*Ainslee*The metallic taste I’ve been smelling for days hits my tastebuds as I press my lips against Prince Rafe’s. His mouth is warm and soft, even if I can taste a bit of what he had for dinner, which isn’t exactly appealing, but it doesn’t stop me from holding my mouth to his. He is stunned. I can feel it in the tension in his face. At first, he is unyielding, probably wanting to pull away from me. But I am persistent and continue to keep my mouth on his for so long, eventually, he gives in.And then he is kissing me back. Tentatively at first, like he is also leery of tasting my meat mouth. When his hand slides up my cheek and around the back of my had to hold me in place, my heart surges in my chest, and an ache begins to form low in my belly. His lips release mine for a moment, but then we both go back in for a second kiss, one with a bit more fire in it, and then my mouth falls open, and his tongue slips between my lips.We continue to kiss for several seconds before I have to
*Ainslee*When I wake up the next morning, I think I might have dreamed it all. I know I’m in a comfortable bed, so that part doesn’t make sense to the semi-conscious me. I can’t be at home and experiencing this luxury. But there’s no way I’m in the castle because I’m actually some sort of Luna. I’m here because I was captured during the culling. They must just pass out really comfy beds to their donors.I open my eyes and see the room Zeke brought me to yesterday. I know now it was not a dream. I’m really here. I was captured during the culling. Not because Rafe hates me, but because he’s trying to protect me.From the Blacks.And maybe King Axel?I’m still not sure on that part, but I remember he said he’d explain it again. I am excited to see him. Funny how just yesterday he had me so infuriated I wanted to grab the closest silver stake and jam it into his heart, but now, I want to gaze into his blue eyes and forget about the world.“Are you awake?”I nearly fall out of the bed whe
*Ainslee*Rafe has just told me I am leverage in his impending war. All I can say is, “How romantic.” I roll my eyes.The prince chuckles but doesn’t jump to change what he’s just said. “We think they finally saw an opportunity to pass you along and get you off their hands by sending you here, but then, there’s a good chance they thought they could get you back from the feeders’ quarters if they needed you by winning the trust of one of my advisors.”My fork clanks against my plate for the second time in two days. “Kris.” It’s not a question.He nods. “We don’t think that Kris knowingly did anything other than accept their word as to what was going on. He tends to see things in a similar light as the Blacks, so it just follows that he’d take their side.”I want to tell him he needs to be careful. I never have trusted that man. But it seems like Rafe already knows Kris is shady, so I save it.“At any rate, they served you up to me on a silver platter, and now here you are, my political
*Ainslee*Princess Riley’s fangs practically drip with venom as she hisses at me, “Stay the fuck away from my fiancé.” It’s not the venom of a snake. Rather, she’s simply so irate that there’s no other way to describe the way she’s growling at me.I should be terrified. She’s a fucking vampire—strong, powerful. Able to rip through the flesh and cords of my neck with one snap of her jaws. I wouldn’t be able to do a damn thing to stop her.And I have no idea if she is at all aware of the intricacies of my existence, especially now that I have been told who I am and what that entails and where I should be. I mean, after all, I just became aware myself, and I’m still not sure I understand. So there’s a good chance she doesn’t know.I just met her the day before. She could be a lunatic for all I know. It makes sense; she certainly seems unhinged at the moment.A smart woman would beg her forgiveness, say she had no ill intentions as to tread on the toes of the princess, that she wasn’t awa
*Rafe*Standing at the foot of a bed next to Jerim, we look at one of the feeders who has suddenly become very ill. Like the others that have died recently, this one has severe body aches, can’t keep anything down, and is pale with a high fever.“I’ve tried all of the treatment options I’m aware or,” my friend whispers, “but I just don’t know what to do. Nothing seems to help, and none of it makes sense.”The patient appears to be sleeping. Either that or she is simply unconscious at this point from the illness or the treatment. She’s a forty-five year-old-female shifter who has been in our care for over twenty years since she was gathered during one of the cullings from her village of Graysummit.I’m not sure what to say or do because Jerim is the best doctor I’ve ever known. He lists all of the medications he’s tried and shakes his head as he says, “None of it is helping.”“Have you been able to improve the conditions of any of the shifters who suddenly have these symptoms?” I ask h
*Ainslee*“Why are you in my room?” I try not to sound rude, but where I come from, a person doesn’t just invite herself into someone else’s home, and this is the closest I have to that at the moment.Princess Sophia turns to look at me. “Beg your pardon, Princess Ainslee. Zoey let me in. I didn’t think you’d mind.” Her smile is pleasant, and I recall that she is the one that helped Rafe with all of my clothes. Maybe she’s not mean like her sister.“It’s all right,” I decide, crossing to the windows. I sit in a chair near where she’s standing and offer her the other. “How can I help you?” I’m on edge still, just in case.Sophia spreads her long red skirt out as she takes a seat. Her alabaster skin glimmers in the morning light filtering in through the thin lace curtains Zoey has left covering the window, the thicker green ones framing our view out to the garden. “I just wanted to check on you, to see how you’re getting along. None of this can be easy for you. Do you need anything?”My
*Rafe*After leaving the feeders’ quarters, I head upstairs toward Ainslee’s room, but I don’t make it that far. I’m about one staircase away from her floor when I see Riley coming at me. I wonder if she’s demanded the staff let her know when they see me coming. They all hate her, so they wouldn’t do it unless they had no choice. If she didn’t treat them like shit, perhaps they’d be more accommodating.“Oh, Rafey, there you are.” She has tears in her eyes, but the streaks on her cheeks look like she’s simply wiped some of her makeup off. Like most things about Riley, it all seems fake.And I fucking hate it when she calls me Rafey.“Riley.” I let out a sigh, and we both pause on the landing. “What the hell happened?”She reaches for me, placing a hand on my chest and leaning her head toward my neck. I want to step aside, but she’s already got me in a grip, and there are people around. I recall the fact that her father wants me to marry her. I see no reason to shatter his illusion at t
*Ainslee*Rafe is on top of me.We are naked in my bed, and he has mounted me. I can feel him buried deep inside of me, and when I look into his blue eyes, all I see is love.I run my hands along the hard muscles of his back, down to his tight ass. My fingernails sink in and I pull him tighter against me. Goddess, he feels so good. If I had known that sex could be so magical, I would’ve ravaged him the first moment I saw him.“Ainslee?”He is saying my name, but his mouth isn’t moving. I feel his hand brushing my hair away from my cheek, even though they are on my breasts, teasing my hardened nipples.What’s going on?“Ainslee?”Fuck, I’m dreaming.The image fades from my view, leaving me in total darkness as I roll over on my bed. I raise an arm to flop it over my head, trying to hide my eyes from the light seeping in from the open curtains, but when I bring my fist around, it collides with something marble hard and slightly cool.That’s when I smell him. Aluminum, the woods, and flo
*Ainslee*Sophia and Karl kiss, and the ceremony is over in a cacophony of cheers.The High Priestess sets the goblet of blood Karl had grudgingly shared with Sophia back on the altar, and the king waves at the crowd to be silent. “I know you are all excited to begin your celebrations. But we would also like to thank the Moon Goddess for the miracle of Paisley Poe’s birth.”Rafe squeezes my hand and waves while I hold Paisley against my chest.“And for the fruitful union of Marcus and Lucia Lightfoot,” the king continues. It’s kind of him to do this during his wedding ceremony.Lucia blushes, and Marcus pats her belly fondly.“And, let us not forget, Zeke and Annamarie Winters, who were unable to join us today, but I hear are expecting a beautiful baby themselves,” Karl concludes.Everyone claps.“Now, you may all adjourn to your celebrations.” The High Priestess waves us all off.Karl kisses Sophia passionately, and they walk hand-in-hand down the aisle.“Were we that cute when we we
*Ainslee*Drake blinks down at Paisley, who is nestled in my arms.Rafe holds him just close enough to get a good look at her but not close enough to reach her nose, which he is trying to grab anyway.“This is your sister,” he says to Drake, pointing a finger. “You’re going to torment each other terribly.”I laugh. “Oh, come on. It won’t be that bad.”“It sure will be. Siblings this close in age are notorious for tormenting each other. Didn’t you see it with Brock and Sinead?” he asks, referring to my half-siblings.I think for a moment then grimace. “Yes, they do torment each other quite a lot.”“Exactly. They’ll fight over toys and chase each other around. It’s going to be chaos,” he says.“Well, there’s nothing we can do about it now,” I remind him. “They’re both here, and we adore them.”He chuckles and kisses each little head, then kisses me on the mouth. “It will be the best kind of chaos.”Drake gets a hold of Paisley’s nose and our little girl squawks in protest.Rafe grins. “
*Rafe*The ride home gives me a mix of elation and sorrow. Being by Ainslee’s side in the carriage with our son on her lap makes me feel complete, and Ainslee’s family was so happy to get to spend a few days with her and the baby before we left for home. We’re met along the way by my people celebrating our victory and sharing our joy, but among those are those who have lost so much.We stop the carriage when we notice a young girl crying as she is comforted by a woman whom I learn is her aunt. She explains that the girl’s home is in the north and was destroyed in the carnage. Her parents were killed, leaving her with nothing.“I think the gods that she was staying with us,” the woman tells me.Ainslee speaks to her while I pull Zeke aside. “Ensure this family is taken care of.”He nods with understanding. Anger churns inside me at this encounter and dozens more like it along the trip. It makes it that much easier to deal with the evil men responsible upon return.The day after our ret
*Ainslee*“Why does it still hurt?” I ask after we’ve been holding each other for a while. This is the second thing I ask Rafe after I demand to know where Drake is. While I’m aching to see my baby, Rafe explains to me that he’s the only reason my father is allowing us to be together, so I’ll have to be patient a bit longer. Just knowing that he’s safe and near me is a comfort.“Maybe because we were separated for so long,” Rafe replies. He strokes my cheek. “But I have an idea of how to make it better.”I raise an eyebrow at him. “I’m sure you do.”“Honest. It’s not about sex, it’s about reuniting,” he tells me.“Hmm.” I wonder if either of us have the energy for sex.“It’s worth a try,” he says.“All right,” I agree. I sit up with some effort, and he scoots out of bed to start taking off his clothes.When he looks over at me, he blinks. “I didn’t realize you were in full ballroom attire.”“This was for the mating ceremony that was supposed to happen yesterday,” I explain.His eyes n
*Rafe*“Are you ready?” Percival asks.The man looks ragged. Whatever he does to make sure I don’t keel over is really taking its toll. For that reason alone, I need to make sure Howard sees the light. I’m afraid Percival is going to die instead of me.“I’m as ready as I’ll ever be,” I admit. I step out of the carriage as it rolls to a stop in front of Howard’s very luxurious looking home.Karl is there to greet me with a wide smile and a warm arm clasp. “Rafe. You look like shit.”“Thanks,” I reply with a laugh. “You look great.”Howard stands off to the side, eyeing me contemptuously.We are already off to a bad start, it would seem. “Alpha King Howard,” I say with a slight nod.“King Rafe.” He responds coolly. “Shall we retire to the conference room? It seems we have a lot to discuss.”“Where is Ainslee?” I ask.“In her bedroom. Lying down. I didn’t think she needed to be here for this,” he replies.My heart thumps in my chest, screaming to tear past the two Alpha Kings and find he
The wind swirls the skirt of the emerald dress around my ankles as I walk to the temple with Lucia at my side. She is somber and silent. I think she has finally accepted the inevitable. Rafe isn’t here, and my father will have his way.Marcus stands at the door of the temple, looking just as somber as Lucia. He is wearing Longclaw black and silver and looks quite nice in it. It should be Lucia approaching him now in a dress suited to her. But instead, it’s me, and my father, standing at the other side of the door, is the only one who looks happy about it.“You don’t have to be here, Lucia,” I whisper to her. “This is going to be terribly difficult for you.”She squares her shoulders. “I would walk through fire for you. Do you not remember the temple where you saved me? I know it’s been a long time, but you hid me in a spot just like that one over there.” She points to a little area near the back of the building where there’s a statue of the Moon Goddess that sort of reminds me of the
*Ainslee*I sleep more now. Lucia is concerned, as is Marcus, but my father is convinced once I marry Marcus, all of this will change. I know it won’t.The ceremony is tomorrow. I know I have to go through with it. I don’t want more people of Shadowglade or of Longclaw to die. This constant war business has to end.I’m glad that my mother hasn’t seen me since my illness worsened. She’s been so busy helping with the troops. I don’t want her to see me like this. Only now I realized that on the same occasions that she visited since I’ve been here, my father found excuses to be away. He’d insisted that he felt no pain since she’d remarried, and I wonder if his brain injury had some effect on the severed mate bond.I’m staring at my canopy again when Lucia comes in with tea. “This is chamomile,” she says, helping me sit up and then pressing the teacup into my hands. “It should help your stomach and settle your nerves.”I look at her, and my heart sinks. “I’m sorry, Lucia. I promise, I won’
*Geoffrey*Boris tells me we are within a day and a half of Shadowmanor Castle when we meet a real force to stop us. Soldiers in three different liveries come up over a hill as we are marching through a valley. They are very angry, and we are in a bad position, not having the high ground.“Why are there Longclaw and Warfang uniforms among them?” I ask Boris who, thus far, has kept me off the battlefield.“I guess because they’re fighting with the Shadowglade forces,” he replies as though I’m stupid.“If we’re liberating Shadowglade, why would the wolf shifters join forces with Shadowglade’s soldiers?” I ask, confused.Boris looks at the armies bearing down on us, looks at me, then laughs. “Oh, boy, King Maximus said you’d be easy to manipulate, but you really are an idiot. We’re not ‘liberating’ anybody. We’re taking Shadowglade by force.”My blood runs cold. “We’re the aggressors?” I gape.He pats me on the shoulder. “Welcome to reality, Your Majesty. Shadowglade is actually well kno
*Rafe*Zeke, Percival, and I lean over my desk in my office, looking at the new numbers. “I think you should also push into Tormentia,” Percival says.“You just want King Dartmoth Croft to get it right up the ass,” Zeke snorts.“Why not? He deserves it,” Percival replies.“I’ll have the army push forward into Tormentia,” I agree. “King Dartmoth doesn’t deserve to be responsible for a pet rock, much less an entire people. Reports say soldiers’ families are being threatened. I’d like to take that off their chests so they might surrender instead of fighting for a king who abuses his power.” I rub my chest.Percival puts his hand over my heart again, and the warmth spreads, taking away most of the terrible pain. But I can see it costs him as his shoulders droop when he finishes.“Thank you,” I say. “Really. I know whatever you’re doing isn’t easy on you.”“I’d rather have my king fighting fit and take a few more naps than have you curled in agony on the floor while Zeke and I try to strat