“Did you know you swallowed your children a while ago?”Emmeline took a moment to process Zavian's rather crude comment about her supposedly swallowing their unborn children. After a momentary pause, she lightly tapped him on the shoulder to get his attention."Enough with that, sir. You're embarrassing me," she chided, though her tone was more amused than truly scandalized.A sarcastic smile curved Zavian's lips as he leaned in closer with his voice taking on a darker, more suggestive timbre. "What a dirty woman you are to swallow your children without mercy after they've come all this way, thinking your womb would embrace them."For a fleeting moment, Emmeline did feel a pang of remorse over his words. But she quickly recovered her wits, determined not to let him gain the upper hand so easily."And you're a bad father for throwing your children into my mouth in the first place!" she countered shrewdly.Zavian let out a deep chuckle that seemed to reverberate through Emmeline's very c
“Zavian!” A familiar voice suddenly called out.They both turned to find Yuna hurrying across the immaculate grounds toward them, clearly intent on catching up to the pair before they could make their getaway.Emmeline's face drained of all color, while Zavian's expression was rigid, his jaw clenched tightly.‘Stupid move shutting down the mind link,’ he cursed inwardly. Luca must have tried warning him about Yuna's unexpected arrival.A frown creased his brow as he was struck once again by how Emmeline's presence seemed to dull his usually razor-sharp senses.Did she really affect him that much, or was it the incomplete mate bond screwing with his head whenever she was around?Shoving those troubling thoughts aside for the moment, Zavian turned to face his uninvited wife. "What do you want, Yuna?" he asked coldly."I asked about you in your office half an hour ago so we could have lunch together," Yuna said with a bright smile. "But I learned from the guard you were still in court, so
"It was certainly a pleasant surprise that you came all the way down to the courthouse for me," Yuna began, shooting Emmeline a sidelong glance. "But I have to ask - how did you even think to invite me to lunch in the first place? We don't usually make plans one-on-one like that."Emmeline felt her heart rate kick up a notch as panic gripped her chest. She definitely hadn't anticipated that question and was utterly unprepared with a believable excuse."Honestly..." she hedged, stalling for time as her mind raced. Finally, she settled on the only remotely plausible explanation she could think of, even if it did throw Minnie under the bus a bit. "I felt kind of bad that Minnie and I went to the med spa for facials last weekend without you. I thought doing lunch would be my way of making up for leaving you out this time."She tried to inject a casual, friendly lilt into her tone, realizing the excuse was pretty lame even as the words left her mouth. "I know it's not quite the same as a re
Long after the last customer and employees filtered out, Emmeline remained seated at the bar, nursing a glass of whiskey.She raised the tumbler, staring unseeingly into the liquid as her mind replayed the events earlier."Maybe I'm being too hard on him," she muttered to herself. However, her brow furrowed the next second and she angrily slammed the glass back down, sloshing some of the whiskey over the rim."No, I have every right to be furious. He let it happen, even with me standing right there!!"She threw back a mouthful of the fiery liquid, wincing as it burned a path down her throat. But the sting did nothing to douse the flames of hurt and anger raging within her. An ache unlike anything she'd experienced before seemed to constrict her chest."Why do I feel so betrayed?" she whispered brokenly. "Like I'm being suffocated?"Just then, the restaurant door flew open with a violent bang."Why the hell haven't you been answering my calls?" Zavian's irate voice sliced through the si
A soft smile curved Emmeline’s lips. "It just means you're a good guy, deep down."Her words seemed to strike an unexpected chord. Zavian softened the furrow between his brows and leaned in to rest his forehead against hers. "It's impossible to be completely bad when I'm physically holding someone as good as you. But I make no promises about keeping your heart safe - you're far too fragile."Emmeline glanced up to find him tapping his finger against his lips with a pointed look. "I think you might've nipped my lip during that kiss too. You'll need to make it up to me."Her brows knitted in exasperation. "You're such a pushy guy." She grumbled, rising on her tiptoes to press her mouth to his in a slow, close-mouthed kiss, eyes drifting shut.When she started to pull away, Zavian's arm banded around her waist, hauling her flush against the solid wall of his body and effectively trapping her there.Emmeline's lids fluttered open at the sensation of his heated breath fanning her flushed ch
The month of December brought blustery winds and heavy rains, but Emmeline found herself impatiently awaiting the first snowfall.It had been two long days since she'd last laid eyes on Zavian, with no phone calls or texts exchanged between them.A nagging worry gnawed at her - was he still upset over her jealous outburst during their last date?Emmeline busied herself baking a pair of cakes - one for the Kim family, the other intended for the Blackthorns. It was an excuse to pay Zavian a visit.After carefully boxing up the confections in pink containers, she gathered them into a single bag and headed out.Forgoing a coat over her sleeveless gray dress and black knit shirt, she reasoned the Blackthorn estate was close enough to forego bundling up. "I just hope Mr. Blackthorn is home, and this effort isn't wasted," she muttered under her breath.“Good evening,” Emmeline greeted the guards politely.They simply gave her a curt nod and waved her through the front gates, her face now fami
Emmeline woke up the next morning to the insistent buzzing of her phone on the nightstand. Blindly patting around, she finally located the device and squinted at the bright screen, her eyes still adjusting to the pale morning light filtering through the bedroom curtains.A tiny thrill went through her when she registered the name flashing across the display. It was a text from Zavian.“Let's go jogging. I'll wait for you in front of the club.”That simple message was enough to fully rouse Emmeline from her sleepy haze. Her mind drifted briefly to last night.She had returned home with Minnie's audacious proposal weighing heavily on her mind. As tantalizing as the idea was, she knew there was no need to rush into any decisions. Christmas was still several days away, affording her plenty of time to ruminate on the potential consequences. The idea felt both thrilling and terrifying.Sitting upright amongst the rumpled bedsheets, she hastily typed out a reply, unable to contain the giddy s
Zavian’s idea of a 'short walk' was another torturously long ten minutes before the trees finally parted, revealing another part of the famous river.As soon as they reached the grassy bank, Emmeline collapsed gratefully onto the soft ground, spreading her palms on the cool earth as she gulped in deep lungfuls of air."Remind me never to go exercising with you again, you sadistic monster!" she groaned dramatically.Zavian sat down beside her, stretching his long, muscular legs out while giving her a disapproving look, though the corners of his eyes crinkled with barely suppressed amusement."I can't believe you ruthlessly forced me to come this far," Emmeline whined breathlessly. "Why did I get involved with such a masochistic man who considers life a grueling mission he has to do to perfection?"Tipping her head back dramatically, she sobbed, "That's very stressful for a delicate flower like me!"Without a word, Zavian pulled a chilled water bottle from the pocket of his jacket and ha
The drive home was uneventful, giving Emmeline time to prepare herself for what awaited.The peace she had felt in Zavian's presence began to unravel with each mile she drove, like a sweater coming undone one stitch at a time. By the time she pulled into her family's driveway, her shoulders had tensed and her jaw had tightened in anticipation.Emmeline's apprehension proved justified the moment she stepped through the front door.Eleanor sat waiting in the living room, her posture rigid like a statue and her expression as stormy as a thundercloud about to burst.The morning light filtering through the curtains did nothing to soften her mother's harsh features or the disapproval radiating from her in palpable waves."Good morning, Mom," Emmeline greeted, forcing a polite tone despite the knot forming in her stomach. She closed the door behind her with a soft click, the sound unnaturally loud in the tension-filled room.Eleanor shot up from the couch like a spring released. Her movement
Emmeline's appetite vanished instantly, replaced by a knot of anxiety that settled in the pit of her stomach.She carefully set down her utensils, the soft clink against porcelain sounding unnaturally loud in the sudden tension."Bad news?" Emmeline asked hesitantly. She searched his face for clues, finding his expression uncharacteristically difficult to read.Zavian's gaze dropped to their joined hands and his fingers tightened slightly around hers.The gentle pressure felt both reassuring and concerning, like a doctor holding a patient's hand before delivering difficult news."I won't be presiding over your assault hearing," Zavian stated quietly, brushing over her knuckles in small, soothing circles.The words hit Emmeline, knocking the air from her lungs. Her heart seemed to stutter in her chest before resuming at double speed.The kitchen suddenly felt colder despite the heating."What?" She whispered, trembling with disbelief and the first stirrings of panic. "But you promised..
Emmeline's brows furrowed slightly in confusion, a flicker of uncertainty crossing her features.Zavian's expression softened immediately, and he offered her a gentle smile that eased her momentary worry."Not the kind of promise you're thinking, little one," he murmured, reaching up to brush a wayward strand of hair from her face with unexpected tenderness.The casual intimacy of the gesture contrasted with the intensity of moments before."I meant what I said," Zavian stated. "I'll stay out of your way until you get your damned divorce. No surprises, no complications."Emmeline exhaled. The tension that had been building in her shoulders eased slightly. However, her brows quickly drew together as she fixed him with a pointed look."You scared me," her voice carried a hint of reproach despite the lingering breathlessness.Zavian's lips twitched into a mischievous smirk. Without warning, he reached out and lightly pinched the tip of her nose between his thumb and index finger."Are you
Sunlight filtered through the gauzy curtains, painting golden patterns across the empty space beside Emmeline the next morning.She blinked awake slowly and her hand reached out to touch the cool sheets where Zavian had been.The bed felt strangely empty without his presence.Emmeline stretched languidly. Her arms extended above her head as she arched her back like a contented cat. The silky fabric of her oversized shirt slid against her skin—a pleasant sensation that made her smile despite the momentary disappointment of waking alone.A tantalizing aroma drifted through the partially open door—something buttery and savory that made her stomach rumble in anticipation.Emmeline slipped from beneath the warm cocoon of blankets and her bare feet met the cool floor with a slight shiver.She padded toward the door, pausing only to run her fingers through her sleep-tousled hair.The staircase whispered softly beneath her feet as she descended, following the increasingly enticing scent. Morni
Zavian's fingers combed through his dark hair, tension evident in every movement. The weight of his thoughts pressed heavily on him as he considered the complicated situation they faced.Zereth, his darker half, harbored hatred for humans that had resulted in bloodshed centuries ago.During that dark period, Zereth had slaughtered without discrimination, sparing neither adult nor child from his wrath. He didn't care if his victims were eighty or eight—all he needed was a glimpse in their future and they were dead meat.In his twisted perspective, humans represented everything despicable: creatures of deceit and greed that deserved extinction.And now, in some twisted joke, fate had picked a human as their mate. Not just any human either, but Emmeline. Sweet, sensitive Emmeline who jumped at her own shadow sometimes.What made Emmeline different, though, was her heart. The girl wore it on her sleeve, honest to a fault and without a greedy bone in her body.Zavian had spent countless nig
Emmeline’s heartbeat accelerated. “What?” She playfully smacked his chest with their joined hands. “Just tell me!”Zavian chuckled, pulling his hand free to wrap his arm around her. He shifted to his side, holding her close. His face was so near hers that their breaths mingled.“I filed for divorce two weeks ago,” he said finally. “But it’s going to take a while. The court’s trying to reconcile us first.”Emmeline’s eyes widened in shock and her body instinctively jerked upright, however Zavian’s arms tightened around her, keeping her close.“Did you really file for divorce?” Her voice trembled with disbelief.Zavian nodded. “We’ve been talking about divorce for a long time,” he sighed. “Do you remember the day we reconciled on the yacht? After the cruel things I said to you at home?”Emmeline gave a nod. “I remember it well.”Zavian’s arms relaxed slightly. “I told you then I wanted you in my life. And I meant every word.”Disbelief mingled with a strange sense of joy in Emmeline. “Bu
Zavian spread the mattress out, smoothing it with his hands before arranging the pillows at one end. “You know,” he said, glancing at her with a small smile, “I’ve never done anything like this. Not even as a teenager.”Emmeline lay down first, stretching out with her feet near the fireplace’s warmth. She looked up at him, her expression incredulous. “You’ve never been camping?”Zavian settled beside her before pulling the blanket over them both. “I went once in high school,” he admitted. “But we slept in tents, not out in the open like this.”Emmeline rested her head on his shoulder. “Let’s go on a camping trip next,” she said eagerly.Zavian turned his head to look at her. “Let’s do it,” he agreed without hesitation.She traced her fingers over the tattoos on his arm, her gaze lingering on his face. “We look like an old married couple,” she teased.He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her closer. “You’re the one with the old-fashioned ideas,” he mused. “The irony is, I’m the only
Emmeline’s cheeks flushed and quickly looked away. “You’re a dirty man,” she shook her head. “I don’t even know how I got involved with you.”Zavian cupped her chin, forcing her to meet his gaze. “I’ll let you keep my underwear too,” he said with a smirk. “That way, we’ll be even.”Emmeline was in disbeleif. “You’re insane!” She muttered, pulling away.The sound of Zavian’s phone buzzing broke the moment.He grabbed it from the bed, glancing at the screen.“The delivery guy’s here,” he announced.Emmeline clapped her hands together excitedly. “Finally!”Zavian tossed the phone back on the bed. He quickly pulled on a pair of gray pants and a loose black shirt. Then he left to grab the food while Emmeline lingered in front of the mirror, adjusting the oversized shirt and boxers.“Baby, come to the kitchen,” Zavian called out.“Coming, Papi!” Emmeline teased while hurrying over to him.Zavian’s gaze darkened. He turned sharply toward her from where he stood by the refrigerator with two ca
Emmeline’s face turned an even deeper shade of red, and she looked away. “That’s enough, Mr. Blackthorn!”Zavian chuckled, turning her around to help her slip into her bathrobe. “I can’t believe you’re still shy around me after everything we’ve done. I’ve seen every inch of you, Emmeline. At first, I thought it was a confidence thing, but now I’m not so sure.”Emmeline slid her arms into the sleeves. “It’s not about confidence. You’ve already convinced me that you’d still like me even if I were… imperfect. But I’ll never get used to standing naked in front of you.”She turned to face him. “It’s just… nudity isn’t comfortable for me.”Zavian frowned slightly but didn’t press the issue. Instead, he tied the belt of her robe and wrapped a towel around her hair. “I hope you change your mind before we take things to the next level. I don’t want you to suffer because of me.”A playful smile tugged at her lips. “Looks like I’ll be suffering a lot in the future.”He narrowed his eyes in mock d