Surprise update! I couldn't stand the idea of making you all wait any longer. And guess what? This is a double-chapter update! Keep reading!!! Thank you so much for reading! -JNS <3
Emmy POV I scream feeling Bram’s weight on top of me. I bring my legs together, holding them firmly in place as best as I can. Bram’s hands continue to roam my body, leaving bruises everywhere he grabs. “You will submit, my dear. Struggling will only make it worse for you…and for our audience,” he whispers in my ear, drops of spit hitting my face and neck. Vincenzo is screaming and threatening Bram from the opposite side of the room. I need him. This can’t be happening. “Please! No!” I wail as I try to push Bram off me. But my body continues to respond to his, while also being weakened from the pain of my heat. I feel like it’s burning from the inside. My wolf can’t lend me any more of her strength as the heat has her completely subdued. “Mark me, my dear. Make me your mate, and all your pain will go away,” Bram tells me as he shoves his knee between my legs, spreading them open. The friction of his lower body against mine sends cold shivers up
Vincenzo POV A warm, bright light burns my eyes as I slowly open them. I guess this is it. I died and now I’m about to be greeted by the Moon Goddess. I have some choice words for her. Like why did she only take from me? First my parents, then Alpha Matteo, Carolina, Maggie, and Amaya. She took them all, and then, I was foolish enough to think that she was gifting me Emerald. After so many years of believing I was cursed, destined to be alone, wanting somebody to love but never being able to, I had a glimmer of hope, a sense of possibility. Foolish, so incredibly foolish. I open my eyes more and the blinding light continues to singe my eyes, causing my head to throb. Ugh. Why? You’d think, even in death, I’d be free of pain. Why does everything hurt? Wait…everything hurts. Everything hurts! I’m not dead- I’m alive. How? The last thing I remember is Emerald wrestling with Bram before he attacked me, slamming my head into the wall. I
Emmy POV We should be resting. We should be talking. We both went through traumatic experiences this last month, but the moment I saw him, all logic went out the window. I need him. I came so close to losing him- I did lose him. I threw him away. I open my eyes as the hot water rains down on us and I let my eyes take in all of him. I have missed his bright, blue eyes, and his long, brown hair that makes him look like a medieval knight. Who am I kidding? Vincenzo is a king among men. And he’s all mine. I continue to roam his body, taking in the muscles of his shoulders, arms, and chest. My breath hitches when I see scars covering his chest, and I cover my mouth as realization hits me. Vincenzo pulls back and looks at me with concern. I slowly trail my other hand over his scarred chest. “This is from when I…” I can’t bring myself to finish my sentence as tears begin to run down my face, being washed away by the shower water. Vincenzo take
Emmy POV Vincenzo and I quickly don some spare clothes from Alpha Asher. Both of us are sporting black t-shirts and shorts. Vincenzo’s shorts are a size too small and squeezing around his muscular thighs. My shorts are sliding off my hips and I have to pull the drawstring to its limit in order to cinch the shorts securely. As soon as we open the door of the bedroom, I hear all my sisters rustling around downstairs. I squeeze Vincenzo’s hand and he returns the gesture. He places his hand on the small of my back and nudges me forward, but I turn around to face him, instead. “Go to them. I’ll be right behind you. Go see your sisters,” he tells me endearingly as he pushes my hair behind my ears, only for it to bounce forward again. His lips turn up in a grin and I can’t stop the blush that covers my face. I nod to him and quickly spin around and dart down the stairs. My bare feet slap against the dark hardwood on the staircase, and then land on the painted concret
Vincenzo POV Hearing Nathan is dead is like being doused with freezing water. Emerald and I were both in this protective bubble mere hours ago, but now the reality of everything we have been through comes crashing down on me. The power of the mate bond is unlike anything I have experienced before. Thanks to our fresh marks, I can sense her emotions and her thoughts. In the moment we marked each other, I experienced all her memories. It was like watching a T.V. show in super-fast forward. It was hard to take it all in, but the big moments stood out to me. Moments with her parents and her sisters, moving to her new pack, and that stronzo, Kai, breaking her heart. If I ever meet him, I will make him pay for what he did to my Topolina. And then, I saw her memories from her time with Bram. Again, it was all fuzzy, but I saw how that psychotic monster tormented her. She’s hiding her emotions well. She’s walking around like she wasn’t emotionally, mentally, and physical
Emmy POV 1 Week Later We returned to Running River Pack- well, all of us except for Vincenzo and Renz. Saph didn’t want to stay at the Red Mountain pack any longer, so we left as soon as possible. She didn’t want to be anywhere near Alpha Asher after learning Nathan died saving him. He was understanding and stayed hidden. Saph didn’t want anyone except her sisters at Nathan’s ceremony that took place a few days ago. It’s weird. We have all lost a lot of people in our lives- our parents, friends, siblings- but I can tell that losing Nathan has changed Saph. She hasn’t come out of her and Nathan’s cottage since his ceremony. I’ve been trying to give her space, but I need to speak with her today. I finished packing the last of my things and I’m leaving to move to the Forza Pack to be with Vincenzo. He isn’t rushing me to go back, but being away from him for the last six days has been difficult. I guess if anyone can relate to what Saph is going through, it’s Vincenzo.
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
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 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