S U M M E RExhausted and dazed.There couldn't be two more fitting words in English. My vision was blurry, but I wanted to take in the sight of the massive man looming over me like a true ruler of the night.After a few blinks, I finally managed to pull his stunning figure out of the overwhelming haze of desire. His outfit, while perfectly tailored to his muscular frame, still didn’t do him justice.He was built like... well, there really wasn’t a word that could capture it. Broad shoulders, a chiseled abdomen, a slim waist, powerful legs, and striking forearms—all wrapped up in a towering six-foot-four frame of pure allure.And the things he could do with his tongue? Definitely sinful.Once he was fully undressed, he didn’t waste any time before returning to the bed. His intense, almost dangerous aura lingered. The shadows in the room danced wildly, as if they had a life of their own, creating a bizarre yet captivating backdrop.Even the moonlight seemed to caress his skin, giving i
S U M M E RMy office, which includes the lab and exam rooms, didn’t quite match the dramatic setups you see in thriller movies, but today, everything felt overshadowed.Maybe it was my dreary mood combined with the overcast sky that had me grumbling as I parked. My stomach was growling, but I hadn’t had a chance to eat after my quick shower.Even on a Sunday morning, the drive still took about fifteen minutes.I had just stepped out of my car when two other vehicles rolled into the lot. One was a classic black van, completely unmarked and with no rear windows. The other was a silver Prius—not the kind of car I’d expect an agent to drive, but practical nonetheless.I shut my car door and waited. I could see two hefty guys in the van, and the blonde getting out of the Prius was also a surprise.She looked to be in her thirties, attractive in a somewhat snobby Barbie doll way. Maybe I was judging too quickly.What really stood out was her gray pantsuit, which looked like it was straight
S U M M E RIt didn't take long for me to check the clock again. I wasn't shocked to see that an hour had passed. The findings were not what I had anticipated. After comparing the samples, all I found were those belonging to the victim. The blood matched.I still had a few more tests to conduct, capable of detecting even the tiniest traces of foreign DNA, but I wasn't feeling optimistic at this stage.I had determined that the claw marks were too large to belong to any bear native to this area. They resembled wolf prints, but no wolf I knew could leave such massive marks.I was stuck on how to wrap up the report.With a sigh, I took off the headgear that held the microscope light and stepped back. Maybe a cup of coffee would clear my head. We had a trusty Keurig in the lab, even though I had suggested it be moved to the break room. Today, I was thankful they ignored me.As the coffee brewed, I reflected on the results so far.Using an ambiguous label wouldn’t sit well with anyone, but
J U L I A NAs River swung open the door, I could see the surprise on his face when he spotted me.Honestly, I was a bit taken aback myself for showing up at my older brother's place.On a Sunday evening, no less.This wasn’t really my style. Sure, we were a tight-knit family, but there were certain times during the week when we all intentionally took a break from each other.Social media was the biggest nuisance out there.Though his daughter would probably disagree, as she was all about it."Did the world end, or did your house explode?" River joked, chuckling as he stepped back to let me in. For a guy who usually donned only the finest handmade suits from his Italian tailor at work, he looked surprisingly laid-back.Dressed in jeans and a Chicago Bulls hoodie.At least he had good taste."Or maybe you just couldn't resist my fabulous company from yesterday," he quipped."You, the construction worker? Not quite. I just wanted to pick your brain," I replied, shutting the door behind
J U L I A NRiver stayed quiet while I downed my drink, then topped off my glass. "What’s up? Is it the anger from the meeting?""Nope. It’s because a woman I’m really into was nearly attacked. I just reacted. I almost took out those two guys right in front of her.""You acted without thinking?""Yeah.""And did you shift?"I sighed and shook my head. "Not completely, but I was close. I could feel my wolf itching to break free. The urge for blood was overwhelming. I could see those guys' veins pulsing and wanted to tear them apart." I barely recognized my own voice.He rubbed his jaw and looked away. "We can’t let that happen. We’ve come too far and have too much at stake. Whatever’s going on, we need to stay focused on our daily lives and our beliefs. I’m starting to sound like Calix. I don’t care about their rules anymore.""They’ve kept us safe and out of trouble. Don’t think I don’t realize that.""Don’t get defensive with me. You’re the last person I’d expect to lose control. Wha
S U M M E RLife had been a bit chaotic, and I felt that intensity magnified over the past few years.I was content with the path I had chosen, yet the echoes of my past were always lurking.Perhaps everyone needed those reminders to avoid making the same errors again.At least I had moved on from my old life and the guy who tried to hold me back, seeking new adventures.Still, it came with its share of headaches.I kept seeing the wolf card and let out a sigh. I really shouldn’t have stepped into that shop.Lumia's response was still heavy on my mind. The whole thing felt surreal, to say the least.Here I was, a scientist, and I couldn’t come up with a solid explanation.I knew I wouldn’t find any answers on a Sunday night.I knocked on the turquoise door of the charming Cape Cod house, feeling a bit hesitant as I waited. There was never a clear sign of how my almost sister-in-law would be feeling. Emily Abbott seemed like a genuinely good person. She was a wonderful aunt to my daugh
S U M M E RMy little minion took her sweet time getting ready for bed. When I walked in, she was still chattering away, holding out one of three different books for us to read."That one, Mommy! I love alligators. And wolves. Do we have any books about wolves?"Only my daughter would choose an alligator book over a cheerful dog or a cuddly teddy bear. But wolves?"I don't think we have any wolf books, but how about a doggie story?"She huffed and rolled her eyes. "Not the same."I couldn't help but think about the autopsy and the tarot card. No, I wasn't going there. I didn't believe in that stuff. Nope, not me."Alligators it is. Scoot over, sweetie." I dimmed the lights just how she liked them and climbed onto her bed. She had picked out her own comforter as a gift after our move. Deep down, she was a little princess but desperately wanted to be grown-up.At least her room still showed her age for now. I had a feeling that wouldn’t last long.As I began reading, she rested her head
J U L I A NWolfen Industries was operating smoothly, with offices, production sites, and dealers spread across various cities and rural areas in the U.S. We were also in talks with some European diplomats, but it seemed like Italy was really pushing back against our entry into the market.We had a meeting lined up with a group of Italians to try and ease the situation, but I wasn't too optimistic about it.From what I gathered, they were genuinely worried that we would capture an even larger share of the market than we already had. Should I feel bad for them? Not a chance.I had earned a reputation as one of the toughest businessmen in the field, and for good reason.The two production facilities located between Cambridge and Chicago were the original sites established by my great-grandfather ages ago. Although they had been upgraded with top-of-the-line equipment, they still retained their original charm.This included a set of offices on the ground floor of the very first building.
J U L I A N“Julian. This is your sweetie, your mate. Well, good news. My mother just confirmed I was born and bred for one thing. Becoming your mate. I guess my father is one of you. He was given a special honor in creating a hybrid. My scientific mind has to wonder why. Oh, yes. I guess my identity could be a secret? Maybe your great council was told or had premonitions of the fact werewolves would try and destroy the world.”Summer’s voice was filled with a half dozen emotions as well as anger.I tossed the phone onto my desk and closed my eyes. Had my mother known a mate had been pre-selected for me? Had the council members? I knew the answer.Yes, to both. Should I be angry? Likely. Did the situation make more sense? Yes. But I didn’t like it in the least.I moved to the window in my office staring out at the landscaping. I was still having as much difficulty processing the events as my stunning mate was.Maybe it was tough for me to think of her that way. Part wolf or not, she w
S U M M E RI was now becoming agitated. “I need the goddamn truth, Mother. It’s important to me. I deserve to know who and what I am.”Raising my voice wasn’t something I usually did with either my mother or my father. But… With everything I’d been through over the last week or so, I believed I was owed the single opportunity.She cleared her throat. “You are part Wolfen.”There it was. Right out in the open.I couldn’t deny it any longer, no matter how many scientific aspects I attached to it.“Why didn’t you tell me?”“Because we weren’t allowed to do so until you were ready.”“Ready? For what?” I almost missed my turn, my mind so damn foggy I could be living in London.“For when you took the throne.”Now I was heading straight to hell. “Throne? As in some kind of kingdom?”“In a manner of speaking.” Her tone was contrite or full of fear. I wasn’t certain which.“Okay, I’m a wolf and I’m a queen. Awesome start to my day. Don’t you think?”“Honey, you must understand, your father wa
S U M M E R“Shush or you’ll wake the sleeping princess,” I told him as he carried me down the hallway. My pussy was still aching from the rough round of sex, but I wanted more.I craved everything the man could and would give me.“That’s tough around you, little wolf,” Julian said in a low and husky voice, easily finding the bedroom in my tiny house. Once inside, he struggled to close the door without slamming it.He’d ruined my panties and I had a feeling that was a habit I’d need to break him of. As soon as he tossed me onto the bed, he yanked down my skirt, pitching it aside within seconds.His needs were insatiable, more so than before. What we’d endured had changed him.The events had changed me as well. I was no longer the kind of nerdy girl who’d adored romance, but had given up on finding the right one.No matter how I played it in my mind, he was the right one. The only one.He didn’t bother removing any of his clothes before climbing onto the bed, lifting and spreading my l
J U L I A NI slipped my hand to the back of her neck, pulling her around to face me. “Stop worrying about things you have no control over.”“That’s the problem. I have no control and it’s driving me crazy.” She nuzzled against my hand as I shifted it closer to her cheek. “I really am a part of Wolfen. Aren’t I?”“Yes. I know that upsets you.”She rubbed my face. “I’m not certain it does any longer.”“That’s good to hear.” Her arousal was increasing.“Your eyes are glowing. Do they always glow in the moonlight?”“I honestly don’t know.”“I think they’re perhaps the most beautiful pair of eyes I’ve ever seen.”“Do you want to talk about my eyes?” I was still burning for her, even more so now.“Not really,” she mused.“Good, because I need to devour you.”Her lips parted as if in a blatant invitation, which I took. At this point, I would refuse to allow her to say no. I crushed my lips to hers, feeling the quiver of her body against mine.She was more nervous than before. Perhaps she wa
J U L I A NI felt her presence even before she walked into the kitchen. The burning sensations were more intense than before, my hunger entirely different. Our connection was growing stronger with every encounter.“There is nothing quite like watching a man washing dishes with a towel stuck into the side of his pants. I must admit, pretty sexy. But I do have a dishwasher.”Only after finishing washing the last plate and placing it in the dishrack did I turn around to face her. The shorter skirt accentuated her long, tan legs, the flimsy tee shirt unable to hide her fully aroused nipples.I yanked the dish towel into my fingers, wiping my hands as I allowed my gaze to fall. “I thought I’d keep myself busy while you were getting Britney to bed.”Summer walked further into the room, taking a deep breath as she did so. “You are quite the hit with my daughter.”“I am, huh?” I returned the towel to the spot where she’d hung it over the stainless rung on the microwave and leaned against the
S U M M E RAll three girls lifted their sunglasses at the same time to get a better look. I was almost ready to punch every one of them.“Stop it,” I hissed.He was taking long strides and only had eyes for me. He’d found me immediately from a hundred yards away.“Whew. Would you feel that electricity in the air?” Carmilla said, pushing my arm with her elbow.“Look at the goosebumps on her arms,” Susan said, pointing toward me.“The woman is in love, ladies. You can feel the extreme heat between them from here.” Melissa backed away before I could punch her.I couldn’t save myself from them. Lowering my head and groaning was all I could do.“He’s making a beeline for you,” Carmilla whispered.I took a deep breath, his presence more commanding than ever.“Good afternoon, ladies,” he said after making his final approach. As always, his deep and velvety rich voice had my heart pitter-pattering.On any other day I would be swooning and pining away for his touch, but this wasn’t just anoth
S U M M E RI was unusually hot for this time of year. I was sweating like a dog. There was no perspiring like a dainty girl in high humidity.“Bring on the plasticware,” Carmilla demanded.“Hey, Johnny. Don’t pull her hair or I’ll pull yours,” Susan yelled at her son.The rest of us shook our heads. “Such a quiet woman,” I told her.“Hey, my Johnny isn’t an angel like your Britney.”Melissa snorted and yanked out the first cork. “You babysit her.” She winked at me.Smiling, I turned my attention to the group of kids. They were jumping and hollering like five- and six-year-olds should be doing. “The party was a great idea.”“Yeah,” Susan agreed. “They’ll be exhausted by six tonight. I won’t have to fight the little brat to get him into bed. For a change.”“I don’t think I ever want to become a mother. Between the two of you, y’all make it sound horrible.”I grinned at Carmilla. “Use the word challenging. Not horrible. I love being a mother, but kids can make you age.” I started pourin
S U M M E RThe day was insufferable. My mind was frazzled. My heart ached. What could be a worse combination?I was on my way to my daughter’s birthday party, my little girl being chauffeured by my best friend instead of her own mother. I was a horrible mom, but I’d wanted to head to the lab to start a few tests, a few I had to send off to a friend of mine back in Chicago who would keep quiet. Or so I prayed.I’d found some surprises for my baby girl downtown, happy with my purchases. I’d been headed to the party when I turned down the wrong street.Passing the tarot card reading shop. While I’d done my best to ignore the draw, I couldn’t seem to help myself. It was as if my willpower was gone now that I knew… That I assumed…“No. You won’t go there. Not yet. Not until the evidence is in.”Not only was I talking to myself as I sat in my car a block away from the tarot place, but I was acting as if the entire situation was one big crime scene. Well, in a way it was.I hadn’t asked Jul
S U M M E RWolves were definitely real and super dangerous. This one looked like it could end my life and have me for dinner. Something inside me said I needed to face this beast before my time was up. I dropped to my knees, trying to steady my breathing while I searched for something to use as a weapon. Luck was on my side for a moment, and I found a sturdy piece of wood. But I was running out of time. In a last-ditch effort to escape, I took off in a different direction, sprinting as fast as I could. I didn’t even notice I was heading back toward the driveway until the bright lights came into view. I felt a wave of relief, but it quickly faded when I turned around. I had seen that video too many times—the guy coming back to life. The blurry footage had shown me enough horror and fascination as I watched him grow larger, his spine twisting. But those white lights wrapped around the trees gave me a chilling realization.I could no longer hide behind science.The high-pitched howl