I nod. “For free. Of whatever you want.”“Why the hell would I want a portrait?”“Because a ‘Flora’ original is going to be worth a fortune someday,” I reply, not caring how haughty I sound at the moment.The Beta stares at me, clearly not buying it. I don’t blame him, of course; lying to Arthur is
Iris“Are you sure you don’t want to come with us, Ms. Tarrou?”Augustine glances up at the handsome male EMT as she lowers herself into her armchair and waves her hand dismissively. “No, no. I’m feeling much better now. You’ve been a great help.”The EMT looks at me, and I shrug, showing him to the
I blink, not sure what to say. I don’t know if I have the heart to tell her right now that we’re… not.But Augustine goes on, “Ever since you left, it became awfully quiet up there. I miss hearing the music late at night. And the sound of you two laughing.”My heart wrenches painfully at the reminde
IrisThe following day is the day of the exhibition, and I still don’t have anything suitable to wear. But after yesterday’s incident, I don’t exactly feel inclined to go out shopping. Plus, it’s pouring rain even harder than yesterday.The most obvious solution, of course, is to raid my old closet
And it smells like home.Before I can think twice, I’m suddenly pulling the sweater on over my head, drawing the thick fabric up to my nose and inhaling deeply. A sense of calm washes over me that I haven’t felt in years, and I allow myself a moment to enjoy the comfort. Just a moment, I tell myself
IrisI scramble to my feet, my face instantly heating beneath Arthur’s confused gaze. I quickly realize that I’m still wearing his sweater, and that I fell asleep in his closet while waiting for Selina to leave.“I… Um…” I glance around, looking for some kind of excuse. My eyes finally fall on the p
I can’t help but clutch at the pearls around my neck. “Alice, I really can’t thank you enough for this opportunity,” I say, turning to the curator. “It looks fabulous.”Alice grins and grabs two glasses of champagne from a passing waiter, handing one to me. She clinks hers against mine and says with
IrisI turn, my drink still trembling slightly in my hand, and there he is—Arthur, standing right next to me, looking unfairly handsome in a tuxedo. The black fabric hugs his broad shoulders, the crisp white shirt beneath making his green eyes pop even more.I didn’t expect him to be here tonight, b
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
Iris“Do you want some wine?” I ask, locking the door behind us. The apartment is quiet, just the soft hum of the refrigerator and Miles’ nightlight spilling into the hallway from his partially open bedroom door. Emi was waiting for us when we arrived, and quickly left once she saw Arthur enter behi
“To new beginnings,” Arthur says softly, clinking his glass against mine. I smile and take a sip. The champagne is crisp and cold, bubbles dancing on my tongue. I lean back on one elbow, gazing up at the mural again.“You know,” I say thoughtfully, “I’ve always loved that this mural shows humans and