AmiaI spent the drive to the coffee shop hovered in front of the air vent trying to warm up. As much as I tried to get Liz to ride shotgun with Levi, she refused. Insisted she had to sit in the back seat. It was clear she wanted me and Levi to talk, but I had nothing to say. I kept my eyes trained on the dash as he drove. I could feel Levi’s gaze on the side of my face, hell, I could feel Liz watching us from the back seats. Still, I refused to look at him or try my hand at small talk. It wasn’t until he pulled into a parking spot across from the coffee shop and he hopped out that I raised my eyes from the dash.“That was awkward as fuck,” Liz murmured.“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I said as I unbuckled my seat belt.“You know damn well what I meant,” Liz hissed.I eyed her in the rear view mirror and laughed. She was giving me a you know I’m right look. I reached for my handle when the door swung open. Levi stood outside holding not only my door open, but Liz’s.Well, t
Seconds, minutes felt like hours as I waited there with my hands wrapped around a hot white chocolate mocha I hadn’t yet picked up. The heat from the clay cup warmed my hands and a shiver ran down my back. I fought the urge to turn around whenever the door opened. The need to look over my shoulder to see if I recognized anyone was strong. I stared out of the window until I felt someones gaze on the side of my face. I tensed but refused to look. I waited until I saw them approach out of the corner of my eye.I took a deep breath and turned to look up at the person who stood by the table. It wasn’t the waitress and it wasn’t anyone I knew. My eyes glided up his body and searched his features. I didn’t know who it was and I definitely didn’t recognize him. He was tall, even taller than mom. His shoulders were wide and his arms bulky. Despite wanting to claim this man was a stranger to me, I couldn’t help but want to admit that there was something about him that called to me.He had dirty
Amia What the hell does he even know?! “If I’d done my part what?” Calum asked. “Just answer the questions,” I said. “I was told that you had a happy life here, your mom’s… partner was good to you, held a stable job and you had a lot of friends. I didn’t leave you… I gave you the space to grow up in a normal home. I did come back for you. I did come check on you. I came to get you years ago, but was told it wouldn’t be in your best interest to go back with me. She said she didn’t want you to feel less than enough with my mate. Your mother worried you would be looked down upon, she feared my mate would.. attack you. Even though I told her that wouldn’t happen, she was insistent. I left because she promised I could meet you when you came of age,” he explained. “Is that supposed to make everything better? That reason, that one reason is what kept you away all these years? Was I not worth fight for? Was I not worth checking on? Was I not even on your mind that you didn’t think to come
Amia I don’t have to look around to know who it is. Every hair on my body is standing, my throat dries, and I ball my hands into fists. Calum's eyebrow is arched and he turns his head slightly to this side. His eyes are no longer on me, they’re on the figure standing behind me, and he is not amused. I know hat I’m on a cafe full of people, but I can’t help my body’s automatic response. Fear. That’s the first thing that pops into my mind. That’s the word that describes what I’m feeling right now. I’m scared and I hate that our relationship has gotten to this point. The boy behind me holds so much power that he has chased the smart mouth angry girl that had just been sassing the man in front of her. I can’t avoid him anymore and I sure as hell can’t hide from him here in this small cafe. It’s time to face him, even if I’m not ready. When I turn to look at Dylan, his cold eyes dare me to lie, his lips promise to tear me apart, and his fist promises pain. I couldn’t hide the tremor tha
Amia “No one was stalking me Dylan. I came here with the two of them, we drove here together. They were giving me privacy while I talked. They’re my friends, Dylan, that’s all,” I said, hoping to convince him. “I don’t believe a single word coming from that whore mouth of yours,” Dylan growled. “Nor do I remember asking you for an explanation.” “You kind of did,” Liz said rudely. “I don’t think I remember asking you human,” Dylan snarled. “And I don’t—” “Don’t talk to her that way,” I said. “What?” Dylan asked. “Don’t talk to Liz that way. You aren’t angry with her, you’re angry with me. They care about me and they don’t want to see me… they don’t want to see me hurt,” I said. “I don’t care who they are to you. You are mine, you belong to me, and I don’t have to explain myself to anyone,” Dylan spat. “Maybe not,” Calum started, “but you have to explain yourself to me.” “Oh? And why would I give two shits about what you think?” Dylan asked. He yanked his arm free from Levi’s
Amia Levi and Liz turned from us and I watched as they walked back towards their booth in the back of the cafe. I let out a sigh and cracked my neck as I massaged my temple. I could feel Calum’s eyes on me, but I didn’t want to have to deal with him right now. I didn’t want to have to deal with any of this. My heart told me that I needed to run out after Dylan, even though my mind told me that I needed to wise up and pull myself together. I couldn’t help the inner turmoil inside of me, the need to beg him to forgive me, the hope he’ll wait for me outside. I wanted to cry. It’s pathetic. I’m pathetic. “I don’t like Dylan,” Calum said. “Surprise surprise,” I said sarcastically. “Is this a joke to you? Do you not see a problem with the way he treated you? Goddess, just the way he talked to you made me want to rip his spine out through his mouth,” Calum said. “I didn’t do anything wrong. I don’t know why you’re yelling at me,” I said. “I’m not yelling. I… I’m sorry. I’ll drop the D
AmiaThe door opened and Liz stepped out. Levi rolled his window down and Liz bent down and said goodbye to me. I attempted a bright smile, but it felt wrong on my face. She smiled and told me I would be alright.“Are you sure you don’t need us to drive you home?” Levi asked.“Yes. Besides you’re not my knight in shining armor. Worry about my bestie,” Liz said.“Never claimed to be. From… one person to another, I feel weird dropping you off here,” Levi said. I looked behind her at the shabby subway station. It made me nervous too.“I agree, Liz,” I said.“Don’t you start now. I do this everyday. It looks a lot scarier than it actually is. Make sure you wrap it up!” Liz teased.“Oh my gosh!” I exclaimed.She giggled and turned from us. I called out after her but she didn’t bother looking back over her shoulder at me. She waved and disappeared down the stairs into the dark abyss that was the subway station.“She’s a funny one,” Levi chuckled.“Hilarious,” I deadpanned.The car rolled fo
AmiaWhat in the world was I thinking?A blush crept across my cheeks and I lowered my eyes. What had come over me? I knew better. This was Levi for Goddess sake! I knew Leevi, I’ve known him for a long time. I knew what to expect from him and that’s why I was drawn to him now. Shit was hitting the fan and he was safe. I refused to use him.I refused to think about the pet name he just used for me and I refused to think about what it did to me. I refused to focus on the way my heart skipped a beat. I refused to think of how much I liked it.I knew Levi, but when he did things like that and said things like that, he wasn’t like the Levi I knew. He gave me glimpses of a part of him I didn’t know, a side I’d never seen before. I wasn’t sure how to respond to that Levi and I was reminded of the time in the classroom. The asshole had the decency to chuckle and I relaxed when I no longer felt his gaze on me. He pulled away from the driveway and I let out the breath I didn’t know I had been
Without meaning to, my jaw dropped. Whatever I thought Isabella was going to ask for, it definitely hadn’t been that. The werewolves needed blood—werewolf blood. I was trying to figure out ways, legal ways, to get her what she needed, but I was coming up blank. I don’t know any werewolves here, and I highly doubt any members of the pack would volunteer to let a vampire; because that’s how they see her, feed from them.Yet, the hesitancy staring back at me mixed with the trust she just showed snapped me out of my stupor. The news was a surprise, but we were talking—she was communicating. It could have been a lot worse. First, we needed to treat her like a member of the pack, not a criminal. From what Andrius had shared with me, she’d committed no crime and shouldn’t be chained.“Andrius?” I asked, turning my head to look at him.“Yes, my Mistress?”
The silence stretched between us, but I couldn’t back down. Even though I knew he was bigger and stronger than me. I held his piercing gray eyes and moved back. Needing to add distance between us, not because I was afraid of him, but because I couldn’t let his proximity distract me. He didn’t stop me, but his hand was firm on my hip.Maybe I was harsh in calling him a hypocrite, but it was true, and I wouldn’t apologize for it. I would call him out on his bullshit. We were together. Yes, we were new, but I wouldn’t pretend to keep him happy. I wasn’t that woman anymore. It didn’t matter if he was my mate. Andrius would hear me. Without giving him a chance to respond, I snapped again.“You’ve got a real chance here to make them see vampires differently. Instead of taking it, you’ve kept her locked up underground. She’s one of your own, and yet, no one bats an eye
“I don’t, but that’s not what’s I’m worried about right now. Why is there blood on your collar?” Levi glanced between the two of us. I crossed my arms in front of my chest and stared into his brown eyes. I was being hostile without reason but I couldn’t help it. This uncomfortable feeling was quickly festering inside of me and if I didn’t just come out with it it would bubble up. My best friend tilted his head to the side, his eyes lit up, and a bloody knowing smile pulled the corners of his lips.“Are you jealous?” His tone was light and I swear I heard a laugh in there.“I’m sure whatever poor soul he’s just torn apart deserved everything he got,” Andrius murmured in my ear.“Levi didn’t answer the question.” I wasn’t laughing and I wouldn’t. Not until I got an answer. Was I being illogical? Maybe, but I’ve never known Levi to kill anyone. Yes, even after what he did to Dylan. ‘Who did he feed from?’ blared on repeat in my head. I chewed on my lip and Levi’s gaze dropped to the nerv
Danny’s words were reassuring. Duke had an effect on me, but up to this point, it wasn’t uncomfortable. There was something here, between us. I wasn’t completely sure what it was, but I welcomed it. Andrius cleared his throat and I turned to face him. I giggled when I noted the side eye he was giving Duke. It made me happy knowing he had people he could be himself with. I loved that whatever was between me and Duke didn’t cause problems. None that I could see yet, anyway. The little jealousy between them wasn’t anywhere between the hate love vibes that Andrius and Levi had, but I’ve quickly realized that I love being between two men. I giggle to myself and Andrius raises an eyebrow at me.“Duke is right. The pack’s opinion matters, but what we say is the end of it.” Andrius’ teasing gaze had turned as serious as his words.“You said most will listen. Does that mean… he will be in danger within these walls?” I didn’t like the idea of Levi being in danger, or having to live a life of it
Andrius huffed and I couldn’t help but smile. I’ve never had a group of people I could hang out with, and definitely not one that were willing to fight over my time. I had Liz, but I didn’t have Levi until recently. Adding more people—long term people gave me that sickly warm feeling in my chest and I blinked quickly to stop myself from tearing up. I’d been so worried they wouldn’t like me.“I don’t have anything… too serious until Friday,” Andrius grumbled before he lifted his cup of orange juice to his lips. I was reminded of the meeting with his appointed chosen mate and her dad. That means no one will know who I am until after he clears that up. That should make me feel weird, feel small, but I only sit straighter in my seat. I’m glad I’m here. I wanted everyone to know I’m the woman by his side. Everyone at the table knew about her, but now I’m sitting by Andrius. Did th
After Duke left, I took more time looking through the multiple dresses Levi packed in a pack for me, only to end up with black leggings and a red v-neck that hugged my curves. I normally wore loose fitting clothes—they were like armor. But I wanted them to like me. Thank you, L. With my arm looped in Andrius’, he led me downstairs. At the thought of meeting those closest to him, I was a mix of both excitement and nerves. They were pack. Family. I had grown up outside of my own, but we were so low on the chain and lived far from the packhouse it almost felt like we were rogues sometimes.“They’ll love you.” Andrius must have noticed my worry.“And if they don’t?” My voice was a whisper as my feet touched the landing.“Then Duke can kill them for you.” He chuckled by my side, and I playfully slapped him. We walked through the main area, post the couches, and tables. I caught the aroma of a delicious meal and my mouth watered at the same time my stomach growled. Heads turned as we steppe
AmiaAndrius gave no explanation about his visit and I wasn’t sure what to make of this. I had no problem meeting his best friend. I mean, he had to be if he’d chosen him as his right-hand man, right? What confused me was Andrius letting him in despite what I’m wearing, or the lack of clothing I was wearing, and despite where we were. This is supposed to be our room. At that realization goosebumps spread down my arms. The math wasn’t mathing and I was starting to wonder if his friend was more than a friend.That would complicate things.Every hair stood on end as his beta stepped into the room. My eyes dropped to the tactical boots and then my brows raised as they swept up, up, up the army green pants to the thoroughly filled out black t-shirt. He was dressed like a soldier, not a beta. At least, not the way I envisioned a beta to dress, but all thought disappeared as he the rest of him appeared. My lips parted as our gaze locked.Holy hell.Baby blues burned holes into mine. There wa
Struggling against the blanket of heat that was now suffocating me, I tried to push it off, but it wouldn’t budge. It had the opposite effect. It pulled me in and squeezed. Grumbling, I fight sleep, which is hard because I’m drained. I’m not getting anymore shut eye when I’m sweating my ass off. The first thing I see is a wall of pure muscle and my throat is dry and my nipples pebble as I recalled everything that happened last night.Instead of being bathed in sunlight, a barrier was on top of the glass and blocked it out. This kept the rays from coming in through the ceiling. Except for the double doors on the other side of the room. Even in his sleeping state, his cock is thick and long against my belly. My lips spread in a wolfish grin as I think of waking him up with my mouth, but my stomach growled, reminding me there are more important things than sex. Food.“Andrius…” My voice is raspy with sleep and I suspect from all the moaning I did last night. He doesn’t answer, doesn’t mo
Our breathing mixed with the potent smell of sex filled the room. Andrius didn’t rush to get off and walk over to the bathroom. No, he was a still force above me. He had a vice grip around his cock. His eyes roamed over every inch of me he had marked. Trembles wracked my body as I quivered with pleasure. Beneath his gaze, I felt exposed yet adored. Nothing like the way I’d felt trapped beneath Dylan. Not much time had passed, but Goddess, it felt like I’d made so much progress. I could think of my shitty ex and not completely cave in on myself.Even now, with my stomach rolled squished, my pussy bared, and my hair most likely a tangled mess behind me, none of it mattered. Andrius’ hungry gaze confirmed my thoughts. He could continue looking at me that way, and I’d hold whatever disadvantageous position he put me in.“Mine,” Andrius growled.“Yours,” I confirm