I heard the sound of the punching bag for two hours before James finally stopped last night. Then, like usual, he spent thirty minutes in the shower, but this time; he didn’t sing.That was something I didn’t realize how badly I clung to prior to leaving the first time. Then when I’d come back home, I found myself smiling as I lingered just far enough away to still hear him while being undetected.But last night…. I heard nothing.My eyes widened as I caught a glimpse of myself in the bathroom mirror. The whites of my eyes were bloodshot, and my under-eye bags had bags from how puffy they were. My tears had created a damp spot on the left side of my head, and the hair had flattened against my scalp.After a quick shower, I walked to my closet only to realize that I’d never made the time to remove all of the clothing that Marina had damaged.Closing my eyes, I took a leveling breath. I wasn’t going to continue to let her affect me.I grabbed the robe hanging in the bathroom, tying it o
After spending the day rummaging around an endless string of shops, I’d purchased replacement clothing as well as the sexiest dress I’ve ever tried on.James texted me while I was out and told me he’d be by to get me at six for the event he was taking me to.I’d curled my hair into soft waves that I’d pinned into a low pony. My eyes were more natural, focusing on lashes while choosing a red lip to go along with my dress.The dress itself hugged my body like a glove. The low, square neckline left little to imagination as well as the double slits in the front. I had to wear a thin black lace thong so that nothing would show when I walked. The dress itself was a satin black slip dress with a red lace overlay.The splurge of the day wasn’t even the beautiful dress. It was the six-inch red bottomed platform Louboutin’s that made the muscles in my legs look amazing beneath the slits.Today felt like a new day for me.As I carefully walked down the steps, the front door opened, and in walked
Tonight was the Gathering of wolves. It was a full moon, and I’d skipped out on the last three years due to Onyx being missing, but Dante had texted an idea. Maybe if I spent more time in my element, he would be able to break through whatever barrier held him back.I wasn’t walking into tonight with any expectations.Not in regard to Onyx anyways. Rosa on the hand, well she would be at my mercy tonight after her little display this morning.When I’d called Alpha Xaden, he was more than happy to save Rosa and I a seat. I was grateful that Blood Moon was willing to host this year since Alpha Xaden and I were allies prior to the attack.Rosalind looked absolutely stunning tonight. If Onyx were here, he would have ordered her turn around and go change. She was for our eyes only and I know the moment I walk her into the Gathering; She will be the center of everyone’s attention.“Have I told you how beautiful you look tonight?”The way her cheeks heated with every praise lit something warm
“I’m not imagining this, right?” My eyelids fluttered rapidly as I stared out the windshield of James’ car. Even through the heavily tinted windows, I could see two massive creatures perched in front of a large, opened gate. The one on the right looked similar to a husky. Its fur was pale grey with patches of darker black coating its back. He had icy blue eyes that were almost white, and I couldn’t peel my eyes away. The one on the right was a larger, chocolate brown colored wolf with yellow eyes. James turned towards me with a smirk on his face, “Welcome to my world, sweetheart.”The car slowly pulled through the gates, passing by the two wolves that were even more massive up close. I wanted to roll my window down to get a better look but decided against it. I know nothing about werewolf etiquette. I think the hinge of my jaw was broken because my mouth refused to close the nearer we drove towards two large white tents. The sea of people that were filing beneath them were the mos
The look on Alpha Conan’s face was worth whatever repercussions that might follow my comment. His jaw tightened as he tipped his face up, as if that would make him seem tougher than he actually was. His navy-blue eyes sparked with fury as his cheeks flushed crimson. James’ fingers brushed the inside of my thigh, and I glanced over, seeing him smirking at me. “Excuse me?” Conan muttered after opening and closing his mouth like a fish out of water. I widened my eyes, playing into the fake nicety, “Did I misunderstand what you’d said before? It seemed as if you were disrespecting my mate, but he’s an Alpha, just like you.”The tense moment was broken when Alpha Xaden began speaking through a microphone. “Welcome everyone to the eighty-sixth annual Gathering of the wolves,” he started as applause sounded around us.“Tonight, we celebrate the Goddess’ gift to us. Whether you are already mated, or searching for your other half; she has blessed us with the gift of eternal happiness and
The soft music surrounds us as I hold Rosalind in my arms. Her skin is so warm and soft everywhere my fingers touch.I’m fascinated with her. For years, I was blinded by anger. I was angry at the world, angry at whomever had brutally attacked my pack, but most importantly; I was angry at the Goddess. She’d given me a mate, only to take her away almost instantly. My bond with Marina was short lived. The pull, the sparks, the desire; it was all so brief I hardly remember it. I spent years longing for those tiny moments back. Hours I spent by her bedside, praying to our Goddess to bring her back to me, only for her to send me a second mate who just so happened to be my own wife. I don’t like to believe in fate, but for some reason, Rosalind was placed in my path on that fateful night. As if the Goddess had planned it all so perfectly. If only she’d offer me some guidance now. “Are you sure this is real?” Rosalind’s soft voice reaches my ears despite the noise all around us. Her face
My breathing halted as James’ fingertips pulled the thin fabric of my thong to the side. The cool night air sent a shiver down my spine, but the heat from James’ hands as they gripped my thighs sent warmth throughout my body. I’ve never done anything like this. Not sexually or anything in such a public space. I’ve imagined James between my legs hundreds of times over the last few years, but nothing compares to the way it feels right now. Even with the looming threat of someone finding us, I can’t bring myself to stop him. A man like James doesn’t get on his knees. You kneel for him. He demands attention. But as his emerald eyes clash with mine; I realize that he’s offering me an exchange of power. “What do you want, Rosalind?” My name rolled off his tongue in a deep rasp as if he were barely holding it together. I released a shaky breath as he pressed his lips against the inside of my thigh. “I need words, sweetheart. Tell me what you want,” James nipped my skin, sending another
The entire ride home was silent. Not another word was spoken between the two of us, but words weren’t needed.I could feel everything. He was second guessing everything that had happened between us and all it took was a single tearful phone call from Marina.James couldn’t look at me, not that I wanted him to. My eyes were probably bloodshot from fighting the tears that threatened to spill down my cheeks. I hated crying in front of him. There was a time years ago that I’d promised myself I’d never cry in front of him again.That was after he’d called me into Marina’s room to berate me for not making sure that her pillows were changed. He was so angry, telling me that I was an incompetent doctor and he’d regretted choosing me as his wife.His words broke something in me that day, and tears streamed down my cheeks.That had made him angrier. He scoffed at me, shaking his head as he told me how pathetic it was that I was crying when I was awake and well.I didn’t know that man anymore. O