Cara’s POVFor a moment, I stand there totally stunned and unsure what to do, how to continue, how to fully process what I’m seeing.Alaric doesn’t appear to be holding the woman in return, but I know that doesn’t mean anything. He’s not pulling away either. At least, not fast enough to signal his r
“It’s not what it looks like, Cara. Please. Just hear me out.”“I’m not sure what else it could be,” she says. “It’s very clear what was happening, even from this distance.”“This is a misunderstanding,” I say, very aware of how closely Colin is observing the scene. He looks ready to intervene at a
Alaric’s POVFury, regret, and guilt all filling me at once, I turn on Melinda. She’s looking at the door, where Cara just disappeared through, and smirking like this has all worked out for her in the best possible way.My anger intensifies. Who is she to show up and interfere in my life like this?
Alaric’s POVComing off the elevator, I walk briskly down to the room I use as an office. As I open the door, John stands from behind his makeshift desk.“Welcome back, Alpha,” he says, his eyes filled with curiosity, though he startles when he gazes at the woman following along behind me.The woman
“DuskWood needs heirs, Alpha,” says another elder. “You were attacked recently. We could have lost you. Without an heir, the entire pack would have been thrust into chaos. Surely you can understand that.”“Cara is the mate I want,” I say. “I will not be pushed into choosing another.”“Melinda is a g
Alaric’s POVThe first thing I do, after hanging up with the elders, is tell John, “Book a flight for Melinda and get her to the airport.”I don’t acknowledge her at all, even when she stands from the couch and attempts to approach me.“We should talk about this,” she says. “The elders agree making
Cara’s POVMelinda seems stricken by Alaric’s words.“The elders prefer me for you,” she says. “You heard it from them yourself. How can you continue to be so stubborn?”“The elders will not be making my life choices for me, especially not in board rooms without me even being present. And for you to
“Go, Melinda,” Alaric says. “Now.”Melinda looks like she wants to argue, but in the end, with a huff, she spins and storms away. “You’ll regret this, Alaric!” she calls back over her shoulder. “I would have given you everything!”“I didn’t ask for it,” he replies.I linger too long in my indecision
Alaric’s POVWith Colin watching the kids, Ryan, Aidan, and I went to spectate the cooking event. The event itself was being held in a large gymnasium, with special mats set up to protect the typical gym floor. Atop the mats, each contender was given their own section, with their own counters, appli
Cara’s POVThe next day I was somewhat exhausted from the event on the night before. The organizers of the event must have taken that into consideration because today was the last day of rest before the contests started the next day.The cooking showcase was my first event, and I was already nervous
Alaric’s POVI was ready to start throwing hands a minute ago, but now, seeing how quickly and resolutely the BloodyMoon pack came to Cara’s defense, I allowed myself to calm down, at least enough to sit back down and contain myself.My fury at those that had spoken against Cara remained, however, a
Cara’s POVAs we started to move about the stage, following the steps of our routine, I kept an eye on Lilia and her can of paint. I had my suspicions that it was intended for me. At a crucial moment, when we were at the front of the stage, the routine would bring us directly side by side.Perhaps t
Cara’s POVGeorgie asked me to return to my dressing room, where she arrived shortly after carrying the gown that she was supposed to be wearing that evening. On herself, she was wearing a robe.Looking at my own dress still filled me with a sense of mourning. It had been such a beautiful thing, des
None of them seemed even remotely guilty. They were all entirely confident, I could see it in their eyes.Only Lilia wore a different expression. When no one else could see her but me, she seemed smug, smirking. She pointed to a nearby camera.“I’ve been on camera this entire time, too, if you don’t
Cara’s POVIn my mind, there could only be one person responsible for this: Lilia.The beautiful embroidery, torn out. The rainbow-shimmering lace, in tatters.It had been such a gorgeous dress, a true work of art.To see it destroyed like this sent an icy chill down through my veins. This was worse
Cara’s POVThe night of the opening ceremony came much quicker than anyone would have liked. Even me. I’d been preparing as best I could for the events, and spending as much time with Alaric whenever possible to help revitalize Lucy.So far, I mostly just felt tired, not prepared, and Lucy remained
Cara’s POVKissing Alaric was as easy as breathing, especially when, after a moment, he gently opened his mouth and accepted my waiting tongue. His hands clenched at my waist, tugging me closer as he licked along the side of my tongue with his own before chasing mine back into my mouth and deepening