"Why don't you hold onto this for me?" I asked, holding it out to her when I was ready to leave. "You can give it to me the day of the Presentation Ceremony if you don't mind." I didn't want anything to happen to the stone before the ceremony. With it being in the pack for centuries, I didn't want to take a chance on losing it, even though I knew I wouldn't. Daphne's lips curled into a small smile. "No problem. I'll bring it to the Luna Presentation Ceremony." She put it back into the box and slid it back into the drawer, and then turned to face me. "So, the next full moon begins tomorrow. We can do it on any of those days. If we don't do it now, we'll have to wait until next month."I nodded, suddenly nervous. "Which day would you like to do it?"She shrugged. "Let's do it the day after tomorrow. It will give us both enough time to prepare. Also, I'll need to coordinate with Xander and Elias, as well."I nodded. "Sounds good." I pulled her in for a hug. "Daphne, thank you for everyth
"So, are you headed over to work out this morning?" Bailey asked the morning of the Luna Choosing Ceremony. The day before had been hectic, getting everything in order. In fact, Bailey had insisted that I not come in to work today, saying that I needed the time to "prepare," whatever that meant. But I would go stir crazy just sitting around my suite just waiting for my glam squad to arrive before the ceremony tonight. I had a feeling I was in for something. Exactly what? I had no idea.I nodded, taking in Bailey's workout attire that matched mine. "Yeah, I was headed that way. Needed to burn off some energy before tonight."She chuckled, slinging her bag over her shoulder as she rolled her eyes. "Yeah, right!"I rolled my eyes, ignoring the jab. "So, how was your weekend with Cruise?" I asked, following her out. Even though I was perfectly happy with Elias and Xander, and wanted only the best for Cruise, an unreasonable part of me didn't want to know. A broad smile spread across her
"Just go already!" Bailey finally told me halfway through the day. We hadn't had a patient all day, and she had clearly grown tired of me being distracted.My head snapped up. "What? In case you forgot, I'm your boss."She smirked as she took my purse from under the front desk and handed it to me. "Yes, you are. But in case you've forgotten, I'm much older than you, even if I don't look it.""I wouldn't say much older than me." I chuckled. Bailey scoffed. "Well, being a World War II nurse makes me quite a bit older than you. But age aside, you should go upstairs and take a long, hot relaxing bath." She shrugged. "You want to be ready when your glam squad arrives.""Don't remind me. They're an army just looking for a target to unleash their skills upon." I laughed. "Not that I'm complaining, though."Bailey chuckled, shaking her head.I sighed, my lips forming a straight line. "I just wish I knew more about the ceremony."Bailey gave me a sympathetic smile as she guided me toward the d
"After I got word that your people were killed," Daphne said as we stepped into the elevator. "I found the bracelet along with the grimoire. I found some other things, too. I've been holding for you until you were ready."I nodded as pain gripped my heart. "I only remember the attack on my people and my mother and my grandmother. I don't remember my father or anything else. Is there any way you can restore the rest of my memories?" I bit my lower lip. "I know my grandmother suppressed my magic and took away my memories so I could blend in with the humans. But if my magic came back, could the rest of my memories come back, too?"Daphne nodded, giving me a sympathetic smile. "Maybe. 'Tis not for me to say. But Kalyssa, keep in mind that you were only four years old at the time of the attack. Many human children have no memories before that time. The fact that you even remember that is miraculous."I nodded, understanding. If the only memory I have of my family is of the day of the attack
I arched an eyebrow. "Our people? Are you trying to tell me something?"Elias smiled, rubbing my back. He chuckled as he glanced over at Xander and then looked back into my eyes. "We wanted to do this right. But yes, we've been thinking about the future."Xander rose to his feet, pulling me with him. "But we're not going to discuss it tonight." He led me to the serving tray as he wrapped his arms around my waist from behind, propping his chin on my shoulder. "For one thing, you need to eat." He kissed my cheek as he handed me a plate. "Come on. Get something to eat, and let's watch Pride and Prejudice."I burst out laughing, arching an eyebrow. "Seriously?" I looked between them. "You both want to watch Pride and Prejudice?" It was more of a statement than a question.Elias shrugged, already popping the DVD into the player. "Tonight's your night. and if it makes you happy, then we're elated." He inclined his chin toward the serving cart as he adjusted the television, one corner of his
"Are you sure this is a good idea?" I asked Elias and Xander, standing outside the main dining hall the next night.Xander shrugged. "Sure! Why not? Everyone wants to see the new Luna."I rolled my eyes, shaking my head. "It's just that everyone already knows me. Announcing me again seems like overkill."Elias kissed my hand, never taking his eyes from mine as a broad smile spread across his lips. "Trust me. It's anything but."Xander smirked, giving me a sexy look as he motioned his head toward the inside. "Wait until we announce you. Then come in."I nodded. "I will."He kissed my forehead, looking debonair in his smoke-gray suit, his light brown hair with blond streaks combed to perfection. He smiled, holding my hand as he walked away. "We'll see you inside.""See you then." I smiled, not sure why I was so nervous.Elias gave me a quick peck. "Wait here, and we'll call you up in just a bit."I nodded, giving him a small smile as I brushed the shoulders of his gray suit. "I'll be wai
Faint rays of morning sun shone through the windows the following day. I rolled over onto Xander's bare, muscled chest, trying to orient myself to my surroundings, the smell of coffee thick in the air."Coffee?" Elias kissed my shoulder and then slipped on his shoes. Then he held up a cup of coffee and smiled. "Maybe this will help."I sat up and shielded my face. "Don't look at me. I'm hideous." But I took the coffee. "Thanks."He chuckled, planting a kiss on the side of my head. "You've never looked more beautiful."I scoffed. "Yeah, right." I took a sip of coffee, hoping it disguised my morning breath a little bit. "Umm... just the way I like it." I arched an eyebrow. "You've been paying attention."He gently kissed my lips. "Of course. I'm glad we all moved in together. This way, I get to see you before I go to work every morning.""Have a good day, dear," I teased, my voice filled with sarcasm. After I slipped out of bed and set my cup on the table, I put on my beige silk robe lyi
"Have a great day," Xander said, giving me a kiss goodbye before I left for work, refusing to let me do the dishes.I chuckled as I slid my backpack over my shoulder and opened the door. "At this rate, you two are going to have me spoiled rotten.""That's the whole idea." He leaned against the door facing watching me as I stepped into the hallway, looking every inch a supermodel. "Xander, at least leave the dishes for me." I felt guilty for leaving all the dishes for him. Somehow, it didn't seem right, since he had cooked, too."No way!" He laughed, shaking his head, looking at me as if I had lost my mind. "Go! Before I change my mind about letting you out of my sight today."I laughed, waving at him over my shoulder. "Have a great day!""I thought that might work," he teased, looking me up and down as I walked to the elevator. When the doors opened, he was still watching. I blew him a kiss when I stepped in and leaned against the wall when the door closed, feeling like a school girl
Over the next few days, we prepared for our Pledging Ceremony and Eve and Dannan's wedding. Their wedding had been a few days before our Pledging Ceremony and had been nothing short of an event—the complete opposite of Cruz and Eve's Wedding. But it suited them well. After all, Dannan and Eve were much more flamboyant than Cruz and Bailey. Also, nearly every member of Dannan's pack had arrived for their Wedding, adding to their numbers. But it was a lot of fun.Xander had performed the ceremony, and we had danced into the night. Eve and Dannan looked happy, too. Since they had found each other, both of them seemed to be less grumpy and easier to get along with. And with the trial behind her, Eve was able to concentrate on the wedding and enjoy it. She had surprised me by asking me to be her Maid of Honor, and I had graciously accepted. After what we had been through together, we had continued to grow closer. Even though she was still Eve, she was a better version of herself than she h
The next day, Sasha was found guilty of treason and sentenced to fifty years in the Alpha Supreme's prison. Eve and Dannan were in attendance, along with Xander, Elias, and me. Seven, her brother, was there, too."I'm so sorry, Seven," I said, patting his arm after the trial. "But the evidence was overwhelming."Seven nodded, a crease forming between his eyes. "Yes, I know. Who knows? Maybe the next fifty years will give her time to think. She should be punished for siding with Nightshade against the wolves." He let out a deep breath. "But I'll visit her in prison and will try to help her in any way I can."I gave his arm a gentle squeeze. "You're a good brother."He shook his head. "Thanks, but I don't feel like it.""Seven, this wasn't your fault." I let out a deep breath. "You had no idea what she was up to."He nodded. "I know. I had a feeling she was up to something, but I had no idea what it was." He smiled, looking at Xander, Elias, and me. "Thank you all for everything you've d
When we walked into the Main Dining Hall, Gray was already at the table, talking to Dannan and Eve. Cruz and Bailey were sitting at their usual table, but I stopped, scrunching up my nose as I took them in."What are you two doing here?" I chuckled. "You're supposed to be up there with us!"Cruz smirked as he looked over at Bailey, arching an eyebrow. "Well? What do you think?"Bailey looked up at me and shrugged. "With the Alpha Supreme here, we didn't want to intrude.""Get up here!" I teased. "You're never intruding! Besides, I'd like to introduce you two to him."Bailey looked at me sheepishly. "Are you sure there's enough room?""Absolutely!" I glanced over at Xander. "We could always have another table brought up. Couldn't we?""Yes, of course!" Xander smirked, holding Bailey's chair. "You two are part of the family now."Cruz chuckled. "You go ahead. We're right behind you."I pulled Bailey in for a quick hug, smiling sweetly. "If you don't come up there, then I'll come back for
Chapter 117: Time Alone"You don't think Rolph would do anything, do you?" All we needed right now was for Rolph to find out that we're being Pledged and then do something to stop it. Xander shook his head as we headed toward the elevator. We had just taken the Alpha Supreme to his room to rest before dinner and had a few minutes alone. Xander shook his head, looking toward Gray's room, and his door was closed.We stepped into the elevator before Xander spoke. "No, I don't think so. If he hadn't done anything by now, then I don't think he will."I nodded. "I hope you're right."Once the doors closed, Xander backed me against the wall, placing his hands on either side of me. "Kalyssa, the only thing I want you to think about right now is the Pledging Ceremony." He brushed a strand of hair back away from my face, looking into my eyes, causing my heart to quicken. With him so close like this, it made it difficult to concentrate."Okay," I breathed, lacing my fingers through his light br
We spent the next few days getting everything ready. We had our work cut out for us, helping Dannan and Eve plan their wedding as well as planning our Pledging Ceremony.Come to find out, a Pledging Ceremony is just as much work as a wedding. The only difference is that the couple is bound to one another instead of married. In the shifter world, it's usually common as an engagement ceremony, during which time either party may choose not to marry the other without fault. But it's okay to use as a semi-marriage ceremony, too. Legally, I couldn't marry two men, so this was the next best thing. But in our eyes, we will be bound to one another, whether we're technically married in the eyes of the law or not."So, what kind of flowers would you like?" I asked Eve as we planned with Bailey at the Clinic. Since Sasha ended up being the one who betrayed our pack to Nightwatch, it left Eve with very few, if any, close friends. So, Bailey and I had offered to help her plan since we were planning
"So, I see that my brother and Elias finally put a ring on your finger." Dannan smiled as he took my hand to admire the engagement ring Elias and Xander gave to me. "So, when's the big day?"I shrugged as Xander took my hand and kissed it. "I'm not sure. We haven't set one yet.""Well, why don't you do it while Dannan's here?" Eve suggested, slipping her arm through his."Hey! That's a great idea!" Dannan looked between Xander and Elias. "Why not? I could help you get everything in order while I'm here."Elias smiled, taking my hand as he looked between Xander and me. "Well, what do you think?"A broad smile spread across Xander's lips. "I'm game if you two are."I nodded, smiling. "Let's do it! What day?"Xander shrugged. "A week from today?""That won't give us much time to prepare." Elias suddenly looked lost in thought. and then glanced over at me, arching an eyebrow. "Will that be okay with you?"I nodded. "We can do it if we keep it small. It doesn't have to be an elaborate affai
"Well, hello, brother."When we walked in, I nearly fell over, for standing a short distance away was Dannan Reed, Xander's brother."It's good to see you, Dannan." Xander gave him a manly handshake, pulling him in for a hug, and then released him. "So, what brings you here?"He shrugged, arching an eyebrow. "So, I need a reason to come see my brother?""Usually." Xander burst out laughing, giving him a friendly slap on the back. "Come. Join us. We just held a Celebration of Making and was just about to celebrate with a feast.""So, has the she-wolf Eve been claimed yet?" Dannan asked, looking around. I smiled, biting my lower lip, knowing that was the real reason why he had come. "Why? Has the love bug bitten you?"Dannan scoffed. "Please." He shrugged. "Just wanted to check on her while I was here." His expression turned serious as his eyes met Xander's. "So, has she been claimed?"Xander chuckled, shaking his head. "No. Not yet. She and Kalyssa got into a bit of trouble--"Dannan g
The next day, I woke in the arms of my Alphas, sure, for the first time since we had been together, that I belonged."Good morning," Xander rolled over on me and brushed back the hair from my face and kissed my neck. Then he kissed my cheeks as he slowly pushed into me, moving his lips down as he kissed my breast, his pulls soft and slow, arching his back as he went deep. Then he moved slowly in and out, holding me as he pushed into me.I pulled him to me and kissed his broad shoulders, enjoying the feel of this powerful man in my arms and my bed. Then I pulled his lips to mine and deepened the kiss. When I pulled back, I pushed the hair away from his face to look into his eyes, matching him thrust for thrust.Soon, want and desire overtook us as his pulls became harder, more forceful. He held himself up with one hand and caressed my pleasure spot with the other, while never breaking his stride. His kiss was filled with want and desire as he looked deeply into my eyes. Then he slid my
"That's enough, everyone," Xander said, holding everyone back so I could walk through the garage.When Bailey and I got back, everyone wanted a ride, but Elias and Xander had something else planned for this evening, and I didn't want to disappoint them. Surely, the last thing they wanted was to have me spend the rest of the evening giving members of the pack rides in my new sports car.Bailey pulled me in for a hug. "Thanks for taking me." She arched an eyebrow when she pulled back. "See you at the Clinic Monday?"I nodded, knowing it would give me a few days to rest since this was Friday. "I'll be there."She crossed the room to stand by Cruz, and he wrapped his arm around her shoulders and nodded toward me, giving me his usual mischievous grin. "You know, you're going to let me give it a whirl. Right?"I scoffed. "Yeah, right," I teased as everyone laughed. Even though I was kidding around, I would probably let him drive it at least once anyway.Elias placed his hand on the small of