J U L I A NAs she hurried into the office, flipping her long bleached-blonde hair over her shoulder, her usual bright smile was noticeably absent. When she took off her sunglasses, it was clear she hadn’t had much rest.“Gentlemen, let me grab some coffee, and then we’ll head to the boardroom.”Today’s meeting was supposed to focus on selecting a new board member.Since we hadn’t gone public yet, we still had control over our board composition. With Tom Jones passing away from a heart attack, we needed to fill the fifth seat. He had been a dedicated member, living a long and fulfilling life.His death wasn’t unexpected; after all, we’re not invincible and can fall victim to anything from food poisoning to tragic accidents, illnesses, and organ failures.Nonetheless, it was a significant loss for us.Currently, our options were limited, and we needed to find a replacement quickly, especially with the upcoming votes on European opportunities. Our voting pattern typically leaned towards
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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
J U L I A N“Julian. This is your sweetie, your mate. Well, good news. My mother just confirmed I was born and bred for one thing. Becoming your mate. I guess my father is one of you. He was given a special honor in creating a hybrid. My scientific mind has to wonder why. Oh, yes. I guess my identity could be a secret? Maybe your great council was told or had premonitions of the fact werewolves would try and destroy the world.”Summer’s voice was filled with a half dozen emotions as well as anger.I tossed the phone onto my desk and closed my eyes. Had my mother known a mate had been pre-selected for me? Had the council members? I knew the answer.Yes, to both. Should I be angry? Likely. Did the situation make more sense? Yes. But I didn’t like it in the least.I moved to the window in my office staring out at the landscaping. I was still having as much difficulty processing the events as my stunning mate was.Maybe it was tough for me to think of her that way. Part wolf or not, she w
S U M M E RI was now becoming agitated. “I need the goddamn truth, Mother. It’s important to me. I deserve to know who and what I am.”Raising my voice wasn’t something I usually did with either my mother or my father. But… With everything I’d been through over the last week or so, I believed I was owed the single opportunity.She cleared her throat. “You are part Wolfen.”There it was. Right out in the open.I couldn’t deny it any longer, no matter how many scientific aspects I attached to it.“Why didn’t you tell me?”“Because we weren’t allowed to do so until you were ready.”“Ready? For what?” I almost missed my turn, my mind so damn foggy I could be living in London.“For when you took the throne.”Now I was heading straight to hell. “Throne? As in some kind of kingdom?”“In a manner of speaking.” Her tone was contrite or full of fear. I wasn’t certain which.“Okay, I’m a wolf and I’m a queen. Awesome start to my day. Don’t you think?”“Honey, you must understand, your father wa
S U M M E R“Shush or you’ll wake the sleeping princess,” I told him as he carried me down the hallway. My pussy was still aching from the rough round of sex, but I wanted more.I craved everything the man could and would give me.“That’s tough around you, little wolf,” Julian said in a low and husky voice, easily finding the bedroom in my tiny house. Once inside, he struggled to close the door without slamming it.He’d ruined my panties and I had a feeling that was a habit I’d need to break him of. As soon as he tossed me onto the bed, he yanked down my skirt, pitching it aside within seconds.His needs were insatiable, more so than before. What we’d endured had changed him.The events had changed me as well. I was no longer the kind of nerdy girl who’d adored romance, but had given up on finding the right one.No matter how I played it in my mind, he was the right one. The only one.He didn’t bother removing any of his clothes before climbing onto the bed, lifting and spreading my l
J U L I A NI slipped my hand to the back of her neck, pulling her around to face me. “Stop worrying about things you have no control over.”“That’s the problem. I have no control and it’s driving me crazy.” She nuzzled against my hand as I shifted it closer to her cheek. “I really am a part of Wolfen. Aren’t I?”“Yes. I know that upsets you.”She rubbed my face. “I’m not certain it does any longer.”“That’s good to hear.” Her arousal was increasing.“Your eyes are glowing. Do they always glow in the moonlight?”“I honestly don’t know.”“I think they’re perhaps the most beautiful pair of eyes I’ve ever seen.”“Do you want to talk about my eyes?” I was still burning for her, even more so now.“Not really,” she mused.“Good, because I need to devour you.”Her lips parted as if in a blatant invitation, which I took. At this point, I would refuse to allow her to say no. I crushed my lips to hers, feeling the quiver of her body against mine.She was more nervous than before. Perhaps she wa
J U L I A NI felt her presence even before she walked into the kitchen. The burning sensations were more intense than before, my hunger entirely different. Our connection was growing stronger with every encounter.“There is nothing quite like watching a man washing dishes with a towel stuck into the side of his pants. I must admit, pretty sexy. But I do have a dishwasher.”Only after finishing washing the last plate and placing it in the dishrack did I turn around to face her. The shorter skirt accentuated her long, tan legs, the flimsy tee shirt unable to hide her fully aroused nipples.I yanked the dish towel into my fingers, wiping my hands as I allowed my gaze to fall. “I thought I’d keep myself busy while you were getting Britney to bed.”Summer walked further into the room, taking a deep breath as she did so. “You are quite the hit with my daughter.”“I am, huh?” I returned the towel to the spot where she’d hung it over the stainless rung on the microwave and leaned against the
S U M M E RAll three girls lifted their sunglasses at the same time to get a better look. I was almost ready to punch every one of them.“Stop it,” I hissed.He was taking long strides and only had eyes for me. He’d found me immediately from a hundred yards away.“Whew. Would you feel that electricity in the air?” Carmilla said, pushing my arm with her elbow.“Look at the goosebumps on her arms,” Susan said, pointing toward me.“The woman is in love, ladies. You can feel the extreme heat between them from here.” Melissa backed away before I could punch her.I couldn’t save myself from them. Lowering my head and groaning was all I could do.“He’s making a beeline for you,” Carmilla whispered.I took a deep breath, his presence more commanding than ever.“Good afternoon, ladies,” he said after making his final approach. As always, his deep and velvety rich voice had my heart pitter-pattering.On any other day I would be swooning and pining away for his touch, but this wasn’t just anoth
S U M M E RI was unusually hot for this time of year. I was sweating like a dog. There was no perspiring like a dainty girl in high humidity.“Bring on the plasticware,” Carmilla demanded.“Hey, Johnny. Don’t pull her hair or I’ll pull yours,” Susan yelled at her son.The rest of us shook our heads. “Such a quiet woman,” I told her.“Hey, my Johnny isn’t an angel like your Britney.”Melissa snorted and yanked out the first cork. “You babysit her.” She winked at me.Smiling, I turned my attention to the group of kids. They were jumping and hollering like five- and six-year-olds should be doing. “The party was a great idea.”“Yeah,” Susan agreed. “They’ll be exhausted by six tonight. I won’t have to fight the little brat to get him into bed. For a change.”“I don’t think I ever want to become a mother. Between the two of you, y’all make it sound horrible.”I grinned at Carmilla. “Use the word challenging. Not horrible. I love being a mother, but kids can make you age.” I started pourin
S U M M E RThe day was insufferable. My mind was frazzled. My heart ached. What could be a worse combination?I was on my way to my daughter’s birthday party, my little girl being chauffeured by my best friend instead of her own mother. I was a horrible mom, but I’d wanted to head to the lab to start a few tests, a few I had to send off to a friend of mine back in Chicago who would keep quiet. Or so I prayed.I’d found some surprises for my baby girl downtown, happy with my purchases. I’d been headed to the party when I turned down the wrong street.Passing the tarot card reading shop. While I’d done my best to ignore the draw, I couldn’t seem to help myself. It was as if my willpower was gone now that I knew… That I assumed…“No. You won’t go there. Not yet. Not until the evidence is in.”Not only was I talking to myself as I sat in my car a block away from the tarot place, but I was acting as if the entire situation was one big crime scene. Well, in a way it was.I hadn’t asked Jul
S U M M E RWolves were definitely real and super dangerous. This one looked like it could end my life and have me for dinner. Something inside me said I needed to face this beast before my time was up. I dropped to my knees, trying to steady my breathing while I searched for something to use as a weapon. Luck was on my side for a moment, and I found a sturdy piece of wood. But I was running out of time. In a last-ditch effort to escape, I took off in a different direction, sprinting as fast as I could. I didn’t even notice I was heading back toward the driveway until the bright lights came into view. I felt a wave of relief, but it quickly faded when I turned around. I had seen that video too many times—the guy coming back to life. The blurry footage had shown me enough horror and fascination as I watched him grow larger, his spine twisting. But those white lights wrapped around the trees gave me a chilling realization.I could no longer hide behind science.The high-pitched howl