My nose wrinkled and at the disheveled and unkempt male in front of me.He was older with a beer belly. His beard was patchy and he had a stain on the front of his shirt that didn’t look recent. His teeth were enough to give me nightmares for the rest of my life.It was obvious this wolf didn’t care about his hygiene and appearance. My mind was trying to process how he felt comfortable presenting himself in front of noble and high-ranking officials as he was. If he didn’t care enough about himself and reputation, then he surely wouldn’t care about me. The thought of having to lay down with the man and producing a child was revolting. I could barely stand being a few feet in front of him, let alone have him between my legs and laying on top of me. The smell of alcohol was overwhelming, forcing me to take a step back from him. This can’t be my life. I’ll gladly take a bullet before I let this man choose me! They love to tell us that we don’t have a choice, but that’s not true. There’s
The room fell deathly silent after Judge Jackson’s stunning and unbelievable proclamation.I watched as others turned to each other in silent confusion. Silently asking with their eyes, “Did that really happen?”I couldn’t blame them. I was asking myself the same thing. Regulator Monroe’s mouth opened and closed repeatedly until he threw his hands up in resignation. I heard him mutter under his breath before he returned to the stage, “My job here is done.”“Wait! I chose her!” Beer Belly exclaimed as he climbed to his feet. Judge Jackson shoved his gun in the disgusting man’s face.“You might want to sit this one out.”The foul man clicked his teeth together in frustration. You could see it in his eyes. He was powerless against Judge Jackson, but if he had a chance to pay him back for humiliating him, then he would.“Never mind. You can have her. She won’t be of any use to me. I doubt she’d even be a good lay. She seems like the whiny type.”Judge Jackson narrowed his eyes and gave t
An hour later we pulled into what I could only describe as a compound. My cheeks were still flushed from Judge Jackson’s indecent proposal and I didn’t dare look in his direction knowing he had a teasing smirk on his face. “We’ve arrived. Get out of the limo.” Defiantly, I stayed. “I’m more than certain I received a defective breeder.”My body stiffened.Has he figured me out during our drive to his compound? Will I be eating a bullet soon?“W-why do you say that?”“Because the young women are supposed to be meek and obedient, and you are the exact opposite.” I relaxed slightly once I realized he wasn’t talking about my missing wolf. “Imani, it has been a long day, and I’m ready to lay my head down for the night. Don’t you desire that as well? A hot bath, a hearty meal, and a warm bed that’s big enough for more than just one?”Now that he mentions it…“Good, girl,” Judge Jackson praised sarcastically once my feet touch the ground. “Follow me, and don’t fall behind.”As I followed him
[Judge Jackson]Killing.It seemed like the only thing I knew these days.Murdering was so ingrained and woven in my life that I wondered if I could live without it. I killed so often that they called me The Exterminator behind my back.Could I go cold turkey without spilling blood, or would I go mad in a blood-lust frenzy, killing every creature in sight?I didn’t particularly enjoy killing, but I understood how crucial it was to protect purebred wolves for the continuation of our species. I’d killed so many wolves since becoming a judge that I lost count. I couldn’t tell you the number of children that never saw adulthood because of me. Or the number of teenagers and elderly that were executed because they weren’t purebred wolves or they randomly mutated.The random mutations were alarming, and was something that even our greatest doctors couldn’t determine why it was happening.It had the elders on high alert and because of the expertise needed to handle a sensitive situation, I wa
ImaniThe thought of visiting a prison with Judge Jackson rattled me.I could see him locking me up in a cell and throwing away a key. I couldn’t go to prison. I lived 18 years in prison and refuse to go back. I ran to the door and attempted to open it, but couldn’t.I hadn’t noticed when we entered the cabin that there was not only a combination lock, but a keypad that appeared to require five numbers in order to unlock the door from the inside. I entered a few sets of numbers and was denied each time. Truthfully, I didn’t know what I expected. Did I really think I would randomly guess the numbers? That was a fat chance. I tried once more. My eyes widened when I received a message that there were too many passwords attempts and the door would remain locked for thirty minutes. I beat the door with my closed fists and screamed for help until my hands were sore and my voice was hoarse. I stopped once I realized Judge Jackson’s cabin was deep in the woods away from the packhouse. There
Left to my own devices, I began my tour of the cabin. I found the bedroom that Judge Jackson said I could have. My mouth dropped open when I swung the door open.“How cute,” I sighed as I approached the black wrought iron bed that was clad with a fluffy white duvet and a mountain of pillows. I sat on the bed and groaned when my back hit the mattress. The bed felt like a cloud. It wasn’t firm and lumpy like the tiny beds we slept on in Eden. I doubted that I’d be tossing and turning most of the night. I reluctantly stood to my feet. “I better get up before I accidentally fall asleep.”The rest of the bedroom had the typical essentials; a nightstand with a lamp, a dresser, and a book case. I opened the closet and was shocked how big it was. “It’s like another bedroom in here.”Next on my tour was the bathroom. I thought it was odd that it didn’t have a shower like Eden, but there was a bath–a deep soaking bath that I ached to try out. I turned on the faucet that was labled ‘H’ and watc
I didn’t move until I heard Judge Max’s heavy boots leave the porch. He gave me the code to the door. Shouldn’t he be concerned I’d run away? It could be trick, but there was only one way to find out. “5-3-4-4-7,” I whispered, punching in the numbers. My eyes widened in shock when the panel flashed green and the mechanism unlocked. The door creaked as I slowly pulled it open. I poked my head out and scanned the porch carefully, looking for any signs of life. There weren’t any. I opened the door wider and the curls in the front of my face were swept away by the cool air. My feet made contact with something. I looked down and found three bags.I crouched to my feet and began rifling through the bags. These clothes. They seem so…expensive.I looked at the detail on the bag and immediately recognized it as a luxury brand that I once saw in a magazine that Supervisor Sarah was reading. “I wonder how much these clothes cost,” I whispered, continuing to search through the bag until I foun
My mouth hung in shock from his unexpected advance. I knew what my role as a Breeder entailed, but I was under the impression that my being here was solely for the purpose of Judge Jackson to keep me close and observe me. Are all men like this? Do they only think about sex all the time? He’s drunk and stumbling over his feet and thinks he can perform? “It’s late. I’m going to bed.”“Not so fast,” he said, catching my arm. “Why don’t you sleep in my bed tonight?”“I rather not.”“Why not?” he questioned.I thought back to some of the lessons Supervisor Rachel and Supervisor Sarah taught us. One lesson in particular stuck in my mind. We were warned not to hurt a man’s ego, whether intentionally or unintentionally. It would always be in our best interest to make them feel like they were a coveted prize that you wanted. “I know what you want from me, but it’d be best to wait until you are sober. Only then would you be at your best.”I held my breath while Judge Jackson pondered my wor
Imani“Here…put this on,” Jackson said, offering me one of his shirts. I accepted it without hesitation and pulled it over my head. I wasn’t surprised when the shirt swallowed me whole and stopped at my knees.“Would you like a late-night treat?”My interests piqued. He’s being so…nice. I hope Nice Jackson is here to stay. I don’t know how I’ll feel if he turns into an asshole again. Especially with how far we’ve come. He snapped his fingers, drawing me back to the conversation we were having. “Um…yes, I would like a treat.”He nodded. “I’ll be back shortly.”Jackson left and I returned to my bedroom to retrieve my laptop and headphones. I’d started the next episode of Bleed With Me while I waited for his return. I was so immersed in the show that I hadn’t noticed his return ten minutes later. Strong fingers tapped my shoulder and I was surprised to find Jackson hovering above me with two steaming mugs in his hands. I removed the headphones and apologized. “Too much television can
Imani“I need more, Jack.”The words had tumbled out of my mouth faster than I could have ever imagined. I was past pretending–past shame and embarrassment. I needed Jackson, and I’d worry about how our dynamics would change in the morning. He kissed me again, and the smoldering fire in my belly turned into a raging inferno. I fell back against the pillows and my legs parted instinctually. “Your wish is my command,” he whispered against my lips.I sharply inhaled when his fingers ran between my folds. My legs trembled around his thick body and he grinned wolfishly. “So sensitive, Little Lamb. And so wet. Let me show you.”He raised his fingers in the darkness of the room that was bathed by the moonlight. His fingers glinted with my arousal for him. My jaw slackened when he eased a dripping finger toward his mouth. His pink tongue slid out for a taste while the anticipation was killing me. My hips rolled–searching for contact. I whimpered when my clit scraped across the front of his
Jackson“You wanted me to hear you, Little Lamb. So…here I am.”“It was an accident,” she tried arguing, pulling the sheet tight around her. I inhaled deeply and released a shuddered growl. My wolf, Rowan, threatened to make an appearance–the need to mate was enough to bring him out of hibernation. “This was no accident, Little Lamb; you wanted me to hear you.” She shook her head furiously. I grinned. “I knew you were in heat since the moment I opened my eyes this morning.”“You…you did?”“I did,” I replied painfully, trying to concentrate on not losing myself to my primal side–the side that wanted to consume her, uncaring of her comfort or pleasure.She has no idea how difficult it was riding in a vehicle with her!“Why didn’t you say anything?” she questioned. It took me several seconds to reply because my eyes were transfixed on her hard nipples poking through the thin sheet that hid her body from me. “Because…I wanted to see how how long you’d go before asking for help, and you
ImaniMy top teeth drove into my bottom lip as the vampire lovers passionately kissed on the screen. My throat felt tight and dry as the raw passion between the forbidden couple from warring covens intensified. I snatched my champagne glass off the coffee table and guzzled it down, hoping it would provide relief. Instead, the room seemed to become warmer and it felt harder to breathe.Truthfully, I’d been warm since I stepped into Judge Max and Mary’s residence. I was grateful when Jackson removed my coat because I was sweltering. I didn’t say anything about the temperature in the home because we were guests and I didn’t want to be difficult.But now I feel like I’m on fire.My mouth gaped when the male lead crammed his face between the female lead’s legs. She writhed on the bed, moaning and twisting her fingers in the black satin sheets.“Are you okay, Imani?” Mary asked, pausing the show. “I-I’m fine,” I stuttered. I snatched my eyes away from the screen and focused on my lap. “Yo
Imani“Look at the rose bushes, Jackson. I want rose bushes,” I said, pouting as I thought about the lack of welcoming greenery around our cabin. There were trees, pinecones, sticks, and leaves—that was it.“Your request is denied,” he said flatly as we took the three steps onto the porch of Judge Max’s and Mary’s residence. Unlike the mansion from the party, Judge Max’s home was a white two-story colonial with grand columns, blue shutters, and a wraparound porch. It was exactly the kind of home Mary always envisioned for herself.“Why? Do you not like flowers?” I asked curiously.“I love flowers. I don’t have time to tend to them, and you don’t seem like the type to have a green thumb. The rose bush would probably shrivel up and die from your touch.”“Ha-ha. You’re very funny.” I paused and pointed. “I want rocking chairs, Jackson.”“The next thing I know you’ll tell me that you want Judge Max,” he whispered under his breath.“What is that supposed to mean?” I asked, pausing before r
Imani“That’s a camera, and it’s conveniently pointed in this direction.” A low murmur struck amongst the crowd. “I wonder what I’ll see if I visit the security control room and request for the guard to show me the footage of the alleged theft of the alleged ring. I wonder what we’d find.” Jackson allowed his words to hang heavy in the air while some of the nobles made themselves scarce, tugging their breeders behind them. “If I were a betting man, I’d bet we’d discover that my mate is innocent of the crimes she’s being accused of, and you all were attempting to throw an innocent woman in jail because of your personal vendetta against me. Unfortunately, all of you could be charged with conspiracy and making a false report. So, I’ll be gracious since we’re all supposed to be celebrating tonight and give you one more chance. Did you see my mate steal the ring?”Bastille cleared his throat and adjusted his tuxedo jacket.“I may have been mistaken.”Jackson grinned widely. “It’s okay, Bas
ImaniSeveral minutes had passed since I’d been left to my own devices in the backyard. A few nobles and their breeders had filtered out and were having quiet conversations amongst themselves. I kept checking the door waiting for Jackson to make his appearance and tell me it was time to go home. There was nothing more I wanted to do than climb into bed in my pajamas and watch a movie.I wonder what vampire soap opera Mary’s watching.I retrieved my cell phone from my purse and texted her.Me: You made the right choice by staying home.Mary: Is the party boring?Me: Very. Plus, the company is lacking.Mary: I can imagine. I couldn’t bring myself to go. To be honest, there aren’t many girls from Eden I want to speak with. Unfortunately, the ones I liked were killed.My chest ached with grief.Mary: How sad is that? The good girls died, and the mean girls lived.Me: Let’s talk about something else. What is the vampire soap opera that Judge Max says is so good that you won’t deign us with
Imani“That’s awful. I wish Judge Jackson would’ve given me the choice to stay home,” I huffed, motioning for Judge Max to pass me another slice of cake.“There were two reasons he didn’t want to leave you home.”“What were they?”“For one, trouble finds you.” I subtly rolled my eyes and stabbed the delicious chocolate cake with my fork. “Secondly, and keep this to yourself, but Judge Jackson wanted to show you off.”I stopped chewing and eyed Judge Max skeptically. “Are you serious?” I asked around a mouthful of cake.“You’re speaking with your mouthful. That’s very unladylike.”“Sorry,” I mumbled before swallowing the cake down and wiping my mouth with a napkin he offered. “Did he really say that?”“No, he would never admit that, but I’ve known Judge Jackson since we were children in Oasis, and I’m his right hand. Your presence wasn’t required. He also put in a lot of effort to make you look comparable to the noble breeders. Perhaps…they’re not only jealous because of cake.”I sighe
ImaniI sat with my hands in my lap and tried not to think about my encounter with Jackson in the locker room. But how could I forget when my body still strummed with hot desire for the man? His teasing was so relentless that I thought I’d combust.There’s no doubt that I want Judge Jackson, but does he truly want me? Yes, he teases, but it’s possible that’s all there is to it. It’s possible that teasing me is just a fun way to pass the time—a source of amusement to break up the humdrum.“You seem…preoccupied. A penny for your thoughts?” he asked with a sly smile.“I don’t know what’s expected of me at this banquet. I don’t want to do something that’ll land me in trouble.”“Hmph. You do have a knack for finding trouble, but it’s simple, Imani. Stick by my, remain silent, and don’t make direct eye contact with any other males. Any other questions?”“Will I be able to speak with any of the other breeders?”He nodded lazily. “I’m sure you all have a lot to catch up on.”“I’m curious. Wha