Emory Kane’s mouth is smooth and warm as his lips move against mine. Once again, I’m surprised that they’re not cold, but the longer he holds himself against me, the more those thoughts fade from my mind, and all I can think about is how badly I want this man who is touching me in a more intimate w
And he didn’t have to. “What about that man from the meeting yesterday?” he asks, changing the subject on me so abruptly, I’m not sure who he’s speaking of. I stare at him, unblinking. “The tall one who was standing behind you.” “Oh. Darius,” I say with a nod. “He’s my Beta. Will be my Beta. Was s
Kane Kissing Emory was likely a mistake, but as I rush down the hall to the room where my brother, Prince Jacob, all of Opaline’s consorts, and the princess herself are awaiting my arrival, I can’t say that I regret my actions. The warmth of her lips lingers on mine, and I can still taste her on my
“Why did Emory feel the need to throw her shoes at you to begin with?” I have to ask, though I already know the answer. “Because she’s a horrid bitch!” Opal proclaims, turning in her chair to completely face me now. “She’s a monster! We were just walking by, minding our own business, and she leaped
“Fine!” Opal stands up in protest, flipping her skirts around wildly. “Is there anything else?” “No, you may go.” I am calm again, and as she files out, muttering under her breath that it’s not fair that she got in trouble for something that “awful bitch” started, I am rethinking most aspects of my
Emory As I eat my dinner, I contemplate whether or not I am letting myself get carried away with the feelings I am developing for Kane. I have heard about women becoming obsessed with their captors before, but it doesn’t seem like he is my captor. On the contrary, in many ways, it seems like he is
“Careful now!” Helga warns from across the room. “Don’t go saying things you can’t take back, Nellie.” “Oh, hush!” Nellie says, swatting a hand at her coworker. “I’m not saying I think he’s ready to call the wedding off or anything, but I have noticed the way he looks at you. The way he checks on y
Emory I am trying my best to fall asleep, but my mind continues to spin with thoughts of Kane and the kiss we shared earlier in the night. The feeling has faded from my flesh, but it continues to burn in my mind, and I can’t help but wonder if there’s any possibility he is still thinking of me. Di
MichaelI pace the foyer, running my fingers through my hair over and over again as I listen to the voices of Emelda and Alma drifting down the staircase. Lowe walks in from the kitchen with an armful of firewood, his face drawn with fatigue. I nod at him in greeting as he walks past me toward the
“What did they do to you?” I press. I wave my hand at the mess of jars, herbs, and healing… potions, not just tonics. Actual potions. Potions made by a witch.“What didn’t they do is a better question,” she murmurs, turning away. “Emelda–”“I was a girl,” she whispers over the simmering water and c
MichaelThree hours later, in the dead middle of the night, I stand in the doorway leading into the cozy guest room I brought Faye into what must have been weeks ago. I guess that much time has passed since then. It feels like seconds, honestly. I feel like I haven’t had a chance to catch my breath
MichaelAlma and Lowe speak in quiet tones in the foyer while he helps her into her thick coat. The usual, ceaseless sprinkle of rain has finally turned to sleet–a vicious mix of freezing rain and the first hints of snow that’s going to make the village an icy mess when day turns to night. Lowe pus
MichaelFaye’s room is chaotic. Nurses and the physician crowd her bed to the point I can’t see her through the fray. I push through them, seeing her pale and writhing, arching off the bed in pain. “What’s wrong with her?!” I shout. Faye murmurs, white foam tinted with blood bubbling from her lips
Six Weeks AgoFayeMy slippers pad across the pale marble tiles. I hike up my dress–pink, just like the slippers I spent hours upon hours embroidering with little stars and white flowers. My hair fans out around my shoulders and down my back in my haste to reach my father’s office. Cara, my lady’s m
MichaelI find my mom out in the garden. I had a feeling she’d be here, surrounded by petals and green plants–things that keep her grounded to the nature shifters crave. She’s kneeling, her fingers deftly pulling up weeds–or something. She straightens and lifts her head as I approach, reveling in he
Faye“What are you doing here? I thought you returned to Scarlett Thunder?” Michael gives Cole a skeptical look, but Cole rolls his eyes, crossing his arms over his broad chest. His dark hair catches the light and gleams as he replies, “My mother thought it would be best to return a few days before
FayeThe next morning, I wake up alone in the little inn room. Soft gray daylight filters through the curtains, illuminating the rumpled sheets on the bed and my clothing from yesterday still hanging near the fireplace. I blink into the shadows, rubbing my eyes as a figure appears to my left, pulli