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
ImaniHe didn’t say what I think he said…did he? Please, Goddess, tell me he didn’t say that he marked me.“I-I’m sorry. Can you repeat that?”“I marked you,” he responded plainly.“Without my consent? We talked about this.”“It was in the heat of the moment,” he tried explaining.“But what about the ramifications?” I asked, trying to break through to him.He leaned in and whispered in my ear, “How is anyone going to know?”His fingers trailed beneath the water and wrapped around my thigh. He propped my leg up, giving me a view of his mark. It was raised against my flesh, resembling a fang.“What do you think?” he asked hesitantly as I traced the mark with a finger. I could hear the uncertainty in his voice—a subtle fear that I would disapprove of his mark.“It’s unique,” I whispered. He snorted, and I relaxed against his chest. “It’s a good thing,” I insisted.“You’re unique,” he said, reminding me that we still needed to get to the bottom of what I was.“You were going to shoot me,”
ImaniI lay on the bed, soaking wet from the shower, yet Jackson didn’t seem to mind. His gaze roved over me hungrily, and mine did the same. He…was…glorious. And there wasn’t an inch of sculpted muscles that I didn’t want to touch and taste. I could still taste him on my tongue—rich, salty, and delicious.He climbed on the bed, hovering over me briefly before capturing my lips with his. The kiss was soft and delicate, and as much as I appreciated his care and gentleness, my heat was threatening to engulf me.“Jack, I need you,” I said, whimpering as another pulsing heat shot through me. He gazed into my eyes and it was then I realized the brilliant blue had shifted to black.He nodded and said, “Forgive me now if I can’t control myself.”“What?” I asked incredulously.“Say you forgive me,” he pleaded, smoothing away the hair that clung to my forehead.“I-I forgive you.”He kissed my forehead and wedged himself between my thighs. I felt him long and hard as he nudged at my entranced.
Jackson“J-Jackson, what are you doing?” she stammered, pressing herself against the shower wall. She was scared to death, but so was I.I watched in horror as steam rose from her flesh. My worst nightmare had come true. I allowed myself to develop feelings for Imani against my better judgment, and now I had to put her down.How cruel of the Moon Goddess to curse us with this affliction. Haven’t we suffered enough?“You’re…you’re mutating,” I whispered. I switched the gun to my opposite hand, hoping the shaking would stop, but it only worsened.“Jackson…put the gun away…please. I’m not mutating. I think it’s my heat,” she said, pleading for her life.“That’s what you would say to stay alive.”She closed her eyes, and I couldn’t tell if the liquid that rolled down her cheeks was tears or the water from the shower head.I tensed when I heard my wolf’s voice in my head.Rowan: Breed her.Jackson: Are you fucking mad?Rowan: She’s not mutating. It’s as she said.Jackson: It’s her heat?Ro
ImaniI woke to a pounding headache and Mary sitting in a chair beside my bed. “Goddess, you’re finally up,” she rushed out, relocating to the edge of the bed. “How long was I out?”“Maybe twenty minutes. How are you feeling?”“I have an headache,” I admitted, touching the back of my head. I hissed when my fingers made contact and jerked my hand back.“I’ll get you some aspirin,” Mary said, leaving for the bathroom. She rummaged around the medicine cabinet before returning with a glass of water and two white pills. I took the painkillers and prayed they’d have an immediate affect. “Imani… Max didn’t mean to hurt you,” she said almost pleadingly. I winced and settled further against the pillows as she continued to hurl apologies at me. “I’m sorry, Mary, but I’m not in really in the mood for talking. I accept your apologies, but I wish to be alone.”I felt a sharp pang in my chest when Mary’s face fell. The guilt on her soft features was overwhelming. “Hey,” I said, reaching out to
JacksonMax gazed at me hopefully before asking, “You will?”I nodded sullenly. “I will.”“Why?”“Your mate is pregnant. Your instincts will want you to be near her at all times. Worst case scenario, you’ll become distracted and make mistakes and you might not return. We can’t let that happen.”Max smirked. “You’re not fooling me. With me gone, you wouldn’t have anyone to have your back.”“Two things can be true at once,” I insisted. “I’m at a lost, Max. Tell me why you’re willing to risk your livelihood and status?”He snorted derisively. I observed him carefully as he swirled the whiskey in his glass gently. He looked like a man backed into a corner with no way to escape–a man on a tall ledge, staring dow at the long drop in trepidation. “Your question is rhetorical; you’re asking questions you already know the answer to.”“I wish I had all the answers, but I don’t. You need to get to talking because as it stands, I am your superior, and keeping your secret would give the Elders
ImaniMy eyes widened from Mary’s revelation. Pregnant?“Oh…Mary,” I whispered, bending down to embrace her in a hug. “When did you find out?”“This morning, actually. We were so excited and then Max received a voice mail from Judge Jackson informing him that he needed to take his place on this mission.”“I’m so happy for you, Mary. When are you going to register your pregnancy?”An uncomfortable feeling seeped into my bones when Mary’s face paled. She stood on shaky legs and pulled me to my walk in closet, closing the door behind us. “I have to tell you something. But you have to promise not to say anything. You can’t even tell Judge Jackson,” she whispered. “Can you do that?” I gulped around the large knot that formed in my throat, preparing myself for the worst. I licked my dry lips before nodding. “I need you to say it,” she hissed.“I won’t say anything,” I rushed out.“Not even to Judge Jackson,” Mary repeated.“I won’t say anything…not even to Jackson.”She glanced at me ster
Imani“Are you hiding from me, Little Lamb? I strongly advise against it. You can’t hide what’s mine.”His words left me breathless and painfully aroused. Mine…I like being his. His massive hands gripped my knees, and I licked my bottom lip in anticipation. He puts gentle pressure on them, and they part on his demands.“Just…like…that…Little Lamb,” he whispered hoarsely from above. He teased me like I knew he would, skirting his fingers over my trembling flesh. I jolted when he grasped my right thigh painfully. My brows furrowed, and I squirmed anxiously as his thumb sank into the muscle. “Jack–”“Shhhh,” he shushed. I clamped my mouth shut and waited for it all to be over. He removed his hand after a few seconds, leaving behind a bruise that was already forming. “Right there,” he murmured, gently prodding the bruise. My breath caught when he lowered himself again–his face eye level with my heat. I shuddered when he flattened his tongue against my inner thigh and gave it a lavish l
JacksonHer eyes widened cartoonishly after my declaration. She was shocked and hadn’t expected me to put my foot down in such a manner, but Dr. Hemsworth proved to me that he couldn’t be trusted. “B-but I like working at the prison. Won’t you reconsider?”“You can find employment elsewhere. In fact, I have an opening for a secretary.”Not really, butg she doesn’t need to know that.“You just made that up.”“You can either work as my secretary, or you can stay home, drink champagne and eat chocolates while watching racy television shows like your friend Mary. There’s no need to answer right now. You have 48 hours to decide. For now, we have more pressing matters to discuss.”“Such as?”Such as why you rejected me and stomped on my heart. Goddess, this woman is making me emotional. “You expressed that you didn’t want to be marked; however, due to the recent events, I think you should reconsider.”“Okay.”“It’s in your best–wait…okay?”“Okay,” she replied nonchalantly, raising my susp
ImaniI clutched my stomach with one hand and held Jackson’s hand with the other. My grip lacked firmness, but Jackson more than made up for it. Despite his crushing grip, his hold was comforting and gave me strength with every passing second. “Tell me what to do,” he whispered. His voice came out low and pleading and it made my rapidly beating heart tinge with sadness because I didn’t know how to help him. “I’m cold,” I whispered. He pressed the back of his hand against my forehead and frowned. “You’re burning up.”“I don’t feel like it.”“I’ll get you some more blankets,” he said, finally leaving my side. I closed my eyes and breathed steadily, praying to the Moon Goddess that relief wasn’t far off. Dr. Hemsworth had given me the shot, and it seemed to work almost immediately. My heat had receded and we’d went back to normal. Thirty minutes later, I had broken out in a sweat and was doubled over in pain. My vision blurred, and the next thing I knew, I was staring up at the glar