The Rise of the Fallen Queen

Chapter 67

CHAPTER 67

Cub Creek...

Tomorrow.

A day Carrie dreaded more than any other. One of her mates were leaving while she was forced to stay and pray for his safe return. It was late and all that could be done to prepare was complete. Her wolf was depressed and sadly whimpered in her mind.

Nothing she said could comfort the canine spirit.

Refusing to give into the same sense of depression, she went to her mates' room. Salim and Dayton had always preferred to share a room rather that have separates. Most of the time, Carrie found herself crawling into their bed especially when the nightmares would become too much and they would wrap themselves around her in a warm protective cocoon.

Tonight, she didn't even give the pretense of trying to sleep in her own room. She felt nervous and didn't even bother knocking. Dayton was on the bed reading while Salim was in the bathroom brushing his teeth. Dayton's eyes met hers and he lifted cover back for her to climb in.

Settling in the middle, she nervously licked her lips as Dayton's arm pulled her to his bare chest. Salim was also shirtless and only wearing a pair of low riding joggers.

"I want you." She said quickly before she could chicken out. "I want both of you."

Salim look at her intently as she bit her lip nervously. Leaning forward, he gently tugged her abused lip from between her pearly white teeth.

"When I get back, we'll make love to you all day, all night, for the rest of our lives if that's what you want. But not tonight."

"But-"

"Shh..." Dayton hushed her as he sat up so he could also look at her face. "When you come to us. It'll be because you're ready and not because you're scared."

"But-"

Dayton covered her lips with his own cutting her off for a second time. Carrie loved the sparks that pleasantly fizzled between them. Salim took her lips in a scorching kiss as well. Their scented arousal was heavy in the air. Salim placed his forehead against her own.

"When I get back." He said as a promise and Carrie nodded feeling lighter.

"When you get back." She promised.

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When the Alphas were informed everyone that the Born Hunters were on their way to join the enemy. They knew that they needed more people. The Omegas stepped forward next to all the warriors. Lee was among the volunteers who had originally been assigned to stay behind.

"Please don't go." Jenna pleaded.

Lee captured her lips in a gentle kiss as tears streamed down her face. "I love you. I love both of you. This war... it may be the end of us all but I want to buy my mates as much time as I can. I want Calvin to meet his son. I want you two to be happy no matter what comes."

Jenna cried harder.

"Promise me that you'll look after each other-"

"Please no. Please no. Please don't say this."

"I have to. I don't plan on dying but just in case, I don't want to regret not saying of all the things that I should have said."

Jenna sobbed and wailed refusing to let him go. Lee leaned against the headboard of their bed and held Jenna to his chest.

Calvin stepped into the doorway watching the pair. Lee held out his hand and Calvin walked forward clasping it with his own. They sat in silence and Jenna's sobs turned into hiccups and she fell into a restless slumber.

Lee stroked Jenna's hair until she settled. He looked at Calvin.

"Promise me."

Calvin looked away and wiped the tears from his eyes. He sniffed and met his mate's eyes.

"I promise."

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It was early in the morning, Laura smoothed down the flap on the knapsack she had packed. Sitting on the bed she stared at the two luggage items and a lump formed in her throat. Both of her mates were leaving and she knew that there was a chance that one or both would not return.

Old memories of her late husband filtered through her mind. Frank had been a police officer. Every morning it was the same worry that would fill her heart with dread. Until that one fateful day that a police car pulled up in front of her house and her husband wasn't in it.

She always knew the possibility and would pray that he would come home safely. Laura said that same prayer now as she watched her mates' large frames make the big room feel small. She put a brave smile on and shove down the tears that were waiting to be shed later.

Jordan pulled her into his arms, "My courageous beautiful mate. I love you so much." Tilting her face up, his kiss was full of warmth and tenderness. "When we get back, we're going to the beach with you and the kids for a vacation. Just us and the sun, the sand, and the waves."

Laura's smile was wobbly.

"Come here." Jackson's deep voice commanded from where he sat on a chair in the corner of the room. Laura's trembling body sunk down on Jackson open lap and Jordan knelt on the floor next to her. He removed her slippers and massaged her tired feet as Jackson stroked his fingers through her hair.

The feeling was always pure bliss and she gave a low moan forgetting her troubles for that moment. Jackson nipped gently at her neck and Jordan pressed a kiss to her knee. These quiet times were something the trio savored.

The desire to beg them to stay, or at least have them promise to come back, was strong. But she knew that both were unrealistic expectations and would only burden the men with guilt to see her upset. Instead, she titled her head back and kissed Jackson until she was breathless. Turning she kissed, Jordan as well.

Sensing her need, Jackson carried her to the bed and laid with her against his chest. Jordan laid on the other side and wrapped his arms around her waist. They knew that they would need to leave soon but right now, they needed this moment to hold their mate and remember that this is why they were leaving and more importantly why they were coming back alive.

Rising the men gathered their bags while Laura slipped on her shoes. Their children were already at the pack house along with the rest of the pack. Laura held her mates' hands as they walked. The tears would come but right now it was time to be strong.