Ravena stepped away from the woman but grabbed the attention of a dark-haired man sipping a Coke and watching her every move. He wasn't dressed up either, just in a sweater, turtleneck, and a pair of jeans. But it was the way he looked at her that caused her pause. She inhaled deeply and inhaled his aroma. A gray. And he'd overheard her talk with Carol.His face was solemn, and he eventually laid his glass down and leaned against the bar closer to her. Joe rose from his seat, but one of his buddies grabbed his arm and shook his head. Joe returned to his seat, scowling."Nothing is what it appears to be, miss. Just keep an eye on your step." The man's voice was kind yet enigmatic.Trevor approached him and muttered lowly, "Move along."The man's lips lifted coyly, then he nodded to Ravena, took his drink, and walked over to one of the tables."Who exactly is that?" In quiet tones, Ravena inquired of Sam.He cast a peek at the gray's seat at the table. "McKinley, Chester." He's visiting
"No more 'incidents,' please." There will be hell to pay as soon as Trevor informs Lucian that Chester McKinley was harassing you." Silva smiled broadly at Ravena. "You certainly know how to do it, sugar." I haven't done anything with Sam to make Trevor envious.""Maybe your heart isn't in it?"“No… no. Sam was completely agreeable. He stated that he would do anything for a worthy cause, and I am willing to give it a shot.But…”"You don't want Trevor to be envious of you." You're worried it'll backfire.""I suppose you're correct. Trevor has a fiery temper. I guess I'm worried he'll take it out on Sam.""I wouldn't worry about it." Ravena produced further glasses. She assumed Trevor wouldn't respond because he didn't care what Silva did.Silva walked up to Chester's table and handed him the drink. He thanked her with a smile. Silva returned to the bar and grabbed another tray of drinks. "Chester appears to be a pleasant individual. "I hope Lucian isn't too harsh on him.""He wasn't m
Ravena burst up laughing. "It's totally your fault, Lucian."His tongue into her mouth as he kissed her lips, his hands securely wrapped around her waist. "I love it when you call me by my name, Ravena because I remember all the times we made love and you had no idea who I was." He kissed her on the lips and stroked his fingers down her waist to the tops of her thighs. He touched her mound between her skirts, massaged her, and exhaled a heavy breath. "Come home quickly, and I'll join you.""Hmm," she sighed, then grinned and mashed her lips against his, nibbling his lower lip. "Don't make me wait for too long.""I won't," he whispered lustfully as he led her out of the storage.Sam paused pouring a drink and offered a knowing smile to Lucian and Ravena.The first time she'd come here, she'd sat at the table in the corner, an outsider in disguise.Lucian kissed her on the cheek before leaving her behind the counter. "No more serving drinks to the tables." He looked across to the table
"I discovered he also bought Ravena her first drink when she arrived at the tavern." Sam eventually told me. He said it had slipped his memory as a result of the shooting event." Tom laughed grimly. "Lucian better let everyone know she's his soon, or he'll be rescuing her from the clutches of every bachelor in the area."That would certainly make her popular among the herd.When they got to the house, Jake locked Ravena in the guest room. She thought that because Lucian hadn't formally announced their relationship, no one would put her in his room without his permission. It didn't really matter where she was. She only wanted to see her sister's letter to Lucian and find her dang pistol. But Jake stuck by her side, and that was the end of it.Lucian was conspicuously gone when he eventually brought her downstairs for supper. And Tom and Jake were keeping an eye on her. As a result of Ural?Shivers ran up her spine. Who was there now who could have set Ural free? Someone from her pack h
"I had such a fleeting notion. But, if he had to make anything up, why not claim it was some random guy? I believe he was up there, saw her, and recognizes her.""Silva was the only woman there."“Maybe. Perhaps not. "How about Ritka or one of her two best friends?"Jake's pupils dilated. “Ah. Yeah. Excellent prospects. Despite the fact that Ritka's eye was inflamed, I doubt she could have seen well enough to shoot. But Hosstene and Angelina are a different story.""Check to see if either of them has an alibi." And interrogate anybody who may have scented the women's perfumes." "Will do."Tom rapped on the door. Lucian stood up from his squat and motioned for him to enter. Trevor came in behind him, holding a bucket of water."Nurse Grey's on her way." Tom made a shaky motion with his head. "Uncle Sheridan is in a rage.""He's been acting like that ever since he had to cut his vacation short." Trevor sprayed Ural's face with cold water.The red remained motionless.Lucian muttered an
Uncle Sheridan laughed. "As if any of our women could shoot that far or that accurately."Silva's back tensed. “I did.”What the hell is going on now? Lucian indicated a chair. "Please take a seat, Silva." Tell us all you know."She sat down close to Tom. "I didn't say anything before because I knew you'd be upset because I killed him." I did that by chance. I vow to you. We were convinced that the shooter was following us. So Sam ordered me to grab his rifle and head up the ridge. If the jerk came after me, I was supposed to shoot him. But he rushed for Sam, and despite Sam's best efforts to tackle him, the man got a shot off, striking him in the arm instead. I intended to target the guy's gun arm, but as Sam went for him, he escaped, and I hit the shooter in the head. I swear it wasn't my intention. I was concerned when Ravena stated she thought the shooter killed the guy to tie up loose ends. Sam didn't want to say anything either because you'd told us to keep together. He expected
"Hello!" said the children.Their voices were muffled by the snow and wind, so it sounded like four of them. But she was certain she was getting close.She turned around as a limb cracked several feet away, but all she saw in the white bleakness were trees burdened with snow, their heavy branches sinking toward the drifts, making them appear like weary old men.The noise may have been caused by a deer. Her wolf instincts were still heightened."Hello!" the youngsters said again, but Ravena remained still. A shudder gripped her, but it wasn't only from the cold.She crept slowly ahead, listening for any additional sounds that may suggest that she was being followed or hunted. Even though the wind howled and the falling snow reduced sight to a few feet, she stared and strained to see or hear anything else."I think she's not coming," one of the girls murmured, scared."Over here!" yelled a youngster.I'll be there. I'll be there. But if she was being followed, Ravena didn't want him to
"Let's get to the cabin," Cody said. "Who needs a ride?""Let's take the other sled, but for now, we'll pull Caitlin." We'll use the other sled if anyone else gets tired." Ravena attempted to return Caitlin's gloves, but she shook her head."I'm going to keep my hands in my pockets." To go through the snowdrifts, you'll need the gloves." Caitlin bit her lower lip, as if another shard of anguish had slashed her calf.Ravena nodded, brushing snowflakes away from the girl's cheeks."Let's get this party started. "We'll be frozen statues in no time," Anthony said."What exactly were you doing out here?" Minx inquired of Ravena.Ravena wrapped her arms around herself in an attempt to warm up. "I'm attempting to go to town. "I had a mishap." "Oh, so that's why you've got a gash on your head." "Do you know how to get there?""Before I heard your voices, I smelled chimney smoke coming from that direction." Ravena moved her hand into the glaring white bleakness."There's the cottage!" Cody sta
They joined the gathering, their voices harmonizing with those around them. The talk moved well, touching on subjects ranging from environmental sustainability to social justice and the significance of community involvement.Lucian and Ravena were enthralled by the many perspectives and experiences that each individual offered. They learned that dialogues could question prejudices, extend horizons, and drive action.During the lively conversation, they drew the attention of a young lady called Maya, whose desire for education and empowerment struck a chord with them. Maya brought Lucian and Ravena to a local community center where she was active, so they could experience directly the changing dialogues that went place.Lucian and Ravena enthusiastically accepted the offer since it piqued their interest. When they arrived at the community center, they were met with a colorful mosaic of people from many origins and walks of life. Conversations filled the air as people gathered in circle
Lucian and Ravena's life grew linked with the rhythm of their new house in the months that followed. They went on additional excursions, discovered hidden jewels in the city, and formed stronger bonds with their buddies.Lucian sat on a park bench one bright day, absorbed in a chat with their buddy, Marcus, an imaginative architect recognized for his futuristic creations. Lucian's eyes expanded with interest as they examined the potential of architecture to affect human experiences."Imagine, Marcus, if our conversations with buildings could go beyond mere aesthetics," Lucian pondered."What if we could create spaces that invite dialogue, encourage connection, and inspire moments of contemplation?"Marcus leaned back and focused his sight on the horizon. "Ah, Lucian, you've hit on a brilliant concept. Architecture has the ability to be a silent storyteller, a conduit for dialogues between people and their environment. It has the ability to stimulate emotions, encourage thinking, and s
Outside the center, the effects of these discussions began to spread across Crestwood. Murals that honored diversity and unity decorated the walls. Local companies grew as the community embraced the concept of helping one another achieve their goals. Sustainability and environmental stewardship discussions sparked efforts that changed the town into an eco-friendly paradise.Crestwood's reputation as a gathering place for important talks extended far and wide, attracting guests from all over the world. The center became a meeting place for artists, philosophers, scientists, and visionaries, who participated in thought-provoking debates that stretched the bounds of knowledge and imagination.The commitment of Lucian and Ravena to discussion went beyond the center. They developed annual festivals to celebrate dialogues via music, poetry, and performance art. The air was alive with anticipation as individuals from all over the world descended on Crestwood, eager to engage in talks that ch
They were at a noisy café one beautiful afternoon, drinking cups of delicious coffee and indulging in spirited banter with their pals Amelia, Ethan, and Lily. Laughter rang through the air as they told tales and shared dreams, their chats a tapestry of pleasure and inspiration."Have you heard the legend of the hidden treasure, buried deep within the outskirts of Crestwood?" Amelia leaned closer, her eyes flashing with malice.Ethan's curiosity peaked. "Treasure? "Please tell us more!"Amelia gave a cheeky look. "According to legend, centuries ago, a group of adventurers hid their precious treasure somewhere in the wilderness surrounding Crestwood." It is supposed to contain unfathomable wealth and undiscovered secrets."Lucian's eyes twinkled with delight. "Imagine the stories that treasure could hold, the history that it could unlock!"Ravena nodded, her voice full of excitement. "Perhaps it's time for us to become adventurers ourselves, uncovering the mysteries and treasures of Cre
Lucian and Ravena found refuge in their alone while traveling, seeking strength and comfort in one another. Their talk became reflective one evening as they sat by a crackling campfire under a starlit sky."I never imagined our lives would be filled with such extraordinary events," Ravena said, her voice laced with apprehension. "However, I would not trade this life for anything." Our love, our mission—everything seems perfect."Lucian grabbed for her hand, his eyes filled with adoration. "You are my mooring, Ravena. You provide me with direction and clarity in this chaotic world. We have produced something wonderful together—a pack that serves as a light of hope."Ravena smiled, her heart swelled with love. "And you, Lucian, personify strength and resilience. I am inspired by your unrelenting drive, knowing that we are facing these obstacles together."The approach of a pack member, their countenance bringing warning of an approaching peril, cut short their intimate moment. Lucian an
“No.”"You don't even know what I was going to say.""You'd have to leave for college." So no.” His dark gaze challenged her as he rapidly stripped her naked."I can do it online." A psychologist had to go from Green Valley to assist Freya." Ravena stroked her fingers through Lucian's silky hair, but his stern look told her he wasn't buying her pitch."I'm still saying no." He yanked his shirt off.“Why?”He got out of bed and took off his boots and slacks. "I don't want you to be talking to crazy people." Returning to her bed, he leaned forward and stroked her breast. "They may fall in love with their doctor, believing she loves them because she listens to their concerns and cares about them." And one as lovely as you..." He made a shaky motion with his head."I could help people deal with grief and various anxieties." "I need to get some work done."His hand slid to her tummy, and he gently massaged her. "You'll have plenty of things to do."She snarled.He mumbled. "OK, OK. Get you
Ravena instinctively sprang for Sheridan's throat and grasped hold. She felt Lucian brush up against her side, attempting to reach Sheridan, but she couldn't release go for fear of the gray killing her next. Sheridan released Leidolf and gripped Ravena's throat in the time it took a bolt of lightning to strike the earth. He would murder her like he did her sister, and in doing so, he would remove Lucian's motivation to live.Lucian gripped his uncle's neck with his massive teeth before she could fear or feel Sheridan's jaws clamping down tighter, blocking the air from flowing. He crushed the bone and the vitality out of the gray by biting down hard.Sheridan's grip on Ravena's neck eased, and they both slumped. She lay still when she landed on her side, attempting to catch her breath. But it got worse, and she couldn't help but feel completely embarrassed. Despite the cold, Lucian instantly shifted into his human form and placed his palm over the cut on her throat. “Carol!”Leidolf nu
Trevor had hired the shooter who killed Ravena, Tom, and Sam. Before anybody could question him, he emerged on the ridge and murdered the gunman. What is the motivation, you ask? He aspired to be the sheriff. He believed that his sister mating with me would assure him of that status in the future. However, some may have heard whispers that Freya's children were not my own, and when Ritka confirmed this to Trevor, he devised this blackmail plot. The money was located in a bank account in Trevor's name in Green Valley thanks to the sheriff's investigation."Trevor gave the sheriff a dagger glance.Lucian made a move to Chester. "P.I. Chester McKinley, acting on our behalf, assisted in uncovering this treachery." The puzzle pieces all fit together. Trevor was a prisoner living on borrowed time." Lucian's spine tensed and his eyes glowed with a ferocious glitter.But Trevor didn't appear to be a convicted man, which made Ravena suspect that Lucian and he had staged the whole thing."Excep
Silva mumbled something and rushed out of the kitchen. Carol took a little longer to realize that the alpha leader wanted some alone time with his partner. Her cheeks reddened, and she hastily excused herself and dashed after Silva, closing the door behind her."Why didn't you say something to me?" she reprimanded outside the kitchen.Lucian leaned on Ravena's shoulders. "You have a cinnamon, apple, and brown sugar scent to you." "Delicious enough to eat." He slipped his tongue into her mouth and kissed her lips without waiting for her assent. "Hmm, it tastes like brown sugar, apples, and cinnamon, too."She dissolved like the butter dabs she'd sprinkled on top of the lattice-work pie crusts. "Have you seen anyone who has bite marks?"He sighed. “Ravena…” He made a shaky motion with his head. "I'm afraid Angelina didn't bite her as hard as she should have, or the scar has already healed." It doesn't matter. We have him where we want him. I've felt the gap between us the previous two d