EmoryI don’t immediately return to Crimson Peak. I take a few days to iron out the alliances with the other Alphas before they return to their villages. All the excitement from the previous days finally hits me, and I need to rest. My mother calls for a pack healer to come to the mansion for a chec
I’m glad I don’t have to be alone for this. When my mother wasn’t speaking to me, I thought I would have to be alone for my first shift. It’s a terrifying and lonely thought. I’m relieved I’ll be surrounded by my pack.I spend the next few days in bed, trying to rest up and take the healer’s advice.
My mom takes my hand in hers. “I’ve been waiting for years for this day. It’s not how I had imagined it to be, but I am so proud of you.”Tears well in my eyes. “Thanks, Mom.”I plan to call Kane tomorrow and thank him for the gifts. I know I am too concerned with the shift that night to think about
EmoryI open my eyes and stare up at the full moon. My senses are overpowered. I can hear and see things from afar. I smell everything from my mom’s cloying perfume to the dirt coating my paws.I look down at my new body. My paws are large and covered in white fur. I turn my head to look over the
I pour blood into my glass and hand the bottle back to Rainer. “Well, my friend, I wish you all the luck in the world.”I know he’s going to need it.***EmoryCollins checked me the morning after my first shift, and I’m fine. So is my child. It’s a relief.The difference in me after my first shift
“Maybe some other time,” I tell her.Queen Agatha gets up from the table and approaches us. “It’s nice to have you back, Emory. You’re looking better.”Kane must have informed her about my first shift.“The shifter healer gave me some advice to help with the pregnancy symptoms,” I reply. “I still h
EmoryI try to stay calm during the check-up with Dr. Martin. He hasn’t said a word as we started with the ultrasound. He is intently looking over the monitor to see the baby. We’ve had an ultrasound before, and everything had been normal. Our pack healer’s concern is what’s driving my anxiety for m
He pulls me into a hug, and I let him comfort me. Even with my cheek pressed against his shoulder, the seed of dread within me continues to grow. I have a baby coming a lot earlier than expected. No one can give me answers about why.There’s nothing I can do–and I am terrified.***KaneEver since t
Emelda raises her perfectly shaped dark brows. “How come?”“The bride never showed up. My parents had to dismiss all the guests. Dad believes this was King Mattias’s plan all along–string us along, force our hand when it came to holding the wedding in Crescent Peak instead of Cole’s own territory in
Michael It’s early morning when I finally leave the castle for home, shifting into my wolf form and splitting the fog as I race across the castle grounds. I made sure my cousin was tucked into bed before making the rounds a final time, talking to my uncle Lex and Aunt Ivy, who were remarkably upset
I cross the threshold into the hallway, murmuring to the servant in passing, “Will you please have a decanter of wine spiced with blood sent up for him, for all of our sakes? I really don’t want to deal with him biting maids again.”The servant swallows hard as he nods and quickly shuts the door beh
MichaelBlood-red walls cloud my vision. I focus on the spiraling, floral velvet details of the wallpaper instead of the tall, dark-haired man pacing vigorously across the room, leaving tracks in the carpet. Roses. Mom has always loved roses, and this room is a testament to her love of daylight, su
EmoryThe next few months are some of the busiest in my life. With King Myenas’s death, Kane had to negotiate a treaty with the heir to Carmine Falls. King Myenas’s son, Aiden, is a lot more agreeable than his predecessor. He and Kane may never be friends, but they won’t be enemies.The new system f
LexI don’t know how long I’ve been asleep. I wake up in the hospital wing with a bandage wrapped around my neck. The memory of Opal stabbing me with a ceramic shard has me gingerly touching the bandage. It doesn’t hurt anymore, but there is some stiffness.I blink against the harsh fluorescent ligh
KaneI expect the news of me sabotaging King Myenas’s feeder trafficking operation to reach him quickly. His business partners being present at the meeting means they have to warn him that he’s about to lose a fortune. The moment I arrive back at Castle Graystone, King Myenas is on the phone demandi
WillowI never like it when Rainer comes home injured. The gashes Opal left on him have healed by the time I see him, so there’s no reason to drag him to the clinic to get checked over by Dr. Martin. He tells me that Lex is in worse shape and is being treated by the doctor at Scarlett Thunder. Opal
LexRainer moves quickly, shielding Kane with his body. The sword slices into the dark fabric of his shirt and leaves a large cut on his shoulder. He hisses from the pain and pushes Opal away with his other arm, nearly knocking her off her feet. Blood drips down from the sword, onto the carpet.Opal