AdeaThe worst possible reasons for why he could have done what he did, or why he didn’t pull through with his promise to help rushed through my mind as I answer my own questions. Gabriel took one hesitant step after the other toward me and I took one step back as he reached out for me. His eyes locked on my face and the tears that formed and blurred him. He shook his head and stopped just out of arms reach.“Let me explain. It’s not what you’re thinking,” Gabriel whispered.“Isn’t it though? If not that then what could it be? What reason would make me understand your breaking your promise? Since you seem to think you know me so well why don’t you tell me what it is I’m thinking. Maybe I’m the one who was a fool to think I could trust you or anyone else in my father’s pack,” I bit out, the venom dripped from my tongue.“I didn’t betray you. If you would just give me a chance,” Gabriel choked.“If it looks like rogue, smells like a rogue, and sounds like a rogue it’s a rogue!” I cried.
AdeaGabriel stared back at me with kind eyes and a crooked smile. I couldn’t believe that happened to him. I hadn’t seen him once the night of the celebration. It all made sense and I can’t help but wonder who he faced off against. My room served as a box than I had been imprisoned in, but he was actually locked in a physical box.“You’re a better friend that I’ve been. I don’t deserve you. I’m sorry for what happened to you. I’m glad you were found. Are you okay?” I asked.“I’m f—”“I’m grateful they found you too,” Odis murmured.Somehow the two of us forgot about the Betas presence. We turned and looked at him, but he stared at Gabriel and only him. It made me want to smile. I knew that look, that was love. Beta Odis was madly in love with Gabriel and I wanted to squeal for him. I look back and forth between the lovebirds.“Time is almost up and you are supposed to be fitting her,” Odis said.“I took her measurements a month ago, but I’ll be measuring her again and making adjustme
AdeaThe reality of my situation and where I am floods back in. That was the sad thing about being happy. It doesn’t last forever and when it’s gone, everything else comes crashing down on you threatening to squash you beneath the pressure. Gabriel’s bright smile falters at the look on my face and his eyes saddened. I took a deep breath to steady myself and forced a smile back on my face. He stepped out of Odis’ hold and toward me.“Is there anything I can do?” Gabriel asked.Unsure of how to answer I glanced behind Gabriel at Odis. He lifted his chin and stared at me. Odis may feel strongly for Gabriel, but that doesn’t carry over to me. What he feels for me, if anything, would be duty. The string that tied Odis to me was fragile and hadn’t been strengthened. I was his Luna, but I was still an outsider. He was the Beta of Crimson Moon, his alpha’s second in command, and loyal to Ethan.It wouldn’t be wise for me to carry on a conversation about escaping in his presence. Escaping may
Adea Gabriel took my measurements and he asked me what my favorite colors were. He was insistent on making a few dresses in the color and styles that I wanted. He straightened and walked over to his parchment that held my measurements. I assured him that there were already plenty of dresses to choose from. I wouldn’t need anything more other than the dress he needed to make for the meeting. When he turned around his eyes were filled with worry. “What is it?” I asked. “Making changes to your dresses won’t be a big deal, but the amount that I will be taking off is alarming. How could you have lost so much in so little time?” Gabriel asked. “I didn’t notice that much of a change. As you can see, I’m usually in my nightwear,” I murmured. Gabriel held my gaze and I was thankful he didn’t look over my clothes. “Not today,” he said haughtily. He ran over to the crate filled with dresses and began pulling out a few. Maroon, pink, black, he pulled about every color out of the crate. I wat
Adea“The Alpha wants to confirm if you are,” Odis said.And just like that I was thrown back into the black pit of despair that was my life. My shoulders slumped, my eyes dropped, and I swayed where I stood. When I didn’t say anything else, Odis turned from me and reached for the handles. Both doors were pulled open and Odis stepped aside for me. When I found my balance, I lifted my chin, and walked through first.Was my life a joke for those in power?Did they enjoy playing with me and mapping out my life for me?Would I ever be free from the strings that tied me to him?This shouldn’t have been as big a surprise as it was. I knew the chances of my belling growing round with his child were high, but I refused to dwell on it. If anything, I pushed it from my mind daily.Over the last month, I hadn’t thought about anything. My strings were pulled and I walked. I kept my strength for when I faced Ethan, but after what happened the other night I wasn’t sure how I felt about myself. I di
AdeaThe fire in the fireplace flickered, but I felt cold as I waited to hear what the doctor had to say. He placed my hand on my lap and released me. I took a shaky breath as I looked up into his unseeing eyes. I wanted, no needed to know as much as I didn’t.“Please,” I whisper.“You are not with child,” Doctor James announced.“Thank the Goddess,” I sighed.I curled my hands into balls and slumped where I sat. I knew the chances of hearing that I was with child were high. A wave of relief washed over me and I took a deep breath and exhaled, thankful for the lack of news. I doubt I could stomach having to carry Ethan’s child. I glance over to Beta Odis to find his eyes glazed over. I wanted to laugh, instead, I settled for smirking.Good. I’m glad he’s telling his alpha the good news.I watched Odis’ face to see if I could see his features change with his alpha’s reaction to the good news. While he was distracted, Doctor James leaned close, feeling his warmth I turned back to face h
AdeaThe shoes Gabriel gifted me clacked against the floor as I followed Odis toward the dining hall. My eyes darted to the glass-stained windows and outside to where the moon peeked through the windows. Since I had come of age I haven’t shifted. I don’t know why I haven’t and I don’t know how not shifting will affect my wolf. What I do know is that the thought of losing her completely haunts my thoughts.The fun I’d had this morning felt like a distant memory as dread seeped into my bones. Happiness was a forbidden fruit and I’d had a small nibble. I swallowed down the lump in my throat as we came to a stop in front of the doors.The warriors posted outside bowed and pulled the doors open. Beta Odis stepped aside and I bit down on my bottom lip to stop it from trembling. I took a deep breath and grasped at the mask that was my savior when I faced my captor.I refused to call him by name because the more I said it, the more it floated through my mind, the more I allowed myself to beco
AdeaOlivia’s words didn’t make sense and she didn’t say much more. When she did speak she talked in riddles. How could I remember someone I had never met before? She was a mystery and I couldn’t help but feel drawn to her. I’m not sure what it was. I glanced at Odis but he avoided looking at me. He was quiet and his attention remained on the plate in front of him. Olivia looked upon Odis with interest. The sound of a fist slamming on the table caused me to jump.“I grow tired of waiting for your attention to drift my way,” Alpha growled.My mouth dried and I dragged my gaze from Odis and Olivia and instead, focused on him. You would think that he would be at ease, or at least relaxed with Ava here, but that isn’t the case. Alpha is upset and on edge, I can feel the animosity in the air. I recognize that look in his eyes—he hungers for me. Every nerve in my body itches to run and my brain screams at me to listen. I fight the urge to avert my gaze.“I didn’t know I was supposed to bow
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