All eyes fell on Alicia in the pack house, the weight of their stares pushing one foot behind the other. The hesitancy transformed into a rush as she abruptly turned and fled, her steps brisk, ignoring Tom's call out to her. Other than her ex-boyfriend, nobody tried to stop her from leaving the pack house. Yet they also allowed her to leave without touching her or trying to send her off as a breeder.Rowan’s threat worked. Of course, it worked; Alicia just hoped it would last until he returned. Would he really return? She was anxious all of a sudden, worried that her mate didn’t want to deal with such family drama. Other than their night together, Rowan seemed quite closed off, a no-nonsense guy, certainly much older and mature than, well… He didn’t act like a complete douche like everyone else in that mansion!And he sure as hell wasn’t the oldest there.Alicia stopped on the steps, her breath leaving her in a rush. She watched as she saw Rowan’s town car driving away along the long
Before Alicia could make it halfway across the driveway and to the front door, the sound of an engine roaring and purring as Darci’s sports car swerved into the driveway, almost hitting Alicia in the process. She jumped back, alarmed at her sister’s aggressive behaviour. Darci slammed the door shut and marched towards her, somehow quite speedy in those heels.“Stay away from my fiancé!” She shrieked, eyes wide. “You homewrecker!”Me? A homewrecker?!Alicia stared at her like she was nuts. Perhaps she was? There was something utterly wrong with her sister. Maybe she was on something? Her eyes were so bright, and she was so sure about herself as though she’d been in a relationship with Tom this entire time and she was the other woman.“Stay away from Tom!”Erm…. Tom was following me?“You will not ruin our relationship!” Darci continued while Tom watched, his mouth slightly agape as he looked between the sisters. Alicia was pretty sure his balls were growing smaller the longer he stood
Flinging the door open, Rowan stormed into his office, unbuttoning his suit jacket before flopping down into the leather chair behind his desk. Unlike his brother’s packhouse, Rowan’s was warm and comforting, with slabs of stone, woodwork, and wooden floors that harmonised perfectly with the surrounding mountains. The whole packhouse had a rustic charm, and his office space, where he spent most of his time besides training, was precisely how he liked it.With a high vaulted ceiling with exposed wooden beams, expansive floor-to-ceiling windows behind the desk overlooking the mountains and serene lake, a spot he frequently stared at while he was lost in his thoughts. The opulent desk was in the centre of the room, rich and dark, intricately carved, commanding attention to anyone entering the room. The leather chair was large, big enough to fit his broad frame. Adjacent to it stood a grand fireplace, and before the desk, plush leather armchairs sat.Opposite the fireplace stood a well-st
The following day, Rowan watched his warriors train on the field. Their grunts and gasps for breath along with the scent of their sweat and blood whirled around with the chilly breeze. The Alpha stood there, muscular arms crossed, wearing nothing but a black vest and tracksuit bottoms, expression stern. Droplets of sweat kissed his shoulders from where he’d trained and fought earlier, a good workout with his Gamma and aiding with demonstrations to the younger warriors.Rowan didn’t sleep well. All night, he’d been tossing and turning in his overly large bed, his body craving a particular silver-haired blonde. Even after washing away her scent, he couldn’t calm his beast or his racing heart. Mates shouldn’t be apart, and now he knew why. He was anxious about Alicia.When dawn broke out, the birds waking with the early morning rays, Rowan gave up on trying to sleep and was one of the first up, besides his men on patrol, and began working out, needing to get rid of his pent-up energy, po
Rowan grabbed the stripper’s wrists before her hands could touch his neck where they’d been aimed. “Alpha,” he growled. “Now get off.”Cherry gasped, her cheeks flushing as Rowan lifted her with one hand wrapped around both wrists and plopped her down on the sofa beside him. “My Alpha,” she breathed, her arousal and perfume nauseating Rowan.Voss gave him a sharp look, and the Alpha sighed. He wasn’t a dick to women, but he didn’t want to be touched. “I’ll pay for your time, but I do not need a lap dance or anything else for that matter,” Rowan clipped, finally putting his phone away in the inside pocket of his jacket.Cherry leaned towards him, pushing her breasts together so they almost spilt from her bra, a finger running down his shirt. “Are you sure? I don’t mind. For you, I’d dance for free, Alpha.”“We’re here on business,” Rowan replied, ignoring her advances. “I’ve been told you know something about Blue Crescent.”At the mention of Alpha Valko’s pack, Cherry stilled, though
Waking up in her dull room felt a little surreal after everything that had happened. Where it had only been a week since discovering her now ex-boyfriend was cheating on her, getting kidnapped to be sold to another Alpha as a breeder, meeting and sleeping with her mate, and returning to the pack.With a sigh, Alicia got ready, finding the quietness of the house strange. Anxiety clawed up her throat as she finished pulling her hair back into a braid, the silver and pale hues shimmering in the only sunlight peeking through the tiny window at the top of the room. They had yet to appoint a date for the marking ceremony and it worried her, Rowan left the pack and she hadn’t heard anything from him.Alicia pushed her worries aside though as she snuck outside, avoiding her parents who she knew was waiting for her in the dining room. Their voices travelled to the hallway, discussing what they were going to do next. Hopping onto her moped, pushing her thoughts aside to the last time she sat on
Fortunately Alicia looked up a cheap StarBnb when she stopped off to sit on a bench on the side of the road. They accepted her almost immediately, clearly needing the money and when she called to confirm it was definitely okay that she came over within the hour, it seemed unbelievable. Yet here she was dropping her bags down in the studio flat she booked for a week.As she stared at the studio, the wooden floors, small open space living room, kitchen and bedroom, a small smile broadened on her lips. It wasn’t technically hers but she wouldn’t have to worry about running into her sister, running into Fred and Emma. Here she could relax.Or relax until she finds something more suitable for the long run. There was no way she could afford a StarBnb. They were pricier than renting, and she couldn’t find a place to rent in such a short time. Either way, she was not returning to that damned place.Emma, Fred and Darci might not have been able to hurt her, but their spiteful words finally wor
Alicia’s shoulders sagged as Tom walked into the parking lot, his body growing smaller until he climbed into his car. Turning around, she almost jumped after finding Ryan right behind her, hands on his hips, glaring at her, red-faced.“Ryan, it won’t happen again-”“Don’t. I gave you a chance, and all you’ve done is bring drama into my diner with that boy.” He shook his head. “He’s not just anyone either, Ali. He’s an Alpha. Look!”He waved his hand in the direction of empty tables with unfinished meals, some cash left and others without any. “You’ve scared off my customers!”“It won’t happen again! I promise! Please.” Alicia gripped his arm. “I need this job, Ryan.”Ryan shook her off him and looked away. “I can get another pretty face to fill your position without this BS. Sorry, Ali. You’re fired. Give me your apron, and I’ll give you your money by the end of the week.”Alicia stared at him in shock, tears springing to her eyes. She watched his hand reach up, waiting to retrieve th
Hiding in the bushes, the night had finally come when they were putting their plan in motion. Alicia felt like a thief in the night, especially since she finally got her clothes back. All of them black, a great camouflage for the middle of the peaceful night that was about to turn blood red.Alicia’s hair was hidden beneath the hood as she stared at the palace from a distance. Alpine had finally returned to her, and the first thing her wolf scolded Alicia about was Talon.‘He’s up to no good, child,’ she warned. Alicia needed no warning, however, because she didn’t trust Talon anyway.Alicia only trusted in the plan. They needed the vampires for numbers and power to overthrow the Crown.With Alpine’s return, Alicia’s werewolf healing had improved, along with her strength and speed. The scarring on Alicia’s neck was now minimal and would soon be fully healed. Her strength was replenished.Rowan didn’t intend to use Alicia, but if the royal pack was still too powerful against his packs
The plan to overthrow the throne within a few days was a little too optimistic. Alicia, Rowan and Lamia ended up staying at the vampires lair while they organised it. Although she’d been warned by Talon and her husband, Alicia did roam around the warehouse unguarded.Many vampires sneered and snickered, believing Alicia was acting naïve. But Alicia was protected by Talon as his guest and anyone that lost themselves to their vampiric urges, Alicia took out. Those who sneered ended up nodding respectfully at the future Luna Queen.“What is this?” Alicia asked as Hailey waltzed into the room carrying hangers of clothes.“Lord Talon requests you cover up,” Hailey explained, dipping her head respectfully at Rowan who lowered the phone from his ear, frowning at the clothes being put up in the empty wardrobe.Rowan clicked his tongue. “Did he forget to buy me clothes?”Hailey pursed her lips. “I-I could ask, Mr-”“You’re scaring her,” Alicia scolded her mate, smacking him playfully on the ar
“Now that’s sorted, why don’t we have a drink?” Talon’s eyes glinted as they looked at Alicia, the innuendo clear.Rowan stood. “Like we said before, there isn’t much time.” He reached down to take Alicia’s hand, but Talon’s words stopped them.“We still need to make a plan. Will you accept my hospitality or continue to be rude and dismissive, especially now that you have got what you came here to get?” Talon’s voice was frosty, and goosebumps rose on Alicia’s flesh.Rowan scoffed. He could see Talon eyeing up Alicia from out of the corner of his eye or whenever he didn’t think Rowan was looking. The vampire either lusted after her or wanted her blood.Obviously, he would have neither.“We can swap numbers and go through our plans over the phone. We can return to the pack-”“Once things are resolved here.” Lamia stepped forward, interrupting her son and placing a hand on his arm, giving him a look.Rowan was about to argue, but Lamia spoke again, quietly, only meant for him. “The Quee
Talon stared at Alicia for a beat, the growing silence tense until he burst into a laugh. His head threw back, revealing his sharp fangs in his enjoyment. Those around them relaxed, and the barman, who had paused his actions, returned to drying the glass.Alicia released a quiet breath, unaware she’d been holding it since she’d refused to tell him her name twice. She didn’t know where it came from, but the slight thrill under Talon’s gaze made her feel guilty.Alicia had seen many good-looking and powerful men, but none compared to Rowan. Now, in a matter of seconds, standing before this vampire, she’d felt almost entranced by his presence. Was it a vampire thing?No, otherwise, Alicia would have felt the same way as the others she’d seen so far. This only meant that she found Talon attractive and that she couldn’t accept, especially when her mate was right here.“Very well,” Talon smirked, his dazzling eyes twinkling as he continued to watch Alicia. “I was only asking out of manners,
There was no plan. They just turned up at Talon’s front door.Technically, it was a gate. The Vampire Lord didn’t live in an old manor or some sort of suave penthouse like Alicia was expecting. Instead, the car Rowan managed to rent stopped in front of a closed gate before a warehouse.The entire estate had many warehouses and lorries to the side, and behind it, there were many fields. Vineyards, Alicia realised. This was a winery.“This is definitely the right place?” Alicia questioned, looking to the back seat where Lamia had been resting against the black-tinted window.“I told you we were hiding in plain sight.” Lamia shrugged. “Let me speak to them.”Lamia exited the door and went to the speaker by the gate, pressing on the buzzer and waving at the CCTV.“Lamia?! Is that you?!” A woman’s voice crackled through. “Quick, tell Talon!”Rowan and Alicia glanced at each other.“Are you going to let us in, or will I turn to ash first?” Lamia jested.Silence followed her question before
Although Lamia’s story had been full of pain and betrayal, she still needed time to accept the death of her ex-lover. The vampiress left to take a walk leaving Alicia and Rowan to talk.“Did Tom do anything to you?” Rowan got straight to the point. “I could smell him all over you… You can tell me. I know you were imprisoned and-”Alicia cupped her husband’s face. “He did not r*pe me. I was tortured and humiliated…” She wouldn’t tell Rowan about Tom’s groping. There was no point. “If I stayed any longer he would have… I know he would. Void… the man who’d been torturing me managed to get him away from me before he could do anything.”“That piece of sh*t!” Rowan growled, his voice rumbling with his rage. His fierce eyes returned to Alicia, softening as he tugged her into him so they could cuddle on the bed.“I’m sorry I wasn’t there-”“You don’t need to be. It’s not your fault he is… disgusting.” Alicia shivered, remembering the humiliation of the silver collar, crawling around and weari
Lamia released the dead rabbit to the ground in the forest and wiped her face. She strolled by the river to wash the remnants of the blood from her hands. There was only so many humans she could drink from every other week, ensuring they didn’t remember what happened and the bite mark healed over.So today, Lamia had to drink from animals to keep her cravings at bay. She sighed while splashing her face, her thoughts already turning to the comforts of her luxurious home. She’d already spent a week away from it.While Lamia was preoccupied with her thoughts, cupping the water in the river for a final time, something smacked into her hand. Lamia’s head whipped to the side, her hands withdrawing from the body in the body. The fresh blood and sound of a weak heartbeat forced her to run to where the body floated to, and grabbed the man before he fell down the cascading water of the waterfall.Lamia fell back with the huge man collapsing atop her. She pushed him off her, but the taste of his
Vibrations rumbled along Alicia’s body. At first it felt like a dream. She was flying, with the wind flowing through her hair.Then the fog around her mind gradually faded, and the vibrations grew stronger until she felt herself bouncing and he head jolting every few seconds. It wasn’t comfortable yet she couldn’t open her heavy eyelids.It lasted for a while. It was like she was falling asleep and jolting awake nonstop. A horrid feeling, and one she couldn’t get out of.At long last, the movement stopped but she heard Rowan’s hushed voice with another. Rowan who she thought had been dead. Rowan who had been almost lifeless upon finding him in the hay.Alicia jolted up, wide awake, heart racing as she flailed in a panic, and searched the dark room for him. The bond tugged at her heartstrings as a light pooled into the room where Rowan walked through the door. The moment he saw her sitting up, Rowan rushed forward, the door slamming shut behind him, casting them in darkness once more.
Lamia and Alicia ran from the cells only to bump into Void. Lamia didn’t think twice before smacking the side of her hand into the back of his head. The giant collapsed instantly.“Oh, I’m sorry. Did you want to be the one to hurt him?” Lamia turned back to face Alicia. “I know he tortured you, but time is precious.”Lamia actually looked apologetic for attacking the man before Alicia. She shook her head with a chuckle. “No, no. I never had any problems with Void.”“Void?” Lamia’s voice deepened, a frown tugging between her perfectly shaped eyebrows. “You didn’t have an issue with a man who tortured you?”Alicia shrugged. She already knew how messed up it was, so to avoid her mother-in-law’s questioning and accurately worried gaze, Alicia added, “He was following orders.”Lamia’s lips flattened into a straight line. She didn’t believe Alicia. Still, she answered, “Alright.” Like that she turned, removed the keys from Void’s belt and began putting them in the lock of the silver collar