She reached for someone next to her and Celina realized Ricky lay still on the ground, his eyes glazed over. Celina choked back a sob, she didn’t want Pico to know just yet. There was not a damn thing he could do and if his concentration broke he might die.
A low growl sounded behind Celina, making her turn around. Bev faced her with a growl, Pico and Axel were on the ground and struggled to get up. Celina took in a sharp breath and focused on the alpha who threatened her.
“You come after me I will fucking kill you.” Celina put as much power into it as possible. A growl vibrated Bev’s throat and Celina pulled at the well of strength and power she had built over the years of practice and patience.
“Ignis totalis.” Celina yelled and pushed her hands in front of her body toward Bev. The wolf’s fur smoked for a second before turning to fire, making him howl in pain. The shield faltered for a second but Brandy took up the slack. Celina repeated the spell imagining the fire taking over his entire body. Pico stood and moved to Celina’s side.
Bev howled in pain as more than seventy percent of his body pulsed with fire.
“You can stop the fire, honey. I’ve got it.” Pico had shifted without Celina realizing it. Her hands shook so she let go of the spell. Brandy also shook a bit.
“Do it quickly. We can’t hold this for much longer.” Celina met Pico’s gaze for a moment and he nodded. Axel stood tall in his human form next to Brandy. She hissed something to him before closing her eyes. The fire stopped burning but the wolf’s flesh smoked a bit.
“Any last words?” Pico leaned toward Bev, who didn’t move but was still breathing. Axel grabbed Bev’s back while Pico grabbed the wolf’s head. With a jerking motion, Bev’s was separated from his body. Pico roared and the crowd turned quiet.
Celina dropped the spell with Brandy. A wolf moved from the corner of Celina’s gaze but she didn’t think much of it.
“Bev will no longer intimidate alphas into relinquishing their pack and land.” Pico’s voice boomed over the two packs.
“I will take over until the other territories have their true alpha in place.” Axel’s body started growing like Pico’s had been for hours.
Pico turned to walk toward Celina, his face contorted with anger. A hand wrapped around Celina's throat making her gasp for air. Pico roared with rage and the grip tightened.
"Let her go, Reggie!" Pico stared at someone to the right of Celina where the arm had come from.
"Give me your word you will back me as the alpha of Lancaster," a male hissed near her ear. Blackness clouded the edges of her vision.
Oh, hell no, I'm not going to die right now. Celina closed her eyes and grabbed at the hand choking her.
"Ignis," Celina hissed and the male howled in pain, dropping her to the ground. She turned to face the bastard and pushed all of her energy into killing him. A few sparks flew off of his fur and Reggie dropped to his knees. Pico grabbed the male’s head and snapped his neck.
Celina gasped for air as she let her body soak in the warm sun. Pico knelt next to her and moved her blonde locks out of her face.
“Are you ok?” Worry consumed Pico’s voice.
“Need rest.” Celina managed to push past her lips. He lifted her and started barking out orders, Celina couldn’t keep her focus on them. Instead, she rested her head on Pico’s shoulder. The conflict between the three packs was over and now all she had to do was get her daughter home.
With her little girl in mind, she surrendered to sleep when Pico moved into the house that would be theirs new home.
CHAPTER TWELVE
Pico
Second day of being the alpha and I’ve already killed two wolves to protect the pack. Pico let the thought soak in as he lay in his bed at the alpha house. He had always admired it from a distance but he never really wanted to live here. There were so many things to do, yet all he wanted was to lay next to Celina all day. Yesterday was a complete whirlwind of things to do after the deaths of Bev and Reggie, he hadn’t had a chance to talk to Celina.
He wanted to be the one to go get his daughter and bring her home but with the uncertainty among the packs he wouldn’t be able to travel more than a few miles for a while and he worried Celina would change her mind and stay in Ohio.
Today he wouldn’t just be burying his old alpha but also his parents. His heart ached at the memory of Celina telling him about their deaths. So many damn emotions ran through his head and he didn’t know how much he more he could possibly take.
Celina turned into his body, draping her leg across his stomach. “How did the alpha sleep?” Celina kissed his neck.
“Better than if you weren’t here.” Pico rubbed the bit of cinnamon off his head Celina had put there to help him have a peaceful night’s rest. It had been a while since he had a solid seven hours of sleep.
The scent of arousal filled his nose and he turned to Celina, her gaze focused on his bare stomach. Only his boxers covered his body, her finger moved just above the hem.
“I can hear people downstairs but all I can think about is you. Am I a bad person?” Celina raised an eyebrow.
“Let them listen.” Pico rolled his body onto hers and in a quick snap of her fingers, nothing covered them. He placed his tip at her entrance, sadly, he wouldn’t be able to take his time with her now but later when everyone was home he would fuck her properly.
Thrusting his hips, he slid home, making her arch her back. Her lovely tits rubbed against his chest, sending zips of pleasure down his body. His hands gripped her hips and pumped into her hard and fast. Celina bit back a few moans but after a few attempts, she let go. His balls slapped against her ass, the tightening sensation filled his balls, signaling he was too fucking close.
“Pico,” Celina gasped out while her sweet pussy tightened around his cock. Her beautiful gaze met his as she rode out her orgasm. Her pulsing core was too much for him to handle as he reached his bliss. He leaned down and bit into her shoulder, her body hummed under his while they both rode out their orgasms.
“You, my alpha female, are amazing.” Pico rubbed his nose against the crook of her neck.
“So, you do want me to stay, right?”
“Yes, Celina. I want you at my side.” Pico pulled her into his kiss.
They lay there for a few moments catching their breath. A small tap made Celina jump.
“Alpha, most of the pack is here and ready to pay our respects.”
“We will be right down,” Pico said. They dressed in silence and he took her hand.
“Tomorrow, you will fly down and get our daughter. Pack what you absolutely need and I will have movers pack up the rest.” Pico pulled her close.
“Okay. This crappy week will be better once she is near me.” Celina smiled and kissed him quickly. They walked down the stairs and then toward the back yard. Three large photos stood in front of a small platform, his mother, his father, and his old alpha. Luckily for everyone, the rest of the pack managed to keep their lives, two were still resting in their beds, healing from their wounds.
“I’m right by your side, Pico. I’m not going anywhere.” Celina leaned into him, bringing his wolf a bit of comfort.
“I love you, Celina. I want you to promise me something.”
“What’s that?” Celina turned to face him.
“That no matter what happens in the years to come that we will never be separated again. I can’t fucking live without you.” He had been going slowly mad without her near and when she finally found him, she truly had saved his life.
“I promise, no matter what. Soon we will make a bigger family and spend every day next to each other.” Celina leaned up and kissed him.
Celina’s phone buzzed and she pulled it out, Jina’s face filled the screen.
“Are you finally ready to take the stick out of your ass and let me talk to my daughter?” Celina snapped out as she hit the green button.
“I have bad news,” Jina said. Celina looked up at Pico.
“What is going on?
”
“I can’t, Cherish, you do it.” The sound of shuffling around then a woman said a quick hello and sighed heavily.
“There was a fire last night and Alia, she didn’t make it, honey,” Cherish said.
“What do you mean she didn’t make it?” Celina’s voice rose in panic.
“She’s dead, Celina,” Cherish’s voice came over the phone breaking Pico’s moment of happiness with his mate. Only four people he loved the most in the world, and three of them were dead.
Celina dropped to the floor, tears falling from her eyes. Pico knelt down and wrapped his arms around his mate. He couldn’t stop the tears from falling, he may be an alpha but his daughter was no longer in the world.
This was too much.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Celina
**Two years later**
Celina looked down at her swelling belly, at four months pregnant she was already big with twins growing inside of her. Dalton ran around in his wolf form at almost a year and a half. The little guy reminded her so much of her daughter, Alia. After she had received the news of her daughter’s passing she had spent a full month in bed crying.
The only thing that started her going was the fact that another life had started growing inside of her. Celina had been riding the line of nourishment for herself but with a baby growing, she had to bring herself to eat for Dalton. Dalton was more like his father with his shifting abilities but no signs of magical abilities like Celina. Yet she wasn’t going to completely give up teaching him little spells when she could.
Dalton shifted out of his wolf form and ran up to Celina with a dying flower.
“Mom, make pretty.” Dalton placed the flower in her hand. She used a bit of focus and made the flower brighter and younger. Dalton stared at the magic she performed and oohed at the display.
“Better?” Celina loved the little boy’s smile. He nodded and then grabbed another one.
“How?” Dalton lifted it toward his mother like he was trying to ask how to do the same magic.
“Imagine it looking like mine. Concentrate really hard and then push a bit of energy into the flower.” Celina moved his other hand to the flower so both sides touched the stem.
Dalton looked at the flower Celina had brought back and then closed his eyes. The flower turned a shade brighter and Celina clapped her hands with delight.
“Good job, little guy. I knew you had it in you.” Celina kissed his head and smiled. Pico walked out with a tray of food and placed it on the table near Celina and Dalton.
“Yum.” Dalton dropped the flower and ran over to the bits of fruit.
“What were you clapping about?” Pico sat next to Celina.
“Your son has a bit of magic in him after all. He helped bring this flower back to life a bit.”
“Really?” Pico grabbed the flower and lifted it to his nose. They sat there in silence for a few moments while Dalton chowed down.
“I miss Alia so much. It hurts a bit less but some days I just want to lay back in bed and cry.” Celina leaned into her mate.
“I know, I want to do the same thing sometimes.” Pico rubbed her back.
Soon she would be a mother to four children and she would tell her other kids about Alia and how she met her father. Some days she wondered what Alia would look like as she grew.
Maybe someday the pain wouldn’t be so great but days like this she focused on Dalton and the babies growing inside of her. The little ones inside kicked her, sending love through her heart.
Love would get her through this as long as she had Pico by her side.
**Twenty Years Later**
Celina looked down at the pile of dirty dishes her lovely children had made. Her youngest, Mason, at twelve years old was playing at a friend’s house like most of her other children, having a social life. Mel and Henna at fourteen were her last set in a rush of twins. Matt and Fin were now sixteen and always chasing after girls. Gavin and Eva were eighteen and her only set of twins who weren’t the same gender. They were studying for an exam at the library while Addy and Mave at twenty years old were looking at colleges.
She was so happy that her fertile days were long behind her and yet she waited for the days she’d have grandkids running up and down the halls.
“What’s going on, Dalton?” Pico yelled from outside, catching Celina’s attention.
“This female is looking for Mom,” Dalton said. Who would be looking for me?
Celina walked toward the door and it sounded like Pico had said Alia but that didn’t seem right.
“Honey, what is...” She opened the door and stopped dead in her tracks as a woman stood tall, those eyes were the same as Pico’s. Her hand slammed against her mouth when she looked up from the glass she held. The glass plate hit the ground and shattered on impact. Celina ran past Pico and pulled Alia into a tight hug, her swollen belly getting a bit in the way. My girl is here, I’m holding her again!
“My baby girl,” Celia choked out. Her hands pulled Alia tight and started moving over her head and back like Alia might vanish any second.
“Mom,” Alia whispered through tears. Celina released her from the hug but didn’t let her go.
“You’re alive.” Tears streamed down Celina’s face. “Cherish said you’d died in a fire.” She cursed herself for not going back to look for herself. A few months later Jina and Cherish had sent her photos of her old home burnt to a crisp. Celina couldn’t handle seeing Alia dead so she had never asked to see her body. Alia bit her lips like she was deep in thought but Celina didn’t care, her little girl was here and alive.
“Well, looks like I have another sister,” Dalton chuckled. Alia looked at him, her eyes full of delight.
“Wait. How many are we talking here?” Alia asked.
“Our parents don’t know how to stay apart. Five sisters and four brothers, not including yours truly.” He winked. Alia looked over to Pico still frozen in the yard.
“Dalton, don’t overwhelm her,” Celina yelled at him. Dalton tended to say the wrong thing at the worst time. Celina finally let go of her daughter to smack Dalton.
“Too late,” Alia said. A male with red hair leaned close before wrapping his hands around her hips and steadying her. She leaned into his touch and Celina let go.
“You need to rest,” the male whispered into her ear.
“Who are you?” Pico finally spoke and moving closer, his eyes on the male.
“I’m her mate, Olsen.” Olsen extended his hand.
“Pico.” They shook hands. “Wasn’t expecting to be a grandpa yet.” He chuckled looking at Alia. Celina slapped him. “I’m glad you are alive and well.”
“Let’s get you off your feet.” Celina smiled and led them into her home. My baby girl is alive and soon she would be having a little one, things couldn’t possibly get any better.
Did you know that Alia has her own story? Red Eclipse! Check out this Preview.
CHAPTER ONE
Alia
I’m safe. The seekers don’t know I’m here.
“Paging Alia Lyco to the nurse’s desk.” Alia heard her boss over the intercom in the break room. Dread filled her body as the message repeated. What does she want now? She finished her snack of string cheese in two fast bites. Just before she exited the room, she tossed the wrapper into the trash. Alia looked over her shoulder, the sick sensation of someone watching her filled her body. When she didn’t see anyone, Alia rolled her shoulders to release the tension. She hated the fact she had to stay in hiding. A witch on the run isn’t a witch who can practice magic. She reminded herself of this fact over and over again.
Alia pulled out her tight braid and worked on getting the fly-away blonde strands back into place. A tall woman passed by, reminding Alia of her own average height. The only thing she liked about her appearance were her eyes. Baby blues like her mother’s. I miss her so damn much. Once she reached the desk, nurse Becky pointed behind her to their boss, Haisy. Becky ran away, after she mouthed good luck
.
“You need me, boss?” Alia trudged into the back office. Haisy turned, her normal scowl firmly in place, making her beautiful features turn against her.
“I need you to clock out now so you can cover the night shift in the maternity wing. Maven can’t find a damn sitter for her rotten kid,” she snarled.
“But I was going to—” Haisy waved her hand before Alia finished her sentence.
“You’re the only one who can do it. Everyone has kids, unlike you. Now get out and be back by six a.m.” Haisy vanished before Alia could argue her point. Alia took a deep breath, already halfway through her shift and she had planned on sleeping and reading. She needed a damn break from the hospital so she could recharge. Most of her breaks consisted of staying in her little apartment hoping a seeker hadn’t found a lead to her location. Not wanting to get fired, she grabbed her bag and stormed through the hospital.
If she didn’t need the job so much, she would have quit months ago. Yet the small town didn’t have a coven, so she was a bit safer here than if she settled with a known coven. Alia yanked out the elastic band to free her braid, then shoved her fingers through her long hair. Her anger at Haisy fueled her movements through the hospital. Fear of being caught still lingered in the back of Alia’s mind, but wasn’t hindering her frustrated stride. Alia reached her hand into her bag and pulled out her phone, then plunged her headphones in her ears and started her new favorite song, “Sun Daze” by Florida Georgia Line. The beat helped to keep her calm as she exited the main building into a courtyard. Most days, she listened to music to help calm her nerves.
The April air was slightly chilly at night in Austin, Nevada. It was starting to warm up the closer the month inched toward May, but the moment the sun vanished, the temperature seemed to drop ten degrees. Alia pulled on her light scarf to keep herself from shivering.
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