Alpha's Dominic's POV:I released the soldier, then repeated the words “Human world?” Though I’d said them more to myself than him or anyone else. How could things have gone so poorly? “We even sent two more wolves to search the surrounding area outside the borders of the shifter world,” the hybrid stammered. “But she's not there. Someone must have taken her.” Carden wanted to take control and run wild into the woods to find her. But I roared at the thought of someone taking her. The hybrid along with the rest of the men cowered, but I paid them no mind. I’d kill any man who showed the slightest interest in my woman. I should have ripped Lucas's heart out on the very first day! If I had, she would have been there with me.“I am telling you, Dominic,” Carden said, “once we get her back, we need to keep her locked in the palace. I don't care what they say about a luna's rights and freedoms.” I shook my head, not knowing who was more dangerous: me or my psycho, obsessive wolf.“We’ll
Astrid's POV:From the opposite side of the door, I stared at the green-haired woman that was Colin’s sister. Considering so many in my life had turned out to be tormentors, the fear of meeting new people plagued me. Words failed to form in head, and I stood dumbfounded at her greeting.“She's scared, Casey,” Colin said. “She has no knowledge of the human world.” “Oh, sorry. I got excited because you’ve been telling me so much about her.” She shifted her gaze to me. “You're really young and beautiful.” She gazed at me so warmly that I began to feel comfortable.Casey opened the door and gestured us inside, then asked me to have a seat on a large chair covered in cloth. It was quite comfortable, and I ran my hand over its smooth surface.“Sofa,” Colin said, looking at me. Then he pointed out a couple of other items. “That's a fan, and the device on the wall is a TV.”I enjoyed the way he continually defined everything for me. He’d taught me so many new words and I’d seen so many new o
Astrid's POV:After I woke, I went downstairs to see if Colin had returned. I wanted to tell him about Alpha Dominic and my nightmare of a memory. Instead of Colin, I found an older lady, probably in her fifties, sitting in the living room sipping what appeared to be hot milk.She had eyes similar to Colin’s and Casey’s, and a similar facial structure too. I guessed she must be their mother, so I politely stood beside her and offered a bow. She rose from the sofa, setting her cup down. Then she surprised me by taking me in her arms. While hugging me, she said, “We don't do that here. Nobody is inferior to anyone.” She released me with a smile. “I’m Evelyn Willow, Colin's mother.” “Sorry,” I said. “Nice meeting you.” “You have nothing to be sorry for. How are you feeling?” she said, resuming her seat on the sofa and patting the spot next to her. “Better than I felt at the hospital.” I glanced toward the dining area where Colin and Casey were arranging plates on the table. “Both of t
Astrid's POV:Though I wished to go back to my mother, I had to start a new life. So I nervously entered the crowded bakery with its bustling customers. Mrs. Willow greeted me warmly, then said, “Here, let me explain everything to you.” She told me all about the bakery and types of cakes they baked in detail. After imparting a good deal of training and information, she let me work on my first order of the day. Though I made my first cake with some difficulty, I felt proud after completing it. It gave me the sense that I could do anything from then on and that I had no longer needed to be afraid of anyone in my life.Mrs. Willow inspected my cake, finding no fault with it, and that boosted my confidence even further. As she packed it up, she told me she’d pay me weekly. Me? Getting paid weekly? I marveled at the thought, especially since I could spend all I earned on myself without having to worry about anyone else. I continued baking, humming along while I did so. As I put whipped
Astrid's POV:Colin and Casey had gone to check on their mom, who had fallen ill. I made a mental note to myself to check on her the next day after work, then went upstairs and took a shower. As I splashed water on my face, I kept thinking about Alpha Dominic’s face and those magnetic eyes of his. In a twisted way, my heart was at ease as his voice repeated in my head. After drying off, I went to the bedroom where the open window was hitting against the frame. I used the holder to set in place and noted the full moon as I peered outside. Then, as usual, I got on my knees and joined my shaking hands in prayer.“Moon Goddess, please keep my boys protected and safe from that demon. I don’t remember what I did to make you so angry with me, but I promise I will repent and, one day, I will get Malessia back.” An intriguing scent in the air distracted me. It tasted like the sweetest vanilla cake I had ever known. With urgency, I rose to search for its source. But I found nothing and could
Astrid's POV:Sandra pierced me with a scathing reprimand that told me I’d better pull myself together. I did my best and extended my hand. “Good morning, Mr. Knight,” I said through gritted teeth, trying to ignore his scent, though it was driving me wild. I knew that scent, too. It had been in the bedroom last night. My mind demanded fury over his intrusion. But my body disagreed. The mere thought of him in my bedroom ignited a carnal desire so potent I could barely think.“Good morning,” he said. “I hope you can get the order done on time. It's an important party.” He winked, and his left cheek formed a slight dimple, making him look even hotter and more captivating.“Of course,” I said, moving away from him. “I’ll get right on it.” To busy myself and calm my fear, I shuffled through papers behind the register. But he grabbed my arm, and a powerful spark ran between us. I couldn't help but wonder if he’d been anything more to me than just a tormentor from the past. “You need to c
Astrid's POV:With all my might, I pushed Alpha Dominic away from me. “You're forcing yourself on me!” I screamed. He froze at my words, then pulled himself away from me. “What did you just say? I’m forcing myself on you? You're my mate.” His voice had become soft and caring and love shone in his eyes. It was enough that my stupid heart began to melt. Still, I forced myself to say, “I need to go. Please don't do this. I know what you did to me when I was with you, locking me in that room, starving me. I screamed for your mercy and you never showed any. I nearly died.” My throat ached as the tears formed in my eyes.“And what about after that? Our good times together. Don’t you remember those?” His brow frowned.“No,” I replied. At the same time, a new memory flashed in my mind, one of him kissing me passionately, and me riding him willingly. I kept my face neutral so he couldn’t see it in my eyes. “You don't need to remember everything about our relationship,” he said. “But you nee
Astrid's POV:Dominic parked the car in front of a grand mansion, with an impressive collection of cars to the side, more than I could ever imagine one person owning. There were so many, I couldn’t even count them all. When he exited the car, he opened the door for me again and several guards rushed to us. One held an umbrella over me as I got out of the car. Then Dominic rested his fingers over my back as we walked toward the mansion’s grand entrance. I shivered at his touch.Once we stepped inside, he said, “Hurry. We have to get ready for the party.” But his words barely registered as I stood dumbfounded, scanning the luxury of the place. I guessed the mansion was larger than fifteen apartments combined. A fountain with violet lights hanging around it made its water appear to be dark purple. I walked toward it absently and collided into someone.“Woah. Use your eyes,” said a sharp voice. I looked up and saw a woman with short, jet-black hair and dark red lipstick in the shape of