Next five chapters are written in third person pov Maybe he’s been dragging his feet, so you’d stick around longer.” Beth gave her a speculative look over the rim of her cup. “No,” Adriana let her shoulders slump as she admitted the truth. “I sort of wondered and half hoped that was the case, but last night… Well, let’s just say I found out otherwise.” “Are you sure? I don’t know Viktor well, but he seems to be paying you a lot of attention. You’ve had dinner together, been out to his house, people have seen you sitting together at the cenotaph… ” Beth numbered off the interactions on her fingers. “What is this? Am I under twenty-four hour surveillance or something?” Adriana looked at her aghast. “No, just staying in a small town.” Beth chuckled and pulled out a box of cookies from her bottom desk drawer, taking one before politely sharing. Adriana took one as well and nibbled on it thoughtfully. She didn’t like the idea that people had paid such close attention to what sh
Finally, Viktor had enough. He turned with a snarl and grabbed her upper arms, “I said there would be no interview.” He accompanied each word with a little shake. Her hair swished back and forth as her head bobbed, the scent of her shampoo wafting around him. He steeled himself against its enticing effects. “Now get it through your stubborn head before I do something I’ll regret.” The last word was accompanied by a backwards shove and he released her arms. Without the support of his hands she stumbled and he restrained himself from reaching out to steady her, despite the fact that his wolf was growling angrily at him.Brushing her hair from her face, she glared at him, but stepped right back up to confront him once again. “This interview is important to me.” Her chin was stuck out, her face belligerent. “And it isn’t to me.” “There’s a lot riding on it. Finishing my education—” He snorted. “Do I look like I care?” “If it’s money you want, maybe I could work something o
She gave her head a shake. Viktor had mentioned that he liked to run through the woods, but doing so naked at night when the temperature was near freezing… Well, that was just too weird and emphasized why she needed to get away from Stump River. Viktor wasn’t only a bastard; he was some kind of perverted nudist-flasher type as well. Walking up to the cabin, she set the clothes on the floor by the door, not quite sure what to do with them. After the way he’d treated her, there was no way she was going to do him any favours and go out of her way to return them. Maybe she should just throw them in the garbage. It was what he deserved. Deciding to think about it, she went to the bedroom to start packing. It didn’t take long to gather her things from the bathroom and closet. In no time at all, the room was stripped of her presence. Taking a last look around, she zipped up the suitcase and set it by the door before taking the sheets off the bed. Unfortunately, she wouldn’t have time to wa
"Sorry, but she’s gone on vacation. I’m filling in for her. Do you want to see a menu?” Gone? Lucy was always here or at the bar. Viktor frowned and stared at the girl’s name tag. Tabitha. She probably wouldn’t know anything useful about Adriana. Who would? Ruth? Maybe. “Um… is Ruth available?” “Probably… I didn’t do anything wrong did I?” The girl looked nervous. “This is my first time waitressing and...” “No. Everything’s fine.” He pasted one of his most charming smiles on his face to reassure her. “I just need to ask Ruth a question.” “Oh. Okay.” Tabitha looked relieved. She grinned at him and scurried off into the kitchen. A moment later Ruth appeared, wiping her hands on a towel. “Oh! It’s you, Viktor. I wondered who that girl was talking about. She was practically giddy about the ‘hunk’ who wanted to talk to me.” Ruth chuckled. “I should have known it was you or one of your friends. What can I do for you?” Impatient over the time he’d already wasted, Viktor got
While Lucy browsed for magazines, Ria snuck another peak at the cut. It was still hot to the touch and the redness was spreading, but the wound didn’t seem to be weeping at all. In fact, the cut was nearly healed, which was more than a little puzzling. To be truthful, her whole body felt… different; tingling as if each individual cell was up to something. A dull headache had been her constant companion for the past two days as well, and she had the strangest feeling of paranoia; as if there was someone else was in her head and privy to her thoughts. She popped another pain killer and loosened her collar as a wave of heat came over her again. Wiping her brow with a trembling hand, she pasted a smile on her face when Lucy re-appeared with two coffees and several magazines. “Here, this will make you feel better. It’s one of those special blends you always talk about.” Lucy sat down beside her, pressing a cup into Adriana's hands. She thanked her and took a sip, waiting for the
Lying beside him, I couldn't help but stare up at the ceiling, my hazel green eyes filled with a mix of emotions. It had happened. The deed was done. We were officially mated now. But deep down, I knew the truth, our union was not born out of love, but rather selfish political alliances. The thought offered me no comfort, only the ache of a broken heart.Beside me, I sensed his movement as he turned towards me, his eyes searching for mine. I purposely avoided meeting his gaze, instead focusing on calming my racing breath. But try as I might, my breath still trembled, betraying my inner turmoil. Despite my rapid blinking, a single tear escaped, making its way down my cheek.I heard the covers rustle as he shifted closer to me. His finger gently brushed against my face, capturing the tear. "I'm sorry, Hailey," his voice resonated in the dimly lit room, both deep and gentle. His touch was followed by a soft stroke through my brunette hair and a tender kiss on the crook of my neck."I kno
"What?" I couldn't contain my surprise as a strange quivering feeling began to develop within me."Do not make this difficult, Hailey," Alpha Dean sighed frustratedly."Difficult?" I fought the urge to glare hard at him as my lips trembled. No, no, no. This couldn't be happening, I thought, my mind racing."The elders have requested an alliance to maintain peace. Alpha Killian leads the largest and most powerful pack in the eastern region. This is a perfect opportunity, and it seems he has taken a liking to you. He did not object to this proposal," my father explained, his voice holding a gentler tone."But... it's too sudden," I said, my gaze darting nervously across the room at Killian, who stood stoically with his hands behind his back. His expression remained distant, unreadable. I turned to my father, desperately trying to hold back the tears welling up in my eyes."What about Stephan?" I half-yelled at him, my voice filled with a mix of sadness and anger. "You know I love him. Y
Three hours later, I found myself seated at a table beside a stranger, a man whose name I did not even know.My gaze swept across the hall, my heartbeat echoing like a drum in my chest. The atmosphere was adorned with vibrant fall flowers, their colors weaving together in a tapestry of warmth. The best china gleamed upon the tables, shrouded in delicate linen cloths.An array of mouthwatering dishes, from savory meats to fresh vegetables, rolls, and salads, adorned the serving tables. I marveled at Lily's ability to effortlessly conjure a feast for the pack with such short notice.Despite the delicious spread before me, I found myself unable to partake in the meal. The food sat untouched on my plate, my appetite suppressed by the overwhelming weight of my circumstances. Well-wishes and kind words from my pack members were offered, accompanied by speeches from the elders.As the bonding ceremony commenced, Killian stepped forward, guiding me to the front of the room. Words were spoken,