Lisa was surprised when she woke up and found the bedroom empty. She looked around and didn't see anyone, even Andrea was gone. The doors to the balcony were open, and the sun was just setting into a grey orange sky. She looked out over the forest and wondered what it would feel like to run through it. She was on the ground heading for the trees before she realized what was happening.
'I should turn back,' she thought to herself, and then realized she wasn't in control. The wolf was in control. She had just jumped from a third-floor balcony, instead of breaking her bones, she had landed nimbly on her hands and feet.
She had never really been much of a nature lover, but right now, she was excited to be in the forest. She looked down at her feet, they were still human, with a small spattering of white wolf fur. She had claws on her hands, but they still looked mostly human. It struck her that she was partially shifted into the wolf woman.
'I must be lo
Lisa couldn't understand what was going on. First, she felt an overwhelming and inexplicable fury stemming from seeing Jacob hurting her mom. Then everything was red. Her wolf seemed to enjoy the hunting. Suddenly, a burning sensation, stemming from her midsection, started eating at her organs that drove her to her knees, and then, an unbearable itching underneath her skin. She heard distinct popping sounds as her muscles and bones stretch and pulled. She whimpered as her body was drawn taut and a sudden flash of bright light engulfed her writhing form.Lisa thought. 'Fuck I have four legs! I will not freak out. I will not freak out.' She repeated to herself like a mantra.As the light slowly dissipated, there was a harsh panting and whining from the direction of the floor. She sensed Ruben before she even heard his deep, rumbling voice. The fast clatter of footsteps heralded the men as he burst inside. Ruben was at the very front, followed closely behind by a dangerou
Ruben wondered where was Katie with all the clothes and food he had ordered for. He had promised himself an hour, and he intended to make good use of that for what brief time he had left before dealing with the legal mess he would have to deal with. He had left Keith in charge, while his contacts in the local police were going to pass off Jacob's death as a random wolf attack. Lisa's mother was in the pack infirmary, as they had no idea how much she had seen. It was better to monitor her in the pack than some hospital outside where she could talk. He looked in amusement at his mate practising 'shifting'. She was transforming back and forth between human and her wolf form. Trying to get better control. She looked at him expectantly after her third change. As if she was waiting for him to say some words of appreciation. Ruben decided that at the very least he needed to make sure she was okay before they headed downstairs, and she had to deal with everything. He rea
"Master, the elder is here to see you." A soft polite voice broke his reverie, and Sebastian turned to face the stiff-looking butler. Daniel has been in his service for the last 50 years. "Send him in," Sebastian said and tightened his robe. The elders were a group of oldest vampires who acted as the governing body for the vampires. They didn't have much to do as most covens were self-managed, the elders just made sure that the vampires were following the laws and not endangering their existence. On rare occasions, they also caught and punished the wayward vampires. There was just one sacred rule, never reveal yourself to humans unless they were to be sired. Even killing the humans was forbidden, the vampires had to just suck enough blood so that the human didn't die. But it was often overlooked. The homeless, the prostitutes and the similar dregs of the society was their easy target, no one missed them. "Marcus, what a pleasure," Sebastian smiled at the youthful
Lisa walked the rest of the way to the clearing in silence. In the middle of the thick forest, the area opened up suddenly to about the length of a football field both ways. In the middle was a circle of stone pillars spaced about 10 feet apart. Inside the pillars was an open space with flat stones interspaced in the short grass. The stone circle was set a little lower than the rest of the land and made the place look like a Roman amphitheatre. This is where their mating ceremony had taken place. There was no signal to start the fight, it just started. James rushed towards Ruben while he was still in human form. Narrowly avoiding claws, Ruben threw the wolfman to the ground and circled, shifting as he did. James got up and came back at him, using a little more stealth this time. James managed to cut Ruben's arm with a clawed hand, and Lisa had to put her hands over her mouth to keep from screaming out loud. She looked on horrified as the men fought. Sensing an
Ruben had decided not to drop in on Lisa, her silence said she wanted to be alone. Being a good mate, he understood her needs. So, he did not see her for the rest of the day. When he made it back to the bedroom, he was surprised she wasn't there. His wolf urged him to go hunt her down, but he calmed himself. He wanted to avoid jeopardizing anything. When his door sprung open, he was already stretched out on the bed reading a book. He had taken off his shirt and was in his pyjama bottoms. He dropped the book and went to greet Lisa. Andrea stuck her head in and waved at him. Lisa looked relaxed and smiled at him. Ruben raised an eyebrow, sniffed. “Were you drinking wine, in the middle of the day?” he asked. “Believe it or not, I am completely sober,” she said. “I was in the common room with the girls. Beth was telling some interesting stories. I needed it.” “Her stories are annoying, isn'
Tatiana moved in close and licked Sebastian's ear once more, making Sebastian groan. He generally enjoyed these encounters, but she was driving him crazy today. Her throaty chuckle irritated him, and despite her best efforts and flirtation, he couldn't stop himself from feeling disgusted. He had to admit that there was only one lady he wanted wriggling on his lap at that very moment, and it wasn't the vampire he was holding. He was irritated by the frustration.Andrea was nothing more than a pleasant diversion for him. So, how come he couldn't get her out of his head? Why couldn't he just tuck the sultry vampire into his lap? He'd never had issues like this before. All he wanted was that sweet, spicy smell and those green eyes staring back at him as he pressed himself against her. He let out a deep groan as he felt soft lips sliding across his neck, and he realised Tatiana was kissing him. He had to intervene before things got out of hand, and he ended up hurting her feelings in the p
"What the fuck was that? You disobedient, disrespectful little wench!" Sebastian growled at Andrea as he flung her into the penthouse without mercy. She stumbled, grasped the back of the couch for support, and then returned her gaze to him. It took everything she had not to shift and bite the obnoxious vampire. "What is it that you are so angry about? You just got a bit drenched. That's a little price to pay for all you've done behind my back, pick up another woman!" She spoke up; it was the first time she had spoken to him since she had arrived at the pub. She took a step closer to him and shouted. "Did you think I'd let you off the hook? With that sort of attitude?" She was enraged. Sebastian was leaning against the door, trying hard not to burst out laughing. His initial rage at her behaviour was dissipating. Instead, he found himself mildly amused by her minor outburst. His little spitfire smelled of jealousy.But he couldn't just let this go. One part of him wanted to scold
Andrea's hands were threading through the thick hair as Sebastian teased her lips. It didn't take much time for them to get rid of their clothes. Her knees felt weak, and she was glad that she wasn't the one standing. For the moment she let him have his way because his mouth was doing such delicious things below, but later on, she was going to take the next step.Her grip tugged his hair as he licked quickly, growling loudly. They were parted for very long, and she was taken over by the all-consuming need for him. Her breath came out in short, hard pants as she thrust herself eagerly against him, desperate for more. Urging him to help her reach her completion as soon as possible.“Please Sebastian,” she groaned hoarsely, a breathy plea in her voice.He answered in a growl, quickly hauling her legs over his shoulders. Her nails dug in his shoulder, and she gripped tightly. He moved up, entering her tight depths. It felt good being completely possessed
There werewolves and vampires in the room. Lisa's scarlet dress clung to her figure snugly, making her appear more shapely. Ruben spun her across the dance floor, bringing her through unfamiliar moves. She admired the way he made it appear as though she knew what she was doing. She felt a sting as his gaze shifted away from hers. Everyone kept reminding her that this night was all about her, but it was also partly about him. He was her mate, and she had been increasingly aware since the transformation that it was in his nature to desire the best for her and the pack. He wanted to talk business with the Alphas of the other packs because he was surrounded by them, but he was stuck with her. "So, who is the blue-shirted gentleman?" Lisa inquired. Ruben answered with a deep growl that she wouldn't have heard a few weeks before. He was still a little possessive of her. Ruben said, "Lucian. He's the Crimson Shadow Pack's Alpha. They are from Florida. We don
The pack was standing together in a circle. Beth and those who had died in the battle were honoured with a brief memorial service.Lisa approached Andrea, who was solemnly observing the happenings. Andrea was depressed, she could tell. She was reminiscing about Elizabeth, small details like how the old wolf made up stories."She loved you. She expressed her gratitude for being such a nice friend." Lisa said.Andrea turned around and looked at her with a puzzled expression."I met her after I was put into a coma. It felt like a dream, yet I believe she came to see me."Andrea stifled a sob as she continued, "I miss her."Lisa took her hand in hers and gently squeezed it. "We all miss her. She claimed, however, that she had a good life and wished to be free. We should probably be happy for her. And most of her stories were made up. But you already know that right?"Andrea gave her a friendly grin and a nod.*************
Sebastian had been bothered by something, so he patiently waited for the meeting to end before scooting over to Ruben and his companion."Ruben, when you say I'm now a member of the pack, do you mean I have to obey you like your dogs?" He roared, his rage erupting in waves. Andrea was rolling her eyes and trying not to giggle as he turned to face her."Whatever gave you that idea, Sebastian?" she asked softly, her arms slipping around his shoulders."Alphas don't give ridiculous orders every five minutes. That is not my objective." Ruben said, amusingly, he understood vampire-wolf mating would be difficult. Vampires were fiercely self-reliant and thrived in their seclusion. Wolves, on the other hand, were devoted to their packs and could not survive without them."Excuse my scepticism, but what exactly do you mean by being a part of the pack?"Sebastian asked sarcastically."It was the quickest means to show my pa
Lisa's chest rose and fell in front of Ruben's eyes. He knew she was his, but he wasn't sure if she realised he belonged to her as well. He carefully lifted her shoulders and climbed out from beneath her when the doorbell rang. On the other side, he was not surprised to see Serena."How is she doing?""Sleeping," he explained.Serena responded, "The last thing that girl needs is more sleep."Ruben stated, "She is alive. Don't think I'm unaware of my good fortune. That's the only thing that matters.""Can you tell me what she remembers?" Serena inquired.Ruben said, "Not much. However, she recalls her mother's or rather her aunt's betrayal.""Mary is still imprisoned among us. What are your plans for her?" Serena enquired."Kill her," Ruben stated emphatically.Serena's pupils dilated."Lisa?""Lisa is unconcerned about my decision. And she has no desire to know."Serena smiled and n
Lisa apologised, "I'm sorry, I don't understand." "Can you tell me what you remember?" Beth inquired. "I recall feeling like I was being sucked into an abyss. I had no sensations. I only saw darkness everywhere, punctuated by agonising screaming." As she described her ordeal, Lisa trembled. "Well, he came close to catching you. Until I arrived and expelled him." Beth remarked. "Are you....dead?" Beth burst out laughing. "Nobody ever dies; they only pass into another realm. Reincarnate into a new body after bidding their time. You offered me the freedom I so sorely desired but couldn't achieve on my own. It can be tiresome to live a long life. Don't be concerned about me. I'm fine." Lisa blinked, unsure of what she was seeing. Then she spotted Beth's red hair, which was identical to hers. "I am your one-in-a-million grandaunt," Beth explained. "What
It had been a week and a half. Ten days since everything had ended. Andrea stood in the doorway of the clinic, watching Ruben gently lower his sleeping mate onto her bed. With a profound frown on his face, he covered her and then looked down at her.Sebastian muttered gently from behind her, "Hey," and she knew exactly what he wanted to hear, but she didn't believe it was the best time.He started to add, "Andrea, she'll be OK..." but her head swung around and his deep blue eyes pierced into her green ones. She groaned and walked down the corridor to a bench to sit.She said calmly, "Lisa was fatally injured. Beth is still missing, and I believe it's all my fault."Sebastian was stiff, his rage pouring out in waves, yet when he spoke again, his tone was soothing. "That is not the case. Even you were on the verge of passing away. Dorcas' use of you as bait was not your fault."Andrea bit her lower lip and swallowed."I miss Beth b
Dorcas got the chance to hit Ruben on his shoulder. Ruben was not anticipating the action and was jerked away, slamming into the far tree. The wind was knocked out of him, and he was gasping for breath.“Clever dog,” Dorcas said.Ruben started to stand up, but felt a hand around his neck, lifting him in the air. He knew that Dorcas could beat him on brute strength, and he needed to think fast. He put his hands against the tree trunk and brought his knees to his chest, using all his force to shove them in Dorcas's chest. It worked and he was released.Taking advantage of the rain, he threw a fist and connected with Dorcas's face. He fell to the ground and Ruben started to kick him. It didn't take long for Dorcas to grab hold of his foot and flip Ruben down on his back. Ruben was on the ground looking up at the monster.“That wasn't very nice,” Dorcas roared.Dorcas darted away with speed, b
Trent was tearing through the maze of dark wolves, his heart pounded so loudly it was all he could hear through the rain and screams. A wolf was suddenly whirling towards him. He positioned himself to take on him when the wolf was suddenly sliced in half and thrown aside.“Serena!” Her name sounded as if it came from a distance, even though it had been directed from his lips. He watched as her body flew through the air, her top wet with rain and blood.“Thanks !” He said.She nodded, "where is Ruben?” She asked.His brain finally connected with what was happening.“I… I am not sure,” he replied, still in awe. Serena had saved his life!“Ruben, where are you !” She almost wept with relief as Ruben's alert mental voice answered her.Her mate knew instantly that something was wrong and didn't stop to
Andrea felt herself falling, heard Lisa's scream. She knew she was going to die. Ruben would go insane with grief if she did. And Sebastian, well, she was terrified for her vampire. Maybe once their mate bond was gone he would go back to living his normal life. Lisa screamed and caught Andrea as she fell. She had seconds to catch her, a very few precious seconds. She reached out, forcing her tired body to move faster than she'd ever moved before. She had no idea where Ruben was, and she didn't care. Her hand caught Andrea's outstretched arm, she pulled hard, wincing as she felt her shoulder dislocate. She managed to slide her body beneath her friend a split second before they hit the ground. She attempted to cushion most of the impact, to keep Andrea protected in her firm embrace, but she heard the other woman cry out in pain and knew that she was badly hurt. “Why did you do that ?” She screamed at Dorcas,” I said I was ready to cooperate.” “She