“So, they’ve just left?”Dad nods his head.When I entered Dad’s office, he explained that Adam and Alison had left with Adonis. Alison wanted to see her mother, so she left with her father. Of course, Jessie has gone with them, but they left Melinda behind.“Alison waited as long as she could, but Adonis didn’t want to be here any longer. Adam took Alison to the cabin to see Melinda. No matter what Adonis said to the girl, Alison wouldn’t leave without seeing her daughter.”Thank Selene for that!I’d hate to think Alison could be so cruel as to leave Melinda behind. It would have killed my mate to know her mother didn’t care enough. But Alison does care, and I’m glad she dropped by the cabin to say goodbye.I hope Alison won’t be gone long; I don’t think Melinda could handle that. Her mother is all she knows, and yes, Melinda has me now, but she needs her mum.I have every faith my cousin will want to take Melinda on as his own. Adam is a good man, and he has a big heart. His mate’s
“Jai, if you could just wait outside?”My eyes widen at the tall, dark-skinned man in front of me. Richie, so Jai told me is the doctor’s name. Not that I think Richie would hurt me, I don’t get that feeling from him, but I don’t know him either.I’m not a weak little girl who needs her man to hold her hand. But I’ve never been in this kind of situation before. When I said I was rarely around others, I meant it.I’m not going to be over my past in one day. It doesn’t matter how wonderful my mate is or how well I’m treated here. Mike put horrible doubts in my head about so many things that pushing them away is hard.Goddess knows I wish I could have lived an easy life. But I didn’t, and I can’t change that or my mindset, well, not in one day.I’ll learn to live a better life in time; I know I will. With Jai by my side, things don’t seem so bad, and I know we’re going to be good together. But right now, I need him here with me!Is that too much to ask?“No,” I clutch Jai’s hand in mine.
“Are you okay, baby?” Adam squeezes my hand gently.I look at him and smile. “I’m nervous, Adam. I’m a little scared, too; I haven’t seen my mother in nineteen years.”Nineteen years almost to the day, Mike Chambers abducted me while on a trip with my friends. Father had allowed me to go shopping for a dress, one I needed for my brother’s wedding, as long as guards were with us.I wasn’t often allowed to go shopping without my mother or a Lady’s Maid to keep an eye on me. But this day, my father wanted to give me a little bit of freedom. I can’t imagine what it’s done to him all these years, wishing he hadn’t given me that time without proper bodyguards. Those that came with me stayed away, hidden so as not to scare my friends.How was someone able to take me in front of a shopping centre full of people and Royal bodyguards?I don’t think I’ll ever know the answer to that. All I do know is one moment, I was laughing with my friends as we left the dress shop, the next, I was waking up i
“Adonis, tell me that’s not true!”I clutch Adam’s hand tighter in mine as Mum stands yelling at Dad. We settled Jessie into our room before Dad called Adam and me to his office. Mum wouldn’t wait a moment longer for Dad to tell her what the hell he thought he was playing at. I was worried about leaving Jessie, but luckily, she fell asleep. I was concerned because she hadn’t long woken up, but Adam said it was nothing but the travelling that had worn our baby out; I believed him because I had no reason not to.Mum, Dad, and all three of my brothers are here. I thought we were going to have family time, but Dad went right into how Melinda must be slaughtered for the good of the family and the Kingdom.It’s wrong! The only known cases of women being raped and getting pregnant recorded didn’t involve a child already born. When the crime is reported to my father right after the event, he forces the woman to take the morning-after pill. If the lioness is too scared to report the crime and
“So, he climbs the highest tree in the forest, foot slipping. . .” Jai rolls his eyes at Stella, making me laugh. “Ends up falling and breaking his wrist.”“It healed inside a minute,” Damien picks up. “Yet, he stood there screaming, causing everyone outside the family to fall to their knees, hands over their ears,”“That’s right,” I nod my head while looking at Jai. “You got the banshee from your mother.”Jai grumbles. “Who told you?”“Not you, obviously.” Stella laughs.“Adam.” I clarify. “When he was singing your praises and telling me to give you a chance.”Jai smirks, then leans in and kisses me softly. I laugh against Jai’s mouth when his siblings gag playfully.Jai and I recently moved back to the packhouse after three days at the cabin. It was beautiful there, and Jai and I had so much fun getting to know one another.We talked a lot about ourselves, played board games, cooked, baked, watched TV and even read old books. I loved lying in Jai’s arms each night while he read to me
“Drew, this is crazy!” I grab my brother’s arm as he storms towards Crimson Shadow packhouse.“Let go of me, Jai.”“You can’t do this,” Damien hisses at Drew.“Watch me!” Drew snarls, yanks his arm out of my grip, and keeps walking.This is not going to end well!Word reached Drew that Alpha Kyle of the Crimson Shadow pack had been bad-mouthing him. Worse, Crimson Shadow is Lana’s old pack, Kyle, her former Alpha.Kyle spouted shit about how Drew must have killed Lana in a fit of rage. There’s no way she’d take off alone, so the only explanation for her disappearance is that Drew killed Lana.I can understand, in a way, Lana’s old pack worrying and talking about what could have happened. But Drew did not physically hurt Lana! The Goddess knows Lana was everything to Drew. Of course, when one of Greenrock’s warriors heard the rumours, he went straight to Drew. We were supposed to be on our way to search a nearby pack for Lana. However, Drew lost his shit, his wolf took over, and now, h
The atmosphere in the house was tense this morning. If Jai hadn't told me what happened last night, I'd be wondering why everyone is tip-toeing around. However, Jai told me everything, and I was utterly shocked!Jai explained as we got dressed for the day that we'd be leaving Greenrock soon. Two weeks, to be exact. I'm nervous because I don't know what to expect as a Beta female. As Jai's mate, I'll be the female equivalent of his Beta status. I haven't yet had time to ask Jai what it all means for me, but I will later on.But I have to admit that I'm terrified I'll mess up. If I'm honest, I don't want to fail Jai or Drew. Drew will be my Alpha, and I want to make a good impression on him and the pack. I want Jai to be proud of me.'He is proud of you, Melinda.''Thanks.' I smile, grateful to my wolf for her kind words. 'I needed to hear that.''I love you, Melinda.''I love you, too, my dear best friend.'My wolf sighs contentedly inside my head.I haven't spoken to Mum yet, and I'm w
“Stella, we've already picked seven dresses,” Three casual wear, two cocktail, and two little black dresses for date nights. Not that I'll be having any of those anytime soon – not with how busy Jai is each night.“And you need a ballgown. My grandparents throw balls at least four times yearly, so you need at least one for the autumn dance next month.”It was stupid of me not to realise all I would need when it came to clothes alone. Being mated to a Royal, you have to look perfect at all times. So Stella told me, anyway. Everyone is always looking to the Royals for perfection, they have to stand out, but I can't help thinking it's all too much.I wasn't born into this life of riches and high society parties. I can dress up like Stella and her female family members, but I will never be like them. I could put on a fancy dress and end up falling on my face!Could you imagine that happening?I need some lessons in Royal etiquette, and hopefully, a female member of Jai's family will take
Drew asked me to help Violet today, and I was happy to do so. I like Violet; she's a sweet girl and incredibly innocent. Drew and Jai had a meeting, and I wasn't needed. Jai apologised, but there was no need. I understand that Jai will have meetings and things to do that don't involve me sometimes; it comes with being a Beta. I kissed him and smiled before walking away.I took Violet's size in clothes and sent someone to go shopping for everything she'd need. Jai wants me to stay within the bounds in case Mike shows up. I agree with him because I'm not stupid, and I don't want to face that man unawares. I don't want him catching me out the way he did at Greenrock.Violet has today off work. Drew told her to settle in and then start her new position tomorrow. The girl couldn't stop banging on about how great Drew was for half an hour! He gave her a house, money, and the position of head housekeeper. I couldn't help but smile at her and feel proud of Drew. He's already an incredible Alp
An hour later, after breakfast, I fill Drew in on what Melinda learned from Sally. Melinda isn't with me; she's helping Viola sort stuff at her new home. Actually, Drew requested Melinda's help as Violet was struggling to find anybody who cared.It angered me when Drew told me how the pack treats Violet. That poor girl doesn't deserve to be so mistreated. I wanted to confront the pack, but Drew informed me he'd allowed Dane to handle it. Dane had been ordered to let all pack members know death would come for them should they disrespect Violet again.“This is a fucking mess, Jai.”“I know, but she's my mate, Drew. I have to do everything I can to help her end this.”“Of course you do; only an idiot wouldn't.”“Yeah, and I'm not an idiot.” I chuckle.“Matter of opinion.”I narrow my eyes playfully while growling at him.Cheeky prick!Drew smiles. “I see you finally completed the mating process.” He points to the mark on my neck, proudly on show, thanks to leaving the two top buttons of
I can't stop looking at Melinda as she sleeps peacefully beside me. Last night was the best night of my life, bar none. Melinda, dressed in that sexy underwear and looking like a Goddess, will never leave me. I had no idea she'd bought such scantily clad things while out with Stella.The way she took charge turned me on like nothing before. Goddess, I almost died!I'm not going to pretend I've never orgasmed in my life, I'm a man, and masturbating is a done thing once you're a teenager. Well, it was for me. I didn't see anything wrong with it, even though my grandmother once laughed about saving myself for my mate.I was fourteen, and she embarrassed me like no one ever has before or will again. I don't believe she knew what I'd done fifteen minutes prior in my bathroom. Faye was simply explaining to my brother and me how important it was not to be with other girls because our mates would be upset, just as we would if they'd been with others.Damien took Faye's words literally and bel
I reluctantly pull out of the most passionate kiss we’ve ever shared. With a smirk on my face, I slip my arms behind my back, unstrap my bra, remove it, and then toss it to the floor. I smile as Jai’s eyes widen, my nipples pebble, and I want him to touch me.“Touch me, please, Jai.”Slowly, Jai slides his hands along my stomach, and my belly clenches while my pussy gushes. I’d be embarrassed, but the growl of desire from Jai only makes me wetter.“I can smell your arousal, baby girl.”“It’s all for you,” I whisper while stroking the back of his head.Finally, Jai cups my small breasts in his hands, and I can’t help groaning as he slides his thumbs over my erect nipples. My head drops back of its own accord.As Jai’s hot mouth decends on my right breast, I cry out in pleasure. The feeling of his tongue lapping at my nipple is almost too much.I grab the back of Jai’s neck and drop my head to his shoulder with a whimper. The sensations rushing through me, heightened by the mate bond, h
I am so nervous right now, yet excited at the same time. Tonight is the night I give myself to Jai, not because he's pressured me in any way; he hasn't; in fact, he's done anything but. However, I feel the time is right, and I'm one hundred per cent ready for this.I might not know a lot about sex because I have no personal experience. But I know that it's okay to be a little scared of what's to come.I've never seen a penis in my life, apart from Jai's. Even then, I didn't see him standing and only looked for a second. It's intimidating thinking about Jai's penis, what he'll do with it, and what he'll do to me. But I can't think badly when I know Jai would never hurt me.I want Jai and I to complete the mate bond. This isn't even to do with what Sally said about me needing the mate bond. It's because I love him; I don't have one single doubt in my mind that Jai is my world. My mate is perfect, and he never asks me to do anything I'm not comfortable with. He always puts me first and t
Ten minutes later, I’m sitting behind my desk in my office. Much like every other room, the office has been completely redecorated. The walls are pale grey, and the desk, bookcase, etc., are dark mahogany. The sofa on the other side of the room is black, and the rug matches; even the wooden flooring is dark.There’s also a massive portrait of Lana and me sitting proudly on the wall to my right. I like to see my mate, no matter the room I’m in. I can’t have her in the physical yet, so pictures will have to do for now.Violet sits in the chair in front of my desk, fidgeting with her fingers. Poor kid; Goddess only knows what Kyle put her through as a pack slave. I don’t even want to think about it, if I’m honest.“Violet, can you look at me, please?”Dark, almost black eyes look into mine. I narrow my eyes a little because her eyes seem to lighten and darken now and again. It may have something to do with her mood. It’s not like I haven’t seen eyes like Violet’s before; my grandmother’s
I wake up alone, much like every morning for the past ten months. Alone without Lana, my mate, the love of my life. The only difference today is that I wake up as Alpha of Crimson Shadow Pack. I woke up in a strange packhouse, in a bed I'd never shared with Lana.The only thing that settles me enough to sleep some is Lana's pillow and the last nightdress she wore in my presence. Her scent is still on them, even if it is fading.Goddess, I miss my mate so much I can barely breathe, and it doesn't get any easier as the days pass.I drag myself out of bed, shower, brush my teeth, and dress for the day ahead. I decided on a navy suit and tie, a black dress shirt, and black dress shoes. I comb my hair, splash on some aftershave, and look at myself in the mirror. My hazel eyes have long since lost their sparkle.I lift the crystal-encrusted photo frame from my dresser. I smile at the image smiling back at me, and I stroke my finger down Lana's cheek and sigh.“I miss you so much, baby.”'I m
I lead Melinda over to the sofa on the other side of the room. We sit side by side, hand in hand.“What's wrong, Jai?”“I need to speak to you about last night.” Melinda stares at me, unblinking. “Last night, while I slept, you teleported out of the room and ended up at the forest's edge.”“Oh,” Melinda sighs. “How did you find out?”“Drew woke me up and told me where you were.” I stroke my thumb over her knuckles. “I spoke to you, but you didn't answer. You seemed to be asleep; your eyes were glazed over. Why didn't you tell me you were having problems enough to sleepwalk?”“I wasn't sleepwalking, Jai.” She sighs again, lets go of my hand and gets out of her seat. She bites the pad of her thumb while pacing.I stand and take her hand in mine. “What is it, Melinda? What aren't you telling me?”“I was going to tell you, Jai, I promise.”“Tell me what?” I take her face in my hands. “Baby, what's going on?”“Last night, I heard a woman whisper my name,” Melinda explains the events of las
There's a recreation room where pack members, warriors, etc., can hang out during breaks. Not that Drew wants a bunch of wolves here at the same time.The dining room is humongous, with a long solid oak dining table with fifty chairs surrounding it! Shit, this place is something else. The light fixtures alone look as though they cost a fortune, let alone the medieval-looking wall lights. Goddess, it's all so magnificent!The French doors at the back of the room lead to a private garden. It's beyond anything I ever imagined. There's a barbeque section, an archway that leads to a pool, and even an outdoor bar. But the flowers are immense!I don't know what the packhouse looked like before Drew had it renovated, but I doubt it was anything like this. Every room smells of fresh paint, and they're so clean. The decorators really did an excellent job.Finally, Drew leads us to the upper level of the house. He doesn't show us every room but explains each bedroom imitates the next. They all h