“I met him when I was sixteen, on my birthday, to be exact. It was the worst birthday of my life.” Amber inhales a large breath. “My friend insisted we go to a club on the human territory. She was screwing the bouncer, so it was pretty easy to sneak in. At first it was fun. Dancing with older guys, getting free drinks, getting hit on. It was the first time I had felt beautiful or loved in so long. It was everything you see in the movies. Until I met him. Back then, that pale asshat was the most gorgeous creature I had ever seen. He was so sweet and attentive. He complimented me, made me feel safe. He gave me what I was looking for. Love. I mean, I had my dad back then, but I wanted that all-consuming love. I wanted what I thought everyone around me had. What I thought my parents had. I know it’s silly considering I’d just met him, but I was so desperate for any type of love back then, I couldn’t stop myself from fallin
“The warriors emptied my kitchen, otherwise, I’d offer you cookies or something.”“It’s fine.” Paige smiles at me from across the table.My stomach churns. I’m so nervous about explaining Lyle to everyone. I wipe my sweaty hands on my jeans. I know that I’ll be judged today. That never used to bother me, but now it’s the weight of judgment that is making it hard to breathe. Alex sits next to me, continuously rubbing circles on my back. His touch sets alarms off in my head, but it brings peace to my soul. I’m still torn on the whole second chance mess. He impressed me with how he acted as I told him the story, but there’s a nagging voice demanding I build brick walls between us. I don’t know how I’m ever supposed to get over this. Maybe there’s no way to get over it. The hinges of the door squeak, letting us know Jake has made an appearance. It’s about time. I’m ready to get
I slump into my chair, the adrenaline fading from my veins. Alex gently runs his fingers over my hand before locking them with mine. I’m too tired to ask him for space right now. It’s only lunchtime, but I’m drained.“You, okay?” Paige asks in a whisper.“Yeah, I’m just tired.”“I’m sorry for my part in those rumors. I didn’t start them, but I spread them.”I offer her a small smile. Apologies can’t erase the emotional scars, but I’ll take it. It’s not really her job to erase them, anyway.“I’m starving. The cooks made pizza today. How about I have them bring us all some?” Alex asks.Everyone agrees with a collective eagerness. Twenty minutes later and we’re all devouring greasy slices. I smile at the little moans that
I can’t contain my laughter as I pull my raging mate from her prey. Goddess, this woman is perfect. I carry her screaming body into the kitchen, plopping her onto the counter.“If I knew you could do that much damage, I don’t think I would’ve rejected you.”“But you did. Guess that means you’re due for an ass kicking.” Amber’s eyes are dark, and the smile on her face is terrifying.“You scare me, but I’d let you if it meant that you’d forgive me.”“Well, I just might hold you to that.”“Scout’s honor. When you forgive me, you can kick my ass.”“Were you even a boy scout?”“No, but still.”I hand her some ice wrapped in a rag for her knuckles. She stares at me, switching the ice between her knuckles.“Well, if you weren’t a boy scout. Then, what were you? What did little Alex Dunn want to be when he grew u
“Come in.”“Hey, I just wanted to see…” Amber’s voice trails off as her eyes land on my body.I relish in the way her stare makes me feel. The tension of her heated gaze makes it hard to breathe. All I want is her, and all she wants is for me to leave her alone. That’s what she says, anyway. I realize that she’s staring at my scars more than my toned abs, an observation that deflates my confidence just a little.“What are those from? Those weren’t there before.” She walks towards me and touches my scars.Tingles light up my skin underneath her fingertips. Goddess, I have missed that. Her touch feels so good that I almost forget to answer her.“Oh, uh, I got into a fight with some rogues and their leader gave me a going away gift.”She moves closer, her hands never leaving me. The closer she gets, the harder it is for me to not throw her on my bed and show her e
My ears perk up as I hear a faint growl in the distance. I step over Alpha Clyde’s lifeless body, confused. Colin just spoke with him four hours ago. In front of us, guards lay dead in a chaotic sea, the grass being watered by their blood. My nostrils become overwhelmed by the metallic smell.Tally moves closer to the bodies, her face scrunching as she further inspects one of the guards.“No vampire bites. If I had to guess, I’d say they were killed by werewolves. It looks like a fight broke out, and these guys were on the losing side.”I feel a pinch of relief. At least we didn’t walk into a trap, but what is this? Who killed Alpha Clyde and his guards? Where is the rest of the pack? A scream breaks out from the trees. I have a feeling that we’ll find our answers in that forest. I lead my warriors to the tree line. I inhale a sharp brea
“My name is Alpha Colin from Onyx Flame. I won’t take up much of your time. I just need to know if everyone feels safe and happy with-“ he turns towards Clyde’s brother. “What’s your name?”“Ray.”“Does everyone feel safe and happy with Ray taking over as your new Alpha?”Howls and claps confirm Ray’s position. Ray shoots Colin a pointed look as if he’s offended that he asked his pack how they felt. It’s clear the man isn’t a fan of ours, but it’s not like we can leave here without knowing these people are safe.“Wait, Ray, do you know where the girls are? Can we speak to them? They might have information on the other missing girls,” Peyton asks.Ray nods at us, walking us around the burning vampires to a secluded group of trees. “We found them in a van, close to where Clyde met the vampires. They haven’t talked much, only to say that they weren’t hurt. Mya, come here, please.”A young she-wolf walks up. It’s Ray’s daughter. It has to be. She’s practically his clone.Colin steps close
A giggle comes from Ryker’s highchair. He’s laughing at Paige’s attempts to feed him baby food. I don’t blame him. She’s wearing more of it than he’s eating. Who wouldn’t laugh? My chuckles die off when a glop of applesauce hits my shoulder. I reach for a rag, my eyes catching Claire’s worried expression as I do.“They’re going to be okay,” I say as I nudge Claire’s shoulder.“My wolf doesn’t think so. I should run upstairs and get my phone. Maybe he’s called by now.” Before she can stand from her chair, a loud crash comes from the front door. Four warriors guarding the foyer fly through the air, landing near us. I pass Ryker to his mother and instruct her to run. Paige and I watch them disappear before we turn our attention to the front. Everything has gone quiet. Too quiet for dinnertime at the packhouse. I look over at Paige. Her eyes are glazed over, and I know she’s sending out a mass warning mindlink. I can o
My little pet hops into my car with no hesitation. I slide into the backseat next to her, giving orders to the fledgling in the driver’s seat. I put my arm around her and pull her close. Just like the first night I met her, she doesn’t resist. She’s the same weak wolf now that she was then. That night, I was rough and quick, not caring that it was her first time sharing her body. Now, I plan to be slow and meticulous. I will take her in every way possible. I’ll touch every inch of skin and drink every drop of blood she has. Amber will spend the rest of her life with me, no matter what.After an hour of driving, I recognize the forest around us as the protective trees that hide my castle come into view. We’re close now. My grandfather was so clever to build a hidden castle in unclaimed territory. No one ever wanders this far out. The large home comes into view. I watch Amber’s face for a speck of reaction, but she keeps her eyes trained forward. My compul