The man in charge, who I found out was a captain, decided to show mercy on us. He led me to his car, parked away from the border. With his muscular arms, it was easy for him to place Chasel in the back seat.Glancing at Chasel's unconscious frame, I knew I had to find a doctor soon. Would that be easy, though? We traveled for a while. The scenery changed from a woodsy, private area to a small city."Where are you taking us?" I asked him. I didn't want to look a gift horse in the mouth, but this was making me nervous. It was obvious this wasn't a trap, but it was still sketchy. "I'm taking you to rogue territory. These buildings and streets are a part of it."My heart sank as I glanced out at the city from the passenger seat window.Everything was dilapidated. Most of the metal structures were rusty and corroded, and the street gutters were plugged with trash. Graffiti covered multiple brick walls, some with crass pictures of women or curse words. Several half-built cement stru
"You sound like you've gone through the same sh*t I did."I cracked a smile at her blunt words, feeling a wave of relief that we'd found common ground. Anna was being friendly to me, but that didn’t mean she wasn’t still intimidating. Despite my fear, I pressed on, eager to hear more. "What do you mean?" I asked her. She refilled my water, then once again joined me at the table. "I wasn't a rogue either, but Moonlight Pack pushed me and my husband out. They treated us the same as you, leaving us in this city, to deal with the delinquents here. They say they're doing you a favor by letting you live, but I think sometimes there are fates worse than death..." she trailed off. "That sounds awful, but you're right. I feel similarly. The Moonlight warriors make me feel like I’m out of sight, out of mind," I commented. “On the other hand, I’m grateful they spared Chasel and me.”"That’s a good attitude to have. Seems better than mine,” she said, with a wry laugh. “I'm sorry you've h
My assumption that the club was sketchy turned out to be spot on. Men of all types were watching exotic dancers take the floor. The music was so loud the bartender had to lean in to hear what I was asking."I'm interested in finding out more about the cocktail waitress position," I shouted. He nodded and took me out back. As I entered the office, I saw a muscular man around two hundred and forty-five pounds sitting at a desk. His feet were up, and he was smoking a cigar. A woman walked by him, and he slapped her a*s. My mouth dropped open as he laughed. "Here's the boss, Salvatore," the bartender said. "Sal, she'd like to find out about the job posting."Salvatore threw his legs off the desk and leaned with interest as I meekly sat across from him. He visually perused my body, going from my head downward. This was already making me feel uncomfortable. "A pretty she-wolf like you would fit right in here. You new in town?" he asked me, biting the cigar and puffing away. The sce
"Oh, Dr. Carmichael! This is wonderful!" My heart was racing with anticipation. "It is good news. Please come in to see him as soon as you can."Hanging up, I couldn't believe my ears! I was too excited to do anything else before dashing to the clinic. As soon as I arrived, the receptionist let them know. A nurse led me to his room, and when I saw him open his eyes, my heart fluttered. He really was awake!"How are you feeling, Chasel?" the nurse asked gently, taking his blood pressure. He didn't respond verbally, only giving her a nod. My face lit up as he turned to me. As he stared at me, he didn't seem excited at all. I was confused when he didn't react as I had expected him to. He glanced around the room, peering at me like I was a stranger. "Chasel, I’m so glad you’re awake. Oh, I've been so worried." I held my hands together, interlocking my fingers in thanks. Leaning toward him, I gently placed my fingertips on his hand. He flinched at my touch, pulling back. I twiste
My heart sank, and I began to shake, especially when I saw her troubled frown. "He could have left hours ago!" she exclaimed, holding her head as she paced. “I had no idea.” "Think back. Did you hear anything?" I inquired with fear in my voice. "Not really. I went to sleep at some point, and when I woke up, I checked on him like usual, but he wasn’t in bed," she said, sighing in exasperation. "At first, I was worried he’d fainted, so I checked every single room, but...” she trailed off as she stared at the floor. Her pupils were dilated, and she had a faraway look in her eyes. After a few seconds, she raised her head and said, “I'm sorry." Although I didn’t let on, this was terrifying to me. He had just come home and wasn’t one hundred percent healthy. If he were attacked or suffered any amount of trauma, he'd be right back to where he began before the hospital. My heart raced as my mind ran through every worst-case scenario. Moments ago, my aching feet had been the
Chasel POVI couldn't believe my ears. Had the girl I used as a human shield done all those things for me? What would make her behave in such a way? Was she looking for the so-called life-saving grace?Who was this Juliana?The first time I remember meeting her was in the hospital. When I woke up, and she was at my bedside, despite my poor state, I was stunned by the purity of her appearance. She was beautiful and was the type of woman who could easily sway the average man in her favor. But I wasn't typical.Also, from day one, my first impression of Anna, with her blocky physique and assertive demeanor, gave me the sense that she'd seen some life and wouldn't shy away from a fight. Though she was older, it hadn't weakened her, and she had my respect.Not only did I respect her, but she was also my host. I had to adhere to what she was asking, and right now, that was an apology. As Anna pointed once more, Juliana turned to me. Despite being taller than her, I felt humbled in her p
Juliana POVMy restraints were tight and painful as I writhed against them. Even though I could barely see through my swollen eyes, it was enough to view the sadistic, greasy grin of this patron. I quivered as I watched him figuratively froth at the mouth, having been granted free rein over my body. He had already torn off my clothes. What else would he do? I felt the light in my heart become dim. Still, I hadn't lost my will. I jostled against my restraints as the client slithered closer. I could tell there was a list he had in mind of what he desired but had never been allowed to act out his twisted fantasies. If he enjoyed sexual contact without consent, he was a pervert, and degenerates like him didn’t ever have good intentions.I chastised myself, briefly believing that part of this could be my fault, but quickly that notion dissipated. Everything in my heart told me I was here because of an angry client and my infuriated, ego-bruised boss. It wasn't my responsibility tha
Salvatore was stunned by the cold stare of death in Chasel's golden irises. I widened my eyes, trying to understand the violent confrontation that just took place. Eagerly, I watched Salvatore’s reaction. My boss wouldn’t take his eyes off Chasel. There was fear in those wide eyes. Chasel slowly approached, like a predator with his prey, threatening to execute the final blow at a moment's notice. My boss's eyes darted around in desperation. He was trying to choose the right words before Chasel decided for him. Then, I watched his eyes glimmer in hope. With a sliver of composure, he stood slightly taller. "Hang on,” he began.”If you kill me, all the rogues in the area will hunt you down for revenge. I have allies. You won't make it to the next alleyway before you're dead." He pointed outside. Chasel didn't need much time to respond. "If I kill you, I'll become the head rogue." His baritone voice penetrated the room. "Isn't that the way this works?" He sure was one for brev
Chester POVOutside of my doorstep was Juliana, helpless and in need of care. She was barely conscious by the time she made it to me. Rushing toward her, I caught her just in time before she fell to the ground. Picking her up, I carried her inside across the threshold like a sleeping child after a long car trip. What was she doing here? She should have stayed in the hospital. Now that she had exerted herself, she could not answer that question. I'd have to wait until later to ask. I had no choice. It felt like I was locked in a cage, and until she awoke, I wouldn’t be released. Her words were the only things that could set me free. For now, I’d make her comfortable. Once we were in my palace, I ascended the carpeted stairs and entered my room. Without thought, I brought her to one of the beds. While I laid her down gently, I gazed upon her. With her long lashes and frail appearance, she resembled a baby doe.Again, just like during our midnigh
Juliana POVWhile I was in a coma, I didn't lose my senses entirely. Snippets of feelings like stinging pinpricks from inserted needles and muffled voices haunted me like ghosts. Though I should have been afraid, I wasn't. Even though I didn't have my wolf yet, my body was healing at an accelerated rate compared to humans. Somewhere in my subconscious, I knew I'd wake up soon. But in the meantime my brain was alight with activity. During my coma, I only dreamt of one person. Chasel. At times, my visions were filled with him rescuing me in Alston's dimly lit basement, covered in wounds and weakened from herbs. Though those visualizations were slightly negative, he was still my savior. My only other dream depicted him as a leader wearing an intricately designed golden crown encrusted with symmetric precious jewels. The lights above him glimmered against the rubies, causing pink reflections on the wall. His clothing was of the utmost quality as
Juliana POVThe prison was a dank dungeon devoid of illumination except for the swinging light bulb from the torture closet. Before this experience, I had learned to treasure luminosity. Without it, I felt like a plant starved from my source of food. And just like that plant, I was wilting under the deplorable conditions I was forced into. Being locked in the basement as a child, then again with the rogues, and now here, these warriors were triggering me into an elevated state of panic. My adrenaline surged and somehow kept me alive, yet I wasn't sure how much longer I could take this.The lack of a clock jumbled my circadian rhythm, too. I thought that perhaps I'd find a digital clock with neon red numbers, but there was nothing. The ticking from the second hand on a battery-operated clock was absent, too. This prison was purposely created this way. Add to those disorienting features the fact that I was in and out of consciousness because of the ang
Arlene POV continuedListening to the maid struggle and choke was satisfying. It was a means to an end. What was she thinking, trying to blackmail me? She had no idea that I was the python and she was the baby bunny who crossed me.Luckily, my quarters had a closet with clothing in it, including neckties. Earlier, I'd laid one out on the bed. It was silky black and navy blue stripes with white accents. I wanted to practice looping it so I could flawlessly tie it for the Alpha King. When I won, of course. Now, it was my tool to teach her a lesson. There wasn't any way I was dropping out of this competition. I just had to get rid of this loose end. "I can’t let you live knowing what you know. You deserve this!" I twisted the tie taught, dragging her feet along the carpet until my back was against the wall. I positioned myself firmly, keeping her close. The maid gasped, grabbing at the necktie, jamming her thumbs, and mashing her knuckles against my arms. She was
Arlene POVI was quite pleased with my life. Things were going exactly the way I'd planned it. The princess, whose name was Jennifer, had been poisoned. Even though the doctor had rescued her, she was weakened and had to be monitored at the hospital. There was too great a chance that she'd acquire a secondary infection. She also had an allergic reaction to it. That was the real deadly part. What she ingested wasn't something that couldn't kill her right away. It would take weeks or months and massive amounts. It was only meant to make her leave. Her almost dying was a bonus. She was more than likely going home, and consequently, she was out of the competition for the Alpha King's Luna. Jennifer's father was the alpha for Crystal River, a loyal ally to Moonlight, though. Because of their decades of connection, Jennifer had a better chance of becoming Luna if she remained here. Of course, this meant she was my biggest competitor if she was in Crystal River. I
Juliana POVMy anonymous visitor wasn't satisfied with my answer and didn't appreciate my opposition. He paused, taking a deep breath. I sensed he wasn't someone to be trifled with as he stood inhumanly still. The way he carried himself made me think he was high up in Moonlight's ranks. Otherwise, how could he free me?After adjusting his velvet hood, he continued, "If you want your freedom, this is your only chance. Consider this carefully." His voice was precise and confident. His offer wouldn't last forever, and I feared he'd renege if I made him angry.I wrestled with this moral dilemma. Obviously, someone constructed this crime, so I'd be charged. It wasn't food poisoning like Arlene suggested. The act was deliberate. Maybe the guilty party was this person standing in front of me. Whoever he was, he was probably in cahoots with Arlene or just an opportunistic, though ballsy, bastard. Trying to implicate the Alpha King was playing with fire. I wondered just who t
I was shocked at their accusation. Leaning against the stainless-steel countertop, I took a moment to gain my bearings. Was I being accused of this crime for real? I felt faint; this was so sudden. The warriors converged on me, using their height and muscular bodies to box me in. "Poisoned a princess? How could you believe such a thing? I'd never do that–""Save your breath. You're the head chef here and our number one suspect."They cuffed my wrists, roughly jerking me out the door. As we left the kitchen, they led me down the marble stairs, by the fountain, to their car. Carelessly, they shoved me inside. I stared at the serene scene that Chasel and I had visited nightly. Did this mean I wouldn’t see him again?Heartbroken, I asked, "Where are you taking me?" "To the prison. That is where criminals go." They laughed in unison at his sarcastic drivel. I tried swallowing, but my mouth was dry from panic. Why would someone poison a princess? Surely, there wa
Chester POVJuliana...her name represented a part of my past, and when I thought to myself, I heard it in a whisper. This was a special experience for me. Since I'd been born, I knew I was Hartford's successor and now, the new Alpha King of the future. My name was known and never questioned. I came with notoriety. The Hartford Alphas were respected and revered. Most people avoided us. While I didn’t prefer being in public when I was, nobody approached me. If anything, they dreaded my cold stare. People only ever feared or admired me. Nobody took care of me like Juliana did. She did it without thinking. Here I was, the alpha, and this little girl was as free as could be around me. She didn't feel self-conscious or intimidated. Of course, she had no idea of my true identity, but something told me she wouldn’t alter her behavior, and I liked that about her. However, there was that risk, and I didn’t want to take it. Without my memories she could very well be manipulating
The breath left my lungs. I'd never expected to see Chasel, period, much less in the castle. I could barely contain myself as I rushed up and hugged him tightly. He was here!"Oh, Chasel, my love! Where have you been?" I was nearly squealing, pressing him to me. “What in Moon Goddess's name are you doing here?" My heart was racing. ”Not that I don’t want you here. I’m so glad you are!” Instead of the affection I'd imagined, yearned for, and craved, I got nothing. No warm embrace or expression of pleasure. Instead, he pushed me away from him. His rejection felt like the cutting wind of a cold winter's day. Why was this happening?All this time, I'd been pining, unable to stop thinking about him, and this was the last thing I expected. I couldn't wait for him to be a part of everything I'd done, but this wasn't the Chasel I knew. He stared at me with a slight squint of bewilderment, like he couldn’t see me. I was unable to reconcile what was happening. "Who are you?" he as