Her Redemption. His Second Chance

A blood moon rises on the horizon, painting the ground with a bloody glow as it creeps closer and closer to the grounds of Emerald Moon, where a woman is beginning to feel the signs of labor.

The packhouse comes alive in preparation for the arrival of an heir, while a group of cloakclad figures also gather around a circle where a single woman lays bleeding from her wrists, ankles, and neck.

As her blood stains the carved pendulum beneath her, the wind begins to swirl, and the dark beast's grunts and groans can be heard echoing around the cave they are safely tucked away in. “The cursed child is almost here,” one of the figures announces, causing excitement to grow around the group.

For months, they felt the stirrings of the child and knew that the one they waited so long for was finally being reincarnated.

Once the child was there, they simply had to capture it and raise it as their own so that it did exactly what it was that they wanted it to do. “Soon,” another murmurs, making their way toward the bleeding woman in front of them. “Soon it will belong to us, and when that happens, the dark beast will be under our control.” Kneeling down, the cloaked person presses their knife against the woman’s throat and then begins to draw it across her skin.

Gasping, the woman’s eyes grow wide as blood begins to trickle from the corner of her lips while her mouth moves in a silent plea for freedom. “Your sacrifice is appreciated,” the cloaked figure grins, standing up and joining the group once more. “You will be welcomed with open arms into the netherrealm.” As the words leave the cloaked figure's lips, an image begins to form above the woman.

An image of a luxurious room with a large bed that is surrounded by doctors and nurses. Laying on the bed is a beautiful woman with long, dark hair and piercing blue eyes.

The woman’s stomach is heavy with child, and her body shakes with the pain of labor. Beside her stands a man with a strong presence.

He clutches the woman’s hand as his dark eyes take her in. “The birth has begun,” the group chants together. “Welcome to the world, savior.” Together, they watch as the cursed child begins to come into the world, inch by inch, until finally it can be seen screaming in the hands of a doctor, while the woman and man watch on with awe in their eyes. “It’s a girl!” One of the doctors announces. “Carrying the child to be cleaned and weighed. "Congratulations, Alpha and Luna, for your healthy princess.” “Alpha and Luna,” one of the cloaked figures murmurs. “So the child is the child of leaders.” Although the group was aware that the child was being born to wolves, they didn’t know who the actual parents were, as there were many different ranks. “This will make matters more difficult,” one of the cloaked figures says, causing the group to murmur in agreement. “But we will still take what is meant to be ours.” Growing quiet, the group continues to watch as the child is handed to her parents for the first time.

They weren’t sure if the parents were even aware of the dark aura that radiated from their child, but it was an indication that this child was the one destined to be the bride of the beast.

Soon, the image begins to fade and then disappear entirely as the vessel of sacrifice takes her last breath, but that is fine since the group got to see what they wanted.

Pulling down their hoods, the group stares at the ceiling of the cave as the dark markings on their skin begin to glow red and the madness that the blood moon brings for them begins to stir.

Snarling and snapping, they attack, ripping the woman in front of them piece by piece so they can devour her blood, flesh, and muscle.

Only when she is nothing more than a skeleton do they begin to undress and then start to mate right there in the blood of their victim and in the presence of the beast that still makes its presence known. [Elise’s POV] My eyes fly open and my breath comes in puffs as I sit up on my cot and begin to look around while the images I just witnessed continue to dance in my mind. “What was that?” I gasp, wiping away the cold sweat that soaks my skin. “What did I just see?” Frowning, I try to push away the faces of those masked men and women and the gruesome scene of them devouring a human.

How was it possible that something like that could exist, and what did any of this even mean? “Excuse me.” The voice is soft as it drifts through the darkness toward me. “But I’ve been sent to escort you to Denali.” “Denali,” I repeat, examining the man who stands in front of me.

He’s handsome, with a cleanshaven face and a welldefined face that is surrounded by messy brown hair. “What does she need me for?” I continue, letting my eyes trail down the man’s muscular body. “And who are you?” I don’t know why, but I’m drawn to this man, and when he lets a slow smile spread across his face, I feel my breath hitch.

Goddess, he was gorgeous when he smiled, and he looked almost innocent. No. I couldn’t have any intentions toward someone like him, or anyone for that matter.

Even if I was allowed to live here in Emerald Moon with Denali and Rosco, I was still a prisoner doing her time for all her sins. “I’m William,” the man responds, his smooth, deep voice washing over me. “I’m Rosco’s cousin.

I was sent to fetch you so that you can meet your niece.” “Niece,” I repeat, once again remembering the dream I just had. “So that wasn’t a nightmare.

It was a vision.” “Pardon?” “Nothing,” I murmur, not wanting to ruin this happy event with bad news. “Please take me to meet the new princess.” Nodding, William opens my cell and steps aside so that I can step out of it.

However, as I move, I don’t miss his dark eyes trailing along my body. “Take a picture,” I smirk, leaning close to him. “Or are you wanting to touch?” As I speak, I reach out and grab his wrist, then lift his hand so that I can place it against my breast. “No point in eating me alive with your eyes.” “What?” He hisses, yanking back as his cheeks flush a bright pink. “I wasn’t doing such a thing.” “Of course you weren’t,” I giggle, enjoying his reaction. “No need to lie, cutie.” “I’m not,” William counters. “How could.” “Princess,” I remind him, wishing I could stay here and flirt with him. “Weren’t you going to take me?” “Rright,” he stammers, seeming genuinely embarrassed. “Follow me.” Nodding, I wait until he begins to move, and only when I’ve completely shaken off the unease I feel after my vision do I begin to walk while my mind wanders.

Clearly, that vision was a warning of what the future would hold, and it meant that we would have to keep a close eye on the child.

It seemed that even when we thought the worst was over, it was nothing compared to the true evil that awaited us, and I guess protecting my niece with my life would be my way of atoning for all that I had done. “Don’t worry, little one,” I whisper. “I won’t let anything hurt you.” Even if it killed me in the end, she would survive, and she would make way for a world of peace.

[Rosco's POV] I watch William's retreating form for a moment longer before turning and heading back into the room where Denali is watching my mother cradle Serenity.

When both ladies' eyes come to rest on me, I place a smile on my face. "What do you think?" I ask, making my way over to my mother. "I think she looks like me." Of course I'm joking, but it is easy to see the sadness in her gaze as she watches me.

I'm sure she is thinking about how good it would be if my father were here for this, but with his stubbornness, there was no fucking way he would show his face. "I think she looks like Denali," my mother counters, keeping her voice light. "But she does have your eyes." Nodding, I look down into the tiny, bottomless pits that rest on my daughter's face.

She's right; she's definitely inherited the Torres' eyes. "Too bad," I sigh, running a hand through her soft tufts of hair. "I would prefer her to have Denali's eyes." At my words, I look over at the woman in question to find her face flushed a beautiful pink and immediately feel desire well.

Shit, I need to keep it together. There was no way I could touch her, not now, especially when she just gave birth.

Frowning, I find myself trying to remember exactly when it was that the doctor said we would have to wait to be intimate. Six weeks.

As I remember this, I feel an annoyance flare, but I quickly push it away as Denali shoots me a look. 'Sorry, mi reina,' I murmur through mindlink. 'You're just so fucking enticing.' 'It's because you're like that that I'm here now,' she points out, but I don't miss the disappointment that she too is feeling. 'Is Elise being summoned?' For a moment, anger rushes through me over how insistent she is that Elise be here, but then I immediately remember that it is most likely because she is the only family that Denali has left.

Giving her a look, I feel my heart breaking for my mate over the fact that she had absolutely no one in this world she could call family aside from me and a criminal who was attempting to reform.

It wasn't fair that she was born into such a world, but in the end, all of that brought her to me, so I would simply have to continue to make up for all the anguish she went through. 'William is getting her,' I assure Denali, taking a seat on the bed beside her and taking her hand. 'That's good,' Denali sighs.

Instantly, I can feel her beginning to relax while my mother begins to hum softly to Serenity.

The whole scene is perfect and peaceful, but I can't help but feel a sudden sense of foreboding.

I don't know if it is because I still can't fully accept that the danger is gone or if it is something else.

However, before I can dwell too long, the door to the room opens, and William enters with a bright red face while Elise follows behind, giggling.

It's almost like the two are in their own little world and don't even notice the rest of us, but when a gurgle escapes Serenity, both their gazes come to rest on her.

The room around us grows quiet while the two take in my daughter, and for a moment I see something flash in Elise's eyes, but just as quickly as it is there, it is gone, and her bored expression is returned. "I believe congratulations are in order," she announces, coming forward and reaching out a finger to poke Serenity's cheek. "You're a chubby one, aren't you?" As she speaks, her look from earlier returns, and I'm almost certain it is jealousy over the scene unfolding around us.

Since she was given away as a baby, I was sure that seeing something like this made her feel some sort of way.

I could only hope she wouldn't dare ruin the moment for Denali, and when a slow smile begins to form on her lips, I know she won't. "She's beautiful," she murmurs, letting Serenity's tiny fingers wrap around her own. "It's good you came out looking like your mother and not your dad." "What?" I growl, taking immediate offense. "Are you trying to say that I'm ugly?" "Something like that," Elise chuckles. "Sorry, mister, but you're just lowgrade handsome." "Low grade?" I repeat, finding myself getting sucked right in. "And who exactly are you comparing me to?" "Uh, guys," William says, drawing our attention to himself. "Do you really think that right now is the time for that?" Confusion flares as I take in a look of unease on his features until I turn and find Denali watching us with an unreadable expression.

Shit. Was this what Elise was trying to do? Causing trouble between Denali and me. Gritting my teeth, I look at her once more but find that she is watching Serenity intently.

Her eyes are roaming all over her body, and I'm almost certain that she is looking for something. "What?" I demand moving forward and taking my daughter from my mother. "You aren't planning anything, are you?" "Rosco!" My mother gasps. "How can you say such a thing?

She's..." "Still a criminal," I finish for her.

My mother had a general idea of how we came to find Elise and bring her back here, but with her caring nature, she was more than willing to believe that Elise truly meant to change her ways.

Of course, that was one way Denali and my mother were similar, but I wasn't ready to let my guard down yet, especially when it came to my daughter. "I think it may be time that I left," Elise sighs, ignoring me entirely and meeting Denali's gaze. "Congratulations again, sis.

I'll see you at the trial." "Elise," Denali says softly. "Thank you." "Mhm." Giving a nod, Elise turns and begins to move, but stops when she reaches William, who has remained silent this whole time. "Want to walk me back, handsome?" At her words, William flushes a bright red, and I can't help but wonder again what exactly may be going on between them.

I could only hope that it wasn't anything serious, especially given the fact that he would soon be taking over Crystal Fang.

As a leader, there was no room for having a criminal beside him. "I'll do it," I announce, before William can speak.

Immediately, three pairs of eyes come to rest on me, and I immediately regret my outburst since I'm sure that they're all thinking the wrong thing.

However, I stand my ground as my feeling of unease continues to grow.

If Elise thought I missed the slight worry that was on her face, she was wrong, and I was going to figure out what the hell was going through her head.

Whether it was her wanting to do something to my daughter because she had what she didn't or something more, I would get the answer out of Elise. "What a gentleman!" Elise giggles, waggling her brows. "But I'd rather be escorted by someone who is actually fun." Opening my mouth, I prepare to argue, but stop as I once again realize she is intentionally trying to sow discord.

It looked like a tiger couldn't shed its stripes that quickly. "Come on," I growl, moving forward and grabbing her arm. "You've wasted enough time."

[Elise's POV] "Alright," I announce, fixing my gaze on Rosco. "Why did you want to get me alone?" As I speak, I yank my arm free of his hold and press my hand against his chest. "Did you want to rethink that rejection?" "Don't be absurd," he growls, smacking my hand off. "You know damn well that there will never be anything between us." Smirking, I cross my arms and wait as he stares me down.

I had to admit, it was pretty damn funny that he was so full of himself, and it was because of that that I couldn't help but pick on him.

Maybe it was a family trait since his cousin was equally fun to tease. "Then what did you want?" I ask when the silence continues to fall around us. "You ruined my chance to have more fun with your cousin, so it better be good." "My cousin," he repeats, his gaze narrowing. "I hope that you will be smart enough to know that you have no place beside him." "Says who?" I demand, taking offense. "Don't tell me that you have a cousin complex.

Don't you know that's gross? Does your wife know that you're so protective of him?

If not, I can." "That's enough of your bullshit!" Rosco growls, his aura exploding around us and pushing against my skin. "I'm not in the mood for your shit." Letting a slow smile spread across my face, I let my own aura begin to trickle out.

Who the hell did he think he was trying to assert his dominance against me?

Even if my dear sister didn't possess the alpha gene, that didn't mean that I didn't, and I would be damned if I let him feel like he was my superior.

Okay, well, maybe given my current circumstances, he was, but this was something entirely different, and I wasn't in the mood to back down. "Are you challenging me?" Rosco asks now, his eyes flashing dangerous gold. "Denali just gave birth and needs time to recover, but that doesn't mean that I'll go easy on you if you..." "Yeah, yeah," I sigh, drawing my aura back in. "You won't go easy on me if something happens." I continue, rolling my eyes. "I get it.

You don't have to spout the same bullshit all the good guys do. Anyway, you were the one who started it.

I was enjoying my time with my sister, and you pulled me away, so could you please tell me what the hell it is that you want?" "What was with you earlier?" "I don't understand what you mean," I say, feeling my unease beginning to grow as memories of the dream I just had emerge. "Why don't you..." "Cut the shit," Rosco growls. "You were looking for something on Serenity.

What the hell was it?" Remaining quiet, I let the images of those cloaked figures come flashing back as my stomach churns and I taste bile beginning to make its way up my throat. "Tell me," I say slowly, pushing them away. "Have you by chance offended anyone else?" At my words, a look of anger flashes across Rosco's features, but he doesn't speak, and when his brows begin to furrow, I know that he is considering my words. "I was an alpha heir," he points out. "There are many I offended because of that." "Then does your family bear any curses?" This time, Rosco's gaze darkens and his lips twitch into a terrifying scowl, and I realize too late that I've said the wrong thing.

Before I can react, his hand is shooting out and wrapping around my throat.

Gasping, I feel myself being pushed against a wall and then lifted off my feet. "What the fuck are you trying to say?" He growls, his face close to mine. "Are you keeping important information from us?" As he speaks, the door to Denali's room opens, and William comes rushing out with a look of shock on his face.

When he spots us, he rushes forward and wraps a hand around Rosco's wrist. "Rosco," he hisses, attempting to pry his hand from my throat. "What the hell do you think you're doing?

Do you know what Denali will think if she sees..." "Rosco." "Too late," I manage as Rosco works to cut off my airway even more. "It seems you made too much noise, brotherinlaw." "Rosco," Denali repeats, her voice echoing around us.

Even though she tries to sound strong, it is clear she is exhausted from giving birth, and when a hiss of pain escapes her, I'm being dropped while Rosco rushes to her side.

Sucking in deep lungfuls of air, I collapse onto the ground and turn my gaze to the lovers as Rosco gathers Denali in his arms.

The scene leaves me with a sense of emptiness, but before I can let the pain of already being rejected consume me, I tear my eyes away and bring them to meet William's. "Are you alright?" He murmurs, kneeling down in front of me. "I'm not sure what happened, but I'm sure Rosco didn't mean..." "He did," I counter, brushing away the hand.

William reaches out to touch me. "Don't forget that I'm a criminal and a murderer." For a moment, William doesn't speak as he processes what I've said, and before he can collect himself, I'm standing. "About your question," I say now, turning toward Rosco. "Make sure that Serenity is protected at all times." "What the fuck is that supposed to mean?" He demands as Denali's confused gaze comes to rest on me. "What do you know that we don't?" "It could be nothing or it could be something, but this world is dark and cruel." I respond slowly. "I suggest you sit down with your parents and figure out if there is some dark history that you aren't aware of." "Elise," Denali says, confusion coloring her words. "What are you implying?" "And you," I continue, focusing on her. "Is there anything you know about our parents that you aren't sharing?" "Nothing," Denali responds immediately. "Why are you saying all of this?" "We may have won one battle, but that doesn't mean that there isn't another waiting," I say quietly. "And your daughter may be the reason for it." I knew that I was being pretty damn vague in what I was saying, but after the way Rosco treated me, I wasn't much inclined to share with him what I knew.

Honestly, with his temper and his distrust of me, I didn't even expect him to believe me if I told him, and if he did, there was a good chance that he would think I was behind it. "Hey, brotherinlaw?" I call, drawing Rosco's attention to me. "When is my trial?" "A week from now," he responds, giving me a look of confusion. "Why are you asking?" "Because I need to start that training sooner than later," I shrug, grabbing William's arm and pulling him to his feet. "Can you lead me back to my cell now, handsome?" I ask him as his gaze meets mine. "I'm pretty tired after so much fun." "William!" Rosco growls when we begin to move. "I wasn't finished talking to her." "I think it's best that you focus on Denali and Serenity for now," William counters. "Tension is too high at the moment for anyone to have a reasonable conversation." At his words, I shoot Rosco a look, and when he gives me a look of annoyance, I give him a wink. "At least someone knows how to act like an adult." I giggle, wrapping my arms around William's. "Lead the way, handsome."