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's heart sank at the mention of Gabriel Harrison and the name "Kate." "Does this have something to do with why Gabriel kept calling me Kate?" she asked, her tone stern despite the emotions swirling within her.Lenore's expression was filled with anguish, her voice trembling as she replied, "May the Goddess forgive me, yes."Ava's gaze hardened, her frustration evident. "Is that all you're going to tell me?" she demanded.Lenore's eyes held a haunted look, a sight Ava had never witnessed before. "There was once a beautiful girl named Kate. She was my closest friend, my confidante. We were constantly saving each other's lives, as if it were a competition. But then, she was mercilessly torn apart by vile, murderous creatures time and time again." Lenore's voice quivered, choked with emotions. "I couldn't... I didn't save her. She died."Ava's mind reeled, struggling to grasp the full meaning of Lenore's words. "What are you trying to say?" she asked, her voice tinged with both confusi
After Grayson had safely entrusted Ava to the care of the other women, he set out on a mission to find War and Noah. It had been quite a while since he last relinquished his human form and fully embraced the freedom of the night.With a deliberate motion, he discarded his clothes, symbolically shedding his human skin and embracing the transformative power of his inner beast. The cool night breeze caressed his fur as he reveled in the sensation of his wolf form.As the metamorphosis coursed through his being, a surge of exhilaration enveloped him. He eagerly anticipated traversing the familiar terrain, his paws connecting with the earth, as he surrendered himself to the enchanting embrace of nature. The wolf within him granted him an invigorating sense of liberation that transcended the confines of his human existence.In that moment, Grayson couldn't help but wonder if his young pup had ever experienced such a profound connection. With his head held high, he released a resounding howl
"Let's make our way back to the house before your mama awakens," Grayson suggested, mindful of the consequences of staying out all night."Oh no, we're in for a big scolding!" Noah exclaimed, worried about the trouble they might face.Warner chuckled reassuringly. "No, little pup. You were with your pack, surrounded by safety. Moreover, your mama knew exactly where you were. How about a race back to the house?"Warner and Noah darted towards Aphelion with the unruly energy and swiftness of unleashed hounds of the underworld. Grayson couldn't help but cast a backward glance at the once-innocent cloak now tainted by the act of marking territory. Thoughts of Gabriel's nefarious intentions filled his mind, intensifying his resolve to shield his family from any harm that might befall them.The desire to escape surged within Grayson, a feeling he had never experienced with such intensity before. Throughout his long existence, he had emphasized to Blake the importance of strategic retreats a
As he strolled through the halls, his footsteps echoing softly, Grayson found himself cornered by "Aunt Lenny." The expression etched on her face was a rare sight, one that only a select few had ever glimpsed. Lenore Breslin was not the type to display fear openly.Her scent stirred a mix of unease within him. It wasn't precisely fear, yet it lacked the comforting or pleasant qualities he had come to associate with scents. When he had lunged at her earlier, forcefully pinning her down, her scent had remained unchanged. There was no trace of distress or fear. However, whatever she needed to discuss with him now seemed far more urgent than being tackled by an enraged werewolf.Grayson positioned himself to lend a keen ear to her words. "Shall we adjourn to the boardroom? I also have a matter to discuss with you."She nodded in agreement, and he guided her to the room where his Alpha brother presided over both pack and family meetings."Quite exquisite, isn't it?" she commented upon ente
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