BastienSelene’s silken voice is floating out of Lila’s bedroomin a steady stream, weaving fairy tales from thin air to carry our pup off tosleep. It’s already dark out, the winds of autumn ushering in the night earlierand earlier as we near the equinox, and confusing my young daughter’s internalclock to no end.Moving to lean in the doorway, I spy my mate stretchedout on Lila’s twin bed, our pup snuggled beside her with heavy eyelids. Herlittle mouth stretches wide with frequent yawns and I know it won’t be longbefore she passes out completely.Pure longing consumes me as I watch the beautiful pair:Selene’s gentle hands caressing Lila’s dark hair as she spins her fantasy, thesweet pup’s soft cooing sounds as she’s lulled into dreamland. I could standhere gazing at them forever. I’m conti
SeleneThunder crashes overhead, jarring me straight to thebone. Terror lances through me as lightning streaks through the sky, pushing meto run faster, even as I hear Bastien howling for me in the distance. The rainbegins soon after, fat droplets bursting onto the forest floor and transformingdirt and leaf litter to thick, sticky mud.Annoyance flits through my mind. The rain might helpcover my scent, but the quickly coalescing muck will save my footprints in aperfect trail. It will be only too easy for Bastien to follow me, and I do notwish to be caught.The worst part about my mate’s hurtful words is that weboth know they’re undeniably true. I deserve to feel this pain, I deserve tosuffer the consequences of my past cruelty.Tears stream from my eyes as I run, the steady poundingof my heart punctuating every loping st
Bastien“Daddydo you have ta go?” My pup’s tiny voice cuts me right to the core. Hasthere ever been a worse feeling than this? Than leaving my family and notknowing if I’ll ever see them again? Than knowing that if I can’t fix thingswith Blaise, their lives might be forfeit, and I won’t be around to protectthem?“Iwouldn’t be going unless I absolutely had to, Lila bean.” I explain earnestly,cupping her tiny cheek in my hand.“Whenyou come back?” Lila questions mournfully, reaching towards me with both armsopen.“Assoon as I can.” I promise, pulling her out of Selene’s arm and into my own.“Nextweek?” She asks, her adorable face so hopeful I want to cancel my mission justto make her happy. I can’t believe how
Drake“What’sgoing on, Bastien.” I inquire urgently, eyeing Sophie where she huddles in theshower. Lowering the phone for a moment, I lean over and press a kiss to hercheek, “We’ll finish this later.” I promise, hoping she knows I’m not cuttingour conversation short because of any lingering feelings for Selene.Sophienods, looking far too serious and gnawing her plump lip.“Ilove you.” I remind her, relaxing slightly when a wide smile stretches acrossher lovely countenance, “And no more playing without me.” I order huskily.Leavingmy blushing mate, I stride out into my bedroom. “Go ahead.” I say into thephone.Theother man’s low voice sounds in my ear. “I’m on my way to the Calypsoterritory,” he explains, “I’ve left Selene
ArabellaLookingaround my opulent suite in the Calypso pack house, I decide that a girl couldget used to this kind of pampering. The rooms are ten times nicer than myapartment back in Elysium, and even bigger than the private apartment Bastienrenovated when he married the halfling. Blaise must like me very much indeed toafford me such an honor, though I am a bit disappointed he hasn’t invited me toshare his bed yet.Eitherway, I have to revel in the knowledge that I’m living better here in Tartarusthan Bastien ever will in Elysium. In fact, if Flynn’s memory wasn’t driving meforward, I’m so content here that I might consider abandoning my mission.Blaise can offer me more wealth and power than I ever dreamed of possessing,but no amount of luxury can avenge my brother’s death.Still,it’s tempting to gi
BastienTheattack comes just before I reach the edge of the Calypso territory. I leftthe car at the edge of the woods when night fell, wanting to do a bit ofreconnaissance before deciding how my quest should proceed. There’s a chancethat when all is said and done I’ll retrieve the car and enter Tartarus withoutfurther deception, driving right up to the front door and introducing myself toBlaise Denizen under a diplomatic front.However,I think it’s far more likely that I’m going to need to hide my presence here atall costs. I suspect that if I do approach Denizen in person, it will not beunder my true identity. However I can’t decide which tact to choose before I’veseen the Calypso pack for myself. I want to find out what the common peopleknow about their Alpha’s quest to find Volana wolves, and I need to get mybearings and plan conti
BastienThedial tone drags on and on, and my heart sinks deeper into my stomach with everymoment that passes. Pick up, pick up,pick up!Finally the line clicks open, only it isn’tSelene’s voice which answers. “Mommy’s phone!” Lila chirps happily.“Lila?”My eyes fall shut as I revel in the sound of her sweet little voice. She’s safe.I tell myself firmly, if nothing else, I know my pup is safe. “Daddy!” She squeals in excitement. “Is thatyou?”“Helloangel.” I greet her warmly.&nbs
SeleneIn the days since Bastien’s urgent call to get out of the house, my life has been turned completely upside down. After the sentries swept the house and cordoned off all the escape passages, we were finally allowed to return, but no amount of bodyguards or security measures can erase the knowledge that somebody wants to hurt my family.The thought of Bastien traveling alone in the Calypso territory with assassins lurking around every corner makes my skin crawl. I would always rather be overcautious and secure than under cautious and suffer for it, but I can’t help but think my mate is focusing on the wrong threat. He’s the one out there putting his life on the line.His cousin can have no use for Lila and I - the only threat would be if my pup does turn out to be a boy. After all, he knows better than anyone how far a scorned son will go to avenge their father.Still, ther