Raiden was sleeping on his father’s lap; Rafael was leaning on him, sleeping too; and Rafael was by her side. The boys were exhausted from their first day of school and playtime with Lucy. Edward Hearst was happy to attend to them. They were not his true grandchildren, not related by blood, but Everleigh could feel that the adoration and care of her stepfather were genuine, just like his love for her. The luxury vehicle of Rufus seemed crowded with them. Rufus was smiling, and she could see how happy he was being with his sons. He kissed their temples, smelled their scents, and held them in his arms as if they were going to disappear. Every time she tried to look at Rufus, he gave her a smile full of promises. He even winked at her. She blushed; she felt excited and nervous. Why is she feeling like this? Did she anticipate what he had promised moments ago at her stepfather’s house? “What are you thinking, baby?" Rufus asked, amused. “I’m tired just like the boys, and I imagine we’r
Everleigh was tired from running, but she can’t stop now. Men were coming after her. They intend to kill her. She needs to survive to save her unborn child. She heard a woman laughing. “You can’t hide from me, Everleigh. These rogues will haunt you down and kill you and your child.” She forced herself to make a step, and she was instantly in the middle of the road, and it was too fast. The light blinded her, and then she only felt the pain and the blood running from her head to her face. Everleigh awoke with a start. For an instant, she didn’t know where she was. Her nightmare was back. She had the same nightmare, and it was odd that since she met Rufus and stepped into the castle, it didn’t come back until tonight. Then she remembered—Rufus seduced her in the car. They had intimate moments together inside until Rujan called and Rufus’ mood changed. He was silent, and she was tired. She slept and didn’t remember coming into his bedroom. Rufus brought her here. She looked down; her
“That would be creepy,” she said. She didn’t want someone crawling in her mind. “Thoughts must be private,” she added. Rufus didn’t say a word and went to the kitchen area. When he returned, she was holding a basin and a small towel. He sat on the floor and lifted her feet. He inspected her scratches and frowned as he washed her feet gently. “I should have read your thoughts a long time ago. If I’d read your thoughts, maybe I was able to see our boys growing within your belly and you giving birth to them.” “Or maybe you’d love me and understand me more,” she said. Rufus stopped for a few seconds and then nodded. “Yeah, right. I was a fool.” “I didn’t mean to,” she stammered. Rufus looked at her face and licked the scratch on her face. “I know, baby. I’m here to show you how much you mean to me, you, and the boys.” She avoided his eyes and looked around. “Whose place is this? ” “My grandfather’s” “Oh! We’re disturbing him,” she said. Rufus chuckled. “You already disturbed us,
Deja vu, it happened again. This scenario happened several years ago. That time, he was afraid of accepting the truth. A mere human was his mate. Jealousy twined around his heart and his lungs, stealing his breath. He had never felt it so fiercely before. That blinded him; he punished her so harshly. He felt horrible, thinking about it, Seeing them hugging each other and hearing their secrets, he made an agonizing yowl of regret and remorse. Looking at her right now, Rufus wanted to take her into his arms. He made another growl, an alpha growl, ordering all the wolves around to vacate the place.“We’re just talking,” she grimaced. “That would be defensive; I don’t know we’re just hugging; there's no malice on it.” She grimaced again. “Why am I explaining myself to you? huh." This time, she scowled. He didn’t say a word; he just stepped forward, his eyes narrowing at the instinctive way Everleigh instantly took a step away from him.What the hell? Was his mate afraid of him?Rufus saw
"What? But the mating ceremony you were talking about is some kind of illegal. I’m already married to your brother!” She exclaimed. “I know we are doing this not for the eyes and laws of humans but for my pack and our true nature.” “Are you telling me that you need to do this for the sake of your cult? ” “You can say that; you agreed to me, baby, for the sake of your safety.” Rufus chuckled as if he were laughing at her absurd thinking. “You are the father of the boys; it’s your duty to protect them. You don’t need to force me to become your lover.” “Or I can get my boys. I have my own resources.” “You can’t do that to me. I am their mother.” Her voice croaked. “You are horrible, Rufus; I’m starting to hate you.” Rufus sighed and turned to her. He raised her chin gently and looked at her with those wistful eyes. “I don’t want to hurt you, baby; I am desperate right now. I want you; you are mine from the very start. We are meant to be together. I was a fool for not seeing your wo
Everleigh felt a throb of desire. Her skin was so sensitive that the tiny breeze flowing in through the open glass ceiling appeared to scorch her flesh. Her nipples were hard as diamonds, and the spot between her legs throbbed and scorched. What exactly is happening to her?Rufus seemed to be in pain. His muscles were rigid and she could hear his teeth rattling as he tried to contain himself. She now saw the mirror in front of them. Richard Griswold vanished along with their audience. They all left, as if they were giving them privacy. He gazed at her physique in the mirror. The sexy outfit revealed her body. She was still firm, with a small waist and pleasantly rounded hips. Her breasts were a little bigger after having triplets, but they were high and perfectly shaped, and when she glanced in the mirror, they seemed to expand with expectation.Everleigh took a deep breath and turned her gaze to Rufus. He was tall and huge, with broad, muscled shoulders, slabs of muscle over his che
Rufus chortled as Everleigh sat naked and examined herself in the mirror specifically designed for the ceremonial mating. She scowled when she saw no wounds, simply two bite marks on the flesh of her neck. "It was a spur of the moment, love. You know I can't hurt you." Rufus gave Everleigh a languid and contented smile. He is overcome with emotion as he looks fondly at her. He wanted to grieve for the years they had wasted. She continued to scrutinize her neck before turning to face him, her eyes wide with shock. Rufus can't wait to see what she's thinking. "Am I going to become a vampire?" She exclaimed, returning her sight to the mirror. "But I can see you in the mirror. You are not a vampire. What are you now?" He sat and held her from behind. "I am your mate, your guardian, your soulmate, your happiness and you are mine completely." He'd never desired a woman as much as he did Everleigh, nor had he ever been so satisfied with one. He was a tremendous fool to take her for gran
Rufus watched Everleigh sleep beside him, her long golden copper hair spread across his pillow as he had imagined it a dozen times. She was lying on her side, her back to him, the sheet bunched below her perfect little ass. He silently chuckled. She wanted to explore her sexuality. During their mating seclusion, he had given her a few preliminary lessons. But he had let her off easy.He remembered the day she came into his castle. Reserved, cold, but stunning. His heartbeat slammed into his chest. She was so beautiful that his heart squeezed. He had never met anyone like her. He never would again; it’s their nature.He wasn't good with her. He cheated on her numerous times. He stared down at his mate. He took advantage of her, but she refused to let go. She withstood everything he hurled at her. Then she vanished. It was too late for him; he recognized he couldn't avoid their inherent need for a mate.Richard Griswold and Rujan repeatedly told him that he was a fool. He lost his gem. T
The summer sun bathed the villa in a warm, golden glow, casting soft reflections on the azure waves beyond the balcony. Everleigh stood quietly, her hands resting on the wooden railing as she watched her children playing in the garden below. Their sons, now in middle school, were magnets for giggling girls who lingered at the edges of the estate, daring one another to get closer. Meanwhile, their daughters, fierce and passionate, sparred energetically in the courtyard, their movements fluid and precise. Rujan and Richard stood nearby, grinning proudly as they gave pointers, their laughter ringing through the air.A warm pair of arms suddenly encircled her waist from behind, pulling her into a familiar embrace. She didn’t need to look to know it was Rufus. His presence, his strength, and his scent—a heady mix of cedarwood and something distinctly his—wrapped around her like a cocoon. He pressed his lips to her temple, his voice a low rumble against her ear.“How are you feeling, my love
The gentle sound of waves lapping at the shore was accompanied by the warmth of the sun overhead as Rufus and Everleigh lounged on the pristine beach. Everleigh reclined on a cushioned chaise, her eyes closed, soaking in the serenity of the moment. Rufus, shirtless and bronzed by the sun, was lying beside her, a contented smile playing on his lips as he watched her.Their peaceful moment was interrupted when Whitton approached, his expression apologetic but professional. “Forgive me, Alpha,” he said with a small bow. “Mrs. Warner is in the living room. She wants to talk to you about her husband.”Rufus sighed deeply, his brow furrowing slightly. “Mrs. Warner?” he muttered, clearly not thrilled by the intrusion. Then he turned to Everleigh, his tone softening. “Come with me, love.”Without opening her eyes, Everleigh shook her head. “No, you handle that woman. I want to stay here,” she replied, her tone
The tense air in the ceremonial hall thickened as two more individuals were brought forward—a human male and a she-wolf, both trembling under the weight of their punishment. The human, Juan Pablo, stood tall but pale, his expression a mix of defiance and fear, while the she-wolf beside him kept her head bowed, her hands clenched into fists.The Queen Luna, ever poised and commanding, fixed her gaze upon them. “You,” she began, her voice sharp and clear, echoing through the chamber, “dared to bring a human into the sacred ceremony, violating the absolute rule. You have betrayed not only your mate but also the sanctity of this ritual.”Everleigh’s heart thudded in her chest as she watched. She had been captivated earlier by the Queen Luna’s grace and authority, but now, as she witnessed justice unfold, she couldn’t help but feel a pang of pity for the pair. She leaned closer to Rufus, whispering, “Is there a dungeon i
Draped in a flowing champagne-colored one-shoulder gown that shimmered subtly under the ceremonial lights, Everleigh sat poised beside Rufus, her fingers lightly brushing his arm. The ceremony unfolded before them, rich with tradition and grandeur. Earlier, they had attended Theo and Savannah’s heartfelt union, where the couple had worn elegant silver attire—a nod to their purity and commitment. Now, they watched as the royal Luna Queen and Alpha King, resplendent in striking red, black, and gold garments, presided over the sacred blood ritual. Their regal presence exuded authority, their movements deliberate and commanding.The air was thick with solemnity, the weight of centuries-old tradition palpable. Everleigh’s wide, curious eyes drank in every detail, her fascination evident. The Queen’s ceremonial gown glimmered like embers, its gold threading catching the flickering light of the ceremonial fires, while the Alpha King’s cape billowed dram
Everleigh felt Rufus stiffen beside her, his grip tightening on her waist. He pulled her closer, shielding her as his eyes darkened dangerously. A deep growl rumbled from his chest, low and menacing, as Lander’s gaze swept over her and lingered far too long on the curve of her figure beneath the silk robe.The growl was enough to ignite the gathering. Wolves snarled, their hackles rising in unison, a collective warning that echoed in the clearing. Everleigh instinctively leaned into Rufus, her pulse quickening as the tension grew.Rufus’s voice, sharp and commanding, cut through the noise. “Keep your eyes off my mate,” he snarled at Lander, his tone leaving no room for argument.Lander’s face flushed, a mixture of defiance and unease flashing in his eyes. Alice grabbed his arm, her expression tight with frustration as she tried to pull him back.“What are they doing here?” Everleigh whispered to Rufus, her voice laced with confusion. “I thought the royals
The moonlight bathed the playground of wolves in a silvery glow, casting long shadows across the glistening grass. Inside the secluded tent, Everleigh’s world was reduced to the wolf before her—Dark, her mate, her everything. His body, powerful and unyielding, moved against hers, their connection an exquisite symphony of need and love.His arousal stirred to life inside her, swelling, shifting, sending electrifying waves of pleasure coursing through her body. She gasped, her head falling back as her senses lit up, every nerve attuned to the intensity of his presence.“Yes,” he murmured, his voice a low, guttural promise as his dark lashes lifted, revealing the smoldering beauty of his gaze. His eyes held hers, raw and honest, as he pressed deeper, his body demanding what she was all too willing to give. “I’m staying inside you all night,” he said, his voice velvet-soft but commanding, each word a vow.H
The tent’s interior was bathed in the soft, golden glow of lantern light, the flicker creating dancing shadows against the fabric walls. Outside, the wild symphony of the mating wolves echoed—the snarls, yowls, and growls blending into a primal soundtrack that filled the night air. But inside the tent, they were in their own world, oblivious to the chaos beyond the canvas.Rufus sat on the edge of the large, plush bedding, his eyes never leaving her as she stood before him, bathed in the soft light that highlighted every curve of her body. Everleigh’s dress was already slipping from her shoulders, the fine clothes cascading like a whisper of silk down her arms. Her cheeks were flushed, her breaths uneven as his warm hands found her skin.“These,” he murmured, his voice deep and reverent, his hands sliding the fabric away completely to reveal her full breasts, heavy and flushed with her arousal. He cupped them with a tenderness that made he
The Alpha King smiled warmly at Everleigh. “Theo will be here soon. He’s been dying to see you,” he announced. “He’s bringing Savannah, his mate. You’ll like her,” Shanna added with a wink, her violet-blue eyes twinkling with amusement. “But for now, we’ll leave you to rest. Alpha Sixto and his daughter have arrived, and they’re in another receiving area.”Everleigh was about to respond when the Alpha King gestured to the staff. “We’ve prepared something special for you, Luna. I hope you enjoy it.” Moments later, two trays laden with food arrived, each dish more enticing than the last. Everleigh’s eyes lit up at the sight of delicate pastries, fragrant soups, and perfectly arranged fruit platters. “Oh, this looks amazing,” she said, her excitement evident as she reached for a small tart.Before she could take a bite, the door opened. Everleigh turned, her curiosity piq
“It’s been a long time since you visited Red Island,” the Alpha King began, his voice rich and calm as he studied Rufus. He leaned back in his chair, exuding a sense of effortless authority.“Yes,” Rufus replied with a respectful nod. “I’ve been busy finding my lost mate. Now that I’ve found her—and our triplets—I’ll be visiting Red Island more often.”The Alpha King’s sharp gray eyes glimmered with approval. “A family changes everything,” he said. “You’ve done well, Rufus. Perhaps on your next visit, you’ll consider using our facilities for your mate and pups. Red Island has some of the most sophisticated hospitals in the world, with exceptional doctors and healers—wolves who have been perfecting their craft for centuries.”Everleigh’s brows rose in mild surprise, and she tilted her head. “Healers?” she asked. “What kin