Bastien’s POV
The early morning sun filters through the windows and bathes the room in dappled light. I trace the patterns its rays form on Selene’s skin, trailing my fingers down her spine, circling the shadows and delicate illuminations across her ribcage before tugging the sheet pooled around her waist down to reveal a broader swath of canvas.
Selene sighs in her sleep as my hands travel the length of her body with a featherlight touch. Unable to resist the temptation, I soon replace my hands with my mouth. Selene shivers as my lips find the small of her back, finally stirring her from slumber.
She turns onto her side to look up at me sulkily. “How do you expect me to sleep with you doing that?”
I chuckle deeply, claiming her mouth possessively before answering, “I think you might be missing the point.”
Selene’s breat
Sophie’s POVI’ve been in love with Drake Cavanaugh for as long as I can remember.We grew up together. My dad was his step-father’s Beta, and we spent our entire childhoods tied at the hip. All my fondest memories are with Drake. We spent our days running through the docks of Asphodel like wild things, completely free and completely happy.I always imagined Drake would wake up one day and realize he loved me. The older we got, the harder I fell, and even though it was slow, it really seemed like he felt the same. I know men have to go out and sew their wild oats or whatever you want to call it – they have to explore and get all those primal urges out of their systems. So I didn’t worry when he didn’t immediately fall at my feet during my first heat.I didn’t worry when we reached our twenties and he still seemed more interested in other she-wolves. We were still just kids, and I’ve always been patient. I could certainly be patient for Drake – I’ve never met a man more worth waiting f
Odette’s POVWatching Lila dart gleefully around the playground – positively squealing with happiness – transports me far into the past. I’m no longer a lonely widow far past her prime, I’m a young mother with my whole life ahead of me. My loving, powerful mate stands by my side, and together we look on in amazement as our pup finds his way in the world.My heart aches to return to those halcyon days, but the nostalgia and grief aren’t what concern me most. At first I thought I was seeing flashes of Bastien in Selene’s pup out of wishful thinking. Now I know better.She might be her mother’s miniature in looks, but Lila is my son’s clone in spirit. There is so much of Bastien in Lila I can’t believe he doesn’t see the resemblance. I suppose it’s difficult to recognize one’s own mannerisms and expressions in another person, but I would
Selene’s POVThis isn’t happening.It can’t be real.I’m frozen in place, staring at Odette as if she’s a ghost. I must have misheard her. But if that’s the case, why does she look so distraught? Why are there tears in her eyes? And where is my pup?I swing my gaze from her to Bastien, whose hands are locked in white-knuckled fists at his sides. He’s breathing heavily, his eyes glowing and fangs extended. My first reaction was disbelief. His – apparently – was fury.Bastien’s gaze descends on me, and I feel my lower lip begin to tremble uncontrollably. It’s not real. I think desperately.Luna is frantic, lashing out our heightened senses to every corner of the room in search of Lila and coming up empty. “What do you mean she was taken?” I choke, “How could th
Selene’s POVThe Lethe bridge is suspended over the turquoise waters of the lagoon, its silver cables and solid deck reflected in the crystalline surface. A few meandering shifters and workers on late lunch breaks are scattered along the length of the bridge, none of whom look anything like the rogues I imagined.Unease seethes in my belly. This feels wrong. Granted, I’ve experienced nothing but pure anguish since Lila was taken, but this is different. Something about this meeting seems off, though I can’t put my finger on any one thing in particular. It’s partly the lack of visible suspects, but I also can’t believe the kidnapper asked for a meeting in such a public place, and in broad daylight too.And why wasn’t there a ransom? Why did they only ask for a meeting?I’m still standing at the mouth of the bridge, scanning the long structure for likel
Selene’s POV“Mommy,” Lila whines, “it’s too tight!”I don’t relax my arms one bit. As long as my baby is still breathing, I’m going to hold her as tightly as I possibly can, for as long as I possibly can.Martin brought us to a ramshackle hut in the woods just outside the city. We had to drive for about twenty minutes after docking the boat, and once we arrived the big bully forced us into the odd little shack. Sophie is locked in the basement with Lila and I, both prisoner and accomplice to our predicament.When Martin appeared and announced his intentions, I hoped he would take me back to his house. Drake will recognize his scent and go straight there, but apparently the foul wolf is smarter than I credited him. We traveled over the lagoon, and unless Bastien and Drake find the boat they won’t have any idea we left the city.&nb
Selene’s POVI don’t know how much time has passed since we arrived here. Without windows I have no way of deciphering whether it is day or night, and while it feels like it’s been hours, misery always makes time move more slowly.Sophie has finally stopped crying and is manically hugging her knees to her chest and rocking back and forth on the ground. I feel sorry for the poor woman, but I cannot forget that she is partially responsible for our situation. I might be more understanding if she’d only involved me, but endangering my pup was unforgivable.Lila is sleeping comfortably in my lap, and I am trying my best to hold it together. My head is pounding with stress and dehydration, and if we were anywhere else I would be terribly embarrassed by how loudly my stomach is growling. It sounds like an angry bear out for blood, but I know I can handle it.I’ve starv
Drake’s POVI could kill Martin where he stands.Behind me I can hear Bastien’s Betas’ frantic mutterings, reminding the other Alpha that the scum kneeling before me is trying to distract us, to turn us against each other. They beg him to stay calm, not to react, but I barely notice.I don’t care that Martin told Bastien I kissed his mate, though in fact I failed. I care that he took Selene and Lila, and I especially care that he’s been abusing his sister. If you’d asked me this morning who I cared about more, I would have unequivocally chosen Selene – but that was before: Before I heard what this monster did to the sweet wolf I grew up with, before I realized how oblivious I must have been to overlook his cruelty.No one deserves to be hurt by someone responsible for taking care of them, especially Sophie. She’s bright and warm, she loves and