Bianca“I’m fine, really.”I pursed my lips and ignored Isaac’s protests as I dipped the cloth into the bowl of water. His wounds would heal fairly quickly thanks to the advanced healing that one’s wolf provided—a luxury I didn’t have right now with my wolf in stasis and a baby in my belly, not that
He cleared his throat. He didn’t need to answer for me to know that I was right.Fastening the bandage to his split brow, I went on, “It’s time to grow up, Isaac. But you can’t expect other people to do the growing for you.” I jabbed my finger into the center of his chest, trying not to think about
Bianca & IsaacBiancaMy jaw clenched as I read the email over Isaac’s bare shoulder.“I can’t believe he’s not even willing to negotiate in the slightest,” I hissed through my teeth, my hand moving protectively to my stomach as if my father could reach through the laptop screen and rip my baby away
“His image,” Vera finally said. “And his vices.”Now they were getting somewhere. Isaac tilted his head, keeping his voice light and breezy as he murmured, “Vices? What kind of vices?”Vera glanced toward the palace, as if worried they might be overheard. “He pretends to be so proper, so traditional
BiancaThree days.It had been three days since I’d seen Isaac flirting with Vera in the gardens, and my heart still ached as if the betrayal had happened mere moments ago.I lay in my bed, staring up at the ornate ceiling, watching the shadows dance across the plaster as the sun began to set beyond
Isaac shrugged. “You wouldn’t open the front door, and you weren’t answering. I thought you were dead or something.”Despite myself, I rolled my eyes. “Great,” I muttered. “Now there’s another way for you to pester me whenever you want.”“That’s the spirit,” he grinned, although the smile didn’t qui
BiancaThe hug took us both by surprise. Even Isaac stiffened in my embrace, arms slightly stretched out to the sides, clearly not expecting me to do what I just did.When I pulled away, I felt my cheeks flush with heat. I quickly stepped back, adjusting my shirt over my small baby bump, looking any
But it didn’t. It just slowly meandered away, rocking softly on the waves, with Vera standing at the back. Her hair and dress fluttered elegantly in the wind, and she didn’t pull her gaze away from mine.“Well,” Isaac finally said, waving a fly away from his face, “that was dramatic.”I shot him a g
Even I knew what a big deal that was. With that kind of press, we could control the narrative even further. We could talk about the Shelter Project, our new friendship with Ethan—really showcase Isaac’s potential as a future king.It would be perfect.“They’ve never approached me before,” Isaac said
BiancaThree days after Ethan’s party, I was having a nice, peaceful breakfast in the palace dining room when Isaac suddenly stormed in with a newspaper clutched in his hand and a scowl on his face.“Have you seen this?” he demanded, slapping the paper down in front of me.I picked it up and nearly
I shrugged, suddenly feeling awkward. “You’re always so nice to me when I’m not feeling well. I guess I… wanted to say thank you.”Isaac paused mid-bite and studied me with an unreadable expression. Then he smiled—not his usual smirk, but something a little bit softer and, dare I say, more genuine.
BiancaI woke up slowly, surrounded by a warmth that had nothing to do with the morning sunshine spilling across my comforter. For a moment, I kept my eyes closed, savoring the comfort. Then I registered the weight of an arm draped over my waist, the steady breathing against my neck.Isaac.My eyes
Isaac tilted his head, his blue eyes flickering briefly with an otherworldly glow as he studied me in the darkness. Was his wolf close to the surface? “Your mouth says one thing, but the rest of you says another.” He reached up, brushing a strand of hair from my face, his fingers lingering against m
Bianca“Seven minutes in heaven,” a woman in a red dress announced to the room, holding up an empty wine bottle. “Who’s feeling nostalgic tonight?”I stiffened immediately. They had said the game would be geared toward couples, but seven minutes in heaven? Was this woman serious? I’d expected charad
Ethan didn’t look convinced; he’d always been able to read Isaac like a book, and he knew that the pregnancy hormones had nothing to do with it.“And what about when she inevitably finds out?” Ethan asked. “Because she will, Isaac. She’s your fiancee, and she’s clearly highly intelligent. And if you
Isaac“Party games!” Isaac beamed, whirling toward Bianca. “Bianca, darling, why don’t you go join the others? I’ll be there in a minute.”Bianca hesitated, narrowing her eyes at Isaac. He hoped she couldn’t see his Adam’s apple bob as he gulped. Finally, she nodded. “Alright. But don’t take too lon
“This is incredible,” I said, and I meant it. “The thought you’ve put into the design… it’s clear you actually care about the people you’re helping.”Ethan’s expression softened. “That’s the whole point, isn’t it? What good is wealth if it’s not used to improve lives?”“Exactly,” I agreed. “I’ve alw