Written at the bottom of the note, under the message was a time, date, and location, as well as an extra addition: Come alone. Safely back in my room, I tuck the note into my pocket with the intention of hiding it from everyone. Bethany would undoubtedly try to talk me out of going, and Caleb migh
So, it’s unlikely he would recognize me if I were to, say, dress up as a servant. Donning my servants disguise – or at least the parts of it that Caleb didn’t shred, I check myself in the mirror. My pants are nicer than servant pants, but hopefully the guard wouldn’t look too closely. With my hair
Caleb stays hidden while we go to the meeting location. He trails me, hiding somewhere I can’t see, but I know he’s there. It’s a feeling deep within me, a certainty, perhaps cultivated by my trust in Caleb. Or maybe I simply sense the weight of his familiar gaze on me, as I’ve grown so accustomed t
Two of the rebels step forward to grab me. The last thing they see is the pavement, as Caleb lands on them, smashing their faces down to the ground. Caleb is in his werewolf form, massive and deadly. Standing in front of me, he’s ready to protect me. The three remaining rebels take an unsteady ste
Caleb drags me back toward the palace. After giving the location of the killed and unconscious rebels to his guards, he tugs me against him more fully, lifting me up into his arms, and carries me all the way to his room. Once there, with the door safely behind us, he starts to pace back and forth in
That night, after thoroughly showing his appreciation by ravishing Harper’s body, Caleb lies awake in the bed, staring up at the ceiling. Harper is tucked against him, breathing gently in her slumber. Her hand is on Caleb’s chest, her cheek pressed to his shoulder. One of her legs is hooked around
The next morning, as I redress in yesterday’s clothes, prepared to head back to my chambers, Caleb stops me with a soft touch to my arm. “I will be speaking with the Alpha Council today about Samuel,” he says. “I would like for you to be there.” I’m not totally sure in what capacity he means. He c
I need a moment to fully understand what Caleb is saying, because there’s no way he could mean what I think he means. He can’t possibly be planning to go look for Samuel himself! Yet, as he looks at me, I can clearly see the fiery determination in his eyes. “If the Council needs proof before they
At first, I saw Caleb as nothing more than a brute, a vicious, ruthless tyrant who valued power above all else.While Caleb continues to be independent and stubborn, he has also become more compassionate. He is proud and strong, and loves me deeply. I cannot imagine a more perfect mate.A mate that
As I’m moving into Caleb’s room after today, I feel a sense of bittersweet nostalgia standing in my own room in the palace. Caleb has told me that the room will remain unchanged, and that I can continue to use it however I wish, but what I want most is to move forward in my life with him.I’m standi
Knees in the dirt, Caleb still manages to look proud, even as he surrenders.“I will give you the crown, if that is your wish. I will easily give you my life,” he says. “But do not harm my mate.”Tears well in my eyes. Caleb, my brave mate, so strong and proud, willing to lower himself to this becau
His face is pale, his cheeks sallow. All of his limbs sag heavily, as if being dragged down toward the ground with more than just gravity. He seems to be giving great effort even to just keep his head upright.“What do you want, Gladys?” he asks. There’s anger in his voice, but there’s also defeat.
Behind Samuel, I see Caleb rise up from the ground. He heaves like it costs him great effort to do so, yet determination sparks like fire in his eyes. With clear exertion, he forces his massive werewolf body to take a step forward. And then another, approaching Samuel.Samuel, who had shifted to hum
Caleb doesn’t answer, but I suppose he doesn’t need to. I know what he said. The soft way he is looking at me, combined with the tender way he strokes my cheek tells me all that I need to know.He said I am his mate.As a human, I can’t feel the draw of the mate bond as well as a werewolf could. I’d
Samuel glances from me to Gladys and then finally to Caleb. “You agree to this challenge? You will fight me for Harper?”“And for the kingdom,” Gladys says.“I would, if in exchange you disappear and leave us all alone,” Caleb says.Per the rules of the kingdom, any alpha can challenge the Alpha Kin
“Are you in any such position to offer such a challenge?” Caleb asks.“With Harper as the prize, he will agree,” Gladys says with total confidence.“And what kind of benefit would this give you?” I counter, pushing forward. Tristan lets me past him but Caleb does not, stepping in front of me protect
I can’t see what is happening, but I can hear it. Bethany’s terrified shriek. Her thump against the ground. The slide of a sword leaving a sheath.“Drop that weapon,” Caleb commands.“Everyone here knew I had no intention of leaving these two alive,” Gladys says, ignoring Caleb’s demand. “These are