After spending a few days recovering, Lily found comfort in exploring the beautiful castle grounds. The vast gardens and serene landscape offered her a much-needed escape from the weight of her new responsibilities. 'This really could be all ours if we wanted,' Dina said. 'I know,' Lily responded. 'But we don't want him,' Dina concluded. Ethan was a magnificent male. He was everything any she-wolf would want, but their heart didn't belong to him. He felt more like a brother than anything else. As Lily walked, she spotted a familiar figure approaching in the distance. "Tiffany!" Lily called out with a smile as her best friend drew near. Tiffany's eyes lit up, and she ran towards Lily, enveloping her in a warm hug. "Lily, it's so good to see you. I'm glad you're okay." "Thanks. I would've called or even come to see you, but I am not allowed. It is for my safety," Lily explained as she thought back on her escape attempts being thwarted by the Ly
As Tiffany and Lily spent days catching up, Ethan kept his distance, respecting their need for time to bond. It was an unusual experience for him, being so close to someone but refraining from involving himself directly. Instead, he focused on monitoring the situation with the Blue Creek pack. The impending trial was of great concern, especially given the potential consequences for Alpha Kenneth's daughter, Brandy. How did Brandy get a hold of Wolfsbane? The plant that she had was even more toxic than anything he had come across before. So who was cultivating this plant and why? Ethan's beta had casually suggested a day ago, "Just make an example out of them. It would make everything easier." "You are not looking at the bigger picture. Someone is growing Wolfsbane. Wolfsbane is specifically toxic to us. If we kill Brandy and her parents, we would not be able to find the source," Ethan explained. "My apologies Alpha. I only meant that we could dispose of them after finding
"Let's get down to business, as your presence on my land is offensive. What did you need to speak to me about that you couldn't have said over the phone?" Kenneth had not spoken a word for over two decades to her, even after she begged and pleaded. Now, Debra faced Kenneth in her office, her gaze like steel as it bore into him. His presence didn't scare her, but she wasn't ignorant of his potential danger either. The room held an air of tension, with four of her most formidable warriors present and the rest of her warriors on high alert. "To answer any questions you may have about your daughter's death," Kenneth said simply, and Debra resisted the urge to slap him. A sneer tugged at Debra's lips as her voice dripped with sarcasm, "How generous of you. Of course, I would never believe a word you say." "This is really all your fault," Kenneth responded. Debra's eyebrow arched incredulously before she said, "And pray tell, how is it?" "You should've told me her lineage. You
As Lily ventured beyond the castle grounds, the desire for freedom compelled her to explore. Tiffany had chosen a spa day, leaving Lily with the itch to get out and wander. She couldn't sit still to read and she didn't want to play any more videogames. 'Why can't this day move faster?' Lily thought as she stomped through the snow. 'Freaking out about is not going to make this any easier. Be calm,' Dina answered, noting her restlessness. 'Ethan promised to update us when Debra arrives. You just have to wait.' "I know, I know, I just can't stop thinking about what we should ask her," Lily groaned in frustration. Dina's suggested, 'Let's run this energy out. You can't think if you're running.' Lily started jogging, her pace quickening as the wind whipped through her hair. She continued until her body protested, and she slowed to a stop. At that moment, she sensed a familiar presence. As she turned, she was met by the sight of Garrett standing before her. Her guard went up im
'He can't back down from this. He can't,' Dina said happily. 'Well don't get too excited. We thought he wouldn't last time,' Lily responded thinking back on their last experience. She blushed at the thought of him being in between her thighs again. 'That was different. Everything is out in the open. We will reassure him we're not..' 'I am tired of us reassuring him. We are worthy. This is time for him to show us that he's worthy,' Lily snapped, cutting Dina off. 'Yes like the powerful she-wolves we are,' Dina agreed. An unsettling sensation prickled at the back of her neck as Lily returned to the castle. Her giddiness at seeing Garrett seemed to fade. She paused, her senses tingling as she scanned the surroundings. 'Someone is watching us,' Dina growled within her. 'We're used to getting stares. A werewolf among lycans is stare-worthy,' Lily said, trying to calm Dina, but something did feel off. Lily's eyes locked onto a figure standing in the shadows, a man watch
Garrett's hungry kisses and eager touches stopped suddenly, only for him to take off his shredded shirt. Lily sighed dreamily at the sight of his large, muscular, tanned chest. She noticed the claw marks and frowned. "He hurt you," Lily said. "Worth it," Garrett said, allowing Lily to caress his chest only briefly before Garrett was on her again. There was a sense of need in the way he looked at Lily, in the way he kissed her and then her throat, almost as if he wanted to devour her. His passion was nothing like it was before. 'He's not holding back anymore. He and Berric are aligned as we are,' Dina chimed in briefly, taking Lily out of the moment. A light nip to her nipple brought her back and Garrett growled, "Tell Dina she'll have her chance with Berric but right now it's you and me." Garrett captured her lips again before Lily could respond. She couldn't help but smile. A part of her wanted this domination, possession. Lily wanted the taint of losing a mate off her. She
In the dimly lit hallways of his castle, Ethan's heavy steps echoed menacingly as he made his way to the war council room. He experienced a whirlwind of feelings, his rage over Adrian's betrayal simmering just below the surface. He was both perplexed and furious at the brazenness of the assault on Lily. Garrett was fortunate to arrive when he did, but it still enraged him. He wasn't as impenetrable as he thought. One of his most dependable and devoted warriors, Adrian had frequently stood by his side and guarded him and his family. Ethan was deeply confused as well as outraged to witness him turn against his own, especially to target Lily. The warriors he had called were already gathered in the council room as he entered, their faces a picture of worry and disbelief. Despite being skilled fighters who had faced danger numerous times, they felt helpless and lost in the current situation. It was impossible to miss the intensity on Ethan's face as he took his usual seat at the hea
"My Lord," Debra greeted as she entered Ethan's private chambers. He was engrossed in reviewing paperwork for the upcoming trial. Debra felt a mix of apprehension and determination. She had expected to meet with Lily before Ethan, so she was surprised when Ethan requested to speak with her first. Ethan's brow was furrowed in concentration, but he looked up as she approached. His expression softened at the sight of her, and a warm smile touched his lips. "Luna Debra," Ethan greeted her warmly, standing to welcome her. "Thank you for coming. I know that you really want to see your granddaughter first, but I need to take precautions before I allow you to do that." "Completely understandable," Debra responded, returning his smile. Her presence carried weight, and she couldn't ignore the unease that had been gnawing at her since she'd heard troubling rumors about Kenneth's plans for the day of Lily and Garrett's trial. "Then, in a show of good faith, I wish to tell you what I have hea