S U M M E R
“We’re doing what?” I asked, stumbling as my best friend Melissa yanked me onto the sidewalk. Great, just what I needed—another birthday where I might end up face-first on the ground. That would make it two years in a row spent mostly in the hospital. “Come on! It’s going to be awesome. An experience! You need to let loose a bit.” “Let loose? I’ve been dragged all over the place today, all thanks to you.” I pulled my wrist free from her tight grip, wincing a little. Her nails were sharp and perfectly manicured, a bold red that matched her vibrant personality. Meanwhile, my nails were a mess, with uneven lengths and rough cuticles, according to the girl who did our manicures. A birthday gift, I guess. I wasn’t really into girls’ day outs, but Melissa had practically kidnapped me. “You think getting my palm read is fun?” I huffed, smoothing down my dress. The outfit was new, just like my overly fluffy hairstyle, both of which were Melissa’s doing. She was a wild spirit at heart. By day, she was a responsible pediatrician; by night, a total free spirit. “You’re not getting your palm read, silly. It’s tarot card reading.” “Same thing! And why today of all days?” Her tall heels clicked against the uneven sidewalk, and I struggled to keep up with her long strides. Those stilettos didn’t seem to faze her, while I was still worried about taking a tumble. “Because it’s your birthday, darling! Don’t you want to know your fortune?” “If we hadn’t just experienced eating an entire cow for lunch, I’d recommend getting Chinese food. That way I could get that happy little fortune.” “As long as you add between the sheets to the end.” She laughed in her subtle yet provocative tone. It was the very one that attracted every red-blooded male this side of the Massachusetts. She was the resident bad girl that had managed to attach herself to me shortly after my arrival in Cambridge. I was the good girl who kept to herself and liked it that way. What was wrong with sobbing over old movies? “What?” “Yep. You’re supposed to end every fortune with between the sheets afterwards. It would do you some good since you haven’t gotten laid for half your life.” “You’re such a bitch.” “I know,” Melissa cooed. “Which is why you love me.” She was outgoing. I was a wallflower. She was beautiful. I was plain. Although I had to admit today, I’d gotten a few looks from passing men. I chalked it up to the ridiculously tight dress she’d made me buy. The fruffy—her favorite word—material probably made me look like a water buffalo. “Not today. Likely never again. I don’t like the occult.” “It’s all fun and nothing else. You know that. You keep telling me you’re a scientist and don’t believe in the paranormal.” She had a point like she always did, but my grandmother had read the cards much to the chagrin of my mother. I’d begged the woman to read mine when I was ten years old. She hadn’t wanted to, but I was an excellent beggar. She’d stopped midway through, refusing to finish or tell me what she’d seen. But I’d seen the card. As a kid, it had terrified me even if I hadn’t known what it meant. A wolf. I noticed the sign up ahead and groaned. “I don’t like this.” “You don’t like anything outside of your comfort zone, which consists of dead bodies, slimy internal organs, draining blood, and cartons of chocolate ice cream topped with hot fudge.” For most people, describing the work of a medical examiner wouldn’t be done alongside remarking on a frozen treat. But Melissa wasn’t most people. “I’m perfectly comfortable.” “Uh-huh. In gray scrubs and nasty tennis shoes. That sounds comfy to me. Humor me and I’ll take you to get some ice cream.” She even had the nerve to use a funny voice at the end like she was bribing a child to be good. If I didn’t truly adore the woman, I’d walk home. After changing back into my beloved tennis shoes. “We’re here. Suck it up,” she said. “Melissa.” “Don’t Melissa me.” She looked at me and rolled her eyes, which she usually did at least twice whenever we got together. Sadly, our work ethics and long hours prevented us from doing that very often. “Fine. But I will get you for this.” “There you go,” she cooed. “I love it when you get angry.” The woman had no idea just how angry I could get. She threw open the glass door and a small bell jingled in the process. The small shop faced a busy downtown street on a bustling Saturday, but there were no other customers inside. Just creepy music and a round table covered in a blue, gauzy-looking tablecloth that had stars on it. “This is a joke,” I told her. My teeth were gritted. The place was freezing. “Oh, come on. Look around you. It’s quaint.” “Quaint? The pink building with pretty little flowers in flower boxes across the street is quaint. This is hokey-pokey fake.” There had to be two dozen candles lit and flickering. My guess was whatever the horrific scent was, it was meant to be soothing. “Just don’t embarrass me.” “Me with you? I think you mean the other way around, darlin’.” My bestie didn’t have a chance to quip her sarcastic response. A draped doorway was suddenly thrown open, a girl with long raven hair walking out with a bit too much flair. She was right out of the stuff I’d seen in the movies. “How may I help you?” She had a lovely voice and she was so young it threw me. At least she wasn’t dressed like a gypsy, wearing jeans and a flowered top like a teenager would. Wait a minute. I was going to have my future read by a girl who was much younger than me? “I don’t think so,” I said as I tried to turn around to flee. There was something about the moment and even the thought of going through the experience that troubled me tremendously. Maybe it was about the warning my grandmother had given me after ceasing her session. “The cards are evil for you, my child.” Evil. I’d never thought I’d hear my grandmother say something like that. “Oh, no, you don’t,” Melissa barked like a drill sergeant. She jerked my arm again and I just knew I was going to have bruises come tomorrow. “Ouch.” “I’ll bop you in the face next time. We’re here for a reading. It’s my friend’s birthday. I’m paying for it,” my bestie announced, like it was something important. And the girl couldn’t care less. She simply motioned me to the table while speaking to Melissa. “That will be thirty-four fifty.” “Ouch,” I said again. I gingerly sat down on the chair. I don’t know what I was afraid of, but my teeth were definitely chattering. Maybe it was because the air conditioning unit was on full blast. Melissa glared at me and pulled out her wallet. When we were all paid up, the girl pulled a set of cards from behind the small counter. I could tell she was bored with her work and wasn’t taking the reading any more seriously than I was. Still, with the gothic music and the stench in the shop, I half expected to see mist coming from the shadowed corners of the walls. “What is your name?” she asked. “Summer.” “Powerful yet innocent.” “And yours?” I could almost feel Melissa breathing down my neck. She was way too excited with this while I was ready for a nap. “Lumia.” “Beautiful name.” Her eyes flicked up to mine and it felt as if she was able to look straight into my soul. As she selected one card, Strength, explaining something about kindness and tolerance being needed to guide my chariot, I almost nodded off. I must have reacted badly because Melissa punched me in the arm. The second card was a little happier. Lovers. Yeah. Maybe Melissa would get her wish after all. She’d been bugging me for weeks to find a hunky older man and have sweaty, rough, and filthy sex. Not in this girl’s lifetime. The next one was Justice and Lumia seemed perplexed. She even used the term retribution more than once. I slowly glanced over my shoulder at Melissa who shrugged. When the Devil card was followed by Mr. Death himself, I’d had enough. “Oh, come on. This is fixed.” The girl shook her head and I could swear she was shaking. “Not fixed. True.” I started to get up, but Melissa shoved me hard enough that I almost flipped her off, just like she loved. “Stay,” she hissed. “I don’t think we should keep going,” Lumia said. “Oh, come on,” I teased her. I wasn’t mad at her, just frustrated with my soon-to-be ex-best friend for dragging me into this mess. Lumia looked totally out of it, her face twisting like she was in some horror flick where the victims always met a gruesome end. Wow, my imagination was really running wild! Lumia finally swallowed and drew another card, looking pretty down. She was great at faking horror, but there was confusion in her eyes too. “What’s up?” Melissa asked. “The Wolf.” “O-kay. What does that mean?” Lumia shook her head repeatedly, looking as pale as a ghost. Was she about to faint? “It’s not supposed to be here. Not in this deck.” “Maybe they got mixed up by accident,” Melissa suggested, but Lumia wasn’t buying it. “A dangerous man is going to change your future. Be careful. Be very careful.” She gathered the cards and shot up from the table. She walked away, making it clear that we were done. “Did I say something wrong?” I asked. “Clearly, you did. But you were a good sport.” That’s when I flipped her off, which sent her into fits of laughter. Meanwhile, that reading was stuck in the back of my mind, and I didn’t like it at all.J U L I A NCalix hopped off his Harith, his frustration bubbling over. “Can you believe this crap?” he exclaimed. I totally got why my younger brother was so worked up, but his dramatic flair was starting to wear on me. “It’s a directive from the Council of Wolves. Honestly, I’m surprised you even showed up,” River replied, arms crossed over his broad chest. His deep voice carried the same irritation I was feeling. While Calix looked like he was ready for a magazine cover, all polished and perfect, River had that rugged vibe that screamed danger. He was decked out in worn jeans with ripped knees, a dark tee splattered with red paint, and a flannel shirt that had definitely seen better days. His tough boots and scruffy beard from his recent getaway just added to that raw masculinity we both inherited. There were already a few dozen wolves milling around, all Alphas in their own right. More were expected to show up. The Wolfen rules were no joke—punishments could be severe, inclu
S U M M E R“I don’t fit in here.” I had to shout over the thumping drums. “Cut it out,” Melissa scolded. “You look amazing, babe.” “Amazing? I feel like I’m stuck in some ridiculous plastic wrap.” The bright red dress clung to me so tightly I could hardly breathe. “Seriously, stop it,” Carmilla piped up, her voice way higher than usual. I was surprised she even decided to join us tonight. She absolutely loathed dance clubs. Total accountant vibes, for sure. Yeah, I know, I’m stereotyping. “More drinks, bartender!” Susan was in her zone, acting like nothing could bother her. I just hoped the cute guy behind the bar was quick, or she’d go off on him. She really wasn’t a fan of men. Sighing, I fiddled with my dress for the tenth time, but it still felt just as uncomfortable. The three of them were swaying to the beat. I was hiding behind my second glass of wine, wishing it was time to head home. Maybe I really was a wallflower. “We should head out soon. I’ve g
J U L I A NIt had been a rough week, and things took a turn for the worse with a call from one of my brothers.And then there was the stunning woman who had dismissed me like I was nothing.Sure, I might have come on a bit too strong, but her response felt unnecessarily cruel.Oh, the drama of it all."What’s so important that you had to track me down after sending a 9-1-1 text?"I stormed out of the club and into the parking lot. Thankfully, anyone who knew me well enough wouldn’t dare approach me at night unless it was a real emergency.And it had been ages since there was one.At least it was my younger brother on the line; otherwise, I might have let my frustration loose."I was told to find you, Julian. Believe me, I didn’t want to interrupt my basketball game to play messenger for Mom."Our mother, the queen bee of the family. She never missed a chance to remind everyone of her status.After the earlier meeting, I had expected her call. She had bolted from the park, leaving the
S U M M E R It was impossible to truly understand a man like Julian Wolf.Charming.Exceptionally educated.Irresistibly alluring.A notorious playboy.And arrogant? Without a doubt, but he was far less insufferable than I had initially thought.I was clueless about his motives or how he had managed to scare off two attackers and car thieves with just a glance. Yes, that piqued my curiosity, but I was a cautious person and intended to stay that way.Sitting in his car, the most stunning sports car I had ever experienced, left me feeling uneasy.He was overwhelming, a mystery I couldn't quite decipher, and that unsettled me.I had never visited the small, charming bar he brought me to, as he navigated the cozy space with the confidence of an owner. The bartender recognized him with a brief nod and promptly sent a waitress to our table.After placing our orders, an awkward silence enveloped us.What was I supposed to say to him?My daily routine took over, and I found myself bombarding
S U M M E R"How can you tell? Is it my accent?" I had been informed that I carried a hint of a Virginia twang, a comment I only encountered after moving to Chicago for university.He chuckled, and the sound sent a rush of excitement through me, like fireworks. "Not really. It's easy to spot someone from a big city compared to the locals.""True enough. I’m from Richmond, Virginia. That’s where I grew up.""Why Cambridge? Not that I don’t appreciate the stunning scenery, but it’s quite a distance from home.""Simply put, I got a job offer."That was a bit of a stretch.Well, not entirely."I applied to around sixty forensic positions across the country. Most of the time, I was ignored, laughed at for my lack of experience, or told to come back when I was older. Seriously." As I turned to face him, I couldn’t help but gaze at him like a smitten girl.He took my words at face value, removing his jacket and rolling up his long white sleeves. His forearms were just as muscular as the rest
J U L I A N A hunter had ensnared his target. That thought consumed me as I kissed her for the second time. Yet, she wasn’t mine, and I had no right to be here. It wasn’t merely that I was a stranger to her; it was the unsettling sense that I somehow knew her. The reasons for this connection eluded me. Still, I craved her taste, her soft lips, and the gentle touch of her fingers as she fought to manage her overwhelming desires. Summer embodied sweetness and innocence, a woman deserving of reverence rather than the reckless abandon of a rogue like me. As our intimacy intensified, she didn’t seem to mind my dominance over her tongue or the time we shared. I could feel her awakening, her desires eclipsing the fear she had of the man who had likely saved her life. The reality was stark: two attackers had intended to end her life simply for the sake of their greed for the SUV. Her body pressed against mine, the intoxicating scent of her longing filling my senses. As I str
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 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