Emma came awake first. She knew instantly she wasn't in her bed, but she couldn't remember where she was. She felt the arms around her tighten slightly, and she suddenly realized that they did not belong to Lucien Dex.They'd fallen asleep in the closet."Dex."He groaned but didn't wake. "Wake up."She shoved him this time. His eyes flew opened. "What?""We fell asleep in the closet." She looked at her phone. Lucien wouldn't be awake yet. She might still have time to slip into bed. Dex sat up, yawned, and scratched his chest. "My back is going to hurt all day.""Yeah? That doesn't seem like a huge problem. I have to get back to the cottage."He rose. They both listened. "I don't think anyone is out there."She moved to the door, but Dex caught her. "There is no one else I'd rather be in a closet with."She smiled up at him. She'd had a good time, maybe even better than if she'd met up with Kendra. Wait. She needed an alibi. She pulled out her phone, holding a finger up to do Dex.
Emma chose not to argue with Lucien. It was one day. She could clench her jaw and get through it. She followed him to the main hotel. In the lobby, she found her parents. "Emma," her mother, Barbara, said and hugged her. Lucien shook her father's hand. "Jeff.""Lucien, my boy. You are looking good," Jeff said, slapping him on the back. "You as well."Lucien only turned on this charm for Emma's parents. It chafed her, but there wasn't anything she could do about it. It's most likely why they liked Lucien so much. They never realized he was cold and distant. "Shall we get some breakfast?" Jeff asked. "It smells good," Barbara said."My parents are in there already if you'd like to join us," Lucien said. "We wouldn't want to intrude on family time," Barbara said. "Nonsense. I'm sure they'll be glad to see you," Lucien said.He put his hand on Emma's lower back and directed her into the dining room where a spread of food was laid out. Silverware clinked and the smell of coffee hit
Emma had dinner with her family and Lucien's. Her family had finally stopped complaining about Dex probably because she didn't rise to their bait. Even if she'd wanted to defend him, they wouldn't have listened to her. As they sat around the table, the men talked about the latest news and what had been decided at the Council. Emma listened with interest when she heard Dex's name. "Not only has he formed this pack of misfits, but he's also got some crazy new ideas," Lucien said. Emma immediately straightened, no longer concerned with hiding her yawns as Irma and her mother chatted about pack gossip."What kind of crazy new ideas?" George asked. Lucien rolled his eyes. "He's all about peace.""Peace?" Jeff asked. "Yes, peace. No wars between packs," Lucien said. Emma was dying to ask a question, to learn more, but she didn't want to draw the ridicule of the men.Packs often went to war over territory or some perceived encroachment on their own territory. Some packs were more aggres
Tonight was the night. Emma was going to wear the green dress. This was a test and maybe that wasn't fair, but she needed to know for sure before she upended her life. She needed to know if Lucien felt anything for her. Even if it was only physical attraction, it would tell her a lot. About him especially, but it would also make her path clear. She got ready in the bathroom while Lucien flipped through channels on the television. He was already in his tuxedo for the extravagant feast that evening. She just had to tie his bowtie for him. After she made herself look good. Not just good, sexy, and amazing. She'd washed her hair, dried it, and then put it into an updo. The style had looked easier on the video, but when she was done, Emma smiled at the results. Her eyes sparkled in the mirror. Time for the dress. It was green and floor-length and off one shoulder revealing creamy skin. Her earrings dangled almost to her shoulders and her kitten heels gave her another inch or so of hei
Emma's heart raced. Her hand unclenched from Dex's shirt one finger at a time. His lips on her felt as right as breathing. She shook herself. Would Lucien notice her swollen lips? She'd wanted to explore what had happened between her and Dex, but Brutus wasn't leaving until she entered the banquet hall. Darn."This isn't done," she said to Dex.He didn't move. Brutus stepped aside to let her in. "You should leave him alone. Especially with your Alpha so close at hand and looking for you.""Stay out of this Brutus.""I was there to pick up the pieces last time Emma."She studied him but had no response. She'd broken Dex's heart and she had no right to expect a second chance, but darn it, she wanted one. When she entered the room, Lucien stood at the bar and a few couples surrounded him. What was he up to and why did it involve her?She trudged over to where he stood. He looked up a rare smile on his face. "Here's my bride."What? He held out his arm and motioned her over to him. Knowin
Dex couldn't stay and watch the spectacle any longer. Emma had kissed him and now she was extolling the virtues of arranged marriages? He couldn't stand it, so he stormed out of the banquet hall. He left behind the lies that Emma had chosen to be a part of and the crowd that was eating them with a spoon. Once again, he'd been a fool. The outside air didn't cool his anger. He needed a long walk. What he should do is shift and let his wolf run it off. He couldn't imagine that Emma wanted to stay with Lucien with the way he treated her, but he couldn't say what was in her heart. When they should have been talking, they were kissing. He jammed a hand into his hair and let out a groan. Emma was messing with his head and he was letting her. "What was I thinking?"He'd been thinking that Emma had felt right in his arms. That Emma was his. He'd been mistaken. He put a hand to his lips remembering her taste. She'd been soft and warm and just the way a she-wolf should be. Looking up, he real
The next morning Lucien was up before Emma. She was happy to have a moment to herself.; there were plans to be made. A knock on her door startled her out of her thoughts. When she opened the door Dex stood there a smile on his face. "Come here.""Is Lucien gone?""He left fifteen minutes ago," Dex said. "Then come in.Dex shook his head. "No. He'll smell me in your room. Come to mine.""I'm in my pajamas.""Five minutes Emma. Just five minutes, then you can go on with your day."She looked around, but since there was no one else staying in the house and Lucien was long gone, she nodded. "Okay, Dex."She followed him to his room. It was just like hers with a table and a bed, but the view was better; Dex's room looked out onto the woods.Dex stood by the door while Emma looked around his room. Clothing was strewn on a chair. "I see you're still as neat as you once were."He chuckled. "My house is better, but not by much." He rubbed a hand over his face. "If we have limited time togethe
Dex wanted out of this meeting. This was the same conversation they'd had the last few days. The Council had ceased to be productive. It always ended the same way; Dex wanting peace and Lucien wanting war. That wolf currently ranted on the floor about tradition and honor in battle. Dex did his best not to roll his eyes. He pulled out his phone. Where was Emma? "What you up to?""I'm sitting on the beach, waiting for some friends.""Nice. I wish I was there," he typed."So do I."He smiled at that. Brutus nudged him. "You paying attention?""I could recite this speech in my sleep. He's made it every day," Dex said.Brutus grunted. "I like a fight as much as the next wolf, but really? There's only honor in conflict?""I might step out of this meeting," Dex said.Sitting on the beach with Emma sounded so much better. He didn't feel he was shirking any duties not listening to Lucien rage on once again. The Alphas were in the same spot they were two days ago. Nothing had changed. No one's
Their day dawned clear and sunny and Emma was sorry that the wedding wouldn't be outside. Dex had said that no one could find Lucien and she'd agreed to have the event at the Grand Hall. It was easier to keep her safe. She hadn't been sick since that one morning and other than naps here and there she'd been able, with Leyton's help, to pull everything together for the wedding."It's the day, Emma," Dex said from the doorway.He held a tray of food in his hands. "Yes, it is. Is that for me?""Yes. Eat up. Leyton is on her way.""She's going to kick you out," Emma said. He put the tray on her lap balancing the heaping plates of food precariously. She hoped the butterflies in her stomach would let her eat. "She can do that today."Emma laughed. "My Alpha doesn't get to be an Alpha today.""It's our day, but I want to make it the best for you, Emma."She put a hand on his face, her heart full to bursting with love for Dex. If she hadn't gotten the courage to go for what she wanted in li
Dex finally went to work and Emma dialed Leyton's number ready to share her news. "Hey.""Hey. Do we have an appointment today?""No, but I have news.""Go ahead.""I'm pregnant."Leyton squealed. "Oh, Emma. That's the best news ever.""We need to move everything up, Leyton. Can you make some calls for me?" Emma asked. "Sure. Who can I call?""The bakery and anyone who is making food for the wedding," she said. "Got it. You'll call the dressmaker?""Yes""How are you feeling?" Leyton asked. "Okay, but I was queasy this morning. I hope that isn't a habit.""No. That wouldn't be fun.""We'd better get on these calls. I'm worried the dress won't be done in time.""She'll do it, Emma. You're our Luna."Emma grimaced. She didn't want to be known as a demanding Luna, but she needed this dress sooner than expected. "I hope she can do it.""She can. It'll be fine, Emma. I promise."They disconnected, but Emma wasn't so sure about this phone call. She made it and the dressmaker assured her t
Emma woke with a start. Her stomach was queasy and she wasn't sure that she was going to make it to the bathroom. She'd never felt this way before. Wolf shifters didn't get sick and they healed from wounds quickly.She scooted out of bed and ran. Dex murmured something behind her, but she was too busy getting into the bathroom.What was going on, she asked herself as she hovered over the toilet. Dex appeared in the doorway, sleep still in his eyes. His hair was sticking out at odd angles. "You okay?""I don't know."She emptied her stomach then sat back against the opposite wall. Her mouth was dry and her stomach was cramping up. "I guess I ate something that didn't agree with me."She wasn't so sure, but she had no other explanation. Dex settled beside her. She moved away. "I'm gross, Dex.""Doesn't matter. I'm concerned.""I'll be okay. I'm sure."Her stomach had settled, but now she was a little lightheaded. She closed her eyes. "I don't like how you look. You're pale. Let me make
Leyton called Emma later that day. "We made up. Thank you for listening to me, Emma.""That's what I'm here for. Not just as your Luna, but as your friend.""Brutus has been especially sweet to me since we patched things up.""He should be. What he did was wrong, but I'm glad you've forgiven him.""And you have for sure?"Emma didn't even need to think about it. "I have, Leyton.""Now you have a million decisions to make, Emma.""About what?""You're wedding."Emma had put off thinking about it, but now she could. She was free and it filled her with joy. "Dex and I haven't talked about it. It's his wedding too. Let me get back to you.""You'll have it in the clearing?""Yes unless it rains. Then the Grand Hall.""This is so exciting. This will be the pack's first wedding. Everyone who is married came here that way. You'll be giving us all a reason to celebrate."Emma laughed. "Good. I'm glad I can bring something positive to the pack.""You always do, Emma."Her friend's response warme
Emma kissed Dex goodbye for the day. He looked down at her, his hands holding her head. "I don't want to leave you.""You have a pack to run, my Alpha."He laughed. "Yes. I know.""I'll be here when you get home. I promise," Emma said. He pulled her into a hug, then walked out the door. She watched him as Leyton appeared out of the woods. "You okay, Leyton?" Dex asked. "I need to talk to Emma."Dex shot Emma a look, then climbed into his truck. Emma had never seen Leyton look so unhappy. She went to her and wrapped her in her arms. "Oh, Leyton."Leyton sobbed and Emma let her. She couldn't imagine what had happened to make Leyton this upset. She would wait until Leyton could talk; right now she was ugly crying and her breathing was stuttering. Emma led Leyton to the porch steps and they sat down. Leyton's crying had finally subsided, but the tears still rolled down her face. Emma wiped them with her sleeve. "Okay. Tell me what's wrong.""Brutus.""Okay. What did he do?" Emma asked,
"Their directive was clear, Dex," Emma said the next day. "I have to go there without anyone."She didn't like it, but she would do whatever it took to get free.Dex paced in their kitchen. "I don't like it.""If we want a future together we'll abide by their rules."Dex frowned, taking her into his arms. "You're right and I appreciate you being so brave for us.""I can't imagine this will take long.""I hope not. I'll be waiting at the border of Fang City territory."Emma put a hand on his face. "It's almost over. This is the last step.""I know, but I'd assumed I could be there with you.""I'll be fine.""Come back to me.""In a heartbeat, Dex."He drove Emma as far as he could. She walked the rest of the way, shifting only once to cover some ground. Lucien wasn't in the hall when Emma arrived, but the Elders were waiting. Their seats were higher than where she stood, but she refused to be intimidated. This was her first time back in Fang City since Lucien had kidnapped her. She cou
Emma knew it was time. With the divorce impending, and since she hoped the meeting with the Elders would result in the dissolution of her marriage, she needed to talk to her parents. They'd raised her and she needed to give them one more chance to accept her eventual marriage to Dex. She approached him with the idea of going to see them. "They are my parents and I need to at least respect that."They stood in their kitchen, which she was finally thinking of as hers now, too. He rested his forehead on hers. "You have such a beautiful heart, Emma.""What do you mean?""They sold you off to Lucien and you are giving them another chance.""It's out of respect.""They've done nothing to earn your respect, Emma.""Are you trying to convince me not to go?"He straightened. "No. I'll support your decision. I'll even drive you there if you want."She smiled up at him. How did she get so lucky that her fated mate was Dex? "I'd like that.""Can you wait until this afternoon?" he asked. "Give me
Emma would have regretted having Dex kill Lucien. Maybe that was selfish of her, but she wanted her break with Lucien to be clean and right. The Elders would grant a divorce and she would be able to marry Dex. The mood among the packs was triumphant but subdued. Lucien wasn't going to let this go this easily. There would be another confrontation. Emam knew this with every fiber of her being and wondered if maybe she should have let Dex kill Lucien. It would have saved wolf lives. Didn't matter now. Lucien was gone. He'd had to slink off with his warriors.Dex surveyed the wolves, now in human form. "Thank you all for being a part of this.""We can't let Lucien ruin the progress we've made towards peace," Lugo said. Dex shook his hand. "I appreciate you being on my side. This was just the first battle I think."Lugo nodded. "I agree, but we need to regroup before we can fight again. We have wounded."Being wolves they'd heal quickly, but they would all be weak for a few hours. Lugo'
Dex looked at the crowd gathered in the clearing. He stood on a stump so everyone could see him. He cleared his throat and everyone quieted down. Emma was just within reach as he preferred her. "It seems that war has come to our doorstep."Several people looked at each other. "I didn't ask for this and I don't want it, but we have to defend our territory."A yell went up in the crowd. He put up his hands to quiet everyone down. "We need to do this together."He had their attention. "This is a fight for our land, for our way of life. We are being threatened because of what we believe in. I expect them to come at dawn when they think we are asleep."He glanced at Emma. He took her hand then went back to speaking. "We will spend the night preparing."The crowd dispersed. "They're behind you Dex," Emma said. He nodded, but he was in warrior mode now.As he'd suspected, Lucien and his troops approached at the first light. Dex had his warriors spread out along the edge of his pack's terri