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
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
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
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
H E R A Itโs my twenty-second birthday and they said that comfort goes out the window on your birthday. It's practically a rule but I'm not a fan. I've never been one to squeeze into a tight dress and heels. Just give me jeans and a T-shirt or sweatpants. I really love sweatpants. But today is my birthday, and it's not just any birthday. I'm turning twenty-two, and my friends are adamant that I can't go out in joggers and a hoodie. "Well, you clean up nicely." Keia runs her fingers through my freshly styled hair and squeezes my shoulder. "Close your eyes." "Keia." "Listen to her," Janice chimes in while zipping up the fourth dress she made me try on. "You need to be surprised by how stunning you look. Who knew all this was hiding under those frumpy clothes." I playfully smack her arm and laugh. "You make it sound like I never dress up. I did for graduation." "That was months ago!" Janice sounds shocked. "Okay, enough. It doesn't matter. What matters is how you'll walk into th
H E R AKeia raises her glass to Janice and me, then downs it without hesitation. "What's the plan?""We're hitting up Oasis first, but we'll slip out the back and head to Club Zero," I explain."Do you think Mike will catch on?" Janice wonders."He's not even allowed in Club Zero, so it's all good. I'm an adult, I should be able to decide for myself.""Cheers to that!" Janice exclaims, clinking her glass.There's something else I want to check off my list tonight, but I haven't shared it with my friends. I want tonight to be the night I lose my virginity. I don't want it to be a big deal, just a spontaneous moment with someone experienced. May it be a human or my kind. I donโt want to have that mate thing. I want freedom. Mating and bonding were an old thing. If I told Janice and Keia, they'd think I'm nuts.I'm a grown woman, and I want to explore what women doโan ordinary woman. No titles. Just myself.Keia and Janice have already had their experiences. Now it's my turn.As Mike dr
T H O M A SKingdoms rise and fall on a daily basis, yet under my reign, mine thrive."Another round of whiskey, Mr. Morris?"Silently, I nod, gesturing towards my empty glass."Right away, sir." The waiter swiftly retrieves my glass and hastens to my personal bar to prepare my drink.I possess the most exclusive VIP rooms. This space is exclusively mine. I conduct business here. I celebrate here. Occasionally, I eliminate threats here, if the opportunity arises.Club Zero belongs to me. It is a fragment of my empire, but it serves as a sanctuary where I can relinquish my crown after a long day. I unfasten the buttons of my finely tailored suit and stroll towards the balcony, overlooking the main floor. I tightly grip the railing, scanning the crowd for adversaries.For vulnerabilities. For her.My gaze fixates on a stunning woman adorned in a glistening silver gown; even from this vantage point, I can see it radiate. She sits at one of the tables, sipping what appears to be a martini
T H O M A SI will ensure her safety at all costs. She is under my protection. Even if it's only for tonight, as I am not someone meant to be a part of anyone's future, Hera belongs to me for this evening. And I will treat her accordingly.As we finally arrive at the top, one of my guards opens the door to my private room. Once the door closes behind us, the music is completely muted."I've soundproofed the room," I mention, taking off my blazer and hanging it on the chair.She looks around, amazed by the opulence of the room.I press a button on the wall, causing the frost on the glass to disappear, allowing her to see outside the club."That's a nifty little feature," she comments, walking over to the wall to observe the dancing crowd."We can see them, but they can't see us," I clarify, wanting her to feel as secure as possible with a stranger."You must own this place to have an office like this.""I do."She turns to me and smiles, a smile so captivating that it almost makes me s
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.