His Native Beauty, Her Ruthless Beast

Shadows of the Night

Travis POV

Alpha Bryan Thorne stated that I had much to know, however he could not be the one to provide all the information which I sought. Instead I would need to hear from the firsthand experience of his father, the senior Alpha Thorne and his uncle the Senior Alpha Thatcher. Enjoying retirement, they were off together traveling and were not due back until the next day. Bryan rejected my request to meet my mate until I was fully informed. 

I was sulking, while Ember was fuming. Chad was doing his best to keep my mind and body distracted while we sparred in the gym until the late hours of the night. It was now 3am Friday morning, when I finally consented to turn in for the night. The other Alphas were due to arrive today, then there would be a grand feast, followed by business Saturday. The senior Alphas Thorne and Thatcher were suppose to arrive this afternoon to provide the information I so desperately needed so that I could claim my mate.

Upon reaching our suite, Chad quickly showered before retreating to his room and crashing. Meanwhile I paced my own room, thoughts consumed with the smell of honeysuckle, long dark brown hair, and apprehension of the tale to come. Finally stepping into the shower, I turned on scalding hot water to distract and numb my body. 

Sarah POV

The air is heavy and thick with death. Trying to breathe steady through my mouth, I cower behind my mother, gripping the folds of her maiden’s gown between my hands. Cells line the passageway, each one containing a woman, and an occasional female child resides with their mother. All the women are donned in the same style of gown. Voices are carried to the cells as the rogues lead a man who reeks of power and strength, but dares not to show his face from the shadows. 

“My, my. All of the female specimens are exquisite, especially this one here.” The man says gesturing towards the cell holding my mother and I. 

“Yes sir, this one is an indigenous witch who will breed very nicely, judging by the child she has born.” Replied a rogue.

The man peers down at me hiding behind my mother’s legs. “What is your name little one?” 

I hesitate looking at my mother who closes her eyes firmly then nods to me. “Sarah.” I whisper quietly. 

“That’s a lovely name little Sarah. We shall groom you into a fine bride for our buyers.” The man says menacingly. 

My mother’s eyes snap towards him before she boldly proclaims, “Over my dead body.” 

The man chuckles. “Oh, no, we can’t be having that now. You cannot breed us more beauties like your little Sarah if you’re dead.”  Turning on his heel, he abruptly takes his leave. 

My mother sits down on the cot and pulls me tightly into her arms, humming a gentle lullaby to me.

The woman in the cell beside ours approaches the bars to look in on us. She’s captivating as strength and power radiates from her soul. “My name is Celine, I am the Luna of Rosebud pack. May I ask your name?”

My mother looks up into the kind eyes of the Luna. “My name is Alonna.” 

“Alonna, I am pleased to meet you despite our undesirable circumstances. I want to offer some comfort in knowing that my mate and Alpha of the Rosebud pack are on their way to rescue us. I promise that your little one will soon be safe and protected forever more.” 

I stare into the eyes of the gentle Luna, as I allow the darkness to close in and I drift away.

A knock at my door awakens me, I open my eyes and look around my room, brightened by the morning sun. I moan, rolling over, my eyes ache from the endless tears of the night before, my throat burning and dry. Another abrupt knock on my door, before it bursts open and in skips my sister Jenniana before she plops onto my bed beside me. 

“Ugh, Jenni, why did you bother knocking if you were just going to burst in?” I groan.

Shrugging her shoulders she replies “I gave you ample time to respond before my polite patience ran out.” Then wrapping her arms around me, she kisses my forehead as I hug her back tightly. 

“I’ve missed you Jenni, I’m so glad you are here!” I exclaim.

“I couldn’t be anywhere else for your coming of age celebration. Tomorrow is officially your nineteenth birthday and tonight at midnight is when you’ll finally gain access to all of your abilities” Jenni squeals in excitement. “How do you feel? How are you handling all of the fate of the world junk?” Jenni looks at me seriously.

“Of course you know... why would I think you wouldn’t?” I sigh, disgruntled that I’m the last to know my own purpose in life. “Well, it’s a lot to take, and while my accessibility will open up to new dimensions tonight, I won’t be able to really harness my abilities until I complete the bond with my mate.” 

Jenni nods empathetically. “Your mate is here, though, right? This is a good thing.”

“Sure, if we are rushing into my destiny, and as long as he brings balance to my soul instead of dragging me into the dark.” I respond, shuddering. 

Jenni squeezes me tight. “Remember no matter what, you are not alone, you are loved, and you can lean on all of us to help you stay your course.” 

My heart swells as I return her hug again, “Thank you, you’re right. I can do anything with you in my corner.”