HILDA POV
Dark, handsome, smart...Crow is an admirable male. His body is in prime condition and looks as if he exercises regularly.
A small smile tugs at my mouth as I scrub my scentless soup into my hair. I could see myself with a mate like Crow. A male who has loved. A man who has lost everything but kept going.
I step out of my shower and dry off quickly. I don't have much of a morning routine. I'm not like other she-wolves, never have been. I like to get clean, get dressed, and be done. I don't prep and preen my face for male satisfaction.
I get my old but clean undergarments on before throwing on some sweats with a matching worn-out tank top. Perfect. My phone chimes, and I open the message before pulling on my socks.
"Two new arrivals Alpha."
I finish getting dressed before responding.
"I will
CROW POVI hang my head and let the water cascade down my dirty body. I watch the dirt collect and move through the water by my feet-little specks, insignificant but irritating.....like our lives.I want to growl and argue with the new feelings brewing within me, but that would mean I acknowledge them. I don't know why I couldn't stop staring at Hilda today. My thoughts hadn't been anything but neutral and curious, but I never give females attention. Maybe my interest was stemming from our conversation last night. She impressed me.I shut off the water and step out. I hear the bedroom door bang open outside of the restroom, and my instincts kick in. I snatch the towel I had folded and waiting from the counter. I barely get it around my waist before I open the restroom door."Gage? What the hell? What's wrong," I ask as my eyes assess his pacing form.He seems unharmed, but some
HILDA POV Pain courses through me, and I curse the feeling back to hell where it came from. I have no idea why I gave myself hope. I should have known that I am doomed to be mated to a young second-born who has no idea how to lead. A male who can't place his own arrogance to the side to think about what is best for the pack. My fist connects with a tree, and the wood splits. My skin rips, but I ignore the irritating burn. Crow's stupid face is imprinted in my mind, and I can't help but picture it. His dark, almost black hair is thick and wavy. It shines and makes my hands itch to touch it. His dark eyes and thick eyebrows are expressive. They shout out his emotions, and my broken soul loves it. His nose is big and a little crooked, but the flaw makes him real; it makes the rest of him believable. I sigh as the first tear falls from my eye. For the first time in a long tim
CROW POV (R rated)She looks stunning today. If I hadn't already decided to compete, seeing her this morning would have been the nail in the coffin. Her blonde hair is down for the first time in two days, and it is beautiful. Natural blonde with soft waves......She is also dressed differently. She isn't in anything overly feminine, but the simple outfit looks sexy on her. She hasn't looked at me once, and that hurts a little. I know what I said last night broke something between us, but I hope by competing, it fixes it. I don't know what kind of relationship we can build between us, but her brother was right.My Cindy would be pissed if I spent my life sulking and missing her. She would want me to try for happiness, and I think I can have that with Hilda. She understands my pain. She is also intelligent, strong, and gorgeous. My brothers forfeit with honor, but no one else steps
HILDA POV I smile as I watch Crow move around my den. His fresh scent is beginning to saturate the air, and I like it. My den has smelled like only me for far too long. "Wow, this is unique," Crow says while running his fingers over my quilt. I nod and give him a sad smile."I made that. I used all of my first mate's shirts. I wanted to keep him close," I explain, and Crow stills. "Are you uncomfortable with me having it," I ask as I watch his reaction closely.My stomach twists with fear. I will not allow Crow to act as if my first mate didn't exist. I care for Crow, but I loved my mate. "No. I was worried you wouldn't want my scent on it," Crow admits while searching my eyes."I don't mind. I actually like the thought of your smell on it. I know we are.....I know this is all new, and I
VANESSA POV I wake up and kick the bed above me. Rosy groans. She grumbles out multiple cuss wordsjust like she does every morning. My childish behavior always sets her off when it comes to sleeping. "Nessa, why do you dislike sleep," Rosalind asks in a hoarse morning voice that makes me laugh. "I don't. I love to sleep, but it is time to be awake," I answer, rolling out of bed.I turn and tuck my bedding tight, just the way Ms. Grimes likes. We aren't allowed to leave our beds unmade or our rooms messy. Luckily for Rosalind and I, we were moved to our own room three months ago. No more little kids messing up the room we just cleaned or wrinkling the beds we just made. Rosy and I were moved due to our approaching birthdays. We both turn 18 in a few weeks, and we will no longer be welcome here. This hous
VANESSA POVI stare out the window, trying to memorize the highways they are taking. I know if we escape, we can't return to Ms. Grimes, but I at least need to know where we are and the route the kidnappers took. I need to know so I can tell the authorities. They need to make sure she never does this again. I take a break from my pointless task to check on a now sleeping Rosy.She fell asleep about an hour ago after bawling her eyes out. I feel so bad for her. I know we are in the same situation, but she seems to be collapsing. She has been so stressed lately due to our living situation. This has definitely sent her over the edge. I sigh, and Mr. leader turns back to look at me.He cocks his head to the side while actually showing an emotion. Curiosity."You are an odd one, Sugar," he says lowly while looking at his sleeping companion and Rosy. The third stooge is driving."How so," I ask sarcastically, not genuinely caring
VANESSA POV HARSHLANGUAGEWe have been pricked, poked, and examined for two days. I can not get over how thorough they have been about my blood. It took them four checks to finally believe what I told them in the first place. But for the most part, the exams haven't bothered me......it's what these people are that bothers me.For one, they sell people. That is a given reason not to like them. But for two, they aren't normal humans. They are something else. They are strong. They are cold. And they are vampires! How do I know.......they didn't check my blood by using a machine; oh no, they checked it by pouring the samples down their nasty throats!But at least they hold to their word. Mr. Leader had informed the exam people of my bargain, and everyone had agreed. They even became excited after my blood type was confirmed. Rosy was literally tied to my wrist after that.About an hour ago, they stripped us of our remaining clothes, so I am
GUNNAR POV"Yes," -Kraven"Fly back home. Do not touch any of the purchases. Let the vamps feed on the prisoners in the cells. That's their new refrigerator. I have to investigate my so-called Mate. And Kraven, brother or not, if word gets out about her being my mate......I will kill you," - Gunnar"Yes, Alpha," - Kraven.*********I slam the door to the town car harder than necessary. My body is going haywire with longing and rage. I hate that I want to see her. I hate that I want to smell her. I wish I could shut down the part of my body that is craving her touch.I bang on the two-story home's door without a care in the world. Humans driving and walking by are gawking at my massive form, but I ignore them. I am ready for answers, and this Ms. Grimes better have them.The door opens to reveal a small child, and I growl in aggravation."Where is Ms. Grimes," I say in a deep, menacing voice that makes th