AnastasiaMy heartbeat did this funky little stutter as Caius began removing his suit jacket. His strong hands moved over each button, those thick fingers oddly graceful despite their size. I may or may not have licked my lips when he slipped the jacket off, revealing those broad, muscled shoulders.
The mere thought of potentially seeing Jayden there had a cold sweat licking down my spine.Over the past three years I had trained, learned to defend myself in ways I hadn’t known before. I knew I no longer had any reason to fear Jayden, but trauma was a fickle thing, branding itself into the deepe
Caius“You look awful morose for someone who’s going to be getting married in a few months.” Knight pointed out. “I, for one, am excited to play the role of best man. I already have your bachelor party planned. I’m bringing in the best strippers in the state.” He paused, “Although, you’re in this si
The shock in her eyes, followed by lust and just a glimmer of fear, wasn’t faked or forced. And fuck if it didn’t drive me mad.Each time I started to think of her I’d force myself to stop. I’d grab a drink and let the whiskey numb me from the inside out, but its effectiveness was waning.I turned m
As much as I fucking hated the roles we had to play to the public, there was no escaping them.I’d be expected to take charge, to do all the talking and mingling despite the fact that I couldn’t stand most people, while Anastasia was meant to be nothing more than a flashy side piece.It was all a he
CaiusI dare you to find out.Those words played on a loop in my thoughts as we pulled onto the winding driveway leading up to the winery.We merged with groups of other vehicles and trailed after them, each of us waiting our turn. Those further ahead stopped on the circular, cobblestone path. Drive
Past a flight of winding steps carved from stone sat the De Luca Winery Estate House. Jagged mountains cast in silver light from the glowing moon stood in the background, making it appear as though we were in the maw of a great beast.Anastasia placed a hand on my chest, flashing a dazzling smile at
He was one of many Alphas against the peace treaties created by Alpha Nox and Luna Lilac.Dozens of circular tables filled the space, topped with thick pillared candles the same color as the stonework decorating the walls of the room. Their flames danced to the gentle tune of the harpist, who strumm
Sweeping my legs out from under me, Caius scooped me into his arms and turned in the direction of his bedroom.Stuffing his fists into his pockets, Ghost shrugged, “He’s not wrong.”Several hours later I awoke in naked, lying starfish in Caius’s bed. The ache between my legs, evident from the little
I think I found my latest hobby fixation.“That? Oh, you were good. Better than the other idiots there, I’m sure.”I could no longer see his face, but a chill passed through me as he cocked his head. We both knew I was lying through my teeth, but that was the fun of it. He was such a fucking hothead
AnastasiaAs my lips parted he claimed them, slipping his tongue past in hungry strokes. I remembered fisting my hands in his hair, drawing him in whilst bringing him just enough pain to keep him furious. I melted into him and his hand slipped from my throat to cradle my face. We were drinking each
“Oh, I’ve given it plenty of time. I’m not saying the Eye is innocent. Goddess only knows how many other members we still have to comb through. What I am saying is that these people, as prejudiced as they are, aren’t systematically kidnapping powerful wolves and making them poof—” I flicked my finge
I let my magic seep out of me and time slid to a halt.Scattered around the room were she wolves of all ages, each of us wealthy and possessing power in some way. There were Luna’s and Beta’s wives. She-wolves who ran their own companies or were mated to wolves who owned their own companies. Politic
AnastasiaThat night, after returning home from Fallon’s Hollow, I told Caius that I accepted his offer and signed the contract that bound us for life.Things quickly began to change soon after.Caius had been right when he said that all of us—even me—would have to become people we hated in order to
Even further in the distance, past a small thicket of trees, was a stretch of private beach leading out into the ocean.Caius smiled, a hint of pride in his voice. “Impressive, isn’t it?”I could only nod mutely as he escorted me into the heart of their hidden community. A market of sorts had been s
AnastasiaTires crunched over fallen branches as the vehicle lurched, sending me careening into Caius’s side. His scent—whiskey and caramel—swirled around in delicious waves as he instinctively reached out to steady me. I tried to grip the leather seat for support, but my body continued to be thrown
The healer arrived then, knocking softly on the door. I didn’t pay them any mind as they entered, or as they touched around my forehead with cold fingers. My mind was lost, replaying Caius’s words.Once the healer left, taking with them my throbbing headache, I took a slow, steady breath and looked