It felt as if all of the air had been sucked out of the room. I’d never seen him before, but I didn’t need an introduction. I knew who he was. From the light scar at the corner of his brow and the green of his eyes, I knew instantly who he was. The man that had just entered the Meeting Hall was Ethan of the Crimson pack. His broad shoulders, muscular chest, brown tousled hair and piercing green eyes made it clear. My future King had arrived. Seeing him, I knew why we were called to the Meeting Hall. We were here to welcome Alpha Ethan.
He towered over his men by at least two feet. He wore a white dress shirt that hung loosely. His shirt did little to hide the muscles beneath it. He was tall, his long legs gave an impressive stance. He paired his ensemble with black shiny boots.
Ethan was mouthwatering and I knew every woman who sat in this hall today would agree. Just glancing around, I saw the jealous glares shoot all across the room. I knew any one of them would happily volunteer to spend the night in his bedchamber. If I hadn’t been forced by my father into giving him my hand, I would have admitted that it wouldn’t be so bad having him for a mate.
However, that wasn’t the case. I knew he wasn’t my mate. The Goddess wouldn’t have been cruel enough to force my own mate on me. She got to choose my mate, not Alpha Eduard. Ethan hadn’t seen me yet, and I had a few more moments to steal glances. His nose was sharp and his lips full.
Are you kind?
Are you cruel?
What kind of Alpha are you?
What kind of a man are you?
What do you get out of being here?
What do you get out of this betrothal?
He scanned the room, seeking out a target. His eyes stopped when he found me. His Beta and Gamma were on his heel as he confidently strode down the aisle where I was seated at the front. There was something in the way he regarded me that reminded me of the way my father looked at his women. I suppressed the urge to cower into my seat and dispelled the shiver that had already begun to run up my spine.
Ethan came to a stop before the elevated stage where we sat. His eyes never left me as he lifted a foot and stepped onto the platform. I held his eyes as he rose onto the stage. My heart was racing and my ears were pounding as he stood in front of me. I tried not to crane my neck to look up at him. He stared down at me hungrily as I made sure I kept my expression neutral. I would not let him see that I was bothered. I would not be swayed by his handsome looks.
“Greetings to Alpha Eduard of the Clear Mountain pack.”
Ethan didn’t look away from me as he spoke to my father. He kept me in his sights, never blinking. I felt naked, as if he’d undressed me with his eyes. He stared through me and I felt seen, but not in a good way. I felt exposed, if I weren’t careful he would find every fear I had and use it to control me if I didn’t obey him. His frame was intimidating and cast a shadow over me. My mouth went dry and fear pricked the corners of my mind.
“Greetings Alpha Ethan. Welcome to my home. Thank you for taking such a long journey. This is my daughter, Adealine Biscoff. Does she please you?” Father asked.
Ethan’s eyes swept over my face and trailed down over my chest and waist. A smile spread across his face as he turned to my father.
“I am extremely pleased,” Ethan said. “Your daughter is as beautiful as the rumors say.”
“Does she fit your expectations?” Father asked. Ethan mulled the question for a few seconds.
“She has birthing hips, I have no qualms of her giving me an heir,” Ethan answered.
My stomach churned and I tasted something bitter. My gaze jumped to the back of the room and locked on Shane. If looks could kill, Ethan and everyone else in this room would be on the ground. His obsidian eyes threw daggers into Ethan’s back.
My father and Ethan were talking about me like cattle. I was used to my father treating me like one, but to do it to my face in front of others, lit a fire low in my belly. Recognition flashed in Ethan’s eyes as he saw my anger. I clench my jaw and fail to hide the anger from my eyes. I set him with a look telling him exactly what I think about his words. I want nothing more than to stand to my feet and slap him across the face.
“Come,” Father calls, gesturing to the seat at his side. “Have a seat.”
Ethan ignores him. This man is dangerous, extremely dangerous. He’s at least six years older than me. The only thing I knew about him other than the fact that he was my intended, was that he had taken over his pack at a young age.
He offers me his hand and I stare at it. It’s the last thing I want to touch. I don’t want to accept him or anything from him for that matter. My father’s words echo through my mind, and I know that this will be my defining moment. My words, my actions will have repercussions. Whatever I do right now, will come back to haunt me. Taking a deep breath, I steel my resolve, and push off the armrests.
I have no other choice.
“Good afternoon, Alpha,” I greet.
I take his outstretched hand and his fingers wrap around mine. His touch felt wrong-clammy, his grip too tight, and I fought the urge to pull my hand away. His eyes darken and a chilling smile takes the corners of his lips. It felt as if he was testing me, and by biting my tongue, and playing nice, I’d passed. The urge to scream and slap him grew stronger as he pulled my hand up to his lips. It took everything I had not to pull my hand away as his lips pressed against it. His tongue darts out and licks my flesh. My body freezes but I keep the shock and disgust from my features as I stare at him.
“I finally get to meet the ever-elusive daughter of the Clear Mountain pack,” Ethan purred as he stared into my soul. He straightens his back, and I do my best to keep a neutral smile on my lips. His arrogance is still firmly in place on his face.
“Charmed,” I lied.
Two years laterShane“Shane!”My Princess’s voice cut through my concentration, demanding my focus. I internally groaned and jumped at the thought of her being here at this moment. I had been on the hunt all day before a prey willingly walked into my trap. I didn’t flinch as she called me again. I knew she was here, any moment now, she would walk through that door and see me, if she hadn’t already.Pretending I couldn’t hear her, I stuck my tongue down Evangeline’s throat and grabbed her breast. Her arms were wrapped around me, her mouth was open, wet, and inviting. I squeezed hard and she cried out as the pleasure mixed with pain. She didn’t tell me to stop, she never did. She was good at giving me what I wanted. No matter how dark, no matter how depraved, she always let me do whatever it was I wanted. She ground against me as she widened her legs. The door opened and the sound of her footsteps announced her arrival.“Shane!” Adea hissed through the darkness.Tonight was the masquer
Had I not been a wolf, I wouldn’t have heard her. I heard her loud and clear, and I didn’t have to ask who she was talking about. I was stuck between wanting to see him and wanting to take her far away from him. Why was he here? She wasn’t even of age yet. Why now? We were supposed to have time, she still had time. The bastard was being selfish, this was too quick and I wanted to rip him apart. The thought of him claiming her before her time made my blood boil. Over my cold, dead body would he take her.As if sending my inner turmoil, Adea stopped. She turned toward me and for the first time tonight, I saw the real fear in her eyes. Why hadn’t I heard it when she called me? Why hadn’t I been able to hear how scared she was? It wasn’t just worry, it was fear. I was such a dumbass. I had been too focused on making her jealous or angry. I had wanted her to say something,to demand that I stay away from everyone except her.I had wanted her to claim me but I’d been stupid, too focused on m
Everyone was intoxicated, dancing, or high on moony. It was a drug that gives you a warm sensation, heightens your senses, and euphoria for a limited time. Hands slid up my arms and across my chest but I brushed them off. The Alpha was sitting on the elevated throne and I knew he couldn’t see us. He was being entertained by two she-wolves but Adea kept her head down as we walked by just in case. We were almost there. As long as we could get out of the dance area, we were practically free.The smell of arousal was in the air, the lights dimmed, and sweaty bodies rubbed up against us. Adea didn’t say anything but I felt the way her hand tightened around mine. She trusted me. She knew I’d keep her safe and I wasn’t going to let her down. I let out a breath I didn’t know I was holding as we made it through the bodies and out of the ballroom. We walked under the high archway and were in the hallway. The one that would lead us outside, the one that would deliver us to freedom.There were a
My Princess threw her head back, her eyes closed tightly, her lips curved, and her mouth open as she laughed. The wind blew her hair back, and the moon shined down on her. It was ethereal and I was mesmerized. Adea was beautiful and I was under her spell. At this moment, carefree, happy, and mine. Right now, she was the most beautiful I’d ever seen her. The stars twinkled in the sky, and the moon smiled smugly down on us but I ignored it. Adea was mine, all mine.Tonight was a night of victory. I’d punched her intended in the face and I fucking reveled in it. His holier than thou self had gotten what he deserved. He deserved more than my fist but there was no time for that. The sound that echoed in the hall when my fist collided with his face was absolute perfection. My blood was pumping and I felt higher than I’ve ever been. I felt powerful. I don’t know how long we’d been running. I don’t think I even knew where we were headed.This wasn’t the time for thinking. We wouldn’t worry ab
“Adea,” I growled.“Oh,” she moaned as she continued to roll her hips.“Fuck,” I groaned as I dropped my head back against the dirt. “Don’t.”Fuck. Don’t what? Don’t do that? Don’t keep going? Don’t stop? What was I saying? What was I trying to say? My lips parted as I watched the Goddess on top of me. Her tongue darted out and licked her bottom lip and I was done for. Her eyes were glazed as her hands touched my chest. She put her weight on my chest, her nails digging in, even through the clothes and I only got harder. I wouldn’t move, I wouldn’t do anything because if I did anything, I would be crossing the line. I couldn’t find it in me to tell her to stop now. I wanted this as much as she did. Hell, I wanted it more than she did. I wouldn’t stop her now but I would lay back and take what she gave me.Tomorrow, she might regret this and I couldn’t do that to her, not when she trusted me, not when she trusted me to keep her safe. I swallowed. I would keep her safe for as long as I c
“Where does that leave me, Adea?” I asked.“I trust you. I care for you as you care for me. You’re more than just a friend to me. You’re Shane. Since we met, we’ve always been together. You’ve always been there. I hate to admit it but I hate that I walked in on you with that girl tonight,” Adea said.“You were jealous?” I asked. My wolfish ears perked up at that.“Yes, dammit. I was jealous. I don’t want you with someone else. Not now. Not while you’re with me.”“Am I with you?” I asked.“You’re mine,” she said.The words were like a blow. That’s all I’ve ever wanted to hear from her lips. All I’ve ever wanted was to be hers. I knew that I was but hearing it, hearing it was everything I’ve ever wanted. Yes.“Say it again,” I demanded.“You’re mine,” she repeated. “And I’m yours. So, please—”She couldn’t finish her sentence because I pulled her into me. She crashed against my chest and I laughed. She fought against me but I only held tighter.“I’m yours.”“Yes, you big bad wolf. Now l
I climbed over her but froze on top of her. Looking down at her I couldn’t help but want her, to need her. I calmed myself and the voice whispered that she was ours. There was no need to rush, no need to do everything tonight. I had her, she was safe for a few more years. We would be okay, for now, we were okay. I stepped over her and lay by her side. My face near her bosom, I lifted my chin to look up at her. My arm slung over her belly. This was it. I’d gotten it, I’d gotten her. I swallowed as I thought about me two years ago. I didn’t know what I wanted. I thought I was okay by myself. I thought that a life of solitude was what I wanted. How wrong I had been. Everything changed after I saw her. My life, my world gravitated toward her. She sighed and my gaze traveled over her features for pain or distress. I was met with a smile as it pulled at the corner of her lip. Her eyes fluttered closed and she turned towards my warmth. I was met with her breasts as they pushed against my fac
She was a thick woman, her breasts always peeked out over the top of her dress and her hips were wide, almost as wide as the door. I once thought of her as a parent, but I quickly learned she wasn’t my friend. She wasn’t to be trusted. She acted nice to me but I knew it was all a ploy, a joke. She reported everything to my father. While I couldn’t blame her for protecting herself and valuing her life, it hurt knowing she disregarded me so easily. It was easier to see her as fake. She was a spy for my father and I knew better than to trust her. I knew better than to be fooled by her smiles and cheap compliments.“What’s on my list today?” I asked as I made my way over to the vanity. Taking a seat, I sat straight up and grabbed my brush. I stared into the mirror and ignored her while I brushed out my hair. I may not be a woman yet but my schedule always consisted of something. It varied too, I could be having brunch with the surrounding pack’s heirs, or I could be walking through the pa
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