LOGINI can hardly believe it. Before my friends can say anything else, I squeal and throw my arms around them both, jumping up and down. Liam and Brian and the twins are the one major thing I’ve missed dearly since leaving Bo’Arrocan, and to find that they’re finally considering living in Ordan full time
“On schedule, believe it or not,” I reply. “The Bo’Arrocan branch is finally running smoothly, and the Ordan location just graduated its first class of seniors. Six of them got full scholarships to prestigious art schools.”“That’s amazing, Iris.” Alice squeezes my arm. “You’ve created something tru
IrisFive Years Later…“Fifty years of marriage, and they still make each other laugh like that,” Arthur says, appearing at my side with two glasses of champagne. He hands me one and clinks his against it, and we watch as my parents twirl on the lawn, my mom throwing her head back at something my fa
“Gee. Thanks,” I manage to laugh weakly. “I’ll see you all next week.”“You most certainly will not,” Arthur, Hunter, and Alice all say in unison, making me roll my eyes.Outside, Arthur’s car is waiting, parked haphazardly half on the curb. He must have driven like a maniac to get here so quickly f
IrisEight months later…“And that’s why the colors on this side of the color wheel are considered ‘cool’ colors,” I explain to the class of children sitting in a semicircle around me. “They remind us of water, ice, and the sky.”I’m demonstrating on a large color wheel chart when a sharp pain rips
And through it all, Augustine’s breathing grows slower, shallower.Then, quietly and calmly, she goes.Her hand turns limp in mine. The steady beeping of the heart monitor flatlines. The doctor steps forward, checks for a pulse, then shakes her head.“Time of death, 10:47 AM,” she says quietly.I br
IrisFor a moment, I’m at a loss for words. I stare at Veronica, taking in her serene face and perfect appearance.She doesn’t look like a woman who spent the night agonizing like I did. In fact, she looks as if she slept on a fucking cloud while I tossed and turned all night in the very gown I wore
I’m not sure. I need to think. And rest.“I’m tired,” I say abruptly, setting aside my tea cup and rising. Cliff and Augustine don’t stop me, although they watch me with sad expressions as I slump out of the room. Arthur is still on the phone, and gives me a curt nod and a sympathetic look when I br
IrisMy painting is ruined.All those hours of work, all the blood, sweat, and tears that I poured into that piece—gone. Destroyed in seconds by a bucket of pig’s blood.Without thinking, I stumble forward, reaching out. I have to fix this. Have to save my hard work, have to save this entire night—
Right?“Iris.” Arthur’s voice cuts through my swirling thoughts. He’s at my side now, and his face is concerned, although his eyes are still glowing red with an Alpha’s fury. His fingers gently tip my chin up, and he winces when he sees my torn earlobes. “We need to get you out of here.”I nod numbl







