The ache in my chest only grew with every step she took. I clawed at the spot, ignoring everything that told me to drag her home. Her words bounced around in my head, but I knew better than to fall for it. I should, and yet, with every word that falls from her lip, she casts a spell on me. I could feel myself falling under the influence, getting drunk off the words that dripped from her like honey.I can read her like an open book, or could. I’ve known Adealine for lifetimes and none of them made me question her as much as this one did. I knew what she would do because she did the same thing in each one. I could almost see the strings attached to her head and limbs. The Goddess played everyone and we had no choice but to move according to her will.In this life, Adealine had already surprised me more times than I would like to count. It made me nervous. She made me nervous. Things in this life were different. It was as if I was engineered to believe her. No matter how much I told myse
With every second that passed, I could feel everything sweet and good between us slowly start to ebb away. My breathing came out ragged and every ounce of the man I’ve become came rushing back in. Common sense. That’s what it was. Realization about how weak I’d been in such a short time washed over me. I’d spent years building the wall that would keep Adealine out and with just a few words it started to crumble. I cracked my neck and mentally started building that wall again.The Alpha’s scent itched at my brain, clawed at my insides, and after tonight, I’d track him down. This was a small human town. I’d find him and when I did, I’d enjoy making him regret ever coming near her. It didn’t help that she was always around men at night, at her day job, but now I knew they made their way into her home, and I was no different.Adealine turned around, but I was too blinded by the rage that was brewing. There were already two men on my list—one a mystery, the other, security. It wasn’t even
AdeaMy chest rose and fell with every breath I took. The movements slowed as I took deeper breaths. Fresh tears rushed to my eyes as the wall behind my back held me firmly upright. I’d watched him walk out of here as if I was nothing more than a good lay. My lungs shook and my body seized as I struggled with the raging winds of my emotions. I couldn’t think, couldn’t process why he was leaving, or what I’d done to make him go.Everything had been good. Shane looked at me tonight like he’d never done before, and I’d gotten greedy. I didn’t want to be thankful for that one glimpse into his mind, into his fucking soul. Once I’d gotten a taste, it wasn’t enough. I wanted more. I wanted to stay in that little space he had allowed me in. I wanted to hold on tight and never let go. Even as he slipped through my fingers, my grip only tightened. What happened?What did I do?For a few moments, I had him here with me. Everything I yearned for seemed to actually be within my grasp. The little
Solas - Jamie DuffyAdeaMy first conscious thought was I had the best dream. I never pegged myself for a freak, but Goddess, maybe it was the jump in my sexual activity recently. A smile spread across my lips as I remembered the wet dream with the wolf. Women and their wolf mates never got in on. That wasn’t a thing. I’d blame it on my latest monster romance read and take the wet dream to my grave.My room is filled with light. I don’t need to open my eyes to know this. My closed lids are not only warm, but the light filtering in makes it look orange. The outside world won’t even let me sleep in on my day off. Day off? My eyes fly open and shut again. Of course they’re crusted over. With how hard I cried last night, I knew this would happen. I peeled what I could off quickly then folded in half as I sat up. A groan falls from my lips and everything hurts.Distantly, I can hear a muffled alarm. The room is spinning as I grab and pull at blankets and sheets. When I find my phone, it wa
Amputate - Bella StineAdeaAfter taking at least a dozen deep breaths, I pushed my door open and walked toward the kitchen. Gabe had his back turned to me. He wore black slacks and a fitted black polo. It showed off his arms and highlighted his body. He was making us a fresh batch of coffee, and I groaned as the aroma hit me. Nothing topped the smell of freshly ground beans. Hopping on the first stool, I leaned over and grabbed the first croissant I could reach.“Good morning. You were up early,” I said.“More like I was up late,” Gabe chuckled.He turned, made his way around the counter, and handed me a cup of coffee. It was frothy. I took a small sip and sighed. Perfection. Gabe made the best coffee. He was busy grabbing his croissants when I put my cup down.“Are you saying you didn’t go to sleep? At all?” I asked.“Yes, that’s exactly what I’m saying, Ady,” Gabe hummed.“When did you get in?” I asked.“When I told you I got croissants,” he said.Looking at Gabe, we locked eyes an
The three of us sat in silence for a minute while Leo walked into the kitchen and fixed himself a plate. He kept his eyes down while he poured himself a cup of coffee. Gabe offered him a seat next to me, but Leo said he preferred to stand. He sipped from his coffee and he sneaked glances at Gabe.“What are you doing here?” Gabe asked.“I… missed you,” Leo whispered. I picked up my croissant and took my first bite while they talked.“You just had me,” Gabe said suggestively.“I did,” Leo murmured. I didn’t need to look at him to know he was blushing.“Multiple times,” Gabe continued. I choked on my croissant.“Leo doesn’t choke,” Gabe teased.“Gabe!” I gasped, only making me choke some more. My best friend laughed as he thumped on my back.“I speak the truth,” Gabe said.“Well the truth is TMI,” I hissed. Gabe shrugged.“You should have slept in,” Gabe said, turning back to Leo.“I wasn’t tired,” Leo said.“Lies,” Gabe hummed.“He wanted to see you. Leave him alone,” I said in his defe
AdeaNot even twenty-four hours since I’d slept with Chance had passed, but why did it feel like it had been a while? I sighed as we headed toward the bakery I was meeting Mavy at. Never mind. I know why. Every minute I spent with Shane felt like a gift—bad or good. When he was in front of me, he had my full attention. All I saw was him. Nothing else mattered. I felt a tinge of guilt being on Chance’s arm. Not because I was most likely hurting him, but because I felt like I was cheating on Shane.How sick is that?What made this situation worse was knowing Chance was aware of what I’d done. I knew he could scent Shane on me, knew he could smell his cum and how it mixed with his own. I should feel like a shitty person, but I don’t. I never promised him more than his sessions.Last night wasn’t part of the plan, but Chance wasn’t ever supposed to be. I never swore my loyalty to him and I’m not the one who serves him. It’s the other way around. It’s twisted, but I feel comforted by Chanc
“Chance…” I trailed off.This walk was meant to be light, but had been nothing but heavy and intense. I knew what I was doing was wrong, but maybe I knew Chance’s words rang truer than I was ready to admit. Maybe that’s why I hadn’t even tried to push him away. I knew what to expect when it came to Shane.He had already broken my heart more than once in the short time he’d entered it. While he’d been the biggest of alpha-holes, he’d been up front with me. He had made no promises other than bloodshed for the men that had been in my life before him. He’d told me we would never be a thing, so even as my heart ached for him, I gripped Chance’s arm tighter.Deep down, I knew Shane would only bring me heartbreak. I knew he wouldn’t be with me in the end. I gave him my heart, knowing he’d eventually shatter it. He would leave me on my knees and never look back. My vision blurred, but I swiped them away as the bakery came into view.Despite the direction our conversation had led, there was no
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