*Conrad*She’s nothing but an abomination that should rot in hell. I hope she’ll die as her mother, unwanted, unloved, and undeveloped.Those words rang like a broken record as I watched my Starfish twirling on the dancefloor with young pups. She looked carefree, beautiful, and unaware of the evil behind our borders, waiting to catch her in their claws.I smiled at her when our eyes met, and she beamed at me while holding hands with the youngest, dancing to another song specially commissioned for the Luna. I sipped my wine lazily, trying to relax, focus, and not let Rip berserk and tear the room due to his rage.My visit with Leon turned out to be a successful one. Thanks to Dr. Vera's great care and MacKenzie's magical currents constantly circulating in his body, Kit could come forward and speak with Miles, Chase, and me, and thanks to that, we have learned much more about our enemy than Leon remembered.Kit shared with us all the information he recorded from capture to release. He t
*MacKenzie*I didn't know how to react. My common sense told me to hide behind Conrad, but my curiosity told me to feast my eyes on that gorgeous man for as long as it was allowed. And I just did that, waiting for the two best friends to catch up before I stepped forward. The entire day was full of surprises. First, Claire practically kidnapped me from the bakery and dragged me to her place to gush over the fantastic news about my relationship with her son. Secondly, she turned from a tremendous future mother-in-law to a rigorous teacher, presenting me with every possible book about being perfect Luna.Thirdly, I had to undergo a quick makeover while pretending I wasn’t exhausted after being rushed the entire day. Lastly, an unexpected guest stole the show, making him the center of attention—mainly the female part.”I am so glad I could finally meet you, Miss Allard. Conrad kept you a top secret from everyone, so I had to show up and meet you.” He stretched his hand, and I placed min
*Mackenzie*The flowers surrounded me from every side. The perfectly arranged bouquets of roses, freesia, tulips, chrysanthemums, lilies, and wildflowers were everywhere I looked. And I wasn’t even in my cottage but still at the party.Every thirty minutes, a few people walked in carrying huge vases filled with beautiful flower arrangements, placing them around my table with a short message from the sender.I’m sorryI looked at the opposite side of the room and sent my best murderous gaze towards the culprit, who sat on the bench with a gloomy face and a hanging low head. I wanted to approach him and console him, but my new friend at my left told me to make him suffer a little longer.”I can’t believe I am witnessing this.” She beamed excitedly, ”We should record it or take a picture. The ruthless killer, Rogue King, is put in the corner by his little mate. That should be written in history books. Why didn’t I bring my phone to capture this moment?” She chuckled as she gazed toward C
*MacKenzie*”Can I have this dance, Luna?”I felt a slight tap on my shoulder, and when I turned around, my eyes widened as I gazed at the tall and smiling Dragon King offering his hand. I gulped, nodded at his offer, not trusting my voice, and placed my cold hand in his hot one.”Don’t worry, I won’t bite.” He chuckled as he led me towards the dancefloor.My feet were screaming at me to get rid of my shoes, but I clenched my teeth and ignored the pain where the blisters started to form while dancing with Conrad. The party was already ending, and I was glued to Conrad’s side the entire time. He never let go of me on the dancefloor or at our table, as he kept me on his lap throughout every meal.”I please, Your Majesty, do not swirl me around. My feet are already in pain as I stand; I wish to use them tomorrow to escort me to work.” I pleaded, hopeful not to offend him with my request.He looked down at me quizzically before he lifted our joined hands, put his other hand on my back, an
*MacKenzie*”How are your feet, Mackenzie?” Maddox asked as I finished cleaning up the kitchen.”Mmm, fine. I am still sore, but the blisters are gone, and I can go to work. By the way, I start in thirty minutes, so hurry up here.” I checked the time and gasped, ”Thank you for the breakfast, Maddox. It was delicious.” I thanked him and looked at Conrad, who stood in the kitchen leaning against the fridge with his arms and ankles crossed.” You’re not going anywhere, Starfish. I linked Mrs. Kringle in the morning and told her you’d not be at the bakery today. I’m sorry for informing you like that, but there is something we need to talk about.” He pushed from the fridge and walked towards me. ”Can you sit, please? It might take a while.” He took my hand and pulled the chair for me.”Talk? What do you want to talk about? And what is he doing here?” I asked, pointing at
*Caris*I picked the last lovage leaves and placed them in the basket. My back was killing me because of staying in one position for too long. I was no longer the youngest woman, even though my appearance might not suggest it. Being a bear shifter has advantages and several inconveniences, including painful bones.”Ahhh.” I moaned through clenched teeth as I straightened up, and my lower back cracked.”You better know what you’re doing, Claire. Helping you in those greenhouses is way more exhausting than any training with your son. I have never suffered so much my entire life.” I whined aloud.Unfortunately, I didn't receive any response. I was left alone in the greenhouse as Claire returned to her apartment to prepare her magical potion for MacKenzie. I picked up the basket and carefully walked between the flower beds towards the exit. I shook my head when I thought about this poor girl who had no idea what kind of mother-in-law she would have.”You better prepare for the woman from
*Mackenzie*Spirit.That word rang in my head constantly for the last two hours. Nothing could have prepared me for what Maddox told me. Never in my wildest dreams could I imagine such a scenario.Spirit, what does it even mean?Am I a ghost, some unknown energy floating in the air? Am I even real? I got scared suddenly. I sat in my cottage, gazing at the fireplace while Fireball lay on my lap, peacefully pouring as a stroke at red fur. Maybe he was wrong and told a complete bullshit.”You're still processing? Stop worrying. Let's wait for his return.”Connor walked in with a stack of firewood and placed it on the ground. I gave him speechless, as I had no idea how to answer.Was I processing? Yes.Was I worrying? Yes.Was I anxious for Maddox's return? Absolutely not.I was done when he mentioned celestia
*MacKenzie*I moaned into his mouth while his tongue took possession of mine. None of our previous kisses were like this one. His lips felt soft and warm, and I couldn’t stop and tasted more and more of them. Conrad tangled his fingers into my curls and tilted my head slightly, allowing him to dominate me in this position.My body was on fire, my heart was racing, and my lungs desperately screamed for the needed oxygen, yet I couldn’t stop wanting more. My hands grazed his neck and ears and locked behind his head, tugging at his hair, causing a deliciously pleased grunt from my mate.”You’re not helping, Starfish. I want to be gentle with you.” He pleaded as he nibbed at my jaw, making my breaths come out in short pants.I released his hair, tilted my head more, and slid my hands to grab his shoulders. I fisted my hand on the soft fabric, but my nails scratched his skin delicately, and he grunted warningly again.”You’re playing with fire, Mackenzie. Stop teasing me.” He warned and pu