ShaneI only had three days, three days until I could make my next move. It was only three days, but why did it feel like an eternity? The days were long and the nights dragged on and on. The cage that had kept Max trapped had been lifted and my body had fully recovered. The raised scars were the only proof of what had happened. Three more days and I would be able to challenge him. My sister saw to it that I had three to four meals a day and I made sure to work it off. This is the only time I had left, as much as I wanted it to fly by in a flash, I made full use of it.On the third night, I was more than ready. My health restored, healthy food in my veins, and the only way forward in front of me I was ready. One last night and we would be off. As soon as the sun rose, we would be on our way. Mave was quiet as she cleaned up and made it look like no one had been in here. She was determined to make sure it look as if no one had been here. The only things that were left in the cave were
ShaneI couldn’t stop thinking about her as we took off. The sun rose over the horizon and I chased it as if she would disappear if I didn’t keep up. I clung to her scent in my memory and smiled at the memory of how her hair was almost translucent under the morning sun. The ghost of her presence haunted my every waking second, her memory a vibrant reminder of what I wanted, who I wanted. No matter what I did, Adealine was on my mind.Maximus’ powerful paws pushed off the ground and propelled us forward. We were running through the forests in the direction we knew was home. It was only a few hours away now and I knew we would get there before noon. If we kept this pace, it was a guarantee. Mave’s legs squeezed tight around me, her fingers gripped my hair tightly as a strong gust of wind pushed against us.The three days that had felt like an eternity had gone by quickly. It was unusual not being apart of a pack. My sister and I were rogues as we rushed back to where we’d been born. The
Shane“Where have you been all this time?” The Warrior repeated. “Ever since m—… ever since the incident with the Alpha’s previous Beta, the two of you disappeared.”“Am I obligated to answer your every question?” I spat.“No, I suppose not. Is the Alpha expecting you?” He asked.“Of course not,” I answered.“I cannot permit you entrance. It is our duty to protect the pack members. I can’t let you loose—”“Trent…” Mave said from behind me.Trent’s blue eyes darted to my sister and I saw a softness there for her, reserved only for her. I didn’t have to look at her to know that the look was reflected in her own. I wasn’t expecting to meet anyone either of us knew. We had been young when we left and before then, we had never been permitted to leave the castle often.Only ranked members were allowed near us and on rare occasion, their children. I had so much hate in my heart that being back and so close to where everything had happened had me on edge. Flashes of my father’s morning “lesso
ShaneAs we made our way past the gates, I took in the large open courtyard where many warriors stood guard, double if not triple the amount of what stood outside. We passed under an archway that had more warriors stationed on top. Just past the archway was a bridge that led to the castle walls.I remember watching as the carriages crossed over the stone bridge. I looked ahead and my gaze locked on the castle walls that led up, up, up. The burning sun shone behind it and cast long shadows along the floor.When we made it over the bridge, there was a small walk toward the castle doors. Tall black doors made of an dark metal stretched up for at least twenty feet. My father’s crest was carved into the stone above the doors; a wolf and a sword.I’d stood here many a time with my father to greet guests. The doors creaked as warriors on the inside pushed it open. I stood beside Trent when they came to a stop. Everything inside the castle looked so much smaller than I remembered.It wasn’t a
Shane“I look forward to seeing the future you create,” Alpha Joshua said.Whatever motivated him to make this decision, whatever made him so willing to lower himself and offer me my birthright as if it were something simple, something small like a cup of water, it mattered not. Too many time has passed and many things had changed since I’d left. Not only here, but with me. I could not take any chances, nor would I be made a fool. He had already declared in front of all of these people that I was the next heir.I was the Alpha.He admitted defeat.I take one last step forward and it brings me right in front of him. We’re face to face now. I extend my claws and in the next breath, I slice his throat open. Their are shouts of anguish, gasps of shock, and the dropping of women’s bodies as they faint. His eyes widen as blood spurted and splattered across my face. He releases the crown and it drops to the floor with a thud. He blinks and makes a gurgling sound as his hands come up to his t
Shane“Please, forgive my boldness, Alpha,” an elder man stepped forward. He wore a gown that fell to his feet and had white hair that peppered the top of his head. I didn’t have to hear him to know what he wished to speak on.“I refuse to have my sister be questioned on her ability just because of her sex,” I said.“Yes, Alpha, I understand. As I said, please forgive my boldness, but woman do not hold ranks. There isn’t a pack around that does this. Women can only hold two titles, one of which your sister already holds; Luna and Heir,” the old man said.“I am aware of this,” I said.“There is no logic to it. A woman cannot hold rank,” the old man said.“Do you defy me? Do you question my choice?” I asked as I dropped.“No, Alpha, I wouldn’t dare. Please understand that this will cause friction within the pack,” the old man said.“Noted, Old Man. My sister shares my blood and despite the thoughts of those beneath her, that’s what they are. Beneath her. Next to me, she holds the most p
ShaneThe new few hours consisted of reviewing the offerings from the Lord’s in attendance and assuring them they would be compensated for it. I always thought about claiming my birthright, but I never thought of what kind of Alpha I wanted to be. I demanded loyalty and obedience, but I didn’t want the people to think they had to pay me in order to be safe in their homes. That didn’t sit right with me.Had I just killed my father in cold blood?Yes. Had I just killed his ranked leaders as they mourned over him?Yes.Would killing other ranked members give me pause?No.They were men who were in charge over the territory and pack members.They worked under me and carried out my orders.The men who held those stations… must be loyal.Even though I was determined to rule with an iron fist… I didn’t want my people to fear for their safety.“Is there anything my brother needs for the Alpha’s Table?” Beta Mave asked, cutting through my thoughts.Good question.“The other times the Alpha has
AdeaAlpha didn’t do anything to me last night, he held me as I lost myself to my grief. I think that’s what messed with my mind. It was the fact that I had no choice but to lean on him. The word was bitter on my tongue, but I had no choice but to trust that he would hold me together while I cried. I think that’s what would drive me mad while I remained in these castle walls.The damned birds chirped like it was beautiful day and we were all lucky to be alive. I turned on my side and ice froze my heart as I came face to face with a large muscular chest. I was too shocked to cry. The knowledge that I had spent the night in his arms and woke up by his side in the morning was gut wrenching. I’d done with Alpha what was only meant for him.It was inhaling his scent with each breath that caused my eyes to burn. It was knowing that I had his scent on me because we’d shared a night together. It was knowing that he had been vulnerable and spent the night with me and it didn’t end in his death
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