LOGINThe Beta behind me growls at the threat in the Lycan’s voice and I stop breathing from the anticipation. “Eric, back down.” Ellen snaps as she strides forward. Eric lowers his head and steps back though it’s clear that’s the last thing he wants to do. “My queen, you have your meeting between your e
Anxiety is my closest companion these days. I’m starting to wonder if I will ever feel calm again. The only time I try to hide it this time is when Grace is around. She’s too perceptive though. She knows something is going on, but she doesn’t ask. The day of the meeting, nausea doesn’t allow me to
He seems to think a moment, looking at me with a mixture of concern and pride. “Alright, but if I get any sense at all that something isn’t right, I’m coming.” “Fine.” I agree, though it pains me to do so. By the satisfaction on his face, that man will look for any reason to crash that meeting. It
I stare down at Ellen’s hand, outstretched, reaching for me. Then I think about the man asleep upstairs. The one I just told I loved. I can’t leave either one of them. To lose one is to lose a part of myself. “I want to meet with more of the Lycans.” I say. “So far, the only one I’ve spoken to is
As the days pass by, and my clock counts down, my anxiety just increases. I find myself staring out the windows, wondering where my people are now. What they must think of me. I feel like I’m abandoning them. A terrible sense of shame hits me periodically as I think about how I didn’t go with them.
He breathes a sigh of relief as he reaches me and pulls me into his chest. “Are you hurt?” He asks, holding me tightly. “No,” I answer. “Not really.” It’s only then that I allow myself cry.Adrian POV I get Lily home and into the living room where she sits down heavily on the couch. She told me
I’ve never felt so secure as I did after I met Adrian. He had the steadiness of a rock, and I never questioned whether I was safe with him or whether he would look out for me. If I had been in this position before I was with Julian, it would be no contest between the two. I would have chosen Adrian.
It’s easy to talk to Adrian, and when I do, I can’t remember the last time I’ve felt so seen by someone. Like they genuinely cared about what I said and were actually paying attention. I pick up my glass of wine and that’s when I realize it. What we’ve unintentionally done. The lighting, the food,
The next morning, I get up long before Julian. I didn’t sleep at all, and I feel exhausted not only physically but emotionally. I get ready and leave to get Grace up and dressed. She greets me with a smile and a chipper “Good morning!” that lifts my spirits despite my tiredness. I get her ready for
“Both.” Adrian answers Grace’s question and I let out my breath slowly. I hadn’t even realized I’d been holding it. A warmth floods my chest, and I suppress the smile that threatens my lips. The feeling of his eyes on me has me tugging at the hem of my nightgown again. It was a particularly warm an







