“We found evidence of someone hiding in the hayloft in the green barn.” Rick motioned for him to follow.“What evidence?”“Comforters were laid out over several bales of hay.”“Those were Brianna’s blankets when she tried to hide up there.”“It’s not her scent on the sheets, and there are food wrappers and crumbs everywhere.”“Is it someone from the Nightshade pack? Have they returned?”“No, alpha. It’s better if you see yourself.”-=-“Marina, what are you doing up here?” She sneered, knowing what her verdict would be.“Leave us alone,” Grayson ordered Rick to give them privacy. He knew Marina would never talk if she felt humiliated.The alpha nodded for her to speak when the barn had been cleared.“I’m just trying to be close to Gran and Gramps.”“You are close to them. I heard you visiting downstairs several times already since they arrived. So why are you sleeping up here?”“I just don’t feel safe after you guys left to get the twins.”“Most of the pack remained to guard the town
“Brianna, is that you?” Amelia piped from the kitchen.“Hey, Mrs. Walker,” Bree nodded shyly at Grayson’s grandmother. Ever since they came back from the Nightshade raid, Brianna had avoided having a conversation with Grayson’s grandparents because she felt shy that the couple had welcomed them into their home while the twins had brought nothing but trouble.The older woman shook her head. “Come and sit down. Didn’t I ask you to call me Gran?”Bree wanted to hide in the bedroom until Grayson arrived, but it seemed his grandma had other ideas. She felt embarrassed that she just assumed her position as Grayson’s mate without his elders’ blessing, and Bree was apprehensive that they wouldn’t approve.“Uhmm, yes, Gran.” Bree did not realize she was hungry until her tummy grumbled upon smelling the food Amelia had laid in front of her.“You’re getting skinny. Eat this stew before you go back to watching your brother. Is he feeling better?”Brianna nodded and began munching on her food. “Th
Brianna felt weird about having sex in a house full of werewolves with special hearing, especially with Gran and Gramps sleeping a few bedrooms away.Even a small whimper or moan would be equal to blasting a steamy, erotic audiobook on a loudspeaker. Aiden had mentioned before that sex was natural for the cycle of life and though werewolves could hear what happened behind closed doors, they should just do it anyway, otherwise they’ll both be sexually frustrated for never having the chance. But still Bree felt self-conscious, so she went to bed that night, said goodnight to her mate, and ignored the craving she felt.Grayson smiled and pulled her into her arms, molding their bodies together like spoons in a cutlery drawer. “I want you,” he whispered in her ear as his chest rumbled in frustration.Bree leaned into his embrace, her neck feeling the touch of Grayson’s nose as he caressed her skin.‘Yes,’ she answered through their bond as her legs intertwined with his. “You are wearing
Brandon smiled, appreciating Aiden’s sensitivity. His parents’ death was still a sore topic and now that he had less of his memories, he would rather talk about something else.“Where are we going?” Brandon asked.“To the barracks, where we can hang out with the guys and watch a movie. They have enough bunks available if you want to sleep over.”“Okay, I guess there’s nowhere else to go, right? Like a bar?”“Nah, the barracks would be better. We won’t need to watch our words here. Plus, the guys are eager to see you. They’re afraid you must have forgotten about them, too.”“What if I did?”“Then it’ll be cool. We’ll have stories to tell and you’ll think they’re all interesting.” Aiden smiled as if Bran, forgetting the last few months of his life, was nothing to be concerned about. “Don’t worry too much. Werewolves are resilient, so you’ll get your memories back in no time.”“You keep saying werewolf, is everyone at the ranch a werewolf?”Aiden nodded. “The humans at the ranch know abo
For the rest of the evening, Brandon bonded with the men through alcohol and poker. They drank more than necessary and Aiden was unwilling to stumble in the dark, so they picked an empty room and stayed over.Aiden was concerned that there might be someone waiting for them between the house and the barracks, and he’d rather not risk Bran’s safety.As soon as Bran closed his eyes, he began dreaming about Marina. The setting from his other dreams was different. The deep, dark void was gone, and in its place was a cabin, much like the one his parents left for him and Brianna.Marina was sleeping on her stomach on the king-sized bed, the lower half of her body covered with a sheet. He was right. She had come to bed naked and lust surged within him as he thought of ways to wake her up so they could make love.Naked as the day he was born, he slid in next to her sleeping form, hugged her torso, and nuzzled her neck. Something about the dream felt familiar. As if he’d visited her like this m
“Brandon! I thought you left?” Marina almost jumped out of her skin when the object of her dreams manifested when she opened the door.She made sure everyone had left before getting up and starting her day. Using her enhanced hearing, Marina listened to every movement and every conversation, training her ears to detect Brandon’s voice.Aiden knocked on his door. “Bran, we’re heading out. Don’t delay or you’ll have no food to eat. Gran’s breakfast won’t last long.”“I’m right behind you.” Brandon got up, shuffled around to pick up his clothes, peeled the sheets off the mattress, and followed the other pack members.And as soon as the main entry door banged shut, Marina was sure everybody had left.She got up, stripped the sheets from the bed and pillow, then wrapped a towel around her body. There was no way she’d go to breakfast without removing the sweat and evidence of what happened while she was dreaming about Bran.It was time to wash the sheets and take a shower so she could go b
“I heard Gran call my name. I’ll see you at the house.” She used her werewolf ability to run from Bran, thinking she would get there first because she got a head start, so she was surprised when he ran beside her, yelling for her to go faster.He made the task look easy. The distance from the barracks to the house spanned several acres of land. To a normal person driving a truck or a golf cart would be ideal to get around the property, but werewolves have the speed and strength to use their own feet which would definitely get them to their destination faster, and if they couldn’t use their feet, they could use all four paws.Both got to the house at the same time and Marina did not know if she was really that fast or if Bran made adjustments, so she didn’t feel bad.“What is your ideal breakfast?” Bran changed his choice of topic, seeing she would never talk to him again if he kept broaching the same subject. “Whatever gran makes. Everything tastes good.”“You don’t have that one thi
Gran glares at Grayson. “You don’t need to be so mean to her. You know how tragic it was to lose her parents to hunters, and she’s just craving for attention.”“She’s used that card for far too long and it’s time she grew up. We’re not kids anymore and I have a good reason not to let her sleep in the house.” He said, taking his stance.“Bree, are you bothered by their relationship?” Gran turned her focus to the other person in the room.“Marina and I don’t have a relationship.” Grayson interjected rudely before Bree could reply. “Don’t worry too much, dear. It’s a harmless crush. She used to follow my grandsons around when she was younger, and I guess she never grew out of it.”‘Are you going to tell your grandma the real reason or will you let me look bad in her eyes?’ Bree asked Gray with annoyance.“Don’t argue with me, Gran.”“Why don’t you let Brianna speak?”“I don’t think she’ll ever forgive me for stealing Grayson from her.”“Oh, that child, she’s still a selfish little girl
Gran glares at Grayson. “You don’t need to be so mean to her. You know how tragic it was to lose her parents to hunters, and she’s just craving for attention.”“She’s used that card for far too long and it’s time she grew up. We’re not kids anymore and I have a good reason not to let her sleep in the house.” He said, taking his stance.“Bree, are you bothered by their relationship?” Gran turned her focus to the other person in the room.“Marina and I don’t have a relationship.” Grayson interjected rudely before Bree could reply. “Don’t worry too much, dear. It’s a harmless crush. She used to follow my grandsons around when she was younger, and I guess she never grew out of it.”‘Are you going to tell your grandma the real reason or will you let me look bad in her eyes?’ Bree asked Gray with annoyance.“Don’t argue with me, Gran.”“Why don’t you let Brianna speak?”“I don’t think she’ll ever forgive me for stealing Grayson from her.”“Oh, that child, she’s still a selfish little girl
“I heard Gran call my name. I’ll see you at the house.” She used her werewolf ability to run from Bran, thinking she would get there first because she got a head start, so she was surprised when he ran beside her, yelling for her to go faster.He made the task look easy. The distance from the barracks to the house spanned several acres of land. To a normal person driving a truck or a golf cart would be ideal to get around the property, but werewolves have the speed and strength to use their own feet which would definitely get them to their destination faster, and if they couldn’t use their feet, they could use all four paws.Both got to the house at the same time and Marina did not know if she was really that fast or if Bran made adjustments, so she didn’t feel bad.“What is your ideal breakfast?” Bran changed his choice of topic, seeing she would never talk to him again if he kept broaching the same subject. “Whatever gran makes. Everything tastes good.”“You don’t have that one thi
“Brandon! I thought you left?” Marina almost jumped out of her skin when the object of her dreams manifested when she opened the door.She made sure everyone had left before getting up and starting her day. Using her enhanced hearing, Marina listened to every movement and every conversation, training her ears to detect Brandon’s voice.Aiden knocked on his door. “Bran, we’re heading out. Don’t delay or you’ll have no food to eat. Gran’s breakfast won’t last long.”“I’m right behind you.” Brandon got up, shuffled around to pick up his clothes, peeled the sheets off the mattress, and followed the other pack members.And as soon as the main entry door banged shut, Marina was sure everybody had left.She got up, stripped the sheets from the bed and pillow, then wrapped a towel around her body. There was no way she’d go to breakfast without removing the sweat and evidence of what happened while she was dreaming about Bran.It was time to wash the sheets and take a shower so she could go b
For the rest of the evening, Brandon bonded with the men through alcohol and poker. They drank more than necessary and Aiden was unwilling to stumble in the dark, so they picked an empty room and stayed over.Aiden was concerned that there might be someone waiting for them between the house and the barracks, and he’d rather not risk Bran’s safety.As soon as Bran closed his eyes, he began dreaming about Marina. The setting from his other dreams was different. The deep, dark void was gone, and in its place was a cabin, much like the one his parents left for him and Brianna.Marina was sleeping on her stomach on the king-sized bed, the lower half of her body covered with a sheet. He was right. She had come to bed naked and lust surged within him as he thought of ways to wake her up so they could make love.Naked as the day he was born, he slid in next to her sleeping form, hugged her torso, and nuzzled her neck. Something about the dream felt familiar. As if he’d visited her like this m
Brandon smiled, appreciating Aiden’s sensitivity. His parents’ death was still a sore topic and now that he had less of his memories, he would rather talk about something else.“Where are we going?” Brandon asked.“To the barracks, where we can hang out with the guys and watch a movie. They have enough bunks available if you want to sleep over.”“Okay, I guess there’s nowhere else to go, right? Like a bar?”“Nah, the barracks would be better. We won’t need to watch our words here. Plus, the guys are eager to see you. They’re afraid you must have forgotten about them, too.”“What if I did?”“Then it’ll be cool. We’ll have stories to tell and you’ll think they’re all interesting.” Aiden smiled as if Bran, forgetting the last few months of his life, was nothing to be concerned about. “Don’t worry too much. Werewolves are resilient, so you’ll get your memories back in no time.”“You keep saying werewolf, is everyone at the ranch a werewolf?”Aiden nodded. “The humans at the ranch know abo
Brianna felt weird about having sex in a house full of werewolves with special hearing, especially with Gran and Gramps sleeping a few bedrooms away.Even a small whimper or moan would be equal to blasting a steamy, erotic audiobook on a loudspeaker. Aiden had mentioned before that sex was natural for the cycle of life and though werewolves could hear what happened behind closed doors, they should just do it anyway, otherwise they’ll both be sexually frustrated for never having the chance. But still Bree felt self-conscious, so she went to bed that night, said goodnight to her mate, and ignored the craving she felt.Grayson smiled and pulled her into her arms, molding their bodies together like spoons in a cutlery drawer. “I want you,” he whispered in her ear as his chest rumbled in frustration.Bree leaned into his embrace, her neck feeling the touch of Grayson’s nose as he caressed her skin.‘Yes,’ she answered through their bond as her legs intertwined with his. “You are wearing
“Brianna, is that you?” Amelia piped from the kitchen.“Hey, Mrs. Walker,” Bree nodded shyly at Grayson’s grandmother. Ever since they came back from the Nightshade raid, Brianna had avoided having a conversation with Grayson’s grandparents because she felt shy that the couple had welcomed them into their home while the twins had brought nothing but trouble.The older woman shook her head. “Come and sit down. Didn’t I ask you to call me Gran?”Bree wanted to hide in the bedroom until Grayson arrived, but it seemed his grandma had other ideas. She felt embarrassed that she just assumed her position as Grayson’s mate without his elders’ blessing, and Bree was apprehensive that they wouldn’t approve.“Uhmm, yes, Gran.” Bree did not realize she was hungry until her tummy grumbled upon smelling the food Amelia had laid in front of her.“You’re getting skinny. Eat this stew before you go back to watching your brother. Is he feeling better?”Brianna nodded and began munching on her food. “Th
“We found evidence of someone hiding in the hayloft in the green barn.” Rick motioned for him to follow.“What evidence?”“Comforters were laid out over several bales of hay.”“Those were Brianna’s blankets when she tried to hide up there.”“It’s not her scent on the sheets, and there are food wrappers and crumbs everywhere.”“Is it someone from the Nightshade pack? Have they returned?”“No, alpha. It’s better if you see yourself.”-=-“Marina, what are you doing up here?” She sneered, knowing what her verdict would be.“Leave us alone,” Grayson ordered Rick to give them privacy. He knew Marina would never talk if she felt humiliated.The alpha nodded for her to speak when the barn had been cleared.“I’m just trying to be close to Gran and Gramps.”“You are close to them. I heard you visiting downstairs several times already since they arrived. So why are you sleeping up here?”“I just don’t feel safe after you guys left to get the twins.”“Most of the pack remained to guard the town
“I have…”“About us?” He asked with a cocky grin, knowing what the answer would be.Bree blushed. “Maybe.” He heard her heart skip a beat. “Have you tried thinking about a happy memory before you go to bed and dreamt about it?”“Yeah.” “Isn’t that the same as controlling your dreams?”“I guess.”“Maybe tonight you can dream about us instead of that monster, and you can tell me all about it when you wake up tomorrow.”She nodded, understanding her assignment. The time to talk had passed, and it was time for them to mingle with the others. But now that she settled comfortably in Grayson’s lap, she didn’t want to leave.Bree missed snuggling with her mate, but the strain in their relationship had prevented her from asking him for any favors.She laid her head on his shoulder and sighed. ‘I wonder if I should tell him to hold me tighter and rub my back.’Grayson kissed the top of her head, adjusted his right arm to hold her closer, and so his left hand could reach behind her to rub her