Thinking quickly, I shifted into my wolf before he could inflict any more damage on me. The shift left him no choice but to let go of me, and once I felt the pricking of my snow white fur emerge, I began to walk backward to the doors and let a warning growl escape my muzzle.
“Come on, pup. I’ll reconsider your life if you just cooperate,” Jericho demanded.
Finally, the double doors burst open and my mates rushed in. Creed and Paxton flanked my sides, while Falco took front and center, shifting into his magnificent wolf. I watched as each bone broke and weaved itself back together, and as his skin turned to dark shaggy fur. Even with the dire situation we were in, I still had to take a moment to admire my fierce mate.
He towered above all the others, except for Creed’s, making him the second largest wolf in our pack. Muscles flexed along his body, and his cocoa colored eyes shimmered with rage. A low growl echoed around the room, and he bared his perfect canines to show his intentions. He was ready to kill Jericho, and this time, I was going to let him.
The sound of a chair hitting the floor was all we heard before a frightened priest hastily made his exit. It was funny to watch Jericho’s expression turn from one resembling a victory, to nothing but defeat. Satisfying.
One glance around my dining hall told us all what we needed to know and had been working toward for a long time now. Jericho had been exposed.
Maids were lined up against the walls with knives and what looked to be like anything they could use to harm, and guards, my guards, were stationed in front of them ready to protect anyone loyal to their princess. I’d have to thank the cook that walked in and then got the word around to come and help.
Creed, never taking his eyes off Jericho, strode to the table and ripped up the marriage license. I shifted back into my human form and tried to ignore the throbbing pain that Jericho had inflicted.
“It’s over, Jericho. There’s no place for you here. You should be thanking me that I haven’t let one of my true mates kill your sorry ass yet.” The collective gasps and excited whispering at my statement put a brief smile on my face. “Guards! Take this bastard away to the dungeons until we decide his fate. For anyone that doesn’t support their princess and soon to be queen, this is your only chance to leave peacefully as you are no longer welcome here.” I glared at Jericho as my guards snatched him up by his arms.
When he began to struggle, they threw him on the floor and tied his arms behind his back. What I really wanted was for Falco to get his wish and rip Jericho’s throat out, but as Princess of Wolfcraden, I would never put myself on his level. I was a better person than him.
When they finally had Jericho detained, they hoisted him up, and began to drag him off to a single cell that he can call home for awhile.
Jericho let out a low growl, and began to shift just long enough for the guards to lose their grips so he could turn and address me.
“You’ve clearly won this time, Princess, but this will not be the last you have seen of me, and that’s a promise I intend to keep,” Jericho snarled, and then he proceeded to spit on the floor in disrespect for the crown before the guards managed to get a vice grip on him this time.
Paxton put a comforting hand on my hip and placed his other on my stomach, trying to calm me down. Jericho’s statement would forever bother me, and once he noticed Pax’s hand resting on my stomach, understanding flickered in his eyes. I swallowed hard, anxious at the aspect of that evil bastard knowing I was to have a pup.
“Till we meet again,” he stated, with a vicious snarl. I hated how he sounded so sure of himself.
“Guards, you heard the princess. Take him to the cells and don’t make it a pleasant trip for him.” Creed ordered.
Falco shifted back and scooped me up into his arms, causing me to squeal with surprise.
“Where are we going?” I asked, curious after everything that had just taken place.
“Your chambers, of course. I want to make sure you’re fine, and you need to rest. Everything else will be taken care of tomorrow; the pack will understand.” He left no room for argument, so I rested my head against his chest and listened to his heartbeat. I ended up falling asleep before we even made it to my room.
Chapter Six
After a few days of bed rest to make sure the baby was okay after Jericho’s beating, my mates finally allowed me to leave my room. I secretly enjoyed being waited on by my men. It was definitely a change and felt wonderful to be loved and cherished, not used and betrayed. My favorite part was that I was able to wake up and see all of their handsome faces. It was a great way to start my day, and knowing that it would be an every morning thing was the best feeling.
Surprisingly, we all adjusted fairly well. The men found their replacements and transitioned into their roles as soon-to-be kings. Between arguments over baby names, they spouted many ideas for the packs in the villages to help build them a better life. I had no doubt that they would all make great rulers.
We decided to have everyone come for a ball this evening as long as I agreed to continue to take things easy. Little did they know I had on my dancing shoes and intended to get my dance on just like every other wolf. This ball was also a way for me to address the pack and let them know what had happened. I believed they had the right to know that someone was trying to take their freedom away.
My best friend came just as I had put my dress on. I wanted to look simple but elegant tonight, so my dress was a beautiful light teal, with sleeves that hung off my shoulders. Small rhinestones bordered the heart shaped top. I loved that when spun in a circle, the bottom rose into the air and poofed out.
“Love looks stunning on you, Maddy,” Gretchen squealed with delight. “Can I do your hair and makeup?”
“Always, you never have to ask.” I sat in front of my vanity with my back toward the mirror, just how she liked me. It didn’t take long before she was spinning me around to check myself out.
“You really have that pregnancy glow going on.” Gretchen stepped back before clapping her hands in excitement and racing from the room. “See you at the ball!” she hollered over her shoulder.
My hair had grown a little and hung in loose ebony curls, and my makeup was natural, exactly how I liked it. The sight of my door opening in the reflection of my mirror caught my attention, and I watched all my mates waltz in. I turned and ran straight into their waiting arms. They were handsome in their black tuxes and light teal ties that matched my dress.
Creed threaded his fingers through mine and placed a soft kiss to my cheek. “It’s okay to be nervous. These people had a choice to stay or leave, and they stayed because they love their princess,” he stated so confidently.
Paxton bent down to kiss my stomach before rising to look me in the eyes with the biggest smirk. “And they stayed because who would give up the chance to have a princess as sexy as ours.” He winked, making me blush.
“They also know you want what’s best for everyone, just like your parents did.” Falco pressed a sweet kiss to my forehead. He really was my gentle giant. “Shall we?”
I put my arm through his, while still holding Creed’s hand and letting Paxton follow behind on the way to the ballroom. They always had to have one still on guard even if it wasn’t their job anymore.
When we walked in, my breath caught at how beautifully the room was decorated. The walls were still adorned with fabric hanging in U shapes from the ceiling, and the huge chandelier in the middle was lit up brightly. Red and black tablecloths draped over the circular tables, with beautiful centerpieces and candles to decorate them. Music blared and wolves danced their hearts out on the raised platform that had been made just for that reason.
Seeing how happy everyone was helped me to know I did the right thing. Jericho didn’t deserve to be around any of these wolves.
I heard a wolf to my left whispering, informing another that the “Princess was here.” One went to the next and soon the room fell silent. They all bowed in unison, and I surprised everyone by bowin
g to them once they were done. They deserved to be worshipped also.
They made a path for me leading to a rectangular table that was turned to face all the others. On the way to my seat, I tried to give everyone a smile or shake their hand. They all appeared so thankful. Once I got to my seat, I remained standing and decided it was time to inform everyone of what had happened without their knowledge. I explained how Jericho wanted to marry me because he had his own agenda; he wanted to be king. How he wanted to rule through fear and take away the pack’s freedom. I told them about the abuse and the lies until finally, I got to the part about my mates.
Butterflies danced in my stomach just telling them about our love story. I let them know I did try to love Jericho, to be with him just as my parents had wanted, but fate had other plans. They came into my life at the perfect time, and fate decided I needed them, making them my true mates. The love we shared was unbreakable, and if we could withstand an evil bastard like Jericho, we could withstand any storm.
When I was finally done and I got the courage to look at some of my pack in the eyes, I saw varying emotions. Love, pity, and then surprise and excitement. My eyes narrowed in confusion so I looked to my mates to try to understand, only they were no longer beside me, but behind me, all on one knee.
My hand flew to my mouth in shock. Were they really doing this here?
“Princess Madelyn. We have waited long enough to be yours, and you to be ours. Would you make us the happiest men alive and be our Queen?” Paxton asked nervously. I looked around the room, surprised to see everyone nodding their heads yes to me.
“Yes! There’s not a doubt in my mind that we are made for each other.”
They all rose and showered me with hugs and kisses. The crowd began to cheer and shout their approval. When we were finished with our celebratory embrace, Creed slipped a brilliant blue sapphire engagement ring onto my finger. I held my hand up in front of me and couldn’t help the squeal that left my mouth. I was so happy and it was definitely showing.
Epilogue
Our wedding was perfect. Granted, I was six months pregnant, but at least we would be able to tell our baby that he or she was there for our wedding day. I wanted to get married in my mother’s garden, so my wonderful husbands made that happen for me. We had a simple arch covered with mother’s favorite flowers—red roses. The animals acted as if they were excited for the change, as they were all enjoying the weather and having people to view. Most of the pack was there, but the few who weren’t were busy working on their new homes we were helping them to build.
My dress was custom made by none other than Gretchen. It was well fitted until it got to my knee caps and flared out with a small train behind. Lace bordered the edges and made up my long sleeves. My hair was down with a little pulled back to hold in my laced veil.
My men all wore different colored suits. Creed sported a simple black, Paxton a dark brown one, and gray for Falcoy, all to match their wolves. The only thing that they all shared was a single red rose in the left lapel of their respective jacket.
Surprisingly, Father Greenwood was the one to marry us. After some questioning, we learned that Jericho had threatened his whole family, even to rape the man’s daughters. We couldn’t blame him for that; he felt he had no other choice and just wanted to protect his family.
After the wedding, we had a reception in the ballroom where everyone enjoyed themselves. We had loads of alcohol, dancing, and plenty of people playing their instruments so we always had something to listen to. It was an absolute blast. Since we already had everyone there, we went ahead and publicly announced that we were officially taking over the kingdom. We were officially their Kings and Queen.
When Gretchen and Liam brought out our crowns everyone cheered and started chanting, “To the Queen and Kings!”
Our crowns were almost identical, with the exception that theirs were bigger. Small crowns would look silly on such big men. They were gold with silver entwined throughout. Jewels of all colors were placed perfectly.
We all took a bow and continued dancing until dawn. It was a perfect day; one I would never forget.
Now, a few months later, I held a beautiful baby girl in my arms. Her ebony hair, tiny heart shaped lips, and pale skin made her the spitting image of me. She was three weeks old, and it was times like these I cherished the most, when it was just her and me rocking in my mother’s rocking chair.
I had been singing My Little Sunshine when her eyes finally closed and her breathing evened out. I rocked a few more minutes just to spend those extra moments with her.
Her pink and purple nursery was slightly dark, with only a night light to light my way. I gently placed her into her crib and kissed her softly on her forehead. “I love you, my little wolf,” I whispered so I wouldn’t disturb her. I tiptoed to the door before exiting and leaving it slightly cracked. My mates had managed to redesign some things and added a room that was attached to ours so we would always be able to hear her and have her close. When I turned to face my room all my men were lying on our bed waiting for me.
“How is our sweet little Arielle?” Creed asked while pulling me in between the three of them.
“Hmm, well she’s fast asleep. So what does that mean?” I teased, running my hand over his chest.
“Well I think that means that it’s our turn for some lovin’,” Paxton chimed in.
Their hands began to roam my body, tracing lines with their fingers and causing me to get goosebumps. Falco started to massage my breast and placed small kisses on my neck before biting it lightly. Paxton ran his hand up my thigh until it hit my center, making a moan slip through my lips. Creed’s mouth was on my other breast, sucking and nibbling, sending pulses straight to my core. I was in heaven when we were all together like this. I felt myself already about to let go until loud shouting and people barreling down the halls caused us to pause. A crash sounded from Arielle’s room spurring me into motion.
I pushed my mates off of me and ran to her room, fixing my nightgown as I went. I threw the door open and made my way to pick her up, glass cutting my feet with each step. When I reached to pick her up, Arielle was missing. I frantically looked around the room and fell to my knees when I read the words scrawled onto the wall, ‘I told you I’d be back.’
Falco came barreling into the room, screeching to a halt and baring his canines once he took in the scene. The window was open, and once he put two and two together, he jumped out and took off after the dark figure that was running in the distance. Paxton fell to the floor beside me, holding me tightly as I cried. Of all the things Jericho had ever done to me, this was the worst. I’d take a million beatings from him over this.
I could hear Creed in the hall, screaming orders to whoever was near. “Find my daughter! I want every guard, on or off duty, searching the woods as far as they go! No one will sleep until my daughter is found and Jericho is caught! And someone needs to tell me how the fuck he escaped!”
I slowly stood up, grabbed Arielle’s baby blanket, and marched into the hallway to find Creed with Paxton right on my heels. As always, one still felt the need to be my guard.
“Creed!” I yelled. The tears would never stop flowing. When he realized it was me, he ran down the hall back to me. He stared down at me, tears streaming down his face. “Jericho doesn’t need to be captured. He obviously had someone still on the inside and it could happen again.”
“What do you mean, my queen? He has to pay.” Creed was shocked at my statement until I finished it.
“Jericho doesn’t need to be captured because I want him dead. There will be a reward for anyone who brings our daughter home safe, and his head on a silver platter. I will accept nothing less. Do you understand?”
“Yes, I agree. I will make sure the word gets around. We’ll do everything we can to make sure Arielle is brought home safe.” Creed nodded in understanding.
I hustled back to my room, pacing the cold floors for a few seconds before making up my mind. “You can come, or st
ay here.”
“Mads, what are you talking about, sweetie?” Paxton asked hesitantly, clearly worried I was losing my mind.
“I’m going to find my daughter and kill that bastard myself. When I find him, the revenge that I’m going to deal out will have no mercy for him.” I shifted into my snow white wolf and jumped out Arielle’s window just as Falco had. I raced through the frigid night air determined not to come home unless my daughter was with me and my fur was coated in Jericho’s blood.
Thanks for reading!
Arielle’s journey will continue in Their Dirty Little Secret Coming next year!
About Bella Claire
Bella was born and raised in Virginia where she loves spending time with her husband and three absolutely amazing kids. She absolutely enjoys reading just as much as she loves writing. If she’s not doing one of those, in her spare time she’s either at the beach or indulging in her love for food, especially chocolate.
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A Twisted Secret
BY
Alexis Taylor
&
Beth Hendrix
Prologue
“I really think we should go to Nate’s party. I finally found my mate and I want him to get along with your crazy ass and my friends.” My sister, Jessica said as she started throwing clothes onto the bed. All of which were way too conservative for me.
“You know damn well if we are going to a party that I won’t be wearing any of your clothes. What? Afraid he will fall for your whore sister?” I laughed out as she shot me a look that said she didn’t think I was funny.
A Twisted Rejection Page 16