KaylaThe way that Nicholas basically repeated the command to eat that I had given him at the cabin wasn’t lost on me. In fact, if circumstances had been different, I might have even laughed—just as we had all laughed at the cabin.But something about the cold, no-nonsense authority in Nicholas’s vo
An hour later, I was dressed and pulling up to the event. I’d paired the black pants and crisp white button-down with some closed-toe pumps, pulling my hair into a neat bun. I kept my makeup simple, too, and opted for my only jewelry to be my Luna necklace and ring.And my mother’s charm bracelet, o
NicholasI picked up my drink from the open bar—a whiskey, neat, just to help the night pass by a little more quickly. As I glanced around the crowded venue, I couldn’t seem to spot Kayla anywhere in the sea of glittering gowns and crisp tuxedos.She had shown up in a flurry, in typical fashion for
That made me hesitate. People were already beginning to stare at us now, given the recent media coverage of the unexpected pregnancy. Dancing with Anna while Kayla was nowhere to be found would just cause even more trouble.And frankly, I didn’t want to dance with Anna. I wanted Kayla, even if she t
KaylaI took a step back, my heart immediately beginning to race when I saw that familiar smile leering down at me.Gray.“I’m so sorry,” I said, somehow managing to keep my voice neutral. “I didn’t mean to bump into you.”Mr. Gray’s cold gaze flicked over me, its gleam tinged with something dark an
KaylaThey wanted me to have a meltdown.The room fell silent, every pair of eyes locked on me like an animal in the zoo. They wanted a show—a dramatic meltdown, tears, maybe even a scream or two. They were craving it. Dying for it.After all, what kind of Luna wouldn’t lose it upon hearing that her
The sight of him like that broke something inside of me. Loosened the knots that had formed around my ribs. Without thinking, I rushed forward, closing the distance between us in a few quick strides.“Nicholas.”He turned to me, his amber eyes wide with surprise and something else. For a moment, he
KaylaI felt like I was going to be sick.She was even more beautiful than ever. Perfect in every way—the pristine picture of a werewolf woman, a mother who looked as if she had been sent here by the Moon Goddess herself.Anna was laying in the hospital bed, propped up by pillows, her dark hair casc
Nicholas & KaylaNicholasNora stared at me, her eyes wider than before. I stared back in shock, but when I turned to see where Kayla had gone, she was no longer there. I glanced back at Nora, who was still gawking at me like she’d just seen a ghost.“Is there something you needed to talk about?” I
I nodded, suddenly feeling my legs go weak. Three days walking nonstop in the forest, living on berries and squirrels, finally seemed to be catching up to me. I sank down into a nearby chair, slumping slightly.Nicholas glanced at me, then walked out of the room without a word, leaving me and Jade a
KaylaI didn’t hesitate. “Take me there,” I said, turning abruptly toward Nicholas.Nicholas furrowed his brow slightly, as did Emma. I knew they were both surprised at my sudden interest in Nora, who had been nothing but a thorn in my side since we’d met. And frankly, I didn’t blame them. Maybe a f
At that, Nicholas released me, taking a step back. He furrowed his brow. “You look surprised.”“Because I thought you had no intention of going on a honeymoon,” I blurted out, smoothing down the front of my jacket. “I thought…”My voice trailed off, and I couldn’t find it in me to say it out loud. I
KaylaI looked up to see Nicholas approaching, his face pale. “Are you alright?” he asked, stopping a little ways away from where I was standing.I quickly turned away, hoping he couldn’t see the tears welling up in my eyes. “I’m fine.”“Kayla.” Nicholas stepped in my way. “Talk to me. Did something
Was it true that Nicholas had laughed in her face when she confessed her feelings? Was he truly that heartless, even back then? Was it true that Nora thought she was doing me a favor by trying to break us up, by showing me that audio clip?I didn’t think Nora could ever be my friend, not by a long s
KaylaI stared at the deer turning on the spit, its skin turned red and glistening with fat as the fire cooked it from beneath. The air smelled like roasting meat, mingling with the scent of fresh bread and mulled cider.I was starving and surrounded by food that looked utterly delicious, and yet my
Before I could protest further, Nicholas whisked me off my feet, gathering me in his arms like I was as light as a feather. He strode quickly toward the edge of the forest—I was surprised to find that we weren’t nearly as far as I thought we were this whole time—and then veered toward the house.“I’
KaylaI stared wide-eyed down at Nora’s unmoving body, at the pool of blood forming around her abdomen. She coughed and sputtered, eyes glazed over, already worlds away from this place by the time I found her.The warrior said that he had accidentally pushed her too hard during a spar, and she fell