ROCCOSo you’re here for the gory details of my demise. You’re in for a treat.After Callum left I continued throwing back the vodka, believing after enough of it some of the guilt would go. Instead anger, in its rawest, most primal form, pounced. My mind tortured me with the recent failures of my life. The way I had handled Selene, games and half-truths. The fact I cared for her more than any woman I had ever known yet, she had quite rightly dropped me like trash. Flinging almost the full bottle of vodka down my neck, my thoughts went darker and deeper.Wicknace, the way I had to pay my respects to him, getting someone else to do my dirty work for me. For some reason the image of him banging that red-haired girl on my old desk came into my mind. A banging on the front door broke my thought.I charged up the stairs ready to unleash hell on anyone who dared cross me tonight.“I don't give a shit who you are, just leave!""Rocco, it's Natasha," a husk
SELENEI spent the morning at the hospital with Pen. Unfortunately my mother and Marie tired her out with wittering and fussing so I spent four hours just holding her hand while she slept. The bruises around her face were already turning into a kaleidoscope of painful shades. Purples and yellows sprouted all over her body like she was changing into another species entirely.I stepped out of the hospital into the dusty, arid parking area, hair an untidy mess and wearing an outfit from ten years ago. The red polka dot tea dress I'd plucked from the obscurity of my teenage wardrobe was still not a good look. I rolled my eyes imagining the insults Troy would launch. Probably something about having gone full country-singer after less than a day out of the city.What wiped the smile from my face was seeing a red open-top sports car pull up containing three familiar faces. My heart leapt to see Troy, but what kind of twisted karma brought Rocco here?At least he s
ROCCOI've done my bit.Let me have a bit of peace, I might look my usual handsome self but I am rocking a vodka hangover to make the gods wince.I've also driven through this baking hot wasteland of a county to get our two gay lovebirds over to the hospital. They hated me for interrupting again, but the mating heat had worn off just enough for Jacob to see the sense of appearing.Selene's needing support for her sister, gave Troy his reason, which sealed the deal. I had to wait half an hour in the parking lot while they "dressed" although from the little smirk on Troy's face I think I got lied to. Smug is a whole new look on my usually bashful blonde friend but he is rolling in it today. Bless his joyous little face. I had to tell Troy what happened though. His face dropped and he roughly dragged his hands through his long brown hair when he realised I had given away her secret. "Well…fuck Rocco there isn't any coming back from that.""I know."
***FOUR WEEKS LATER – FULL MOON***SELENEI’m sitting at my dressing table alone. Again. Just the same as last time I got dressed up. This time it's a long bright white evening gown. It clung to me like a glove with a teasingly low-cut, narrow cleavage revealing down the centre. Troy's parting gift. Soft pink lips, no harsh red tonight and my hair in loose waves.No Troy, not since he moved into Jacob's apartment. I didn’t realise how empty my place would feel without him. The fridge is permanently full and I’m having to throw food out that’s expired, I’m mentally still buying for two. Staring at the mirror whilst clasping a long drop platinum necklace, I feel as though I'm a ship trapped within a whirlpool watching my own demise coming straight towards me.Serious, sensible Selene, the one that has seen me through all the struggles before has been on overtime. Wrung out like a manic circus performer I am trying to keep every part of my life going yet faili
JIMMY Oh I'm sorry, were you expecting Rocco? Well you're out of luck aren't you. Sit down and fucking listen listen The me for a change. The greasy dark-haired lothario of the gambling world has been sidelined for once. Don't tell me you're one of his simpering fools too. It's my turn to set some records straight. I'm Jimmy Haskell. Me and my triplet brother Julien haven't been busting our asses climbing the ladder of power all these years for nothing. The Haskell Triplets - we are a huge deal in the Silverlake pack. Renowned, feared and that reputation is heading into the city too. Wicknace, sadistic bastard that he is, isn't getting any younger. The more I fetch him rich foods, beverages and cigars the closer my feet edge towards being the Alpha of Silverlake. It's all a matter of playing the game. There's nothing wrong with rigging the game in your favour if you're clever enough to get away with it though. I still can't believe she is messing
ROCCO It is a raging success here. All the big names and clients have turned up. Only thing to rain on my parade so far are the twelve armoured heavies unsubtly wandering about the place. I'm trying to convince myself it adds a layer of cool to those not in the know. A bit of edge, which let's be honest is hard to come by in tourist-friendly hotel casinos. An hour in, I remembered to check in on Callum. Ringing him the phone was snatched up within the first ring, hardly cool and collected. "Hey man, is everything okay over there?" "Yeah all stocked and ready to open." I dropped my voice to a conspiratorial tone, "and you're okay with everything that's coming?" Meaning the armed mafia that is going to come and rob our safe. Not the fun, sexy side of casino ownership I'd promised him. "Rocco…" "Yes?" "Nothing, smash it tonight, it's going to be brilliant." Bit weird but nerves get us all differently. With that I ended the ca
SELENE I’m pretty sure I’m meant to be dead right now. Or mated to Jimmy Haskell. I’d choose the first option and I almost did have a literal gun to my head just now. I thought I was safe, hanging out with the Godiva crowd. I even started to loosen up. Having a few drinks with Jax and the others we were enjoying the music and the vibe of the place. Jax looked fabulous in her hot pink bodycon, and it was her night to celebrate. The place looked amazing, the royal blue and glass theme was so cool, so modern that I knew everyone would be blown away. I felt proud of Rocco, he had pulled this out of nothing in three months, with Jax’s help. She deserves to celebrate herself into oblivion tonight as this is going to launch Godiva’s reputation skywards. Seeing as I’m quitting and getting the hell out of this city on Monday morning, I feel like a bit of a third wheel. It isn’t my future I’m celebrating. Whether Pen or not comes with me is up to her. Greg had
ROCCO I knew it was coming. It’s been set in motion for weeks, ever since I left that drunken voicemail on Johnny Deco’s phone. Despite it being a selfish, thoughtless impulsive call that I could have reversed at any point here we were. Men and shifters with guns were now loose in the casino. The launch was over, the Jasmine Quartet’s glittering moment in the sun had been brief to say the least. I had managed to smuggle Selene into that hotel and back again before Jimmy could return from bandaging up his arm. His eyes blazed furiously, ice cold across the packed room as he thundered across to Alpha Wicknace. He was having a merry old time, chatting away to some delegates, schmoozing away with the best of them getting merry on aged scotch. The elegance of the evening light helped add to the places appear, the full moon visible from all angles of the casino with its full height glass windows. Wicknaces hand was firmly clamped to Erica’s thigh, ensuring sure sh
SELENEI don't know how much of the wedding I've got cemented in my memory. I'll never forget his face though. The way his expression changed when our eyes met. He was already looking handsome, that dark blue colour my favourite of his suits.He didn't break out into a goofy smile or make any silly gestures like I've seen at other weddings. He just watched and took me in. His eyes never left mine, just dark, intense and brooding as he studied my approach. Knowing how intensely he was watching made my skin crackle.The matching vows was too insane for words. Our wolves were in sync, content and happy being reunited after a day apart. The meal with Rocco and Jacob was great fun too. We laughed and drank the night away.He loved my present of the string quarter, and I adored my flowers. I had one extra present for him. I slid a wrapped watch box over to him as we finished our cake and champagne.Rocco and Troy watched on in curiosity as he opened it and burst out in
TWO WEEKS LATERROCCOWhen we first started these pleasant little chats I would never have guessed where we would end.To be specific, well actually…can you guess? I'm in a very smart navy blue suit, white open shirt. I have an exotic hot pink orchid pinned to my lapel by a ridiculously over excited Troy.Jacobs is in a matching suit, Troy is in a white linen suit. He's already strutted in, declared he's too hot for this drama and just wants to get to the bar. Yet I know he's joking. He's already pulled me to one side and told me Selene is the only bit of his heart that doesn't belong to Jacob.Yes. You're here for my wedding. My bride is going to walk down the aisle any minute. I picked the flowers. Driving the long, winding way to Florida we had a blast. So many random towns, restaurants, mind blowing views and funny locals. By the time we arrived in Florida the plans were set. We would be married on the end of the pier at sunset. Its shit for photos
SELENEI had to drag my ass in to work this morning. Not because I was unsure about quitting but leaving Rocco alone in my bed was torture to my soul.I am so pleased my idea to head to the boardwalk paid off. He is the sweetest yet strongest guy I've ever met. And we're engaged too. What the hell. And we're going to be millionaires. It's insane.It's weird how synchronised we are despite the differences in our personality. All the way home we talked about different business ideas and locations. The actual getting married we both agree will be something low key and simple. We both want Jacob and Troy there but apart from that I'm not too bothered what we do.Life is just getting started. As my heels click along the floor to Godiva for the last time I notice how run down the reception is. Like a few days away makes you notice everything with fresh eyes. I smiled to myself as I took the lift, as I had done everything time since that Rocco snared me in it.I th
ROCCO Selene taking me out for dinner, she's humming a happy little tune, she's absolutely plotting something. It's around four in the afternoon but she's itching to get away. I find myself watching her fluttering about, filling a bag with soda and chips. She wasn't planning a regular outing to a restaurant and I waited for her to notice me. She wore a gorgeous teal tunic dress and leggings. Her blonde curls were loose and wavy, framing that pretty heart-shaped face. Her hazel eyes had a sparkle, she was loving having a little surprise for me and it made my heart surge. "Do I need to take anything?" "If you can find me the car keys then were good to go," she smiled. Back in the lamborghini once more she took the wheel and I sat back as she sped off, the city soon a distant outline on the horizon. For once I wasn't on the road to Silverlake, not that I watched the road too much. My eyes, urged by my wolf pushed me to keep taking a mental picture o
SELENE My wolf snickered in delight as her cheeky little plan worked. I'd been quickly sifting through my wardrobe looking for an appropriate "resigning from my job with no intention to work any leave" outfit when the black velvet jacket glinted. I'd always wondered what he would have done that first night if Jax and Greg hadn't inadvertently ruined the moment. Why not find out my wolf had purred and I quickly found the matching black pencil skirt from the same evening. His face lit up when he saw me. His apartment was exactly as I expected, grey and sterile. Rocco put all of his soul into his casino, not a cosy home life. It also meant when he pulled me to him, surrounded by all that grey and metal it felt like I was back in that changing room all over again. "So what was your plan, that night?" "Hmm, the first time you wore this?" I nodded as he took my hand and lead me over to his kitchen island. "Well…I was already disappointed you hadn't
ROCCO One of the amazing things about having Selene for a mate - she is one clever, clever cookie. Arter a very long sleep together in her huge bed its afternoon before I phone Jacob to get his buy in on the new plan. Those guys were already in Florida enjoying the beach. Selene was tapping away on her laptop I'm the crowd of my arm composing her resignation letter. I didn't ask about that just yet. More pressing issues right now like the fact I'm probably a wanted man after that shootout. It was time to give Johnny Deco a call. It may seem like a suicide move and it probably is. Considering the easy mob hit and safe full of drugs turned into a gunslinger firefight with duffel bags full of washing powder i doubt he wants to chat. "Rocco, you've got some balls to be phoning me," he growled lowly. "Johnny, hear me out, I've got the solution for us both just tell me where you meet you. Your terms, no games here." Silence greeted my effort. It was alw
SELENE It all feels too natural, so relaxed. Stood on the porch with Roccos strong hand around my waist, his thumb softly stroking the inside curve of my side. The raging fireworks of the heat period had been replaced with a gentle hum of connection. It didn't stop me craving him though. From the porch I could see the three covered bodies in the town square. Real life is waiting for us alongside this absolute disaster. Troy managed to lighten the mood at least, "darling there's been a bloodbath I don't think showtunes are going to be required " looking at my navy and white polka dress with disdain. "Thank you Troy," I said earnestly, "I owe you one." He rolled his eyes, "just never ever lose your phone again and I'm happy." The town was buzzing with gossip. This was the most dramatic thing to happen in our pack for twenty years. It meant nothing to me though. None of us had fought for the Silverlake Pack. We had fought for each other. To overcome
ROCCO Well, shit a brick that was intense. It’s so intense that I’m lying on teenage Selene’s bed, knowing she’s in the shower and I can’t even bring myself to go and interrupt her. I’m kind of frozen, my jaw clenched tightly as flashbacks run riot through my mind. Teeth, fur, blood and throat cold feeling of stone cobbles assault my senses. There is too much to sort out. I’m feeling overwhelmed. Callum’s dead body is in the casino cellar. I’ve killed the Alpha of a pack, realistically there should be a mob baying for my head on a stick. I nearly lost Selene. I think that’s what’s upsetting me more than anything. The guilt of losing Callum and being only minutes away from losing Selene has turned my stomach, every organ in my body upside down. Then its kicked them into a blender and minced me. The water stops and Selene steps out of the shower and I need to make a choice. Do I confide…or pretend to be okay, slap on a cheeky Rocco mask and mak
SELENE I knew it was Rocco the instant I saw his brown fur, his brown eyes met mine and my wolf leapt up in my chest. I must have looked terrifying with my blonde hair all crazy and wild, pale, shivering and locked in a cage. But he was here. Whatever Jimmy had tried to do to him he had escaped. Hah, fuck you Jimmy I thought briefly. That was before Alpha Wicknace made his garbled speech and flung an axe. Now I’m watching my mate fight for his life. Troy is here too, my heart melted when I saw he was there, he truly is the best friend I could ever wish for. How can nobody else in this town be fighting for me? How are they all stood around watching these six wolves tear themselves apart and stand there. Pathetic, the lot of them. When I see Rocco and Wicknace going at it my wolf is in agony. I want to help, I need to shift and take part, help my mate. I wave and gesture at Pen and Marie who are stood close, “get the keys” I mouth, pointing at the discarded pa