LOGINKaelani laughed softly as his arms settled around her. “You answered that awfully fast.” “Because I didn’t need to think about it.” He brushed a kiss beneath her ear before trailing another along the curve of her neck. “I would spend the rest of my life filling this packhouse, Silveredge, and the
Julian leaned back in his chair, satisfied. “Then let’s build something that lasts.” A knock sounded at the door before it opened without waiting for permission. Kaelani stepped inside with Kaelen perched comfortably on her hip, his small hand tangled in the fabric of her sleeve. Julian looked up
Kaelani sat cross-legged at a table, Unseelie warriors gathered in a loose circle around her. She held a fan of enchanted cards etched with shifting sigils, their symbols glimmering faintly as though alive. She studied the other players with an unreadable expression, her storm-dark eyes giving nothi
Tessa burst into laughter. “Damn. I wish I had your powers.” Kaelani smiled, her eyes glinting with mischief. “That’s not even the best part.” Tessa blinked. “There’s more?” “Oh, there’s definitely more.” Kaelani hopped down from the counter and took Tessa’s hand again, leading her back outside
“Kaelani,” he said warmly, “I want you to meet a couple of friends of mine.” Lazarus and Sebastian turned to face her fully. “This is Lazarus,” Julian continued, “and Sebastian.” Kaelani smiled politely. “Oh, hello. Julian has told me so much about you both.” She extended her hand toward Lazarus
Kaelani gathered a careful handful of her gown as she reached her chair. “If you’ll excuse me,” she said lightly, glancing at Julian, “I need to use the ladies’ room.” Julian’s brows lifted as he looked down at the layers of satin and diamonds. “Do you need help?” he asked, gesturing toward the swe
“Damn,” Tessa muttered as she appeared at Kaelani’s side, wiping her hands on a flour-dusted rag. She craned her neck toward the door, where the bell had only just stopped swaying. “Did you see him? He was hot. Like—unfairly hot. The suit, the shoulders, the whole smoldering ‘I eat interns for break
Kaelani’s hands knew the rhythm of kneading dough better than they knew the warmth of touch. The wooden counter beneath her palms was dusted in flour, the yeasty scent of rising bread clinging to the air. Behind her, the ovens hummed, filling the small bakery with the comforting perfume of sugar and
They found her. “If you choose to stand with me,” she said, her voice steady with conviction, “then you will be my people.” She stepped forward slightly. “And I… I will be your Queen.” The words did not feel claimed. They felt accepted. A strange warmth surged through her chest, building, gath
Time stretched while they stayed knotted—breathing each other in, tangled together in the aftermath, his wolf quieting just enough to let him rest. Kaelani’s fingers threaded through his hair, slow strokes, steadying him the same way his hold steadied her. The bond between them pulsed—present, hun







