Chapter 31: Philip Harrington vs. Troy ‘Travis’ Stanton~ The beat to his heart … Brother goals!
Following the tense dinner, Troy, still reeling from the revelation of his magically forced mating with Philip, seeks a distraction. He asks his brother Jeremy to take him to visit Paul, avoiding any interaction with Philip. Ryan and Paige’s plans conveniently facilitate this escape, highlighting the ongoing tension between Troy and Philip despite the attempts at normalcy. Gloria’s initial surprise at Troy choosing to go home to her, rather than to Philip’s, underscores the significant shift in their dynamic. “Is there a problem with me wanting to come to you?” Troy pointedly asks his mother, showcasing his emotional distance from Philip.
The brothers’ journey reveals further insight into Troy’s emotional state. Jeremy subtly confronts Troy about his avoidance of Philip, prompting Troy’s defensive retort, “Well, you did tell him, didn’t you?” Their conversation takes place while retrieving a car belonging to Philip, saturated with his scent, a poignant reminder of their fractured bond. A brief interaction with Clara, the concierge, provides a lighthearted moment, offering a contrast to the underlying tension, albeit highlighting the fact that even strangers still call Troy by the wrong name.
Despite the brief respite and the lighthearted encounter with Clara, Jeremy attempts to urge reconciliation, initiating a crucial conversation about forgiveness. “I know what Lip did wasn’t right but…you really need to try and let it go,” Jeremy pleads with Troy. However, Troy remains unconvinced, questioning Jeremy’s ability to empathize with his experience. The chapter ends with this unresolved conflict, leaving the reader to ponder the future of Troy and Philip’s relationship and whether forgiveness, or even reconciliation, is truly possible.
Chapter 32: Philip Harrington vs. Troy ‘Travis’ Stanton~ The beat to his heart … Come outside!
Consumed by insomnia and haunted by Philip, Troy spends a restless night, his discomfort stemming from the lingering effects of their magically enforced mating. His brother Jeremy’s amused reaction to his decision to sleep at home further fuels his unease. The chapter then focuses on the unexpected arrival of Philip, who finds Troy pacing in the living room. Their initial interaction is tense, fueled by Troy’s lingering anger over Philip’s near-lethal attack on Paul, with Troy retorting, “You wanted to kill him…that was just mean.” Philip’s attempt at a legalistic defense, using the term “consensus ad idem,” only further enrages Troy.
Philip’s unexpected apology, “I’m sorry I gave you my mark without your consent,” breaks through Troy’s anger, though the apology does little initially. Their conflict escalates with a heated exchange, punctuated by Troy’s outburst, “F$$k you, Philip,” before Philip physically reasserts dominance. A mysterious observer watches from her window, a silent testament to their powerful connection. The scene shifts to one of unexpected intimacy as Philip’s touch instantly soothes Troy’s anger. The men find themselves embracing in a comfortable silence, a stark contrast to their earlier animosity.
The chapter ends with a poignant moment of shared warmth and affection, a fragile truce forged in the aftermath of their conflict. The lingering unspoken questions about their future relationship, however, and the subtle implication of outside observation, leave the reader anticipating further developments in their complicated dynamic. The shared silence between them, broken only by Philip’s whispered apology, hints at a potential turning point in their tumultuous relationship, leaving the reader pondering the fragility of their newfound peace.
Chapter 33: Philip Harrington vs. Troy ‘Travis’ Stanton~ The beat to his heart … The run!
Philip, addressing his pack, prepares for a hunt, assigning roles to Stan, Pete, and George, while pup-watchers oversee the younger members. Troy arrives with Gloria, the casual greetings masking the intense, unspoken attraction between Troy and Philip. Pete and George greet Gloria, while Troy is immediately consumed by his desire for Philip, a feeling intensified by Philip’s possessive gaze, contrasting sharply with Troy’s upbringing which deemed same-s$x relationships unacceptable. His physical response to Philip’s presence, even amidst the pack, is both exhilarating and terrifying to him.
Troy’s internal conflict is palpable as he grapples with his overwhelming attraction to Philip, confessing his frustration to himself, “did he really have to feel for that kind of s$$$$l closeness anytime he was around Philip?”. The stark contrast between his physical reaction and his ingrained beliefs creates tension. Philip’s low, s$$y voice, “Hey,” elicits a soft m$$n from Troy, who blushingly mutters, “Stop staring,” highlighting the raw, undeniable chemistry between them despite the public setting. Their unspoken connection threatens to overwhelm the carefully constructed facade of normalcy.
The scene crackles with s$$$$l tension as Philip’s subtle dominance and Troy’s intense physical response intertwine. The lingering effect of their magical bond, coupled with Philip’s assertive actions, intensifies the situation. The chapter leaves the reader anticipating the next step in their relationship, questioning how Troy and Philip will navigate their desires amidst the watchful eyes of the pack, their fragile truce hanging in the balance.
Chapter 34: Philip Harrington vs. Troy ‘Travis’ Stanton~ The beat to his heart … A.G. in the house!
Philip, wrestling with his overwhelming attraction to Troy, jokes about his inability to train his mate due to his desires, prompting Gloria, Troy’s mother, to offer her services. Gloria’s teasing acceptance— “I’m going to give it to you real good”— highlights the playful yet underlying tension between her and Philip concerning their complicated relationship with Troy. Camille, a half-wolf, half-warlock doctor, arrives, adding a layer of playful teasing and further complicating matters by mentioning Paul’s flirtation with Clara. Philip’s concern for Troy’s inexperienced wolf form prevents Troy from shifting to show his friend Paul.
The arrival of Alpha Agyemang, a powerful and renowned alpha, shifts the focus to the upcoming hunt. Agyemang’s presence adds excitement and prestige to the event, and his friendship with Philip is underscored, bringing a sense of camaraderie and support to the group. Philip’s relieved greeting, “You made it,” highlights the importance of Agyemang’s presence, foreshadowing potential future collaborations or alliances. The mention of Agyemang’s past capture by the warlock Reynard Wyatt hints at a larger, dangerous world beyond the pack.
The chapter concludes with the pack preparing for the hunt, the tension between Philip and Troy remaining palpable despite the external excitement. Agyemang’s arrival brings a shift in focus but adds another layer of intrigue, hinting at the potential conflicts and challenges the pack may face in the future, and his introduction serves as a catalyst for greater inter-pack interaction and potential threats. The contrast between the playful intimacy and the looming threat of Reynard Wyatt leaves the reader anticipating a dramatic turn of events.
Chapter 35: Philip Harrington vs. Troy ‘Travis’ Stanton~ The beat to his heart … Refreshingly new!
Agyemang’s arrival reveals shocking news: Jeremy, Philip’s brother, wasn’t killed by hunters, but abducted by the warlock Reynard Wyatt. This revelation stuns Agyemang, who immediately inquires about Jeremy’s whereabouts and current condition. Philip, while cryptic about Jeremy’s inability to participate in the upcoming hunt, leaves Agyemang eager for explanations after the run, setting up future plot developments. The exchange reveals the ongoing conflict with Reynard and hints at the larger, darker forces at play. Agyemang’s casual interaction with Camille further highlights the close-knit nature of the pack and its interwoven relationships.
The hunt preparations continue, but the focus shifts to the intense, intimate struggle between Philip and Troy. Troy’s inability to shift his wolf form, amplified by his overwhelming attraction to a n$$$d Philip, fuels the tension. Despite Philip’s attempts to guide Troy’s concentration, Troy’s thoughts are consumed by Philip’s body, specifically his “huge” p$$$s, creating a humorous yet sensual scene rife with s$$$$l tension. “You’re not doing what I’m asking you to, Troy,” Philip sighs, underscoring the challenge of training Troy while battling their intense physical attraction.
Philip’s efforts to help Troy concentrate are continually disrupted by Troy’s intense physical reaction to him. The mental link between the pair showcases Troy’s inner turmoil and Philip’s patient yet frustrated attempts to help him overcome his inexperience and intense desire. The juxtaposition of the pack’s outward preparations for the hunt and the intimate, internal struggle between Philip and Troy creates a captivating blend of action and romance, leaving the reader wanting to know how this internal conflict will impact the upcoming hunt.
Chapter 36: Philip Harrington vs. Troy ‘Travis’ Stanton~ The beat to his heart … Mate found!
Agyemang’s arrival at the pack house is met with joyous greetings from Clara, who eagerly inquires about his prolonged absence. Their conversation is interrupted when Agyemang spots Paul, a friend of Troy’s, and experiences a profound shock. His gasp reveals a startling revelation: Agyemang had previously urged Philip to kill Paul, a fact that utterly stuns Paul. This unexpected turn leads to a passionate, unexpected kiss between Agyemang and Paul, leaving Clara speechless.
The intensity of the kiss leaves both men breathless. Paul’s initial shock gives way to reciprocal feelings as he kisses Agyemang back. Clara, witnessing this unexpected turn of events, can only watch, amazed, as Agyemang, completely captivated by Paul, sweeps him into his arms, carrying him away. “You don’t,” Agyemang says, his hand on Paul’s chest, “…but in here… you know I mean you no harm.”
Agyemang’s declaration of intent, followed by his swift action of carrying Paul away, underscores the sudden and intense romantic development, leaving both Paul and Clara in a state of surprised awe. The chapter ends with Agyemang and Paul disappearing into the elevator, leaving the reader to wonder about the nature of their unexpected connection, and how this surprising romantic subplot will intersect with the ongoing hunt preparations and the threat of Reynard Wyatt.
Chapter 37: Philip Harrington vs. Troy ‘Travis’ Stanton~ The beat to his heart … Breaking his back!
Philip wrestles with his intense desire for his mate, Troy, acknowledging the powerful attraction but desiring a deeper connection than just lust. He recalls the passionate relationships of his parents and best friend, inspiring his decision to court Troy rather than immediately succumbing to their physical urges. Philip rejects Agyemang’s earlier suggestion of a purely s$$$$l approach, determined to build a relationship based on love, care, and devotion, not just instinctual mating bonds. He believes a patient courtship will foster deeper feelings in Troy.
Upon returning from a run, Philip and Troy retrieve two cell phones left by Malik, intended for them and Paul. A brief exchange with Kieran, the receptionist, reveals that Clara, Agyemang’s companion, is absent and that Agyemang is in the visitor’s suite. Philip’s subtle inquiry about Agyemang hints at a potential conflict brewing between the alpha’s unexpected romance and Philip’s own developing relationship with Troy. The chapter leaves the reader wondering if the alphas’ romantic interests will intersect.
Troy’s playful defiance against Philip’s assumption of his technological ineptitude —”I’m not a total dunce you know”— underscores their developing bond and hints at a growing familiarity and playful banter. The final scene leaves a sense of anticipation as Philip heads towards Agyemang, setting the stage for a potential confrontation between the two alphas, and raising questions about the future of their interwoven relationships.
Chapter 38: Philip Harrington vs. Troy ‘Travis’ Stanton~ The beat to his heart … Friends talk!
Philip reveals to Troy that Agyemang, the alpha, is Paul’s mate, a fact he learned through their mental link. Troy initially doubts Agyemang’s claim, questioning his motives and expressing concern over Agyemang’s hasty actions with Paul. The conversation reveals details of werewolf mating, including the necessity of transforming a human mate before marking them, easing some of Troy’s anger. Their discussion highlights their burgeoning relationship, showcasing a blend of playful banter and genuine concern for Paul’s wellbeing. “He’s his mate, Troy,” Philip said gently. “I don’t believe him,” Troy growled.
Agyemang’s arrival on the balcony creates tension. He attempts to greet Troy, but Troy’s initial coldness quickly gives way to acceptance upon Agyemang’s request to speak with Paul, giving a subtle warning to Troy to not be hard on Paul. “It’s okay, Lip,” Agyemang said quietly. “Don’t be hard on him,” he says softly, highlighting the surprising camaraderie between the alphas. A surprising and sudden display of mutual respect and understanding follows, ending in laughter and a hug between Philip and Agyemang, cementing an unexpected alliance between them. “Thanks for not killing him,” Agyemang groaned. “Thank Troy,” Phillip replied.
Inside, Troy comforts a remorseful Paul, softening his anger and offering reassurance. Paul’s shame and Troy’s concern further cement their bond, contrasting sharply with the alpha’s earlier interactions. The scene ends on a note of quiet understanding between Paul and Troy, “Are you okay?” Troy asked softly. “Yes,” Paul nodded, leaving the reader to anticipate the development of their relationship amidst the shifting dynamics of the werewolf pack and the complex romantic entanglements that bind them together.
Chapter 39: Philip Harrington vs. Troy ‘Travis’ Stanton~ The beat to his heart … Let the seduction begin!
Following the previous chapter’s resolution, Paul and Troy’s relationship deepens. Troy, though still slightly wary, is clearly smitten with Paul, their playful banter masking a growing intimacy. Paul reveals that Philip, aware of their attraction, subtly encourages Troy to control his arousal around him, much to Troy’s amusement. The pair then receives new cell phones and playfully takes selfies, which leads to a surprising turn of events; Paul sends a picture of Troy to Philip, prompting a lust-filled response that leaves Troy flustered and intensely aroused.
Paul, understanding Troy’s hesitation and desire for Philip, initiates a plan to seduce Philip, declaring, “It’s called seduction, Troy. Now shut up and listen.” He uses the photos to stoke Philip’s desire, calculatingly leveraging their shared attraction to bridge the gap between the two. Their conversation is punctuated by Paul’s playful teasing and confidence, and Troy’s growing realization of their intricate scheme to manipulate Philip. “You’re s$$y as f$$k,” Philip’s message to Troy reads.
The next morning, a relatively peaceful breakfast scene unfolds, featuring the extended pack, including Agyemang, his betas, and the other pack members. Agyemang, despite his earlier possessiveness, surprisingly agrees to leave Paul with Troy for a while to tend to matters within his pack, ensuring Paul won’t get overwhelmed by his many lovers. “Agyemang had appealed to Philip to keep Paul for some time until he put his house in order,” revealing both a surprising level of consideration for Paul and the unusual dynamics within the werewolf pack. However, Paul’s visible unhappiness hints at the complexities of their unique situation.
Chapter 40: Philip Harrington vs. Troy ‘Travis’ Stanton~ The beat to his heart … Sweet temptation!
Troy, spurred by Paul’s plan and Philip’s suggestive messages, boldly straddles Philip in front of a cheering audience. Unsure of how to proceed, Troy hesitantly initiates a kiss, their mind-link connecting. “What are you waiting for?” Philip urges, “Just dig in and take the candy,” setting the stage for an intense, passionate encounter. Their kiss ignites an overwhelming desire, leaving Troy breathless and m$$$$$g, “Philip…” as Philip expertly explores his mouth, causing Troy to fear a public climax.
The kiss escalates rapidly, fueled by Philip’s pent-up longing and Troy’s innocent responsiveness. “So soft, sweet, and hot,” Philip moans, their shared sensations intensifying with every touch. Troy’s pleas, “Please…Please stop…” cut through the heat as he nears his limit amidst the onlookers. Philip, though visibly struggling to control himself, pulls away, leaving Troy trembling and on the verge of climax. “Are you okay?” Philip asks, his voice husky with desire; Troy can only manage a shaky “No.”
Philip, his hunger barely contained, scoops up Troy, declaring, “Put your legs around me,” before carrying him away. The chapter ends with a tense warning from Jeremy to Philip, “Lip, don’t do anything stupid,” followed by Philip’s equally tense warning about Paige, sparking further intrigue and foreshadowing potential conflict: “Stan, I suggest you stay very far away from Paige. ‘Cause I don’t trust that guy.”
Chapter 41: Philip Harrington vs. Troy ‘Travis’ Stanton~ The beat to his heart … Self control!
Philip abruptly leaves Troy, who is still n$$$d and aroused, after a passionate encounter. “Where are you going?” Troy asks, his body still throbbing with desire, as Philip explains that something has come up. Philip, though visibly conflicted, is clearly still deeply affected by Troy’s beauty and their intense intimacy, internally lamenting their separation. He leaves after expressing concern, “Will you be okay?”, leaving Troy feeling rejected and alone.
The chapter reveals details of a previous encounter in an elevator, where Philip, stopping to grab Troy’s c$$k and jacking him off, before kissing him to climax, showcasing a more uninhibited, raw side of Philip. The scene highlights Philip’s potent s$$$$l energy and his ability to overwhelm Troy. Troy is left profoundly affected, his body still burning with need, unable to shake the intense sensations from this earlier, quick encounter.
Troy’s recollection underscores Philip’s sudden shift in demeanor, from unrestrained passion to abrupt departure. The contrast between Philip’s earlier behavior and his immediate exit further heightens the tension. Jeremy’s earlier warning to Philip, along with Philip’s own warning regarding Paige and a mysterious “Stan,” create lingering suspense and foreshadow a significant impending conflict that threatens their newly formed intimacy.
Chapter 42: Philip Harrington vs. Troy ‘Travis’ Stanton~ The beat to his heart … The 13th daughter!
Two weeks after Blaze’s death, five warlocks—Mary, Mario, Sally, and two unnamed others—convene at their newly acquired farmhouse. Their discussion centers on Jeremy, a powerful werewolf, and the threat he poses. Mary recounts Jeremy’s devastating power, recalling her late husband’s account of him turning thirty warlocks to ash. The warlocks express a mixture of fear and vengeance, fueled by the loss of loved ones and their shared kidnapping of Troy, a key figure in their conflict. Sally’s volatile anger against Troy and the werewolves, however, escalates dangerously.
Mary’s fierce protectiveness of Troy is revealed as she vehemently defends him against Sally’s accusations, stating, “He became mine. And I’ll be damned if I’ll allow those mangy wolves to claim him.” This declaration highlights the complex emotional bonds and underlying motivations within the group. Sally’s sudden, violent death, caused by an unseen force during her outburst, plunges the remaining warlocks into chaos and underscores the immediate danger they face.
The surviving warlocks, now reduced to four, are left reeling from Sally’s demise and their dwindling numbers. The mysterious nature of Sally’s death intensifies the existing tension, hinting at a powerful, unseen enemy, possibly connected to Jeremy or even a yet-unknown player in this escalating war between warlocks and werewolves. The fragile alliance among the remaining warlocks is further strained, leaving their future and the fate of Troy uncertain and precarious.
Chapter 43: Philip Harrington vs. Troy ‘Travis’ Stanton~ The beat to his heart … Rescued by the warlock!
A white-haired man rescues a young Mary from her father, who intended to kill her. The man explains that Mary possesses a powerful, unknown gift, a gift her father sought to suppress, even attempting to burn her alive for intervening in an altercation. He convinces Mary’s distraught mother of his intentions, highlighting her father’s potential threat to her remaining children. The man’s compelling argument emphasizes Mary’s safety and the potential for her gift’s development under his tutelage, contrasting sharply with the lethal environment of her home.
The man guides Mary in harnessing her abilities, instructing her to channel her anger and betrayal towards her father. He directs her to visualize and project a fiery energy, a skill she demonstrates with terrifying ease. Mary complies, unleashing a torrent of fire upon her father. The act, while horrifying, brings Mary a sense of empowerment, a feeling fueled by the knowledge of her father’s unjust intentions and his failed attempt to extinguish her life.
The resulting spectacle leaves Mary’s mother weeping, yet the man assures her, “Your daughter has done you a great favour here, woman. Take good care of your children,” leaving the mother to contemplate the full implications of her daughter’s power and the mysterious circumstances that led to her rescue and the abrupt transformation of her family life. The chapter concludes with an ominous tone, leaving readers wondering about the true nature of Mary’s powers and the white-haired man’s motives, making her potential future as frightening as it is uncertain.
Chapter 44: Philip Harrington vs. Troy ‘Travis’ Stanton~ The beat to his heart … Circle-wank!
Stan, Jeremy, and Philip, three alpha werewolf friends, meet at Stan’s club, enjoying drinks and the lively atmosphere. Their relaxed mood is shattered when Philip receives a disturbing video on his phone, revealing a brutal attack on Jeremy’s brother. The unsettling visuals of the violence fuel their already simmering anger towards their unknown enemies, highlighted by Stan’s comment, “They are like pests…We need to stomp on them once and for all,” and Jeremy’s subsequent vengeful declaration, “I can’t wait to meet those excuses for human beings.” The mystery surrounding the attackers and the lack of leads add to the tension, leaving the friends uncertain about their next move.
The focus shifts to Philip’s personal life as he reveals a secret relationship with a younger man, Ryan. The video’s content deeply affects Philip, adding to his already troubled state. “It’s a f$$$$$g video,” Philip exclaims, emphasizing the gravity of the situation. His friends tease him about his slow approach to intimacy with Ryan – “I’m honestly finding it difficult to understand why you feel you have to take it slow, Lip,” Stan chuckles – revealing a contrast between the brutal external threats and the complexities of personal relationships. Philip’s explanation, “He needs to know that this shouldn’t be about s$x,” offers a glimpse into his emotional investment in the relationship.
Despite the heavy mood stemming from the video, Philip’s personal struggles add another layer of intrigue, subtly contrasting the violence and vengeance he and his friends plan with his quiet, tender feelings for Ryan. The conversation reveals the alpha’s personal vulnerabilities despite their considerable power. The chapter ends on a cliffhanger, leaving the reader wondering about the perpetrators of the attack, Philip’s relationship with Ryan, and the impending confrontation between the werewolves and their unseen enemies.
Chapter 45: Philip Harrington vs. Troy ‘Travis’ Stanton~ The beat to his heart … Let’s go shopping!
Consumed by images of his lover, Troy’s o$$$$m, Philip drives home, replaying the explicit video Troy sent. He recognizes a deliberate provocation, suspecting Paul’s involvement in pushing Troy to test Philip’s control. The intense s$$$$l tension between Philip and Troy underscores the underlying conflict, highlighting Philip’s struggle to balance his desires with his commitment to self-control, a conflict further complicated by his past relationship with Abyna. “It’s only going to be awkward if you make it so,” Philip tells Troy, attempting to ease the tension as they shop at Abyna’s boutique, a gesture that only increases Troy’s discomfort.
Troy’s jealousy and discomfort over Philip’s past relationship with Abyna become increasingly apparent. His scowls and grunts express his resentment, contrasting sharply with Philip’s attempts at nonchalance. “Why take me to her shop then?” Troy murmurs, revealing his insecurity and highlighting the complexities of their relationship. The scene at the boutique serves as a backdrop to their simmering conflict, a microcosm of the larger struggle between their desires and the external threats they face. Philip’s attempt to maintain composure underscores his internal conflict.
The chapter concludes with escalating tension between Philip and Troy, the underlying s$$$$l tension juxtaposed against Troy’s simmering jealousy. The unresolved issues between them create a sense of foreboding, mirroring the unsolved mystery of Jeremy’s brother’s attack and underscoring the precarious balance of Philip’s life – between his powerful alpha status, his complicated personal relationships, and the looming threat from unseen enemies. The unresolved emotions leave the reader anticipating further conflict.