LaraEven though I’m nervous about what Lydia has to say, I can’t fight off the smile that curls my lips when I slip behind the wheel of my brand-new car. I still can’t believe this car is mine. I’m almost scared to destroy it while Lydia has no problem slamming the door as she sits down beside me. “I can’t believe you didn’t tell me Ashton was your mate! I’m just so…shocked! Your mate is our freaking Alpha and Sally’s ex-mate. Oh my god. No wonder he brought you this brand-new car as a birthday present!” she exclaims, throwing her hands up in the air dramatically.My cheeks flush with heat, and I glance over at her, unable to hide my embarrassment. “I didn’t want to make a big deal out of it,” I mumble, focusing my attention back on the road ahead.“Are you kidding? This is huge, Lara!” Lydia shakes her head, disbelief etched across her features. “What did Sally say when she found out?”And there it is. Yikes. I bite my lip and hope Lydia will get distracted by the scenery outside t
Lara As much as I want to bang Ashton, I am aware that I must be the one to bring reason into this situation. He is on the verge of crossing a line, and it is up to me to prevent it from happening. “Ashton—” I try to sound strict as I push at his chest, but my voice betrays me when he kisses my neck. A whimper slips out, and I curse the good-looking Alpha for being so skillful with his lips. If he gets any better at finding my weak spots, I will die one day. “Mmm?” Ashton hums while pressing small kisses to my collarbone, his hand sliding up my back to rest on the nape of my neck. His touch is hot and rough - a stark reminder of the primal strength hidden beneath his polished exterior. He is incredibly alluring, yet I have to fight my slutty, inner desires. “We shouldn’t have sex,” I tell him. He stops what he is doing to stare down at me. “What do you mean?” “What I mean is that there needs to be more to this relationship than just sex.” He grins. “But sex with you is so wond
LaraI nervously walk up to the SUV that’s going to be my home for the next couple of days while I’m traveling with Ashton. Ryan is going to take care of the pack while we are gone. And Sally? She thinks Ashton is going to train me up in the mountains. It makes me feel bad. Eventually, I need to tell her that Ashton is my mate, but…not today.Strapping my backpack over my shoulder, I check the contents again: a small med kit complete with fever pills and bandages, clothes for the cold air of the mountains, and some dry food - in case there isn’t anything we can hunt up there.Ashton, on the other hand, is packing the SUV with all sorts of equipment that looks like it’s straight out of an adventure movie. Tents, ropes, camping stoves – you name it. I can’t help but watch him as he moves around the vehicle. He looks like a man who knows his way around wild terrain, and it does strange things to my heartbeat.“All set?” He grins as he spots me watching.Almost unconsciously, my gaze flick
AshtonMy heart melts when I wake up and find Lara sleeping on my back in her human form, nestled into my fur. Her breathing is slow, and I decide not to move since I don’t want to wake her.Geez, am I falling in love already?We haven’t spent much time together, but the mate bond is sizzling hot, and I know I will eventually grow addicted to this woman. Never in a billion years did I think a woman like Lara could make me soft and affectionate, but with her by my side, I’m reverting back to the kind man I was before my father shaped me into the cruel Alpha he thought I needed to be. And I don’t hate it.I’m tired of my cold and intimidating facade when, in reality, I know that I can be...kind. Or maybe it’s too late for me? I’ve made so many mistakes—terrible ones, like choosing abortion and rejecting my first mate. But maybe there are second chances given to everyone?I believe I can be good. I just need a little help...I think?Okay, I don’t know if I can be a better man yet. For now
LaraI want Ashton to fuck me so badly that I don’t even wait for his response before I jump over him. We both tumble to the ground, a mix of laughter and gasps escaping us.“What are you doing?” he chuckles.“Wrestling you to the ground to take what I want!” I declare in a determined voice. “And guess what? You’re the one that I want, and I might also possibly want your cock.”“Only possibly, huh?” Ashton asks while watching me from below. I’m straddling him, but he doesn’t look bothered, and his hardening member tells me he really doesn’t mind. “You’re not certain?”My cheeks burn. “I admit nothing.”He keeps looking up at me with amusement dancing in his eyes, but I can also sense a hint of desire. Ashton wants me as much as I want him, but I can’t give in this easily. I won’t fall for his charm and pretty-boy eyes. Not yet. “Oh, and by the way, I caught you off guard, didn’t I?” I tease him.His lips twitch. “Or maybe I let you pounce on me?”I snort. “Please, we both know that I’
LaraAnother hiss leaves the vampire’s mouth, but before it can sink its teeth into my flesh, there is a thundering growl. Ashton, still in his beastly form, lunges at the creature with his fangs bared. He snarls and snaps at the vampire, who recoils in fear and drops me to fight the massive wolf.I scramble away from them, pressing my back against a tree as I watch the ferocious battle unfold. The vampire is fast, but Ashton is stronger. With a bitter growl, he bites down hard on the vampire’s arm. Its ripped off with ease and the creature howls in pain and recoils.But there’s no time to celebrate this small victory. More vampires are barreling towards us, fangs bared. I can’t stay frozen anymore; I know what to do.Summoning all my courage and energy, I let out a guttural cry and shape-shift into my wolf form. The transformation takes a heartbeat - one moment, I am standing human, and the next, I am on fours with fur bristling and sharp fangs.Even though I’ve never fought vampires
LaraAfter hours of running, I finally allow myself a break. It’s getting dark, and even though I’m miles away from my pack, I can’t continue running. My throat is sore, and my paws feel heavier than lead.It makes sense. Ashton and I reached our camping place by driving an entire day—a werewolf can’t run the same distance in just a few hours.And even though I’m aware the vampires could catch up to me, I don’t think they will since they want me to warn Ryan of what’s to come: a war between the werewolves and the vampires.I’m safe.But Ashton is not.He is dead.Immediate pain bursts through me. It feels like there’s a hole in my chest where my heart would be. I can't fucking breathe. I shape-shift back into a human to let my tears fall as I walk through the forest entirely naked. I’m not cold. I’m just sad and broken. How does one recover from losing their mate?Leaves crunch underneath my feet as I drag myself forward. I can hear a lake in the distance, but before I can reach it,
LaraLater the same evening, my dragon friend is eating some fish I caught in the river. He is tiny and I doubt he will finish everything I caught, but at least he won’t go starving.“Easy there, little guy,” I tell him while wandering deeper into the cave we found. “I don’t want you to eat too much and explode.”The dragon doesn’t even look up from the fish, and I giggle before shape-shifting back into a wolf. Since I don’t have any clothes, it’s more comfortable sleeping as a wolf, and this way, I can also keep my new friend warm.I find a place in the corner and close my eyes. I’m sure my dragon friend will join me soon…When I awake, the first thing I note is how peculiarly snug I am. The cave that was once hollow and vast now feels oddly close, as though the walls have folded inwards to encroach upon us during our slumber. Bewildered, I raise my head and look around, my eyes adjusting to the dim light filtering in from the entrance of the cave. It takes me a moment to comprehend
LaraMere minutes before my ceremony is about to start, I’m grimacing at my appearance in the mirror. My strawberry blonde hair is gathered in a braid that cascades over one shoulder. It gives me a tame look that I’m not sure if I like. I’m a warrior, not a beautiful and laidback Luna.“You’re so gorgeous,” Lydia says from behind me. She is the one who did my hair and makeup. It’s been done skillfully, and I’m grateful, but I can’t help but feel like I’m looking at a stranger in the mirror. A stranger who is too beautiful and pretty to be me. Even my otherwise wild, green eyes look tame, and I’m not sure if I like that. Everyone knows I’m a wild card, not a dainty damsel. Yet, the look is appealing in its own way. It’s a version of me I never thought I’d see - a version I must embrace for the sake of today’s ceremony.“I look...not like myself,” I comment, tracing my fingers over the smooth line of my cheekbone, over the glittering rogue or whatever it’s called that Lydia has expertl
LaraTelling Ashton that I’m willing to become his Luna made him so happy that he kissed me in front of Ryan and Sally without a care in the world. It’s wild how he has evolved from a cold-hearted Alpha to the sweet and loving mate that he is today. And in such a short time!“I’m going to shower,” Ashton announces as I’m brushing my hair in front of the big mirror inside of his room. I don’t even turn his way. “Okay.”He doesn’t move. “Don’t you want to…join me?”I finally look his way and take in his more than desirable body. He is dirty from the war, but the blood and grime somehow only end up making him look sexier. I smirk at him, admiring the mischievous twinkle in his eyes. “Maybe,” I tease. “If you promise not to get too handsy with me.”He chuckles. “Too handsy? Since when is that a problem? You like being worshipped.”“I do, don’t I?”“Mhm, so what’s the real issue?”I grimace. “I guess I’m nervous about tomorrow.”“Don’t be. The ceremony will be fun and more like a party th
Lara“I can’t believe it’s over,” Ryan says as we follow him inside Ashton’s mansion. “Yeah, it sure feels surreal,” Ashton agrees as he grabs a towel from one of the shelves in the hallway. We are all still naked, but that isn’t the reason for the knot on my belly.I’m actually more nervous about meeting Sally than I was about facing Parisa and her army. She is my best friend, yet I haven’t told her that Ashton and I are together. “Hey, you,” Ryan places a hand on my shoulder as if reading my mind. “Don’t worry about my mate. She already knows that you and Ashton are mates, and she isn’t angry.”I blink up at him. “She’s not?”“No,” he grins. “Sally and I are happily mated, and we have a newborn son now—she sure as hell doesn’t love Ashton anymore and is probably happy that he has found his mate.” Ryan’s words make me feel more at ease, and I shiver when I feel Ashton hugging me from behind. He nibbles at my neck before whispering, “You did good out there.”I smile and lean back i
LaraInstinct takes over, and I dart to the left, watching as the arrow streaks past and buries itself into a tree behind me. Now, who the hell is the bastard behind that attack? I could have fucking died!With my heart drumming inside my chest, I lock eyes with Harri. He is wearing his mask, yet I can tell he is grinning behind it as he pulls out another arrow from his quiver. My eyes narrow. I can’t let this crazy idiot shoot again. I’m convinced the first shot was only to play around with me, while the second is going to be one meant to kill me. ‘Lydia!’ I shout through the mind-link. ‘Can I get a little help with this pureblood over here?’Lydia’s response is immediate. ‘Hold on, I’m coming!’In the next moment, she joins the fray. In a blur of fur and deadly grace, Lydia launches herself at Harri. Her claws flash in the dark as she aims for Harri’s bow. In a fluid movement, Lydia knocks it from his grasp with a growl that shakes the very air around them.Harri retaliates quickl
LaraEven after an hour has passed, I’m still bathing in the afterglow of the sex I had with Ashton. We are both naked in the field, careless and free. I’ve long forgotten about Parisa and her vampire army marching in on our pack’s territory, but I’m about to get a wake-up call. Soon, I hear wolves howling in the background—wolves from our pack that are telling us enemies are approaching. Ashton immediately stands up. “Fucking shit. Parisa and Harri are here and…fuck…what do I do? I want to fight alongside my pack, but they still haven’t seen the new me.”I stand up with him. “Don’t worry. They will accept you as their Alpha, even if you’re a dragon now.”“Are you sure about that?”I shrug. “Well, dragon fire is able to melt vampires, and I think we could both agree that your pack wants to live, so…yeah. I think they will be fine with your new self.”He nods before asking, “And what about you? I know that we have marked each other and all that, but… you’re not freaked out about me be
AshtonI wake up in a field, disoriented and bloated. It looks like my eight-pack is trying to push its way from my stomach. And wait, why the hell am I naked? What happened yesterday?"Oh great, you're finally awake," Lara comments from the ground. She looks extremely tired and is practically plastered to the ground."What the hell happened to you?" I ask, half amused by how her eyes trail up my body in pure appreciation. "I fought with a very stubborn and massive dragon," she replies and sighs. "He wanted to eat every burger inside of McDonald's, and I couldn't stop him."Is she high or something?I snort. "A dragon?""Uh-huh, you.""Me?""You were the dragon…you are the dragon.""What are you talking about?"Her eyes narrow, and I'm baffled when her expression turns into pure irritation. "Wow. You really don't remember?" "Remember what?" I'm lost…"You died, Ashton. You were murdered by Parisa and her vampire army, but somehow, you came back to life as a dragon. I've been taking c
LaraAfter Sally and Ryan has taken a look at Ashton, we are sent to a barn. Ashton is way too big to sleep anywhere else and according to Ryan, he needs to fully grow before he can take the shape of a human again. If he did it now, he would be a child, and that would be awkward, so I won't force him to shape-shift until he is ready. "Alright, big guy," I flick on the light in the barn and gesture at the big empty space. "You won't be cramped in here, and look, there is plenty of space for you to grow!"'This is home?' Ashton's voice echoes in my head, filled with innocent curiosity."Not quite, but it's going to be our temporary home until you are fully grown and ready to shift back," I explain, ruffling the scales on his snout. "Plus, I don't think you'd fit through the front door of the mansion."He gives a grunt of agreement and swivels his head around inspecting the barn. High ceilings supported by dark wooden beams extend above us. There is hay everywhere and Ashton circles arou
Lara After managing to convince my dragon friend to stay behind, I shift back into my wolf form and follow the scent of a nearby herd of deer. Their smell is fresh in the air and it doesn’t take long to find them. The hunt is swift. With the enhanced speed and strength of a wolf, I manage to quickly take down a large buck, biting deep into its side. After making sure the deer has passed, I drag it back towards my dragon friend, leaving a trail of scattered leaves in my wake. When I return, I see the dragon shifting uncomfortably from one foot to another. His eyes light up as he sees me dragging the deer. ‘Food!’ I shape-shift back into a human. “Yup, feel free to dig in—” The dragon rushes past me without warning, gobbling down the entire thing at the speed of light. His tail moves from side to side after he is done, and I see his back muscles expanding as he grows larger. “Um... Did you even taste that?” I ask him, baffled at the speed at which he devoured the deer. ‘More?’ He
LaraLater the same evening, my dragon friend is eating some fish I caught in the river. He is tiny and I doubt he will finish everything I caught, but at least he won’t go starving.“Easy there, little guy,” I tell him while wandering deeper into the cave we found. “I don’t want you to eat too much and explode.”The dragon doesn’t even look up from the fish, and I giggle before shape-shifting back into a wolf. Since I don’t have any clothes, it’s more comfortable sleeping as a wolf, and this way, I can also keep my new friend warm.I find a place in the corner and close my eyes. I’m sure my dragon friend will join me soon…When I awake, the first thing I note is how peculiarly snug I am. The cave that was once hollow and vast now feels oddly close, as though the walls have folded inwards to encroach upon us during our slumber. Bewildered, I raise my head and look around, my eyes adjusting to the dim light filtering in from the entrance of the cave. It takes me a moment to comprehend