Ethan gently placed me on my feet, holding onto me as I swayed a little. “I’m good.” I said after a moment. “Nice to know I don’t have to pound you to make you unsteady on your feet,” Ethan teased just as Callie passed us.“That’s it!” She tossed her hands up and went to turn around. Damon stopped her and turned her back around. “They will stop..” He was trying not to laugh at Callie’s distress. “Sure… we will.” Leaning over, my shoulder nudged hers. “Don’t touch me till you shower.” Callie acted like she was grossed out as we walked into the hosptial. “Focus, ladies.” Ethan said, all his playfulness gone. “Alpha’s back.” Callie whispered.“Sexy, isn’t it.” Ethan looked back as I licked my lips. Reaching out, he grabbed my arm and held me against him but he didn’t laugh. “Alpha, Beta.” The doctor walked out of Travis’s room. “He just woke up. Everything is looking good. We were able to remove the wires in his mouth. His mate much have sent him all her energy for him to heal this
Ethan pulled away. “Murder me?” “It’s a girl thing…” Ethan dropped his hands down my arms. Holding onto one hand, he pulled me along to keep walking. “I was never mad at you. I just forgot how much it hurt to be rejected.” “I can’t tell you how sorry I am for that…” “Don’t be. You have made up for it and then some. Our story isn’t perfect, but it’s ours. We have a strong bond, and I think we have put in a lot of work to get where we are. I’m happy with our relationship.” “I would be happier if I could show you the world. Not keep you locked up here.” Ethan sounded like he really regretted it. There was some raw emotion in his voice that surprised me. “Zach was after me before we even met. I actually costed you a friendship.” “A friend would stop trying to kill his friend’s mate.” Ethan retorted. I couldn’t disagree with that. We walked in silence for while, just admiring the beauty. “This place will be perfect for the luna ceremony.” I said, finally. “I’m glad you picked it.” E
Grace POV“Oh, you know… mutual friend.” Evie shrugged and looked away. “Travis, there has been so much that has happened these last month. Why don’t the girls go back to the packhouse and eat supper and we can fill you in.” Ethan dismissed up without actually telling us to just leave. The way Ethan avoided my eye contact told me he knew just how annoyed I was. “Okay. That sounds good.” Travis watched Evie stand up and move towards the door. “Are you not going to give me a kiss goodbye?” Evie froze. Callie had just given Damon a kiss, but I was ignoring Ethan. “I.. uh…” Evie looked at us for help. I wasn’t sure what kind of state their relationship was in, but the fact she was unsure of it made me wonder. “Maybe when you are a little more healed, Travis. Your jaw is still tender.” I filled in for Evie. She gave me a grateful look. “Oh, okay.” Travis looked concerned, but Evie practically ran out of the room. “Ugh, this is so bad.” Evie shook her head as Callie closed the door be
“When he gets that pissed off… well, let’s just say his wolf wouldn’t care that you are his mate. He would come out and everyone would be in danger.” “He doesn’t scare me, though.” Taking a deep breath, I moved to the couch. Grabbing the pillow, I held it in front of me like my life depended on it. “What do I do now?” “Grace.. I…” My eyes met Damon. He wasn’t even sure what the answer was. “You could always live in that cement room?” I knew it was a joke, but it wasn’t funny. “After you.” “Shit.”“Maybe we should cancel the ceremony.” I said, more to myself than to anyone else. “That’s not the answer.” Damon sat down beside me. “FUCK!” Ethan came back into the bedroom. The door bounced off the wall and slammed shut. I just stared at the drywall that fell on the floor. “Why don’t you guys go to our office and figure this out? The girls and I are having a movie night.” Ethan’s body froze before turning to look at me. “Excuse me?” “The girls and I wanted to have a movie night.”
Ethan moved up a little higher so he could kiss me softly. Laying his head down on my chest, he turned so he could watch the movie. It was about halfway through before Ethan mind-linked me. “Still awake?” “Yeah.” “I think we are the only ones.” Looking over, Damon and Callie both had their eyes closed. Evie’s whole body was turned away from the T.V. in a ball. “Ready to go to bed?” “Yeah, let’s go.” Ethan got off me and pulled me with him. As we left their room, I couldn’t help but notice all the guards that he still had posted. Only when the doors closed did I talk to him. “The security is going to be pretty tight, huh?”“You will not be anywhere that I’m not. If you are, Kyle or Damon will be with you at all times. You are to never be alone.” The elevator doors opened, revealing more guards. I was going to ask if this was a little much, but Zach did get into our bedroom. I have every intention of just crawling into bed, but Ethan had other ideas. Helping me out of my clothes,
It’s been fucking hours. There is only so much a girl can twirl around in her chair, looking at the ceiling.“Why aren’t you working on a new upgrade for your company?” Ethan asked. He was balls deep in paperwork. His eyes didn’t even glance at me. “My brain is fried. I can’t think or focus on that.” “Fried from what? You literally just laid and haven’t accomplished anything this morning.” “Why can’t Kyle take me for a walk or something?” Ethan snorted. “Are you a dog?” “Come on! I haven’t seen the sun in ages!” I whined. There was a knock on the door. Jumping up, I practically ran to the door. Swinging it open, I was met with the disapproving eyes of Damon. “Why are you answering the door?” “Are you here to take me out?” I asked in a hopeful voice.Damon walked into the office. Grabbing the door, he shut it behind him and locked it. “Nope. I’m here to talk to Ethan.” “What’s up your ass?” Following Damon to the chairs, he took one, and I took the other. “As you know, Travis
We watched them walk inside. “For what it’s worth, I do think she loves him.” Kyle said, almost a little sad. “Grace… I-”The front doors opened, and Callie stuck her head out. “Lunch time! Hurry up, we need to get started so our teatime is on time.” Jumping up, I walked a wide berth around Damon and followed Callie. “Yes, ma’am! I’m ready for some food!” I knew my voice was a little extra preppy, but honestly, Damon could suck it. I felt bad enough about it all without him pointing it out. “I’m supposed to tell you Damon is sorry. What did he do?” Callie whispered as we walked into the dining room. Callie had it decorated, polished, and looking beautiful. There were already a few alphas and lunas seated at head tables that I couldn’t place their names. “He didn’t tell you?” I whispered back and raised my eyebrows. “Please let me be there when he does.” She couldn’t say anything back as we got to our table. It was so tight in here that we were in earshot of dozens of people. Kyle
Evie slowly made her way up to our table. “Hey.” She awkwardly raised her hand as to wave before putting it down again. Almost instantly, she had a plate of food in front of her. “What would you like to drink, Gamma Evie?” “G-gamma what?” Evie sputtered. She looked at me like she was going to freak out.“He is being respectful. Travis is our gamma. That makes you the gamma female.” I tried to explain. I knew she knew that, but this must have been the first time she was addressed this way. “Evie is fine, but maybe a water?” “You can have whatever you want.” Callie offered her my glass of wine.“No. No, thank you. I don’t drink.” She shook her head and looked at the server. “Just a water, please.” “Why don’t you drink?” Kyle asked. He wasn’t being rude but it was direct.“I’ve seen too many men passed out and making stupid decisions while under the influence. I have drank before and it’s not that I can’t drink, I just chose not to. Especially around all these people. Don’t want to
“CHRISTIAN!” I yelled back. He laughed, as that was our thing. Ethan set me down when we got to the top. Christian instantly wrapped his arms around my legs. “I missed you! You are getting so tall!” “Hey, sis.” Vincent walked up to me with his arm out. With my belly, I could only do a side hug these days.“How is my little nephew doing?” Vincent shook Ethan’s hand. “Very happy where he is at.” Vincent has been a little of a recluse this last year. Finding out the truth, being a full-time day and looking for a beta has kept him from coming around as often. Fortuantly, everyone has sympathized with him. They have really accepted him into our friend’s group. However, Roxie and Zoey are on a kick to find him a mate. Vincent game me a smile and scooped Christian up. “Let’s go inside or we will miss the party.” Ethan held the door for us before quickly resuming his spot next to me. The moment we walked in, my breath was caught in my throat. It was just like I imagined it to be. A larg
1 year later“Grace! We got to go! Everyone is waiting for us!” Ethan was standing at our bedroom door. “I’m COMING!” I growled back. My swollen belly was ready to pop at any moment. Our little baby boy was loving kicking his mother in the lungs so much that he refused to leave. “I can only move so fast!” “You are the most beautiful pregnant person…ever.” Ethan smiled at me as I walked out of the bedroom. The stretchy black evening gown clung to my body, really making my stomach look much skinner than I felt. From the back, you would never know I was pregnant, which confused me. My belly was very round, like a ball. “This is all your fault.” Rolling my eyes at him, I couldn’t help the smile that spread across my face. Ethan walked over and gave me his arm. “Thank you.” “Just think…” Ethan patted my hand. “…. you get to do this many more times!” Looking up and glaring at him, “I will kick you in the nuts and end all of that.” Ethan laughed at me. I doubt anything would hurt his m
By the time we made it to the club, I had taken a few more shots, and the buzz was going. The club was bouncing. Music could be heard from outside. There was a line down the sidewalk and neon lights were flashing all around. This was the vibe that I was hoping for. “Ethan, I want to check on the computers. With everyone here, I haven’t actually got to see it yet and I want to check it.” I had to shout since the music was so loud and we weren’t even inside. “Grace, you are a little drunk….” Ethan raised his eyebrows at me. “Please? I’m not going to touch it. Just want to make sure it’s okay.” Grabbing his arm, I put on my most pathetic face I could.” “Fine…” Ethan rolled his eyes, but smirked. Wrapping his arm around me, he lead the way inside. “Callie, get everyone situated with drinks. We will catch up.” Ethan instantly lead me away to his office. It was more packed than I had ever seen it. Granted, I had only been here like three times, but this was packed. More than once, we g
“What do you have that is the best with crab?” Theresa thought for a moment. “Try the crab trio. There are three different ways crab is cooked. I think one is the crab alfrado, a mushroom stuffed crab and just steamed crab legs with a pepper, garlic butter to dip it in.” “That sounds perfect.” “Great. Would you like your legs already de-shelled?” “Yes, please.” I said right as the guys came back. “I’ll have a crab cake, please.” Jolene smiled at Theresa. Theresa returned the smile. “For you two?” She looked at them. “Seafood fried roll.” Ethan sighed and downed his drink. “I got another round coming.” She said instantly. Ethan nodded and put his arm back around me. “What did Vincent say?” I asked Ethan in the mind-link, so I didn’t hear what Nox, Stella or Rif ordered. “Well, turns out they were all people that went missing states away. None were from the same state, but they were all scholars in hacking or something cyber. Vincent thinks Zach or Derek had placed them there
Just as Ethan stood up, we arrived at the restaurant. I couldn’t help the sly smile that spread across my face before bitting my lower lip. “Let’s go,” Ethan said before clearing his throat. He gave me a little nudge to get off the bus. “Where are we?” I asked as I stepped off. Ethan was quick behind me, wrapping his arm around my waist. “This is one I have wanted to bring you to since I met you. It’s a very upscale seafood place. I know your favorite food is crab and I think they will have what you want here.” Ethan smiled down at me.“I love this place!” Callie squealed. “Their lobster is absolutely amazing!” “I’ve never been here!” Zoey grabbed Leo’s hand, and they started the train to the front doors. “We have a reservation. It’s under Boone.” Callie yelled from the back. By the time we walked in, the hostess walked off from the front. Zoey turned and smiled at us. I couldn’t help but look around. There was a massive sword fish mounted on the wall. The lighting was low, dark
After the house burnt down, we had to transport everyone back to their respected packs. However, all of our friends had to come back one last time to our pack and gather their belongings. Since they were already here, we had one last night together. Ethan set up a romanic evening that ended with everyone at the club for a night of dancing. All the girls were in my bedroom getting dressed. Callie had on a champain squence colored dress. It volumized her breast with a completely open back and only strings tolding it up. Her ass was about to hang out, but she looks amazing.Zoey had on a similar colored dress, but the top was more of a bra. Her stomach was open to a skirt that sinched at the side. Roxie was wearing a scarlett red dress. With long sleeves, the top was just enough fabric to cover her tits. It was an open stomach, but one side went down to a skirt that went to her calf. The other side had a slit that went to her hip, completely exposing her very toned legs. Stella was wea
Vincent turned and looked at us. “Let’s go home.” He whispered and walked past us. Christian was clinging to Vincent like his life depended on it. “Keep your eyes closed, bud.” He said as he walked out of the house. We all followed him. The battle was over and our warriors were collecting the dead. In the front was Derek’s body, Zach and Adaline. There was a rather large pile of men off to the side and a more respectible line of men that were ours. Leo was barking order with Damon, but Stella caught my attention. She was standing over Derek’s body with tears running down her face. Walking out of Ethan’s arms, I came up to Stella. She met my eyes before looking down again. “W-what happened?” I hesitated before speaking. I wasn’t sure how this was going to impact our friendship. Though it had already been rocky as it was. “Grace?” Rif walked up behind Stella. Putting a hand around his waist, he nodded. “Whatever it is, just tell us.” I knew I had everyone’s attention at this point.
Grabbing a lock of hair, I twisted it in my fingers. “You know Vincent, she used Derek’s weakness and let him believe for three years that he betrayed you.” Vincent’s hand wrapped around his neck. He squeezed hard enough to make her hurt but not enough to stop the breathing. “What should I do? Kill her or put her in my dungeon to years’ worth of torture?” “I’m sorry! I can turn my life around and be the mother that Christian deserves. I only ever wanted to be a mate to you.” She batted her eyelashes at Vincent. His grip tightened around her neck. “Nothing I do will be enough. It won’t be enough to vengue Derek, my dad or the years of head games you put on our son that I’ll have to fix.” Tighter, he squeezed until his hand started shaking. “I regret ever sleeping with you, ever touching you, or even meeting you. The only good thing in my life is Christian. I’m going to take your body and make a mockery of it. You will be an example of what it means to cross me. I’m more powerful than
Ethan, Vincent, and I just stared at her with our mouths hanging open. “Derek thought he betrayed Vincent. He did everything to keep Vincent out of danger and keep his kid safe and you were playing him.” My anger was rising as her words sank in. “You let Derek live with this weight on him for years.” Adaline shrugged. “Who is Derek to me?” She mirrored those words, knowing it was going to get under my skin. “Now, my child is an heir to not only the mafia family, but to a very powerful wolf pack and a blood relative to a very profitable security business.”“You never wanted me to create a program. All this was a lie to get the three of us here.” The truth came crashing down on me.Marco pointed his gun at me. “You are a very hard person to get ahold of. I told Zach to kidnap you by any means needed. He almost got you fucking killed. I’m happy you survived, but yes, however, Ethan was only part of it because he mated to you. I just wanted Vincent and you.” “Your dad was incredibly ann