests. I helped him out by telling Celest about the dinner crises we averted, and she was relieved. I winked at my brother and gave him a nod to go while I had his mother's attention. He slowly stepped away but was caught right before going down the corridor to our family wing. "James, go find your father in his office. He has a few last minutes things to review with you." At that, James turned around and went to our father's office in the main wing. Celeste turned to me. "Honestly! Is there hope for that boy?" We both giggled a bit, knowing he would be a great Alpha, but he was still a teenager. "Am, love, we both need to get ready for tonight. I have hair and makeup coming to my room in an hour. Shower and bring your dress; the three of us girls will get ready together." I nod, giving a slight smile. It reminded me of old times growing up. We walked down the corridor toward our wing. All of a sudden, I felt something wanting me  to turn around. It wasn't strong, but it was like a gentle breeze wanting me to follow. Then, I caught the slightest whiff of eucalyptus. "Inari, do you feel that? What is that?""I don't know, but I know it's not bad. It feels comforting." She was just as perplexed as I. I kept walking to my room, trying to figure out what that feeling was. Before I knew it, I was back in my room. I quickly brushed out my wavy curls and jumped in the shower. I tossed on some sweats and a button-up, as I didn't want to pull my shirt over my head when my makeup was finished. I grabbed my dress and headed to my parent's room. It was abuzz with hair and makeup artists and Hope bouncing around. I was quickly grabbed by one of the ladies and forced into a chair. The next thing I knew, the coldest gel mask was placed on my face making me jump a little. Hope thought it was hilarious until it was her turn. The rest of the time was spent with "girl talk" as the ladies chatted away. One of the unmated ladies brought up the Druit Guard with a hungry look on her face. "Have you seen them? They are the perfect example of a male wolf I have ever seen. I hope one of them turns out to be my mate. I would never leave my bedroom." She said, giving a big smile and wiggling her eyebrows. The whole room burst out in laughter at her lustful comments. Soon enough, we were done and ready to put on our dresses. My Stepmother liked to color coordinate at these kinds of events. She said it showed solidarity and that we were the ruling family. Her go-to color was deep shades of purple; it reminded her of old-world royalty. My dress was eggplant purple and nude. It had two pieces. The under-piece, which was nude, had a sweetheart neckline corset. It was fitted to my body and stopped right above my knee. The top overlay was purple lace with long sleeves and a high neckline. The skirt part was an A-line that went all the way to the floor. I loved the peekaboo feel, but I was still covered. It had a satin sash for the waist. I added 3-inch nude sandals and chandelier earrings. My hair had been pulled up and let fall loosely down the back of my neck. I always felt like an actual princess in these moments as my sister and Luna Celest finished getting ready as well. I remembered that I had neglected my phone yet again. I brought it with me, so I quickly pulled it out.

Chapter 7 Chapter 6

Chapter 6: The Heir Ceremony Amelie My heart sank. Six missed calls and ten texts. Damn it. I didn't have time to appease my mate at this moment. I was busy and in front of a room full of people.  I read the last text, "You were warned there would be consequences." That is all it said. I quickly texted back, hoping to calm him again and find a way out of whatever torment he was planning. "Hey! I am so sorry I missed your calls and texts again. You know how things get around here when events happen, lol. We are about to head down to the ceremony. I'll call you tonight before bed. Love you." I hoped he might understand, and I could avert disaster. I toss my phone into my bag and hand it to one of the ladies putting mine and Hope’s things back in our rooms. I needed to focus on the task at hand and support my brother. This was one of the biggest days of his life, and I would not miss it for the world! Celest headed down the corridor first, then me, then Hope. It's proper etiquette to travel in order of age. We were flanked by guards wearing black suits. We headed outside to the stage that had been set up. Dad's Beta, Lucas, announced our arrival. Lucas was also my uncle; he was my mother's brother. He gave me a wink as we passed, and I winked back with a slight smile. The ceremony was now starting. We took our seats on stage. To the right of us was a basin of rainwater. There were sprigs of sage, thyme, and St. John's Wort on the stand next. Next, my current Alpha, Alpha Mason, was announced and stood to the left of our seats on stage. Next, Alpha Gideon from the Druit Guard was announced. As he stepped out, I felt the same pull I had earlier in the day. I could catch the slightest scent of eucalyptus; it was so comforting. I wondered why? As Alpha Gideon came up onto the stage, our eyes met. He had the brightest green eyes I had ever seen. They reminded me of the foliage of morning glories at dawn. I quickly snapped out of it as he turned and took his place next to Alpha Mason. Both men wore a simple wrap around their waist and were shirtless. It was hard not to gawk at Gideon's awe-inspiring physique. His sandy blond hair pulled half up in a ponytail—his marks on full display. I saw a White Rose and a Daisy on his chest. "He must have two daughters," I thought. On his left shoulder blade, his Alpha mark is shown proudly. His pack mark of an oak tree on his shoulder represents that they were the Moon Goddess's guardians, the guardians of knowledge. One thing Alphas and Lunas had besides their rulers' marks was a connecting pattern. Gideon's was swirls of clouds and leaves that looked like his moon symbol would be covered in an overcast at any second. I followed the swirling clouds and leaves to where his Mate Mark should have been, but all that was there was a faded scar. "It looks like his mate passed," Inari said sadly. "I guess so. It looks like he's a single dad too." I felt like I should get up and hug him and tell him it would be okay. I didn't know why. I had never felt like this before. I shifted my focus back to the ceremony. Finally, Lucas announced my father and brother. They also wore the simple wrap with their marks proudly on display for all to see. I could see the pride in my father's face as he walked to the stage and the nervousness on James’.  Once on stage, my father took over the ceremony proceedings. "Thank you all for coming today. Please be seated. We will start with the Moon Goddess blessing." He turned to us ladies. We were the first to take part. Celest steps forward. "I, Luna Celest, the mother of the Ashwood Pack, represent the Moon Goddess and bless you with the wisdom of the ages. May you lead your Pack wisely and justly." With that, she took the sprigs of sage and placed them in the basin of water. I stood next. "I, Amelie Ashwood, sister of the Ashwood Pack, represent the Moon Goddess and bless you with the strength of a thousand wolves. May you lead your Pack with a strong will." I placed the thyme in the water basin. Now it was Hope's turn. "I, Hope Ashwood, sister of the Ashwood Pack, represent the Moon Goddess and bless you with focus as clear as a summer day. May you lead your Pack with clarity." She places the St. John's wort in the basin. James steps over to the basin and bows his head as the three of us sprinkle the blessed water on his head. Then, he steps back, and father again takes over. "The goddess has blessed you with wisdom, strength, and focus. How do you receive these blessings?" James responds clear and proudly, "I receive these blessings with an open heart and an open mind.""Step forward, my son." James turns to the side and steps in front of the three Alphas. At that moment, I noticed how small my little brother still was but so proud of how much he had grown. Our father took a gold blade, cut his right palm, took his left pointer finger, and dipped it into his blood. He made a line across my brother's chest. "Never forget your duty to your family and Pack; you are their father and provider." Father handed the blade to Alpha Mason next. Alpha Mason made the same cut on his right hand and drew a line with blood right under our father’s. "Never forget your allies and friends. As Packs, we are stronger together as allies; we are invincible." He handed the knife to Alpha Gideon. Alpha Gideon followed the same steps placing his bloodline under Alpha Mason's. "Never forget you are a warrior. You fight so your Pack can survive." Gideon handed the knife to James, who cut his right palm. "I, James Ashwood, accept the blessings of the goddess and my fellow Alphas. Please teach me and guide me so I can mold myself in your image." He shook each Alphas hand-cut palm to cut palm - starting with Gideon, Mason, and lastly, our father. Once he was done, he stood with his back to the crowd as his heir mark came into view. A lunar eclipse that would one day turn into a full moon. His pack mark changed from dark forest green to a deep purple and started to connect to his heir mark with growing branches. I could see his blue eyes turn dark as his wolf came to the surface, feeling the surge of power. Once the mark was complete, the four men stepped off the stage and shifted. They would do a perimeter run to let the energy settle in James' wolf. Everyone cheered as the four wolves ran off into the night. We will see them soon at the party. "Thank you, everyone, for attending this joyous occasion! Please proceed to the ballroom for food and beverage to celebrate." Celest announced with great pride. Then, she turned to Hope and me. A little sadness was there. "What's wrong, Luna?" I put my arms around her trying to figure out what could make her sad on such an occasion. She looked at me with a slight smile. "All my babies are growing up. I just want you all to stay my little babies forever." She pulls Hope and me into a big hug. "Mom, you're squishing me." Hope wiggled her way out. "Let's go to the party before all the good food is gone." Hope took both our hands and led us into the ballroom. It was a grand affair. Celest and Hope headed straight to our family table. I headed to the kitchen to check on the team. "Roth, how are we doing? Any more issues after I left?" Roth popped his head up from his station. "No, Miss Amelie, everything is going smoothly. I don't know if we would have been able to make the adjustments without you." He smiled and nodded. I was overjoyed. I think we would have enough to feed an army and we kind of were. The Druit Guard brought their elite unit as a sign of respect to my father.  They were a small unit with a big appetite. "Perfect. You know where I will be if any issues arise. Please DO NOT disturb the Luna tonight. I will oversee all issues the rest of the evening.""You got it, Miss Amelie." With that, I went to my seat. James, our father, and the two Alphas entered as soon as I got back. All wearing black suits, dad and James wore deep purple button-ups with black ties. Alpha Mason was wearing a dark red button-up with the top buttons undone. Gideon's suit looked like it would burst at the seams any moment. He wore a forest green button-up with his jacket slung over his shoulder and sleeves rolled up to his elbows. The top buttons were left undone. I felt my heart flutter for just a second. I quickly looked away and tried to hide my face as not to make eye contact. I felt someone standing in front of me; when I looked up, it was Gideon. With a big smile, he held out his hand. "Amelie, right? Would you care to dance?"