My footsteps echoed through the stone corridor, each footstep matching the pounding of my heart. The council room loomed ahead, its ornate wooden doors a silent sentinel guarding my fate. Beside me, Elroy's face was a mask of concentration. His brow was furrowed in thought but I knew better than t
Until a stern voice broke through the noise. "I concur with our Luna." My head snapped towards Elroy, my eyes widening in disbelief. I had truly believed he would be silent before the council, but he stood tall next to me, his posture resolute. My heart fluttered involuntarily. "Our laws are not
Elroy’s POV Olivia's shoulders were set, her jaw clenched as she strode past me into the council chamber. She didn’t even give me the chance to reassure her, and that made me uneasy. She just must not have seen me open my mouth, I reasoned. I tried to ignore that nagging feeling that said otherw
Olivia’s POV The musty scent of old tomes swirled around me as I settled into my favorite spot in the library's far corner. I spread my notes across the worn oak table, determined to lose myself in the investigation and escape the whirlwind of emotions Elroy had stirred up. It was the way Elroy
Elroy's fingers traced the curve of my spine, sending shivers through my body as he undressed me. I closed my eyes, determined to enjoy this. Think of it as giving yourself a reward for your victory today, I thought to myself. Sex didn’t have to mean anything. "You're incredible, Olivia," Elroy
My body was tired enough to demand sleep, though, so at least I wasn’t laying awake all night. Still, I woke up early and extricated myself from Elroy's embrace. I couldn’t stand the mess anymore, and what the shower didn’t wash away the bidet would. Sadly, by the time I was done Elroy was awake
I squinted at the files in front of me, the lightning outside casting dancing shadows across the room. The musty scent of old books filled my nose as I hunched over the heavy oak table, surrounded by stacks of records and case files. "I thought investigating crimes would finally get me out of this
Astor's steely eyes bore into mine, challenging, daring me to look away. But I held his gaze, my jaw clenched and shoulders squared. The air crackled with tension as we faced off in silent combat. Seconds stretched into an eternity. My heart pounded, but I refused to show weakness. Finally, Astor'
“Jordan,” I said, “I think it’s time to hold a banquet.”The low light of my bedside lamp lay across Elroy's face, casting a warm glow on his furrowed brow as we settled down to sleep. It was hard to believe that I’d once been so reluctant to lay near him, and now this protective little cocoon we fo
I rose with the sun, brushing aside the veil of last night's uncertainties. Elroy had left early, and even though he was usually gone by the time I woke up, his side of the bed felt colder than normal.I moved through the morning with my thoughts in a tumult, incessantly repeating the same questions
But he hadn’t told me his feelings, hadn’t told me how close he wanted us to be. He could just mean he wanted a strong partnership as Alpha and Luna, like we’d discussed at the very beginning of it all, or it could be he cared for me as the mother of his child but didn’t love me. Not like I loved hi
The diner was a 1950s style burger joint, complete with black and white checked flooring and too-shiny red seats. The waitresses were wearing the same type of uniforms I’d seen in old movies, and Elvis played quietly over the speaker. One of the booths seemed to be made out of a classic car.Elroy l
I glanced at Elroy, feeling his silent encouragement radiate through our clasped hands. "To be honest," I confessed, "the depth of deceit took us by surprise. We were largely in the dark, just as many of you were."“And the council?” someone else asked, shoving a microphone towards Elroy.“The counc
Olivia’s POVI smoothed my dress, silently appreciating the way the purple fabric hugged my hips, accentuating my small baby bump. This would be the first time I’d be outside the manor since my pregnancy became visible, and the knowledge that everyone would see that there was life growing inside of
The incense stick sparked to life with a hiss, its aroma weaving through the air of the Ruby Room. I settled onto my knees, the rough carpet biting into my skin, and closed my eyes. Smoke curled like ethereal tendrils, carrying my silent prayer upwards."Great Moon Goddess," I murmured, choking on a
I wanted to pull until the hook ripped out, taking whatever traitorous chunk of me it wanted as long as it was gone. It was like an infected limb, but nothing I did seemed to force the amputation.What was wrong with me? Why couldn’t I just let this go? She was just a healer, someone I’d never even
Elroy’s POVThe effect of those words was immediate and indescribable. More than guilt, or shame, or horror—it was something that howled through me like a hurricane, ripping me apart and leaving ragged, bloody holes. My body could feel it, and it was as real as any cracking bone.My ears rang. My vi