Astor, apparently, didn’t feel the same. A low growl rumbled from his chest, almost making me trip in my surprise. Was Astor really going to step in just because of one half-baked insult? Rita must have been surprised too, because her voice was tinged with shock and betrayal as she said, "I though
Elroy’s POV Sam was a wonderful pack Beta. Smart, hardworking, level-headed, had a memory like a steel trap—all things I needed in a right-hand man. I liked to think we even got along. I never thought that would bite me in the ass. It was biting me in the ass because the very same attributes t
Olivia’s POV The acrid taste of bile rose in my throat as I rolled over, my hand instinctively reaching for Elroy's warmth. Instead, my fingers met cold sheets, and I jolted awake. If Elroy was awake then I had overslept, and I had too much to do for that kind of irresponsibility. A groan escape
Elroy's lips pursed. "I know it’s bullshit, Olivia. We just need to put some distance between you and Astor for the foreseeable future.” I took a deep breath, trying to calm my racing thoughts. Unfortunately Elroy was right, and all three of us knew it. Even Astor didn’t deny it, even though he lo
"So none of those leads panned out?" he asked, leaning forward. I nodded, rubbing my eyes absently. We'd been at this for hours. "Not one,” I admitted with a sigh, “but the lack of bodies—" The library door creaked open, interrupting my train of thought. Jordan appeared, balancing a tray of stea
Whatever else I might have to say about the Ruby Room, it had one hell of a comfortable bed. Talking to a maybe-cannibal had really been the icing on the cake for my anxious body, the residual discomfort still keeping my shoulders tense hours later, but at least tonight I could actually sleep at a r
I realized how close I came to being Iris. I hadn’t thought about it in what felt like ages, but some of Elroy’s past words drifted back to me. I whispered, "You threatened to do the same to me." Elroy flinched as if I'd struck him. "Olivia, I..." He reached for my hand, hesitated, then let his
The heavy oak door creaked open, revealing Elroy's office. Sunlight streamed through the single window, illuminating shelves lined with leather-bound tomes and casting a warm glow on the polished mahogany desk. It wasn’t a huge space like the library, and something about being able to see the whole
Yes! She’s talking about Omegas! Here’s my chance. “I don’t know,” I interjected. “Most of this is above my pay grade, but I’m not sure why an Omega would risk coming somewhere like this? I mean, you have a lot of security, but still.” “She has a point,” the masked man nodded. “I agree that they
Olivia’s POV The leather upholstered chair at the owner’s table was a siren call I couldn't ignore, and I made my way to it with tunnel vision. The line had been so long last time I looked, and now there was no one. I wouldn’t get an opportunity like this again. As soon as I sat down, though, th
“…It’s complicated,” she answered. "Complicated, huh?" I mused, more to myself than to her. "I suppose that's true of most relationships. How has it been different from what you expected?" She gave a little, humorless laugh. “Well, I’d expected to marry my Fated Mate, but that didn’t happen,” sh
Elroy’s POV This mask was strangely heavy, and a little hot. Sweat was gathering under the scent blocking patches Sam found for me, and I could only hope the cheap one-wash hair coloring wasn’t running down the back of my neck with the moisture. The shoulder pads felt awkward, and I was still gett
My harasser opened his mouth to argue, but something in the masked man's stance made him think better of it. He skulked away, muttering curses. The new man just stood there with his arms crossed, watching the creep go. With the drunk no longer a threat, I turned my attention to my supposed ‘savior
The chandeliers were a little too dusty to sparkle, and red carpet was worn thin under my feet, and it all felt like a world away from my usual haunts. In all fairness that’s exactly what it was. The only gambling I’d ever done had been around a kitchen table, so even a subpar casino was a huge chan
“She perked right up! Said the owner was hoping to ‘tap into the Omega market,’ and if she saw my sister she’d look out for her.” “That’s not creepy at all,” Jordan cringed. “It wouldn’t be if we didn’t know what we do,” I said, even though I firmly agreed with her. I could see why somebody woul
I felt bad, but I had to defy Iris once again. My strict bedtime schedule, as important as it was, was going to have to take a backseat tonight. Tonight, Matt was in the casino. Alone. Obviously neither Jordan nor myself were able to sit still, consumed with worry for our friend. I could hardly
"Luna," Matt said gently, reading the conflict on my face. "Trust me. I can do this." I exhaled slowly, nodding. "Okay," I whispered, my voice barely audible. "But we’re going to have a plan and a safety net. I’m not sending you in there blind, Matt.” We were about to start forming said plan whe