Emma had dinner with her family and Lucien's. Her family had finally stopped complaining about Dex probably because she didn't rise to their bait. Even if she'd wanted to defend him, they wouldn't have listened to her. As they sat around the table, the men talked about the latest news and what had been decided at the Council. Emma listened with interest when she heard Dex's name. "Not only has he formed this pack of misfits, but he's also got some crazy new ideas," Lucien said. Emma immediately straightened, no longer concerned with hiding her yawns as Irma and her mother chatted about pack gossip."What kind of crazy new ideas?" George asked. Lucien rolled his eyes. "He's all about peace.""Peace?" Jeff asked. "Yes, peace. No wars between packs," Lucien said. Emma was dying to ask a question, to learn more, but she didn't want to draw the ridicule of the men.Packs often went to war over territory or some perceived encroachment on their own territory. Some packs were more aggres
Tonight was the night. Emma was going to wear the green dress. This was a test and maybe that wasn't fair, but she needed to know for sure before she upended her life. She needed to know if Lucien felt anything for her. Even if it was only physical attraction, it would tell her a lot. About him especially, but it would also make her path clear. She got ready in the bathroom while Lucien flipped through channels on the television. He was already in his tuxedo for the extravagant feast that evening. She just had to tie his bowtie for him. After she made herself look good. Not just good, sexy, and amazing. She'd washed her hair, dried it, and then put it into an updo. The style had looked easier on the video, but when she was done, Emma smiled at the results. Her eyes sparkled in the mirror. Time for the dress. It was green and floor-length and off one shoulder revealing creamy skin. Her earrings dangled almost to her shoulders and her kitten heels gave her another inch or so of hei
Emma's heart raced. Her hand unclenched from Dex's shirt one finger at a time. His lips on her felt as right as breathing. She shook herself. Would Lucien notice her swollen lips? She'd wanted to explore what had happened between her and Dex, but Brutus wasn't leaving until she entered the banquet hall. Darn."This isn't done," she said to Dex.He didn't move. Brutus stepped aside to let her in. "You should leave him alone. Especially with your Alpha so close at hand and looking for you.""Stay out of this Brutus.""I was there to pick up the pieces last time Emma."She studied him but had no response. She'd broken Dex's heart and she had no right to expect a second chance, but darn it, she wanted one. When she entered the room, Lucien stood at the bar and a few couples surrounded him. What was he up to and why did it involve her?She trudged over to where he stood. He looked up a rare smile on his face. "Here's my bride."What? He held out his arm and motioned her over to him. Knowin
Dex couldn't stay and watch the spectacle any longer. Emma had kissed him and now she was extolling the virtues of arranged marriages? He couldn't stand it, so he stormed out of the banquet hall. He left behind the lies that Emma had chosen to be a part of and the crowd that was eating them with a spoon. Once again, he'd been a fool. The outside air didn't cool his anger. He needed a long walk. What he should do is shift and let his wolf run it off. He couldn't imagine that Emma wanted to stay with Lucien with the way he treated her, but he couldn't say what was in her heart. When they should have been talking, they were kissing. He jammed a hand into his hair and let out a groan. Emma was messing with his head and he was letting her. "What was I thinking?"He'd been thinking that Emma had felt right in his arms. That Emma was his. He'd been mistaken. He put a hand to his lips remembering her taste. She'd been soft and warm and just the way a she-wolf should be. Looking up, he real
The next morning Lucien was up before Emma. She was happy to have a moment to herself.; there were plans to be made. A knock on her door startled her out of her thoughts. When she opened the door Dex stood there a smile on his face. "Come here.""Is Lucien gone?""He left fifteen minutes ago," Dex said. "Then come in.Dex shook his head. "No. He'll smell me in your room. Come to mine.""I'm in my pajamas.""Five minutes Emma. Just five minutes, then you can go on with your day."She looked around, but since there was no one else staying in the house and Lucien was long gone, she nodded. "Okay, Dex."She followed him to his room. It was just like hers with a table and a bed, but the view was better; Dex's room looked out onto the woods.Dex stood by the door while Emma looked around his room. Clothing was strewn on a chair. "I see you're still as neat as you once were."He chuckled. "My house is better, but not by much." He rubbed a hand over his face. "If we have limited time togethe
Dex wanted out of this meeting. This was the same conversation they'd had the last few days. The Council had ceased to be productive. It always ended the same way; Dex wanting peace and Lucien wanting war. That wolf currently ranted on the floor about tradition and honor in battle. Dex did his best not to roll his eyes. He pulled out his phone. Where was Emma? "What you up to?""I'm sitting on the beach, waiting for some friends.""Nice. I wish I was there," he typed."So do I."He smiled at that. Brutus nudged him. "You paying attention?""I could recite this speech in my sleep. He's made it every day," Dex said.Brutus grunted. "I like a fight as much as the next wolf, but really? There's only honor in conflict?""I might step out of this meeting," Dex said.Sitting on the beach with Emma sounded so much better. He didn't feel he was shirking any duties not listening to Lucien rage on once again. The Alphas were in the same spot they were two days ago. Nothing had changed. No one's
Today was the first day Lunas were allowed in the Council. "Some of the Alphas wanted their Lunas involved," Lucien said, sounding as if he didn't understand why. "I have no choice, but to bring you."She bit back a retort at his lack of eagerness for her presence in the meeting. She might get some insight into Lucien and how to handle leaving him. What she would get to see was Dex in action. She could only imagine the ongoing conflict between Lucien and her former lover. She'd heard enough stories, but to see it in person would bring it all into reality for her. "I'm sure it'll be fine.""Just keep your mouth shut. You get this meeting and one this afternoon. Tomorrow there's a breakfast and then the Council is done.""We go home?""Yes." He eyed her. "I would have thought you liked the freedom here."She just nodded. After they were home, she had to leave him. She couldn't put it off any longer and as much as she would like to just go home with Dex, that wasn't the way to handle t
Lucien finished his lunch, but he wasn't finished grousing about Dex. Emma had to listen to him the whole time, while keeping her mouth shut. She didn't want to argue with Lucien, but she also didn't want to hear anything against her lover. Dex had good ideas and maybe it was time for wolves to go in a different direction. If Emma had a brother, she wouldn't want him to die in a useless war. "How does someone think that way?" Lucien asked, lingering over a cup of coffee. "I just don't get it. Is it because he wasn't raised by his parents? They didn't get to instill the basics of being a wolf?"Lucien shook his head and Emma remained quiet. Now was not the time to share her feelings with him. He might bar her from attending the last meeting after lunch. She wanted to be there more than anything to see who was on Dex's side and who was on Lucien's. "And this afternoon, the Lunas get to speak."Emma perked up at the idea. This could be the beginning of her breaking away from Lucien.