Girls' night is getting a little crazy! Thank you for the comments and gems! Thank you so much for reading! -JNS <3
Daya POV I have to literally drag Amy to the bar. This girl needs all the water. “Daya…Stop being lame!” Amy slurs as she rests her head on my shoulder. I roll my eyes at her. I can’t believe she is this wasted already. I glance back at the rest of our group. Viviana and Daphne are making their way to the bathroom, and the rest of our sisters are still dancing together. What was in those shots? “I’m not being lame, Amy. I’m just getting you water because you’re miniature and can’t handle your liquor. I nudge her so she doesn’t pass out on me. I keep waving my hand to get the bartender’s attention. “And if anything, you’re lame. I’m gonna start calling you Lamy if you pass out in the middle of this club,” I tease her, hoping to rouse her back to life. “No! You’re so lame and dumb! You put the ‘duh’ in ‘dumb.’ Ha!” Yep, woke her right up. Amy is such a lightweight compared to the rest of us. The bartender finally makes his way
Emmy POV Everything hurts. I literally feel like I was trampled by a stampede of horses. The smell of disinfectant and clean linens fills my nose. I’m on a bed, but it’s not my bed at the packhouse. It’s definitely not Vincenzo’s bed. Where am I? “Come on, Emmy, wake up. I see your eyes starting to move,” a familiar voice says to me. I haven’t heard that voice in a couple of months. “Where am I?” I ask the voice. My head tilts toward the voice. I feel my face scrunch as I try to force my eyes open. “Open your eyes and you’ll find out,” he teases. The sound of a pen clicking rapidly is making it hard to focus. “Please stop doing that,” I beg the voice, my eyes still too heavy to open. “I’ll stop when you open your eyes for me, Emmy,” he chuckles. I groan and roll my eyes behind my eyelids. He clicks his pen even faster, taunting me. I snatch it out of his hand faster than he is expecting and stare him down. “Knock it off
Vincenzo POV I feel completely helpless. I haven’t felt this way in a long time. Not since I lost Carolina in the fire. Viviana has been taken and there is nothing I can do to get her back. There is no trail, no scent, no clues. Nothing. Darius promises me that we will find her and Daphne, but I’m not stupid. I know he can’t keep that promise. For all I know, Viviana is already dead. This Bram guy doesn’t seem to value a person’s life unless it serves his purpose. Which is what exactly? Does he want my pack? Does he want me dead? He can have whatever he wants, just let my sister go. Then I remember what he said he wanted. Or rather who. He wants Emerald. I’d rather be dead than hand her over to him. It was hard enough allowing Daya and Darius to bring her back to Running River. They want to keep Emerald as far away from danger as possible. I know they meant Bram, but a part of me also knows that Daya wants to keep her away from me as well. Watching Emerald th
Daphne POV Cold, dark, and quiet. I’m not sure how long it’s been since Viviana and I were taken from the club- maybe a couple of days. I’m pretty sure we are underground. How fitting. We were kidnapped by The Underground and are being held hostage underground. Now is not the time for jokes. I can’t speak to Viviana. They have gagged us both, blindfolded us, and chained us in silver to the floor. This is torture. Somebody comes down every so often to give us some water and a little food. We aren’t allowed to speak when they remove our gags. Viviana tried that when they first brought us here. She tried to fight them, and that only made them hurt her more. I couldn’t see what they did to her, but it sounded like the guy slapped her across the face several times. The next time she tried to scream or curse at them in Italian, they punched her, causing her to dry heave. She hasn’t tried to speak since. I’ve been too scared to say or do anything. I know that makes me weak, an
Emmy POV It’s the day of the full moon. I haven’t been able to sleep, because I know that in a few hours, everything is going to change. Bram is going to do something awful, and I’m the only one who can stop him. My thoughts are racing about what is happening to Viviana and Daphne. If everyone would just listen to me and trust me, we might have a chance to stop Bram tonight. A knock on my door stops my pacing around my old apartment. I open the door, and I see Saph’s smiling face with Nathan’s arm draped around her shoulders. I don’t know how she does it- keeps a smile on her face, even in the darkest of times. “Emerald, can we come in?” she asks as we give each other a hug. “Of course,” I shrug, stepping back to let them come in. Saph leads Nathan to my living room area, and they take a seat on the couch. As I turn to follow, I look around my apartment and it feels so cold here. I miss the bright, open windows of Vincenzo’s house. As much as I want
Vincenzo POV It’s been over two days since Viviana and Daphne were taken. My entire patrol has been scouring the forest for clues, or any signs of Bram and The Underground. Darius has his patrols on alert at his territory as well. Emerald told us Bram threatened to harm our packs if she didn’t hand herself over to him. That’s not going to happen. I understood Emerald’s suggestion. Sure, we could have tried to lure Bram into a trap using Emerald. And then what? It is too risky. Bram would probably expect us to have some form of trap prepared. One way or another, Bram is showing himself tonight, and I am going to end him. He kidnapped my sister, he threatened my pack, he threatened Emerald. This man deserves worse than death. My wolf snarls at the thought of ripping Bram’s throat out, detaching his head from his body. When the situation calls for it, I can be quite ruthless. ‘Alpha, all patrols and fighters are ready for any form of breach, or attack,’ Fabi
Emmy POV I can’t think straight with my entire body buzzing and zapping with electric energy. Every touch, every caress, from Vincenzo is like a match being struck. A fire igniting deep within my core, pulling me to him. I want him, body, mind, heart, and soul. And he is willing to give me everything and more. It’s as if he realizes how blind he has been. The last few weeks, we have been doing this weird tango. We embrace each other, just to pull away. I chase him around the dance floor, then he holds me tightly in his arms, just to drop me as soon as the music ends. And yet, he admits to always wanting me. Why is he telling me this now? Why are you so cruel with your timing, Moon Goddess? He wants me…forever. He accepts me as his fated mate. My wolf is clawing at my head, forcing me to kiss him and accept him as well. Every nerve and fiber in my being wants him. But we will lose everything. He will lose his sister if I do this. I refuse to let
Lucas POV And just like that…they are gone. I stare at the opening beyond the border, where Bram held Emmy, Viviana, and Daphne. Pained groans from Vincenzo overtake the stillness of the forest. I should check to see if he is okay, but I can’t move. They were just there. I let her go. I let Emmy go, believing the twisted, psychopath’s words that my sister and…my mate…would be returned. He said he would let them go. I saw the fear and hurt in Emmy’s eyes when Bram went back on his word. I saw the pain when he claimed her as his own. I turn and see Renz on his knees, struggling to hold his wolf back. His green eyes now glow radiantly as he slowly loses the internal battle. I heard the same word leave his mouth the very moment I spoke it. Mate. How is this possible? I don’t give myself time to ponder. My mate, Viviana, my Sunshine, has been taken by Bram. I saw the fear in my Sunshine’s eyes when he didn’t let her, or Daphne go. I reached for her
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