I wondered when he had gotten that done because those two letters had started to fade.He didn't move or say a word as I traveled down to his jeans. I unbuttoned them and tugged at the zipper before I hooked my thumbs into the top and slowly pushed them down. His gaze held mine as his mouth slightly opened. I wanted to scream with excitement at how calm Asher was as I undressed him. I was in complete control and I felt like a boss.Asher lifted his feet out of his jeans as I stood back and appreciated the man standing gloriously naked in front of me. My mouth watered at the sight of him and I wanted to reach out and touch him, but I didn't.Our gazes locked on each other as I slowly undressed right in front of him. I was careful to go slow and sultry to tease him. He ran his perfect teeth over his bottom lip as his eyes left mine and trailed over my body. I heard him let out a small growl and I knew he enjoyed the view of my naked body just as much as I enjoyed his.The room filled wi
"There must be some important stuff on that thing if you're staring at it all the time," I joked, trying to lighten the mood.He grinned and tossed his phone onto the bed next to him as he sat up and lunged forward to grab me. I nearly tripped as he pulled me between his legs when he sat back down. I giggled as I steadied myself against his shoulders."Well, I'd love to stare at you all the time, but let's be realistic here," he mumbled as his face pressed between my breasts. "You smell amazing."I giggled like an idiot again. If he even knew what his scent did to me, he would be ravaging me all over again right here and right now."Who were you talking to?" I blurted out as I closed my eyes. Why did I have to ask that? It was his own business and I shouldn't' be sticking my nose where it didn't belong."My manager," he replied right away with no hesitation.His manager. That meant he would be going right back to work when he got home tomorrow. What was I expecting to happen? That he
I was a coward.A self-righteous one at that. And for what? It didn't matter anymore because after tonight, Asher Creed was bound to never speak to me again.The headlights from the oncoming cars were burning my tired eyes and I just wanted to sleep, but sleep wouldn't come.Mark was driving, thankfully, so I rested my head against the cold window and stared into the darkness. I knew I shouldn't have left the way that I did, but I just couldn't face Asher again. My heart hurt and I knew it was over.After mine and Asher's talk, I went and grabbed a beer and hid from him. I saw him come downstairs, searching for something, or rather someone, and knew it was me. Once everyone was asleep, I came out of my hiding place, snuck into Asher's room to grab my things, and woke Mark from a dead sleep. Now we were headed back to the city. Back to our lives.And I was a giant coward for it."You okay?" Mark's voice broke me from my thoughts as I sat up and stretched."Fine. I just want to get home
Then I stood stalk still in my living room, my head spinning from the wine and my own adrenaline, and knew I needed to sleep. Come tomorrow morning, when I could think more clearly, was when I'd figure out what to do. Until then, I needed to pop an aspirin so I didn't have a hangover in the morning, and then go to bed..~~~~My alarm woke me from a dead sleep at exactly 6 am, the same time I got up for work every morning, but today felt different than the other mornings. Today, I knew I had a stalker that followed me home from the cabin and now knew where I lived.Unsettling feelings of anxiety tore through my stomach as I tried to get ready for work and when I was about to head out the front door, my phone rang. Mark's face flashed across the screen and I couldn't answer it fast enough."Mark!""Layla! What's wrong? Is everything alright?" He sounded panicked, just how I felt."The creeper from the woods. He followed us. He was here." I was nearly out of breath as I spoke as calmly a
I ate my lunch in my office, still shuffling through the hundreds of models we had and putting some profiles together to see if Tyler wanted any of them for the new campaign, but I secretly knew he wouldn't. I just needed to make it look like I was doing something.Then my office door flew open and Tyler came in with a giant grin on his face."Why does your smile make me nervous?" I asked, leaning back in my chair as I studied his actions."Because you're going to tell me that you found a model to use." He nodded toward my computer. "Show me the lucky guy.""Guy?" Shit, I didn't think he wanted strictly a male model, there goes half the models from the list that I just put together. "Don't be upset..." I winced as I turned my screen around to him.He looked at the faces again and then scowled at me. "You're lucky you have a boss that loves you.""What does that mean?" I whispered, staring up into his stone features, he wasn't giving me any indication on how he was feeling. Was he angr
I was awoken by a warm hand rubbing on my arm, the familiar scent of my sheets surrounding me, and the sounds of my heater kicking on. As I opened my eyes, I saw Mark leaning over me."I've been trying to call you, you scared me half to death." His voice was soft but his face told me how worried he had been."Sorry," I whispered, sitting up. "I had to leave the office and I was exhausted, so I came home."He slightly nodded but it was clear that he didn't believe me. "Says the girl with a tear-stained face, little bruises on her neck, and jeans with dirty knees." He ran his hand through my hair. "What happened?"The memory of my stalker invaded my mind as my bottom lip trembled. "It was so scary, Mark!" I turned my face into my pillow and bawled. "He came out of nowhere in the parking garage at work. He held me against the car and told me he was coming for me real soon." I visibly shook."Hell will freeze over before I let that son of a bitch near you." He continued to soothe me by ru
"You must be Tyler's girl. I'm Tristan!" He stopped in front of me and shook my hand."Yes. My name is Layla. Is the client ready to see me?" My professional side came out and Tristan must have noticed because he lightly laughed and then nodded."He's just finishing up with the press, but you can go in and see him anyways." He waved for me to follow him as we went inside.My heart pounded and in just a few minutes, I'd be face to face with Asher again, but this time I'd be in his world, not a romantic cabin in the mountains. I could do this.I took a deep breath and followed Tristan down a long hallway. It was filled with conference looking rooms with windows into the hallway but they were all empty as we passed by.Except for one.The one where Asher sat at the head of a table and smiled and laughed with some people taking notes as he spoke. I noticed two very beautiful women sitting next to him and they were looking at each other as if they'd known each other for years and maybe the
I let out a breath after I finished telling Asher everything that I needed to tell him, and by the look on his face, I knew he wasn't taking this well. My heart pounded in my chest and I stared into his eyes hoping he'd say something, anything."He... he was at your apartment? He knows where you live?" He sounded completely horrified, and it mirrored how I felt.I nodded, biting my lower lip. "Yeah, and I don't know what else he knows..."Now Asher looked more furious than before as he stepped away from me and started pacing back and forth, his hand going through his hair as he sighed out."Why didn't you call me?" He finally asked as he turned to stare at me, scolding me with his glare."We weren't exactly talking, Asher, and I didn't think you'd give two shits after I walked out on you." I swallowed, a lump forming in my throat, knowing that I should have called him but I just didn't have the guts to do it. Not to mention I didn't have his number either."Upset at you or not, Layla,
Shifting perspectivesMADALINAMy stomach was upset, and my mouth was dry. Apparently, my body underwent a range of reactions due to the most important event of my new life. I would be the center of attention, all eyes filled with judgment on me. Even before, I never enjoyed public events or parties, and rather let my brother fulfill such a role. Alex was an extrovert like no other, never experiencing an increased heart rate or sweating when giving out a speech. And although I wasn't afraid of speaking up my mind, my attitude was more... military oriented? I was not good at sugarcoating or putting on a perfect-smile façade. And yet, that was exactly what I was about to do tonight.I stood before the mirror, my gaze fixed on the reflection staring back at me. Who was this woman and what did she do with Madalina Crud?Carrie had chosen for me a stunning long dress with bare shoulders in the shades of dark red. It was definitely a departure from my usual style of leather pants and milita
When I first learned about Carrie's idea to throw a big welcome party for Madalina, I was a little hesitant. Ever since we arrived at my pack, my mate has faced a barrage of unwarranted prejudice due to her different background. No one dared to confront her or me directly, but the silent whispers were there. People stared. At me. At her.It was mostly due to all those horrible crimes her family was responsible for. Her family had tortured lone wolves, treating them like slaves. Sadly, even my mate took part in it, blindly manipulated by her parents. Though with each new day, I could see how much she regretted all her past actions. I may have gotten a second chance at love, but Madalina got her second chance at normal life. And she was going to prove to everyone that she no longer was the ruthless, stone-cold werewolf slayer.The atmosphere buzzed with anticipation as the preparations for the grand evening were in full swing. Decorations adorned every corner, bringing vibrant colors an
Unwelcome newsAIDENUpon Jerome's resignation, I was faced with an enormous workload that made me truly grasp the extent of his responsibilities on my behalf. An Alpha was like a lost puppy without his Beta. Despite Scott shadowing Jerome for many years, he struggled to fulfill the role with the same efficiency. Regrettably, Scott was caught between his previous Gamma duties and attempting to assume the Beta position. Our pack was huge in size, and leading it was never meant to be a solitary endeavor. It necessitated a cohesive team, which, unfortunately, I did not have.Days started to merge, and I couldn't tell the difference between light and dark, granting me less and less time for my mate. And I hated it. I hated leaving Maddie alone, even though I could count on Carrie to keep her company. But it would be irresponsible of me to just ignore the escalating situation in my pack and simply lock myself in the room with my gorgeous woman. I was an Alpha and sometimes I needed to put
Notre DameMADALINAIt has been a whole week since I moved to Black Forest pack, but nothing has changed significantly.My mate was incredibly busy, leaving our room early in the morning and returning at night. His Beta stepped down and he now had only his Gamma to support him. Aiden's father tried to help too, but it wasn't common practice to see a retired Alpha interfering in the pack's business. Moreover, it would shed a bad light on Aiden, putting him in the position of not being competent enough to lead the pack if daddy needed to hold his hand.. Eventually, it would motivate ambitious males outside the pack to come and conquer the place, seeing Aiden as a weak element that could be easily challenged and eliminated. Status was everything in the werewolf's world.Aiden spent the entire week searching for a proper candidate for the Gamma position. He wanted to promote the current Gamma to Beta. That man seemed to be one of a few who were loyal to Aiden and openly supported him desp
"Go back to your own kind. Leave our pack before facing further humiliation."I cleared my throat before speaking, controlling the fiery rage that tortured me. Oh, the fantasies that danced in my mind - to give her a taste of her own venomous words, to unleash that never-ending thirst in me, and sink my fangs deep in her flesh until she begged for her life. To punch that nasty mouth and show her true fear.But could I afford such scandal on my first day among werewolves? As much as I wished to make her pay, I concluded she simply wasn't worth the trouble with my mate. I came here to be a better person.Hence, I put my old habits aside and kept the fight on a verbal level."Oh, wow, thank you so much for your unsolicited prophecy! How fortunate I am to have you... whoever you are, enlighten me about my inevitable fate. Your concern for my well-being and humiliation is truly heartwarming. Clearly, your wisdom knows no bounds. Perhaps I should bow down and seek your guidance on all life
Fire tangoMADALINANerves fluttered in my stomach when his family first approached me. Will they grimace in disgust? Will they be bothered by the presence of a vampire? I had all those questions clawing at my mind, terrifying me. But what I experienced... it was something entirely unexpected.In a flurry of introductions and warm smiles, my unease began to dissipate. I stared at Aiden's mother, who exuded a genuine kindness which I found both comforting and bewildering. Not like my own mother, who only veiled her real personality under a sweet, innocent face. My mother carried the mask of kindness, pretending to be a good person, a victim of horrible crimes for which, after all, she was primarily responsible. But the warmth in Amelia's eyes and the way she squeezed my hand indicated she was genuinely happy for her son and accepted me as I was.Aiden's sister, Carrie, was a vibrant young woman. Her presence required attention as she effortlessly owned the room with her wild and loud p
"I'll get some drinks. It's time to celebrate." Carrie winked at us and rushed to one of the Omegas, splashing instructions."Okay, I guess." Maddie placed a light kiss on my lips to ensure me she would manage to survive my family. I didn't need to worry about her. My mate wasn't any shy damsel in distress. If anyone annoyed her, she would deal with it. I promised her not to be away for long and left her with mom and Carrie.On the way to my office, I met my dad. He had arrived at Black Forest pack before us."Jerome knows." He informed me shortly. I sighed, feeling how a big lump formed in my throat. My Beta had already learned about the death of his son.~~~~~~~"We are currently providing shelter for over a hundred lone wolves. The majority of them have already applied for asylum but some haven't decided yet. They still consider returning to their original village once all is settled. Anyhow, we can't accommodate them all permanently. We are running short on resources. But the disc
. Bitter tollAIDENMadalina squeezed my hand when we passed through the main gate to my pack. The Black Forest pack was one of the largest packs in Yukon, providing a home to thousands of people, mostly werewolves. We had several witches among us, as well as humans. Overall, it was a great place to live in. Despite the isolation within the mountains, our civilization thrived.The air carried the scent of freshly bloomed flowers, intermingled with the sweet aroma of home-cooked meals waffling from the houses. The streets were alive with the joyous spirit of community, as people strolled leisurely, their smiles radiant and genuine. Children reveled in their innocence, their laughter echoing through the pathways, while the sun cast a gentle glow upon their carefree games.We lived in peace, surrounded by beautiful nature, and I couldn't wait to show it all to my beautiful mate. Therefore, I was stunned when we finally arrived at my pack and the streets were empty. Gone was also the melo
Raindrops farewellAIDENI was glad that my mate agreed to live with me in my pack. I understood the depth of sacrifices she had undertaken to be with me. Her departure from her family was due to forbidden love and it led to her being estranged by her own parents. They cut off any future physical contact with her and although she tried to be strong and not to show it, I knew it bothered her tremendously. At least her brother, despite being a sick psychopath, stood by her side.And now, I was going to be her family and I would do anything to make her happy.When I returned to the safe house together with Madalina, the place was emptied. Only my father stayed with a couple of soldiers. He was eager to meet my mate and shook her hand a bit too enthusiastically that I had to remind him to keep it cool. As surprising as it was, my dad was very open-minded and didn't care about Madalina's origin. I assumed after all he had to go through in his life, he understood how precious true love was.