Chapter 1 Philip Harrington vs. Troy ‘Travis’ Stanton: The beat to his heart…survival!
Weeks prior, amidst a brutal battle, Philip Harrington, a powerful alpha wolf, locks eyes with Troy Stanton, instantly recognizing him as his destined mate. Despite his wolf’s primal urges, Philip prioritizes the battle, delaying any claim on his young mate. Troy, unaware of the significance of the encounter, is only conscious of the enemy’s ruthlessness and flees for his life. The connection remains a mystery to him, even as his heart flutters at the alpha’s intense gaze.
Present day finds Troy and Paul, his accomplice, anxiously awaiting the getaway of a bank robbery gang. Troy, possessing magical abilities, subtly manipulates the situation, causing the police to mysteriously disappear, allowing the robbers to escape. Paul expresses concern about their involvement with such dangerous individuals, particularly regarding Troy’s potential retaliation. “Oh, s$$t…” Paul exclaims as police sirens approach, highlighting the pair’s perilous situation.
Troy’s annoyance with the gang’s excessive greed, exemplified by his comment, “They said they were only going to take something small. Did you see all those sacks?”, contrasts with Paul’s apprehension. Their journey to their gang leader’s hideout is fraught with tension, and Paul’s plea, “Please don’t challenge them to their face… They can hurt you,” underscores their precarious position and the inherent risks of their criminal enterprise.
Chapter 2 Philip Harrington vs. Troy ‘Travis’ Stanton: The beat to his heart…The bad crew!
Troy discovers his friend Paul held captive by a ruthless gang led by a heavily pierced man. The gang leader, amused by the situation, demands three thousand dollars Paul allegedly owes them for a botched drug delivery. Paul’s terrified pleas and the gang’s escalating threats, including the suggestion to “pimp out” both Troy and Paul, create a volatile atmosphere. Troy’s calm exterior belies a simmering determination as he cleverly redirects the situation by asking Paul for the location of the drug delivery, a plan that leaves the gang leader utterly unsuspecting.
Paul reveals he didn’t know the delivery contained drugs, sparking a heated exchange with the gang members. The leader’s casual cruelty, underscored by his line, “If the person we send doesn’t take the money…we can’t make demands,” highlights the gang’s callous disregard for human life and their twisted sense of rules. Troy’s seemingly nonchalant response, “I’m going to take your money back,” sharply contrasts with the genuine fear emanating from Paul.
Troy’s unexpected strategy unfolds as he casually obtains the address of the drug buyer from the gang leader. Paul’s desperate warnings, “Whatever you’re thinking of doing, don’t. They are very bad people,” are cut short by Troy’s calculated plan. The chapter ends on a cliffhanger, leaving the reader wondering how Troy, a slender young man, plans to retrieve the money and what consequences await him in his confrontation with the drug buyers on the very next street.
Chapter 3 Philip Harrington vs. Troy ‘Travis’ Stanton: The beat to his heart…Gullibility!
The gang leader, Blaze, reveals a shocking escalation—the death of one of his men during a failed attempt to collect the money from the drug buyers, the “Stones.” He blames Paul, claiming Paul’s actions directly led to the death of Shatta, adding a layer of emotional manipulation to his demands. Paul remains uncertain about the details, fueling Blaze’s already volatile anger, while Troy’s calm demeanor masks his assessment of the situation. The scene highlights the gang’s brutal nature and the high stakes of Troy’s unexpected plan.
Troy, seemingly buying Blaze’s story, engages in a tense negotiation. Blaze, now driven by a need to provide for Shatta’s child, shifts his demand from the original three thousand dollars to an unspecified amount to cover expenses for the deceased gang member’s family. Paul repeatedly urges Troy to leave, highlighting his growing apprehension and underscoring his friend’s naivete. The dialogue, punctuated by lines like “We lost one of our friends” and “The kid needs it,” adds to the mounting tension.
Despite Paul’s pleas, Troy, seemingly unfazed by the heightened threat, questions how he’s expected to replace the lost life. Blaze’s suggestion to acquire money from any possible source—”shops, a bank maybe”—leaves the reader wondering if Troy will attempt this impossible task, setting the stage for a potentially dangerous and desperate attempt at fulfilling the impossible demands. The cliffhanger underscores the escalating risks facing Troy and Paul.
Chapter 4 Philip Harrington vs. Troy ‘Travis’ Stanton: The beat to his heart…Time to restore!
Philip Harrington, Alpha of the Stanwood Pack, prepares with Deloris, a warlock, and Jeremy Stanton, the Alpha of all Alphas, for a mission to retrieve Philip’s mate. Gloria Stanton, Jeremy’s mother and fiercely protective of her family, insists on accompanying them, despite Jeremy’s attempts to dissuade her. Philip’s inner wolf is agitated, a testament to the intensity of his emotions, causing Jeremy to urge calm before the mission begins. Deloris initiates a ritual, and Philip’s sister, Paige, is tasked with watching Ryan, implying a potential danger during the mission.
The mission’s purpose is revealed: finding Philip’s mate, who turns out to be Jeremy’s presumed-dead brother, Travis. The revelation of Travis as Philip’s mate is shocking, even to themselves, highlighting a crucial plot twist and raising questions about how they identified Travis. Philip’s intense focus on bringing Travis home overshadows everything else, while the scene is infused with supernatural elements, and the tension builds as Deloris’s chant begins. “Let’s go bring your mate home, Alpha,” Deloris declares, emphasizing the urgency and importance of the mission.
As the ritual commences, Philip’s thoughts drift to the previous day’s events—the discovery of his mate’s identity and the overwhelming shock of the revelation. “Not on your life, Jeremy,” Gloria’s determined declaration underscores the family’s unwavering resolve, adding a layer of emotional depth to their perilous undertaking. The chapter ends on a cliffhanger, leaving the reader eager to discover the outcome of the mission and the potential dangers they face.
Chapter 5 Philip Harrington vs. Troy ‘Travis’ Stanton: The beat to his heart…We move!
Jeremy Stanton, Alpha of all Alphas, requests a location spell from Deloris, a powerful warlock, to find his presumed-dead brother, Travis, who is also Philip Harrington’s mate. Deloris requires blood samples from Jeremy and his mother, Gloria, for the spell. The unexpected revelation that Ryan, Paige’s partner, is pregnant with Jeremy’s child shocks everyone present, eliciting gasps and exclamations of disbelief from Paige and the High Priestess. Jeremy’s c$$$y grin hints at his complex emotions regarding this revelation. “Ryan is pregnant,” he announces, adding another layer of unexpected chaos to the already tense situation.
Philip, grappling with the recent discovery of his mate, Travis, and his overwhelming wolfish emotions, requests secrecy regarding his mate’s identity. He fears that his numerous ex-lovers, driven by inherent wolfish instincts, will attack Travis. “The last thing I want is to bring Travis into the middle of a war or an ambush by my exes,” Philip warns, highlighting the considerable danger his mate faces. Gloria, fiercely protective of her family, delivers a chilling threat against any who would dare harm her grandson: “Those bitches of yours had better not touch my son… If they so much as attempt, they won’t live to tell their story.” This vow underscores the stakes involved and the lengths Gloria will go to protect her family.
Despite the joyous news of Ryan’s pregnancy and the underlying excitement of the mission, the overarching threat looms large. Philip’s urgency to protect his mate from his possessive ex-lovers drives the plot forward, setting the stage for a dangerous confrontation. The chapter ends with a palpable sense of foreboding, leaving readers to wonder how Philip will manage the imminent threats and the challenges of concealing his mate’s identity while simultaneously embarking on a perilous rescue mission.
Chapter 6: Philip Harrington vs. Troy ‘Travis’ Stanton~ The beat to his heart … Betrayal!
Troy and Paul, having seemingly completed a job for the ruthless gang leader Blaze, find themselves betrayed. Blaze, high on drugs, reneges on their agreement, intending to eliminate them to ensure their silence. “This is a lot of cash. I don’t want any of this getting out so we have to shut you up…permanently,” Blaze snarls, highlighting his cold-blooded intentions. Paul pleads desperately, while Troy, despite lacking the full magical abilities of a warlock, attempts a desperate dark magic spell to buy them time, muttering incantations under his breath. “You are being very unreasonable and wicked,” Troy shouts, his defiance a stark contrast to Paul’s terror.
The tension escalates as one of Blaze’s goons raises his weapon to shoot Paul, “Please… You don’t have to give us any of the money. Just keep it,” Paul cries, highlighting the immediate danger. Troy’s makeshift magic spell is stalled by the goon’s actions and his desperate attempt to conjure a fireball. The power struggle between dark magic and brute force hangs in the balance, showcasing the desperate struggle of a talented but still inexperienced spell caster.
Suddenly, four figures materialize, interrupting the imminent execution. Their unexpected arrival throws the scene into chaos, leaving Troy and Paul’s fates hanging precariously. The identity of these mysterious rescuers remains unknown, leaving the reader to wonder about their motives and connection to the unfolding events, raising the stakes for the next chapter.
Chapter 7: Philip Harrington vs. Troy ‘Travis’ Stanton~ The beat to his heart … Ryan to the rescue!
Jeremy and Philip’s tense standoff with Blaze’s gang takes an unexpected turn when Ryan, Jeremy’s magically gifted mate, inexplicably appears, having been summoned by their child. Ryan, still sleepy from his interrupted nap, effortlessly freezes Blaze’s goons, including Deloris and Gloria, with a simple gesture, his powers demonstrating both immense power and an amusing disregard for the seriousness of the situation. Jeremy, initially shocked, quickly joins Ryan in assessing the situation, revealing the extent of Troy’s, their near-victim’s, desperation, as he’d resorted to dangerous dark magic to fight back. “Your brother looks pissed,” Ryan observes, highlighting the continuing conflict with Blaze’s crew.
The scene is filled with comedic tension as Jeremy and Philip banter amidst the frozen chaos, their concerns shifting from immediate danger to the implications of Ryan’s intervention. “Your kid came to save me from your murderous mate,” Jeremy remarks dryly to Philip. Philip, still worried about Troy’s uncontrolled magic, worries about the upcoming mating ceremony. “That mating ceremony is not going to take place anytime soon, Lip,” Jeremy states, highlighting the disruption to their plans. Ryan’s power is further showcased when he casually obliterates Troy’s still-active fireball with a flick of his wrist.
Despite Ryan’s intervention, the danger isn’t entirely over. Even after a tender kiss from Jeremy, Ryan remains, seemingly sensing residual danger, leaving Jeremy and Philip to grapple with the aftermath and the unpredictable nature of their magically gifted child. “I think it’s not convinced you’re safe,” Ryan explains, adding another layer of intrigue to the already complex situation. The chapter concludes with Jeremy’s incredulous reaction and Ryan’s laughter, leaving the readers in suspense about the continued threat and the ever-growing power of their child.
Chapter 8: Philip Harrington vs. Troy ‘Travis’ Stanton~ The beat to his heart … Mistrust!
News reports explode with the bizarre story of Blaze’s gang’s arrest, their miraculous capture fueling speculation about “Vigilante Magicians.” Meanwhile, five warlocks, aware of the truth—the brutal massacre at a farmhouse—watch the news, their grim expressions highlighting the stakes. They know Troy, a warlock involved in the events, and are concerned about his possible alliances. Troy, unaware of the warlocks’ observation, finds himself facing Jeremy and Philip in a warehouse, where he’s protecting Paul, a human witness to his magic.
Philip, mercilessly enforcing the rule of secrecy surrounding supernatural beings, demands Troy reveal his identity. “If he knows what you are, then he has to die,” Philip declares, his chilling resolve sending shivers down Troy’s spine. A heated exchange ensues as Troy questions the double standard, pointing out that Blaze’s gang, having witnessed his magic, were not killed. Deloris explains their invisibility, a detail that underscores the warlocks’ hidden abilities. Troy’s defiant challenge, “Why must Paul die for seeing it too?” sets the stage for a deadly confrontation.
The tension escalates as Philip remains adamant, the threat to Paul’s life hanging heavy in the air. “I’m talking about what you really are, not magical performances,” Philip explains, his words revealing a chilling, deeply ingrained rule within their supernatural world. The chapter ends with the unspoken threat of violence, the stark contrast between the public’s fanciful theories and the brutal reality faced by Troy and Paul leaving the reader breathlessly anticipating the next violent clash.
Chapter 9: Philip Harrington vs. Troy ‘Travis’ Stanton~ The beat to his heart … Family!
Troy receives a frantic call from Paul, who’s been detained at the police station. Before Troy can fully react, Deloris intercepts, ending the call. A tense confrontation ensues, Troy questioning the warlocks’ motives after they’ve already taken so much from him. Gloria, unexpectedly, reveals herself as Troy’s mother, a revelation met with initial disbelief and a potent emotional wave that makes Troy want to believe her. “I’m your mother,” she insists, touching his face, triggering fragmented memories.
Troy’s initial acceptance quickly shifts to suspicion, as he resists what he perceives as a spell. Gloria’s tearful insistence, “No one is casting a spell on you,” clarifies that she and the others are werewolves, not spellcasters. The shocking revelation that Jeremy is his brother, punctuated by Troy’s involuntary gasp, “What?”, adds another layer to the complex family dynamic. “You look exactly like him,” Gloria says about Troy’s father.
The bombshell of Troy’s werewolf heritage, the suppressed nature of his abilities, and his father’s absence creates a volatile mix. The revelation leaves Troy reeling, forcing him to confront his identity and the hidden world he’s only just begun to glimpse. The chapter ends on a cliffhanger, with Troy questioning his parentage and the whereabouts of his father, leaving the reader desperate for answers.
Chapter 10: Philip Harrington vs. Troy ‘Travis’ Stanton~ The beat to his heart … Brat of a mate!
Troy, still reeling from the revelation of his werewolf heritage and family, demands to see Paul, his detained friend, before engaging further with his newfound mother, Gloria, and the others. He distrusts their motives, suspecting manipulation, even questioning whether the phone call from Paul was genuine. Despite their attempts to reassure him, Troy’s suspicion remains, fueled by past experiences with warlocks and a fierce protectiveness towards Paul. Philip’s presence adds to the tension, his aggressive demeanor reflecting the conflict simmering beneath the surface. “I’ll know,” Troy insists regarding Paul’s authenticity, demonstrating his growing awareness of the supernatural world.
Gloria, attempting to build a connection with her son, invites him to eat while they wait for Paul’s arrival. However, Troy’s refusal highlights his emotional distress and lingering trauma. His sharp questions regarding Gloria’s involvement in a past massacre reveal a deep wound and fuel his suspicion of the werewolf pack. “And you call yourself a mother?” Troy accuses, his disgust palpable, confronting Gloria with the brutal reality of the werewolf’s past actions and demanding answers. The confrontation ends on a cliffhanger, leaving the newly reunited family fractured and their future hanging precariously in the balance.
The atmosphere shifts as Gloria admits her presence at the massacre, a stark confession that devastates Troy, forcing him to confront the horrific implications of his family’s history and the moral ambiguity of their actions. The chapter ends with Troy’s pained plea for understanding, “Please make me understand,” leaving him in a state of emotional turmoil, desperate for answers amidst the shocking truths revealed about his parentage and his newfound family.
Chapter 11: Philip Harrington vs. Troy ‘Travis’ Stanton~ The beat to his heart … Sense of belongingness!
Troy, consumed by guilt and suspicion after his confrontation with Gloria, worries about Philip’s well-being, even suspecting a magical influence on his own feelings. Jeremy’s calming presence and the arrival of Paul, accompanied by a captivating blonde named Camille, temporarily alleviate his anxieties. Paul’s unharmed state offers a measure of relief, although Troy remains wary, questioning the long-term safety of his friend given Philip’s earlier threats. “Are you okay?” Troy repeatedly asks Paul, highlighting his deep concern.
Gloria’s reassurance regarding Paul’s safety strengthens the burgeoning bond between her and Troy. Troy’s growing trust is evident when he accepts a meal with Gloria’s offer, “Will you help me?” The introduction of Camille, possessing teleportation abilities similar to her mother, adds a new dimension to the supernatural world presented. Paul casually drops that Camille “can also do what her mother does,” hinting at a power yet to be fully explored.
Despite the apparent reconciliation, a shadow of uncertainty lingers. Troy’s concern for Paul’s continued safety underscores the precarious nature of his newfound family and the ongoing conflict within the werewolf pack. Paul’s desire to return to his movie with Camille, and Camille’s subtle hint at her abilities, leave the reader wondering about the larger implications for the characters and the potential dangers that remain. “Yeah, but for how long?” Troy’s anxious question leaves the chapter ending on a cliffhanger.
Chapter 12: Philip Harrington vs. Troy ‘Travis’ Stanton~ The beat to his heart … Home!
Camille, displaying a surprising defense of Philip, assures Troy that Philip only kills for “a good cause,” a statement Troy vehemently rejects. Their conversation is punctuated by Camille’s insistence that Troy call Gloria “Mother,” a demand that highlights the complex family dynamics at play. Despite Camille’s assurances regarding Paul’s safety and her offer to protect him from Philip, Troy remains deeply skeptical, a distrust seemingly shared by Jeremy, whose cryptic comments about their conversation hint at a deeper understanding of the situation than he lets on. “Not on your life,” Troy declares, his suspicion of Philip unwavering.
The scene shifts to a lighter, if somewhat tense, exchange between Troy and Jeremy about nicknames, mirroring the underlying tensions within their relationship. Gloria’s return with Paul further emphasizes the precarious balance between apparent peace and simmering conflict. Jeremy’s seemingly casual offer to drive Camille home, followed by his quiet concern for his mother (“Will you be okay?”), underscores the lingering threat and the unpredictable alliances within the group. The casual mention of Jeremy dropping Camille and Paul off hints at a larger power dynamic at play.
The chapter ends with unresolved tension. Troy’s stubborn refusal to trust Philip contrasts sharply with Camille’s unwavering support of him, leaving the reader to question the true nature of their allegiances. The easy camaraderie between Jeremy and Camille, coupled with Jeremy’s seemingly knowing behavior, suggests a hidden layer to their interactions and leaves the reader questioning the extent of their involvement in the ongoing conflict. The finality of Troy’s declaration, “And the name stays,” leaves the reader anticipating further confrontations and revelations.
Chapter 13: Philip Harrington vs. Troy ‘Travis’ Stanton~ The beat to his heart … The alpha’s woes!
Philip Harrington, Alpha of the Stanwood Pack, paces his tenth-floor suite, consumed by frustration over Troy (formerly Travis), his mate. Philip’s anger, intensified by the approaching full moon, stems from Troy’s unexpected behavior and pointed remarks. He confesses to Stan, his Beta, that Troy’s actions, including insinuations about a romantic relationship between Philip and Paul, push him to the edge. “That boy…Travis,” Philip growls, revealing his struggle to reconcile his usual calm demeanor with his overwhelming rage.
The Alpha’s irritation deepens as he details Troy’s protective stance toward Paul, revealing a level of care that Philip interprets as jealousy. “Has a human with him that he clearly cares about,” he explains to Stan, highlighting the growing rift between him and his mate. Stan’s teasing comment, “Oh, so this is all just you being jealous huh? Cool,” only fuels Philip’s frustration. Philip’s internal conflict is further revealed through his thoughts on disposing of Paul, but his concern for Troy’s well-being (and lack of knowledge of his true nature) prevents him from taking action. “Saved by the bell. Lucky fella, whoever he is,” Stan quips.
The arrival of Paige, Philip’s sister, adds another layer to the scene. The close-knit group, also including Jeremy, is reunited, their easy camaraderie a stark contrast to the simmering tension between Philip and Troy. Paige’s immediate demand for “every juicy detail” sets the stage for a potential unpacking of the events leading to the current conflict, promising further revelations about the complex dynamics within the pack and the ongoing mystery surrounding Paul’s identity.
Chapter 14: Philip Harrington vs. Troy ‘Travis’ Stanton~ The beat to his heart … Friendship goals!
Philip, still simmering over Troy’s behavior, confesses his frustration to Paige, Jeremy, and Stan. His anger centers on Troy’s refusal to rename his cat and his perceived jealousy over Paul, a human Troy fiercely protects. “You’re all idiots,” Philip mutters, highlighting his exasperation with the situation, while Paige playfully counters, “I love this boy,” revealing a softer side to Troy’s actions. Jeremy attempts to mediate, urging Philip to understand Troy’s perspective, reminding him of the pack’s past actions against Troy’s family. “Put yourself in his shoes,” Jeremy pleads, highlighting the emotional weight of Troy’s experiences.
The conversation reveals the depth of Philip’s conflicting emotions—a potent mix of anger, lust, and undeniable attraction to Troy. Jeremy bluntly states, “Lust rolls off of you in spades when you’re around him, Lip,” a comment that elicits a mix of denial and frustrated silence from Philip. Stan’s teasing comments only add fuel to the fire, with quips like, “Dude’s clearly tired of his hands,” underscoring the escalating tension between the Alpha and his mate. The discussion also subtly touches upon the ongoing mystery surrounding Paul’s identity, emphasizing the complex relationships between all involved.
The chapter ends with Jeremy’s departure, revealing his own protective relationship with a young man named Ryan, and a new plotline involving a planned “run,” hinting at forthcoming action and a thrilling showdown. Jeremy’s proud mention of Ryan saving him, with the comment “That’s some Twilight s$$t,” promises further excitement. The final line, “Is everything set for the run, by the way?”, leaves the reader anticipating the next chapter with a sense of looming conflict and unresolved tension between Philip and Troy.
Chapter 15: Philip Harrington vs. Troy ‘Travis’ Stanton~ The beat to his heart … Baby steps!
Troy learns shocking details about his father, Reynard, and his past, including the revelation that Reynard had a surviving son, Ryan. Gloria, Troy’s mother, reveals that Reynard’s pack slaughtered a group of hunters, mistakenly believing them to be responsible for Reynard’s death—a revelation that deeply disturbs Troy, who questions the morality of their actions; “I’m still not okay with the slaughtering of all those people,” he confesses. Gloria explains the pack’s acceptance of same-s$x relationships, clarifying that Jeremy and Ryan are mated, not married, and confirming Troy’s werewolf identity despite his doubts. “Oh you so are, baby,” Gloria assures him, hinting at the inherent magical nature of their world and the complexities of their relationships.
The conversation subtly touches upon the nuances of werewolf society and its traditions, while also raising questions about the nature of Troy’s own identity and lineage. Gloria’s explanation of the pack’s actions and the subsequent revelation of Reynard’s other son adds another layer of intrigue to the already complex relationships between the characters. The chapter also showcases the deep bond between Troy and Gloria, with their tender exchange highlighting a supportive mother-son relationship. “Come here,” Gloria says, opening her arms, a moment of comfort amid the startling revelations.
The chapter ends with Troy’s quiet contemplation, holding a family album close as he prepares to delve deeper into his mysterious past. Gloria’s promise to tell him all about his father, coupled with Troy’s lingering questions regarding his identity and the pack’s actions, creates a sense of anticipation for future chapters. The lingering unresolved issues, combined with the newly introduced elements of the story, leave the reader eager to uncover more about the past and the future consequences of the pack’s violent actions, leaving the reader wondering what the secrets held within that old family album will bring.