“Thank you, darling,” she said.Tony’s was a good place for spotting political figures, and Selina and I went there often, so my arrival didn’t create much of a stir. Several people did find a reason to walk by our table, and I ended up shaking a few hands.Selina was in her element, and when a frie
IrisThe morning sun filters through the curtains, warming my face and pulling me out of a restless sleep. For a moment, I linger in bed. But it’s not a restful state that I’m in; rather, my mind keeps replaying the events that occurred last night in that alley.Arthur’s words, his accusations, and
IrisArthur whisks me away from the table before I can even protest. I’m not even sure if Brian, Liam, or the twins notice him taking me away—it’s as if I’m sitting at the table one moment, hot soup splashing across my leg, and the next we’re in the bathroom. Even though werewolves are supernaturall
Arthur & IrisArthurThe moment the phone begins to ring, Iris lunges toward it like her life depends on it. Her finger smashes the ‘decline call’ button, turning the screen dark before I can see the name lighting it up.“What was that?” I ask, narrowing my eyes.Iris lifts her chin defiantly, as if
Iris & ArthurIrisI should feel angry when I see those pictures. I should feel violated and self-righteous at the obvious invasion of my privacy.But I don’t. Not really.Instead, I just feel… sad.Despite everything, I am Arthur’s fated mate. Even now, five years later, the unshakable bond that gr
I bristle at the term of endearment, even more so when Selina lifts up on her tiptoes and kisses my cheek. The nearby onlookers coo at the public display of affection, but I feel like retching.The moment I’m able, I pull Selina off to the side under the guise of dancing to the orchestral music and
IrisI’ve just pulled up to the gallery when I notice that the lobby is already filling up. It’s surprising, to say the least; all these people aren’t just coming for me, are they?As an artist, I’ve always kept my identity private—more for Miles’ sake than mine, although I’d be lying if I said it w
And I do just that. When we return to the gallery—in Brian’s car rather than Arthur’s—I go in the back entrance.I explain the situation to the gallery staff, who, to my surprise, all express their understanding. They assure me that they’ll keep my identity confidential, which I appreciate more than
Emi, who has been stationed in the apartment hallway on alternate shifts with another security guard every day since the debut, has already let our guests in by the time I walk into the entryway.Arthur steps in, looking handsome in a casual sweater and slacks. Behind him are Leonard and Wendy.“Wel
IrisI stand back, wiping my hands on my already paint-stained overalls, and tilt my head to examine the finished piece.It’s vibrant. Alive. The central image depicts a framed dent in a kitchen wall, cracks spider-webbing outward. Yellow sunshine spills across the scene, dust motes floating in the
He shrugs and goes to pick up the glass again. “It’s just how it is.”I shake my head and move the glass out of his way. “No more of this tonight. You’ve had enough.”Arthur pouts, actually pouts, which confirms my suspicion that he’s drunker than he’s letting on. “But how will I sleep?”The questio
IrisThe baseball bat connects with the wall with a sickening crack as Arthur ducks just in time, letting out a surprised yelp.“Holy shit!” I shriek, the bat slipping from my hands and clattering to the floor. “Arthur! I almost took your head off!”Arthur straightens up, his eyes wide in the dim li
I glance at Arthur, who shrugs. “I’d love to,” he says, moving to sit on the edge of the bed. “Just one story, though. It’s past your bedtime.”I leave them to it, Arthur’s deep voice following me down the hall as he begins to read one of Miles’ favorite books. Something warm unfurls in my chest at
IrisArthur turns to me as we pull up to my apartment building later. “They seemed to like you.”“Your parents?” I ask, glancing at him. “Yeah, they were nice. Especially after that awkward first meeting.”He makes a noncommittal sound, staring out the windshield for a moment before turning off the
I feel a flush of pleasure at his praise. “Thank you.”“And you have a son together,” Wendy states, leaving behind the subject of my career. “Miles, is it?”I nod, dragging my lower lip through my teeth. I feel like I’m being grilled, one question after another in quick succession.“He’s five,” I sa
Iris“You’re sure you can handle this?” Arthur asks, his hand resting on the small of my back. We’re standing just outside the ballroom entrance, about to make our reappearance.I take a deep breath, smoothing the front of my new black dress. It’s simpler than the emerald gown—a sleek, form-fitting
“I’ve missed you,” he breathes against my skin. “So much, Iris. You have no idea.”I thread my fingers through his hair, tugging him back up to my mouth. “Show me,” I whisper against his lips.His eyes darken further, and he captures my mouth again in a kiss that makes my eyes roll back with pleasur