SELENE POV"So what now?" Tor asked as we stood before the three rivers that flowed gently across the rocks. I was currently dipping my toe in the water to test its temperature. The water was cold and crystal clear. I watched as small fish flitted out from underneath some moss. "Now we whistle a song, I guess," I said with a shrug. Tor contemplated this for a moment, his eyes going distant as he thought. Then he started to whistle a song I'd never heard before. The melody was haunting yet soft and beautiful. It was easy to get lost in the tune as I watched the water of the rivers flow. All the while, the last remnants of daylight cast its warm glow across the rocky riverside. When Tor finished I looked at him and saw his silver eyes were full of emotion. "That was beautiful," I said softly. "Where is it from?" Tor cleared his throat to mask the sentiment that was clear on his face. "My mother used to sing it to me," he said gruffly with a shrug. I was about to respond
SELENE POVChloe led me over to a chaise across from the hearth whose embers were close to burning out. I laid back on the pillows and lifted my chin so that Chloe had access to my neck. Tor stood in front of me at my feet watching closely. The elder witch sat on a stool next to the chaise, in her hands were a small ceramic pot and a paintbrush. "The silver has been enchanted," Chloe said as she dipped the brush into the pot. "We will need to break the enchantment before we can remove the collar." Tor's arms were crossed over his chest as he watched, his silver eyes following every movement Chloe made. She brought the loaded paintbrush to my throat and added a few brushstrokes. As she worked, the temperature of the collar began to rise. I shifted uncomfortably and Tor seemed to notice because he took a step closer. "Calm down wolf," Chloe said without looking up. "She is going to be fine." With one final stroke of the brush, Chloe sat up. "What did you do?" I asked, unab
SELENE POVThe next hour was filled with laughter as we both ran around hunting for a perfect stick to widdle down into a spear. We then found a small creek that weaved through the tall redwood trees. I had hiked my dress up to my thighs and tied it off loosely at my hip. Cautiously, I waded through the water that came above my knee with my freshly carved spear.Tor had just barely finished his spear when he joined me at the water's edge. He pulled his shirt off revealing his naked chest. I fought back a blush at seeing his strong bronzed body in the sunlight. "You're not off to much of a start," Tor teased as he watched me tip-toe through the shallow creek. "You are going to scare the fish off before you can even spear one." I gave him a look. "It's called finesse; something that you and your clumsy feet wouldn't know anything about," I said haughtily, sticking my tongue out at him. Tor scoffed and laughed at the same time, unsure to be offended or entertained. "You are tr
SELENE POVI was running for my life through thick, black clouds of smoke. Ash suffocated my lungs and there was the taste of blood in my mouth. With every step I took, I felt like I was being pulled backward instead of moving forward. I could feel hot tears streaming down my face as I tried to navigate through the wall of smoke and ash. Screams echoed through the blackness, deafening me. There seemed to be no refuge from this god-awful place. Just when I thought I would go mad with fear, I saw a silhouette in the distance. I would recognize that stance anywhere - it was Tor! With a sob of relief, I ran to him and threw myself into his arms. He wrapped me in a comforting embrace and I cried into his chest. "It's all right, little witch," he said soothingly and stroked my hair. But something was wrong. It wasn't Tor's voice. His grip grew stronger around me to the point of pain. My eyes flew open and I looked at the man who held me in his brutal grip. Damion's amber eyes looked b
SELENE POV I opened my eyes to the sun shining through the giant balcony doors of Tor's bedroom. It gave me a start until I remembered that I had indeed gone to bed with Tor last night. After he had announced our engagement. A turmoil of emotions flowed through me. Shock, excitement, a little bit of frustration, and utter happiness. I covered my eyes with my arm and couldn't help but smile. While I was annoyed he hadn't even considered asking about my feelings on his announcement, I couldn't deny that I was completely thrilled. The memory of the night before replayed in my mind. The look on everyone's faces was not unlike my own. We all stared at Tor in complete shock after he told them that I was his mate. It took long agonizing moments for someone to react. It was Arlo who had let out a whooping howl and started to clap with a toothy grin on his face. This shook everyone from their surprised stupor and they slowly started to join in. Some seemed genuinely happy after the sh
SELENE POVHe grabbed my hand and pulled me gently to the bed and a thrill of anticipation flooded my body. Tor gently undid the laces of my dress and slid the fabric down my shoulders, then slowly lifted my silk shift up and over my head. When my hands were above my head Tor gathered both of my wrists in his hands. He then guided my body onto the bed and pinned my wrists down. I felt so vulnerable at that moment; the length of my body completely bared to his roving eyes. He scanned my body hungrily. I couldn't help but squirm underneath his gaze as he drank in every part of me. With his free hand, he slid his fingers down my collarbone and between my breasts before cupping the curves of my hip. Slowly he brought his lips to mine and claimed my mouth in a fiery kiss. I sighed with desire as I opened myself up to him and tangled my tongue with his own. A low growl rumbled from his throat as he deepened the kiss. Abruptly he pulled away, leaving me chasing his lips for more of him
TOR POVSomething had shifted in Selene since the silver collar was removed. She had been quiet and distant. She tried to hide her nightmares from me, but nearly every night when she went to sleep, she would whimper and shake in my arms. This morning was better because she didn't wake up in distress. If anything she seemed happier than she had in days. But that is when I sensed it. There was something right under the surface that I couldn't place. Even her sweet scent had become enhanced; it was even more intoxicating than before. The two of us bathed together and it took all of my willpower to stop myself from taking her in the tub. Then again as I watched her dress. She had gorgeous curves and luscious skin that I could kiss and touch all day. I watched her as she did the laces of her gown. She looked at me and smiled. "You have been awfully quiet this morning," she said inquisitively. I stepped toward her and ran my hands through her hair. "You make it hard to keep my mind
SELENE POVI watched Tor disappear through the trees and dread filled my entire body. My heart burned with betrayal at his words, while another part of me felt compelled to do exactly as he said. The wolf side of me wanted to run and hide just as he had commanded. And the other wanted to follow and fight by Tor's side. I stood there battling myself for a few minutes as the dread built inside of me. Then with a growl, I shoved Tor's command to the side with a renewed sense of purpose. I had not been a full shifter long enough to follow his demands like a submissive puppy. Tor has been continuously making my choices for me. This time it was not going to happen. I was not going to let my decisions be dictated by anyone any longer! Not even if it was Tor. I was not the delicate woman that I was before. I could feel a new power in my body - a strength that I never knew I could harness - as well as a newfound rage for those who intended to hurt Tor or my pack. My breath caught as