AdeaMave’s eyes were on Alpha, her eyes wide, her pupils blown. There was something in the air and I wasn’t sure what it was. She didn’t move, she just took deep inhales of breath. Alpha’s hand on my back stopped moving and his claws extended. His eyes flashed and I knew whatever it was had his wolf pushing forward.I don’t know what it was and I tried to look around the room. There was nothing that alerted me to trouble. If I hadn’t felt his claws against my back I would have sworn I’d imaged it. Beta Odis only confirmed my suspicions when he leaned close. His eyes on Alpha as he tried to calmly remind him where we were and what we were doing.Alpha Rich stood to his feet and announced that they would be voting. The majority would win. He asked each pack to state their choice. One by one the alpha’s announced that they didn’t have an issue with the new alpha. It came down to Alpha. His face was a mask of indifference as he leaned back in his seat. His hand firmly placed on top of mi
AdeaI hear my mates knuckles crack across the table in front of me, but don’t show signs of hearing. Still, I show no reaction, I don’t so much as breathe until he drops his hand from my face to his side. He turns to the conversation at hand an I take in a slow steadying breath. I refuse to show how much I don’t want to do that. I don’t think I could stomach him seeing that in me. I don’t want him to know, but now that he’s heard what Alpha said, I know he does.I refuse to hide from him, or show him that I’m scared. I look at him, our eyes lock as we stare at each other. The promise there is clear and the letter feels as if it is burning a hole in my pocket. My mate stares at me so intensely, he doesn’t blink, doesn’t look away. I feel as if all of the air has been sucked out of the room. It’s replaced with a passion I haven’t felt in so long, unsaid words, gentle kisses and electricity. Lots of electricity. It feels as if the current whips through the air. It burns so hot, I swear
AdeaNo one moved, no one so much as flinched. It was as if someone dropping dead was nothing out of the ordinary I looked around the room, with a false sense of hope, praying that one of these men were normal. They were so used to bloodshed that when death stopped by during a meeting that was meant to be peaceful, not one of the men batted an eye. The women by their sides weren’t as unaffected, but remained quiet. Some stared at the table and others refused to look down at the man bleeding out on the ground. My attention was dragged back to Alpha.It was when he felt my eyes on him, that he moved, he reached down and pulled the dagger from the Beta’s head. I shuttered at the sound it made and my mate across the table noticed. I wanted to tell Alpha that what he’d done was unnecessary. I wanted to tell him he couldn’t just kill people. This man was my father’s Beta, he had stepped in for him, and he hadn’t thought twice about killing him. He hadn’t killed an alpha, but had killed a re
Adea“I saw the way you looked at him. I can’t remember a single time you’ve ever looked at me that way,” Alpha growled.Anger. That’s what I felt. He wasn’t the only one who was angry, he didn’t even have a right to be. So why? Why were the tables reversed? Why was I expected to remain quiet? I had a right to be angry, I had every right. He thought he could tell me what to do, overpower me, own me, and maybe he did, but he doesn’t get to tell me how to feel.“You may own my body, you may get to decide what I do and where I go, but you don’t get to tell me how to think or feel. You may be my master, but you are not in control of my thoughts, or my heart,” I said calmly.That was the wrong thing to say. He grabbed my wrist and I was thrown to the floor. The beautiful dress dirty now that I was on my knees. I laughed. I assume it didn’t matter now that he hired and paid someone to have this dress done in haste. The reason for it was over and done with. I dipped my chin, but kept my eyes
Adea “You want to know what has pushed me so? I hate that you don’t know who you belong to yet, pet. I hate that you don’t look at me with the same yearning you did for him today. You weren’t even talking to him and the look that passed between the two of you had my blood boiling. I want to bury myself so deep in you that you only have thoughts of me. I want to erase every touch of his from your body, any memory of him, and replace it with my own. I want to burn the memory of him from your mind. I want you to want me, need me, hope for me. I want your every thought to revolve around me,” Alpha said. His grip tightened my hair. “Am I allowed to talk? Or am I only to say what you want to hear?” I spat. “No. What you have to say to me matters not. Every time you talk back, defy me, or look at me with that look in your eye it’s as if you’re calling me, reaching out to me, demanding I look at you. You continue to seek out my attention with your little acts of rebellion. You seek out my a
AdeaThe bed rattled, the headboard slammed into the wall over and over again. The more I tried to move the more I realized I was restrained. I fought against the fog that kept my eyes closed, that kept me just beneath the surface. A hand on my throat tightened and I choked as I failed to breathe. My eyes flew open and cold green eyes hovered above me, a bead of sweat rolled down his temple as he slammed forward. I cried out as I was brought into the present, I was confused, unsure of where I was and how I got here.One second I had been in the carriage with Alpha and the next I was strapped to a bed. The only light in the room came from the moon outside my room. My room. I looked up at Alpha’s green eyes and he lowered himself. He snarled and snapped in my face. I couldn’t even reach up to try and fight him. I couldn’t attempt to get away because my hands were restrained.I kicked and thrashed against him. He released my throat and I took in a deep breath of air before my face burned
AdeaMy body was riddled with bruises, but it hurt even more than it looked. One second my eyes were open, the next they were closed. It hurt to breathe, it hurt to move, it hurt to think. It hurt just to grasp the sheets, but I did and I held on. I couldn’t get up, my body hurt, I was in so much pain.Light filtered through the room, warmth surrounded me and I sobbed. I don’t want to feel this, I don’t want to leave my bed of hard cold stone. I prayed for the darkness to take me out again, but it didn’t. Instead, a warm liquid caused me blink, a layer of fog lifted from my eyes. The warmth filled between my legs and continued to seep around me. I whimpered, but didn’t move. I smiled.Is this how I leave this world?This is how the Moon Goddess punishes me after my thoughts last night.Releasing the bed sheets, I reached down and spread my legs. I flinched and watched as the blood spread. I reached out and wiped it, I continued to wipe it until my fingers were covered. I gripped the b
After I’ve been washed and the bleeding slows I’m helped to my bed. Doctor James waits outside until he’s notified that he can come in. When he comes into the room, someone trails after him carrying equipment. Alpha had spoken to him about my body as if I hadn’t been here. I shouldn’t have expected anything less, and yet, the bar somehow he managed to surprise me.“Can you tell me what’s going on?” I asked. I had wanted to ask him before, but couldn’t. He quickly rushed out after Alpha left and I was left with the handmaidens. I was unsightly and it was unheard of for woman of high society to be seen in a state less than perfect. James clears his throat and comes to a stop beside me. The man behind him moves about getting everything set up. My mind has been racing since his discussion with Alpha earlier. I hadn’t said anything, I hadn’t been able to. I couldn’t find my voice in front of him after last night.“You haven’t figured it out?” James asked. I shook my head. “And no one has t
Shane’s words are a shock to my system. Silence stretches between us, and I don’t know how long we sit there. I watched as he ran his lips against my knuckles before kissing the back of my hand. I can’t keep my eyes off of him, and as I stare at the side of his face, anger bubbles inside of me.What the hell is he thinking?Unlike the night I met him in this life, there’s no hate there. Shane emits love and patience, and if I hadn’t already spent the time that I had with him, I would have thought I was dreaming. His lashes are unfairly curled, his nose sharp, and as he straightens, I sigh as he runs his fingers through his hair. I don’t need memories of my past life to know that’s always been my favorite thing.Shane’s walls have come crumbling down, and now that I’ve got the man I love marked, and in bed with me, I can’t help but wonder why the fuck he’s here. His eyes meet mine and the corner of his lip pulls back until he flashes me with that panty-dropping smirk. Meanwhile, I’m st
Shadow ~ LivingstonCry ~ Benson BooneAdeaSilence. Absolute silence. I couldn’t even hear his breathing. One glance at his chest proved he hadn’t taken a breath since the words left my mouth. I waited for his answer, but his next breath was all I got before he lifted me up. Supporting my weight, he turned and walked to the sectional. With him leaning back, it felt good being in his arms for this conversation.“Of all the things you could ask…”“You said you’d answer anything,” I reminded.“I did.”“But not this?” I asked curiously.“I will. Just… give me a minute.”“Okay,” I breathed.Lowering my gaze, I gave him a second. My fingers danced along his defined abs as I waited. His chest rose and fell and I glanced up as he ran his hand through his hair. My favorite curl rebelliously dropping back into place on his forehead. His jaw ticked, and I wondered if it was that big of a deal for him to appear, what I would call, pissed.“You had come to stay with me. When I heard you were home
AdeaShane’s heat vibrated against mine. He fit perfectly. Everything had been going so well and now it felt like the ground beneath our feet was shaking. My natural instinct was to look at his lips, to reach out for him, to beg him to make it go away like he had in the truck on the way here. But the time for running had past, and this was a hurtle I couldn’t avoid.There was nothing that could make me feel better about this situation. Images of Shane fucking a multitude of faceless, hot, nameless women flashed one after the other through my mind. No one could make me question my self worth, but when it came to him, Goddess, it was impossible to see how I could ever be enough. Beka walking into the space that’s supposed to be mine set flame to the gasoline that lay at our feet. But, of course, instead of making it better, Shane outright admitted he’d been with women. I wanted to laugh. Knowing he’d probably never turned anyone down until today left a bitter taste in my mouth. It didn’
As soon as I came from the high Shane gave me, the anger came flooding back. And the bastard had the audacity to smile. I don’t know how he did it, but he saw everything. Well, I guess if we’d live multiple lives, he’d know everything about me. I didn’t understand why he could remember, while I couldn’t. His smirk turned into a shit-eating grin, pulling at both corners of his mouth, and my stomach flip-flopped. My pussy still spasmed in the aftermath of my orgasm, but Shane dropped his forehead to mine and laughed. I pushed against his chest, but with a twist of the wrist; I moaned and jerked against him. His shirt was soaked, and I spat it out. It was warm and wet where it fell against my thigh.Bastard.“What’s so fucking funny?” I snapped. Quickly, I swiped at the drool on my chin. The two parts of me waged a war; the one that loved him and the one that resented him. One second I was gushing for him and the next I wanted to punch the ass. His shoulders shook as he pulled his fingers
Shane’s eyes held mine and I tracked the movement of his tongue as it slid along his bottom lip. His head dipped as he lowered himself, as if he couldn’t get close enough. And I watched as he ran his hard, flat tongue up my spread lips. I fought the urge to close my eyes and throw my head back. The need to revel in the pleasure Shane gave me was strong, but I couldn’t. His eyes darkened as he closed his mouth and his throat bobbed. And I was thankful I kept my eyes on him. His lashes fluttered as he savored my taste. Shane was more beautiful than the paintings hanging on the wall. He was a work of art and I could stare at him for hours, days, weeks; however long I could.“More,” I demanded.A rumbling sound sent goosebumps down my arms. My lips parted as his mouth opened and his pink tongue darted out. My thighs shook as I watched it flick over my clit. I widened my legs; needy for more, so much more. My fingers curled against his scalp and I pulled on his hair. Willing him to give me
Aphrodite ~ Sam ShortInstinct told me I needed to protect myself. The need to wrap my arms around myself was strong, but Shane was everywhere. He lifted me and I wrapped my legs around his waist. My hands rested on his chest. He pressed a kiss to my hair, my forehead, my nose. Even as I wanted to escape this wretched feeling in my chest, I couldn’t help but burrow closer. My lashes fluttering to a close as he murmured my name. I swallowed the lump in my throat and let my hands fall as he placed me on the table.The sweet happiness that made me so giddy I ran from him was gone. And in its place a small hole. Pettiness, anger, and jealousy clawed at my chest. His shirt had ridden up less than an inch more and I would be on full display. My gaze trailed up the ridges and dips of his abdomen. Beneath the light, I noticed the light markings of scars on the back of his biceps and arms. Muscles turned to broad shoulders, but my gaze locked on my mark.Shane is mine.Always has been.Always
Go to Hell ~ LetdownAdeaThe silence was deafening. It was so still, you could hear a pin drop. Just an arm’s length away, his slow breaths filled the silence as Shane hovered behind me. I refused to look at him just yet. My emotions waged war within me. Did I want to yell or cry? I needed a moment. Closing my eyes, I took several deep breaths, trying and failing to calm myself down.Breathe in.1…2…3…4…Hold.1…2…3…4…Exhale.1…2…3…4…The damn breathing thing thing wasn’t working. Back when Gabe and I first came here, he taught me this breathing technique to help with my panic attacks. Instead of pushing thoughts of him away, it did the opposite. Every time I inhaled, I got lungfuls of Shane, his presence surrounded me. Demolishing the wall of safety I tried so hard to build up. As if he heard the wall come tumbling down, he stepped closer. The heat came off of him in waves, cutting through the short distance and caressed me. It was so hard to be mad at him, but my mind and
My skin heated, and it felt as if my blood were boiling. I don’t know which part I was more angry about. This woman being here in my space, the supposed plan to remove her from the premises, or the way Shane called her name. Was it a nickname? Maybe it was all the above that truly pissed me off. My gaze locked with Gabe’s and I gave him the ‘Am I the only one insane here?’ look, but he just shook his head reassuringly. So either I wasn’t, or the two of us were both equally crazy. Turning my focus back to Beka, I waited impatiently for what she’d say. My lip curled as she softened her eyes and pouted.“When you didn’t come back, I was worried. On top of that, you didn’t answer any of my texts.” She hunched her shoulders, making herself appear smaller. We’re taught this at a young age to show an aggressive male we were weak and meant no harm. My skin crawled as she leaned into him, invading his space. I bit back the whine in my throat as my insecure thoughts swirled through my mind.Is s
I am not okay ~ Jelly RollAdeaKorra caught her scent before I could, and she was seething. Alarm bells were going off. There was a female in our mate’s suite. I didn’t know when it happened, but we had claimed not only Shane, but this area as ours. Only those we allowed were permitted to be here, and this woman wasn’t supposed to be here. My wolf snarled and snapped her fierce jaws at the uninvited guest. Normally, I can keep her under control, but right now, it felt like we were one and the same.Her anger, her hate, her pain, her need to draw blood—all of it was mine.My eyes trailed up from her red Jimmy Choos, along her thin yet muscular legs, to the white skirt that left nothing to the imagination, past her breasts that were barely covered by an uncountable number of diamonds. Red-kissed lips with a perfect cupid’s bow jutted out in a pout that matched her heels, blue eyes that instantly zoned in on Shane, and too-straight princess blonde hair flowed down her back.Still, she wo