IrisTo my surprise, Arthur doesn’t reach out for the remainder of the week. I’m not entirely sure if he’s actually choosing to let me go or if he’s simply giving me space, but whatever it is, I’ll take it.In the meantime, I consider my living situation here in Ordan.Miles and I love it here, trul
“Iris,” Alice says, turning to me, “no offense, but… Are you alright? This is…” Her voice trails off.I swallow hard. “Not my best work, is it?”“No, it’s not. Is something going on? You know you can talk to me…”Her concern is touching, but I shake my head, gathering my art. I make some excuse and
IrisOver the following few days, I launch myself into my preparations to leave Ordan.Miles doesn’t speak during those days. Not a single word. It breaks my heart over and over again every time I have to look at his sad little face, and I feel like a horrible mother.But I know, someday, he’ll unde
“Next!” the security officer calls out.“Miles, buddy, it’s our turn,” I say gently, holding out my hand. “Come on, let’s take our shoes off. Remember how much fun you had last time we did this? Getting to walk through the big scanner?”Miles suddenly stops, his big eyes turning as wide as saucers a
IrisIt seems I have no choice but to follow Arthur and his Beta out of the airport. They lead me out a side door, avoiding being recognized by anyone, where a sleek black car is waiting for us. The whole way, Miles clings to Arthur like his life depends on it.Once we’re inside the car, I turn in m
Arthur blinks at me for a moment, as if surprised that I’m not catching whatever it is that he’s implying. Then, his eyes flick to Miles, who is reading happily while swinging his legs in a chair, and my stomach drops.“My son is not your property,” I growl.Arthur just quirks an eyebrow. “Ezra, can
IrisArthur blinks at me once, twice, and then a third time just for good measure before he says, “You really want to bring lawyers into this?”I fold my arms indignantly. “You’re the one who decided to bring arrest into it. And don’t even get me started on taking a DNA sample from my son without my
“Alpha Arthur.” He straightens, and his eyes widen when he notices me. “Miss… Miss Iris. You’re back.”I don’t answer, not because I don’t want to, but because my throat is too choked up. “Cliff,” is all I can manage, greeting the man who I used to share coffees and conversations with on a daily bas
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
IrisThe jacket slips from my shoulders, falling to the carpet with a soft thud. I feel my face heat as Arthur drags his gaze over the tattered remains of my dress, lingering briefly on my exposed breasts, hips, and belly, but I don’t try to cover myself again.“The scratches don’t look that bad,” h
“They marked your face,” he says quietly. “They were trying to—”“I know what they were trying to do,” I interrupt. “Make you not want me anymore. Make me too ugly or damaged for you to keep as your mate.” I laugh bitterly. “Like your attraction to me is solely based on my looks.”Arthur’s hands sti