Camilla“You have to borrow one of my dresses for your date with Rin!” Sammy is panicking and pacing inside Lana’s apartment. “Lana’s clothes are too gothic, and you need something special. Something blue that will make your silver hair pop out!”I bite my lip nervously, feeling a knot form in my stomach. “I don’t know, Sammy. I’m not really good with dresses.”“Nonsense!” Lana interrupts as she swans into the living room to join us. There is a smirk on her lips. “I have the perfect red dress for you. Come with me.”I follow Lana to her room, feeling uneasy about the whole situation. I’ve never been on a date with someone like Rin before, let alone worn a dress. But Lana seems to know what she’s doing, so I trust her.“Here it is,” Lana says, holding up a stunning red dress. “This will look amazing on you, trust me. And I even have some heels that will go perfectly with it.”I nod, feeling my heart rate increase. I’ve never worn anything like this before. “Okay...” I say, letting out
CamillaWhen I wake up, my head pounds with a ferocity that reverberates through every fiber of my being. Groaning, I crack open my eyes, only to realize I’m confined in what has to be Alpha Jackal’s mansion. After fighting off my dizziness, my gaze falls upon Rin.He is standing behind metallic prison bars, looking as mesmerizing as ever with his exquisite suit and fixed hair. His ice-blue eyes meet mine, and he gives me an assessing look.“How are you feeling?”I scowl at him, unable to form words out of fear of bursting into tears. He grimaces in return and releases a long sigh before continuing. “I know you must think I’m the enemy, but I’m not. Alpha Jackal is my master, and I’m his contracted demon. I had to lock you up when he ordered me to.”“I know that! I’m just...” A frustrated sound leaves my lips, and I lean my forehead against the bars as I glare down at my naked feet, realizing why I’m cold. My clothes have been removed. “I’m just angry at life right now.”Rin falls sil
CamillaRin’s words feel genuine, and when I look up at him and see the softness in his eyes, I realize that he isn’t lying to me at all. He is speaking the truth.I’m not sure what to do with that information. There are flutters in my chest, and while blushing, I shove my hand into his warm palm and shyly look away.“A-as you may know, I’m not very experienced with men,” I swallow thickly and nervously laugh at the weird things coming out of my mouth. “I mean, of course, you know—you’re the only man I’ve ever kissed. And...shit...”Rin chuckles. “Am I making you nervous?”I nod, unable to ignore the beating of my heart. Rin moves around in the prison cell, seeming to study the chains that are keeping me a prisoner.“Because I am Alpha Jackal’s contracted demon, I cannot release you from your chains, and for that, I sincerely apologize. However, there is something else I can offer you that might make this night better.”I lean forward in anticipation, my eyes searching his. “And what
CamillaMy head is spinning with questions. Is the demon that murdered my parents a friend of Rin? Does he know their name? Rin is a demon, and I have no clue if they have packs or clans like us werewolves, but it’s a possibility.Gosh, how much does he know?I’m so messed up that I can barely keep my voice calm when I repeat the previous question with a different choice of words. This time, I hope he answers. “Rin...do you know who murdered my parents?”He furrows his eyebrows, and my heart falters when I realize he really can’t answer that question. The hold Alpha Jackal got on him is too strong, and Rin quickly averts his eyes so he won’t have to face me. “I have to go.”“Wait, what?” I widen my eyes. “Where?”But Rin is already slipping into the earth and disappearing through the floor. I stare at him until he is gone and then sink down against the wall. Alone again. Just how long is that bastard Alpha Jackal going to keep me locked up in here?As I sit there, wondering about Rin’
CamillaMy lips part. I know what Rin tried to say. He can’t say the word “mate,” but that’s exactly what he was trying to say. Now he is intently staring at me, waiting for either my acceptance or my rejection.And the truth?I don’t know what I want. I’m a werewolf, and while he used to be a werewolf, he is now a demon—could there ever be trust between us? He manipulated me into making love to him. He took away my fear of him, and...it was the best thing in the world. His touch. His kisses. His everything could easily become an addiction, but I’m afraid.If I accept him as my mate and the curse and contract on his breaks, will Rin still be nice to me? He could be pretending to be nice right now. It would surprise me—demons are tricky creatures, and I know how much Rin wishes to be free of the contract he has formed with Alpha Jackal.My inner wolf sighs. ‘But look at him, look at those eyes—even though they are red, they are filled with love. And you can’t fake that emotion, right?’
CamillaWhen I was a baby, my parents were brutally murdered by a demon. I never had the chance to talk to them or learn to get to know them, yet the memories of that night still burn in my mind like an ever-flickering flame.The red eyes of the demon, the screams, and the smell of blood: I remember everything even though I was only a baby, and this happened eighteen years ago.I wish I could forget, but I can’t. My parents were taken from me by a force so dark and malevolent I shudder at just the thought of it.I don’t understand how or why I survived. I’m nothing special. My wolf hasn’t even awakened yet. I’m a weakling, yet I’m the only person who is still alive in my family.I live with my two foster parents... or I was until this morning. My foster parents have decided to sell me to our pack’s Alpha, Jackal, to pay off their debt, and if I can’t show myself useful to him, I will be thrown out on the street. Because of this, my heart won’t stop pounding. I’m uncomfortable and nerv
CamillaTears blur my vision as Nadja snips away my silver locks, not seeming to care about the unevenness or the way I’m biting down on my lip in apprehension. Every cut feels like an unsalvageable mistake, and I want to cry out, but no words leave my mouth. When she is done, all that remains is a reflection of me that I hardly recognize.I look hideous.“Much better,” Nadja remarks, her eyes meeting mine in the reflection. Her gaze is dark and eerily intense. “Now you resemble a housekeeper instead of someone trying to look pretty. The ladies who work here don’t have long, glimmering locks like that.”I try to hold back the tears threatening to fall from my eyes, but they betray me and slide down my cheeks anyway. Nadja is unforgiving and cold, and I realize I’m not safe here. I’m trapped in this secluded mansion, far away from civilization, and I have no way out. My only hope is to play along and try to earn Nadja’s trust and find a place here.Maybe respect will come later?“Thank
Rin“You’re useless!”My master slaps me across my face, and like always, I take it without defending myself. Not because I like being beaten but because I can’t defy the master of the contract. Alpha Jackal owns me, and even though I would love to cut off his head, there is nothing I can do about my situation.“I can’t believe you wandered into my throne room without permission earlier!” Alpha Jackal grabs my chin and attempts to pull me down to his eye level. I let him because I don’t have a death wish, and he grits his teeth in my face. “And then you spoke freely to that werewolf woman in front of all of my men. Do you realize how weak that made me look? My demon slave spoke out of turn—that shouldn’t happen!”Alpha Jackal’s fist comes flying toward my face, and since I’m his slave and pet, I let him beat me. I mask my emotions, something I’m good at, which only seems to piss off Alpha Jackal further. Rage contorts his face: his lips draw back from his teeth, his eyes widen, and hi
CamillaMy lips part. I know what Rin tried to say. He can’t say the word “mate,” but that’s exactly what he was trying to say. Now he is intently staring at me, waiting for either my acceptance or my rejection.And the truth?I don’t know what I want. I’m a werewolf, and while he used to be a werewolf, he is now a demon—could there ever be trust between us? He manipulated me into making love to him. He took away my fear of him, and...it was the best thing in the world. His touch. His kisses. His everything could easily become an addiction, but I’m afraid.If I accept him as my mate and the curse and contract on his breaks, will Rin still be nice to me? He could be pretending to be nice right now. It would surprise me—demons are tricky creatures, and I know how much Rin wishes to be free of the contract he has formed with Alpha Jackal.My inner wolf sighs. ‘But look at him, look at those eyes—even though they are red, they are filled with love. And you can’t fake that emotion, right?’
CamillaMy head is spinning with questions. Is the demon that murdered my parents a friend of Rin? Does he know their name? Rin is a demon, and I have no clue if they have packs or clans like us werewolves, but it’s a possibility.Gosh, how much does he know?I’m so messed up that I can barely keep my voice calm when I repeat the previous question with a different choice of words. This time, I hope he answers. “Rin...do you know who murdered my parents?”He furrows his eyebrows, and my heart falters when I realize he really can’t answer that question. The hold Alpha Jackal got on him is too strong, and Rin quickly averts his eyes so he won’t have to face me. “I have to go.”“Wait, what?” I widen my eyes. “Where?”But Rin is already slipping into the earth and disappearing through the floor. I stare at him until he is gone and then sink down against the wall. Alone again. Just how long is that bastard Alpha Jackal going to keep me locked up in here?As I sit there, wondering about Rin’
CamillaRin’s words feel genuine, and when I look up at him and see the softness in his eyes, I realize that he isn’t lying to me at all. He is speaking the truth.I’m not sure what to do with that information. There are flutters in my chest, and while blushing, I shove my hand into his warm palm and shyly look away.“A-as you may know, I’m not very experienced with men,” I swallow thickly and nervously laugh at the weird things coming out of my mouth. “I mean, of course, you know—you’re the only man I’ve ever kissed. And...shit...”Rin chuckles. “Am I making you nervous?”I nod, unable to ignore the beating of my heart. Rin moves around in the prison cell, seeming to study the chains that are keeping me a prisoner.“Because I am Alpha Jackal’s contracted demon, I cannot release you from your chains, and for that, I sincerely apologize. However, there is something else I can offer you that might make this night better.”I lean forward in anticipation, my eyes searching his. “And what
CamillaWhen I wake up, my head pounds with a ferocity that reverberates through every fiber of my being. Groaning, I crack open my eyes, only to realize I’m confined in what has to be Alpha Jackal’s mansion. After fighting off my dizziness, my gaze falls upon Rin.He is standing behind metallic prison bars, looking as mesmerizing as ever with his exquisite suit and fixed hair. His ice-blue eyes meet mine, and he gives me an assessing look.“How are you feeling?”I scowl at him, unable to form words out of fear of bursting into tears. He grimaces in return and releases a long sigh before continuing. “I know you must think I’m the enemy, but I’m not. Alpha Jackal is my master, and I’m his contracted demon. I had to lock you up when he ordered me to.”“I know that! I’m just...” A frustrated sound leaves my lips, and I lean my forehead against the bars as I glare down at my naked feet, realizing why I’m cold. My clothes have been removed. “I’m just angry at life right now.”Rin falls sil
Camilla“You have to borrow one of my dresses for your date with Rin!” Sammy is panicking and pacing inside Lana’s apartment. “Lana’s clothes are too gothic, and you need something special. Something blue that will make your silver hair pop out!”I bite my lip nervously, feeling a knot form in my stomach. “I don’t know, Sammy. I’m not really good with dresses.”“Nonsense!” Lana interrupts as she swans into the living room to join us. There is a smirk on her lips. “I have the perfect red dress for you. Come with me.”I follow Lana to her room, feeling uneasy about the whole situation. I’ve never been on a date with someone like Rin before, let alone worn a dress. But Lana seems to know what she’s doing, so I trust her.“Here it is,” Lana says, holding up a stunning red dress. “This will look amazing on you, trust me. And I even have some heels that will go perfectly with it.”I nod, feeling my heart rate increase. I’ve never worn anything like this before. “Okay...” I say, letting out
Camilla The wind is blowing in my hair, and my heart is pounding, but I can’t tell whether it’s from excitement or fear. Rin is holding my hand, and I look up at his face, surprised to find a smile on his usually cold lips. My heart flutters, but I need to stop this madness! “Rin!” I shout. “I can’t just leave Alpha Jackal’s mansion for a drink, I have work to do!” And I’m going to be in so much trouble if I let Rin whisk me away. Rin laughs. “What happened to the adventurous sunshine girl that I met on the first day?” “She realized she had responsibilities if she wanted to take her next living breath!” Dimples form around Rin’s mouth when he stops to look down at me, our hands still locked together. “Alpha Jackal doesn’t have to find out about this. Live a little, princess.” My cheeks flutter. “A new nickname?” He breathes a laugh. “Pet didn’t suit the moment.” I pout and take him in. Rin is truly gorgeous and so dangerous because I find myself wanting to get to know him bett
CamillaMy gaze is locked with my reflection in terror. The laughter of a menacingly familiar voice echoes inside my head, sending shivers down my spine. I know the truth even without having it confirmed—this is the work of the demon that took my parents’ lives. The messages on the mirror are his sinister way of warning me, and I know that this time he won’t let me get away. He has come back to end what he didn’t finish eighteen years ago. I shiver as I move around in my apartment. There is an eerie feeling gripping me. I don’t feel safe here, and before I know it, I’ve thrown myself out into the night. I march down the stairs and bang on Lana’s door. Three seconds later, the door opens, and my friend glares at me with her gothic makeup smudged around her eyes. “What is it?” Her voice is hoarse and heavy with sleep. “Why are you here so early? You should be sleeping.”I push past her and step inside her dimly lit apartment. “I can’t sleep,” I say, my voice trembling. “He is back. Th
Camilla Even though Rin just saved my life, I can’t stop shaking as I take in his hulking form. Why do demons have to be so large and intimidating? Dread settles like lead in my stomach when Rin approaches me. I’ve feared demons ever since the day I was born. My parents were murdered by one, and now Rin wants to carry me home—the idea of touching his purple skin and being up close and personal with him makes me want to scream. “Camilla?” His voice is smooth like velvet. “Let me take you home. You’re freezing.” No. I don’t want to go anywhere with Rin! I gulp as he comes closer. His pants look like shorts after his transformation, and the rest of his tattered clothes are on the ground. He is too big for them now. “Come with me.” I don’t dare to look up at him. “I...I can’t.” “Why not?” I look up and see a frown on his face, and it makes me feel worse. This man had just killed the vampires, for my sake. He saved my life, and I’m... So damn afraid of him. “I can’t...I can’t t
CamillaThe date with Bobby is awkward. We are sitting at a table, and I’ve barely said a single word. Bobby is the only one talking. Are dates supposed to be this one-sided?I can’t help but compare him to Rin, who always exudes an air of confidence and control. Bobby is nice, but he lacks the commanding presence that Rin has.“And then Alpha Jackal asked if I could serve him his tea in his special room...”I smile, but in reality, I’m barely listening. Bobby keeps talking about his job, his hobbies, and his family, but I can’t focus. My mind keeps drifting back to Rin, to how he made me feel with just a look and a simple touch. I try to push the thoughts away, but they keep resurfacing.Bobby finally notices my lack of engagement and clears his throat. “Is everything okay, Cam?”His freckled, boyish face is really adorable, but when he reaches for my hands, I pull away. His eyes widen, but I quickly smile, trying to be polite. “Yeah, sorry, just a little distracted.”“You seem tense