My head. The pain is unbearable. “Ugh, I really need to stop waking up like this,” I groan, sitting up. Nate’s sitting on the edge of the couch, glaring at me.

I take in my surroundings, looking at the furniture and people in the room. My mates are spread out on a massive beige L-shaped sofa. Jake and Rick are standing by the wall looking as menacing as ever. My collapse has had a negative effect on everyone.

Thank God the Elders aren’t here. I’m so not in the mood to be interrogated. “So, where are we?” I ask, faking a cheerful tone.

Nate growls, getting my attention, his blue eyes sparkling with anger. “Dani, what you did, was absolutely stupid! You used your energy to heal me while we were under attack! You could have died!”

Sighing, I grab his hand pulling him close, offering him comfort. He sinks into me, releasing a sigh. The others slowly leave the room, Jason nodding at me on the way out. Once the door shuts, I pull his head from my shoulder, making him look me in the eyes. “Nate, I’m sorry I scared you babe. You were bleeding, and I was scared. I have the power to heal you so, why shouldn’t I?”

“Because you could have died!” he yells, jumping from the couch agitated. He paces back and forth running his hands through his hair, messing it up. “I can die, but you can’t,” he murmurs under his breath.

I suck in a gasp. He thinks it’s okay to die as long as I’m alive? “Nate, I couldn’t let you die. I love you. My life wouldn’t be worth living if you weren’t in it. Don’t you get that? Do none of you understand?!” I ask, my voice rising with my agitation. “I can’t live without any of you. You are all a part of my life now. No take backs.”

He pauses, staring at me, eyes wide. “You love me?” he asks, stunned.

“Well duh! I thought you already knew that?” Why is he acting as if I’ve never said it before? Surely I’ve told them all I love them? I thought I had.

“I suspected but you’ve only told Cam.” What? I’m sure I’ve said it to the others, haven’t I? “We all know you cared, we figured you’d say it when you were ready. I think a few of us were worried you wouldn’t feel the same so we just left it alone until you told us how you felt.”

Wow! I’m such an idiot! I thought they all understood how I felt, but I’ve left them all thinking I only loved Cam. God, what must they think of me? I cross the room, wrapping my arms around him, resting my head against his chest. He rests his cheek on my head, sighing deeply.

“I’m sorry I didn’t say it sooner. I honestly thought you knew,” I murmur, muffled against his chest. He strokes me soothingly up and down my back and we stand like this, enjoying the comfort until Cam comes in.

“Hey guys, sorry to break this up but the Elders are here. They’re asking to speak to all of us,” he says, holding the door open for us.

Sighing, I pull back and grab Nate’s hand ready to speak to them. On the plus side, at least Sonja isn’t around now. I take in the house as we walk, marvelling at the artwork on the walls. There has to be thousands of dollars’ worth of famous artwork. Unless it’s all fake then the person who painted them is extremely talented.

Beautiful gold banisters decorate the floor. The hallway wraps around showing the floor below. It’s a beautiful home.

Cam grabs my other hand as we descend the stairs, leading me into one of the rooms straight off the entry. The Elders, my mates, Jake, Rick and James are all gathered around talking amongst each other. There are a few other wolves in the room, ones I’ve not met before but I assume they’re part of Jonnie and Mitchell’s pack.

Mitchell catches my eye, winking my way as he talks to an older man. We approach the Elders and Cam clears his throat so they notice us. Sammy breaks apart from them, coming to us, a massive grin on his face. “I don’t know what you did, but the whole pack loves you. Apparently, those wolves have been attacking pack members from the Slade pack for weeks. You came here and finished your task in a matter of minutes. We’re very proud of you,” he grins, pulling me in for a hug.

“Huh? So wait, that’s it? I’m done already?” I ask, shocked. That seems too easy.

“Yep! Can you believe it? You, young lady, are becoming one of the most powerful queens we’ve come across. Since we’re no longer needed here, we decided to move onto the Parks pack as soon as we can. However, because we’ve been busy we are letting you have today to relax and meet your mates’ family and future pack that you will be ruling,” he beams before joining Lance in his discussion.

I watch the others, frozen in shock. That’s it? I really don’t have to do anything but relax? That’s amazing. Finally, some down time. A smile spreads on my face, joy taking over. “Guys, I can actually just rest and enjoy myself. Let’s go get some food,” I laugh, walking to a table piled high with various finger foods. I grab a napkin, putting on three sandwiches, stacked with roast beef. Nate and Cam follow me, Cam only grabbing one sandwich while Nate grabs five. I grin as we sit down on chairs digging in. We both need the energy.

I watch everyone gathered around us as we eat, glad that my mates seem relaxed. They need the downtime as much as I do. “Hey, where’s Mitchell’s mom?” I ask Nate, as he finishes the last sandwich.

“Meh, no idea. She’s always been flaky. Not really around unless she needs to be. I think it’s why they wanted to visit the pack. No offense to Rosie but she can be… flaky,” he shrugs.

Cam nods in agreement. “Yeah don’t get us wrong, she’s lovely and kind but Troy leaving really messed with her. As it is, she should have been at the facility by now,” he says absentmindedly, watching the crowd.

“Can I meet her?”

Nate and Cam exchange glances over my head before Cam walks off, pulling Jonnie and Mitchell away from the guys they’re talking to. Heads bent together, Cam tells them something as the brothers look over at me, fear in their eyes. Why would they be afraid of me meeting their mother? I thought this was what they wanted?

They nod to him, before saying something to the guy they were talking to. He nods at them sombrely, giving them each a manly hug. Jonnie reaches me first, “You want to meet Rosie?” I nod, confirming I want to meet her.

Mitchell just stares off to my side, barely meeting my eyes. Pete and Jason are over in amongst a bunch of people by the table of food and, as if sensing the mood over here, they glance our way. Seeing the others gathered around me when they look so sombre has them making their way to us.

“What’s wrong?” Jason asks, taking in Jonnie and Mitchell’s sad expressions.

Before the others can speak, I answer him, “I want to meet their mother. For some reason though, they’re acting as if the world has ended. I don’t get it guys. I thought you wanted me to meet her?” I ask, tilting my head confused. If they didn’t want me to meet her, why wouldn’t they just say something? I’m not going to force them to introduce her if they don’t want me to.

Mitchell sighs, lifting his head to meet my eyes. “Alright we’ll take you to meet her but we want to go alone. The others stay here,” he says.

“You sure?” Cam asks warily.

What is this woman like if they are nervous about me meeting her? I’m really starting to get anxious about this. As long as she’s nothing like Luke, I’m sure she’ll be lovely.

Jonnie offers a hand, helping me to my feet. “Guys we’re her mates too. We wouldn’t put her in danger. We’ll be with her the whole time, I promise.”

Jeez, that’s not a good sign. Maybe she is like Luke after all. I stay silent as Jonnie and Mitchell lead me through the party back out the doors. Expecting to be lead upstairs, I’m surprised when they walk me through the entryway and out the front door. We go around to the side of the house following a man-made path as it goes into the surrounding forest.

“Um, guys? Why are we going into the woods to meet your mother? This is kinda creepy.” I look around, anxious at how silent it is around me. The forest should be thriving, full of the sound from various animals, instead I’m met with ominous silence, as if even the woods themselves are scared. I don’t like this. “Guys?!” I stop them, pulling my hand from theirs, making them stop.

They both sigh, facing me defeated. “What’s going on?” I demand. 

“I told you my mom was a bit weird since Dad left. What I didn’t tell you was, she’s on the verge of being rabid. She stays out here because being around the others makes her shift too often. Her wolf is losing it without it’s mate,” Mitchell explains. “I promise no harm will come to you but we need to get going.” He offers me his hand and I take it willingly, trusting them both to keep me safe. What terrifies me though is how much this is affecting them. Seeing their mother should be a joyous occasion, not one filled with wariness and fear.

We arrive at a small hut-like cabin, surrounded by a small iron fence. It’s like a home away from home. Beautiful garden beds are on the inside of the fence, some plants sprouting fruits and vegetables. It looks like a self-sustainable way to live. She would only need to hunt for meat which most wolves can do easily.

We continue on the path and Jonnie pushes open the gate, wincing as it creaks. The pale blue curtains in the window shift as an older woman peeks outside. I smile softly, trying my best not to appear intimidating. Mitchell takes the lead, knocking on the door three times. A minute passes with no answer. He knocks again, this time calling out, “Mom? It’s Mitch and Jonnie. We’ve brought someone to meet you.”

Light footsteps move through the house, as their mother comes to the door. When she opens it, embracing the guys, I’m a little taken aback by how similar her and Mitchell look. Same chocolate brown eyes, soft cheekbones and defined jaw line. Her hair is almost the same shade of black, slightly lighter and messed up, like she has just woken. Her clothes are dishevelled as if she’s been wearing them for days. This is their mother? I can’t believe she has been left out here in this condition. It’s cruel!

She notices me, and I swear her eyes flash amber, alerting my wolf. I focus on breathing, not wanting to use my wolf to make my mates’ mother back down unless I have to, but the way my wolf is feeling right now, has me on alert.

I step forward, offering her my neck in submission, “Hello, I’m Danielle of the Jackson pack. It’s an honor to meet the mother of my mates.” I wait for her acceptance, surprised when she turns away, ignoring me. My wolf growls in my mind, but I push her down.

“Who is this girl and why have you brought her here?” Rosie demands of Mitchell.

He fidgets, playing with his hands, Jonnie doing the same. “She’s our mate. We wanted you to meet her while we’re here.”

She stares him down, waiting for Mitchell to show some sign of lying before nodding in acceptance. “Ok then, come in.” She walks into the house, not waiting for us to follow, just leaving the door open for us.

“You guys sure about this?” I ask, hesitating on the door step. She’s setting off all my internal alarms. I don’t know what it is, she just screams crazy.

Jonnie wraps an arm around my shoulder, squeezing me close, “She may be a bit off but she’s nice, I swear.” Mitchell takes the first step into the house, Jonnie guiding us after him. I don’t complain. I’d rather follow than be first in line. We walk pass what I’m guessing is a bedroom or sun room, followed by a kitchen before walking into the sitting area. Judging by how far we walked in, I’d guess the guys have been here plenty of times before.

Rosie is sitting a table made from recycled wood by the looks of it, tea and cups placed in front of her. Jonnie takes the seat on her right, while Mitchell takes the left. I stick by Jonnie’s side, which means I’m directly opposite their mother.

“I made tea,” Rosie offers, pushing the cups towards me.

There is no way I am drinking tea. “Uh, sorry, I don’t drink tea,” I tell her, not touching the cups. Mitchell smiles over at me, remembering the last time he tried to offer me tea. I grin holding back a laugh. Tea is not one of my favourite things. Coffee I can drink but tea, is something I cannot stomach. I only ever have the occasion chamomile for headaches.

“Drink the tea!” she says through gritted teeth, her eyes flashing amber again.

Jonnie reaches out putting a hand on her arm gently, “Mom, Dani doesn’t drink tea, she prefers coffee. How about I make her some?” he offers with a soft smile.

Mitchell is nodding hastily. “Yeah, Jonnie can just make her some coffee.”

Her lips thin in disapproval but she nods. Jonnie hurries from the room, without a second glance. I don’t understand what the big deal is?

I hear the kettle boiling in the other room, obviously Jonnie preparing the coffee. Rosie stands abruptly, rattling the cups on the table, “Mitchell, can I speak to you for a moment? In private,” she adds pointedly, gesturing with her head to me.

This woman has some serious issues. Fair enough she wants to talk to Mitch but to blatantly disrespect me when I’ve been nothing but nice, is just rude! They leave the room together, leaving me to wait for Jonnie to finish making a coffee. I lay my head down on the table, closing my eyes for a moment, trying not to let my anger get the better of me. It’s not her fault she has some issues. I would too if my mate left me, not telling me where he went and abandoning me with two sons to raise.

Light footsteps alert me to Jonnie’s presence. I smile, sitting up to grab the coffee gratefully when a foreign scent hits my nose, like freshly burst blueberries. Something hits the back of my head, shattering into pieces on the floor. As if in slow motion, my head drops to the table, my eyes heavy.

Rosie grips me by the hair, causing a cry of pain to escape my lips. She drags me from the chair, trying to drag me towards the kitchen when my wolf takes over.

“Let go of me now!” I growl, pulling from her, not caring that she manages to rip a chunk of my hair out. She turns on me, trying to grab me but I kick her feet out from under her. She drops to the floor and I quickly run to the kitchen looking for Jonnie. I don’t want to hurt their mother if I can avoid it but they need to diffuse the situation.

Jonnie isn’t in the kitchen, only a splash of blood on the floor smelling strongly of him. What has that maniac done?!

I go back out, grabbing her by the throat hauling her to her feet. “Where are my mates?!” I growl out through gritted teeth, trying hard not to shift and let my wolf destroy her.

Rosie smirks at me, “You’ll never find them. I made sure they knew you were poisoning them. They left you here so I could finish you. Evil whore!” she screams and lunges at me but I punch her squarely in the jaw, enjoying it when she passes out. Stupid bitch.

I run down to the other end of the house, where I assume the boys are. I try to open the door but it’s locked. I have no choice. I put all my weight into it and throw myself against the door, breaking it down.

Jonnie and Mitchell are both gagged and handcuffed to the bed. Mitchell’s squirming around, trying to get free. Jonnie isn’t moving. Seeing him so still has my heart beating a mile a minute. I need to get them out of the silver.

I pull the gags from their mouths, relieved it’s just a cloth, nothing like the silver soaked one I had to endure. “Where are the keys?” I ask Mitch.

“In the drawer,” he says, gesturing to the side table beside him. Quickly, I grab the key and unlock his cuffs, ignoring the burn before moving on to Jonnie’s. As gently as I can, I check him for injuries trying to find where the blood in the kitchen came from. I move over to the edge of the bed, being as gentle as I can. I stroke his hair, gently trying to wake him up, not wanting to be invasive while he’s passed out. It feels wrong. On the second stroke, I feel something moist in his hair. My heart stops when I look down, seeing the blood smeared across my hand.

“Mitch, his head’s bleeding,” I tell him, the blood draining from my face.

I put my hand around back feeling the wetness right at the base of his skull. I apply pressure, not sure what else to do right now.

Mitch grabs Jonnie, carrying him from the room, me following. We’re almost at the door when Rosie grabs my hair again. Is this bitch serious?! I swing out, kicking her in the ribs. She goes flying. Before she can pick herself up again, I’m there, dragging her back to the room I found the boys in. I put the handcuffs on her, enjoying when she struggles. Once she’s safely locked up, I run to catch up with Mitchell. He’s still waiting for me at the door rather than leave me alone with her, which has me feeling guilty.

We run back to the house, side by side, him carrying Jonnie while I keep watch for any other attacks. Highly unlikely but I’d rather be safe than sorry. We arrive at the house in under two minutes. I throw open the door, not caring about anyone in the house. We barge into the entertaining area, everyone freezing at our entrance. All at once, there’s a flurry of activity.  I watch frozen as Jonnie is taken to another room so they can assess him. I pray they can help him because my power failed him.