T H O M A SFor the past few days, I've been closely monitoring Hera. She must be out of her mind if she thinks I would ever leave her alone. If I'm not keeping an eye on her, there's always someone else I trust who is.But you know who I don't trust? Dale. He's Hera's so-called friend who runs the bookstore across the street. Even though his background check came up clean, something doesn't sit right with me. I don't appreciate how he spoke to me.It's like he knows too much, and someone with that kind of knowledge has surely done some questionable things in their life.It's around nine in the evening, and here I am, parked across the street in my car, gazing up at the balcony above Hera's bakery. She's standing outside, leaning against the railing, her hands clasped together. From this distance, I can see her shoulders trembling as tears stream down her face.My grip on the steering wheel tightens, my knuckles turning white. It pains me to see her so down, so broken. There are count
T H O M A SI almost decide to bail on the mission and run across the street, but then I see not one, but two people crawling into bed with Hera. Her pups. She welcomes them with open arms, one on each side of her.I close the app, put my phone away, and wonder what I could have done differently to deserve to be in Hera's home.I bet it's warm and cozy there, unlike my place, which is minimal and cold. I'm hardly ever there anyway. I'm always at the club, running most of the business.The device in my hand beeps, reminding me of the task at hand. I unplug it, and the door unlocks automatically. I can destroy this in just a snap but that will cause much trouble. At this moment, human devices were useful.High grade for someone like you, Dale. What are you hiding in here?I won't let whatever he's planning to do touch Hera.As I step into the bookstore, I adjusted my vision. I donโt need to use a flashlight just to see whatโs inside under the dark. Itโs my advantage as a supernatural be
H E R AAddison looks up at me with those big green eyes, just like her father's. She drops her colored pencil and asks, "Mommy, can I have a muffin?"I finish wiping down the counter and shake my head. "Sorry, sweetie. You already had one.""Please," she pouts, trying to win me over.I stand my ground. "No, darling. Finish your dinner first, then you can have another muffin."She slumps in her chair, crossing her arms and pouting even more."Pouting won't work, Addie," I tell her.She turns her back to me, giving me the silent treatment. As she grows older, her sassiness only seems to increase, and I wonder where she gets it from.The bell rings, and my smile fades when I see who's at the door.His smile still has the power that weakened my knees. It's hard to resist him, even after all these years. I remember meeting him at the club, and his scent and elegance drew me in.Although he never said it, the money he sent me that night helped me through a tough time. I kept it untouched f
T H O M A SAs I gaze at the picture I swiped from Dale, I see that it sits proudly on my desk in its new frame. However, the longer I stare at it, the more my anger intensifies. It's frustrating to see myself portrayed as unstable and fixated on Hera instead of being seen as someone who is genuinely concerned about her safety and protects her from those with ulterior motives.Hera places more trust in Dale than she does in me. My instincts have never failed me, and while I do desire Hera for myself, my primary concern is ensuring her well-being and security.Dale's actions interfere with my plans. I'm uncertain about his intentions, but I am determined to uncover the truth.Gelo enters the room, closing the door behind him to grant us privacy away from the noise of the club. "I completed the background check as you requested," he informs me.I take a sip of whiskey, feeling the burning fuel my determination to make Hera mine. "I'm not pleased with how thin that folder looks," I expre
T H O M A S"Then they can find employment elsewhere. An empire isn't built on the backs of many, Gelo. It thrives on the excellence of a select few." With that, I descend the steps and make my way towards my private garage.As I make my way through the club towards the rear exit, a few of the hunters raise their heads, acknowledging my presence. They're gathered at the bar.I pause for a moment, contemplating whether these are the individuals who have been questioning my leadership abilities. Just for amusement, I discreetly reach under my blazer and retrieve my gun. I cock it, ensuring they can hear the imminent trouble approaching.Among the group, I choose to press the barrel against the head of a newer hunter, though I know the names of all the men who work for me. He has black hair and a tattoo adorning the side of his neck.Logan.His shoulders tense as he feels the cold metal of my gun against his skin."Mr. Morris," he greets me, his voice trembling weakly. "Have... have I do
T H O M A SThe doorbell chimes, and in walks an older man, handsome and charming. A smile spreads across his face as soon as he lays eyes on Hera.Instantly, a surge of jealousy washes over me. I can't stand the thought of anyone else bringing a smile to her face. That's my job."Mike!" she exclaims, wrapping her arms around his neck as he lifts her off the ground.My hands clench into fists, disliking how close he is to touching parts of her that only I should. Even my wolf agrees with me."What brings you here? I thought you retired from being a guard?" she asks."I did. I did. I just wanted to check in on you and see how you're doing," he replies."I'm good. I'm great. Can I get you anything? It's on the house," she offers."I'd love that. I'm happy to see you thriving. I was worried about you," he admits.Her smile wavers and she avoids my gaze as she shrugs. "I'm fine. I've always been fine." She packs a box with cupcakes, scones, muffins, and slices of bread. "I've learned to r
H E R AโNo, please!โ I attempt to open the oven, but it's scorching hot. Flames are spewing out, and a thick cloud of gray smoke fills the air. The smoke gathers above me, resembling a stormy day. Tears stream down my face from the intense heat, and I rush towards the door, desperately opening it to let the smoke escape.In the distance, I hear the wailing sirens, signaling the arrival of help.While the smoke dissipates, I quickly grab the fire extinguisher. Thank goodness the kids are at daycare and don't have to witness this chaos. I wonder if I could keep a clear mind if they were here.With the black nozzle in my hand, I press down, releasing the foam that instantly extinguishes the fire.The smoke makes it nearly impossible to breathe."Hera? Hera!" Dale coughs as he rushes through the smoke. "Are you alright?" He cups my face, but his intimate touch causes me to lean back. I cough to hide my reaction, and he wraps his arm around me, guiding me outside.Just as the firetruck ar
H E R AOnce Dale is gone, Thomas stands up and gently holds my face. "You can take care of yourself. You can take care of your pups. You can do anything on your own."A tear escapes my eye, and I nod. "I can."He murmurs softly, running his fingers up my nape to tilt my head back as he stands above me. "You have the choice," he repeats. "But it's not necessary. I understand your struggle, and I'm not here to take it away. You have your survival instincts. You have a royal bloodโthe Luna of your pack. I respect that. You don't have to fight alone anymore."I shake my head because this can't happen between us. Not again. "Thomasโ" I begin to explain that he can't be the one to assist me. It's not a good idea.He places a finger on my lips to quiet me. "Will you be quiet and let me take care of you?"Before I can say anything else, he lifts me into his arms again and carries me to the door leading up to my apartment, next to the bakery entrance. The firetrucks and medics depart, and as
One year laterโฆT H O M A SAfter the celebration of our wedding anniversary.I only last one hour before I steal my wife away from everyone. One day without her, and now I need her all to myself.โThere are still guests, love,โ says Hera mischievously.โI told them to leave.โโOh my God!โ Her eyes widen in shock and I shrug.โI want to fuck my wife,โ I huskily growl. โAnd they donโt need to hear you scream my name.โHer friends have already left so I donโt stop myself from carrying her in my arms bridal style to our bedroom. Our room looks like a bridal suite with the candles lit on the bedside while rose petals cover the bedspread. Heraโs eyes darken with lust while a blush covers her rosy cheeks.Carefully placing her on her feet, I tug her head back with her hair in my fist and smash my mouth against hers. I tilt her face back before pushing my tongue past her lips in a hard kiss. She moans and I swallow the sound greedily while pressing her body into mine.Her eyelids fall open
T H O M A SIt's been a while since we returned from that dimension. Time there felt like just an hour in the real world, even though we spent days in it. โI really donโt want to see that old lady again, Gelo,โ I said. If I were my old self, I wouldโve kicked her out of my territory without a second thought. But I promised Hera I wouldnโt be that cruel Thomas anymore. โAnything else on your mind?โ Gelo asked as he set the plate down. I frowned. โYou brought fruits for my wife, but youโre the one munching on them, you jerk.โ Gelo laughed, standing up with a smirk. โRelax. I got hungryโโ โWhatโs the situation at the border? How are the intruders?โ Gelo shoved his hands in his pockets. โSome have been dealt with, but a few have already slipped into the territory. Donโt worry, the councils are on it. We just need a bit more time.โ I nodded. This couldโve been avoided if it werenโt for that old woman. Hera is still in the hospital recovering. โStep out and check the campsit
K E I AMy knee slammed hard into his groin. The dress cushioned my effort, and all he did was grunt.โIโll take that as a yes, pumpkin.โGelo had me pinned between his arms and the wall.โExcuse me, sir, could you call security? Iโm being kidnapped.โThe elevator attendant was clever and kept his back to us.โExcuse me, sir?โHe didnโt respond.โHeโs not going to help you. I own everyone I want. Youโre mine now. You agreed to marry me. Thatโs a verbal contract.โThe stupid giant ruffle on my dress didnโt do much except amplify every breath I took. But the closer he got, the more my heart raced, and my breaths quickenedโฆ and oh, damn, my panties were soaked. Every time I thought I had my feelings under control, that I had pushed away the parts of me that wanted to be a girl and wanted love, this idiot found a way to break through.โGelo Smith, Beta of the Dark Midnight Pack. Weโll revisit this ownership thing later. But about this proposal? I agreed under false pretenses. No dead guy
G E L OโYou can tie the knot with me, and I promise I wonโt ruin your life.โDamn, I really didnโt think that one through.โDid someone knock some sense out of you?โ she asked.Honestly, that was a pretty good question.โThis is the worst proposal ever, Gelo Smith.โI stepped closer, wanting to wrap my arms around her. It had been way too long since Iโd held her.โAlright, how about this? Marry me, and Iโll take care of the jerk who hurt you.โShe glanced at Prieto, probably looking for his approval. But what she said next completely threw me off.โYes.โWhat the hell had I just done? Did she really say yes? All I could see was that scumbag standing between me and, well, everything. He was in the way of her. She meant the world to me. The thought of anyone else having her, especially treating her poorly? No one was allowed to touch her. But this?โYes?โ I repeated, because seriously, what had I just gotten myself into? I wasnโt the kind of guy who got married.I glanced back at the
Totally caught off guard, Aurora fought to keep Hera upright. Hera pushed against her with every bit of strength she could muster. Thomas shot his hand out. The knife slipped from Auroraโs grip and skated across the floor. Thomas stepped in, positioning himself between Hera and Aurora, his gaze locked on their foe. He raised his hand again, and a ball of fire appeared in his palm. Aurora stood her ground defiantly. Hera sensed Auroraโs grip on her loosening. Aurora smirked, a sneer spreading across her face. Heraโs gaze darted between her husband and Aurora. The flame flickered out. Thomasโs hands flew to his throat. When he dropped to his knees, Hera realized he was gasping for breath. โNO!โ Auroraโs sinister laughter echoed through the room. Hera rushed to Thomasโs side.Her beautiful eyes, usually filled with warmth, were now wide with fear. Blood trickled from her neck onto his chest.Amber's voice became more urgent. โAt this moment, summon the sacred power.โThe fac
"Can you hear her?"She nodded. โSheโs singing to drown out the other one. Sheโs scared Iโll talk to her and that Aurora will overhear. But sheโs really scared.โHe understood that, but hearing his youngest sisterโs sobbing made him anxious to get moving.โThe falls? Do you know which ones?โAmber shut her eyes and recited Heraโs song.โThe woods are thick and deep around me. Lots of huge, tall trees. The cottage has an old thatched roof. The smoke will billow out in big black clouds.I can hear the stream close by. I need to sing this lullaby. Keep my baby safe inside of me, bring me help, oh please, please, please.โAmber squeezed her brotherโs hand. โShe keeps saying it over and over. Can I tell her youโre on your way?โโNo. Donโt.โ He smiled at her. โYouโve done enough, now get some sleep. Iโll bring her back before dinner.โHe nodded to their mother and stepped out of the room.Outside, his father caught him. โTake more men with you.โIโm handling this on my own.Nolan grabbed hi
Hera came to, face down on a damp, musty floor. Her head throbbed painfully, and she could feel dried blood on the back of her neck.Her hands and feet were tied with rough rope, and a piece of cloth covered her eyes. A small opening at the bottom let in a sliver of light from a nearby fire.The room was filled with a sinister laughter that she recognized all too well.โLook what the cat dragged in.โPanic surged through her, and she fought against a wave of nausea. She could hardly forget that voice.โAurora!โโAh, so you remember my real name,โ Aurora replied, a smirk in her tone.โWhat do you want from me?โ Hera tried to push herself up.A heavy boot pressed her back down.โYouโre not of much use to me now.โโThatโs up for debate.โ Aurora stepped away.But the boot remained, pinning her down. Lancaster!Hera strained to catch a glimpse of Aurora, but all she could see was a shadowy outline through the fabric.Aurora shot her a fierce look, tilting her head like she was weighing her
Meanwhile, Hera, taking charge of the household, was discussing dinner plans with Alice. She spent a lot of her day overseeing the servants, making sure they took down the tapestries for winter cleaning before the bad weather hit. Once everyone was busy with her tasks, she decided to try knitting to keep her hands occupied. She was more than happy to set it aside when young Jacob, Thomasโs squire, came in with news of a visitor. โLady Morris, sorry to interrupt.โMatthew of Lancaster stood behind him.โNo problem at all, Jacob. Sir Matthew, what brings you here? Were we expecting you?โ Hera hadnโt heard anything about his visit, and a little alarm went off in her mind.โNo, my lady. I was passing through when I encountered Lords Nolan and Gelo. Thereโs an issue.โ He glanced around the room and lowered his voice. โA matter they need your help with.โHer earlier unease crept back. โWhat kind of issue?โโThey asked me to bring you to them. They didnโt want me to disclose what Iโve see
Rumors started spreading around the Keep and made their way to the village. People began to whisper that Myra was suffering from a serious illness. Some even speculated that she had run off with one of the guys who came to the wedding.The buzz about Heraโs pregnancy helped to quiet some of the chatter about Myra. Still, the Morris family figured they should come up with a reason for Myraโs absence. No one knew how long sheโd be gone, and pretending she was still around was wearing everyone out.One afternoon, Nolan was in the courtyard with Gelo, getting ready for their latest scheme.โSheโs impossible! She turns down every suitor!โ Nolan shouted.โTake it easy, Dad. Myra knows her own mind,โ Gelo replied.โWhatever.โ Nolan threw his hands up in frustration. โShe doesnโt understand whatโs best for her. Maybe a stay at the convent will give her the peace and time to think about my proposal.โโAre you sure about that?โ Geloโs voice was loud enough for the guards in the towers to hear.