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
CaiusAnastasia snorted, then clapped a hand over her mouth.“I’m so sorry. I don’t mean to be disrespectful.”Jada flashed her straight white teeth in a knowing grin, “It’s the name, isn’t it?”“Yes.” Anastasia confessed, “It’s just…it’s very fitting.”Luna Lilac laughed loudly, “I said the same th
“You were made to be mine.” I tore the robe from her body and relished the sound of fabric splitting. Grabbing her wrists, I pinned them behind her back and flipped her around so that her back was flush against my chest. Sweeping an arm out, I cleared my desk of everything, earning a gasp from Anast
I kept moving, my senses stretched as far as they could go. A soft shuffle, nearly undetectable, had me turning left. I continued to follow the hall, turned again, then stopped when I saw her.At the very end of the hallway, bathed in shadows and pale slants of moonlight, was my wife. She was hardly
CaiusUpon returning home, I had one of the few remaining staff draw Anastasia a bath. The woman spent most of her time in there. Not that I paid much attention.Only I did.I told myself it didn’t matter. That I wasn’t counting the minutes she spent in there, listening for the hum of that fucking t
Caius let out a pained grunt, then lifted me from his lap.“I know, which is exactly why we’re coming to an agreement now and not later.”I grinned, feeling victorious. “You won’t regret it.”But as I turned my gaze back to the book on my lap, and to my troubled thoughts, the strange unease in my st
I didn’t admit it to him, but his words made me feel better.“She spent my whole life teaching me to hide my ability. She drilled it into me that I couldn’t trust anyone with my secret, and then she just up and left. Lied about dying. Now I find this note telling me not to look for her. That she had
AnastasiaThe jet hummed softly as it carved a path through the sky, the pack still hours away. The cabin was dim, the lights turned low, and the air thick with unspoken thoughts.I was beginning to suffocate on them.To make matters worse, Maverick sat just a few rows over. Caius apologized prior t
Then there was Caius.Traveling with him wasn’t hardest because of our bickering—that was expected. It was hardest because, somewhere along the way, I had started to enjoy being around him. We were learning each other in ways that felt dangerous. Intimate.I knew how he favored lighter suits as the
AnastasiaBy the time the movie ended, my frustration had dulled to a simmer. The rom com had done its job, distracting me from my own life long enough to keep me from spiraling. Fallon stretched her legs out and released a yawn before turning to me with a smirk.“So, care to talk about your problem
Caius stilled for just a second, his mug raised halfway to his lips. A flicker of something crossed his face—something guarded, almost unsure. Then, as if making a decision, he let out a slow breath and leaned against the counter.“I reacted, because I know someone who can do what he claimed you cou