Erin’s point of view,I've been trying to get Raul out of my mind; I don't want to be involved with someone who is working with the mafia or, even worse, is part of the mafia itself, but it's hard because I haven't seen him, so I can't help the worry that runs through my mind.What if the Mafia Boss only told me that to stop me from asking too many questions What if Raul is in trouble? What if he is injured or worse?God, my heart breaks at that thought….I thought that maybe we had something good together. I chuckle to myself as I whisper,“You have real shit luck at picking out men, Erin” I take a deep breath forcing myself to concentrate on the paperwork in front of me I've spent far too much of my time worrying about a man that probably doesn't give a shit about me I need to get him out of my head.Once the paperwork is down, I find myself walking home from the Stargazer with Sam, glad of his company as he chats away, and I turn my head to look at him,Why can't I be attracted to
Raul’s point of viewBy the time we get home to the human world, I’m exhausted, and I know I said I needed to keep away from Erin in order to keep her safe, but I still needed to see her; she's still my mate, and I need to know that she is okay, It feels as though I haven't seen her in forever.I know she will be working at the Star Gazer tonight, and my feet and my heart want to take me there to walk her home, as I said I would. Still, my head reminds me once again why it is not a good idea; instead, I find myself watching out of the window, and when I see her walking down the driveway along with Sam, I have to stop myself from running outside. She bids goodnight to Sam before opening her door and letting herself inside the house.Only when I know she's safe inside do I step back away from the window… God, this is much harder than I thought it would be; I have to remind myself that she is my mate, and one day, she will be mine. That's if she will ever forgive me; maybe she will under
Leah’s point of viewI know I shouldn't, but I still do it anyway…I stand at the top of the stairs, listening to Raul and Erin talking. Obviously, Erin misunderstands Raul……I know he hasn't told Erin about the werewolf world yet, so I know she wouldn't understand why he had to disappear for a few days. She seems to be very mad at him, though, and I think it's a little unfair on him. If she knew how Raul risks his life for the sake of the other wolves and how much he does for us all, then maybe she would understand, and she wouldn't be so mad.I still don't understand why Raul won't tell her he's a wolf. Maybe he's frightened of scaring her away, but Erin is much tougher than she looks. Yes, I know it will be a shock to her, but I think she will come around eventually ... .I know she thinks a lot of Raul, more than she will ever admit.This must be so hard for Raul, though. Erin is his mate, and the way she's talking to him just now must be breaking him.I hear Raul say, “I wanted to
Erin’s point of viewI still can't believe that Raul is involved with the Mafia, especially knowing how they trashed my bar the way they did and whilst I was inside. Come to think of it, was he involved in that too before he knew who I was…before we began partners? and neighbours? Maybe he is the Mafia and not just in business with them. Perhaps it was he who gave the go-ahead for them to trash the bar, and then he jumped in as a partner, knowing how desperate I was to get the place back up and running.Holy fuck, I never thought of that! Just to think of him doing that breaks my heart. Did he purposely seduce me as well…Yeah, yeah, I know it was mutual, but was that his plan all along? Did he set out to seduce me just to ignore me? Was it all part of some plan to humiliate me?Was that his plan from the start, all because my dick of an ex slept with one of the other mafia’s wives? Would he stoop that low? God, I’m such a fucking idiot. I feel for it, hook, line and sinker!I’ve alway
Chapter 37 Erin’s point of viewI wake up the following day feeling pretty fantastic. My phone buzzes from the nightstand beside me, and I pick it up, surprised when I look at the time it's almost noon Ive slept in again! God, those nightmares must have really taken it out of me; I’m definitely making the most of these dream-free nights, that's for sure,I rub my eyes as I look at the many missed calls and messages. There are quite a few from Sarah and a couple from Sam; Sam tells me he's okay to open for the lunchtime service, and I grin as I send him a quick thanks back; I don't know how I coped without him.I then call Sarah, “Hello,” She says as she picks up the phone.“Hey, hun, I’m sorry I didn't call you earlier. I’ve only just woken up,” I say“AGAIN!” she says, and I giggle as I reply, “Yes, I think I'm making up for the sleepless nights and the nightmares.” “This isn't normal, Erin” " she whispers, and I laugh as I say, “I’m fine, Sarah. Honestly, I feel so much better no
Erin’s point of viewSam gives me a worried look as I hurry out of the door after them; the man seems to be holding her up, making me believe what Sam says. He must have drugged her; Shit, you hear about these things all of the time. You just never expect it to happen to someone you know; I know I don't like the woman, but no one deserves this.Well, not on my shift will I sit back and watch someone get drugged and rapped or worse. I shudder as I think about what might have happened if Sam hadn't picked up on it.The man steers her down an Alley, and I follow behind, not sure what I’m going to do. I grip my phone, sitting in my pocket. I might have to call Raul….No, I’m a big girl. Ive dealt with handys men myself. I'm sure I can give this guy a swift kick to the nuts; hit them where it hurts. That's what my mamma taught me. I slip off my shoes, gripping a heel in my hand; pretty sure a pointed toe or a three-inch heel is going to hurt like a mother fucker.I tip-toe behind, silent in
Raul’s point of viewAfter the magic circle was breached the last time, I asked Liam to set up some kind of sensor at the old warehouse, thinking whoever breached the circle would try again. I am working in the office when Liam rushes through the door,“The Old warehouse has been beached….The sensor has been activated,” He says. I look at him and ask.“When” “Right now, whoever it is is still at the warehouse.” I jump up. “Well, what are we waiting for?” I say as Liam follows behind me,” Phil…Neil, we need you down at the old warehouse; we have a breach.” I say as we grab our coats off the rack by the front door before heading out and jumping in the SUV. Phil and Neil jump in the backseat as I climb into the driver's seat, with Liam taking the passenger seat beside me.The warehouse isn't far away, so it only takes a couple of minutes to get there. I pull up outside. Liam looks at me before he says, “We should wait for backup Raul.” “No, I want to catch them in the act,” I say, al
Liam’s point of viewWhen we get back from the warehouse, Raul stays behind, saying he needs to go for a run as Dolp wants to exercise his shoulder; I know it is hard for a wolf to be grounded. We are meant to run, meant to be free, and at one with ourselves; what I mean is it's hard to separate our wolves from our human forms, and our wolves can get a little stir-crazy when they are unable to run free. So, I understand where he's coming from and leave him to it; I am still a little worried about the locket. It has to be Lucy’s, but what is she doing down at the warehouse? Was it Lucy who followed us through the magic circle last time?I am still a rather worried that Raul will find Lucy's fingerprint on the locket. I know that he wouldn't do anything as they grew up together, but I know he wouldn't be happy if he knew it was Lucy who followed us through the circle last time.When Phil and Neil head home to their own houses, I head upstairs in search of Lucy.“Lucy, are you home?” I
Erin’s povStill unsure of what to buy Raul, I pick out a nice jumper for him. And I find myself ordering a smartwatch for Leah in a cute blush pink and gold; why not? She deserves to be spoiled. I still have no idea where we are going with this relationship, if you can even call it that, and I have bought myself some new lingerie with him in mind, so I guess I could say that was another present for him, that's if I ever get to wear it for him, I giggle to myself at how late Ive left his present It gets delivered tomorrow on Christmas eve.I breathe a sigh of relief when the postman calls the following day; ripping the parcel open, I grin. My man’s going to look super sexy in it, but then again, Raul can look super sexy in anything,After breakfast, I wrap it up for him, along with the smartwatch for Leah, placing them both under the tree with the rest of the presents. Ive invited Raul and Leah around for Christmas dinner. I even invited Liam around. Sorry, not sorry, but there's no w
Erin's povIt has been a few days since Raul told me he isn't involved with the Mafia; I want to believe him, I really do. He seemed so sincere, and Dominetic kind of hinted that Raul does not work with him but helped him out, which goes along with Raul’s story.I haven't seen him for a few days, but he has texted as promised to let me know he is okay and how sorry he is that we cannot get any time together just now. Still, it's the little things that count, isn't it those early morning texts and late-night bedtime wishes, usually something along the lines of Sleep well, baby or sweet dream, Erin? This must be a step in the right direction. It puts a smile on my face anyway.Ive also heard that the Mafia that is causing the riots and trouble in town is not the same as Dominecs; Raul has promised that The Star Gazer will be safe and that no one in their right mind will go against Domenic…I hope he's right. There is a sense of unease all around town right now.Ive kept myself busy with
Erin’s point of viewI frown as I wonder what the hell is this surprise he has. He motions to someone standing by the door, no doubt another member of the Mafia; if they think I’m going to bow down to them and let them take over the StarGAzer just because Raul is a part owner, they have got another thing coming no way will I let them use my pub for any of their dodgy dealings! Domenic lets his mafia members bring a man up. It’s Warren! I let out a gasp! Warren looks haggard now, and the bruises on his face confirm that he has been held somewhere for a while. Domenic grins as he says, “ I know who this man is to you, Erin, and I also know that he cheated on you with my ex-girlfriend; she has been dealt with now. I need to know how to deal with this guy, and since you are the one he cheated on, I thought it should be you to whom he should apologise. Besides, I’m sick of hearing his grovelling apologies and promises.”My mouth drops to the floor as Domenic pushes Warren in front of me,
Erin’s point of viewI wake up early feeling much better in myself after a good night's sleep, plus the fact that I haven't seen Raul for a few days; I needed the time to get my head around things because every time I see him my heart plays stupid games, I’m hoping those few days will help my head to convince my heart that we don't want him. I need to toughen up and act like I don't give a shit.I spend the morning cleaning the house and catching up on my laundry whilst wearing my pjs. Well, it's not like I've got anyone to dress up for, is it now,By the time 11 am rolls around, I head upstairs to jump in the shower; once showered, I dry and style my hair before getting dressed and putting on a bit of light makeup.I always feel that bit stronger when I know that I’m looking my best. Raul might not appropriate it, but I'm pretty sure a few of the customers do. When I'm done, I'm ready to head to the Stargazer. It is a cold night, but the sky is clear, so I decide to walk. I head out
Raul’s point of viewWhat the hell were Liam and Alpha Jonny thinking?I can’t believe either of them thought bringing Lucy along to this charade would be a good idea. What on earth was going through their heads? Liam knows Lucy and I grew up together, and I’m pretty sure that Alpha Jonny does, too. Did Liam persuade him to let Lucy join in this madness?I just can't get my head around it!Don’t get me wrong, Lucy is a very beautiful woman, and as Liam said, she is one of the strongest she-wolves that I have ever seen; she’s bound to be as she has Beta blood running through her veins still. I could never see her as anything other than a sister, a little sister at that, and I could never have feelings like that for Lucy. Besides, if she were meant to be mine, then fate would have brought us together long before now.When the ceremony has finished, or whatever Alpha Jonny likes to call this farce today, a young woman starts to walk towards me. Maybe she thinks she stands a chance, too….
Raul’s point of viewThree days later, I went back to werewolf land. Thankfully, though, this time, we all made it through the circle without any drama, and Alpha Jonny and his warriors were waiting for us on the other side, just as he promised.He reaches out to shake my hand and says, “I’m glad you could make it, Raul.” I half chuckle and reply, “It didn't feel like I had much choice.”He laughs as he says, “Liam and I only want what's right for you, Raul.”I nod my head as I say, “Just know that I will be the one who chooses who is right for me, Alpha Jonny.”Jonny laughs as he replies, “Like I would expect anything else from you, Raul, but first things first, let's get back to the pack house while I run through what we found out about the arrow that shot you.” I nod. “That's what I’m really here for.” We follow Alpha Jonny and his pack of warriors into his land and up to his packhouse. Before making our way into his meeting room, there is Alpha Jonny, along with his beta Wayne
Raul’s point of viewI head home from Erin’s house feeling slightly deflated. I can't believe she literally threw me out of her house; I know I shouldn’t laugh, really, because if I wanted to stay, there's no way she could throw me out, but my heart was bleeding for her tonight. I hate to see her so sad and to see that someone has actually physically harmed her. Well, god help that person if I ever find out who it is…No one hurts my mate!What did she mean by Lucy kidnapping her, though? Lucy wouldn't kidnap her, would She? Is she only saying this because she has been caught trespassing at the warehouse? In a way, I was hoping that the necklace did belong to Erin and that somehow, despite everything, she still has feelings for me.Who else would have a necklace with my picture in it? Because I just can't think of anyone else.I finally climb in bed at some ungodly hour and fall into a restless sleep. Erin always appears in my dreams, but when I reach out to pull her into my arms, she
Erin’s point of viewBig hand grabs hold of me as I whisper, “What are you going to do with me?” he chuckles as he throws me over his shoulder. I’m still wearing the mask and have no idea where I am, only that I am somewhere by the sea. My guess would be at the docks, maybe the same place where I saw Raul with the other Mafia man. Is Lucy part of the Mafia, too?It is a possibility, but what do they plan on doing with me now? Are they planning on dumping me in the docks with my hands still tied behind my back? And why did Lucy bring me here?I sighed in relief when my knees hit the cold metal floor of the van. The engine starts up, and we are on the move again. I can hear Lucy and big hands whispering; it sounds more like arguing than whispering and I can’t quite make out what they are saying.Lucy does not sound very happy, though!A few minutes later, and I'm being dragged out of the van, heavy hands whisper, don't try anything silly, and you get to live….and don't move for the next
Liam’s point of viewWhen we get back from the warehouse, Raul stays behind, saying he needs to go for a run as Dolp wants to exercise his shoulder; I know it is hard for a wolf to be grounded. We are meant to run, meant to be free, and at one with ourselves; what I mean is it's hard to separate our wolves from our human forms, and our wolves can get a little stir-crazy when they are unable to run free. So, I understand where he's coming from and leave him to it; I am still a little worried about the locket. It has to be Lucy’s, but what is she doing down at the warehouse? Was it Lucy who followed us through the magic circle last time?I am still a rather worried that Raul will find Lucy's fingerprint on the locket. I know that he wouldn't do anything as they grew up together, but I know he wouldn't be happy if he knew it was Lucy who followed us through the circle last time.When Phil and Neil head home to their own houses, I head upstairs in search of Lucy.“Lucy, are you home?” I