HildaThe next morning, I wake up feeling buoyant, as if the sheer joy coursing through me has made me weightless. If I’m not careful I may become airborne and float away on the warm, spring breeze.It seems Arlo is very serious about not wasting any time. He’s gone when I wake up, but by midday, I’m standing before a mirror, my fingers trembling as I run them over the fabric of my wedding dress.It’s perfect. The gown is ethereal. Soft, flowing layers of ivory and pale gold silk hug my body. The sheer sleeves are embroidered with delicate floral designs, like ivy trailing along my skin. As I turn slightly, the delicate train shifts behind me, pooling onto the floor like spun silk.It feels like something out of a dream. A flawless reflection of everything I feel inside. Love, hope and a happiness so fierce it leaves me breathless.My friends choose that moment to burst into our cabin without knocking.“You look like a goddess,” Nixie declares, her hands flying to her mouth. Kestrel n
DamonThe fire crackles, snapping like sharp teeth as I swirl the whiskey in my glass. The bottle sits beside me, mostly empty, and I’m debating whether to get up and grab another. I probably should. One isn’t enough to take the edge off. Not tonight.Around me, my warriors sit in a loose circle, the orange glow of the flames throwing flickering shadows over their faces. The mood is sour, the tension thick. No one’s saying what we’re all thinking.We weren’t invited. King Arlo and Hilda’s wedding is happening in two days, and every damn pack has been welcomed, except mine. It wasn’t a mistake. It wasn’t an oversight. It was a message.I take another slow sip, letting the burn slide down my throat before I lean back against the log I’ve claimed as my seat. “So, we’re the only ones left out of the grand celebration,” I say at last, my voice dripping with sour amusement. “Anyone surprised?”No one answers. A few exchange glances, but they know better than to say the wrong thing. Cowards.
ArloThe room is quiet except for the soft crackle of the fire in the hearth and the rhythmic sound of Hilda’s even breathing. Her glorious breasts are already swelling and the sight is something to behold.I shift onto my side, propping my head on my hand as I watch her. She’s curled into me, her hand resting against my chest, fingers splayed over my heart. Her touch is warm, grounding, and I swear I could stay like this forever.“You’re staring,” she murmurs without opening her eyes. “I am,” I admit without shame. “Can’t help it. You’re too damn beautiful.”Her lips twitch, but she keeps her eyes shut, pretending to still be on the edge of sleep even though I can detect the difference in her breathing. I should be exhausted after our lovemaking, but my emotions are riding high.“You’re going to make me vain,” she warns. “I doubt that,” I murmur, tracing my fingers lightly along her spine. “You’d have to be surprised to hear it first. And you’re not. Because I tell you all the time.”
CereliaOur homecoming should have been a cause for joyous celebration. Instead I spent a sleepless night in Soren’s arms, staring at the bare walls of our cabin. I can feel the tension in the air.Soren was exhausted after making the trip here. His lungs aren’t working at full capacity yet and it’s a long way to travel for someone who should slowly be regaining his stamina. He didn’t want to wait and I’m glad now that we didn’t. The fact that Damon showed up as soon as we did, means he was in the vicinity and not with his pack.Damon. My brother. My erstwhile protector. A cold, calculating man who’s never cared about anyone but me. Why did I never notice that before?He never spoke about our dead mother, or brought up our absent father. He never brought any friends home. Never owned a pet. Never dated. He guarded me like I was an invaluable prize that someone was going to try and steal from him.That’s not a normal way for a sibling to act. His continual lessons on how I should behav
DamonThe morning sun is barely cresting the horizon when the knock comes, sharp and insistent. I already know I won’t like whatever news is about to be delivered. I sit at the head of the long wooden table in my war room, staring at the map before me. Planning how I’ll be protecting my new borders once Soren’s land belongs to me.The doors open without my permission, and a scout steps inside, his head bowed in deference. “Alpha,” he says, voice tense. “A messenger has arrived.”I gesture sharply, and the scout steps aside to allow the man entry. He’s one of Soren’s. A young warrior still breathing hard from running all the way here. He stands straight, shoulders squared, though I can see the effort it takes for him to meet my gaze.Good, my reputation precedes me. He kneels, but there’s no true submission in the act. “I bring a challenge, Alpha Damon.”The words are a slap to the face. I lean back in my chair, schooling my expression into one of indifference, though my blood simmers
CereliaThe air is thick with tension as the packs gather to witness the challenge. The field just outside the main village is packed with wolves. Some are standing in tight clusters, others keeping a wary distance. They murmur among themselves, their eyes flicking between Soren, me and Damon, who stands with his second, Marcus, on the opposite end of the clearing.I try and force my shoulders to relax, but I can’t deny the weight pressing against my chest. I never wanted to fight Damon. Despite everything, his manipulation, his need to control me, his obsession, I never pictured myself standing against him like this.But this isn’t just about me. It’s about the pack. About the people who trust Soren and me to protect them. And the ones hoping for a better life for themselves and their families.Soren’s hand is steady in mine, anchoring me when I feel adrift. He doesn’t need to say anything, his presence by my side is enough. Confidence radiates from him, calm and unwavering. He belie
DamonI storm through the trees, my body vibrating with rage. The sting of defeat is a fresh wound, raw and festering. My sister, my own fucking sister, humiliated me in front of both packs. The show she put on was so convincing, she took most of my pack with her. How she must be gloating. She’s probably celebrating by riding Soren naked right now, ridiculing me and using him for her own pleasure. Her head thrown back, those golden tresses swinging as she thrusts, sweat running down her neck and dripping from her rigid nipples. She thinks she’s powerful? That she can stand against me and win? She got lucky. That’s all it was. Luck and mind tricks.The warriors who followed me are silent, trailing behind like lost dogs, too afraid to speak, too spineless to offer their opinions. Good. I don’t want to hear their pathetic excuses. I don’t want their pity or their empty reassurances. I want blood. I want vengeance.I stalk ahead, my mind spinning through the possibilities. Cerelia has h
HildaI’m struggling to wrap my head around how ecstatic I am. I never expected to get my happily ever after. So much has happened in the past year and there were times I just wanted to give up.Yet each one of those trials brought me to where I am right now. They turned me into the woman I am today. Brought me to my soulmate. I don’t want to relive them, but I don’t regret that they happened.“You look so happy,” Cerelia says, her voice a little husky. “That’s because I am,” I admit freely. “I get to marry the man of my dreams and become Luna of his pack and the mother of his child soon. All of my deepest desires, even those I had no idea I wanted,” I say, cradling my gently swollen belly, “Have come true.”Cerelia wraps her arms around me in a fierce hug. “I can think of nobody more deserving. You have a beautiful heart, Hilda. So full of love and compassion. Arlo and that little baby in there, are both so lucky to get you.”“Stop, my make-up,” I beg, dabbing at my eyes with a tissu
AshShe lights candles before she joins me in bed. Not because she needs the light. It’s for the atmosphere. For the drama. The way the flickering glow dances across her skin, softening edges and disguising shadows.Everything Isadora Redgrave does is calculated.She walks toward me slowly, her silk robe brushing the tops of her thighs, the edges parting just enough to promise what’s beneath. Her eyes track me like a cat watching a mouse. Lazy, confident, assured of her eventual reward.I offer a smile I’ve worn so many times now it practically feels real.She climbs into bed beside me, pressing close, sliding one silky leg over mine. Her fingers skim my chest, but I barely register the sensation. My body reacts out of habit and obligation. My mind is a thousand miles away.Tara. Is she sleeping? Crying? Wondering why I said what I said earlier today? Does she believe it was real. That I meant it?Gods, I hope not. No. She’s too smart to believe that. She knows we have a job to do.I
TaraI haven’t felt anything from Ash in two nights. No phantom touches. No bursts of pleasure that aren’t mine. No echoing orgasms that leave me shaking and ashamed and aching in ways I can’t even name.I should be grateful, but it makes me uneasy. It’s not like Redgrave to keep her hands to herself. If she’s not pawing at him, it means something’s wrong. Maybe she’s punishing him. Maybe he said the wrong thing, or showed too much concern for me, or failed to play the role she expects.I pace my room like a caged animal, ears trained on every creak of the hallway. I’ve barely touched the tray of food they brought me. My stomach’s in knots.Maisey hasn’t been back since yesterday morning, and I don’t know if that’s because she’s been reassigned, or because someone figured out she was watching out for me.The door opens without warning and a tall, broad-shouldered guard steps inside. “You’re wanted,” he says. No ‘please.’ No ‘if you don’t mind.’ Just flat orders and cold eyes.I school
MalcolmThe knock at the compound door is too polite and I know who it is before I open it.Redgrave doesn’t wait to be invited in. She steps over the threshold like she owns the place. In her head, she probably does.Her coat is cream, long, and tailored to her measurements. Her boots click against the concrete like a war drum. Her guards don’t follow. Clearly she doesn’t think she needs protection from me. Stupid bitch.“Redgrave,” I say, voice smooth and friendly. “To what do I owe the pleasure?” She doesn’t answer. Just walks into my command room like she’s been here a thousand times before. She stops in front of the war table. My maps. My layouts. My plans.And then, with all the casual disdain of royalty, she sits in my chair. “You’ve been busy,” she says, gesturing at the tactical layout.“I’ve been preparing,” I agree. “That’s wonderful to hear, because I’ll be joining you for the attack,” she informs me casually.I blink, then laugh. Not the smartest move, in retrospect. “You
AshRedgrave is sprawled across her settee, twirling a glass of whisky in one hand, watching me with that gleam in her eye. The one that says she thinks we’re sharing secrets, building a future, falling deeper into whatever twisted version of love she believes this is.I play my part. “There’s something you need to do,” I say, leaning forward. My voice is low, serious enough to catch her attention without sounding like I’m issuing orders. I’m not that careless. She likes to be consulted, not commanded.“Oh?” she purrs, raising a brow, clearly expecting me to suggest something erotic.“Malcolm will ask you to sign over the money to him soon. He’ll tell you he needs it in order to finalize the logistics. But what it really is, is the last step before he makes his move.”She frowns, sitting up straighter. “What move?” I meet her gaze. “He plans to kill you.” There’s a beat of silence, then she laughs. “Please. Malcolm doesn’t have the spine.”“He doesn’t need spine,” I say softly. “He has
HildaThe water in the creek is cold enough to make me gasp when I slip beneath the surface, but I don’t mind. It’s clean and fresh and I like the way it wakes my skin up. Besides, I’ve got a six-foot-five personal furnace about to follow me in.“You’re making that face,” Arlo says from the edge of the creek, voice low and amused. “What face?”“The smug one. The I know I look like a goddess in the moonlight face.” I swim backward a few strokes and lift my chin, hair slicked back, droplets sliding down my shoulders. “The only reason I believe that is because you keep telling me I do, so it’s all your fault.”He grins wolfishly, slow and appreciative, and steps into the water. It only takes him two strides to reach me. I get a full, brazen look at everything before the water hits his waist, and it’s a very enjoyable view.“You always get smug when you’re naked,” he murmurs, closing the space between us. “You say that like it’s a bad thing.”“It’s not.” His hands find my hips beneath the
AshThe moment we’re back in Isadora’s bedroom I close the door behind us and she presses her body against mine.She’s still wearing that flimsy excuse for a nightgown. Blood-red silk barely clinging to her hips, one shoulder falling in a way that’s clearly meant to look accidental. She reaches for my chest, fingertips tracing the edge of a fading bruise, but I step back.“Darling,” she purrs, tilting her head. “Surely you’re not in a rush to leave this room? I thought we could—”“I think we’re running out of time,” I cut in, sharper than I intended. Her pout falters. “We’ve only just been reunited. You don’t want to celebrate?”I force a smile, trying not to let my frustration show. “Believe me, I’d like nothing more than to lie in bed and let you distract me. But something tells me the wolves aren’t going to sit around and wait for us to finish indulging our passions.”She sighs and stalks to the chaise lounge, throwing herself down with the flair of a silent film star. “You’re righ
AshTara won’t look at me. It must sicken her to see me in such a dishevelled state with Isadora. I tried to convince her we should bathe and get dressed first, but I suspect she wants Tara to know what we’ve been up to.I’ve never had any trouble sexually pleasing my partners. I’m an inventive, attentive and insatiable lover under normal circumstances. Last night was the first time since becoming human that I had to close my eyes and pretend.I imagined Tara was the one in bed with me. The one I kissed. The one who sucked my cock with such exuberance. The one I fucked until she was exhausted and passed out in my arms.I didn’t offer Isadora pleasure with my tongue this time. Exceptionally talented as I am at cunnilingus, I know she was hoping I would. I haven’t had the pleasure of tasting Tara, but I know she would burst on my tongue like some exotic fruit. Intoxicating my senses. I couldn’t suckle Isadora’s clit and keep lying to myself about who I was with.“Tell me how to break th
TaraI feel violated and ill when I wake up the following morning. Ash certainly doesn’t have human stamina, based on the information gleaned from the books I’ve read. Human males apparently require a period of recovery between one bout of mating and the next.“Thank you for the books,” I tell the serving girl when she brings my breakfast. She glances at the bedside table and her eyes briefly meet mine before darting to the floor again. “That one’s good, but the other one is better,” she says quietly.So these aren’t from Redgrave at all. “I’ll make sure to hide them when I have visitors,” I promise her quietly. She lowers her head, “I don’t think she’ll know. She doesn’t pay much attention to the house. You can just say you found them in a drawer.”“My name is Tara,” I tell her gently. She looks at me again with a faint smile, “I know. The mistress cursed your name repeatedly when you took Sir Ash from her before.” Right. I wonder how Redgrave believes I managed that. It’s all to t
TaraAsh seems to have accelerated healing abilities like we do. He told me he’s never been sick and he doesn’t think he ages, but he has no idea if that’s pure luck or if he’s not as human as he seems.The black eye took a bit longer to heal than the lacerations from the whipping, but it was still much faster than a human would have mended.I wish I could see him. Just for a minute. Just to be sure he’s in the same shape physically that I am. Logically I know he has to be, but I need to see with my own eyes that he’s fine. Or at least as fine as it’s possible to be while pretending to be enchanted by a completely delusional woman.If Isadora Redgrave hadn’t shown up when she did, I know exactly what would have happened to me next in that cage and I despise having to feel grateful to her, but I can’t deny that I am. I’d rather be beaten for hours on end than sexually violated by Malcolm.I know the only reason I’m being kept in this beautiful room and fed like royalty is because