She painted… us. In the closet. Her mouth turned up in a smile, her eyes closed. For the first time in five years, she looks truly peaceful and happy in this image, and yet for some reason, I found her tearing it to shreds like she’d gone rabid.My throat bobs as I finally look up at her. She’s sitt
Iris & ArthurIrisMy emotions are at war this morning. Every time I think about Arthur ending his contract with Selina, my heart does a little flip. But then I remember the hesitation on his face when I asked about being his public wife, and that same heart crashes back down into my stomach.It see
The color drains from Bella’s face. “But… My family has donated to this institution for generations.”“And we appreciate that support,” the committee head says diplomatically. “However, the residency is awarded based on artistic merit and vision, not family connections. I’m sorry, but you are disqua
IrisI blink at my phone screen, my thumb hovering over the article that’s just popped up in my notifications. The headline makes my stomach drop: “Famous Artist Hunter Maverick’s Secret Family Revealed?”There’s a photo beneath it—Hunter, Miles, and me at the Abbott Gallery presentation yesterday.
IrisMy face burns hot as the fans stare at us, their cameras in hand. I glance at Hunter, who looks just as stunned as I feel. For a long, awkward moment, there’s nothing but silence.“Please?” the girl asks, shaking her phone slightly. “Your relationship is so cute!”“I—we’re not—” I stammer, pull
“Arthur, about those articles—”“I don’t want to talk about that right now,” he interrupts, standing up abruptly. “I have a lot of work to do tonight.”I watch him gather the contract papers and his laptop, heading toward his office without another word. The door closes behind him with a soft click
IrisSeeing them together breaks my heart all over again.Arthur stands tall next to Selina, his hand resting on the small of her back as they chat with a small crowd of admirers. His Alpha President smile is perfectly in place, the one that graces magazine covers and campaign posters.Selina laughs
“You don’t know what you’re talking about,” I bite out.She cocks her head like a bird studying its prey. “Oh, but I do. I know that Arthur isn’t going to give up everything for you. His presidency, his reputation, his future. You’re just an unfortunate human mate to fulfill his bodily needs. But I’
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