Novel-novel oleh Felicia Adez

LORASo here's the thing about flying cross-country with a distinguished and famous elderly doctor who smells like expensive cologne and medical antiseptic - it's awkward as hell, especially when you're pretty sure he has some level of power over medical decisions.Dr. Gray looked like he belonged in some fancy medical drama, all silver hair and kind eyes behind wire-rimmed glasses, but I knew he wasn't just any doctor. This was Erin's personal physician, the one who handled "sensitive matters" for the werewolf royal family. Which apparently now includes my son"Ms Blake," he said gently as our plane descended into Portland, "I want you to know that this procedure is completely routine. A simple saliva swab, nothing invasive.""Yeah, well, nothing about this situation is routine," I muttered, bouncing my knee nervously while Alex, whom I'd picked up earlier to avoid delay, colored in his dinosaur book next to me—completely oblivious to the fact that his entire future was about to be d

LORAI made it exactly three blocks before the panic attack hit.One minute I was storming down Fifth Avenue like some badass who'd just told off a billionaire werewolf, which technically I had, and the next minute I couldn't breathe. My hands were shaking so bad I dropped my phone twice trying to call Maya,, and my chest felt like someone was sitting on it with a truck.The irony wasn't lost on me that I was having a breakdown right outside Tiffany's. Because nothing says "my life is falling apart" like hyperventilating next to overpriced diamond rings.Some guy in a blue cap asked if I was okay, and I just... lost it. Started crying right there on the sidewalk like a complete mess. Super attractive Lora, really winning at life here.By the time Maya answered her phone in Seattle, thank god she actually picked up. I was sitting on the curb, looking like I'd been hit by a bus."Jesus Christ, Lora, what happened?" Her voice was groggy through the speaker. “You sound like you've seen a

ERINMy penthouse occupied the entire top floor of the building, and I watched Lora's face as she stepped inside. Her brown eyes went wide, taking in the floor-to-ceiling windows taking over most of the living space, and the modern furniture that cost as much as a aircraft decorating the wide space.She did not say anything, but I caught the slight hitch in her breath. Good. Let her see what kind of world she had been keeping my son from."Drink?" I moved to the bar, needing something to do with my hands."I want answers." She stood in the center of my living room like she was ready for a fight. "How did you get that photograph?"I poured two glasses of whiskey, expensive stuff that usually helped me think clearly, but unfortunately its not going to help, not tonight."Your son shifted on a playground three weeks ago." I held out a glass to her. She did not take it. "A three-year-old werewolf pup, golden eyes, no pack scent. Word travels fast in our circles."I continued, "The superna

LORASo apparently when billionaire werewolf CEOs say "business dinner," they mean reservations at some fancy place where the menu doesn't have prices and the waiters look like they could buy my apartment with their tip money. Great.I stood outside Le Bernardin—because of course he picked the most expensive restaurant in Manhattan—checking my reflection in the window for the third time. My black dress was simple but classy, the kind Maya called "don't-mess-with-me chic." Too bad I felt like throwing up.My phone buzzed. Alex on video call, chocolate smeared across his cheek."Mommy! Mrs. Chen made cookies and I helped!"My babysitter appeared on screen, this sweet elderly woman who lived next door and treated Alex like her own grandson. "He was very good today. Only tried to climb the bookshelf twice.""Only twice? That's progress." I blew him a kiss. "Be good for Mrs. Chen, okay baby? Mommy will be home soon.""Is daddy coming home too?"My heart stopped. "What did you say sweetie?"

LORAThe Marrock Industries building in Manhattan was huge, all glass and steel, towering up like it was trying to show off. I stood on the sidewalk, holding my portfolio tight and trying not to freak out. You got this, Mama, I whispered to myself, using the same pep talk I give when Alex is being a handful. You're Lora Blake, a badass designer and a great mom. Buildings don't scare you.Once I got inside, the lobby was all marble and modern art that looked way too expensive. The receptionist was stunning, like she walked right off a magazine cover, making me suddenly self-conscious about my plain blazer and Target shoes. Lora Blake to see Mr. Marrock, I said, trying hard to sound confident."Fifty-seventh floor. Ms. Morrison will meet you at the elevator," she replied.The elevator ride felt way too quick. I checked my hair in the shiny steel doors, tucked a loose strand behind my ear, and reminded myself that I earned this. My work was good-really good-and someone had recognized i

LORAOne month after my mystery man vanished into thin air, two pink lines stared back at me from a pregnancy test. I sat on my bathroom floor in my bear pajamas, holding a plastic stick that had just blown up my entire life."Well crap," I whispered to my reflection in the toilet bowl. "This is not happening."But it was happening. The morning sickness that I had blamed on stress was actually morning sickness. The exhaustion was not from crying myself to sleep every night. And the weird food cravings were not just emotional eating.I was pregnant with a ghost baby.Maya found me there two hours later, still sitting on the cold tile, staring at the test like it might change its mind."Honey, what are you—" She stopped dead when she saw the test in my hands. "Oh my God. Is that what I think it is?""Depends. Do you think it is a pregnancy test that just told me I am having a baby with a man who does not exist?"Maya sank down beside me. For once in her life, she was speechless. That la