ImaniI sat on the bed against the headboard with my new, sleek cell phone and chrome laptop. I never thought in my wildest dreams that I’d have access to these technological devices. I wasn’t even sure how to work them. It would’ve been helpful if Judge Jackson would’ve left me with a manual.I tilted the phone to the side and used what little knowledge I had from watching my supervisors to activate the phone. It brought me to black screen with the time and date, along with a message that said, “Good morning, Imani.”I browsed through the phone, scrolling through the various screens and applications until I found the one that led to the Internet. I could’ve looked up anything, anything at all, but my curiosity led to me looking up Judge Jackson.At first, everything appeared normal. There was a picture of him in full regalia. Those cold, icy eyes were empty, yet they penetrated me through the screen. I could almost hear him chastising me, and saying my name in that frigid tone that m
ImaniThe pack where Judge Jackson lived could only be described as beautiful. With the exception of Judge Jackson’s homey cabin, all the homes were grandiose—some were even mansions with gates that kept others out and sprawling green grass and gardens. I did not envy the shifters who lived in the mansions one bit. I enjoyed Judge Jackson’s cabin in the woods. It was quaint, quiet, and peaceful.“Breeder!” a man called out.I stopped in my tracks and turned to address the man. He was a nobleman I recognized from the Breeding Ceremony. He’d chosen the most beautiful breeder from Breeder Group A—Amber. I wasn’t fond of Amber.Well, saying I’m not fond of her is an understatement. I detest her.Because Amber was beautiful and everyone with eyes knew she would be in Breeder Group A, she looked down on girls who would most likely end up in the bottom groups and refused to speak with us.My mouth dropped as they came closer. The girl had a black leather collar around her neck that was attac
Imani“We need to get out of here,” I said, looking for a window to escape out of. To my dismay, I couldn’t find one.What was I thinking?“Hey, Amber. Did you hear me? We need to get out of here.”I turned to face her, and my face scrunched up in confusion. While I was looking for an escape route, she’d changed her dress into a see-through one that left very little to the imagination. Her nipples poked through the fabric and her pubic region was clearly shaved and on display. Her private areas weren’t the only thing on display. Bruises and scars riddled her pale skin—some were old, and some were fresh. I’d say they were as recent as yesterday—quite possibly today.“Put this on,” she instructed, extending a matching dress to me.“I’m…I’m not wearing that.”“You have to,” she replied in a low, monotone voice. Her voice was no longer boisterous and loud like it was at Eden—it was demure and lifeless—a far cry from the young woman I knew from before.“I’m not wearing that,” I repeated.“
Judge Jackson“This doesn’t make any damn sense,” I complained as I reviewed the charts. “These numbers are off…really off.”Pressure built behind my eyes after reading the charts once more. The fertility rates of purebred wolves had dropped to a concerning level. Thirty-eight percent was alarming, but what was even more shocking was that the breeders are taking longer to become pregnant. Instead of becoming pregnant within two months of their departure from Eden, breeders were now taking as long as eight months to become pregnant.Why do these rates look so dismal? What has changed just from last year?“We need to run the numbers again.”“There is no use. The numbers were run repeatedly. They’re accurate,” Elder Francis confirmed with a heavy sigh.He’s sighing. It’s never good when an elder sighs. Usually that means that changes are coming, and lives will be affected.“Do you know what this means, Judge Jackson?”“It means that there is a probability that the fertility issue is exac
Judge JacksonI raced out of the pack house, dodging curious and equally aggravating wolves who wanted to conference with me after Elder Francis’s departure.“Judge Jackson!” Judge Max shouted, following me to my car.“I can’t talk. Imani’s in trouble!”“Do you need backup?”I paused briefly to consider his offer and shook his head. “No, it’s best there are no witnesses. I wouldn’t want you to have to perjure yourself on my behalf in case shit goes left.”I didn’t wait for a response and jumped in my car. Gravel kicked up and sprayed behind my vehicle as it lurched down the driveway. I hit the corner that would take me to Alpha Andrew’s house and prayed that Imani would be safe until I’d gotten there.If he lays a hand on her…the Moon Goddess won’t be able to save him.My car skidded to a stop outside Alpha Andrew’s grand estate. I got out of the car in no time and approached the gate. It was locked, but that wouldn’t stop me. I stepped back from the gate, observed the locking mechani
ImaniI passed out shortly after Judge Jackson arrived. I played a dangerous game antagonizing Alpha Andrew, but somehow, deep down, I knew that Judge Jackson would save me, just like he did at the Breeding Selection Ceremony.Yelling forced my eyes to flutter, bringing me back to semi-consciousness, but hearing Judge Jackson call the other man ‘brother’ made them fly open in disbelief.Judge Jackson and Alpha Andrew are brothers?I focused my eyes on the two men and the resemblance became clearer as the seconds ticked by.“They should put you in the fucking prison and experiment on you. Maybe you’re the one with a mutation!” Alpha Andrew yelled. “Something has to be alarmingly off in your brain for you to select the lowest of breeders! You are an Alpha and the highest-ranking Judge deserving of the purest form of breeders, yet you have one that will guarantee produce pups with mutations—if at all!”“Who I’m with is none of your concern,” Judge Jackson said.“That same thinking screwe
Imani“Imani,” a voice whispered. I groaned from being roused from my sleep and my eyes fluttered open. “Imani, we’re home.”Home. I never thought I’d have a home.“Can you walk?” he asked. The concern in his tone flustered me. I’d never had someone concerned about my wellbeing like Judge Jackson. It saddened me a little, because I knew there were thousands of breeders out there whose men didn’t care about them at all.Hell, we are seen as property by most. They don’t care about the breeders, but care about the pups that are produced. How did I get so lucky to have a male who not only cares for me but will kill for me? Kill his own flesh and blood for me? But then again, did Judge Jackson really do all of those things because he cares for me, or because he has a strong sense of duty?“Imani, can you walk?” he repeated, capturing my attention.“Y-yeah…I think so,” I said, tugging the blanket around me tighter as I exited the car. “What happened to Amber?”“She was taken to the infirmar
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“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