Marked by the Alpha's Heirs

ry'

was soake

, but we never stood a chance. Not really. We were farmers, teachers, builders-people who just wanted to live. All the soldiers

ng, even with streaks of gray in his beard. He never showed fear. Not

d childhood friend now a revered warrior, now seven months pregnant but still holding a blade; th

strong

as lower than an omega. They never let me forget it. Not Alina, especially. We had grown up together, sat in the same cla

the same. Quiet

on me, none of that mattered. I didn't care about old wounds or

we saw them-Michael D

knees felt like they would buckle. Fear

el Da

oh, his eyes-were like the night sky. Midnight blue, with flecks of yellow and white, like stars. Beautif

't the only one. I saw Alina's eyes water as

e all

t made

ed someone I loved. Never saw a real city. I was just a small-town girl with a broken w

ice cut through the

e shouted. "It is an honor to f

spread across us, steadying our hearts. I felt my hand grip my blad

still

re ready

s with claws. Cawthorne warriors fell, one by one, screaming, ble

d they

ash. She moved like a s

own to the ground. Her hand cradled her

a!" I

uldn't h

cracked across my cheek, and I stumbled, blood filling my mouth.

going

e step

fat

or me. His body slammed

ery!" he

e protect me? He had never hidden his disappointment.

he roar

ime, I

moved without thinking, ca

trees swallowed

m. His sword was chipped. But he stood tall. Michael D

ichael

oked

t at

h

like him want wit

ouldn't think. But I kn

her's voice, one last tim

-sil

ed. Loud

as g

still walkin

breaking inside my soul. But I didn't stop. I turned and

ire was com