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
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
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
“Olivia, this is your eighth failed pregnancy test in less than twelve months,” the doctor sighed. "We’ve tried almost everything. Maybe we can-”“I’m having a baby,” I said firmly. My jaw was set, but my eyes were watery.One year. An entire year of pills that gave me nausea and mood swings, inject
For a split second my mind said, ‘You know, Olivia, you should really ask a few questions about this situation.’ Then the man wrapped his arms around my waist and my mind said, ‘Fuck it.’At that moment I didn’t care if he was a call boy or what. He was here, and I was here, and as his hand tightene
It took a second for my words to sink in. When they did, both Damian and Louisa went a little pale.“Liv, baby—”“No,” I said firmly. “I am not your baby, we are not getting married, and I want you out of my house.” Damian’s mouth gaped open like a fish’s. It was funny, watching him realize his pl
I squinted at the ring I could see dangling around that Alpha’s neck. No, that couldn’t be mine—unless the call boy had sold it off that quickly? Why would another pack’s Alpha want it?Thankfully Greg didn’t indicate that he’d noticed it, just ranting on about how important it was that he become th
Elroy didn’t seem to think I was joking, but that was okay. He would never be allowed in the venue if he did show up, but it was still nice to hear him solemnly promise he’d be there.I was sure I’d never see him again, but I was grateful to him. I’d probably never understand why he’d let a virtual
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
Elroy’s POVToday had been exhausting. Fighting the council always was, but it had been worth it. We’d shown them the ugly truth, the one they’d denied far too long, and hopefully got some of them to rethink their roles a little.And there was Olivia.Goddess, she was incredible in there. Seeing her
Her reassurance was a gentle wave that smoothed the jagged edges of my doubts. I smiled at her.“I know,” I reassured her. “But I’m coming off of a manipulative relationship where I was always to blame, of course those thoughts are going to come to my head. I know it’s not my fault, and it’s not his
In spite of the exhilaration of our victory, they day had to go on. The duties were never-ending, and after going out for a celebratory late lunch, Elroy and I had to return to our separate tasks.I wanted to do something nice for myself, after that stressful experience, and I realized there was som
My fingers brushed the cool wall for balance as I navigated away from the council chamber, every muscle in my body crying out for release from tension's unyielding grip. Elroy stood close at my side, helping guide me. I could tell his protective instincts were flaring as he saw my tiredness setting
I pulled myself back in, allowing my aura to recede just enough to give them room to breathe. I was fucking furious, and it felt like there was lava in my veins, but it wasn’t time to erupt. Not yet.The tension in the chamber was palpable, the air thick with the scent of unease as the council membe
I kept my voice steady, in spite of the quaking in my chest. If they knew I was nervous they would pounce on me."The White Paw Initiative will serve as a secondary response system, focusing specifically on crimes against Omegas,” I explained. “It will not be a police force, and instead focus on gat