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
I hate how easy it is to slip into that feeling with him. And how this isn’t the first time I’ve felt the urge to let go of everything and just return to what was once our ‘normal’, as if that’s even possible.The third painting is ‘Provider’—the woman in the slashed gown, clutching the fabric to he
IrisArthur and I don’t hesitate. I’m not even sure if I properly set my glass down on the bar before I’m taking off, or if it falls to the floor and shatters behind me. We shove our way through the crowd, ignoring strange looks and murmurs of confusion as we rush toward the door.At this moment, I
“He can’t have gone far,” Arthur says as we hurry across the street once the coast is clear. “Not in this rain.”I shoot Arthur a glance, and I can tell we both don’t fully believe that statement.Over the next twenty minutes, Arthur and I rush through the neighborhood, scanning every nook and crann
IrisSeeing my son, soaking wet and clutching a fallen tree for dear life, sends such a feeling of horror through me that I move without even thinking.“Miles, hang on!” I scream, kicking off my heels and rushing forward. “I’m coming!”Miles sobs, his arms tightening around the tree. It’s just barel
Miles is hanging onto the branch with both hands, his little legs dangling in the air.“Hang on!” Arthur says, slowly pulling the branch up. Once he’s not leaning precariously anymore, I grab the branch too, helping him haul Miles up. It’s slow and painstaking, inch by agonizing inch, but finally, M
IrisI wake up to the sensation of sunlight hitting my face for the first time in days. The rain has passed, and the birds are chirping in the trees outside, the damp asphalt heating under the sun and sending tendrils of steam curling into the morning air.Miles is still curled up next to me, sniffl
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