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
The scent of wildflowers drifted on the breeze, carried in from the vast gardens and through the open windows and doors of the Grind mansion. Joseph stood beside the guest quarters, leaning casually against the doorframe, dressed in a clean white shirt and black slacks. His color had returned, his skin warm and even. The venom was gone — even the vampire's bite marks had disappeared like they were never there.Tasha stepped out to meet him, her damp hair loose and curly down her shoulders and back. Her skin was glowing from the shower. She wore a simple sundress that clung to her curves, and Joseph's gaze lingered, a smile tugging at his lips."Marina's sleeping," she said softly. "You sure you're okay?""Never felt better," Joseph replied, taking her hand. "Come. I want to show you something."They walked through the estate, his grip firm and protective. Outside, the estate grounds whizzed with activity. Workers were moving crates, some tended to livestock, while others were trainin