"Just now, I was thinking about that boat in Santorini."She smiled. "Me too. C'mon!""Look, that will not work."Ava's eyebrows went up. "I'll punch you in the face if you say something stupid about women who drive. Arewolves or not?"He gave her a smile. "No, nothing like that. Westwood would knock me into my next life. I'm not stupid." Grayson gave a head shake. "You're beautiful, Ava. And you make me feel. But you already said no. I don't want to put any pressure on you.""You mean what?"He chose to be direct. "Get a hard on, Ava."“Oh!” Her face got red. "Well, I mean… just get on the damn broom.""If you're sure." He sat on the broomstick behind her, and in two words, it was exquisite torture.How long does it take to get to Aphelion? she asked, out of breath.It was good for his pride to know that she wasn't unaffected. He knew she wanted him, that she wanted a person like him."Just a short time." He reached around her to point to the hill in the distance. "From here, you can
His words were supposed to comfort her, but instead, she couldn't help but dwell on what he would be missing out on by being with a mate who couldn't fully embrace his true self, just like he deserved."What does that mean for you?" she asked."Let's not discuss this anymore, okay? We've had enough of it. All the darkness and fear will still be waiting for us when we return. Today, let's take a walk on the beach. Let's talk about things like we used to when we first met.""You were studying art," she recalled. She had thought he was perfect back then, and she was pleasantly surprised when he asked her out for coffee. Her stomach was filled with butterflies every time he looked at her.To be honest, she still felt that way."I still am. I'll always have the heart of an artist," he replied."And the soul of a wolf," she added."All creative individuals must have that, if they want to survive," he explained.Ava buried her toes deeper into the sand, feeling the water slowly inching its w
Instead of succumbing to panic and allowing the fear to consume her, Ava mustered the courage to face the situation head-on. She forced herself to gaze directly at the figure, determined to identify the intruder."How do you know it's not Peter?" Grayson asked, his voice laced with concern."If it were Peter, he would have attacked us while we were defenseless in our sleep," Ava replied, her tone resolute."Stay here. I'm going to swim closer and investigate," Grayson decided, ready to take action.Treading water, Ava had an epiphany. She realized that she had a choice. She could continue treading water, staying stagnant, or she could swim and make progress. Moving forward seemed better than remaining in a state of uncertainty."No way. I'm coming with you," Ava declared, determined not to be left behind.She anticipated Grayson's objections, but he didn't protest. Instead, he nodded in agreement, and together they swam towards the boat.Memories of their time on that boat flooded Ava
"Thanks, punkin," Ava said, petting the broom as it revved. "Hopefully, it takes us back to Aphelion."Grayson wrapped his arms around her waist, and she leaned back against his warmth.Before long, they spotted the massive mansion in the distance. It felt as if they hadn't moved at all, but rather time and space had folded around them."I still can't believe people actually live there," Ava marveled."People also work there. Our Research and Development for Redwood Industries is on site. Blake's mate used to be the VP of R&D and wanted to kill him," Grayson explained."Seems like being a Redwood attracts such attention," she chuckled.The broom descended slowly, and as they got closer to the ground, the mansion appeared even more imposing. It seemed like a beast ready to swallow them whole.Mrs. Westwood, with her grandmotherly appearance, awaited their arrival. Her face reflected patient understanding, as if she knew the lessons she had sent them to learn and was now ready to offer
Ava mustered her strength and reluctantly pulled away from his comforting embrace. She knew she had to get ready for the slumber party happening in her room. There was no time to settle in. She searched for her clothes and found them neatly folded and clean."You can take the t-shirt if you want. It might help you sleep," he suggested."A t-shirt to aid sleep?" Ava questioned, her lips curling into a smile. The idea seemed peculiar yet oddly enticing."It carries my scent, a sense of safety. Maybe your mind doesn't recognize it yet, but your body does. That's why you slept so soundly this afternoon."Ava's desire to take the shirt grew stronger. She hesitated, realizing the implications it held. It was more than just accepting his shirt or seeking his protection. It signified a deeper connection, an acknowledgment that she belonged to him. The thought didn't feel as daunting in the aftermath of their peaceful slumber. And if being close to him brought her such joy, she couldn't help b
As the door to her chamber swung open, the scene that unfolded before her eyes both exceeded and fell short of Lenore's expectations.Lenore was nestled in a seated position, legs folded neatly like a pretzel, a phrase Noah often used. Her attire consisted of loose-fitting sweatpants and a whimsical Scottish pub t-shirt, proudly displaying the emblem of The Wolf and Lamb. The vibrant green hue of the shirt evoked a sense of Scotland within her. How curious it was that a color could evoke such vivid associations.Meanwhile, Randi, engrossed in the task of painting Lenore's nails, was far from a skilled hand. Frustration escaped her lips in a hushed muttering, expressing her self-doubt. "Oh, damn it," she grumbled. "I'm just not cut out for this."Lenore chuckled in response. "Keep trying," she encouraged.But then, another woman, situated on the floor, interjected with a determined tone. "Allow me to give it a try."Lenore hesitated, contemplating the offer. "No, I'll manage."The unfa
Maribella inquired, curiosity filling her eyes, "Is it true? About the forest and the demon wolf?"Lenore chuckled once again, confirming the rumors, "Yes, it's true. But I didn't accomplish it all on my own."Maribella's gaze intensified as she mentioned another intriguing rumor, "They say you're Luchtaine's mate."Lenore's expression turned contemplative as she responded, "That's what they say. However, I haven't seen him since I was seventeen.""Was he incredibly attractive?" Maribella sighed, seemingly captivated by the idea."He was utterly terrifying," Lenore responded with a snort. "Okay, fine, he was undeniably attractive. He was very, very attractive. But I've come to realize that any man I find myself attracted to is probably not good for me."Ava's mind wandered back to the mysterious man in the cloak. "Lenore, speaking of men who are bad news... Do you happen to know someone named Gabriel Harrison?"Maribella burst into laughter. "Of course she does. He used to be a hunter
Randi's shoulders drooped. "I'm scared, that's why. I mean, just look at me. Fiery-haired curvy women like me don't marry billionaires."Ava couldn't fathom how someone as powerful and self-assured as Randi could doubt herself. "Yes, they do. Especially stunning BBWs with vibrant red hair.""I hate when I doubt myself like this. Part of me still fears that if I celebrate and express gratitude for the blessings I have, someone might snatch them away from me.""Let's be real. It's not all sunshine and roses. I mean, now you have to handle two different monthly cycles," Maribella chimed in."Damn, you're right," Randi grimaced, displaying her displeasure."So, tell me more about this flower," Ava inquired."Oh, the infamous Redwood flower," Maribella snickered. "It only works on humans. I hoped that since I have fey ancestry, it might have an effect on me. You know, just for the fun of it. But nope, nothing happened.""It worked on me," Randi admitted. "I think that was the start of it a
Ava experienced a delightful mix of anticipation and jitters as she readied herself for the inaugural visiting day at the Academy. The separation from Noah had been challenging, yet deep down, she knew it was the best choice they could make. The knowledge that he was secure among his peers, acquiring knowledge and blossoming into his own while still relishing his childhood, brought her solace.This period of separation had proven advantageous for Ava as well. It afforded her the opportunity to reclaim her identity as a wolf and skillfully navigate the intricate terrain of straddling two worlds. The profound connection she forged with the Okami granted her a profound sense of restoration and a rekindling of her untamed spirit.As she observed her husband gracefully moving about their dwelling at Aphelion, casually tending to everyday tasks like slipping on socks and securing his shoelaces, Ava couldn't help but ponder how far they had journeyed. In the depths of her mind, she realized
"You might want to step back," she cautioned, a primal howl escaping her throat.Grayson appeared unsettled, yet she bared her teeth at him. I don't need you to rescue me. She hoped he understood her message.He extended his arms to hold the pack at bay, and together they stood, waiting."Why don't you run, Royce?" she taunted. "I know how much you relish the chase.""Perhaps you've forgotten the rules of this game." He produced an amulet, thrusting it in her direction.But it had no effect, not even a tingle. "Would you like me to enlighten you on where you messed up?" Her voice had deepened even further.Royce fumbled with the amulet."You twisted a wolf spirit that already existed in this realm. You merged it with the Okami—my own wolf spirit. You took it, crushed it, tore it apart, but like a fool, you pieced it back together. Now, it and I are one once more. It belongs to me. I am... it. You hold no power over us."DeVayne underwent a transformation unlike any natural werewolf. H
"No bells ringing in that pretty head yet?" he taunted, coming to a halt. "Right here is where they snuffed out your life the first time." He jerked her arm and pulled her towards a small hideaway nestled within a well-groomed garden that bordered the edge of the forest. "And right here is where they brought you back to life."Flashes of bloodshed and torment exploded like fireworks behind her closed eyes."Anything coming back?" he probed."No," she fibbed, hiding the fragments of memories threatening to overwhelm her."Here," he forcefully dragged her towards the crumbling remains of what used to be a majestic country mansion. The dilapidated house cast a daunting shadow, its grandeur long faded. "This is where DeVayne's savage creatures had their way with you."The memories surged forth once more, and her body reacted to the recollection, even if her mind resisted acknowledging it."I bet you can feel it right now, their foul breath lingering on the back of your throat. Their claws
In the realm of slumber, Ava became acutely aware that she was ensconced in an extraordinary, lucid reverie. The world around her was awash with surreal hues and captivating textures, leaving no doubt that this was indeed a dream. Amidst this phantasmagorical landscape, her senses were stirred by an eerie presence hovering above her bed: a mysterious figure shrouded in a cloak. Ava was convinced that this could only be a figment of her dreaming mind.She felt as if she had slumbered for an eternity, her eyes encrusted with fine grains of sand, her body laden with weariness, and her lips tender and chafed, as if they had been the recipients of fervent kisses. The memory of the sugar statue came rushing back, and a sense of trepidation took hold. But the cloaked figure interrupted her train of thought, dismissing the concern with an enigmatic statement."No, fret not about him. He's inconsequential. It's only you, and me," the figure murmured, as his eyes were suddenly engulfed in dark
He didn't care about anyone's opinion, he didn't care if Westwood was furious, nothing mattered except Ava and Noah.As he stepped into Aphelion, gratitude flooded his heart for his family, his brothers, his pack. He couldn't help but imagine what it would be like to face DeVayne, Monk, and all the other looming threats alone. It would be like suffocating, like being submerged in a never-ending abyss.The moment he entered, Mrs. Westwood appeared by his side, her presence a comforting anchor. "Let's get her to your room," she said with urgency."It was DeVayne. He was here," Grayson revealed, his voice filled with a mix of anger and frustration."That's impossible," Mrs. Westwood replied, her brows furrowing in concern."And yet, he stood right in front of Gin, demanding Ava," Grayson confirmed, the memory seared into his mind.A crackle of lightning danced a
Grayson Redwood had always prided himself on his unwavering self-control. He mastered the art of maintaining his human facade, concealing the primal wolf within until the opportune moment arose. His expertise lay in communication, diplomacy, but when the time called for it, his ferocious teeth would be bared.However, upon witnessing the statue of Royce DeVayne positioned beside his mate's crumpled form, the warrior within Grayson erupted, tearing through his flesh to reveal his true form. Unexpectedly, it was Parker, his own brother, who interposed himself between Grayson and the exit of the sweet shop."Brother, hold on. Think," Parker implored, extending his hands as a gesture of peace.Grayson let out a deafening roar, but Parker refused to retreat. "Do you not see why he appeared here? To taunt you, to prove a point. What you must do now is attend to your mate. Bring her back to Aphelion, send Mrs. Westwood with Noa
"You're right," Gin agreed, savoring another cupcake. "Sorry, I tend to rely on sugar when I'm nervous.""It's your face. Fill it with whatever makes you happy," Ava assured her, harboring no judgment."He's the Watcher, right?" Gin inquired."That's my understanding. But he's not one of those who hurt you," Ava reassured her, trying to alleviate any lingering concerns."I'll go. I'll despise myself if I don't. It'll be that nagging voice in the back of my mind, reminding me of all the things I should have done but couldn't. It'll be the evidence that voice needs to convince me that I'm weak," Gin confessed, her voice tinged with vulnerability."You're not weak. You're incredible. Look at everything you've endured and all that you've accomplished. Here, have another cupcake," Ava encouraged, urging Gin to enjoy the sweet treat.Gin followed Ava's advice and s
"What is it?" Lenore inquired, her eyes focused on the path ahead."Noah. Grayson wants to send him to the Academy, and I... I don't know," Ava confessed, her voice tinged with uncertainty. A part of her secretly wished that Lenore would strongly oppose the idea, reassuring her that it was a terrible decision. She longed to keep her son close, feeling that five years old was much too young for him to be separated from her.But the truth was, Noah wasn't five anymore, was he?Lenore paused for a moment, contemplating her response. "If it were me, I would do it. I understand that you'll miss him tremendously, but the Academy is perhaps the safest place besides Aphelion. Plus, it would allow him to enjoy his childhood a little while longer," she offered.Ava sighed, her conflicted emotions evident. "I was hoping you would tell me it was a terrible idea."Lenore shook her head gently
Discovering Lenore in the midst of packing her equipment, Ava lunged forward and embraced her tightly."You're fortunate I heard you before you pounced!" Lenore playfully teased, returning the hug."I don't want you to leave," Ava murmured into Lenore's shoulder. "I know you have to, I know you will, but I don't want you to."Lenore soothingly rubbed her back. "It's going to be alright, Ava. Remember, I'm the infamous and intimidating Lenore Breslin. I'm so fearsome that your mate rushed to protect you when he saw me near Noah. They're all afraid of me. Even Peter.""That's what makes him even more dangerous. I just wish it didn't have to be you.""But it does, and that's alright," Lenore replied, breaking the hug. "This is what I'm meant to do.""Everything is changing so rapidly, but maybe it's meant to change," Ava pondered."I believe it is. And I'll let you in on a little secret that should bring some comfort. I have something special in my pocket," Lenore revealed.Ava cast her