Novels by PRESHGOLD

Chapter 5Austin stood at the edge of the forest, his pack gathered behind him. Lena tossed a stick into the fire they’d built, her sharp eyes watching him. “You’re distracted, Alpha.” “I’m fine,” he growled. Jax snorted. “You’ve been pacing since dawn. What’s going on?” “Nothing.” “It’s a hybrid, isn’t it?” Lena smirked. “The one from the bar. You’ve been watching her.” Austin’s fists clenched. “Drop it.” Lena raised her hands. “Just saying. If she’s a problem, we can make her leave town.” The words sent a surge of anger through him. “Touch her, and you’ll regret it.” The pack fell silent. Jax and Cole exchanged glances. Lena leaned back, her smile fading. “Understood, Alpha.” Austin turned away, staring into the trees. Seline’s face flashed in his mind her defiance, her tears. She’s better off without me, he told himself. But his wolf howled in protest. --- Back at the bar, Seline scrubbed tables mechanically. Her body ached, but the physical pain was nothing c

Chapter 4The storeroom was cold. Seline shivered as Austin pressed a cloth to her bleeding shoulder. His hands were rough, but his touch sent warmth through her. She hated it. “Hold still,” he muttered. “I’m fine,” she lied. Her leg throbbed where the panther’s claws had torn her jeans. Blood soaked the fabric. Austin ripped the cloth into strips. “This’ll hurt.” “Everything hurts,” she snapped. He didn’t answer. He cleaned her wounds in silence, his jaw tight. When his fingers brushed her neck, she flinched. “Stop,” she said. “I’m trying to help.” “I don’t need your help!” He grabbed her wrist, sudden and sharp. “Why are you like this?” “Like what?” “Angry. Defiant. You act like the world owes you something.” She yanked her arm free. “The world owes me nothing. I know that better than anyone.” He stared at her. Then, slowly, his gaze dropped to her wounds. His frown deepened. “Your blood… it’s different.” Her heart skipped. “What?” “It smells like a wol

Chapter 3:The next evening, the bar was quieter. Seline wiped down tables, her mind racing. Rent was due tomorrow, and her paycheck tonight was her last chance. She’d begged the bar owner for an advance, but he’d refused. One more night, she told herself. Just get through tonight.Mira flitted around, restocking bottles. “Hey, Seline. Those wolf shifters are back. The ones from yesterday.” Seline glanced at the corner table. Austin sat with his pack two men and a woman. The woman was the same one she’d seen him laughing with. Her chest tightened. “Ignore them,” Seline said. “The dark-haired guy asked for you,” Mira added. “Said his name is Jax. The woman’s Lena, and the other guy is Cole.” Seline froze. “Why are you telling me this?” Mira shrugged. “Thought you’d want to know.” She didn’t. But her eyes drifted to Austin anyway. He was watching her, his expression unreadable. She looked away, cheeks burning. The night dragged on. Seline served drinks, avoiding the wolves

Chapter 2:The alley felt colder after the panthers left. Seline hugged herself, trying to stop shaking. Austin stood a few feet away, his broad shoulders blocking the dim streetlight. He watched her silently, his ice-blue eyes sharp. “You didn’t have to do that,” she said, scowling. “I could’ve handled them.” Austin raised an eyebrow. “Handled them? They were seconds from attacking.” “I’ve dealt with worse.” She straightened, forcing her voice steady. “Why are you even here?” “Just passing through.” He crossed his arms, his gaze sweeping the alley. “This town… it’s full of Others. More than I expected. Is that normal?” Seline shrugged. “Hollowbrook a safe zone. No humans, no laws against magic. People come here to hide, or to cause trouble.” She narrowed her eyes. “Why? You planning to stay?” “Maybe.” He stepped closer, his presence like a storm cloud. “Depends on what I find.” She backed up, hitting the wall. Her wolf stirred again, restless. “Stop it,” she told hersel

Chapter 1The bar was loud tonight. Glasses clinked, laughter bubbled over the hum of old rock music, and the smell of spilled beer hung thick in the air. Seline wiped down the sticky counter with a rag, her eyes scanning the room. The Howling Chalice wasn’t fancy, but it was hers at least for now. She’d worked here five years, long enough to know which customers were trouble. Like the trio in the corner. Panther shifters, probably. They’d been nursing the same drinks for an hour, their yellow eyes flicking to her every few minutes. Shifters rarely came to the Chalice. Too many witches here, they said. Too many rules. Seline tucked a strand of dark hair behind her ear and ignored them. "Another round, Seline!" A gruff voice called from the end of the bar. She turned. Old Tom, a grizzled vampire with a fondness for whiskey, waved his empty glass. His fangs glinted when he smiled. "Keep ’em coming, kid. I’m celebrating." "What’s the occasion?" she asked, pouring his drink. "Ou