Whoo...I know I needed a cold shower after writing this chapter. Happy Saturday, Friends! Remember, I update M-W-F-Sa. Have a great weekend, and for my American readers, have a safe 4th of July this weekend! Drop me those comments and gems! And follow me on I G as well! Thank you so much for reading! -JNS <3
Emmy POV I wake up a couple of hours later, feeling like I had slept for days. The reality of this morning comes crashing back to me and I sit up abruptly. I search my room and Vincenzo is nowhere in sight. Was it a dream? No. It wasn’t a dream. It was real. He was here. I can still smell him. Of course, he would sneak out. One woman. One time. I guess that counted for him- it certainly counts for me. How silly of me to expect to find him in bed with his arms wrapped around me. As much as it hurts to feel used…again, he truly did make me feel desired and beautiful. I’ll focus on remembering that. My attention darts to my dresser. I jump out of bed, realizing that I’m wearing a gray tank top, black sleep shorts, and a pair of wool socks. He dressed me. I smile as I focus on the socks. He must have noticed I like wearing warm socks to sleep. I shake my head and focus on what I have hidden in my dresser. Three Hours Ago When I woke up this m
Vincenzo POV I can’t stop looking at her. Emerald has me completely captivated. She has been an expert at avoiding me since the other day. I won’t lie, I’ve been keeping my distance as well. We didn’t even have sex and I can’t seem to get her off my mind. That hasn’t happened to me. I’ve been able to have one night with a woman and walk away and not have my mind…and body, wanting more of her. Emerald is different. And because she is different, I can’t allow her to get close to me. I won’t risk her getting hurt, or worse…losing her completely. She doesn’t know about my curse. Knowing her, she would want to help me. Actually, no she wouldn’t. She’s too logical for that. She would laugh at me and tell me that curses and superstitions are silly. I know they are. But a part of me still believes that if I operate the way I have been, nobody will get hurt. I am glad Viviana and Daphne have asked Emerald to stay for dinner. She is so cute today. Her wavy hai
Vincenzo POV Ice water. I feel like someone dropped a bucket of frigid water over me when Emerald recounted her childhood memory. She used to believe in fated mates. She used to believe in love. I did too. She has been fooled and tricked and rejected countless times. How am I any different? I pull my hand away from her beautiful pussy. It felt amazing bringing her to climax, knowing she is trying to control herself in front of everyone. My dick is straining against my pants at seeing her unravel in front of everyone because of me. Her scent and arousal linger on my fingers, but I don’t have a chance to appreciate it as I watch Emerald run out of the house faster than lightning. “Emmy, wait!” Viviana calls out to her. The entire table is awkwardly quiet. - - - I wake up the next morning feeling like an idiot. I didn’t go after her. What would I have said? ‘I’m sorry I can’t love you because I’m cursed.’ ‘Loving
Emmy POV (Flashback to three nights ago) “Emerald, we finally meet…” I haven’t heard his voice in twelve years, but it sounds the same. I stand up, startled out of my thoughts about Vincenzo. Leaves rustle, and twigs snap. Where is he? “Follow my voice, Emerald…” I don’t want to move. I should run in the opposite direction. I should mindlink Lucas. We can catch him right now! “Don’t get any ideas about calling anyone. Someone will get hurt, and it won’t be me, Emerald.” I swallow down the lump in my throat and walk into the dense forest, beyond the pack border. “If you’re so brave, why not show yourself, Bram?!” I shout, trying to muster as much bravery as I can. I’m shaking like a leaf blowing in the wind. “Patience…Isn’t that your middle name, Emerald?” I hate how he keeps saying my name. A creepy chill runs up my spine. Vincenzo. I wish he were here right now. I continue walking, feeling the moist
Vincenzo POV “I want you, Vincenzo.” I don’t hesitate. I grab her hips and pull her against my body as I slam my lips onto hers. Goddess, I have missed her lips. I should be staying away from her. No good can come from us being together. I want her. My wolf wants her. I cannot explain this pull I have to Emerald. I’m ready to be selfish and take what for the first time in a long time. She doesn’t fight me as she wraps her arms around my neck. Her breasts press against my torso. A small whimper leaves her as our lips part to allow our tongues to explore each other’s mouths. She tastes so amazing; I could kiss her all day. I want more. I need more. “Mmm. Vincenzo,” she whispers. My entire body throbs at how amazing my name sounds leaving her lips. I see my wolf panting in the back of mind, encouraging me to go further. He has never responded to any she-wolf like this. “I need you, my Topolina. Now!” I scoop her up bridal style and she yelps, gr
Emmy POV I don’t know what has come over me. All logic has gone out the window. All I can think about is Vincenzo and this ache between my legs that only his cock can soothe. As I kneel on the bed, my hair falls over my breasts, my entire body is exposed to him and I can see in his eyes that he wants me. I have never seen a man look at me this way. His eyes flick between crystal blue and silver; the beast within him fighting to be set free. His long hair is messy and covers half of his face. “I want all of you, Vincenzo.” No hesitation. No second-guessing. Just being in the moment and finally giving in to my urges, consequences be damned. A deep growl leaves his lips as he lunges for me, causing me to fall backwards, landing flat against the bed, cushioned by the soft, black comforter. Before I can catch my breath, I’m flipped over onto my stomach, my skirt ripped from my body, leaving me in just my red heels. He pulls my hips into the air and a sharp st
Viviana POV I swear, I would lose my head if it wasn’t attached to my neck! I forgot the sheet music for one of the songs we are practicing today and I have to race back to the house to get it. Rehearsals have been going so great. This will be the best performance we put on to date. Daphne is incredible. I can’t believe she has never performed before. She and I have become fast friends. We have spent every day together since she arrived here. Small rain droplets begin to splash against my cheeks. Overcome with joy, I skip and twirl as the light sky is replaced by dark clouds. Bounding from street to street, I revel in the gloomy weather. I’m singing in the rain. Just singing in the rain. What a glorious feelin’ I’m happy again. Okay, so maybe it’s not just the preparations for the show that has me all giddy. I may be a little smitten as well. Who would have thought that Gamma Lucas is such a Romeo? We may have started off o
Vincenzo POV The sounds of crickets and other nocturnal creatures become louder. Is it nighttime? I try to move my arm but my entire body is weighted down. I almost panic, until I run my hands over the object, or should I say person, laying on top of me. Emerald. I wrap my arms around her soft body, feeling her ample breasts pressed against my chest. I run my hand over her ass. The sides of her ass are still slightly raised from the hard spanks I delivered earlier. My cock comes to life as I relive the mind-blowing sex we had. It truly was the best sex of my life. I have never felt so connected, so in sync, with another person. Her body responded to mine so naturally. With other women, my wolf rarely cared to come forward and be involved. With Emerald, my wolf was fighting me for a front-row seat. I never struggled for control against my wolf like that- even with Carolina, Maggie, or Amaya. I begin to wonder if Emerald could be more. Could she be… “Mm
Vincenzo POV 6 Weeks Later “I can’t do this…I can’t believe this is happening,” Darius says, pacing up and down the hallway of the Running River Medical Clinic. His eyes are bloodshot from not sleeping all night, his hair is sticking out in different directions, and his clothes are a wrinkled mess. Granted, he’s in sweatpants and a t-shirt, but still, he’s looked better. “Relax, Dare. Everything is going to be fine,” Tobias says calmly but his words fall on deaf ears as Darius continues to pace. “It’s happening…it’s happening…” he continues murmuring to himself. Tobias and I share a glance and snort, laughing at our friend. Darius is not an emotional guy, so I’m definitely getting a kick seeing him like this. Tobias isn’t doing such a good job masking his amusement. In fact, he’s taking a video of Darius having a panic attack. I try to swat his arm down, but he pulls out of my reach. I’m not trying very hard to stop him, and instead I’m enjoyi
Emmy POV After the show wrapped up, our group convened in front of the theatre, waiting for Renz, Daphne, and Viv to come out. Viv pushes open the front doors and holds them for the leading couple. Renz has his arm around Daphne’s waist, and she has her arm wrapped around his, both looking so happy. They are no longer in their costumes, and are now both dressed comfortably in jeans and t-shirts. We all break out in another round of cheers and applause. Daphne seems more comfortable with the extra attention than Renz whose face is redder than a tomato. “Okay, okay. I think that’s enough. Please.” Renz motions for us all to calm down. I’ve never seen him like this. He usually keeps a stoic affect. “You’re not gonna hear the end of this, Renz! You were incredible. You both were,” Lucas says as he approaches the pair. He gives Daphne a big hug and then gives Renz a one-arm hug, clapping him on the back. I can see how close they have become over the last few weeks. It
Vincenzo POV Our group could have easily walked to the theatre, but with everyone dressed so nicely, and Daya being very pregnant, Viv insisted we take a limo. She wanted us to arrive in style. I smile, looking around at our group settling into the long row of leather seats. We have all come so far. I know we still have a way to go, but this is a strong beginning to something great. We make it to the theatre in about five minutes. There is already a small crowd of pack members lined up to go inside. I open the door of the limo and I’m blinded by bright flashing lights. I fall backward into Emerald, making her fall back into Pearl, and a tiny domino effect takes place within the limo. “Oi! What’s the hold-up, Vinny?” Archie shouts from across the car. Somehow, he’s nestled next to Amy. How did that happen? I don’t like that. “What’s the matter, Vincenzo?” Emerald asks, pulling me out of protective, big brother thoughts. “I was blinded b
Emmy POV “I swear, Emmy, it’s not fair that you get the great boobs and ass in this family. So unfair,” Amy pouts as she twirls in front of a full-length mirror. She’s wearing a fuchsia, knee-length, cape dress. It looks amazing against her tan skin. I roll my eyes at her comment, choosing to ignore it. “Just get knocked up. Your boobs and butt will grow in no time,” Daya quips, as she crosses the room behind Amy, flicking our younger sister’s sleek ponytail. Amy attempts to shoot Daya a glare but she can’t hold a serious face to save her life. “How are you feeling Daya? I can’t believe you’re due next month. We’re all going to be aunties!” Pearl shrieks excitedly. She looks effortlessly impeccable in a long, sleeveless, blush-colored dress with beaded embellishments. The length of her dress makes her seem even taller. I always find it amusing that our youngest sister is the tallest of all five of us. “Ugh. I’m ready to get back to training. I get tired j
Vincenzo POV 1 Month Later “I’m telling you, Viv, you’re going to want a bonus room upstairs. It could make a great office, or future playroom down the road,” I tell my sister for the hundredth time as I show her the blueprints for her and Lucas’ future home. “It just seems like too much house for the two of us. You know I hate cleaning,” Viv says, waving her hand over my blueprints. This is the tenth revision I’ve made since she told me she and Lucas would be living in our pack. I’m more than happy to design my younger sister’s future home, but she is proving to be the most difficult client I’ve ever had. I pinch the bridge of my nose and let out a big breath. “I promise, Viv, it’s not that much house. And when you and Lucas have kids, you’ll thank me for creating a space where they can play and not bother you,” I nudge her. I’m not changing these plans again. Darius has already sent out members of his pack to start the construction. This meeting was int
Emmy POV I had avoided talking about my time with Bram. It makes me physically sick to think about it, to relive those memories. I truly believed that Vincenzo would look at me differently if he learned about what happened. No, Bram was never able to complete a bond by mating me or having me mark him, but he did enough. I shared a bed with him for an entire month. He touched me. Kissed me. Confused me. If Vincenzo hadn’t gotten to me…I’d like to believe I would have fought off Bram. But I’m not so sure. My wolf wanted Bram until she could sense Vincenzo. Only then was she able to lend me whatever strength she had left to overcome the debilitating delirium of my heat. Seeing Vincenzo being nothing but understanding shouldn’t surprise me. I didn’t even want to talk to my sisters about Bram. I just wanted to bury it in my mind and try to never think about it again. Then I saw red- literally. Viviana came up to mine and Vincenzo’s bedroom while I was unpacking. We were joking
Vincenzo POV Viv and Emerald were over the moon to hear the news about Lucas becoming my Gamma. I never considered having a Gamma until now. I felt like I managed the pack well enough with just me and Renz. Seeing how well Renz and Lucas work together, can be good for our leadership. Darius was the one to put the idea in my head. We spoke on the phone the day after Nathan’s funeral. I mentioned how torn Viv seemed about leaving our pack to be with Lucas. Darius reassured me that he and Tobias could handle things just fine and that he had another guy in mind to be his new Gamma- Logan Emberton, the brother of the young wolf that Renz accidentally killed a few months ago. Now, it’s just Emerald and me, alone again. While my lower body is spurring to life, seeking another vigorous round of sex with my mate, my brain is reminding me about that large trash bag full of red clothes and those urges quickly subside. “You’re quiet, my love,” Emerald says as she wraps her a
Vincenzo POV The sounds of birds chirping pull me out of the sweetest dream. I blink my eyes open, and the bright rays of the morning sun warm my face. I look down and see her. My mate. She is still sleeping, her head on my chest, her thick, hazelnut hair is strewn all over, tangling with dark brown locks, and her naked body is curled into mine. The biggest smile stretches across my face; it wasn’t a dream. She’s really here. She moved in the last of her things last night, but she never got the chance to unpack. Fuck, we never even got a chance to eat the dinner I made. I chuckle to myself as I replay last night’s activities. My mate may come off as a quiet, little mouse, but she is a feisty sex kitten. I feel my dick getting hard again just thinking about her underneath me, her legs over my shoulders and her pussy wrapped around my dick. “You keep thinking those thoughts and we won’t be eating breakfast.” I look down to see my beautiful mate’s
Vincenzo POV “And where am I supposed to go while you and Emmy have your romantic dinner here?!” Viviana complains in my ear. I almost forgot how grating and annoying her voice can be when she’s upset. I’ve missed her so much- I don’t know what I would do if anything happened to her. I continue chopping the vegetables, the fresh fragrance of garlic, bell peppers, and onions filling the kitchen. “I don’t know, Viv. You could always move to Running River with Lucas…your mate. Or is that mark on your neck just for show?” I tease her as I casually point my cutting knife in her direction. Her cheeks redden with blush, and she sweeps her hand over her mark- a red heart, with two wolf pawprints etched into the heart, with a full moon and a sun on either side. It’s beautiful. “We are still trying to figure it all out. Lucas is the Gamma at Running River Pack, but I have so many projects and responsibilities that I oversee here,” she grumbles as she twirls her hair. I fin