Rejecting Fate
“Hm. Sounds like this little mouse wants to play. I can’t promise you more than tonight, Emerald, but let’s not deny we both want this,” his silky voice overwhelms me as he gently strokes my hair behind my shoulders.
I do want this. I want him. Hell, even my wolf is jumping around in the back of my mind in excitement. What do I have to lose?
After tonight, this would mean nothing to him. And I can say I did something for myself for once. This doesn’t have to be anything but one night.
“What do you want, Sir?” I ask him softly.
With no warning, he crashes his lips into mine.
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Emerald Patience Stone is the second eldest of the five Stone Sisters. Known for her strengths as a strategist, Emmy excels in thinking one step ahead of her opponents. As smart and strategic as she is, she couldn't foresee being used and turned down by men. Accepting her fate as always being second-choice, Emmy makes a plan to go out on her own and pursue her own dreams, rather than sacrificing her wants for her family, again. That plan is ruined when Emmy is, once again, asked to help her family forge an alliance with another pack, to help defend against a shared enemy.
Alpha Vincenzo is the distant, but caring, Alpha of the Forza Pack. With a dark past, he has accepted that he is destined for a life alone- filling his evenings with meaningless one-night stands. After all, he is cursed, and won't risk hurting anyone else.
Will Emmy and Vincenzo be able to defeat the enemy lurking in the shadows?
Will they open themselves to the possibility of love once more?
Book 2 of The Stone Sister Series:
Book 1: Fearing Fate
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Chapter: EpilogueVincenzo POV 6 Weeks Later “I can’t do this…I can’t believe this is happening,” Darius says, pacing up and down the hallway of the Running River Medical Clinic. His eyes are bloodshot from not sleeping all night, his hair is sticking out in different directions, and his clothes are a wrinkled mess. Granted, he’s in sweatpants and a t-shirt, but still, he’s looked better. “Relax, Dare. Everything is going to be fine,” Tobias says calmly but his words fall on deaf ears as Darius continues to pace. “It’s happening…it’s happening…” he continues murmuring to himself. Tobias and I share a glance and snort, laughing at our friend. Darius is not an emotional guy, so I’m definitely getting a kick seeing him like this. Tobias isn’t doing such a good job masking his amusement. In fact, he’s taking a video of Darius having a panic attack. I try to swat his arm down, but he pulls out of my reach. I’m not trying very hard to stop him, and instead I’m enjoyi
Last Updated: 2023-10-14
Chapter: Chapter 72Emmy POV After the show wrapped up, our group convened in front of the theatre, waiting for Renz, Daphne, and Viv to come out. Viv pushes open the front doors and holds them for the leading couple. Renz has his arm around Daphne’s waist, and she has her arm wrapped around his, both looking so happy. They are no longer in their costumes, and are now both dressed comfortably in jeans and t-shirts. We all break out in another round of cheers and applause. Daphne seems more comfortable with the extra attention than Renz whose face is redder than a tomato. “Okay, okay. I think that’s enough. Please.” Renz motions for us all to calm down. I’ve never seen him like this. He usually keeps a stoic affect. “You’re not gonna hear the end of this, Renz! You were incredible. You both were,” Lucas says as he approaches the pair. He gives Daphne a big hug and then gives Renz a one-arm hug, clapping him on the back. I can see how close they have become over the last few weeks. It
Last Updated: 2023-10-13
Chapter: Chapter 71Vincenzo POV Our group could have easily walked to the theatre, but with everyone dressed so nicely, and Daya being very pregnant, Viv insisted we take a limo. She wanted us to arrive in style. I smile, looking around at our group settling into the long row of leather seats. We have all come so far. I know we still have a way to go, but this is a strong beginning to something great. We make it to the theatre in about five minutes. There is already a small crowd of pack members lined up to go inside. I open the door of the limo and I’m blinded by bright flashing lights. I fall backward into Emerald, making her fall back into Pearl, and a tiny domino effect takes place within the limo. “Oi! What’s the hold-up, Vinny?” Archie shouts from across the car. Somehow, he’s nestled next to Amy. How did that happen? I don’t like that. “What’s the matter, Vincenzo?” Emerald asks, pulling me out of protective, big brother thoughts. “I was blinded b
Last Updated: 2023-10-12
Chapter: Chapter 70Emmy POV “I swear, Emmy, it’s not fair that you get the great boobs and ass in this family. So unfair,” Amy pouts as she twirls in front of a full-length mirror. She’s wearing a fuchsia, knee-length, cape dress. It looks amazing against her tan skin. I roll my eyes at her comment, choosing to ignore it. “Just get knocked up. Your boobs and butt will grow in no time,” Daya quips, as she crosses the room behind Amy, flicking our younger sister’s sleek ponytail. Amy attempts to shoot Daya a glare but she can’t hold a serious face to save her life. “How are you feeling Daya? I can’t believe you’re due next month. We’re all going to be aunties!” Pearl shrieks excitedly. She looks effortlessly impeccable in a long, sleeveless, blush-colored dress with beaded embellishments. The length of her dress makes her seem even taller. I always find it amusing that our youngest sister is the tallest of all five of us. “Ugh. I’m ready to get back to training. I get tired j
Last Updated: 2023-10-11
Chapter: Chapter 69Vincenzo POV 1 Month Later “I’m telling you, Viv, you’re going to want a bonus room upstairs. It could make a great office, or future playroom down the road,” I tell my sister for the hundredth time as I show her the blueprints for her and Lucas’ future home. “It just seems like too much house for the two of us. You know I hate cleaning,” Viv says, waving her hand over my blueprints. This is the tenth revision I’ve made since she told me she and Lucas would be living in our pack. I’m more than happy to design my younger sister’s future home, but she is proving to be the most difficult client I’ve ever had. I pinch the bridge of my nose and let out a big breath. “I promise, Viv, it’s not that much house. And when you and Lucas have kids, you’ll thank me for creating a space where they can play and not bother you,” I nudge her. I’m not changing these plans again. Darius has already sent out members of his pack to start the construction. This meeting was int
Last Updated: 2023-10-09
Chapter: Chapter 68Emmy POV I had avoided talking about my time with Bram. It makes me physically sick to think about it, to relive those memories. I truly believed that Vincenzo would look at me differently if he learned about what happened. No, Bram was never able to complete a bond by mating me or having me mark him, but he did enough. I shared a bed with him for an entire month. He touched me. Kissed me. Confused me. If Vincenzo hadn’t gotten to me…I’d like to believe I would have fought off Bram. But I’m not so sure. My wolf wanted Bram until she could sense Vincenzo. Only then was she able to lend me whatever strength she had left to overcome the debilitating delirium of my heat. Seeing Vincenzo being nothing but understanding shouldn’t surprise me. I didn’t even want to talk to my sisters about Bram. I just wanted to bury it in my mind and try to never think about it again. Then I saw red- literally. Viviana came up to mine and Vincenzo’s bedroom while I was unpacking. We were joking
Last Updated: 2023-10-06
Chapter: EpilogueSage POV I wake up with a throbbing headache again. I’ve been running through the forest for several days now. Part of me regrets leaving that small hospital. I never asked anyone where I was or how I got there. I assume that I was kidnapped since I didn’t recognize anything. Everything is a jumbled mess. I try to sleep at night, but flashes of what I can only assume are my memories, flicker through my mind. The sun is beginning to rise over the trees. As much as I’m afraid about being out in the forest all alone, there is a sense of calm from being in nature. I vaguely remember being younger and running through the woods. Why can’t I remember anything? Do I have family looking for me? No. Obviously not. Or else they would have been in that hospital room waiting for me to wake up. A part of me keeps saying to turn back, that there is something, or maybe someone, waiting for me. I just have to accept that I’m alone. I continue walking, enjoying the sound
Last Updated: 2023-10-16
Chapter: Chapter 71DAYA POV I am speechless. I have no words. Not only is the ring gorgeous, but his words are extraordinary. Alpha Luna? Is that even a thing? Nobody has ever shared an Alpha title before. Just when I thought that Darius couldn’t be more perfect, he proves me wrong again. He is truly willing to share his title with me. I feel a little guilty for shoving him before, but what did he expect me to do? I thought he was making a mockery of me and our bond in front of the entire pack. What a sneaky guy. I’m going to have to teach him a lesson later for that. I realize that I have not said anything in some time and Darius is still down on one knee, waiting for my response. “It would be my honor, Alpha,” I say without hesitation. I extend my fingers on my left hand for him and, without taking his eyes off mine, he slides the beautiful ring onto my finger. A black diamond- he knows me well. Darius places a kiss on my ring finger and rises to his feet. The entire pack is cheering and sc
Last Updated: 2023-04-27
Chapter: Chapter 70DARIUS POV I’m standing on the platform, overlooking the entire party. My pack members are all so happy and enjoying the evening. Lucas and Aurelian are standing next to me. I’m wringing my hands together, feeling them getting clammy. I try shaking them out to dry them. I don’t want Daya to touch my hands and feel how gross they are. “Relax, Alpha. Your mate is coming,” Lucas says reassuringly. I never asked him what his views are on finding a mate. I have seen him talking with some she-wolves here and there, but nothing serious. He and Emmy have been spending a lot of time together. I’ll have to ask him if there is anything going on there. They’re so similar, they would probably be a good fit. The chattering amongst the pack members quiets down and I look up and see her- my warrior goddess. The woman who slowly broke down my walls and has become a new pillar of strength for me. She is flanked by her sisters as they make their way through the crowd. She stops and greets diff
Last Updated: 2023-04-27
Chapter: Chapter 69DARIUS POV Two Weeks Later The full moon came and went. We never celebrated with a festival. Too many of my pack members were fearful that the full moon has become a bad omen. Following the attack from the Forza Pack, and Lyle’s death, nobody wanted to celebrate. I was disappointed, but I understood everyone’s concern. We had a funeral for Lyle. Logan and Leslie were distraught. Especially Logan. He is filled with so much guilt. I wasn’t there, but Daya told me Logan snapped at Lyle before the Forza Pack attacked. He feels responsible for his brother’s death. As does Leslie. Lyle died saving her. I understand that guilt, having lost Calvin in the same way. Richard recommended a grief counselor, or even instating a pack therapist. We all have been through significant trauma. It’s werewolf nature to deal with pain and keep your head up and drive on. We forget that we are also part human. It makes sense that having someone to talk to during difficult times would be beneficial. Ri
Last Updated: 2023-04-27
Chapter: Chapter 68DAYA POV The rest of us spring into action and shift, joining Lyle by the tree line. ‘I’m on my way! How many?’ Darius’ voice comes through the link. ‘I can’t tell! At least twenty! They don’t smell like rogues!’ I tell him. The attacking wolves don’t hesitate. They leap out from the trees and come at us. Logan and Leslie are the first to defend their brother. The rest of us are not far behind. Darius’ orders come through the mindlink. ‘Do your best not to kill! We take as many prisoners as we can!’ Fearing for my sisters’ safety, I focus on keeping them away from harm. ‘Amy get back!’ I yell to her through the link. ‘I can fight! Let me help!’ She shouts back angrily, her small, brown wolf shaking out her fur. It’s not helping her seem intimidating. ‘No! Go help bring silver chains so we can keep these wolves subdued!’ I order her. Her wolf storms off in the other direction. She is just not a skilled enough fighter. I refuse to put her a
Last Updated: 2023-04-23
Chapter: Chapter 67DAYA POV One minute, I’m hitting a punching bag, imagining it’s Darius’ face. The next, I’m letting him mark me. I have no regrets. The moment Darius’ teeth connected with my skin I felt our bond snap together. I saw his entire life flash before my eyes. I saw all that he has lost. I felt all his pain. I finally understand why my parents never resented the Moon Goddess for the plague. I can feel every emotion Darius has. I know him. He knows me. Being this connected to another person is scary, and exhilarating. I haven’t heard anyone talk about these things with a chosen mate bond. Nobody has mentioned the sparks and tingles every time their chosen mate touches them…kisses them. And I’ve never heard anyone talk about absorbing their chosen mate’s memories when they complete their bond. I used to think werewolves were superior to humans because of our enhanced senses, our strength, and speed. And, yea, obviously, the whole shifting into a majestic animal is in
Last Updated: 2023-04-23
Choosing Fate
“You’re disgusting. Get out of my room,” I demand as I press up to my feet. He doesn’t protest and stands up, slicking his bright pink hair back.
“Whatever ya say, Bunny. Get some sleep. You have an early day tomorrow,” he winks at me and makes his way out the door.
- - - -
Sapphire Stone is the third daughter of the late Alpha Bronson Stone. Despite losing both her parents to the Fated Plague when she was just a child, and being separated from her sisters, Saph maintained an optimistic attitude. She was always the sister who could look on the bright side. That is until she lost her chosen mate when he sacrificed his life for another. Once bright-eyed and caring Saph is now using any means to numb herself from the pain of her broken heart. Her reckless behavior has ultimately landed her in serious trouble with Alpha Asher of Red Mountain Pack. Coping with her loss and grief is hard enough. Now, Saph must face the man who cost her chosen mate his life, along with helping find a cure for what could be another plague.
Alpha Asher is the light-hearted, and alternative, leader of the Red Mountain Pack. After uprooting his pack from Australia, Asher has vowed to always keep his pack members safe and free from worry. The full moon run reveals a bond that Asher cannot fight, but also cannot act on. With secrets from his past resurfacing, Asher will do anything to protect his new-found mate, even if it’s from herself. A former betrayal looms in the shadows, threatening to decimate what’s left of Asher’s pack. It will require him to trust his mate, and new allies, to help him save what matters most to him.
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Chapter: EpilogueSaph POV One Month Later “I’m just sayin’, bro, Archie is a very good name for a boy,” Archie jests as we make our way through the common area of the pack. Winter is in full force and the ground is covered in beautiful, white snow. Today is a mild day, without too much windchill. I wanted to take advantage of that and go for a walk. I’ve been getting stir crazy staying indoors. “Blame me, Archie. I vetoed that name on day one,” I toss back to my new brother-in-law. Archie fakes being offended, holding a hand to his chest and sucking in a gasp. “Oh stop. It’s her babies. She can name them whatever she wants. And let’s face it, the world can’t handle two Archibold Sorrens,” Yaya says as she swats her hand at Archie’s arm. He simply smiles at her and pulls her in close. “Bright Eyes, I don’t know what you’re suggestin’, but if we have a son, he’s gettin’ my name. That’s a done deal,” he retorts. It’s so hard to tell if he’s joking or not.
Last Updated: 2024-04-26
Chapter: Chapter 69Chapter 70 Asher POV Fuck, my mate is sexy as fuck. Watching Saph ride my speaker- which is not a euphemism- was the hottest thing she’s done. Watching her shake and rattle from every note I played for her almost had me coming in my pants. I love how uninhibited she is around me and that we can be ourselves around each other. “Fuck me, Daddy,” she demands of me. I was already planning on doing just that. After her performance, my dick refuses to go to sleep until I combust inside of her. My impatient mate continues dominating my mouth with her tongue while undoing my pants. I appreciate the help. She grabs my cock and slowly lowers down on it. “Fuck, Bunny! I’m gonna blow from just havin’ the tip in. Your pussy is fuckin’ heaven!” I throw my head back, maintaining a firm grip on her ass. Saph continues lowering herself, sliding each inch of me into her pussy at a torturous pace. My dick is thumping, demanding I impale her and
Last Updated: 2024-04-24
Chapter: Chapter 68Saph POV It’s twilight. Ruby’s birthday was perfect. Pearl did an amazing job helping me to plan it, down to the last detail. I didn’t miss how Asher spoke with her, and her spirit immediately shifted. He has not only helped me, but now he’s helped my sister too. I’ll forever be grateful for him, and how he fought for us before I even knew there was an us. “Sleep tight, Cupcake,” Asher whispers as I pull Ruby’s comforter up to her chin, making her cozy within her oversized bed. She yawns, hugging a pink teddy bear close to her body. “Goodnight, Papa. Goodnight, Saph.” Her words fade as she drifts off to sleep. I place a gentle kiss on the crown of her head. The pack house is quiet. Archie and Yaya are temporarily staying in the guest wing until their new home is built. It will be a few months until that’s finished. I slowly close Ruby’s door, holding my breath, careful not to make a sound, hoping she stays asleep. I slowly rel
Last Updated: 2024-04-24
Chapter: Chapter 67Asher POV “Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday, Princess Ruby! Happy birthday to you! Hip, hip! Hooray!” The entire pack sings out to my daughter in the dining room of UGET. Sam and Cam wanted to host this special occasion and made all the food for tonight. Everyone is dressed for the occasion. It truly looks like an elegant ball. Saph and her sisters, well, mostly Pearl, took the lead on planning this party and the décor. Everyone takes to the middle of the dining room, which has been cleared out to become a giant dance floor. Temporary black and white, faux marble floors have been placed over the rustic hardwood. String LED lights hang down from the ceiling, looking like we are in a blue cavern. The floor has snowflake-shaped spotlights spinning around, highlighting the dancing pack members. The buffet tables are adorned with white tablecloths and mini-ice sculptures. It looks like a dreamy, Winter Wonderland. I walk up
Last Updated: 2024-04-22
Chapter: Chapter 66Asher POV “I’m so glad that Daya and I have a son. There’s no way Calson will want a party like this. He’ll be perfectly content with a funny movie and microwave popcorn. Isn’t that right, little man?” Dare tickles baby Calson’s tummy, causing the plump pup to erupt into a fit of giggles. Fuck, I love the sound of a baby laughing. Dare is looking dapper in a black, velvet tuxedo jacket. The kicker is that he got to dress his baby. And, yup, the poor baby is also in a velvet suit. It wouldn’t be my fashion choice, but Calson does look adorable. “For fuck’s sake, Dare! Did you put him in a velvet diaper too?” Archie clucks, sipping his club soda. “Fuck you, Arch! What is it that your mate calls you? Mop Top? How about you keep your opinions to yourself. My son is the most handsome looking guy in this room. Not that he has much competition between you fucks,” Dare snaps, rocking his son, who is gnawing on one of his tiny fists, and drooling all over
Last Updated: 2024-04-20
Chapter: Chapter 65Saph POV 1 Month Later “I can’t believe I’m wearing this. This is ridiculous,” Daya huffs, looking at herself in a full-length mirror in mine and Asher’s bedroom. I fully moved into the packhouse with him and Ruby. Not long after moving my things here, and officially joining Red Mountain Pack as their Luna, Ruby insisted that I help her plan ‘the best princess birthday party ever!’ She is too cute to say no to. And, given everything this pack- our pack- has been through, a large celebration is needed. With the theme of a princess party, Ruby demands that everyone be dressed as a prince or princess- tiaras, crowns, and all. Again, nobody has the heart, or the gall, to say no to her. Even Daya, who hates her frilly dress, is all too happy to appease my little princess. “I think you look adorable,” Pearl says sweetly, strutting ever-so-comfortably in her own gown. A beautiful champagne, sleeveless gown, with a fitted bodice and a ruffled A-line skirt. Her
Last Updated: 2024-04-20