“You’re healing nicely,” Sera says. And he is. She’s been tending to him diligently, and she’s happy with Len’s progress.She can’t say the same for her living conditions, though. It’s been two days and Sera has resigned herself to the fact that there is no possible escape. She’s tried – the bathroom window, the back door, even the window from the second story – but Len’s men are guarding every possible exit. She has no choice but to stay here and keep caring for Len.“How’s the pain level? Getting better?” Sera asks. “Fine,” he replies bluntly. Len is a man of little words. Sera’s tried to engage him in conversation several times, but his response is never more than a word or two. It’s not that he’s mean; he’s actually treated her quite well. He’s given orders that she be given everything she needs, comfortable bedding, toiletries, nice meals. She’s even been offered an occasional glass of wine with her supper. But even so, the truth remains - she’s still a hostage.
Damion’s vibrating phone is impossible to ignore. Clearly, someone is trying very badly to get a hold of him. Why isn’t he answering it? Sera wonders.“Please, baby. Just call me back, okay? When you can?”It’s Miriam. Sera recognizes her voice on the message instantly. Guilt washes through Sera. Poor Damion. He’s been out looking for her instead of with the woman he loves. “You should talk to her,” Sera suggests as they drive away from the Riverbrood Pack territory. The darkness is palpable, with only a crescent moon in the sky. Sera looks out the window. “She’s probably worried, Damion. I imagine you’ve been out looking for me for a while now? What if something’s wrong? What if it’s an emergency?” Damion sighs deeply. Then he nods, grabs his phone, and dials.Sera can’t help but eavesdrop in the conversation.“Did you find her?”“Yes.”“Is she alright?”“Yes.”“Is she still with you.”“Yes.”Brief pause. And then - “I completely understand, sweethea
Damion is in a world of pain. He tries to roll over to his side but the danger wound sends shock waves through his body. The room fades in and out through his blurred vision. He feels his body burning up and tries to kick off his blankets. “We can’t get his fever down,” a doctor whispers to Jackson outside Damion’s bedroom door. “He’s slipping in and out of consciousness. I’m afraid he’ll go into a coma.” “Do you know what’s wrong with him?” Butler Jackson asks. “Not for certain. But I believe he’s been poisoned with some type of new wolfbane. Seems to be causing extreme pain, high fever, and loss of consciousness. I’m going to run some more tests on his bloodwork.” The doctor walks away just as Miriam walks up. “I need to see him,” she tells Jackson, reaching for the door handle. He stops her. “No, Miriam. He’s not allowed any visitors. Doctor’s orders. He’s been in and out of consciousness. He’s likely unconscious now. He cou
Sera climbs into her car and is just about to leave when she sees Miriam making a beeline for her. “We need to talk,” Miriam says, leaning through the passenger side window. She smiles sweetly as Sera. Sera hesitates. “Please, Sera. This is important. I won’t take up much of your time, I promise. How about a coffee? At Express Bean?” Sera doesn’t know what to do. She seems friendly enough. She must be stressed about Damion. Maybe she needs to vent.“Okay, sure,” Sera smiles back. They walk to the secluded café. The café is far from the pack border; no one will recognize them there.In the café, the two women sip their lattes.“Nice weather today,” Sera comments. This is so awkward. Why did I come here? I have nothing to say to her, Sera thinks to herself.“It is, yes,” Miriam responds dryly. Seriously? She’s talking about the weather. This woman is such a bore!Sera tries to think of something else to say, when she sees Miriam reach up and touch a necklace around her nec
“Ding----” “$5,000,000 has arrived in your account 310-4xxx-718. Sender: Damion Green.” Sera, as usual, was returning from the pack hospital and was about to open the door when a text message caught her attention. Five million dollar and... Damion Five million dollars has been deposited into her bank account. Today is their third anniversary together. Three years ago she became the hostess of the packhouse. But, yeah, three years, and he hasn't honored her with the title of Luna. A bad feeling welled up inside Sera. Could it be that SHE… Sera wipes the thoughts out of her mind and walks through the packhouse and into their room. The moment he sees her, he smiles his sly smile. It melts her heart. She really does love him. Is this really about…to end? “Damion,” she starts, but he silences her with his hand. His eyes are full of lust; she knows the look well. They may not be a fated match, but under the covers, well, let’s just say no one’s complaining. Is she wrong about the
Sera wakes up the next morning alone. She reaches for Damion but then the events from last night come crashing down. The gift. The good-bye sex. The romantic dinner.Miriam. Sera rolls over and sees her packed luggage. Yup. It’s all true. Damion’s true love is coming home and giving Sera the boot. Damion didn’t come back to their bed last night, probably out of respect for her. It’s easier this way. She’ll just grab a cup of coffee, make some calls, and then be on her way. She sits down to make her first call. The mindcall links to her mom, Trulia.Well, her adopted mom that is. They took her in when she was just a lone wolf-pup. They’ve always been the best parents to her; she’s never felt adopted or not wanted. However, being adopted makes her feel like she owes them a lot. She’s very grateful and she wants them to be proud of her. She wonders what her mom will think when she tells her the big news. “Sera, my darling. Lovely to hear from you. Is everything all right?” her mom
They pull up to Damion’s dad’s house. Stephen is a retired Alpha, and he and his Luna, June, moved here years ago when Damion took over the pack. It’s a cute cottage, nestled in a small village in the middle of a forest. They like the privacy and they like being close to nature. It’s peaceful. Sera has always enjoyed visiting Stephen and June – they’re both very sweet and have always been kind to her. It will be nice to see them one last time. Damion cuts the engine and Sera is just about to get out of the car when he tells her to open the glove compartment. Sera does as she’s asked. There’s a small blue, velvet box inside. “It’s my sapphire bracelet,” she says, recognizing the box immediately. “Why is it in the glove box?” “It’s the first gift I ever gave you,” Damion says, his green eyes sparkling. “Open it.” Sure enough, the stunning sapphire bracelet is nestled inside. “You never wore it. Why not?” He’s staring at her, his eyes intense. Sera’s confused. Why is he re-giving
“I know all about his plans,” June says, as Sera tucks her into bed. She’s such a cute old woman, with her hair in curlers and her nightie pulled up to her neck. “What plans?” Sera asks, as she prepares some medicine for June. “He’s going to take her back, isn’t he? That Miriam?” So she does know, Sera sighs. She turns to June with a faint smile and nods. “Over my dead body,” June replies. Sera can’t help but smile. Even though she’s weak in bed with pneumonia, she’s still feisty as ever. “She’s selfish. I won’t let her come into this family.” “Take your medicine, June,” Sera tells her. June obeys, slamming back the medicine like a shot of tequila. Then she grabs Sera’s arm with a strength that surprises Sera. “We’re on your side,” June says, staring straight into Sera’s eyes. It’s almost too much for Sera. Such a kind, sweet woman. But there’s literally nothing anyone can do; Damion has made up his mind. “How long have you been sick?” Sera asks, trying to change the subject.