FerraraThe meeting concluded much as it started. Same as yesterday and the day before. Last week and the week before. Every day since I installed Violetta into my home.The elders were unhappy.Normally, I met with the elders once a month, but every day for weeks, they found a way to call an emergency meeting.There were two still in my office when the phone rang. The line that only a few others had.The other alphas.Celine and Calden stilled. After a second of consideration, I nodded to them and answered the call on speaker. “Ferrara.”“Maeve.”Ah, Maeve Frost. Alpha of Indigo Peak. “Maeve, you’re on speaker with two of my elders.Are you calling to share your displeasure again?”Maeve was the alpha who threatened Finn’s death as a child unless his father came clean about who he was feeding information to. His father refused.Maeve, apparently, couldn’t go through with the threat. She exiled him instead. I gave her a courtesy call when I returned to let her know that Finn was mine n
Ferrara“What the fuck did I tell you?” Violetta hissed as she lunged. I caught her quickly, wrapping my around her mid-section and sitting her back down. At the same time, I stepped away from Briella.“It’s all right, baby,” I assured her. “I’m yours.”“Don’t call me that,” she snapped at me. “What’s your name?”Briella was clearly shocked that I’d taken Violetta’s side. “B…Br…Briella,” she whispered.“Briella, I’m going to need you to spread the word that I am Ferrara’s mate. I am living in his house. I am sleeping in his bed. And until I say otherwise, he belongs to me? Got it?”Tears sprang to her eyes as she sputtered an apology, turned and left. Releasing, Violetta, I watched with some amusement as she stepped away from me like my touch had burned her and sat back down. I looked over her body appreciatively.“Were you hot, my dear?” I asked as I sat our bag of sandwiches on the table.Leaning back, she gave me a cold smile and dragged a finger along the grain of the wooden table.
Violetta“Emerson Triggs,” I repeated as I stared down at him. “Why in the hell would he be coming here?”Ferrara leaned back in his chair and stared at me. “Indigo Peak’s witch was taken and killed.Before he died, he told the alpha about the darkness. She wants to call a meeting of the alphas.”“A meeting of the alphas,” I repeated. I was starting to sound like a broken record. “And that has to happen here?”“My land is the biggest, and it’s the furthest away from a human settlement. The territory can be rougher when too many alphas are close together.”“Great. Let me know when he’s coming. I’ll be taking my vacation then.” I wrapped my arms around my body, suddenly aware of how naked I was. I’d been so furious when I made the plan. There’s a certain amount of confidence that can be born from fury.It’s funny how quickly that confidence can disappear when fear sets in.“You’re mated to me. No matter what deal your father made, he can’t have you. You’re mine.”I wasn’t his. Not reall
FerraraI knew that nothing was happening here, but just like when we were in that cave, the idea of Finn and Violetta made sense to me and drove me mad.Unless I fucked Violetta good, and soon, I very well could go mad.“You have got to get a grip,” Violetta muttered as she stood. Finn just flashed me a smile and stood as well. “Where do you want my bodyguard to be? Miles away?”Yes.My gaze moved down to the hand flexing by her side. There was a crumpled note in. My note.“What are you doing here?” Violetta asked as she shoved the note in her pocket. “Besides apparently spying on your spy.”“Oh, he’s not my spy. Yet. But I do need a word with him.” I glanced around the apartment. I’d done all the clean-up work myself. It was only the second time I’d stepped into her apartment.Both times, I’d hated every second of it. This was not where she belonged. She fucking belonged with me.“Thank you,” Violetta said softly. “For the new paint job.”I raised an eyebrow. “Does it hurt to thank
Violetta“Can you describe him to someone? Maybe work up a sketch of what he looks like?”I didn’t like to think of the red wolf, but if he was still a threat, then I would do what I could to help. “He was the only one of my father’s friends who never seemed remotely interested in me. He barely looked at me, and it was one thing I could be grateful for.”Ferrara got up and walked my way. I didn’t move a muscle when he turned my chair around and knelt at my feet. I swallowed hard. “Good thing I’m not in my panties, or I’d think you were about to take advantage of me,” I whispered.“I don’t need to see you half naked to want you, Violetta,” Ferrara said in a low voice. “I want you when you’re miles away. I’m here now to remind you that you’re my mate, and I will protect you. From everything.”All because he was my mate. “Your wolf chose me, but your human half hates to even touch me,” I whispered. “So forgive me if I don’t swoon when you say things like that.”“Oh, Violetta. My human ha
ViolettaJenson took one look at us and growled disapprovingly, but he didn’t say anything before we climbed into his truck. There was no time for a shower, obviously, and also no time for arguing. I wanted to go alone, but Ferrara wouldn’t let me.Irene wasn’t surprised when the guard let us in. “Your second can wait outside,” she said stiffly, avoiding Jenson’s gaze.Wasn’t that interesting?The cottage that looked so cute in the afternoon sun was just a little bit creepier at night.All the lights were turned off, and there were candles lit on every surface and in every corner. I wanted to point out that it was a fire hazard, but then I noticed that the flames were dancing. Not even a little bit.“Is that your magic doing that? Has it returned?”“No,” she said mournfully. “It has not, but this isn’t my magic. It’s the natural elements respecting my wishes. Magic is all around us. It affects us even if we can’t wield it. Well, it affects most of us.”Misstep, I froze. “Shit. Is that
ViolettaBehind me, Ferrara grunted. My eyes flew open, and I whipped my head around. “What? What is it?”“Nothing. I’m fine. Just got a strange feeling. Continue.”With a shrug, I turned back around, closed my eyes, and conjured the dream again.“I have you,” Ferrara whispered. “I will protect you and cherish you. Side-by-side, Violetta.Together.”It was a shitty dream. One that was never going to happen, and usually, I tried to ignore it, but this time, I immersed myself in it completely.And then I began to fall.“Join us. Join us, witch, or everything you love will burn.”“No,” Irene said sharply and broke contact. I jumped and opened my eyes. She was pale and trembling. “My apologies. That was a vision from my past, and it has nothing to do with you. Please, try again. For me.”She took my hands, and I blew out my breath and closed my eyes. It took a little bit longer to relax, but when it did, I surfaced somewhere else.“You have to be quiet,” I whispered. “I know you’re in pai
Ferrara“You haven’t said a word since we left Irene’s,” Violetta said finally as we pulled up to the house. When I didn’t turn to look at her, she let out a frustrated sigh. “Look, I don’t know what you saw. Was it through your eyes? Did you feel yourself kill that woman? I can’t change what happened, but at least tell me what’s going through your head.”Climbing out of the vehicle, I closed the door and finally made eye contact as she did the same. “I already knew that you were a killer.”“Knowing what I did and feeling what I did are two different things.”Taking out my keys, I headed to unlock the door. When I stepped through and Violetta didn’t immediately follow me, I turned around to glare at her. She wasn’t even looking at me though. She was staring at her hands, and I saw the mistake that I was making.At her most vulnerable, Violetta lashed out. She built walls and isolated herself. Now, here she was trying to reach out, and I was shutting her down.But what the hell was I su
ViolettaIt was nightfall by the time I awakened from within my wolf. Tentatively, I surfaced and took stock. My wolf was curled up next to a warm body and was sleeping soundly. I’d declined any drugs from Saul, so the pain must have ebbed if she was so relaxed.Or maybe it was the heat radiating next to me.Ferrara had returned after Emerson knocked on the door and hadn’t left my side. I’d listened to his soft voice as he caught me up on everything that had happened, but then I’d retreated deeply.Once I was human, he’d have questions, and I wasn’t sure how he’d feel when I answered them.But unfortunately, I had to pee, and I couldn’t just waltz out of the motel room as a wolf and squat. With a sigh, I started to shift.“Violetta? Baby?” Ferrara held perfectly still while I uncurled myself from the bed. “How do you feel?”“Pee,” I mumbled and tried to stand. “I have to pee.”“Okay. I got you.” He tried to take my hand, and I pulled away. For a moment, we stared at each other. “Sorry
FerraraThe small little honeyed wolf was curled up tightly in the bed. She gave me a half-hearted wag as I sat on the edge and gently stroked my hand over the top of her head. “Is it all right if I join you?”Another thump of the tail. I settled back against the wall and resisted the urge to pull the small wolf in my lap. My own wolf rose inside me, but he didn’t try to take control. Instead, he just came close enough so Violetta’s wolf could feel me.She sighed and leaned against me.“I guess I should catch you up on what happened,” I began. “The crone called. She was furious that her maiden had been hiding out on our land, so after she finished blistering my ears, she provided some information on Amaya and her twin, Yelena. Apparently, they were close. So close that when Amaya came for the maiden position, the crone was certain both of them were there. She admitted that she’d performed a spell to separate two souls when Amaya disappeared.She assumed the spell worked, and the twins
Ferrara“Saul.” The lump in my throat was so large that I could barely get the words out. “She’s so damn cold.”“Then let’s get her warm.” Ever the steady wolf, Saul opened the door to my room, and I carried her inside. Now that she was in my arms again, the last thing I wanted to do was let her go, but even Kenzi was looking at her anxiously. I needed the healer to look at her. “She may be your mate, but she still requires privacy. You may wait in my room while you get your report.”I sure as shit wanted a report. Like why my mate was near death, and why there was an extra person in the group. Janelle. The witch. Her eyes were practically glued to the floor.“I will be right next door, and I’ll return as soon as Saul is done. Whatever Emerson did to you…” I couldn’t finish it. “We’ll find a way to make it better. I swear it.”She gave me a tight smile and nodded. Slowly, the group herded out of the room next door.This plan had been five weeks in the planning, and it was the flimsies
ViolettaEight wolves descended on Kenzi. I recognized Emerson as he pulled her off me and threw her across the clearing. When he stared down at me, there was nothing but disgust in his eyes. No worry. No compassion.When he growled, I whimpered and tried to drag myself away. Finally, he shifted back to human. “Leave her,” he commanded his other wolves. “Kill her, and we’ll start a war that we’re not prepared for yet.”Turning my head, I watched numbly as Kenzi fought off her attackers. Her eyes on me, she snarled. “Leave my territory,” he said dismissively. “I can’t have you killing my mate, now can I?”She shot one more look at me and then bounded away. Nobody followed her. Their eyes were on Emerson, waiting for instructions, but his attention was fully on me. “Shift before you die,” he said mildly.Painfully, I tried to sit up but pain exploded in my hip. Kenzi had, no doubt, broken several bones. “Can’t,” I whimpered. “She’s too scared.”Emerson cursed loudly and turned to his wo
ViolettaIt was a full thirty minutes after I’d returned to the apartment that there was a shimmer in the air. “It’s clear,” I said in a low voice and moved to the television. I picked a music channel with angry chick rock to play just in case the guards could hear through the door, which I doubted.“If you’re here to trick me, I won’t think twice about shoving a knife through your heart,” I told her.“I expect nothing less. I assume from your get-up that Kenzi is here?”“My outfit is none of your business. Tell me what the hell is going on.”“Very well. The short version is that unlike the other pack witches, I did not ask for sanctuary and protection. I was taken nearly three years ago. I’ve never been to this godforsaken mountain in my life. I was taken by another witch with a spell much like what happened with Amaya, only I wasn’t killed. I’ve been used ever since, and when Emerson learned that my magic isn’t all that strong, abused.”“Why didn’t you say anything to the other witc
ViolettaIt took every ounce of energy not to scream. At her smug expression, I forced a slow smile and ignored the lump forming in my throat. "Congratulations," I managed.Did this explain why there was darkness in my mating bond? Ferrara had found a way to dampen it magically so he could be with Kenzi?This was what I wanted. This was what was best for the pack. Best for him. This was why I left.But damn it, I thought it might take a little more time to happen.Kenzi's eyes dropped to my necklace and she gasped. "Oh, how pretty! I'm going to have to tell Ferrara to get me one. I would look amazing in black diamonds."She would.Popping on the barstool, she waved Emerson away. "Give me a few minutes to catch up with my old friend, will you?"Emerson hesitated. "A few minutes. Violetta doesn't like to be distracted from work.""No. She wouldn't. That bar was the only thing she cared about." Turning her head, she watched Emerson walk away, and then she snapped her head and sneered. "D
ViolettaA dark bruise formed on my cheek the next day. I dressed for work and opened the door only to find a female guard waiting for me. She bustled her way into my suite, covered my bruise with makeup and pinned the necklace back around my neck. "It's so pretty. You should show it off," she said mildly.Right. So pretty.The first hour of opening the bar was usually a quiet one for me. Everyone else was busy at their stations, the manager was counting the money, and it was just me, flipping on the automatic switch, and planning while I worked. Only today, I was constantly interrupted by a parade of my co-workers who wanted to admire the necklace. Their simpering made me sick to my stomach."Oh, how beautiful. Our alpha has amazing taste.""The two of you are like a fairy tale. I can't wait to find a mate of my own who treats me like this.""He loves you so much."Don't vomit. Just smile and nod. You can survive if you just smile and nod.Hiding the necklace down my shirt, I opened
ViolettaThe regiment was always the same. After my shift ended, I had three hours to relax, shower, and prepare for dinner. As always, there was a dress laid out on the chair. Not the bed, as if that was somehow supposed to make me feel better.I wasn't an idiot. I knew the suite was searched every day while I was gone. There were little things I would note before I left and saw that they'd been moved. Sometimes it was a lampshade turned just a little. Once, I'd tucked the edge of some thread under the rug and found it in the corner when I got home. My bedsheet was tucked differently. Emerson told me that he would have the maid come in every day, but I'd asked to keep my own suite clean. He'd relented, but it hadn't stopped him from searching the rooms.Tonight's dress was red. Most of the dresses were red. That seemed to be Emerson's favorite color. The dresses were never the same. Either the pack's seamstress was very busy or Emerson was spending an enormous amount of money clothin
ViolettaThe tap had run dry.As the liquid started to spurt and grow foamy, I put the glass down and smiled apologetically at the wolf waiting on the other side of the bar. "Sorry, it's going to be a few more minutes for that beer. I need to change the tap.""No worries." The woman flashed me an easy smile. "It'll give me a few more minutes to look over the menus. I'm loving all these new choices. Is that your doing?"I gave her a quick nod. "Just let me know if you have any questions. I'll be right back.""I'll do it, Violetta," Josh volunteered as he sat down the crate of clean glasses he'd just brought up from the back. "I know you're busy.""Great. Thanks, Josh. I appreciate it.""Anything for you."Hiding behind what I hoped was a friendly smile, I turned to address the newest customer who'd walked up. "Welcome to Hair of the Dog. What can I get you?"Hair of the Dog. Not the most original name for a bar in the middle of werewolf territory, but it was well-run. Emerson had insta