"Hey," I answered as I closed the door and blocked my view from Asher's truck backing out of my driveway."Hey, so Tate asked me to be his girlfriend last night. Can you believe that?! His girlfriend!" Harper shrieked."What?" That was serious news. Tate didn't have girlfriends; none of the boys did. Tate, Jake, and Asher weren't the boyfriend type. "Did you say yes?" I finally asked.She giggled. "Of course I did!! You know how much I like him!""That's great," I laughed."Really. I'm so happy for you." And I really was, but I couldn't help but think that I would lose time with my bestie now. When Tate was around, I was nonexistent."So, I hope you don't mind, but I invited him over for our movie night."There it was. She was already including him in on our time. "Sure. Yeah, that's totally fine." I went into the kitchen to find some breakfast. "I'll see you later then, yeah?"We said our goodbyes and hung up. I really hoped I didn't start becoming the third wheel for everything now.
"You going to share any of that blanket?" He asked as he cocked a brow at me."Get your own!" I didn't want to share anything with him. I did plenty of that last night. Shit, here comes the shivers again. He didn't even have to physically touch me and I was affected by him."It's big enough for both of us." He reached over and took some of the blanket with force until both of us were covered. His knee pressed against me again and I held my breath. Lord, help me.I couldn't pay attention to the movie at all. All I could think about was his knee against mine as I bit my lower lip and stole glances at him out the corner of my eye.He was so damn hot. I wanted to trail kisses down his jaw, over his neck, and further down. I didn't get to explore at all last night and now I was upset that I didn't get to put my hands or lips on him. That would have been solid gold when I thought about him later as I touched myself."Watch the movie." He grinned.I jumped and whipped my head back toward the
The house was dark and quiet as I made my way down the hall and toward the stairs. I looked over and saw that Mr. and Mrs. Creed's door was closed and no sounds were coming from inside. Everyone was asleep.My heart pounded so hard I could hear it in my head as I made my way down to the main level and rounded the corner to head to the basement stairs. If he was asleep I was just going to run back up to Harper's room and pretend this never happened.But as I went into the basement, careful to shut the door at the top of the stairs quietly, I saw the light illuminating from Asher's bedroom.Shit. He was still awake. I was thrilled and my excitement was on overdrive, but I was also upset that he was still awake.I didn't knock. I just lightly pushed his door open and found him lying on top of his covers, staring into his phone.The light from the phone illuminated his face perfectly and I could stand there all night just staring at his perfect features."Hi..." I said softly as my nerves
He laughed. "A notch on my bedpost? Look around, Stanford... I don't have bedposts."But when he grabbed my chin and forced me to look at him, his eyes softened and he looked taken aback.Then he quietly said, "I don't think of you like that. If you were just a conquest, a notch on my bedpost, I would have left it last night..." He ran his thumb across my cheek. "You're not the only one wanting to reenact a fantasy from your dreams."This surprised me. He dreamed about me too? How the hell have I not seen this sooner? I was apparently completely blind."You dream about me too?" I asked softly.He nodded. "And you wonder why we don't get along? This sexual tension between us is palpable." His finger slid down my neck and over my collarbone. "Don't leave..."I stared up into his eyes and saw the truth there. This wasn't a line he would use to get into some girl's pants. No, he had already been in mine and it was not like Asher to taste test twice.So I reached up and laced my fingers in
I was in big, big trouble....I went downstairs in search of some breakfast and thanked the heavens when I saw a plate on the stove with a paper towel over it.I walked up to it and saw pancakes, bacon, and eggs on the plate and my mouth watered."What makes you think that plate is for you?"I jumped and yelped at the sound of Asher's voice. When I twirled around to face him, I came face to face with his naked chest. His smell intoxicated me and I became dizzy."I thought you were still sleeping," I breathed out. I felt nervous being near him, especially when we were the only two in the house."And let you steal my breakfast? I don't think so, babe." He smirked as he reached around and stole the plate of food.Babe. He called me babe. Was I thinking too far into it? It was just a word. After all, he usually called me Stanford.Then he snapped his fingers in front of my face. "Where'd you go there, Stanford?" He stepped back and sat at the table as he started digging into the food."He
I was lying on the couch feeling the effects of not sleeping last night when I heard Dillon come in laughing. He came into the living room and sat down when I noticed he was on the phone. He was being rude, talking and laughing loudly, and totally interrupting my TV show. What a dick.Then he got off the phone and grinned at me. "Do you think you'll be okay by yourself for a night?"I cocked an eyebrow at him. "What do you think I do when you're at school and mom and dad are gone? It's no different now.""Good," he stood up, "because I won't be home tonight. I have a date." He grinned and was far too excited. I had never seen him act like this over a girl before."Okay? Good for you. Do you want a medal or something?" I was crabby and tired and honestly didn't care about my brother's romantic life at the moment.He flipped me off. "Just telling you I won't be home tonight, jeez. You don't have to be such a bitch." He headed toward the kitchen but stopped to turn to me. "I'll be leavin
He drove us to an Italian restaurant right on the beach and the smells were amazing. The ocean breeze came in and cooled off my warm skin that became flushed when I looked at Asher across the table.He smiled up at me and then pointed at something on the menu. "The meatballs are to die for."I looked down at the menu item and read the options. It did sound really good."I've never been here and rarely eat Italian other than pizza. You decide for me." I closed the menu and sipped on my water. I wanted to see how he'd react."Cool." He grinned and then the waiter came over and took our order."So..." I started, "how's your skateboarding going?" Asher had been into skateboarding for as long as I could remember and when he wasn't making out with random girls, he was on his board.He grinned. "This isn't a date, Stanford. You don't have to do the whole small talk thing."I shifted uncomfortably in my seat and pushed my blonde hair off my shoulder. "I was just trying to fill the void...dick
I shook my head and finally turned to him. "Get off my porch...""No," he hissed and pinned me with his gaze."You are a complete asshole!! Sleeping with you was the biggest mistake I ever made!" I was screaming. My emotions broke free and I began to tear up. "I am so fucking stupid! I could never be with someone like you anyway!"Then he crashed his lips onto mine, and damn it, I kissed him back.We frantically pulled and tugged at each other as Asher opened the front door. By the time we stepped in, we were both half naked and he had me pressed me up against the wall as his hands roamed over me. His tongue explored every inch of my mouth and I let him.He picked me up and set me on the entryway table as he tugged my panties down, not breaking our kiss. And then he dropped his own pants just as he grabbed his cock and pushed himself into me with force. I was wet and ready. He stretched and filled until he was balls deep.I moaned into his mouth as he bit my bottom lip and thrust his
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.