I instantly loved my new office. It had everything I’d asked for, and I couldn't help but smile, relishing the prospect of having my own space to work and think and spread out. I started off with placing the less-crucial case information in the built-in bookshelf—background information and leads t
“My excuse,” he grit out, “is that my Mate is shaking her ass for me.” “That’s all it takes?” I laughed breathily, looking over my shoulder with a look that said ‘I dare you.’ “I didn’t know you were so easy, Alpha Elroy.” Elroy pulled his hips back with a curse, and I bit my lip on an excited s
Elroy’s POV My fingers trembled as I loosened his tie, the camera flashes still burning behind my eyelids. The press conference had been a crucible, every word scrutinized, every gesture analyzed. But I’d done it. Olivia made it look so easy—definitely a talent I didn’t have. I’d stood tall as t
“Luna Olivia is correct,” I admitted begrudgingly, even though I just wanted to wring these ancient fools’ necks once and for all. “That said, I will remind this council that investigating without bias means taking all facts into consideration, including Rita’s personal vendetta against my Mate.”
Olivia’s POV Elroy was the first to find words to say to me, and those words were "Olivia, what the hell are you doing?” I hated the way his condemnation felt like an ice block in my chest, heavy and uncomfortable, and making me want to just agree with whatever he said so we wouldn’t have to fight
The weight of what I'd just done crashed over me like a tidal wave. My breath came in short, sharp gasps. "Hey, slow down," Astor said, catching up and gently grasping my arm. "Are you okay?" I turned to face him, my vision blurring. I tried to focus on his face, but panic clawed at my throat. M
I was exhausted. I’d heard people say they were bone-tired, but this went deeper than my bones. It was like my panic had reached inside of me and sapped something vital straight out of my soul, leaving me less than a whole person should be. Once the worst had passed, Elroy picked me up and carried
I shook my head, feeling torn. “I know I have to do better,” I said, “but a full day? We were so close to a breakthrough, and the victims can’t afford to just wait--” “If the situation were any different I’d be ordering you to take three days of bedrest and stay out of the office for a week in tot
“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