Lilia’s POVSix years in exile. Six long, grueling years where I’ve had to live in squalor when I should have been a queen. A Luna. All because of this woman right there.Cara Wilson.On the screen, they call her Aylon Auburn, but I never forget a face. Or, at least, I would never forget hers. It’s
That doesn’t work on Colin, not right now.“There’s lots to talk about,” he says.He’s not letting me out of this conversation so easily, especially not when it’s so clearly bothering me.“Alaric wants to pursue you, but now you also have the eye of a second chance mate,” Colin says. He glances at m
Alaric’s POVWith Cara gone, I feel no more reason to stay at the event. It seems to be winding down now anyway, with only a few couples lingering on the dance floor and a small group hanging out by the dessert table. Most of the guests have already departed.Ignoring Noel entirely, I say my goodbye
A title she should have been given from the start.I need to not just not repeat the mistakes of my past, but also to correct them. I can only do that from here.“Sir?” John asks, and I realize how long I’ve kept him waiting for a reply.“Delay our return for at least another day, John,” I say. “I’l
Alaric’s POVThe pack elders are still in town and are eager to meet with me. I’m not sure why I thought I would find some resistance with them, perhaps because my plan lacks any true timeline, yet when I walk into that hotel banquet room that has been arranged as a meeting room space, they all stan
Cara’s POV“Cara, it’s so lovely to see you,” Noel says. He stands as I near the table. “Sit. Join us! I’m sure the waitress will bring another menu.”They’ve already finished their meal, but I would refuse anyway. I didn’t come here to be chummy with Noel. I came to talk with Landon.“No, thank you
Eamon’s POVWith anyone else, I would doubt my ears. With this bunch, I can fully believe what I’m hearing. Though, the full agreement of the women among the group surprises me.Do they really believe it’s impossible for a woman to be a Beta, when they themselves are proud and capable?They nod alon
Cara’s POVNothing happens to me in the stairwell, but the nerves stay with me until I exit out onto the main floor.By now, I’m breathing heavily, my chest rising and falling in great heaves. It’s not from the physical exertion, even without my wolf I can handle more of a workout than this. This is
Cara’s POVAs we started to move about the stage, following the steps of our routine, I kept an eye on Lilia and her can of paint. I had my suspicions that it was intended for me. At a crucial moment, when we were at the front of the stage, the routine would bring us directly side by side.Perhaps t
Cara’s POVGeorgie asked me to return to my dressing room, where she arrived shortly after carrying the gown that she was supposed to be wearing that evening. On herself, she was wearing a robe.Looking at my own dress still filled me with a sense of mourning. It had been such a beautiful thing, des
None of them seemed even remotely guilty. They were all entirely confident, I could see it in their eyes.Only Lilia wore a different expression. When no one else could see her but me, she seemed smug, smirking. She pointed to a nearby camera.“I’ve been on camera this entire time, too, if you don’t
Cara’s POVIn my mind, there could only be one person responsible for this: Lilia.The beautiful embroidery, torn out. The rainbow-shimmering lace, in tatters.It had been such a gorgeous dress, a true work of art.To see it destroyed like this sent an icy chill down through my veins. This was worse
Cara’s POVThe night of the opening ceremony came much quicker than anyone would have liked. Even me. I’d been preparing as best I could for the events, and spending as much time with Alaric whenever possible to help revitalize Lucy.So far, I mostly just felt tired, not prepared, and Lucy remained
Cara’s POVKissing Alaric was as easy as breathing, especially when, after a moment, he gently opened his mouth and accepted my waiting tongue. His hands clenched at my waist, tugging me closer as he licked along the side of my tongue with his own before chasing mine back into my mouth and deepening
Alaric’s POVRuby’s request for a physical seemed to come rather suddenly after I picked up Cara from the rehearsal and brought her home, but I wasn’t one to ignore a healer’s orders, especially when she claimed she wanted to check me to see if they could pinpoint some medical ways I could help Cara
Cara’s POVLater, as all the girls were being fitted for our gowns for the opening ceremony, Ruby surprised me by walking into my dressing room. I was in my gown, with the tailor marking where to make the hem at my feet.The gown needed some work yet. It was much too small in the chest, and far too
Cara’s POVI moved without even realizing it. One minute, I was on the stage. The next, I was down near the exit, standing beside Alaric. My hand clutched Lilia’s by the wrist, as I pried her touch away from his chest.Both Alaric and Lilia seemed surprised by my sudden appearance. A few breaths lat