“Why keep slaves at all?” I asked him. “The Highlands is wealthy enough for you to afford to pay people for the work they do for you. That’s the honourable thing to do.”“Look, slavery has been existing even before the time of my father. It’s our way of life here. Why should I change it?”“Because the slaves are people’s loved ones. They have families and they deserve to live dignified lives. Nobody wants to be a slave, Rowan. It’s not a good way to live.”He smiled at me. “So, you want me to release the slaves?”I nodded.“Would that make you happy?”“Yes,” I replied.“Then it is done,” he said.I gasped. “Do you truly mean that?”“You have my word,” he promised. “And I shall let everyone know that it was your idea. Your duty as the pack Luna has already begun.”I hugged him tightly. “Thank you!”“You will always have anything you want here, Jade. All you have to do is ask.”I couldn’t believe it. Was this truly happening? Suddenly I have been transformed from a homeless traveller to
“Don’t let her attitude bother you. My mother is a diva. She likes to blow everything out of proportion. Her room is a perfect example of that.”I couldn’t help but giggle. “Don’t be rude. That’s your mother.”“You don’t have to tell me,” he chuckled.“But seriously, she doesn’t like me.”“So?”“So, I don’t want to clash with her all the time. I’ve been down that road before.”He smiled slowly but the smile did not reach his icy eyes. “Listen, my love. This is my territory. I rule here, I am the law and my word is final. Nobody, and I repeat, nobody will dare hurt even a strand of hair on your head. Not even my mother.“You are now an extension of me. Whoever disrespects you, disrespects me and I assure you, they all know the consequences of attempting that.”I didn’t know it was possible for me to love Rowan even more but I did. Tears of joy stung my eyes and I didn’t bother to hide them. They ran down my cheeks and he swiped them away with his thumbs.“Didn’t I say I love you?” He a
“Maybe we should wait until it becomes obvious to everyone.”“That would piss off my mother. She likes to be the first to know about everything.”“Well, she’s going to have to wait this time. I don’t want to be accidentally punched in the belly by anyone.”“My mother wouldn’t do such. She’s not that cruel.”“I’m sorry,” I apologized immediately. “I didn’t mean to offend you.”“I’m not offended,” he replied with a smile. “My mother is simply protective of me and my siblings. She’s not the best mother in the world but she’s not a bad person either.”I nodded, accepting his correction graciously. Perhaps it was time to extend an olive branch to Ria. I don’t want to have a tense relationship with her as I did with Gertrude.“What do you think it is?” He asked me, rubbing my belly again. “A boy or a girl?”“I think I want a girl this time,” I said with a smile.“What will we name her?”“Nyla. That was my mother’s name.”“I like it.”“Do you mean that?”“Yes.”I flew into his arms, embracin
“I’m not sure,” I said uncertainly. I wanted to meet my baby so badly but I was scared shitless.Memories of my last experience came rushing back and fear crippled me. I couldn’t even get up from my chair.“It’s ok, Jade,” Rowan said soothingly. “Everything is going to be all right. I’m going to be with you the whole time, I promise.”I nodded at him and let him lift me to my feet.“Do you want me to carry you?” He asked.“No, I can walk. They say walking helps to move the process along.”We went inside and as we headed in the direction of our suite, we ran into Ria. Her eyebrows lifted curiously when she saw us.“What’s the matter now?” She asked.A burst of hot liquid ran down my legs just then, splashing on the carpeted floor. That was all the answer Ria needed.“The baby is coming!” She yelled at us.“Yeah, we sort of knew that already,” said Rowan sarcastically.His sarcasm flew over his head. “So, what are you waiting for? Take her to the birthing room!”“No,” I shouted. “Please
“Oh, goodness!” I gasped and immediately released Ria who began to cough and rub her neck.“Get this crazy woman away from me!” She screamed hysterically.“What’s going on here?” Rowan asked.“It was a misunderstanding,” I explained.“She’s insane!” Ria yelled angrily.“Mother, that’s enough,” Rowan snapped at her. He handed Nyla to her nanny and said, “Take my daughter to her room.”I quickly got on my feet and intercepted the transfer. I carried my daughter from her father and hugged her tightly, inhaling her fresh scent.“I’m so glad you’re safe,” I whispered with relief.“Of course, she’s safe,” said Rowan. “Why wouldn’t she be?”“Take her,” I said to the nanny and handed over my daughter to her. When she left, Rowan faced me.“Care to explain this drama?” He asked.I glanced at Ria who was still sitting on the floor and glowering at me.“I am so sorry,” I apologized to him. “It was truly a misunderstanding. She made a statement that sounded like a threat and it sent me into a pan
“Jade, wake up!” My eyes flipped open and I found myself staring into Rowan’s worried eyes. “It’s ok, my love,” he said soothingly. “It was just a dream.” “Nyla,” I whispered. “What about her?” “I have to go and check on her,” I said and got off the bed before Rowan could stop me. “Was your dream about her?” “Yeah, sort of.” I hurried out of the room without even bothering to wear a dressing gown. I needed to see my baby and hold her in my arms. I needed to be sure that she was ok and that nightmare was nothing but a bad dream. “What is it?” I asked her nanny when I saw her carrying Nyla and rocking her gently. “She has been fussing all night,” she said. “I think she’s coming down with a fever.” “What’s going on?” Rowan asked, coming into the room. I carried Nyla from her nanny and I was shocked at how hot she was. “Oh, dear,” I gasped. “She’s
He bent down until his lips were only inches away from mine. “We could have had something beautiful, Jade,” he said softly. His lips brushed against mine as he spoke.“I know, but – ““I don’t want to hear it,” he said sharply, surprising me. He straightened himself and turned away from me.“You can stay here tonight but you must leave tomorrow. That’s not open for negotiation.”He walked out of the apartment and slammed the door behind him. I let out a shaky breath. Good gracious!What was wrong with me? Had I just nearly had sex with my one-time ex? If Sahid hadn’t walked out now, would I have succumbed to his charm and let him seduce me back into his bed? What a mess!“Get a grip on yourself, Jade, “ I told myself. “That’s not why you’re here.”I strode to Sahid’s bar and poured myself a drink. It was going to be a long night here. I knew I was safe tonight but tomorrow was another matter entirely.If Dominic was still alive and out there, then tomorrow might just be my last day al
I was extremely annoyed but there was nothing I could do. As much as I hated the Lycan Alpha’s condescending tone, I couldn’t help but go along with his suggestion.Dominic was still out there waiting for me to show up so that he can kill me. Now, Rowan would have to abandon Nyla to come and rescue me. It made me sick to my stomach to imagine our poor daughter being without us even just for a few days.“I’ll leave,” I said flatly. It had taken all of my courage to arrive at this decision.“Suit yourself,” said the Alpha King. “I will not sacrifice anyone from my pack for your little adventure.”“This isn’t an adventure for me. My life is in danger and you’re refusing to help me.”“You can spin this anyhow you like but my decision is final. You will leave alone.”“Fine!”I marched out from his presence, half hoping that he would call me back and reconsider his stance, but that never happened. I walked out of the palace straight into the streets.The day had begun and people were going