J U L I A NSummer disregarded the rules and the fear of rejection. She advanced with her iPad in hand, her fingers racing across the screen. "Look for yourself. Explain what I'm seeing. Convince me that what I witnessed isn't real. And tell me again that werewolves don't exist." She passed the device to me, letting me hand it to Eliza first. I wasn't sure if Eliza was convinced, but he was definitely focused. He glanced at me, his lingering animosity evident. “If it's not werewolves, then we have another mystery on our hands," I informed them. “We need to compare DNA with ours." “Who will do that?" another Alpha inquired. “Doctor Willis will," I replied, and all eyes turned to Summer. I felt a surge of pride as she stood her ground, matching their stares. The iPad circulated among the group, many men and most women visibly unsettled. I could sense their tension deep within me, but I doubted it would suffice. Eliza suddenly erupted in laughter. "This is ridiculous. Just a film
J U L I A NMore Alpha wolves laughed and I had to admit her theory was difficult to believe. “Is that possible, Marla?”She scoffed. “I don’t know. Has it occurred in other species? Yes, but if Doctor Willis is correct and the DNA cells are changing often, it could be like chasing our tail. We’d need to get ahead of the mutated cells. Not impossible but very difficult.”“What about infecting the Wolfen? Is that a possibility?” Calix smartly asked.Marla sighed. “I don’t know that answer either. I’m being honest. While I’ve been studying our cells in both an attempt to ward off human diseases and lengthen our lives, I’ve also handled the research in reverse. However, I’m nowhere near being able to make any assumptions.”“There is new research that could help,” Summer suggested. “I’m somewhat familiar with it. It uses the results from testing both humans and animals of varying species. It’s still considered new with no conclusions, but you may be able to make some advances.”“Science-f
J U L I A N"She’s one of a kind," my mother remarked, observing Summer from the kitchen. "She will provide the strength you’ve been seeking. Embracing the role of a leader was always meant to be your path." My path. At some point, someone would need to clarify that idea for me. I had thought my path was to manage a billion-dollar enterprise, but I wasn’t about to contest her words.I turned my gaze toward the woman in question, unsure of how to respond. "She’s struggling with this, as you can imagine. The doctor in her is skeptical about every detail."Mother gently redirected my attention back to her. "And rightly so. Did you not anticipate this, my son? Can you fathom what she’s experiencing? She’s grappling with the betrayal of something she has trusted her entire life. You must allow her the time she needs to come to terms with it and be there for her when she does."How could anyone come to terms with the reality that at least one of her biological parents was a creature of the
J U L I A N“You witnessed the beginning of their shift with your own eyes.”“I was exhausted. I was angry at being forced into working on a case that shouldn’t have been mine. Nothing else.”Her fear had finally stripped her of being able to look outside her scientific box.I wasn’t going to get into a brutal verbal game I wouldn’t win. At least not at this point. “You should try and get some sleep. You’re exhausted and overwrought. I’ll show you where your room is. I assure you that I won’t bother you tonight.” When she continued to glare at me, I stood and started to walk away.As much as I adored her, humans could be a pain in the ass. Work needed to begin in the lab almost immediately. However, the FBI also needed to be watched. I would assign Calix to that duty. He would enjoy aggravating members of the FBI.“I know what I witnessed in that lab those two horrible days. The incidents are unexplainable, especially to a doctor of science, but I cannot and will not believe one hundr
S U M M E R“What are you doing?”The wind wailed like a mournful wolf, whisking my words away into the night. I pressed on the sharp edges of pebbles and stones biting into my worn tennis shoes. Despite my cautious escape, I quickly felt lost. My heart raced, adrenaline coursing through me, keeping my mind sharp for the moment. But I wondered how long that clarity would last amidst my swirling emotions. Suddenly, I stumbled forward, losing my footing on a smooth stone. The sounds of rushing water surrounded me, leaving me uncertain of the river's depth. Damn it, I had lost my way in the darkness. Clearly, my eyesight was no match for a wolf's. Shit. I felt the urge to shout out one of my favorite movie lines at the top of my lungs.“Why can’t I have a normal boyfriend?”Instead of a savage wolf.It was ridiculous to think that way, but my mind was incapable of processing it any other way. I’d just seen the most bizarre yet insanely gorgeous eyes that were entirely those of a wolf.
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
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 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
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