Novels by Cherish/ Cherie

Camelia PovOne week later, I was beginning to find a routine.My new job at Mooncrest Cooperative Bank kept me busy. I sorted account forms, filed pack business records, and helped the front desk answer calls from clients across Silver Ridge territory.It wasn't exciting, but it paid. For the first time since Peter had abandoned me, I had money of my own.The bank had given me more than a wage. It gave me a reason to get out of bed each morning and something to focus on besides the betrayal.Every day, I learned something new. Which forms needed a manager's signature. Which pack accounts required extra checks. Some clients arrived with guards, while others came straight from farms or small businesses and waited in line with everyone else.The work reminded me that pack life was made of ordinary needs as well as Alpha orders and ceremonies.I was still hurt, but the hurt no longer filled every minute.Becca's roommate would return soon, so I had started looking for a small room to ren

Camelia PovThe drive to Becca's home had left me drained.Resting my head against the window, I watched the pack territory slide past. Peter's face kept returning, the way it looked when he struck me. Then Anya, taking his hand.Maybe Peter had never loved me. Maybe he had only loved the idea of a perfect Luna beside him.Becca's house was small but comfortable. She carried one suitcase inside and pointed me toward the wall."Put yours there. We'll sort it out later."I let go of the handle, then stood still.The house felt safe, but I didn't know how to relax. Every time I closed my eyes, I saw the closed door of my old home."You need to sit down," Becca said."I'm fine.""You look like you're going to fall over.""I said I'm fine."Becca lifted an eyebrow but let it go. "Then stop thinking about Peter and Anya."A bitter laugh escaped me. "How am I supposed to do that?""By giving your brain something else to do. Check your phone. Read something. Anything."I reached into my bag.

Camelia PovLong after Peter and Anya left, I stayed on the floor.My cheek still burned. Every time my fingers touched it, I remembered Peter's face when he struck me.He hadn't hesitated. He hadn't even looked sorry.A hard knock rattled the front door and I didn't move.The knock came again, louder this time. Slowly, I pushed myself up and crossed the room. When I opened the door, two men in dark suits stepped inside without waiting for an invitation.One held a document."Miss Stewart, you must leave this property. It has a new owner."I stared at him. "What are you talking about? Peter gave me this house.""The property has been transferred.""To whom?"The man glanced at the paper. "Anya Stewart."My grip tightened on the door.Of course. Peter had given my home to the woman who helped destroy my life."No," I said. "This is a mistake.""I'm sorry. You have one hour to collect your belongings.""One hour? I have nowhere to go."The man looked uncomfortable for a moment, but his

Camelia Pov"Enough with the lies."Peter's voice snapped through the room.I flinched."I'm not lying," I said. "I don't know what happened at the bar.""You expect me to believe you woke up in another male's bed by accident?""I think someone drugged me."Peter let out a short, cold laugh."Of course. Someone forced you to drink. Someone forced you into his bed. You had nothing to do with it."I shook my head. "That's not what I'm saying.""Then what are you saying?"The right words wouldn't come. My head still hurt, and the memory of the stranger's room made me feel sick.Even the journey there was a blur. How could I explain what I didn't understand myself?I searched Peter's face for the man I knew.He used to wait outside my father's hall after long council meetings, tired but smiling the moment he saw me. He used to take my hand beneath the table when our families discussed the bonding ceremony, as if the promise between us belonged only to us.I held on to those memories becau

Camelia PovA sharp pain throbbed behind my eyes.I groaned and pressed my fingers to my temples. Silver-lilies and a man's cologne filled the room, both scents far too strong. My wolf stirred, uneasy.Under the sheets, my leg brushed something warm.I froze.My eyes snapped open. A stranger lay beside me, naked beneath the dark sheets, his broad shoulders rising and falling with each breath. I had never seen him before.This wasn't my bed. This wasn't even Silver Ridge Pack territory."Oh, Moon Mother."I scrambled away from him. The sheets slipped, and I snatched them back over myself. My clothes lay scattered across the polished floor. My dress. My corset. One shoe near the door.My hands shook as I dressed. A sleeve caught at my wrist, and I nearly cried tugging it free.What had I done?Pieces of the night came back. Anya had begged me to visit a bar near the neutral borders. My friends had supposedly abandoned me, and I hadn't wanted to go alone. Turning my sister away was somet