“I’m not looking to be reminded of Jackson,” I bit out. The name fell between us like a brick, and Bella’s face softened instantly. “I didn’t mean that,” she murmured. “I’m just saying… don’t you want to live a little? Put yourself out there?” “Yes,” I admitted. “But I’m also not ready for anoth
Third Person Arthur arrived back at the packhouse by sundown, his feet sore from running halfway across the filthy human city all day. But he felt little relief as he saw the peaked roof and sprawling gardens come into view, because it meant that his day as a servant was long from over. And of c
Finally, she mused, “But who the hell could she be mated to?” Arthur didn’t answer immediately, his mind racing as he considered. Each pack had their own distinctive mating mark shape, and Moonglow’s mark happened to be a crescent—which meant that it had to be someone in their pack. Someone… Sud
Aria Bella was right—I really did need a spa day after all. As I made my way to work on Monday morning, I felt as if I had turned over a new leaf. With Sarah and her parents—hopefully—out of the way for good, along with a fresh haircut and smooth skin, I felt more refreshed than ever. Like a new
I stared up at him, momentarily speechless. “Wait… you mean… a real position? With benefits and everything?” “Yes,” he replied, a slight smile tugging at his lips. “Officially. No more interning or nannying. A real job with benefits. If you want it, I mean.” The news hit me like a tidal wave, an
Aria Seeing Lucas look so heartbroken made my own heart break. Without thinking, I moved from my chair and knelt down to his height, opening my arms. “Hey, come here, kiddo,” I said softly. He hesitated for a moment before shuffling into my arms, still pouting and sniffling. “You really think I’
Lucas’s face fell, and he looked up at me with disappointed eyes. “When you go home tonight, Daddy’s not going to play with me at all.” I could see Darren’s jaw tighten, his fingers pausing for a brief moment before he continued typing. “Lucas, we’ve talked about this. I work so I can take care of
Aria Lucas’s little hand tugged at my fingers, his eyes wide. “Please, Aria, can’t you stay? Just this once?” I sighed, glancing over at Darren, who looked equally caught off guard by his son’s sudden enthusiasm. A sleepover? Seriously? On a Monday, no less? “Lucas, I have work in the mornin
I glared at him. “I’m not planning on starting anything.” “Your wolf says otherwise,” he remarked. “I can practically feel the tension rolling off you.” I tore my gaze away from Aria and the panther shifter, focusing on the ice melting in my glass. Maybe he was right. “It’s none of my business.”
Darren I swirled the amber liquid in my glass, watching as the dim lights of the ballroom reflected off its surface. The masquerade was in full swing—lavish costumes, ornate masks, and the hum of meaningless chatter filled the air. These events were never my scene, but as the CEO of Lunar Labs, I
Bella put a hand on my shoulder. “It’s okay, Aria. We’ll figure something out.” “But—” Just then, a smooth voice interrupted. “Is there a problem here?” We turned to see a tall man approaching, his dark suit impeccably tailored. His mask was sleek and black, covering half of his face but revea
Aria We’d been at this for hours now, primping and prodding in preparation for the masquerade tonight. Bella was like my drill sergeant, commanding me to don this color eyeshadow, smear this lipstick shade across my lips, spray just the right amount of perfume. It felt like we were teens again, ba
“Sarah,” I greeted coolly. “What brings you here?” She eyed the bags in our hands, noticing the mask peeking out of mine. “Shopping for the masquerade, I see? How… quaint.” Bella arched an eyebrow. “And what’s wrong with that?” Sarah let out a mocking laugh and checked her nails. “Oh, nothing.
Aria “Come on, Aria! This one is perfect for you!” Bella exclaimed, holding up a floor-length emerald gown that shimmered under the thrift shop’s dim lighting. I laughed, shaking my head. “Bella, that dress would make me look like a sequined asparagus.” She burst into giggles. “Yeah, but you’d
Bella raised an eyebrow. “Are you?” “No!” I exclaimed. “Well, maybe. I don't know. Darren and I talked about it, and he admitted that he might have been a bit... lenient with me.” “Hmm,” she mused, swirling her wine. “Well, at least he acknowledged it.” “Yeah, but it’s more complicated than th
Aria I hesitated for a moment but then nodded, following Darren as he led me to a fallen log near the edge of the clearing. He sat down and gestured for me to join him. I sat, but kept a small distance between us. “Listen,” Darren began, “I’ve been thinking a lot about what you said the other ni
Tracy frowned, genuine concern etched into her face. “Oh no, that wasn’t my intention at all. I just thought she was checking in on you, maybe worried about your workload.” I sighed, once again feeling at a loss for words. Tracy seemed genuinely apologetic, even if it was unprofessional of her to