S U M M E RExhausted and dazed.There couldn't be two more fitting words in English. My vision was blurry, but I wanted to take in the sight of the massive man looming over me like a true ruler of the night.After a few blinks, I finally managed to pull his stunning figure out of the overwhelming haze of desire. His outfit, while perfectly tailored to his muscular frame, still didn’t do him justice.He was built like... well, there really wasn’t a word that could capture it. Broad shoulders, a chiseled abdomen, a slim waist, powerful legs, and striking forearms—all wrapped up in a towering six-foot-four frame of pure allure.And the things he could do with his tongue? Definitely sinful.Once he was fully undressed, he didn’t waste any time before returning to the bed. His intense, almost dangerous aura lingered. The shadows in the room danced wildly, as if they had a life of their own, creating a bizarre yet captivating backdrop.Even the moonlight seemed to caress his skin, giving i
S U M M E RMy office, which includes the lab and exam rooms, didn’t quite match the dramatic setups you see in thriller movies, but today, everything felt overshadowed.Maybe it was my dreary mood combined with the overcast sky that had me grumbling as I parked. My stomach was growling, but I hadn’t had a chance to eat after my quick shower.Even on a Sunday morning, the drive still took about fifteen minutes.I had just stepped out of my car when two other vehicles rolled into the lot. One was a classic black van, completely unmarked and with no rear windows. The other was a silver Prius—not the kind of car I’d expect an agent to drive, but practical nonetheless.I shut my car door and waited. I could see two hefty guys in the van, and the blonde getting out of the Prius was also a surprise.She looked to be in her thirties, attractive in a somewhat snobby Barbie doll way. Maybe I was judging too quickly.What really stood out was her gray pantsuit, which looked like it was straight
S U M M E RIt didn't take long for me to check the clock again. I wasn't shocked to see that an hour had passed. The findings were not what I had anticipated. After comparing the samples, all I found were those belonging to the victim. The blood matched.I still had a few more tests to conduct, capable of detecting even the tiniest traces of foreign DNA, but I wasn't feeling optimistic at this stage.I had determined that the claw marks were too large to belong to any bear native to this area. They resembled wolf prints, but no wolf I knew could leave such massive marks.I was stuck on how to wrap up the report.With a sigh, I took off the headgear that held the microscope light and stepped back. Maybe a cup of coffee would clear my head. We had a trusty Keurig in the lab, even though I had suggested it be moved to the break room. Today, I was thankful they ignored me.As the coffee brewed, I reflected on the results so far.Using an ambiguous label wouldn’t sit well with anyone, but
J U L I A NAs River swung open the door, I could see the surprise on his face when he spotted me.Honestly, I was a bit taken aback myself for showing up at my older brother's place.On a Sunday evening, no less.This wasn’t really my style. Sure, we were a tight-knit family, but there were certain times during the week when we all intentionally took a break from each other.Social media was the biggest nuisance out there.Though his daughter would probably disagree, as she was all about it."Did the world end, or did your house explode?" River joked, chuckling as he stepped back to let me in. For a guy who usually donned only the finest handmade suits from his Italian tailor at work, he looked surprisingly laid-back.Dressed in jeans and a Chicago Bulls hoodie.At least he had good taste."Or maybe you just couldn't resist my fabulous company from yesterday," he quipped."You, the construction worker? Not quite. I just wanted to pick your brain," I replied, shutting the door behind
J U L I A NRiver stayed quiet while I downed my drink, then topped off my glass. "What’s up? Is it the anger from the meeting?""Nope. It’s because a woman I’m really into was nearly attacked. I just reacted. I almost took out those two guys right in front of her.""You acted without thinking?""Yeah.""And did you shift?"I sighed and shook my head. "Not completely, but I was close. I could feel my wolf itching to break free. The urge for blood was overwhelming. I could see those guys' veins pulsing and wanted to tear them apart." I barely recognized my own voice.He rubbed his jaw and looked away. "We can’t let that happen. We’ve come too far and have too much at stake. Whatever’s going on, we need to stay focused on our daily lives and our beliefs. I’m starting to sound like Calix. I don’t care about their rules anymore.""They’ve kept us safe and out of trouble. Don’t think I don’t realize that.""Don’t get defensive with me. You’re the last person I’d expect to lose control. Wha
S U M M E RLife had been a bit chaotic, and I felt that intensity magnified over the past few years.I was content with the path I had chosen, yet the echoes of my past were always lurking.Perhaps everyone needed those reminders to avoid making the same errors again.At least I had moved on from my old life and the guy who tried to hold me back, seeking new adventures.Still, it came with its share of headaches.I kept seeing the wolf card and let out a sigh. I really shouldn’t have stepped into that shop.Lumia's response was still heavy on my mind. The whole thing felt surreal, to say the least.Here I was, a scientist, and I couldn’t come up with a solid explanation.I knew I wouldn’t find any answers on a Sunday night.I knocked on the turquoise door of the charming Cape Cod house, feeling a bit hesitant as I waited. There was never a clear sign of how my almost sister-in-law would be feeling. Emily Abbott seemed like a genuinely good person. She was a wonderful aunt to my daugh
S U M M E RMy little minion took her sweet time getting ready for bed. When I walked in, she was still chattering away, holding out one of three different books for us to read."That one, Mommy! I love alligators. And wolves. Do we have any books about wolves?"Only my daughter would choose an alligator book over a cheerful dog or a cuddly teddy bear. But wolves?"I don't think we have any wolf books, but how about a doggie story?"She huffed and rolled her eyes. "Not the same."I couldn't help but think about the autopsy and the tarot card. No, I wasn't going there. I didn't believe in that stuff. Nope, not me."Alligators it is. Scoot over, sweetie." I dimmed the lights just how she liked them and climbed onto her bed. She had picked out her own comforter as a gift after our move. Deep down, she was a little princess but desperately wanted to be grown-up.At least her room still showed her age for now. I had a feeling that wouldn’t last long.As I began reading, she rested her head
J U L I A NWolfen Industries was operating smoothly, with offices, production sites, and dealers spread across various cities and rural areas in the U.S. We were also in talks with some European diplomats, but it seemed like Italy was really pushing back against our entry into the market.We had a meeting lined up with a group of Italians to try and ease the situation, but I wasn't too optimistic about it.From what I gathered, they were genuinely worried that we would capture an even larger share of the market than we already had. Should I feel bad for them? Not a chance.I had earned a reputation as one of the toughest businessmen in the field, and for good reason.The two production facilities located between Cambridge and Chicago were the original sites established by my great-grandfather ages ago. Although they had been upgraded with top-of-the-line equipment, they still retained their original charm.This included a set of offices on the ground floor of the very first building.
S U M M E RTears streamed down my face as I whimpered, yet he remained still, observing me.I stumbled closer to the creature, trying to hold back my sobs. Fear gripped me tightly."It's alright, puppy. I promise I won't hurt you."He was enormous, larger than any dog my mother had ever allowed me to encounter, and his fur was as dark as the night sky.He stood his ground.He wasn’t trembling with fear like I was.His gaze was fixed on me, and his silver eyes sparkled with an otherworldly beauty."I'm scared, puppy." I sank to the ground in front of him, my sobs escaping in waves.The dog remained there, patiently watching.I reached out, yearning to feel his soft fur. He was truly magnificent.Finally, the puppy approached me, and the moment I wrapped my arms around his neck, a sense of safety enveloped me.Suddenly, I jolted awake, gasping for breath. The room was dark, but a faint beam of light allowed my eyes to adjust. It had been a dream. The puppy had transformed into a wolf,
J U L I A NSummer was stunning, especially at the peak of her pleasure. Her reactions were nothing short of mesmerizing.I couldn't tear my gaze away from her, sharing in the electric thrill she was experiencing. It was only when I withdrew my hand that she finally opened her eyes wide.They were clouded, brimming with desire.I traced my fingers along her lips, and she instinctively parted her mouth. As I slipped my fingers inside, she eagerly wrapped her lips around them.The sensation was incredibly arousing, igniting a fire within me. My desire was intense, and the ache in my groin was indescribable.But I craved to be inside her. Soon.She sucked and licked my fingers, gripping my arm with one hand as she savored every moment. Each sound she made pulled me deeper into a darkness I hadn’t felt in ages. She not only knew how to push my buttons but also understood my deepest desires.Taking charge while indulging in her wildest dreams. She released my fingers, licking the last trac
S U M M E RI couldn't help but stare at the stunning pool, the hot tub, the outdoor kitchen, and the fire pit surrounded by elegant furniture, all highlighted by the magnificent waterfall cascading into the pool."How can this be an underground pool?" I exclaimed in disbelief as I approached. The impressive fencing system that framed the entire rooftop provided both security and breathtaking views. This must have cost a small fortune."The building was designed with the pool and this area in mind," he explained. "The floor beneath supports the pool's base while allowing access for any necessary repairs to the mechanical systems."Just then, amidst the enchanting ambiance of the rooftop space, I heard music—beautiful Spanish guitar, my absolute favorite.Had he been peeking at my journal or my CD collection?"Are you trying to impress me?" I asked, searching for his whereabouts."Perhaps," he replied, stepping out from the shadows. "How am I doing?""I’m not easily impressed, especial
S U M M E RThe recollection of that story caught me off guard. It had completely slipped my mind. I was only about six years old, definitely too young to grasp that I had been in the presence of a predator. I had never encountered the wolf before, nor had I seen him since. Yet, even years later, I could still sense his presence.What struck me as the most peculiar was not just the sudden memory, but the unexpected comfort it brought me. While I was still unsettled by the events in the morgue, I was no longer paralyzed by fear. Perhaps I had a knack for understanding wolves.Maybe that explained why dogs seemed to take a liking to me.I chuckled and caught a glimpse of Julian's reflection in the large window of his condo. Situated on the twentieth floor, it offered a stunning view of various shops and eateries, along with what appeared to be a park directly across the street. Although taller buildings loomed in the background, they did little to detract from the breathtaking scenery.
J U L I A NAs a young girl, I once wandered off into the woods behind my mother's house. I wasn't lost for long—perhaps three hours—but something extraordinary occurred.Her expression was intense, her breath quickening. "What happened, Summer?""A wolf guided me back home." She leaned in, her eyes flickering between mine.The intensity of that moment, the profound connection we shared, felt even more surreal. "Wolves typically prefer solitude, yet they can be incredibly protective. Did you feel scared?""No, I was captivated. It felt like I could communicate with him telepathically. I know it sounds insane. My mother insisted I must have bumped my head, but I knew the wolf was real."I turned my gaze to the trees, and she caught my deep breath, holding it for a moment."Why did you do that?" Her tone was gently accusatory."Do what?""Don't act like you think I'm not paying attention. Who holds their breath to see if someone is watching? Can you really read people and animals by the
J U L I A NMy behavior was out of the ordinary.Demanding.In need.There were reasons behind it, some driven by instinct alone. I had a strong sense that she was in peril, but that wasn’t the sole cause of my possessive instincts.My wolf had fully emerged. He was restless, and while she was a significant part of that, she certainly wasn’t the only reason. Just the thought of her stirred something deep within me. I cursed under my breath. I needed to clear her from my thoughts. Frustrated, I raked my fingers through my hair. It had been a long time since I had lost control, and experiencing it twice in such a short span was concerning.I had to focus on the real problem at hand. I had dissected everything I’d heard during the council meeting, along with what Mother had shared with us.Tales.Over the years, I had come across numerous tales about the Wolfen—our kind. These stories came not just from my mother but also from others within the pack.There was a time in my childhood when
S U M M E R"I won't fall for your trick of calling me about an emergency with Britney. That's an old ploy, and trust me, men see right through it. They no longer buy into the babysitter-calling-with-an-emergency routine," Melissa stated firmly, as was her style."They will if you sell it well!" A driver behind me honked aggressively, tailgating me. If I weren't already speeding close to eighty miles per hour, I would have gladly slammed on the brakes. Honestly, I could use a new car anyway."That's nonsense, and you can't wiggle out of this so easily. You agreed to the date. Remember?""I was... pressured." It was a stretch, but I couldn't let my best friend know how thrilled I was. She would never let me forget it. "Just do it, please?"As the rude driver sped past, giving me the finger, I instinctively rolled down my window and shouted, "Right back at you, jerk!""Wow, girl. You might want to consider some anger management," Melissa chuckled."It's been a rough week." I had been bl
S U M M E RFear.I felt a sense of numbness, a stark contrast to the emotions I had experienced the previous night. Sleep eluded me, just as I had anticipated.It’s hard to rest when all you can envision are sharp teeth. No, that’s a vampire. Werewolves have canines, right? Or are they also called fangs?Massive ones.And claws.Long and razor-sharp.And fur. A lot of rough fur. I had a sample to prove it. I should know; I had the DNA. I could run tests, and I had, though I worried the samples might have been compromised.For someone who usually excelled at focusing, my thoughts were scattered. Perhaps I had consumed too much coffee.I had made the mistake of researching wolf capabilities online before heading to bed. They were formidable beings, but they didn’t come back from the dead.“So, the police were here?” Todd inquired. He was one of my two assistants, alongside Daphne, my computer and 3-D specialist. He had a sharp wit but was undeniably brilliant.I was still lost in my th
J U L I A NCalix had no interest in hearing about the legends or the methods that had taken generations to shape our way of life. He despised the mandatory training, skipping more classes than he actually attended. Because of his refusal to adhere to the rules, despite being born an Alpha, his rank was demoted to a lower status. This marked the beginning of his disdain for who we were and where we stood."Supreme beings capable of slaying both wolves and humans," River recalled the ancient tales our mother had insisted we listen to.Admittedly, the old folklore about our curse to roam the earth as hybrids since the Viking era was hard to digest. It felt akin to a ghost story or a horror film crafted by humans.From my scientific understanding, we were created like any other creature, but we had found a way to evolve."What are we discussing?" Parker inquired as Calix continued to seethe.I leaned back in my chair, the thought of our predicament feeling like a personal nightmare. "Wer