A week had passed since I was brutally punished by Alpha Andrew. All of my wounds had healed by Day Three, but Jackson was insistent on keeping an eye on me by working from home. I was slightly annoyed by his hovering, but it was a sign that he cared. As thanks, I decided to make a large breakfast for him.And I might have a favor to ask him as well.First, I put a kettle on to boil to prepare his coffee. I measured and poured the coffee grounds into the carafe and minutes later I added boiling water and depressed the plunger. According to Jackson, I couldn’t make decent coffee to save my life. He complained that I either used too much coffee grounds or too little or I used too much water, or not enough.It’ll be different this time…I’m sure of it. He’ll like it, and if he doesn’t, then too damn bad.I worked on breakfast while responding to text messages from Mary. I wasn’t a fan of texting, but Jackson insisted it was something I’d get used to.Mary: I’m so glad you’re okay!Imani:
Imani“I can help, you know.”Jackson snorted derisively. “Yes…I’ve witnessed your version of ‘help’, and I think I rather be without it.”I pouted. “It was a mistake. I was distracted.”“By what?” he asked, flipping a pancake.“I was texting Mary.”“Your friend who can cook, according to Judge Max.”I rolled my eyes at the playful taunt.“I can cook.”“Setting food on fire is not cooking.”I opened my mouth to argue but thought otherwise. We’d just be going around and around in circles, and while I hadn’t set anything on fire, breakfast was inedible.“Agreed. While we’re on the subject of Mary, do you think you can ask Judge Max if it’s okay for her to come over for lunch, or vice versa? Do you think it will be an issue?”“I don’t foresee an issue as long as Mary is agreeable. Judge Max is quite enamored with Mary. Some say he treats her too well, but the ones who’ve made such deplorable claims tend to have unhappy breeders and no pups to show for it. It’s pure jealousy.”I drooled w
ImaniI picked up the manual and flipped to the passage he called out. I snorted when I read that all breeders must serve as escorts to events as mandated by their high-ranking partner. I snapped the booklet closed with a heavy sigh. I wasn’t looking forward to the banquet. For one, I knew I’d be met with cold, hard gazes, screwed lips, and snide remarks.But…if I look on the bright side…Mary might be there. It’ll be nice to see at least one friendly face. I mean, Judge Jackson wouldn’t be hostile towards me, but calling the man’s face friendly is a lie.“Imani, we have much to do!” Dr. Hemsworth called.“I’m sorry,” I apologized as I approached him.“It’s quite all right. Judge Jackson promised you’d be useful in my research and gave me permission to lock you in a cell if you give me any difficulty.” My mouth gaped in shock. “I’m kidding. Relax,” he said with a chuckle, holding the door open for me.It didn’t seem like a joke to me because I could picture Jackson saying it. We passed
ImaniI stepped out of the shower in the locker room and fanned myself. The water was even hotter than the water at Jackson’s house, and I’m not ashamed to admit that I took full advantage. The hot water did wonders to melt away the stress of the day. I’d been in a slump ever since Dr. Hemsworth told me the story about losing his mate. He tried to mask the pain by being energetic, staying busy, and talking my ear off, but I could tell from the far off look in his eyes that he was still under the influence of grief.We ended work thirty minutes ago and he escorted me to the locker room to get ready for the banquet once he’d confirmed the administrative staff was gone and no one would be milling about. I stood under the spray, allowing the hot water to batter my aching shoulders and neck. I’d grown stiff from being hunched over documents and medical journals all day.I approached the wall length mirror above the sinks and wiped my hand across it, clearing the condensation. I screamed wh
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
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
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 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
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