“So I take it you’ll be participating in the succession battle at the banquet after all,” Caleb said, folding his arms across his chest. “You’re lucky that your fianceé showed up at the right time, otherwise you would be sitting on the sidelines.”Neil’s face hardened in response to that, a reaction
Raven“I’m sorry,” I said wryly, my fingers trembling around the contract. “You want me to pretend to be your… fianceé?”I have to be imagining this, I thought. Surely what Nathan and Dani did to me made me turn insane and I was in some kind of stupor back home. Not only had I washed up on the shore
Neil’s face darkened. “I did those things because I had no choice. It’s not as if your people are particularly friendly toward mine—always trying to turn our sacred lands into a tourist destination. Sending spies to gather intelligence on us.”I rolled my eyes. “Maybe our government wants intelligen
RavenI tangled my fingers in his dark hair without even meaning to, aching to drag him closer and feel his tongue slip into my mouth.In those moments, I was driven only by my wolf and nothing else.His lips were so soft, so sweet. It was surprising, and felt so… right. So perfect. Like our mouths
There was jewelry, too—gold arm bands and matching gold necklaces, large dangly earrings, a gold circlet to be worn around the head, beaded anklets.I supposed that Lycan women did adorn themselves after all. And the stuff was pretty, I had to admit.When he pulled out a large pile of panties next,
RavenEmber pulled back her hood, revealing that she was a woman—and a beautiful one at that, with caramel skin, golden hair, and striking blue eyes.“I’ll be helping you wash,” she said, already ushering the men out of the bathroom.I still felt my face heat, even with just the two of us in here. “
Blushing, I quickly averted my gaze. I was no stranger to the hierarchical differences in the entertainment industry, of course; this was no different than the dynamic between the high-end models and the unpaid interns at one of the big fashion shows.I had ever been the biggest fan of that dynamic,
Raven“I have matters to deal with,” Neil said, striding over to the door. “Give her a tour of the castle. And don’t let her out of your sight.”Before anyone could answer, he was gone.I swirled my spoon around my bowl, toying with the stew inside. It was hearty and delicious, way better than I exp
“Isn’t it?” I felt my palms begin to itch. “One minute you’re… you’re kissing me up against a tavern, and the next you’re treating me like I’m nothing!” “Raven—” “I’ve had enough!” I wiped at my eyes angrily. “I am so fucking sick of men like you and Nathan treating me like an object to be used
Raven I stared in horror at the sight before me. My horse was now laying on the ground, her leg twisted awkwardly, the arrow I had loosed embedded deep into her knee. Blood seeped around the shaft, staining her glossy coat a dark crimson. Panic surged through me as I scrambled off the ground and
As I stared at his retreating form, his shoulders rigid, I felt frustration bubble up inside of me. I knew that what we did last night was a mistake, but he was acting like a moody teenager. “Start at the beginning of the course,” he said, plopping down on the stump and folding his arms. I opene
Raven The morning sun cast long shadows across the training yard as I swung the wooden sword in a wide arc, sweat dripping down my forehead. My muscles screamed in protest from a morning spent training, but I gritted my teeth and continued the routine Ember had drilled into me. Block, parry, str
I just knew I wanted him. Even if we were outside a dingy tavern in the middle of the night, inches from being spotted, I didn’t care. Wanting my mate was the most natural thing in the world. A soft moan escaped me as I shut my eyes, feeling his warmth press into me. The heat between my thighs pul
Raven The sudden press of Neil’s lips against mine felt like a lightning strike, electricity coursing through my body. For a second, I couldn’t breathe, couldn’t think—I could only feel the searing warmth of Neil’s mouth on mine and the roughness of his grip around my wrists. But just as quickly
He gave a short nod, apparently satisfied. A few moments later, the guards returned with drinks. Castor and Eric were in the midst of recounting the battle, ale sloshing out of mugs as they gestured wildly. “And then Neil dove right into the heart of the fight,” Castor was saying. “One rogue after
Raven The tavern was dimly lit and packed, the air smelling thickly of alcohol and smoke. It seemed the entire village was there tonight, celebrating the warriors returning safely. We made our way to a table in the corner, our cloaks up to shield our faces despite the crowded atmosphere. The gua
Ember remained silent, studying me with an amused glint in her eyes. “But at least here,” I muttered, swinging again and managing to force her to step back, “Lycan women are honest about their intentions. You don’t pretend to be best friends while plotting behind someone’s back.” As I took anoth