SHADOW “How did you get in here? I remember locking the door.” I just went to the bathroom to brush my teeth. When I came back, Califf was already in my room or the mate’s chamber. He pointed at the closet before he took off his shirt. “Wait. Wait. Let’s have some ground rules here, Alpha.” He sighed audibly. “Another rule? I think I’ve had enough dos and don’ts from you. I’m sleeping beside you tonight.” He crawled into bed, taking all the space in the center. I had no choice but to sleep next to him, or I would end up falling to the floor. “What’s wrong with your bed? Does it have bed bugs? Or does it smell hers?” He yawned or faked it. “My wolf needs you.” I propped my hands on my hips. “You should try new excuses. That wolf needs me is getting old.” “Just come to bed. I promise I won’t bite.” He smirked. “Unless you started it.” “Shut your smirk off, Alpha. Why don’t we sleep in your bed instead? I bet you have bigger than this.” “Fine. Let’s go.” He dragged himself out
CALIFF “How did you know?” Zack asked as everyone tried to search for any animals or humans. “I heard more than one heartbeat in distress.” Shadow had still her eyes closed as she tried to concentrate. She had a good hearing. Even for an Alpha like me, she excelled more than me. My heart filled with pride. “We were attacked…” What were the last words of the wounded werewolf before he passed out? He was around my age, but I didn’t recognize him even from our allies and the one who was severely hurt on his back. I smelled fear and distress, but nothing feral. He could be telling the truth, but he could be trained to lie and deceive us all. “Proceed with caution,” I told them. “Preston, Sam, take the truck, load the wounded, and bring them to the infirmary. If they try to attack you, don’t hesitate.” “Noted, Alpha. I want nothing but to end their lives quickly.” Sam began carrying the man on his shoulder like a sack of potatoes. Preston took the other one, a little leaner than the
SHADOW I thought we were safe on our way home. I was wrong. I sensed fear. I sensed danger thick in the air. I remained calm despite constantly raising the hair on my neck as we drove along the empty road. With my stomach twisting in dread, I prayed to the Moon Goddess for safe passage along whatever danger we were going through, but I could almost feel the apprehension of my wolf. “Zack.” I gulped. I may have the training, but I hadn’t ripped someone’s throat in human or wolf form. I hadn’t killed anyone. I didn’t know if I could take the life out of someone. No doubt my wolf would not think twice. She was an animal, after all, and for my kind, we were still feral despite our evolution. “Yeah.” He stole a glance at me. “So you and—” “Zack, watch out!” I screamed as I saw a gray wolf in the middle of the road. It was big, but not Alpha big, but probably in rank. Those eyes were lethal, glaring like he’d been impatiently waiting for us on the road. Those fangs were showing off, s
CALIFF “Good morning, everyone.” I breathed as I looked at my enforcers, guards, hunters, scouts, and non-enforcers head of the family. “I apologize for the short notice, but this couldn’t wait. While we were out for a run, we encountered two unknown wounded individuals at our border. They are in the infirmary as we speak. We found another family wanting to cross our border and asking for our protection and safety.” “Alpha.” One of my father’s closest friends raised his hand. Sometimes, he could be abstruse, but nothing that I could handle. “Maybe this is another trap from barbarous to spy on us, then catch us off guard and attack us in our sleep.” “If you could let us finish, Maddock. We’re considering possible scenarios, but we can’t jump to a conclusion right away. We will have an open forum in a few minutes.” “My apology, Alpha. Go ahead.” “He’s always like that,” Lyon whispered to Shadow, sitting beside me. “As I was saying, we found a family from the south. I haven’t gotte
SHADOW I couldn’t think straight. My head was plagued with so much desire to feel the bulging length deliciously teasing my clit through my pajama shorts. Sure, I was wet and sensitive. My core was throbbing, but I wanted more like the air I breathed, as if I was running out of it. Califf continued attacking me with slow strokes of his tongue against mine in my mouth as he groaned and shifted his hips until he nestled between my legs. His hard length grew even bigger, pressed against my aching core. I’d never been aroused like this. Every touch he made, every ground of the heavy ridge of his cock, was torture, driving me insane. He ripped the shirt off my body without warning, enough to make me gasp. My breathing became quicker as he slipped his big hand into my bra, cupped my breast, and rolled my nipple between his fingers. I writhed underneath him. He unfastened the bra, took it off me, and threw it off the floor. “Oh, Goddess.” I bit my bottom lip to stifle my moan, but it was
CALIFF “What do you have?” Duke shook his head. “Nothing. He won’t say a thing. I cut him with a silver laced knife, and he just laughed and spotted blood on my face.” “That son of bitch is well-trained. Did you find anything from the PD?” Being rich did come in handy. I donated a tremendous amount of money to the local police, and in return, they cut a few red tapes for me. When there were reports of murders or RTA, we cooperated and helped them. The only thing they knew was that these people were under my protection, or they probably thought we were some cult, but they left us alone to live how we wanted. “Yeah. Decker Adams. He had a long rap sheet from DUI, resisting arrest, assault, and parking tickets. And here’s the best part. Domestic violence and sexual abuse allegations.” “I should have let Shadow kill him. Why is he not in jail?” “For domestic violence and sexual abuse, allegations were made by the same woman, but maybe he threatened to kill her, so the charge was dro
SHADOW “Penny for the thoughts?” I felt like my body was always burning and yearning for his touch. What we did last night was not part of the plan. It just happened, and I didn’t have the will to stop him. In fact, I thought I was losing my mind if he left me unsated. “I’m thinking of something.” His mouth was on the side of my neck where a mate bit his mate, but I wasn’t worried if he forced himself on me. It would be painful, though, if he bit me without my permission. His hand went on my tummy, tracing up between the valley of my breasts. “Like what?” I tried to focus on letting him talk, but what he did was a huge distraction, making my wolf purr in delight. I bit my bottom lip when he cupped my breast with his hand. “I could use Marcus’ expertise.” He ran his tongue across the back of my neck while twisting my nipple between his fingers, breaking out a moan from my throat. “Califf,” I called his name, but it came out as a beg. “Take your top off.” He pushed his rigid lengt
CALIFF “We will continue this in the morning,” I said when Shadow started yawning. “Oh, I’m fine. Ignore me, but they need to rest. They just had terrible days.” “It’s two in the morning.” I checked my watch. “You both will go back to solitary under the provision. I’ll check out a place for both of you.” “I understand, and we are grateful.” “Marcus vouched you’re the good ones.” “Wait. Marcus made it?” His eyes widened in surprise. “And his family?” “Yeah. But you can’t see them.” Even if they were just a few doors away, that was soundproof.” “Oh, thank Goddess. I’m happy to hear that. Thank you. Thank you.” I folded the building plan after Zack and Lyon sent them to the confinement. “You’re building a new house?” Shadow asked. Why did she sound surprised? “For us, yes.” “And what about this one?” “This means a lot to me, but our future is here."I pointed at the plan. "We’re going to have a family soon—” “What made you think I want pups?” she asked without hesitation. M
CALIFF Three months later I’d never been nervous like this in my entire life— it was a mix of excitement and nervousness, if I was being honest. Standing beside me was my Beta, my best man. Who would be perfect to sand by my side on my wedding day anyway? If not Duke, who would fit for the position? In Moon Goddess’s name, Shadow and I were already bonded forever. In the human world, we became husband and wife, a legally married couple. My heart kept thumping when the music started, and then she appeared with her father and Kent. Her ivory lace wedding gown hugged her body perfectly. Her face was covered with a veil. Shadow was always beautiful in my eyes, and she already looked ethereal, like a true goddess in human form. “Shadow.” I couldn’t take my eyes off her. Today, this union was special for both of us, for our families, and our pack. Our allies, including the new Alpha of Midnight Storm, Alpha Grady, were also present. Of course, the union wouldn’t be complete without th
CALIFF “Wow.” Shadow’s eyes widened to see half of the pack was on the field where we last had an interrupted picnic date. “When I said a barbecue, I expected something like a backyard barbecue, but this is beyond. Awesome.” A whole cow was already on the fire, patties, sausages, and veggies on the grills, stuck buns on the table, bowls of salad, delis, coolers of beers and other beverages, and tables put together into one long table with flower arrangements. It was like an outdoor cooking show, minus the camera. Families, guys, girls, pups, and even witches were here. It was a picnic party. I didn’t even know what to call it. What I saw was a pack having a picnic because threats were over, and hopefully, it would last for a long, long time. “Welcome to the pack picnic, Shadow.” She chuckled and shook her head. “You didn’t steal a cow from our neighbor, did you, Zack?” “I’m afraid I don’t know what you’re talking about, Luna.” Zack placed chairs for us. “The owner will skew you
SHADOW “Oh,” they gushed as I showed them the massive stone on my engagement ring. “Oh, my goodness.” Aira’s tiny eyes grew big. “What a huge rock from a huge man with a huge—” “Don’t.” Zarah pressed a finger on Aira’s lips. “Oh, yeah. Their hearing.” “You deserve it, Shadow.” Kindra inspected the ring, and it glittered in the sun. The pool was calling me, but they enjoyed gossip more than getting wet in the pool. “When is the wedding? I want to make sure I have a pretty dress,” Zarah said excitedly. “I don’t know. We haven’t talked about the specific date.” “Because last night you two were busy. You ignored Zarah’s call.” I pressed my lips together because I was guilty. After the proposal, we booked a honeymoon suite, got ourselves naked in the tub with rose petals and amazing scented candles, then we fucked in there, on the bed, and when we woke up, he ate me on the table. I didn’t know how I still had strength left or how many orgasms I lost count of. “Shadow.” Aira snap
CALIFF“Your dad knew that you were not his, but he loved you like his own till his last breath,” Alexander, her grandfather, said.“How did you know?”“He came to me, blaming Sebastien. They fought on that ground. He almost killed your father. Maybe at that time, Sebastien surrendered and admitted his mistake. I never saw your father again, but his body was brought to me.”“Why Sebastien doesn’t have a family or children?”“He believes his mate was your mother, considering she was mated to his twin. He has this belief that the goddess gave them one mate to share, but your dad didn’t think that way. His rage had taken him to do what he did. And here you are.”“How did they meet?” Shadow was so engrossed with the story of her parents from his grandfather that she forgot she had a date today.“They met here in Italy. Sebastien saw her first, but Samuel had the courage to approach her. Sebastien has been like this— focused, workaholic, uptight, but your dad was the opposite because he kn
SHADOW I was surprised to find out that the modern house of the High Priestess was in London. I was expecting a stone house exterior, but what surprised me more was that she was the same age as Zarah. “Welcome to my humble home, Shadow.” “High Priestess.” “Oh, please.” She swatted her well-manicured fingernails, and the white high-neck dress looked perfect on her. “Just Margaret.” “My mate, Alpha Califf.” “Of course, the werewolf. I could smell the skepticism in you, Califf.” “Forgive me, Margaret. I haven’t been in a witch house before.” “It’s not the real reason, but because you haven’t seen what I am capable of. And your future father-in-law just arrived.” "A future father-in-law?” How did she know? Califf and I shared a look. Just like that, my father walked into the living room in a white suit and tie. “High Priestess.” “Alpha King Sebastien.” They kissed each other cheek, but the way my father put his hand on her back said something else. Califf and I shared a look a
CALIFF “Is this really happening?” The perks of the pack link. Our parents didn’t have to hear what we were saying. Most of us were lucky enough to have shared this dinner, but some who were not didn’t make it tonight. Watching my parents at the same table with Sebastien was still pinch-worthy. He would have almost ripped my father’s throat if Shadow didn’t intervene. Seeing them in a light conversation over dinner was still like a dream. “Excuse me. I hope you all don’t mind if I go ahead and check those in the infirmary, still healing.” Shadow rose from her seat. She barely touched her food. I wasn’t worried about her because we all had been through a lot. We lost a few but still lost members, no matter the number. And it still hurt. “Of course, Luna,” my mother said. Dad nodded. “Please, father. May I excuse?” “Go ahead.” His gaze shifted to me when I also stood up. “I’m joining Shadow.” “I know how you feel. Losing a pack member is like losing a part of you. I’ll stay he
SHADOW My hands shook as I tried to clean off the blood. The crimson water dropped, draining into the sink— it was Zack’s blood. I almost lost a good man today. Zack was my best friend. Despite how we got off the wrong foot, he helped me through tough shits. He was among a few who believed in me and that there was something good in me, even if I was a rogue. I put another soap on my hands to get rid of the blood stain. It wouldn’t just go. I wanted to forget he was hurt even if the witches said he would make it, but it still hurt. If only the witches weren’t there, I would have lost him. I felt Califf came into the room. A moment later, he appeared at the bathroom door but said nothing, gazing at what I was doing. I washed my face if even he already saw my tears. He could feel and get into my thoughts but chose to give me space. “Where’s everyone?” I asked, diverting my thoughts. He lost men today. I knew how it felt, but he was stronger than most Alphas. Instead of killing those
CALIFF I was surrounded by growling, snarling, whimpering, but that asshole just waited there like a coward to finish off what his men started. That was not what a character of an Alpha. Clearly, he wasn’t one. Prowling in his direction, I bared my teeth and zeroed my attention only to him. I wanted to put an end to this. If he thought he would win in this attack, he was mistaken. He didn’t move, he just stood there watching my movement, making his point of dominance and intimidation. When I was close enough, he rushed toward me, ending us slamming on the ground. His anger filled his eyes, but he also underestimated my strength since I had already fought and killed a few of his wolves. Our claws and teeth lashed. I snarled as his claws raked through my shoulder, and damn, it fucking hurt. Overpowered by his little victory, I bit his leg, yanking it hard, finding himself slammed on the ground. Keane’s wolf rose to his paws, circling me, growling in anger, following my movements, a
SHADOWJust after those explosions, I instantly felt everyone’s fear thickened in the air, probably mine too. I wasn’t used to fighting with other wolves to death, but those explosions and the packs of werewolves walking into the compound left me no choice but to defend ourselves.“They’re here.” Just as I announced, the enforcers shifted to their wolves, leaving me and Califf, Duke, and Lyon still standing in human form.As we marched, the two guards opened the gate for us, taking the fight outside. Our remaining six enforcers followed behind us while Lyon and Duke were on our sides.Close to the trees, I caught sight of at least four vehicles parked with large numbers of members standing tall beside Keane, crossing his arms over his chest and showing us what he got.“He’s trying to intimidate us.” I couldn’t help but snort at the ridiculousness of the number of shifters he brought with him against us.“Ten against thirty or forty? I like the odds,” Califf said. His body vibrated wit