Fingers crossed Holly learns her lesson in that dream and doesn't lose her shit on Kira and by extension Alex when she's in control again for this stunt.
Holly sat at the vanity, her back to me, and I couldn’t look away. The intricate lace of her dress hugged her shoulders, drawing my gaze to her curves. As she adjusted her hair, her movements were graceful and mesmerizing.When she finally turned, the dress flowed elegantly above her knees, the neckline dipping just enough to quicken my pulse. Her rich brown hair, swept into a stunning braid and bun, framed her face, making her blue-gray eyes shine.She caught me staring, and I couldn’t pretend otherwise. The way her dress shimmered in the light made everything else in the room fade away. Holly wasn’t just beautiful; she was breathtaking.Holly caught me by my tie with a smirk and tugged me to her. I knew it was an open invitation. I would’ve been a fool to decline such an invitation. I closed the distance, capturing her lips. Kissing Holly was heaven. Her breath hitched, and I swallowed her gasp as the kiss deepened, my arm wrapping around her to press her body into mine. We fit toge
I let Alex guide me, my heart pounding in anticipation as the heat built between us. But then doubt crept in, and I froze, digging my heels into the floor. The air grew heavy with confusion and pain. I stepped back, my back hitting the vanity, breath hitching as the truth unraveled. When I looked up, it wasn’t Nigel’s face I saw, but Alex’s. My heart lurched. How had I let myself believe it was Nigel, conjuring the man I’d lost instead of facing the one before me? Alex’s brow furrowed, his concern evident. “Holly… what’s wrong? I thought… you told me to ravage you, but now…” His voice was careful, uncertain, as if afraid to break the fragile connection between us. “No. No, I told Nigel. You’re not Nigel.” I shook my head violently. My hand flew to my mouth, the weight of the words crushing me. My knees threatened to give out as I looked at him, his face no longer the comfort it had been just moments ago. My voice rose, trembling with emotion I couldn’t control. “You’re not Nigel.
“We need to go, gorgeous.” Nigel smiled as I looked up and made eye contact in the mirror. He looked exquisite in his tailored suit. On most days, Nigel sported a refined style, favoring slacks and crisp button-down shirts that embodied the dignified presence of a Gamma Guard. However, he raised the bar even higher for special occasions like tonight—the wedding of our Alpha and Luna. Nigel exuded charisma and confidence, wearing a fitted three-piece black suit accentuating his athletic frame. I couldn’t quite grasp why he would ever find me appealing. Even when he called me gorgeous, a part of me struggled to accept it. After years of embracing my identity as a tomboy and devoted warrior, I had yet to see myself as anything delicate or demure enough to deserve such praise.“Unless you want to be late to Alpha’s wedding because I’d be happy to see that little black dress in a torn heap on the floor,” He smirked. I felt a surge of tension coursing through my body as I considered his p
How is this my life? Sometimes, it feels like I was a carefree high school student just yesterday, brimming with dreams and the ache of unrequited love for my best friend. Things took a wild turn when she returned from summer camp, eyes sparkling with excitement and nerves, revealing that she was a werewolf and had found her mate in an older man. Yes, I still refer to Logan as an old dude—he’s twelve years older than us.I would have never pictured Aurelia with someone so much older, let alone a guy who stands shorter than her. It’s a thought I can share here and in the safety of my mind, but I know better than to voice it aloud. Logan and his pack are not to be trifled with, and I quickly learned the hard way that his height is a taboo subject. I’ve lost count of the times friends have covered my mouth or jabbed me in the ribs to hush my remarks.Aurelia’s happiness was all that mattered to me. Logan has kept her happy twelve years and two kids later, but I can’t help feeling left ou
When we arrived at the dock, Samuel dashed off to find his friends. I felt he would be safe running free there, and I could hear their laughter nearby. I wanted him to enjoy the cool morning before the heat set in, so I planned a swim at the lake and a cookout for his friends.As Samuel played happily, I headed to the Kilbourn house, where I knew Finn would be. A sense of unease washed over me as the house felt unusually quiet. My concern grew when I saw Clarence standing outside Finn’s office, looking sad.“What happened? Is Lorna okay? What about Alfred and Anna?” I asked, expressing my concern over my cousin’s distressed state.“Holly…” Clarence took a shaky breath before pulling me into a hug so tight I thought I might hear my bones crack.“I can’t… breathe… Clarence,” I gasped.“Sorry. I think you should hear this straight. Finn is waiting inside,” Clarence apologized, released me, and gestured toward the office.“Um, okay. You’re freaking me out. Should I call Katherine to come
Holly Boland. A name that had lingered in the deepest corners of my mind for a decade. “Haunted” wasn’t quite the right term—it was too much of a shadowy word, conjuring images of dark corridors and restless spirits. No, she haunts me like a bittersweet memory that tugs at your soul. She was meant to be mine, a thought that twists in my stomach like a knife. I could easily surrender to the murky waters of regret—wallowing in the what-ifs and could-have-beens—but I refuse to let myself drown in that despair.If only I had dared to go to her when the truth hit me. Yet, even then, there were no guarantees of a glorious happily ever after. I’ve immersed myself in more paranormal romance novels than most men my age. Hell, I even started a book club that boasts ranked members from packs from every corner of the globe. So, I was acutely aware that rejected mates are woven into the fabric of our world, often leading to heartache rather than reunion. Holly wasn’t from Bloodmoon, where the la
It had been years since I last drove these roads, but I still navigated them without needing a GPS. A few new houses had appeared during my absence, yet the landscape remained unchanged. This familiarity stirred up mixed emotions within me. I had anticipated this reaction. I left Bloodmoon to escape the constant reminders of Nigel at every turn. Now that I had returned, even the trees lining the road to his family farm made my heart ache for him. The drive had been going smoothly until it wasn’t. I hadn’t seen anything strange on the road, but I heard the change in the sound of the tires, and the car’s onboard computer indicated a change in tire pressure. Thankfully, I maintained control of the rental car and got us safely pulled over to the side of the road. I sighed, cutting the engine, ready to get out and check the damage. “What happened?” Samuel asked, pulling his headphones off. “We got a flat. I will check the damage and see about switching to the spare.” I assured him. “Can
Fuck me. I loved how Holly said my name in a breathy voice. I yearned for her to say it like that in a more intimate setting, perhaps hidden in the woods or a parked car, where our boys could watch and listen. I had hoped for a stronger reaction, maybe her wolf surfacing or her calling me “mate.” I thought I saw a flicker of gold in her blue-gray eyes, but that worried me. It could mean she and her wolf weren’t ready for a mate bond, especially in front of the kids. As an optimist, I believed it was simply a matter of privacy. I understood her hesitation; we needed to discuss our feelings away from the boys. When we eventually tell them, it must be done thoughtfully, allowing them to react as they would. I suspected my son would be excited about having a mate and gaining a mom, but I was unsure how her son would feel. For now, I’d take the small win. Holly agreed to let me drive her to the farm and take her rental car to my dad’s shop. That rental company would hear from me, and I’
I let Alex guide me, my heart pounding in anticipation as the heat built between us. But then doubt crept in, and I froze, digging my heels into the floor. The air grew heavy with confusion and pain. I stepped back, my back hitting the vanity, breath hitching as the truth unraveled. When I looked up, it wasn’t Nigel’s face I saw, but Alex’s. My heart lurched. How had I let myself believe it was Nigel, conjuring the man I’d lost instead of facing the one before me? Alex’s brow furrowed, his concern evident. “Holly… what’s wrong? I thought… you told me to ravage you, but now…” His voice was careful, uncertain, as if afraid to break the fragile connection between us. “No. No, I told Nigel. You’re not Nigel.” I shook my head violently. My hand flew to my mouth, the weight of the words crushing me. My knees threatened to give out as I looked at him, his face no longer the comfort it had been just moments ago. My voice rose, trembling with emotion I couldn’t control. “You’re not Nigel.
Holly sat at the vanity, her back to me, and I couldn’t look away. The intricate lace of her dress hugged her shoulders, drawing my gaze to her curves. As she adjusted her hair, her movements were graceful and mesmerizing.When she finally turned, the dress flowed elegantly above her knees, the neckline dipping just enough to quicken my pulse. Her rich brown hair, swept into a stunning braid and bun, framed her face, making her blue-gray eyes shine.She caught me staring, and I couldn’t pretend otherwise. The way her dress shimmered in the light made everything else in the room fade away. Holly wasn’t just beautiful; she was breathtaking.Holly caught me by my tie with a smirk and tugged me to her. I knew it was an open invitation. I would’ve been a fool to decline such an invitation. I closed the distance, capturing her lips. Kissing Holly was heaven. Her breath hitched, and I swallowed her gasp as the kiss deepened, my arm wrapping around her to press her body into mine. We fit toge
I sat at my vanity, applying the final touches to my makeup, fully aware of Nigel leaning in the doorway, watching me. His gaze was warm, reverent even, and I could feel his love like a physical thing in the air between us. He’s always looked at me that way, like I’m the most beautiful woman alive, even though I’ve never seen myself that way.Growing up as a tomboy running wild through the Adirondack mountains with the Ironfur heirs didn’t leave much room for vanity. Nigel knew that. He tells me I’m beautiful every chance he gets and insists that I’m sexy, too. I always call him a liar, but I know the blush on my cheeks and the soft smile I can’t suppress each time gives me away.He’s stayed by my side through everything, even when I told him he didn’t have to. Eight years of trying and failing to bring a pup to term. I told him once I’d understand if he wanted to leave me, to find someone who could give him what I couldn’t. He refused.“I don’t care if we ever have a pup. You’re all
I really put myself out there, didn’t I? I told Holly everything—the whole story laid out, no secrets. Now, it was just a waiting game to see how she’d respond. She hadn’t said no and wouldn’t return to Ironfur directly after the memorial service. The fact that she was even considering going on a date with me felt like a win in my book. When I offered to drive her to pick up her rental car, she didn’t hesitate. She was all for exchanging numbers, too—something the boys had already sorted out among themselves. I was glad they got along so well. I didn’t want to manipulate anything between them, but having Samuel on my side could definitely help me win Holly over. If I ever had doubts about being with her, the way Tristan already cared about her made me stop and think. The day after everything happened at the ranch, Holly faced the memorial for Davis and Loretta in Bloodmoon. I wanted to be there for her, but I figured respecting her need for space would be better. I was comforted know
Our conversation flowed so easily. It only hurt a little when I thought about Nigel. I could look back at how he got jealous when Finn wrapped me up in a big hug without a care in the world the day I brought Nigel to meet everyone with humor and nostalgia instead of heartache and longing. It was adorable when Nigel got all growly and demanded Finn stop manhandling his mate. He felt stupid for getting jealous, especially after I put Finn in his place. Then Alex had to go and focus the conversation on what I was avoiding… us. Even Kira found his question difficult to answer. Obviously, we knew he was weaker, but it was not his fault. He was human, while I was a werewolf. We’re naturally on different strength levels. He’s stronger than he was when I left. I didn’t need to spare to know that. I’m a combat instructor. I can tell by looking at someone and if they’ve improved. Being weaker than me doesn’t make him unattractive. But how to word that? ‘If you ask me…’ Kira began, her voice ca
Holly’s laughter, a vibrant sound that seemed to dance in the air, was the sweetest music I had ever heard. Even though she tried to stifle it behind her hand, the joy in her eyes sparkled brighter than any note could convey. I was acutely aware that beneath this light-hearted moment loomed the weight of the serious conversations we still needed to have. I couldn’t predict how long her cheerful spirit would last, so I mentally tucked this precious memory away like a treasured keepsake. I knew our talk would turn heavy, perhaps leading her to walk away again. If that happened, I wanted to reach back into my mind’s archive and find comfort in replaying the sound of her laughter. “The twins would argue that if they were going to get their asses kicked, the charity should be for the arts,” Holly quipped, shaking her head as her laughter gradually waned, leaving behind a warm afterglow. “Fair point,” I replied, a smile tugging at the corners of my mouth. “As long as the proceeds contrib
I had always worried about my son Samuel’s health and safety. He was my miracle baby, a bright light after the darkness of loss and grief in my past. With every breath, I feared losing him, haunted by memories of my previous pregnancies that ended too soon. Though Samuel had been healthy since birth, that didn’t ease my fear of something happening to him. Given my history, you can imagine the whirlwind of panic that erupted within me when David said Samuel had been hurt. My mind flickered to Alex, but I quickly pushed those thoughts aside; delving into that worry felt too much. Instead, I fixated on the dread of my child suffering, my heart racing with every thought. Rationally, I knew he would be okay. Mikali was there. Even if he hadn’t been a healer by gift, he was a doctor. If I had proved anything in the last twenty-four hours, it was that I was an emotional train wreck. Rational thought hadn’t gotten through. I tried reaching out to Samuel through our family link, but I wasn’t
I had been thrown from horses plenty of times throughout my life—an occupational hazard that came with working on a ranch. However, this time, it wasn’t me who was in danger; it was Samuel. In a split second of instinct and determination, I leaped off Cyrus to shield Samuel from the impending fall. Although Samuel was a werewolf, I knew he was just as vulnerable as any human child until he reached the age to awaken his wolf. The weight of responsibility pressed heavily on my shoulders, especially considering my already precarious relationship with Holly. If her son had sustained serious injuries while I was supposed to be keeping him safe, I knew my chances of ever winning her trust—or her heart—would vanish in an instant. I wouldn’t have blamed her for being furious. After all, Samuel was her number one priority, just as Tristan was mine. Any parent in her position would have felt justified in being outraged with someone who allowed their child to get hurt. That said, Holly wasn’t
Kira had howled her displeasure the further we got from the ranch or, more importantly, from Alex. She was a wolf. Kira didn’t get it. She couldn’t seem to understand how I felt. The selfish bitch had only thought about herself and how she wanted a new mate. I know ‘pot calling the kettle black.’ I was also selfish because I had refused to think about what having a second chance mate could mean to anyone beyond myself. It would have offered Kira comfort and renewed strength, which had diminished when Nigel and Leo died. Then there’s Samuel and Tristan to think of. Both boys have been raised missing a parent, and if I were to accept Alex, we’d be giving the boys the parent they are missing. Even if Alex says he doesn’t want to replace Nigel, I’m terrified of him replacing Nigel with Samuel. Samuel only knows Nigel through stories. It broke my heart to think of a future where Samuel would forget Nigel was his father and refer to Alex as his dad, which brings me back to being a selfish