First to Fall

by Alexa Whitewolf

  With his uncanny way of catching feelings, he’s always the first to give a report. This time, like many others, Finn doesn’t disappoint. “There’s a lot of resentment from Jared, more so than his usual racist shite. But I doubt we’ll be getting trouble from him. He may be a wanker, but he’s not a nutty one.”

  Lucas nods, rubbing the back of his neck. “Grazie, Finn. I thought as much. But his pack is a different story.”

  My hold on Luz tightens. “What, you think they’ll try something?”

  Lucas meets my gaze, shaking his head. “Not towards you or Luz. But there’s a strong chance the Reapers will rebel against their leader. They saw him get his ass kicked by a human woman, and there’s all the other stuff.” Another frown. “Which reminds me. What was it you told Jared about a deal with a zmeu?”

  Oh, that. With my free hand, I rub my chin, trying to figure out a way to explain it. After a few beats, I go with the truth. “When I was fighting Radu, he said Aiden wanted to undermine Jared because of his weakness towards us—letting us settle in—and the recent deal he made with a zmeu. In Romanian mythology, they’re, umm...”

  “Dragons.” All eyes turn to Finn, but he keeps his gaze locked onto the flames. “I read about them when in New York, researching your past with Luz.”

  Tristan says nothing, only dropping his head in his hands. But despite his evident despair, it’s Finn’s reaction that raises the hair on the back of my neck. Face unreadable, he refuses to look up from the fire, yet his jaw is clenched, as are his fists.

  Lucas notices it too, but shakes his head towards me to let it go. I ease back against the tree, tightening my hold on Luz. “Radu may have lied about it.”

  My pitiful attempt at reassurance doesn’t fool anyone, so Lucas picks up the thread of the conversation. “Whether there is one or not, we can only wait and see. But as for the Reapers and their potential unfurling... If they do fall apart, the reality is we may have a bunch of rogue wolves on our hands.”

  I agree with his assessment, knowing it hits the mark. A deafening silence descends on our group, only the crackling of the flames breaking it.

  “If it comes to it...” Lucas meets our gazes above the fire. “We may have to step in, fix things up.”

  I glance at Luz, ensuring she’s asleep, before meeting his gaze. “Whatever happens, I’m in.”

  Finn nods. “And I.”

  We all turn to Tristan, the only one who hasn’t answered. He jerks his head from his hands at the sudden silence and nods. “Sim, claro, me too. You know it.”

  “Bene, it is settled then.” Lucas nods, and his eyes drift to Luz. “You made a bold decision tonight, and you have my respect forever. But I swear to all that’s holy, Dom: if you hurt her, I will have your hide.”

  I chuckle, shaking my head. “As if. She has me wrapped around her little finger.”

  Chuckles answer me all around, but I’m too busy staring at my mate to pay attention to their friendly jabs. I got the girl, I got the pack, and for now, everything is quiet. What more could a wolf ask for?

  As if the universe hears me, the ring of a cellphone interrupts our little get together. We all turn to Tristan, who snaps out of his thoughts and pulls his cellphone out.

  He looks at the number, frowning, then answers. “Yeah?”

  Whatever he hears on the other end has him jump to his feet, almost stumbling over and into the flames. “Dani? Where are you?” I watch as his hand clenches around the phone, almost breaking it. “Não se mova. I’ll be there in a few.”

  He hangs up, running a hand through his hair. His gaze drifts over us, stopping on me and Luz. “I’ve got to go.”

  Before any of us can say a word, he takes off, leaving behind a hint of his agitated vibe. “Do any of you know who Dani is?”

  Shrugs all around answer me. But as I stare in the fire, Luz wrapped in the cocoon of my arms, I remember Ileana’s words, and wonder if my godmother was right after all...

  ∞ 20 – Soartă ∞

  “Accept the things to which fate binds you, and love the

  people with whom fate brings you together, but do so

  with all your heart.”

  -Marcus Aurelius-

  DOMINIC

  Luz is shifting around in bed, and I move from the window to her side. After the bonfire, I didn’t have the heart to wake her up, so I let her sleep. Then I got permission from Lucas—who says you can’t teach an old dog new tricks?—to take off for the night, and brought us both deep in the mountains.

  A while ago, when I first settled into Rockland Creek and before my pack life, I enjoyed my solitude a little too much. I purchased a cabin buried here, with a perfect view of the sunrise above the snowy peaks. It’s the closest I can get to memories of Romania, my little haven of peace.

  One I want to share with Luz, like everything else in my life now and in the future that awaits us.

  The sun’s almost rising now, and I’ve been up half the night with weird questions, but mainly, a deep-seated need to protect her. I want her to wake up and watch nature’s best trick with me.

  So I move to the bed, pushing aside her flaming hair so I can kiss her shoulder. “Wake up, draga mea.”

  Luz rolls to her back, wrapping her arms around my neck and pulling me in for a sleepy kiss. I chuckle against her mouth, nibbling on her lips until her gorgeous emerald eyes blink awake.

  “Good morning.”

  My heart squeezes, then expands in joy at this simple moment. I kiss her forehead, and her nose, before picking her up—covers and all—and walking us both on the porch.

  Luz’s eyes are wide as saucers when she realizes we’re not in my home, but rather somewhere else. “Where are we?”

  “A little retreat up in the mountains.” I kiss her again, unable to stay away from her delectable mouth. “I told Lucas we’re taking a vacation to breathe and relax, after the events of the last few days.”

  Luz meets my gaze with a smile. “You don’t have to manage me, you know. I’m okay with what happened.”

  “I know. But I needed this, being away with you.” Luz snuggles deeper into my chest, and I shift her so she can see below us.

  Her delighted gasp is the best reward, and she tries to move off me but my hands rein her in. “You’re barefoot, and there’s still snow everywhere.”

  Luz shakes her head, gaze unwavering from the mountains and the sun peeking over their tips. “Dom, this is gorgeous!”

  I kiss her shoulder again, tightening my hold on her. “I hoped you’d like it.”

  “Like it?” She turns, grinning like a little kid. “I adore it!”

  We settle back to watch the sunrise, my heart and soul content at having my mate so close. And still, the thoughts that kept me up all night come back.

  Ah, what the hell. Might as well get this over with.

  “And you’re sure you’re okay, with all of this?”

  Lucrezia

  I peer up at Dom, shaking my head at his question. “Am I okay with this? Dom, you...” How can I explain to him what he makes me feel? How none of this—the world I got dragged into—could ever push me away because of the love I feel for him?

  The answer? I can’t. So I do the next best thing and show him.

  Long hours later, I’m close to falling asleep when he says, “There may be a war coming with Jared and his pack. Promise me... No matter how stubborn and independent you are, swear to me that you’ll allow my protection. Don’t go places without me.”

  I notice the worry that lines the corners of his eyes and press my fingertips to his furrowed brow, trying to smooth it out. “I promise, Dom. Anything you want.”

  His eyes sparkle, and he looks boyish and endearing. “Anything?”

  When I nod, he grins. “Move in with me.”

  I gape at his request. We’ve barely started dating, and there’s still so much I don’t know about werewolves —and vârcolacs, especially.

  Yet despite all the reasons against it, and my bett
er judgment, I know I’d already made up my mind the moment he asked me.

  I’ve already made all the crazy decisions, what’s one more?

  So I kiss my wolf with all I have, then pull back and nod my answer. The joy in his sky-blue eyes makes my heart sing, and I nuzzle into his chest, soaking up the heat he so unconditionally shares—like everything else about him.

  And in the quiet house, this little piece of heaven, something amazing happens. Dominic Konstantin, my wolf, falls asleep peacefully while I watch over him.

  ∞ Epilogue ∞

  LUCAS WAS IN HIS HOUSE, unable to sleep. In a last ditch effort to quiet his errant thoughts, he drank from a bottle of whiskey. And drank some more. And more. When he was more than halfway through, he started pacing in his living room.

  Movement outside drew his eye, and he stood, heading to the backyard. “What the...” For an instant, he thought it was a hallucination.

  The woman on his land had long, wavy brown hair with eyes the color of the sun. A robe of roses, lilies and dandelions wrapped her body. When she turned to him, her beautiful smile and lilting voice struck him silent.

  “Ah, the alpha.” A faint accent lined her words, not unlike Dominic’s.

  Recalling what Finn told him about his beta's godmother took a moment, but it still did not help clear his head. “Are you...?”

  “I am Ileana Cosânzeana, fair wolf.”

  “And what the fuck are you doing on my property?”

  She laughed. “I was sent on the wind, by the wind...” Her voice trailed off, and she stepped closer. “You have suffered, all of you. Your wolves are proud, but they should not be lonely. I have decided to help you.”

  Something akin to a growl escaped Lucas’ lips. “We do not need help.”

  “A woman’s touch, her presence in a man’s life, is like the sun. You, of all people, should know that.”

  “Get out of my head, witch!” He tried to grasp her, but only touched air instead.

  Ileana danced around, circling him. “Too late. Love is coming, for all of you!”

  She drew away, still laughing, and disappeared past his gated fence.

  Lucas stared at the whiskey bottle in his hand, then hurled it against the wall of the house. Its shatter disturbed the peace of the night, causing a dog to bark in the distance.

  Yet as he stood there, panting over the shards of glass, nostrils flaring and fists clenched, a single phrase escaped past his gritted teeth. “Non ci credo, Ileana. Not unless it’s over my dead body.”

  Preview of Book II

  Second to Surrender — A Moonlight Rogues Novel

  TRISTAN

  I couldn’t believe it when I got the call. Dani...

  Merda! Images of dark brown hair, smiling hazel eyes, a mouth begging to be kissed run across my mind as I’m driving over the speed limit. Replaying the conversation in my head does nothing to calm my fast-beating heart.

  Tristan, I’m in trouble. I’d asked where she was, and she said her bus was pulling into Rockland Creek in a few minutes.

  I didn’t stop to think, though in retrospect I should have. Other images hit me—of Izabella, with her hazel eyes and tempting mouth, an exact copy of Dani. They’d been twins, once upon a time when we were all young.

  I push back the rest of the memories, the pain, the betrayal and heartache. It has no place in my head if I’m to help Dani. But as I pull into the parking lot of the bus station, I can’t help my wayward thoughts.

  What could have happened that drove her all the way here... away from her pack?

  I get out of the car, locking it behind me, and wait.

  Daniela

  I didn’t want to call on him, for obvious reasons. He’s demanding, a leader, a soldier, and did I mention demanding? Plus, we have a history—and no, not in that way.

  It’s simple story, really. Boy meets girl. Boy falls for girl. Girl breaks boy’s heart. Boy goes into the army. But girl never lets him go... until she drives him out of town upon his return.

  Ok, so maybe it’s not that simple. The girl, in this story, was my twin sister Izabella. Not that it matters because she’s gone now. But I know it’ll matter to Tristan... I just hope he can help me out.

  Because there’s no way I’m going back home to face off my crazy family. Hell-to-the-fucking-no.

  I step off the bus, pulling my hair in a ponytail and fixing my backpack on my shoulder. I’d left in a hurry and didn’t bring much with me. Hopefully, Tristan won’t mind.

  Already antsy at being so in the open, I tap my foot as I scan the surroundings. My eyes linger on a guy leaning against a Mercedes SUV, arms crossed over his chest, baseball cap pulled low over his brow.

  I can’t see much of his face, but his body—holy shit. I avert my gaze before my wayward hormones get the best of me. Life as a wolf is difficult—being an unmated one is even more so, making the females prone to bouts of insanity.

  “Where the hell is he?” I keep looking around, but Tristan is nowhere I can see.

  Then I hear my name called out and search for the voice. It’s coming from Mercedes guy. And now he’s walking towards me, his stride long and purposeful.

  When he’s close by, he shifts the hat on his head and I get a full view of his face.

  “Tristan?”

  My surprise is snuffed out by the anger radiating off him. “What the hell are you doing here?”

  Continue Reading!

  Don't miss out!

  Click the button below and you can sign up to receive emails whenever Alexa Whitewolf publishes a new book. There's no charge and no obligation.

  https://books2read.com/r/B-A-YKHG-GBLT

  Connecting independent readers to independent writers.

  Did you love First to Fall? Then you should read Second to Surrender by Alexa Whitewolf!

  They say blood is thicker than water...But what if family's the source of your pain?

  Tristan

  I swore I was done with love, after my last failed relationship. Being a soldier means making the tough decisions, all for the good of the pack. So when a little miss full of attitude waltzes in, dragging a shitload of trouble with her, I want nothing more than to make that tough decision and kick her the hell out.

  Then she turns those big, feisty amber eyes on me, and my wolf roars otherwise. Shit-of-fuck but now I'm screwed.... And her family seriously has a screw loose. As do I, if the nightmares plaguing me are any hint.

  But I'm gonna have to put on my big boy pants cause there's no way I'm letting her walk out of my life - not when there's obviously more at stake, our history included.

  Daniela

  You'd think running away from a psycho family would swear me off relationships for good. Guess what? So did I. In fact, I specifically searched Tristan out because he's the type I'd never be with. Too much of everything, if you get my gist - attitude included.

  So why is it when he starts acting all protector, I can't help but swoon? His dark secrets don't scare me as much as this sudden tornado within me. This was not in the plans... And I just might have to make a run for it before he finds out what I'm hiding and starts hating me.

  But when his touch is so sweet, his need for me so obvious, can I really take off again? More importantly, will he let me?

  *Book II in a paranormal shifter series filled with werewolves of all kinds, feisty females who stand up to them, and enough suspense to make it interesting. Can be read as standalone.*

  Read more at Alexa Whitewolf’s site.

  Also by Alexa Whitewolf

  Moonlight Rogues

  Moonlight Rogues: Origins

  First to Fall

  Second to Surrender

  The Avalon Chronicles

  Avalon Dreams

  Avalon Wishes

  Avalon Nightmares

  The Avalon Chronicles - Complete Series

  The Sage's Legacy

  The Dragon Medallion

  The Dragon Manuscr
ipt

  Relics of the Underworld

  The Sage's Legacy - Complete Series

  Standalone

  Unconditional Love

  Watch for more at Alexa Whitewolf’s site.

  About the Author

  Alexa Whitewolf is a dog-loving, caffeine-addicted, all-around traveling enthusiast. Author of three series of fantasy, paranormal and young adult, she spends her nights dreaming up new stories and her days fighting reality. She lives in Ottawa, Canada, with her husband and two mischievous furballs- Zeus and Achilles. Check out her website at www.alexawhitewolf.com !

  Read more at Alexa Whitewolf’s site.