Slouching on the long plush sofa in his grand bedroom, Tom drank from a beer bottle, bags under his red eyes, staring into the electronic fireplace across from him. Beer bottles were sprawled out everywhere; some had rolled over to the other side of the white marble-floored room. He was in nothing but some old tracksuit bottoms and his hockey jersey, leaving his torso bare.The room was usually bright and airy, but today it was gloomy, the curtains shutting out the sunshine from outside, the only light coming from the fire in front of him and the occasional glow of his phone, alerting him to messages from his friends or most recently, blowing up his phone was Darci. It remained on silent and he didn’t bother looking at her messages.Tom was too preoccupied with running through everything that had happened with Alicia, picking everything apart.As soon as he discovered it wasn’t Alicia’s choice to become a breeder of the Shadowmoon pack, he ran to her rescue like the hero he’d always b
“Okay, I’m on my way.” Rowan hung up on his Beta, putting the phone inside his inner jacket pocket, mind linking his driver to the new destination as he gently squeezed his mate’s hand.The town car parked outside the pack house, but neither Rowan nor Alicia moved. “I’m sorry, I have to go. There are… urgent issues I need to deal with.”More specifically, the issues regarding humans and their newly advanced weaponry. He wouldn’t tell Alicia this, though; it would only worry her.“I understand,” Alicia smiled back at him, hand going to the door handle and frowning when it wouldn’t open. Rowan smirked, opening his door and rounding the car, ignoring those around the house, who stopped to see the Bloody Claw Alpha opening the door for his mate.Alicia blushed hard, accepting Rowan’s hand and stepping outside of the vehicle in the pair of trainers she picked up from her home on the way. Rowan leaned close to her, whispering, “You need to get used to this.”His cute mate blushed harder, th
Darci stalked out of Tom’s room, all raging hormones and far too much for him to handle right now. She was a lot of work. And he also didn’t give a damn if she was annoyed by him.Tom stood by his mini bar, his beer bottle exchanged for something far stronger. He couldn’t stop picturing Rowan and Alicia together. The way she reacted to him. Rowan’s arrogant expression as he stared right at him before returning his attention to the delectable Alicia.He tossed back another glass and hissed at the burning taste of alcohol warming his chest. He was beyond p*ssed about the couple that came to rub it in his face. Rowan brought her a necklace? So what.A loud laugh from the side of his room and the closing of his bedroom door caused Tom’s hand to shatter the glass in his hand as he glared at his future Beta. Brock flung himself onto the sofa, causing it to scrape against the ground from his massive form. He kept his hockey jersey on and brown hair trimmed close to his head, dark eyes twinkl
Tom was obsessed with her to the point he looked absolutely mad.He prowled towards her, his intentions diabolical, it was clear.“What are you doing here, Tom?” Alicia asked, relieved to hear her voice was so calm. She was anything but, and it was all a brave façade to hide her fear.Alicia wanted nothing more than to run away right now, but that would only kick his animal instincts into gear.“Aren’t you glad to see me, Alicia?” Tom smiled; it wasn’t his usual one, and his eyes gleamed with ill intentions.Alicia shook her head. “What is your plan from here, Tom?” She stepped to the side and froze as he mirrored her movement, remaining in her line of sight.“I was going to give you everything.” His voice darkened as he stepped in front of her. She’d backed into a tree and cursed under her breath at the ridiculous cliché damsel in distress moment. “And you spat in my face!” He thumped the tree by her head, startling her.She needed to get out of his reach!“So what? You’re going to k
Breathing heavily, Rowan’s breaths were louder than the blaring car horn ringing in his ears as he stared at his phone, hand bloody and shaking from the excess adrenaline running through his body. The headlights from the toppled-over car shone on his bloodied frame rev,ealing the bodies scattered along the road and the bottom of the rocky mountains.Rowan’s dark locks clung to his forehead, shirt ripped and singed, bloodied, and barely covering his body. His penetrating blue eyes roamed across his surroundings, waiting for more threats to appear. There were none. They’d dealt with them all.The car horn grew louder dispersing the haziness Rowan had been entranced in while his blood lust simmered. He looked back at his phone to Alicia’s second call. He couldn’t answer her right now as much as he wanted to hear her angelic voice in the midst of this bloody destruction, he didn’t want to worry her or get distracted.Rowan slipped the phone into his trouser pocket, raking his hand through
Alicia stared at the majestic bat-like wings in awe; her fingers twitched with the urge to touch them. Another person would fear this ethereal being before her, but not she. The smeared blood on the side of his lips, the palpable power bristling beneath his sculpted marble-like skin, taut and dangerous, and the blood splattered on his body lured her closer to him, tugged forward like she was tethered to him and unable to resist.Alicia knew already that she would never resist; she was already his.Her body heated upon seeing Rowan, and her chest swelled with raw emotion. He saved her from being violated, and although she’d never believed herself to be some damsel in distress, right now, she could weep in his arms. Obviously, she didn’t do that.“I am…” Rowan drawled, his gaze scanning over her body for any injuries. His dark pools of eyes flicked back to her, ostensibly wary of Alicia’s reaction to his reveal. “I am also a werewolf.”Alicia’s eyes widened, and she gasped. Rowan was a
Rowan opened the door to his apartment, one he brought the moment he discovered Alicia was his mate. He knew he couldn’t take her back to the pack straight away, and this was closer to Blue Crescent.“Here.” Rowan stepped inside, sweeping his hand for Alicia to follow. He insisted she needed to stay at his place. Although he’d threatened Tom, he’d also threatened them all about touching his mate and look how that turned out.Alicia was almost assaulted. No, he didn’t trust those insects. Taking another step, his head almost spun from the pressure of the wound in his leg and the blood wetting his black slacks. D*mmit, he didn't want to leave Alicia, especially after what had happened, but he would pass out if he didn't get it looked at soon. His adrenaline had been so high earlier that he forgot about the aconite in his system, stilling his healing.“Rest here. The fridge and freezer are topped up; if you don’t fancy anything, order what you like.” Rowan placed a black card in the palm
Alicia’s mouth dropped open. She was so shocked by this woman who had been revered as such a star, beautiful, gracious and so warm to her customers. Well that was utter bull!It was clear now that Bianca had some connection with Rowan, and the idea that they’d possibly been lovers at some point made her feel sick. How could he reach out to an old lover and make his mate meet someone he once…. No, no. Don’t get ahead of yourself.There was nothing besides this woman’s obvious distaste and knife-cutting words to indicate there was much more between them. Alicia wasn’t one to lose her cool so easily, but it had been quite an uneasy morning, no, make that a few uncomfortable and overwhelming weeks. She’d been on the edge for too long, and now she felt one more push, and she’d slip, losing it entirely.“I’m sorry, I don’t quite understand where you’re going with this, Bianca.” Alicia began, her tone clipped as she held the woman’s stare. “I came here for a dress by ‘thee great Bianca Viott
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