Intended (The Potential Series Book 2) Read online

  The Potential Series

  Intended

  Book Two

  By:

  M.L. RIDENER

  Intended

  Copyright © 2016 M.L. Ridener

  Published: September 13, 2016

  ISBN: 978-1536987492

  Cover Design: Created by M.L. Ridener

  All rights Reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner without written permission of the author.

  Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or used in a fictional manner. Any resemblance to actual person or events is purely coincidental.

  Table of Contents

  Titles by M.L. Ridener

  Intended

  Dedication

  Acknowledgements

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Chapter Eighteen

  A Note from M.L. Ridener

  About M.L. Ridener

  Titles by M.L. Ridener

  The Potential Series

  Potential

  Intended

  Destined – Coming Soon

  (A Potential Series Novella)

  Discovered – Coming 2017

  Foretold – To be Determined

  Intended

  She is trying to protect him.

  Chloe Weever always dreamed of finding her fairytale ending. Being a Potential and finding her soulmate should guarantee true happiness. But with Cyrus still stalking her with motives yet to be determined, she will do anything to protect the ones she loves – even if it means sacrificing her happily ever after.

  It is his destiny to protect her.

  Falcon Tonalee made a promise long ago. A promise to always protect the one that fate chooses for him. But his vow is tested when his mate – consumed by fear – closes herself off and pushes him away. With danger lurking at every turn, will she realize that the only way to overcome the darkness is to fight it together?

  Dedication

  To Dad. I love you.

  Acknowledgements

  To my niece Jacqueline, thank you for continuing to be my right hand woman. To the rest of my family and friends, thank you for all of your continued support with this adventure. To everyone that continues to read my work, you guys inspire me to keep going. I love you all.

  1

  CHLOE

  It has been three weeks.

  Three miserable weeks since my world came crashing down. Well, since it came crashing down again. Seriously, how many shitty cards is one person dealt? I’ve got to tell you; I think I’m way past quota here. My list on how life sucks just keeps getting longer and longer. All of my pent up angst has finally exploded into a disastrous reality. An unescapable outcome is on the horizon; I can feel it. This little cat and mouse game that Cyrus has led us on is coming to an end. I just don’t know what it is he’s waiting for. There hadn’t been any signs of him since he left that daunting note. ‘You cannot hide from me; I’ll have what is mine.’ He was right. We were never able to hide, at least not for long, and regardless we were done running. Just the thought of his dark promise sends a shiver of revulsion straight through to my soul. The knowledge of what he is capable of is suffocating, like my whole world is closing in on me.

  How to handle my psycho stalker hasn’t been the only thing that consumed my thoughts lately. Not only did Cyrus’ cameo appearance produce a life changing event three weeks ago, but I also had my eighteenth birthday. And my long expected transition came along with it. I’m all grown up now and a full blown Potential. Complete with swirly brand and near constant skin humming. I like to think of it as a freshly installed warning system.

  Oh, and of course my cousin had to be a know-it-all. Aribelle’s suspicions were correct. My destined soulmate happened to be in the room, albeit reluctantly, but he was there when I transitioned. I remember a stinging pain in my shoulder and then a force I couldn’t explain pushing me to look up to where a pair of steel grey eyes were waiting. His piercing stare caused a jolt to run through my entire being. It came to rest at my newly acquired mark which started to pulse like an erratic heart. My skin vibrated and it was as if, in that moment, no one and nothing existed except for us. Everything else, the party, the people standing around us, my fears…it all seemed to fall away.

  Thinking back, I can’t help but scoff at the thought. Because just as quickly as we were sucked into that moment, we were thrown back into reality. If someone would have told me that a hardly detectable touch to the shoulder, a touch that I didn’t even feel, would create so much havoc I would have thought they were highly over exaggerating. But that one touch? It caused my newfound mate to lose full control of his wolf. He tore from his human skin and emerged a raging argent beast. Fortunately, Connell was quick to react and able to contain the situation before it resulted in bloodshed. Being mated, as well as Alpha, he posed no threat to me and was able to divert his Beta’s attention long enough for everyone else to leave the vicinity.

  I remember being frozen in place. I had no fear toward the monstrous wolf that paced in front of me, but there was shock. I don’t know why I was shocked, especially after Ari’s experience, but the fact that Falcon’s wolf reacted so viciously to his own brother took a minute to absorb. That’s right. The hand that lightly grazed my shoulder had belonged to Dane. He and I had quickly formed a familial bond since our first encounter and he had been attempting to make sure I was alright after the brief pain that came with receiving my mark. He came close to losing a limb for his thoughtfulness.

  My concerns for anyone else quickly fell away when the massive silver wolf approached me. His presence was almost overwhelming and it took strength I didn’t know I had to not take a step back. His intense gaze instantly entrapped mine once again. His eyes shone with protectiveness, acceptance, fulfillment, and determination. I was captivated. He was beautiful. I never thought, with all the running, with all the threats, that I would ever get a chance to experience this. To find my true mate. My emotions ran wild; the strongest being fear. But when he spoke into my mind that first time, something else took over.

  “Beidh mé tú a chosaint I gcónaí, Mo mhuinín. I will always protect you.”

  His words awoke something deep inside. Some hidden determination I never would have believed I had. At that moment, I realized that I had to be the one to protect him. And protecting him? It came with a devastatingly difficult decision but I knew it was necessary. See…I knew, better than anyone, what Cyrus was truly capable of. I knew of the heinous things he had in store for my mate if I was to ever find him. When I was being held captive by him he had made it his mission to eliminate any hope I may have had. This included detailed descriptions of how he would kill my mate. These thoughts had been seared into my brain and staring into the eyes of my true mate, hearing his vow to protect me, brought them racing to the forefront of my mind.

  The air around the wolf began to shimmer and shift, drawing my attention back from the past. Before I could really take in what was happening over six feet of brooding male stood where the silver giant once was. The man was just as imposing as the wolf and I could not stop my eyes from exploring the hard body in fro
nt of me. He had broad shoulders and a muscular chest that tapered down into a trim waist. The black tee he wore fit snuggly and did nothing to hide his thick arms or the definition in his abs. Dark wash jeans clung to his powerful legs and he wore black work boots. After my perusal, I forced my eyes back to his ruggedly handsome face. His chiseled jaw was covered in a neatly trimmed beard. The shadow accentuated his high cheek bones and straight nose. Slightly thinned lips and a low brow that rested above his steel grey eyes only added to his natural intensity. His dark brown hair was cut short on the sides with just enough length left on the top to run your fingers through. The thought made my fingers itch to do just that so I gave myself a well needed mental shake and fisted said hands for extra precaution.

  Closing my eyes, I forced myself to take a few deep breathes before I met his stare for the third time. He never took his eyes off my face. He watched me, seemingly picking apart my brain without difficulty. I did my best to block my mind but Falcon was a highly skilled observer. He read me easily, not needing to use our link, though I am sure he received some glimpses. Regardless, he knew that my mind was made up. I couldn’t speak. There was so many things I would have loved to say to him but the lump growing in my throat wouldn’t allow it. Besides, I would have probably broken down into sobs anyway. It was imperative that I stayed strong. That I kept hold of my recently awakened determination. He acknowledged my decision with a stiff nod and I was able to squeeze out a small, sad smile. My vision blurred with his acceptance and with one last pleading look, a hope that he truly understood, I turned away from him, left the room and my heart.

  That was the last time I saw Falcon, well in human form that is. His wolf was no stranger to me. He was always posted nearby. Like every other night, my armor colored guardian had taken up sentinel at the tree line outside my window. Every night, I sit here with hope that he doesn’t show but also fear of the same thing. Yet every night the majestic wolf appeared. His grey eyes would connect with mine through the window, and I would have to force myself to abandon his gaze. I know that he could easily penetrate any emotional wall I had erected if given the chance. I didn’t want that. I didn’t want him to see how I felt, what he truly was to me. Falcon was my hopes, my dreams, my happily ever after. Too bad I can never have him.

  Just as I had every other night since my transition, I turned from the window after his arrival. I slowly scanned my surroundings. I honestly loved my room. It wasn’t too big, yet had plenty of floor space. The top half of the walls was a deep purple, while the lower half was leaf green. All the molding was white, as well as, the door to the hallway, closet and en suite bathroom. The walls were free of posters and photos. I liked the clean, simplistic look. Plus, with all the frequent moves I never had the time to acquire many things. A purple comforter draped across the full sized bed that was attached to a white headboard. A small white nightstand and weathered papasan chair rounded out my furniture. My favorite part was the window seat. The view from my window overlooked the back yard and into the trees behind the house. It was the perfect place to get lost in thought.

  After I stretched out my limbs and let out a long yawn, I decided it was time I headed to bed. I made my way across the room, turned off the light, and immersed the room into darkness. The only light left was that of the moon streaming in through the window. After I collapsed onto my bed I waited for my mind to turn off. I hoped that, for once, sleep would not evade me for long.

  “Oíche mhaith, mo mhuinín.” The deep timber of his voice resonated in my mind. Every night the wolf spoke to me, although every night he went unanswered. A tear escaped my lid and ran down the side of my face. I know that, no matter how accepting he seemed of my decisions, I’m still hurting him. I’m hurting him by not responding, by not embracing our bond. I just can’t. I can’t take the chance of Cyrus finding out. Falcon would be his main target. He would kill my mate and I wouldn’t survive that. No, that is not going to happen. I have to be strong. No matter how much I want to give in and run to him, to throw myself in his arms and tell him that he is everything I want and need, I have to hold my ground. Even at the cost of my happily ever after, I will protect him.

  2

  FALCON

  Everythingwas quiet as I approached the property. A low breeze flowed through the night and my fur bristled at the cool, crisp contact. Winter had descended early this year and with the drop in temperature came the snow. It had fallen over the course of several days and left a blanket of white over the entire region. As I worked my way from deeper in the forest, I moved soundlessly. Each step of my paws was muted by the snow. Once I made it to the tree line, still with no sign of any disturbance, I scanned the expanse of the back yard before I focused my gaze on the second story window of the house before me.

  She was there, I knew she would be. It was a continuous pattern. Once I made my presence known, we would lock eyes for a mere moment. She was always the one to break the contact and I’d watched as she turned from the window, turned from me. Every night was the same. Whether she realized it or not, she always waited for me. Moments after, her light would go out and the house would be bathed in nothing but moonlight.

  The near full moon casted a glow through the barren branches of the forest. Myths of our kind depicted falsehoods. The moons phases had no pull on our wolves. The brighter shine does help as my eyes scoured the space for footprints, paw prints, or anything out of place. As a wolf, my field of vision was still high in the dark of night, but the light of the moon was appreciated. The expanse was trackless. Void of both human and animal disturbances. I had to give it to Cyrus. He was smart, insane but smart. He was using humans to do his dirty work which made it that much more important to stay vigilant. Anyone could be on his payroll. Everyone was suspicious in my book. I would take no chances when it came to Chloe.

  Just by what I know of her past and the trials it has brought, I understand why she stepped away. I see the battle raging behind those sad blue eyes every time I sneak a glance. It’s easy to see what she’s doing. I know she’s trying to protect me. It’s an honorable idea; foolish, yet honorable. So, I will allow her to do what she feels necessary. She can close herself off from me… for now. In the meantime, I will be here. I will continue to guard her from the threats that lurk in the shadows. I made a promise, a vow to always protect the one that fate chose to gift me with. I wasn’t looking for her, but I found her. Even though she is still out of reach, no part of me will give her up. The wolf and the man are in complete agreement were Chloe Weever is concerned. She is mine and she will always be mine.

  From what I understood, when she wasn’t brooding and detached, the curly haired blonde could be quite the firecracker. The strength and determination that flashed through her eyes the night of her transition told me that this was true. I guess that she and her cousin have very similar personalities. This should probably have aggravated me since I find Aribelle Weever extremely tiresome. She had a heart of gold and was quick to care for the pack, but her boisterous antics rival that of Conner. Which, in my opinion, wasn’t an ambition worth achieving. But, regardless of my annoyance of the girl, Aribelle was good for Connell. I have seen the changes within him and approve of her influence immensely. She brought light back into his eyes and helped him reach his inner strength. That mouth though? Yeah, I don’t know how she could stay out of trouble or how Connell could handle her exuberant personality. When I thought of Chloe being like that though, a slight thrill raked through my body. I would never admit it, but I craved for the moment when she would finally allow her walls to crumble. When she would allow her true identity to shine again.

  I caught a piece of it. Just a flash of her inner fire and I admired her spark. Of course, at the time I had no idea why her fiery reaction to the grabby bimbo had elated my wolf. Now I’ve realized that even before her transition she called to me. She was mine. I was hers. My wolf was hers. Reflecting more on the events of that afternoon, I remembered the feeling of my body bristling when someone w
rapped their arms around her. I am sure that my eyes flashed gold before I recognized my brother. He was trying to restrain her from tearing into the floozy. I had instantly calmed. Now though? Now I know that if it had been anyone other than Dane I would have lost it. My wolf would have taken over right there in front of the whole parking lot full of high schoolers. That crisis had thankfully been averted.

  Then there was the meadow. I couldn’t keep my eyes from constantly seeking her out. My wolf fought hard to approach her that day. I was barely able to stay him. I am an idiot. How the hell did I miss the signs? I should have seen it and prepared myself for her transition. Instead, I kept my head in my ass and almost tore into my little brother. I observe, that’s what I do. How did I not see this coming?

  “Because you really are an idiot,” Dane’s laughing voice entered my mind. I whipped around to see his dark grey wolf slowly approach my side. Hmm…he’s getting better. “Lost in thought, brother? You weren’t blocking your mind and your rambling was beginning to give me a headache.”

  He sat down beside me with a humorous glint in his dark brown eyes that mirrored our mothers. My wolf gave a grunt in response before I turned my attention back to the darkened house before me. Smartass pup.

  “It’s alright, you know? I would rather listen to your internal dialogue drone on and on than listen to Conner’s bellyaching for another second.” He huffed out an amused sigh after lowering his large frame into the snow. The smoke grey wolf was beginning to rival my own size.

  “What’s wrong with him now?” The pain in the ass was always spouting off at the mouth about something. My guess? Something was up with the girl.