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
"Your brother possesses full knowledge of the events leading up to the unspeakable torture endured by Kate. Despite her valiant resistance, she eventually fell into their clutches, and I found myself utterly powerless to intervene and save her. The malevolent perpetrators subjected her to indescribable anguish, mercilessly tearing her apart time and time again, perpetuating an abhorrent cycle of torment. They callously permitted her to regenerate and heal, only to subject her to further agonies. Can you fathom the depths of their monstrous deeds?"The very contemplation of the atrocities inflicted upon Kate—her violation, her slaughter, her repeated resuscitation—ignited an overwhelming surge of rage coursing through Grayson's being. The haunting image of those abominable acts being perpetrated against his beloved Ava mercilessly plagued his thoughts, pushing him precariously close to the brink of losing control. His primal instincts clawed vehemently beneath his skin, yearning to bre
When Ava encountered Blake Redwood, the imposing and formidable Alpha of the Redwood pack, he was playfully crawling on all fours in the boardroom, still maintaining his human shape, while Noah gleefully rode on his back."Mama!" Noah jumped down from Blake's back and into Ava's waiting arms.The billionaire CEO of Redwood Industries flashed a charming grin from the floor, his blonde hair falling over his forehead. Ava could see why Randi was smitten. He was attractive. Not as captivating as Grayson, of course, but still appealing.Randi placed a comforting hand on Ava's shoulder. "There's something special about those Redwood men, don't you think? We're incredibly fortunate."Blake rose from his position and ran a hand through his hair, adjusting his suit. Even when he wasn't directly looking at Randi, it seemed like his attention was always drawn to her.The intensity of their exchange made Ava feel like an intruder, witnessing a private moment."Setting that aside, Ava, it is my pr