The receptionist leads me over a sky bridge with a lobby below, where trickling fountains spray cool mist into the air. This place is… nice. Really nice.I always knew that the Alpha President’s headquarters was astonishing, but being here in person is like a slap in the face. While Arthur and I had
Iris & ArthurIris“Who is Caleb?”Arthur sighs. “He’s Selina’s brother,” he says, sinking down into his chair. He looks more weary than he did a little while ago.I’m not surprised by that tidbit of information, though. Whoever Caleb is, he sounds as if he’s certainly in a position of power. If not
However, over the last five years, it feels as if Caleb and Selina and their entire family seem to have lost the memo somewhere along the way.I lean forward, pushing my fingers into the surface of the desk. “Caleb, this is a complete abuse of power. Regardless of my bond with my fated mate, you can
IrisI realize I haven’t felt genuine joy in days once I step into my cozy apartment back in Bo’Arrocan and hear the sound of Miles’ tiny voice. He comes barreling into the foyer, his dark hair flopping into his bright green eyes, and quite literally launches himself into my arms.“Mommy, you’re bac
I turn to Brian, who’s lingering nearby, and hand him the contract. He takes a look at it. “This is… huge,” he says, his eyes wide as he glances up at me. “This is, like, every artist’s dream.”He’s right, too. To have a patron basically means that you’ve made it as an artist. To be given money just
IrisI didn’t think I would feel this way, but after deciding to move Miles to Ordan with me, I suddenly feel a new sense of cheer wash over me. Maybe I’m going back to a city filled with old memories, but the promise of new opportunities, a new life, is enough to soften some of the bad things.Righ
Arthur & IrisOnce I learned that Iris actually agreed to the patronage, I decided to go to the gallery to tell her that it was my gift as an apology for everything that Selina and her brother did.I never intended to keep her in the dark for the entire year; I just didn’t want her to know that I wa
IrisThe moment I see Arthur standing over me, my entire body freezes up.As a human, I don’t have the werewolf instincts that innately make my body react to an Alpha’s presence, but it doesn’t matter. The cold authority in Arthur’s gaze is enough to make me stiffen, my mind, body, and heart all war
It’s stunning.In each space, staff members greet us. They seem to recognize me, but none of them comment on the situation.“Everyone is so friendly,” I note as a housekeeper curtsies slightly before continuing with her work.“They’ve been waiting to meet you for twenty-six years,” Caleb says. “When
IrisI stare at my reflection in the full-length mirror, barely recognizing myself. The sapphire blue dress hugs my curves perfectly, flowing in a silky cascade to just above my knees.Unlike the emerald dress that was destroyed at the gala or the stuffy outfit from the photoshoot, this one actually
Climbing into my car, I start the engine and peel out of the alleyway, my knuckles white on the steering wheel. Maybe I’m overreacting. Maybe Caleb really was just being nice to make up for spilling coffee on her.But that doesn’t explain the dress. That sapphire blue dress she showed me—I recognize
Iris & ArthurIrisThe shopping bags rustle as I shift them in my arms, stepping out of the taxi in front of my apartment building. My head still feels foggy, like I’m walking through a dream—or maybe a nightmare. I keep replaying Caleb’s words in my mind: You’re my sister. You’re a werewolf.How am
“Alright,” I finally agree. “I won’t tell anyone, but only for a few days. This is too big to keep from my mate for any longer than that.”Caleb smiles, looking relieved. “Thank you.” He glances down at my coffee-stained blouse and winces. “I’m sorry about that. Let me make it up to you.”“It’s just
IrisI blink, surprised by Caleb’s presence. His expression is unreadable as he carefully dabs at my shirt, but there’s something in his eyes—a strange intensity that makes me uncomfortable. It’s the same look he gave me at the hospital when we first met.“Actually, I’ve been hoping to run into you,
While Arthur dresses, I slip out of the bedroom. Miles is in the kitchen now, standing on his tiptoes trying to reach the cereal boxes on the top shelf. Scout curls around my legs, crying for his breakfast too as I make my way over to Miles.“Here, let me help,” I say, retrieving his favorite cereal
IrisSunlight streams through my partially open curtains, painting warm stripes across the tangled white sheets. I wake slowly, my body pleasantly sore in ways I haven’t felt in years. An arm is draped heavily across my waist, and for a moment, I’m disoriented—and then the memories of last night com
“I want to taste you,” I whisper, pushing him gently onto his back.Arthur’s eyes fly open, watching as I move down his body, placing open-mouthed kisses along his chest and stomach. When I take him into my mouth, his hand flies to my hair, fingers tangling in the strands.I remember what he likes—t