Wolf Gifted: Kingsrose Renegades Pack, #3

By Finley Quinn

The Wolf Moon is approaching,
And its chosen Queen is ready to accept her destiny.

My newly formed pack and I make it back to Kingsrose and are now claiming it as our territory. If Pierce wants to kill every human and shifter here, he's going to have to go through us.

In the meantime, we're getting ready for the inevitable war to come.

Secrets are coming to light, hard decisions are being made, and I must take my place as the Queen of Wolves.
The curse that my visions warned me about is coming to plague my home, and Pierce and his new partner are planning to use everything they can to steal the Wolf Moon's Gift from me.

Including turning one of my mates against me.

The final battle between fate and choice is here. For the future of all shifter kind, the Kingsrose Renegades Pack will show why we're the strongest of our generation.
Wolf Gifted is the third and final installment in a reverse harem, rejected mates, shifter trilogy. This book is packed with shifters, myth, action, and medium-burn steam! This book will have a HEA ending: NO CLIFFHANGERS! For mature readers only!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Finley Quinn
• Release date: Jul 31, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223614166

Book preview

1

Rosie

––––––––

It was a surreal feeling, driving back to Kingsrose after being branded a traitor and in hiding for two weeks. So much has happened since finding out I was the Wolf Moon's Chosen, and that the power I was given at birth would forge the strongest wolf pack in a generation. Rowan called me the Queen of Wolves, an alpha of all alphas. The one with the power to influence all wolf shifters. In addition, I'd have the power to unlock a hidden shift within my pack. A third form: the Lycan. Sitting in the bed of my twins' truck with Kai, Rowan, and an unconscious Joaquin whose head was resting on my lap, I'm left reeling at how much responsibility was given to me.

I had a pack to lead now. I was a pack alpha, and one with a gift that could spell our demise if it fell into the wrong hands. Fuck, I didn't know how to lead a pack. I never planned nor prepared to take on the role of alpha. My older brother, Javier, had years of preparation before taking over the Blue Moon Pack from our adopted father/pack Alpha. I was satisfied with simply being part of a pack and finding my independence away from Javier's influence. Funny how the tides of life had shifted since moving back to Kingsrose and finding out Pierce was my fated mate. No, the shift came when I made up my mind about rejecting him.

Now we were heading back to the lion's den, back where it all started, in order to officially take over Kingsrose as our territory and stop Pierce's plan of an all-out massacre.

Are you okay? Kai asked me, lightly nudging me with his elbow but mindful not to jostle Joaquin. I didn't think he'd be able to do that even if he wanted to. Joaquin's injuries were healed, but he was still immobile. Sometimes spiritual wounds could be far greater. I couldn't blame his mind for needing time to recharge. Spending days in a basement cellar breathing in wolfsbane gas and having your wrists bound with silver chains would leave even the mightiest of shifters in a state of trauma. Not to mention the silver of the chains burning his wrists to the bone. A severe injury like that should've been impossible to heal, but thankfully the power of the Wolf Moon's gift could make the impossible happen.

I looked down at my broken mate. His olive skin regained most of his coloring, but he still had dark circles under his eyes. The newly stitched skin along his wrists were a dull salmon color, but otherwise they were fine. Rowan assured me he'd be okay, but I still worried that I might've messed something up. I wouldn't know if Joaquin could actually move his hands until he awoke. For now, I just had to hope he truly was fine.

I'll be fine, I whispered softly, but repeated myself louder since I wasn't sure if Kai could hear me through the billowing of wind whistling in our ears.

He's going to be okay, Rosie. I promise, Rowan assured me, sitting across from me, one knee lifted with his bulging arm resting atop it.

Rowan was still an enigma to me. There was so much about him that I didn't know, but there were also things he could teach me about the Wolf Moon's gift. I had no doubts he was an ally, my confliction stemmed from the growing connection between us. Rowan had already been part of a pack forged from the previous Wolf Moon's Chosen, so there was no way he could be my missing fourth mate, right?

Or fifth?

That dream I had after my little dream reunion with Joaquin came back to me, remembering the four wolves from that showed up in my other visions about the Wolf Moon, followed by a fifth one that looked... menacing. What did that mean? Was it foreshadowing something? Was there someone in our mix that we shouldn't trust? I groaned, wishing that these visions came with instructions or a basic explanation rather than forcing me to figure it out on my own. Do you know how much easier my life would be if I knew the answers right away? But nope, The Wolf Moon—or was it Selene, or Fate—was not making it a cakewalk for me.

Oh joy.

It was fine. Honestly, the vision should've been the least of my concerns right now. After all, we were going back to Kingsrose for a happy reunion. I couldn't believe Pierce was planning to kill every human and shifter he deemed necessary and let an army of rogues take over. I barely knew him, other than him being a total dick, but from the few times I'd interacted with him, he never struck me as the guy who was willing to kill off his own pack, or innocent lives for that matter. A mass genocide didn't match his goal of wanting to make him and his pack the strongest wolf pack around. Which makes me wonder if this guy he'd been conspiring with was the real brains of the operation. What did Byron say his name was? Mordred? Even his name spelled trouble.

Alpha Rosie, Thomas, one of the betas that Byron brought with him when he showed up with Kai, Del, and Joaquin, reached out to me telepathically. A new trick he and the rest of my pack were able to do now that they've sworn their loyalty to me.

What is it? I mentally called back.

Do you mind if we stop for a rest? I don't mean to slow us down, but... Well, you and your friends have vehicles while the rest of us are running in wolf form.

He had a point, and we were making good time. A break should be fine. I mentally reached out for Kao through our bond, letting him know what we should stop. Kao relayed the message to Javier, who passed it on to his pack and Del, all of whom were riding in front of us. Within a few minutes, everyone with a vehicle moved out of the dirt and into an open plain. We parked side by side to form a wall so we could shift without anybody noticing just in case. My new betas caught up to us and came to a screeching halt, shifting back into their human skin and panting to catch their breath.

You guys really should've brought cars with you instead of running, I said, gently laying Joaquin in the bed of blankets we made for him, then jumping out of the truck with Kai and Rowan following my lead.

Thomas was hunched over with his hands on his knees when he breathed out, We were kind of in a hurry to reach you. We weren't really thinking about that when we followed Byron out of Kingsrose.

Besides, I'm sure Pierce would've seen their cars and knew something was off, Byron cut in as he stepped out of his car. I was already taking a risk by driving in mine, but then again, I didn't care if he noticed I left town. But at least he's left oblivious to the fact that these guys came with me. At least I hope.

That was an accurate assessment. I just hope we'd make it back to Kingsrose before Pierce realized his little ambush was a failure. Reaching for the cooler we had in the corner, I pulled it out and set it on the grass. I opened the lid, and let the betas grab a bottle of water to hydrate. I grabbed one of them and walked over to Byron, holding it out to him. Byron's grin was soft as he reached for it, our fingers barely grazing. I felt a shiver run up my arm at the contact, something my wolf also took notice, and suddenly, she was giving the big lumberjack of a man her undivided attention.

Thanks, Byron said softly as he unscrewed the lid and gulped down half the bottle at once.

I may have ogled his Adam’s apple working as he swallowed the water, and it may have some parts of my body tingling. Great, just what I needed, another guy who could potentially be my mate. To be fair, I did think Byron was sex on legs when we first met, but back then he seemed completely dedicated to Pierce's motives. It was strange seeing him here with the rest of us, going against the alpha he swore to always obey. I wanted to ask him about it.

You're welcome, I said simply, then paused for a moment. Listen, Byron, I... I want to thank you for rescuing Joaquin for me. If you hadn't, I... That was all I could say. If he, Kai and Del hadn't rescued him, my wolf would've forced my hand and took action, consequences be damned.

If I hadn't rescued Joaquin, your friend and Kai would've done it. And your hunter friend would've killed me.

He's not wrong, I heard Del say from the end where her bike was parked. She had her helmet and jacket off, leaving her in a black tank top, cutoff jean shorts, and biker boots. A holster with a gun inside was strapped to her right thigh. She pulled her hair out of its messy bun and let it hang over her shoulder. Her eyes looked back at us, and she shrugged. I almost put a bullet in his skull.

Del! I gaped at her. I'm sure you could've done it without killing someone.

Del smirked. And I did, didn't I?

Only because I told you not to shoot, Kai pointed out. He and Kao reached over to my side. Kai pulled me into his arms and placed a gentle kiss to my lips. My mental bond with him was restored the moment he was within reach, and it felt so good. Kao came up behind me to place a kiss to the back of my neck. I had to admit, being sandwiched between two gorgeous Asian men was one of the highlights of my life. Well, that, and having said Asian men in my bed before we left. That moment in particular was clearly pictured in my mind thanks to the very palpable bulges rubbing against my pussy and ass. Fuck, now was not the time to be thinking of a threesome, though part of me was tempted to really give it some thought.

Settle down, boys, I warned them both. We'll have plenty of time for catching up. For now, we need to get back to Kingsrose.

Kai chuckled. What are you thinking about? We only wanted to give you some love. You're the one making it seem horny.

I arched a brow at him. No, I'm pretty sure it's the hard dicks I'm feeling that's making this seem horny.

Can you blame us? Kao whispered in my ear, which wasn't helping to settle my growing need to have them inside me. You're just too sexy for us to resist.

A loud throat clearing erupted from our left, and we all turned to a smug-looking Byron who was watching everything.

Kao pulled back and straightened himself. Oh, Byron. I didn't see you there. Welcome back, buddy.

Hi, Kao, Byron deadpanned.

Listen, why don't you guys round up everybody and let them know we'll be leaving in about two minutes, I suggested.

Kai readily agreed and started walking away, but when he noticed his twin wasn't following, and was planning on riling me up some more, he grabbed Kao by the arm and pulled him away. I giggled and shook my head, secretly loving their antics. They seemed more upbeat than they did when we were first on the road. Maybe the feeling of going back home was putting some pep in their step.

Sorry about that, I told Byron.

He shook his head. No need to apologize. It's obvious how crazy they are about you. They all love you, including Joaquin.

At the sound of his name, my eyes went to the truck where Joaquin was resting. I didn't want to know what all he went through while he was locked up. Judging from how bad his wrists were, and how much wolfsbane he inhaled, I had a vivid imagination. I hated how much he suffered because of me, because he was protecting me.

And I love them, I said.

I know you do. I noticed it from your interactions with them back in town.

They mean the world to me. They'd do anything for me, and I them. That's something I never would've gotten if I mated with Pierce. My voice grew stern at the mention of my fated mate, making sure Byron knew I still had no desire to be with him.

I know that, Bryon said with a frown.

I turned back to face him with my arms crossed. This was the best invitation to talk about things as I was going to get, so we may as well clear the air. Why are you here, Byron? If this is some sick ploy to get me to go to Pierce—

It's not, Byron cut in. Look, Rosie, I know you have no real reason to trust me, but I really do want to help. It's the only way to save Kingsrose from being slaughtered.

I want to make sure that doesn't happen too, but why the change of heart. You went from trying to warn me and Joaquin about being seen by Pierce, to now helping him escape and joining us. I'm sorry, but that seems a little sketchy to me.

I'd be concerned if it didn’t. Byron didn't seem at all offended by my hesitancy to trust him at face value. He understood the situation and knew I'd be questioning his motives. There was no sense in beating around the bush about this. I admit I was wrong in blindly following Pierce. I knew he was an asshole, but I didn't know he'd go to these lengths just to get his hands on the Wolf Moon's gift. It's amazing how watching your alpha give the orders to kill a fellow pack member could have your morals shifting in another direction.

My eyes widened at that. He killed a pack member?

He ordered Whitney to do it, Byron corrected. The poor guy was begging for his life, but Pierce didn't care. Then he told me about the massacre, assuming I'd go along with it like a good little beta, and that was when I realized how wrong it was to keep serving under him. If not for these guys following me, I'd be worried for their safety too. Especially if Pierce found out I left, and they couldn't stop me.

I felt more of a satisfaction that the bitch Whitney was now dead and burned to ashes. Soon enough, Pierce would have the same fate. It was clear as day that Pierce would stop at nothing to get his hands on the Wolf Moon's gift, and kill anybody who got in his way, whether ally or enemy. His new partner in crime was what concerned me. I wanted to ask more about this Mordred character, but Javier's voice called for me.

¡Rosa, estamos listos para salir! ¡Vamos!

Bryon's forehead scrunched up. What did he say?

He says we're ready to go. We're almost to Kingsrose anyways, so I don't think we'll need to stop again until we get there.

Sounds good. I'm sure we'll have more time to talk once we make it back.

Oh, I was definitely going to make sure we talked. Not because I thought he was hot... mostly... but I needed to know everything he knew about Pierce's plan and Mordred. I walked back to the truck, Kai already seated in the bed beside Joaquin. I was about to climb up before I felt firm hands gripping my hips and hoisting me up.

Let me help you, milady, Rowan said as he lifted me.

I landed at the other end of the bed and sat down just as Rowan climbed up and seated himself as well. I nodded my thanks, which he responded with a wink. I pretended to find the vacant lands surrounding us very fascinating so as not to look at the sexy silver fox sitting across from me. Thankfully my attention was pulled away as Kai laced his hand in mine and leaned his head on my shoulder. I took comfort in having one of my mates beside me and looking down at Joaquin to remind myself that he was now with us, and not locked away in a dungeon like some medieval criminal. As soon as we began to move again, I closed my eyes and put my worries aside for the time being. I had a feeling this may be one of the rare occasions I'd get to have peace. Better not waste it.

2

Rosie

––––––––

The sun was setting by the time we finally reached Kingsrose. Judging from the lack of dead bodies littering the streets and the absence of blood painting the sceneries, I could only assume that we made it here before Pierce. Now the question was how long we had before Pierce showed his face back here, only to find out that the Kingsrose Renegades Pack were now taking over this territory. Not too long, I was willing to bet, which meant we had a lot to do before we could expect our former alpha. Even with the seriousness of the situation, I couldn't deny the feeling of nostalgia running through me at being back at Kingsrose. Before joining Pierce's pack, this was the town I grew up in. Then I came back a month ago in hopes of starting over with my life and forging my own path.

I guess in a way, I accomplished that. I was returning to Kingsrose as pack alpha. Talk about a plot twist.

We drove along the expansive rose gardens, inhaling their floral aroma for what felt like an eternity. Rowan seemed to enjoy the view as well as his head whipped this way and that, taking in our little town. We all parked our vehicles off to the side of the large wooden loft set in the middle of spacious land that overlooked the rose fields. As everyone began getting out of their cars and grabbing their camping gear, my new betas cut through the trees and descended towards the front of the lodge. Shifting back in all their naked glory, they entered the lodge where I'm sure they must've had spare clothing lying about somewhere.

Home sweet home, Kao said before opening the back of the truck. With Kai's help, they slowly carried Joaquin's body out and into the lodge.

Yeah, home sweet home...

I went and helped my grandma out of Javier's car, trying not to get overemotional about having her back safe and sound. I already cried enough when Pierce took her, and again when she showed up in Rowan's cabin. At least she was in better condition than Joaquin, but maybe someday I'll ask what went on since her capture. Abeulita, do you want me to take you back to your house? I asked.

Grandma shook her head. Not right now, honey. I know I should, but I want to make sure you guys are all taken care of.

Grandma, we're not kids anymore. We can look after ourselves, Javier said, stepping over to where we were.

Grandma lightly patted his chest. I know that, but you all have been through a lot.

We've been through a lot? You're the one who was captured. I wrapped my arms around the frail older woman, grateful she was still here but nervous she'd be taken from me again. You have no idea how scared I was for you.

Me too, Javier muttered, wrapping us both in a tight embrace.

I know you guys were, but I'm fine now. It's all over now, Grandma said. If only she was right. It was nowhere near over, not with Pierce and Mordred still out there. Not to mention that red-eyed wolf from my vision. Oh, how I wanted this shit to be over with. I wanted my life back, and I wanted to be able to share it with the men I love. I wanted my family to be safe. I wanted my happy ending, but would I ever get it was the question.

Alpha Rosie. The three of us pulled apart just as Thomas and the other betas exited the lodge, fully dressed, and with someone I didn't recognize tailing them. Curious, I walked over to my betas, my eyes never leaving the man. Thomas introduced me to him. Alpha Rosie, this is Scott. He's the one I called to guard the lodge while we were away.

Oh, well, nice to meet you, Scott. I'm guessing you know what's going on?

Scott regarded me with a pinched expression. W-Well, Thomas just now gave me the short version, but maybe you can help me fill in the blanks.

I didn't even know where to begin to pull that off. It wasn't just Scott who needed to know, the rest of the pack had to be informed of the severity of the situation. The betas may have sworn their loyalty to me, the same wasn't said for the many pack members who resided in Kingsrose. There was no telling what would happen once they learned of Pierce's plans.

I can try, but I think it would be best to hold a pack meeting so I can tell everyone at once. This is too important.

Rosie's right. Can you get a hold of everyone in town and let them know to meet us at the lodge tonight? Thomas asked Scott. I'd do it, but my mental bonds were cut off when I renounced my loyalty to Pierce and joined Rosie's pack.

My mouth formed an O shape. Fuck, why didn't I think about that when I accepted the betas as mine. That alone would've tipped Pierce off on what happened. How on Earth we still managed to make it back before him was a mystery. Maybe he wasn't worried about it? Maybe he knew Whitney would fail. With Pierce, there was no telling what he was planning. He was too smart and had a knack for being two steps ahead of everyone.

Sure, I can do that, Scott seemed uneasy when he said that, then added, Just tell me one thing. Is it true that Pierce is planning to kill all of us with a pack of rogue wolves?

I nodded. I'm afraid so. I turned my head in Byron's direction as I said, Byron heard it himself, which was why he came to warn me.

She's right, Byron added. Alpha Pierce is planning to kill anyone he deems unfit to follow him. Nobody is safe from his wrath. He's already had one of our own executed.

Mother Moon, save us, Scott breathed out, running his hand through his hair. And you're planning to stop him?

I stood taller, feigning the confidence I didn't quite feel inside. Pierce will not get his claws on anyone here, no matter what. I'll kill him myself if I have to.

Scott nodded approvingly before taking off to warn everyone about the meeting. The stress of the whole thing was threatening to sink me to the bottom of the abyss. I'd have to put on a brave face and act like the alpha people want me to be and tell the Kingsrose pack that their alpha plans to kill them off.

Sensing my distress, Byron rested a hand on my lower back. Rosie, it's going to be okay.

I bit my lower lip and stared down at the floor beneath me. I'm not so sure about that.

I'm sure. Rosie, you've gotten this far when everything was stacked against you. You held on while your grandmother and Joaquin were held hostage, and I'm sure you knew that Pierce was baiting you with Joaquin, right?

Wasn't that hard to figure out, I bit out.

Exactly. You knew what would happen if you came back to get Pierce, but you held you ground and pushed forward. I know it couldn't have been easy for you.

If only he knew how many times I felt like I was going to crack. The staggering need to chase after Joaquin. The gut-wrenching absence of my connection to him. The piercing guilt of knowing he was brutally tortured because of me. I hugged myself, my fingers curling as I clutched at my arms. When I could barely feel his presence anymore, it felt like I couldn't breathe. I was suffocating, needing to get to Joaquin like he was the air my lungs needed to breathe. I honestly thought I'd never see him again. I thought that Pierce would...

I didn't want to finish that sentence. I didn't want to think about the how close Pierce was to killing Joaquin. And to think, this was the man whom Fate deemed to be a perfect match for me. Me, fated to a psychopath who was okay with killing innocent lives in pursuit of power. What the hell was Fate smoking when they decided I'd be a perfect match for Pierce?

I know, Byron said. But try not to think about that anymore. What's important is that Joaquin is in our care now, and that soon enough, we'll put a stop to Pierce.

He's right, Rosa. I looked up to see Javier and Del joining us. And you'll have us to help you.

I arched an eyebrow at him. But our pack laws state that you can't interfere in personal pack matters.

This isn't a personal conflict within the pack anymore. You're part of your own pack now, and you're fighting to stake a permanent claim onto this territory. This is different now. If you'd like, we can form an alliance between your pack and mine, and together, we can fend off Pierce and his rogue army.

An alliance?

It's always good to form treaties with other packs, for emergency circumstances like this one, Byron said. Since you're the new alpha, it's your right to decide whether or not to form an alliance with your brother's pack.

I'd never seen an alliance form between two packs before. Now I was regretting never being around to watch my brother act as pack alpha. That kind of knowledge would've come in handy right about now. How does that work, exactly? I asked shyly.

Javier grinned. Like any other business deal. I can write up a contract for us both to sign, and aside from that, we'd only need a bloody thumb print to make it binding.

That didn't sound too bad, I guess. Wait, did he say a bloody thumb print?

I groaned and started running circles along my temples, feeling a migraine coming on. This is a lot to digest.

It's really not that complicated, Del said. My father made business deals all the time. Once you get the hang of it, it'll become second-hand nature to you. Plus, considering there are other Moon Gifted beings out there, it'll be a good idea to form alliances with their packs as well. You know, as soon as we find them all.

Other what? Byron asked in confusion.

Right, Byron didn't know about the Moon Chosen. We'd have to bring him up to speed on that, but first, I had to figure out how to plan my first official meeting.

I'll tell you later, I said, patting Byron's bicep. Feeling antsy from standing around in one place, I started moving up the steps and into the lodge. Before I even reached inside, I could already hear Abuelita barking orders from the kitchen, preparing meals for the meeting tonight. Several other people were huddling around to get the lodge spotless. Even though I was gone for a couple of weeks, it was nice to see the lodge looking the same way as I remembered. Well, minus the lack of rails on the stairs. But I could tell there used to be one.

Before I could ask someone about it, I heard Del behind me, saying, That was my doing. She, Javier and Byron came up from behind. Byron glaring down at Del, whose hands were clasped in Javier’s.

Looking from Byron to Del, I asked, Do I want to know?

Probably not, Byron said in a clipped tone. I'm just glad all my bruises are healed.

That alone told me that a lot more happened outside of Del trying to shoot Byron, but he was right, I didn't want to know. Looking around, I did ask the