And finally, there are images of me and Arthur running out of the event, Arthur ahead of me. Arthur’s mask and glasses have fallen off, displaying his identity—and by extension, mine.It makes me sick. I didn’t even notice anyone taking photos, let alone while we were rescuing Miles. Instead of help
ArthurI’m sitting in my office, the orange glow of the setting sun playing across the glass top of my desk. My fingers are flying over my keyboard, eager to finish up my work for the day so I can go home and check on Miles.It’s been a busy day, made even worse by last night’s events. I’m tired and
“They have pictures, you know,” Caleb says, checking his nails. He picks an invisible piece of dirt out from under his thumbnail and flicks it onto the carpet. “Brooks & Lee, I mean. They have pictures of you two last night.”I glance at him, bristling slightly not only at the thought of someone tak
IrisEzra’s face is slightly flushed as he stands across the room, flexing his biceps. I can tell he’s caught somewhere between trying not to laugh and being downright embarrassed by his choice of portrait.“Are you sure this isn’t too much?” he asks for what I’m pretty sure is the tenth time since
Arthur doesn’t move a muscle until we hear the sound of the front door open and close. I don’t move at first, either. Only once we’re certain Ezra is gone does he turn to me, but I’m already shaking my head and turning to pick up the drawing pad with the half-finished portrait on it.“Iris—”“You’re
IrisLater, once Miles is asleep, I’m in my studio, preparing my supplies, when the studio door creaks open. Arthur steps into the room, wearing a plain t-shirt and trousers. I gesture to the seat I’ve prepared by the window.“Take a seat. And take your shirt off.”I busy myself with lining up my ch
But I don’t—because after everything, I have no intention right now of getting back together with him.“An apology would be a start,” I finally bite out.Arthur doesn’t hesitate. He suddenly stands, crossing the room, and grabs my hands. I drop my charcoal pencil as he tugs me away from my easel.Th
IrisThat night, I receive a text from Alice regarding the lecture series with Abbott Gallery. She’s attending a tour tomorrow afternoon and asks me to come, which I agree to. When I tell Arthur about it, he insists on watching Miles himself, as he has the day off. I hesitate at first, but I know he
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