"I can't do this no more. I'm leaving you, Rupert Peter Myrie," Tasha said, her heart thudding in her chest. He turned, locking his eyes with hers, but she didn't flinch. Rupert snorted softly, his footsteps slow and deliberate as he approached, each breath husky, each movement heavy until he stood just an inch away. "Tee, you must be really angry for you to be calling me by my full name." "Stick to the point," she said, turning her face from his intimidating gaze. "I want to end things with you." Her voice trembled, but she forced the words out. He closed the space between them. "You want to end things with me?" His voice dropped. "Who teaching you this 'strong woman' crap?" He wrapped his arms around her, gently rocking her and pulling her to his chest. "The only way I'll ever let you leave me... is in a body bag." ****** After escaping a toxic relationship and years of being controlled, Tasha Mackenzie finds herself under the protection of Joseph Grind, America's most feared Mafia boss. He’s cold-blooded. Untouchable. And hiding a secret darker than his empire: he's also the Alpha of the Stinging Vipers werewolf pack. As Tasha is pulled into his dangerous world, she learns the man protecting her has a fiancée he claims is just a business deal. But how can she trust a man feared by an entire country, let alone love him? Can Tasha survive the war between her heart and his secrets... or will loving a monster destroy her for good?
View MoreA/N: Hello readers, I'm just letting you know not to get turned off by the Jamaican Creole in the first few chapters, I just wanted the dialogues to feel authentic, but after the female lead moves to America, there won’t be too many patios. And I did leave translations for the ones that have a heavier accent. I hope you enjoy this book. One love and God bless you all.
****** JULY 1st, 2020 "Come on, baby girl. Make a wish," Tasha's mother said gently. The light from the sixteen candles flickered against her cocoa-brown skin. Tasha stared at the flame sitting on top of the rum cake. She could hear Debby, her loudmouth cousin, already whispering bets about what Tasha might wish for this year. "She probably wishin' for that boy from church wid di pretty eye dem," Debby snorted. "Yeah, Rupert, di pastor's son." Tasha didn't even respond. She kept her eyes on the candles. And like every year since she could remember, her wish was the same. 'I wish my father were here.' She blew them out in one breath, and the crowd of friends, family, and half the church congregation erupted into claps and cheers. Soon, the sound of Buju Banton's "Blessed" blasted through the speakers, and the yard transformed instantly. Auntie Cheryl started 'brukking out' near the grill, and even Pastor Myrie shuffled a little to the rhythm before acting like he had dropped something and straightening up again. Laughter echoed under the string lights hanging across the backyard. It was the kind of night that made Jamaica feel magical and warm. The air was sweet as curry goat bubbled in a big pot on the woodfire next to the side table, plus the scent of rum punch and fresh-cut cane in the breeze made the atmosphere smell even more divine. It should have felt perfect, but it didn't. Not only was Tasha missing her father's presence, she wished Rupert were there as well, but for some reason, he wasn't. Tasha had never admitted to Debby that she had a little crush on the pastor's son. But somehow, her inquisitive cousin knew. Rupert, however, had never even spoken to Tasha other than the occasional greetings at church. He was older than her by four years, so his eyes were usually on the older, more shapely girls who sat in the front row at church just so Rupert could get a glimpse of their bloomers while they sat wide-legged. Tasha's mind wandered back to her father. Though she hadn't seen him since she was ten, her instincts told her something was wrong since she hadn't heard from him in around six months. No letters, no emails, and no phone calls. Something strange tugged at Tasha's chest. A familiar ache that no amount of sweet cake or reggae could quiet. She smiled, kissed her mum's cheek, and slipped away from the crowd, stepping past the food tables and out through the side gate. The breeze outside felt cooler, softer. She inhaled deeply, leaning against the gate and watching the street lamps cast orange halos over the quiet road. That's when she saw him. At first, just the outline of a tall figure standing at the edge of the sidewalk. He was leaning against a sleek red BMW, one of those cars that looked like it belonged in a rap video, not parked on a quiet residential street in Havendale. His presence was... strange. Not in a bad way. Just unexpected. He wasn't dressed flashy. He was wearing a black button-up shirt, the sleeves rolled up to his elbows, and dark jeans hugged his healthy thighs generously. His hair was slicked back in a ponytail, and his skin had the kind of pale smoothness that didn't come from sunscreen. It came from being born somewhere far from this island. Tasha hesitated. Curiosity pulled her forward. “Goodnight," she said softly. The man's head jerked up, startled. His eyes locked on hers, and for a second, she felt like she couldn't breathe. His sharp eyes were a shade of icy blue. But not cold. They glimmered under the streetlamp, like the sea at night when the moon hit it just right. “Hello," he said, recovering quickly. His voice was low and smooth. He had an accent. American, definitely. "You should go back to your party, Tasha." She blinked. “Huh?" she asked, cocking her head. "How do you know my name?" His lips spread in a slow grin. Like he had a secret only he was allowed to enjoy. His teeth were too perfect. His smile was too calm. It should have been creepy. But it wasn't. Something about him felt... safe. Dangerous, yes—like maybe he could tear a man's throat out if he wanted to. But not dangerous to her. “Happy birthday, Tasha," he said, his voice dropping into something like a whisper, though she heard it as clear as a bell. He opened the door to the BMW, slid into the driver's seat like a shadow slipping underwater, and revved the engine. Tasha stood frozen as he drove off down the hill, the red taillights disappearing like embers into the night. She hadn't even asked his name. “Tasha!" a loud voice yelled from the yard. "TASHA! Yuh missin di cake fight!" Debby. Tasha turned just in time to see Debby jogging toward her with one shoe on, her other foot bare and cake on her cheek. “You ever see a girl get lick inna her face with a slice of Black Forest?" she huffed, eyes wide. "I nearly dead wid laugh. Come nuh man!" she pulled on Tasha’s forearm. Tasha laughed despite herself. "Why you only wearing one shoe?" "I tek it off fi beat Blacker 'cause him fling icing pon me blouse. I cyan believe— But wait," Debby paused, narrowing her eyes. "Why yuh look so... dazed?" Tasha opened her mouth, then closed it again. What was she gonna say? That a strange man knew her name and wished her happy birthday like some kind of fairy godfather from a gangster movie? "Nothin'," she muttered. "Just needed some air." Debby squinted at her, then grinned. "You saw him, didn't you? The white man. The one from the mansion dung di road. Lawd, that man fine like sugar cane fresh outta field. You know him?" "No," Tasha lied, though she didn't know if it was technically lying. They only spoke that one time for only one second. "Well, him always comin' in and outta Jamaica like him hiding from immigration. Or the feds. But one ting me know, him real rich, and him look like he could break hearts and backs," Debby said, wiggling her eyebrows. "In that order." “Stop," Tasha said, laughing now. "You're so stupid." They walked back into the yard, the music still pumping and laughter filling the night air. But Tasha couldn't shake the way his voice had sounded when he said her name. Like he'd been saying it for years in his mind. Like he was waiting for the right moment to finally say it out loud. And those eyes... They were like diamonds. No. Ice. No. Stars. She wasn't sure. But they were unforgettable. As the night wore on and the music died down and the guests began to leave, Tasha stood at her window, looking out toward the road. The red BMW didn't return. But something had changed. She felt it deep in her belly. A pull she couldn't explain. Like a door had creaked open inside her, and behind it was a shadow she wasn't sure she should step into.Tasha wrapped her arms tightly around her grandmother, savoring the warmth of the older woman's embrace."I'm glad you had fun on your date last night, Grandmother. You deserve it," Tasha said with a sleepy smile.Tania chuckled softly, her silver curls bouncing as she patted Tasha's back. "Thank you, my dear. But..." Her nose twitched, and she leaned back with a mischievous smirk. "By the smell of it, you had a mighty good time yourself."Tasha's mouth dropped. "Grandmother!"Tania grinned wickedly and looked past her granddaughter's shoulder. "And by the look of that smug bastard behind you, I'm guessing it was his fault."Joseph leaned casually against the car, arms crossed, not even pretending to be innocent. "I plead the fifth," he said with a wink.Tasha groaned and covered her face with both hands.Debby and Christopher had already left early to return to the Grind estate, Debby insisted on getting ready for the arrival of Chris's parents, so she just had to leave so she can go
Tasha stirred beneath the covers, her fingers instinctively reaching for Joseph's body. But he wasn't there.The bed was still warm though, so he couldn't have been gone too long. Maybe he went to the bathroom, she told herself. She blinked up at the ceiling, then turned her head toward the clock on the nightstand. 5:00 AM.Rain pattered softly against the windows. She sat up in the bed, rubbing the sleep from her eyes. The room was dim, painted with shadows and pale silver light from the moon. That's when she saw him standing on the balcony, framed by the thin curtains that swayed over the glass door. His silhouette was still and powerful as he tilted his head to the sky.Tasha wrapped the sheet around her naked body and stepped off the bed. Cold air kissed her skin as she padded to the door. She opened it gently and slipped out into the rain.The chill hit her instantly. She gasped.Joseph stood with his head raised toward the moon, his dark hair dripping, soaked as the rain beat d
Debby tiptoed out of Tasha's room, softly closing the door behind her. It was just past ten."How is she?" Chris asked as he approached the door."Shh," Debby said, pressing a finger to her lips. "She finally stopped crying and fell asleep."Chris sighed. "Poor Tasha. Come, Grandma's waiting for us downstairs."They descended the stairs together. As they reached the living room, Debby whistled when she saw Tania standing near the mirror adjusting her earrings."Miss Tania. Looks like you have a hot date. Where are you going, young lady?" Debby teased.Tania turned with a grin. "I'm going to an old werewolf mixer. My friend Alice set me up on a blind date."Debby raised an eyebrow. "Ok, but be careful. Women are being raped and murdered on dates these days.""I'll be fine. It's not like I'll be alone," Tania chuckled. Her eyes flashed, teeth lengthening just enough to make Debby take a step back. “My wolf Athena will be with me.” "That was so freaking cool."A car pulled up outside.
Tasha stirred as the crinkling of paper wrappers pulled her from sleep. She stretched her hand beside her, expecting to find Joseph's warm body, but her fingers met only cool sheets. “Joseph?” She whispered. "He woke up early and left," came Debby's voice from somewhere below.Tasha blinked, squinting toward the floor. Debby was seated cross-legged on the carpet, surrounded by an avalanche of gift boxes, shiny ribbons, and tissue paper. Wrappers were strewn everywhere, and her cousin’s hands were wrist-deep in a designer shopping bag.Tasha sat up. The blanket was clutched to her chest. That's when she noticed the rest of the room. The air carried the soft scent of roses and vanilla, and floating near the ceiling were silver and gold helium balloons, some shaped like hearts, others spelling out her name in curvy letters. Atop the lounge table sat a breakfast tray with scones, strawberries, blueberries, and delicate slices of mango fanned out next to a small bowl of whipped cream. Two
Tasha and Joseph walked hand in hand through the dimly lit corridor, the soft glow of sconces lighting the pathway for them. Each step echoed with anticipation, the silence between them was thick with unspoken thoughts.As they approached Penelope's chamber, Tasha took a deep breath. Joseph raised her palm to his lips and kissed her knuckles for comfort. "Ready?" He asked her and she nodded. The heavy oak door creaked open, revealing a room bathed in the warm flicker of firelight. Penelope sat poised by the fireplace, her red robe draped elegantly over her shoulders, matching the fiery hue of her hair. Her black lingerie stockings clung to her legs, disappearing into sleek black pumps. The robe parted just enough to reveal a generous display of cleavage, and her posture exuded confidence and allure."Well?" she inquired, her voice laced with curiosity. "What's the verdict?"Tasha took a deep breath, her grip on Joseph's hand tightening. "I'm okay with you and Joseph being together f
Tasha sat cross-legged on her bed, brushing her curls while Debby flopped back dramatically on the mattress beside her, legs dangling off the edge. The morning sun poured through the wide windows of the room, filling it with warm light and the scent of garden roses drifted in from the open balcony. Debby stretched and yawned. "Lawd Gad, mi body feel mash up. But mi nah complain. Christopher give it tuh me good las' night." (My body feels wrecked. But I'm not complaining. Christopher gave it to me real good last night.)Tasha blinked, half-laughing as she set down her brush. "Debby—""Yuh tink mi joking? Di man nyam mi out like mi was Sunday dinner. Tongue good like gold mi haffi call pon Jesus," Debby declared proudly, placing a hand over her heart. "Mi swear mi soul lef' mi body. Him buddy big too, girl. Like... big big. When mi see it, mi seh, 'Jesus, mi ready tuh meet yuh.'" (You think I'm joking? That man ate me out like I was his Sunday dinner. His tongue was so good, I had to c
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