*Poppy*Gemma jumped on the bed, squealing delightfully and eating her favorite jelly beans. I tried one too many times to remind her of good manners, but every time she flashed me with her big, shining, and pleading eyes, I gave up and let her jump one more time."Mommy, can I sleep at Trevor's? Aunt Nastya said our apartment is closed. Some kind of revelation or something." Gemma asked, plopping in the middle of the bed, spilling the remains of the jelly beans from the package."Not revelation, but renovation. And Aunt Nastya has some old news. Everything is already fixed, and we can spend a few days in our beautiful little apartment again." I closed my suitcase, leaned over it, and grabbed the last strawberry jelly beside my daughter's little feet."Hey. This is my favorite." Gemma pouted and quickly picked up the remaining jelly beans, stuffing them into her mouth."And try saying Anastasia. Aunt Anastasia." I corrected her, although I know she won't be able to say the full versio
*Poppy*I looked out the window and watched the beautiful autumn slowly ending, preparing for the incoming winter. My favorite red, brown, and gold leaves had already begun to fall to the ground, leaving the branches bare and slightly off-putting. The sky had already started to turn dark blue, and in less than an hour, it would undoubtedly turn into a completely black surface covered with a trillion stars."You've been so quiet since Gemma fell asleep. I hope you don't mind me asking you to change your seat." Logan chatted, keeping his eyes on the empty road shrouded in blowing leaves, distracting me from what was undoubtedly my escape from my nervous situation."No. Not. I'm just deep in thought; I didn't think that the closer I get to the goal, I'll have more and more problems, doubts, and fears." I answered honestly, although that wasn't really on my mind then."You'll see; everything will work out, and you'll win." Logan placed a warm hand on my thigh, and I cringed."Just forty-f
*Poppy*The whole world stopped as soon as his warm lips pressed against mine. The cool breeze stopped a few inches short of my skin; the fog thickened into a cloud between us, and the sound of the engine starting faded to silence. The blood was pounding in my ears, adrenaline was pumping my body, and the pain in my lower abdomen, which for a moment had almost separated me from the inside, stopped as if Logan's lips were the best painkiller.The kiss was subtle and delicate, even seeming to be a brush, but the warmth emanating from his skin was enough to accelerate my racing heart and speed up my pulse. I opened my eyes in shock but couldn't push him away. Logan closed his eyes and touched my lips as if he were testing the waters and counting on my steps to cross the boundaries of decency.Seconds seemed to be an eternity when my brain was fighting with my heart, and everyone was giving rational and particular arguments. But Iris's purr and her relief in suffering had the decisive voi
*Logan*I sat in the armchair and stared at Gemma sleeping, dressed in her favorite purple flannel pajamas, holding the silver and gray wolf mascot I had given her the first month she came to live in our kingdom. Her sweet face melted into a quizzical smile as I told her about my meeting with Trevor tomorrow. Her excitement could be considered a sign of an early bond between two werewolves, but Gunnar explained that it was more of a need for a loved one going through a similar experience.I took another sip of the beer Albert had kindly stocked Poppy's little fridge with and watched Gemma's steady breathing, wrapped in a warm blanket and lying comfortably on the sofa in the living room. My thoughts revolved around that one incredible moment less than an hour ago on the side of the road. My body boiled again at the memory, and my penis stood at attention almost immediately."Holy shit," I sighed and stood up, getting as far away from Gemma as possible.I stood at the kitchen sink and l
*Logan*"And now! Don't stop; concentrate on your opponent! Right, left, center!"I shouted commands from the sideline, never taking my eyes off Poppy and Gamma Chloé, who were punching each other like pros. My heart was pounding as I watched Poppy's progress in just a few months, but I was still afraid for her as I watched Chloé deliver blows to her so efficiently and precisely."Don't let your guard down! Up! Up! Now, double chin!"Poppy followed all my instructions, and Chloé's mate cheered on his wife from the other side. Both women did great, collecting points and improving their skills. Even though Chloé was a highly trained and experienced warrior, she sometimes buckled under Poppy's pressure. The people gathered around cheered the two women, but most of them chose Poppy, surprised and proud of her remarkable progress.Poppy's blows began to look like those thrown in a frenzy, thoughtlessly and definitely as if she was taking out her frustration, aggression, or pain on her oppo
*Poppy*I sat in an uncomfortable hospital chair and stared at Ryan, who was sleeping and hooked up to a drip. I shouldn't be so worried about his condition, but I couldn't help but feel guilty. I'm the one who put him in here. A part of me felt proud that I had defeated such a great and good warrior as Ryan. Still, on the other hand, there was a knocking fear in my heart that this fury might attack me again, and it wouldn't be directed at someone equal or Seamus but at someone close to me, maybe even weaker than me.'Stop blaming yourself for winning. Ryan understands he's a fighter himself.' Iris convinced me, but I couldn't look at this victory with full pride. Not after the way Chloé looks at me.'She is just jealous. She lost to Loser Poppy.' She growled, recalling Chloé's comments behind my back.
*Poppy*I watched as Daliah tried to call Tanner again but to no avail. His phone was still out of range, and the agreed emergency number was not answering. Arthur moved towards his wife and rubbed her shoulders, whispering reassuring words to which she nodded."Maybe Seamus started to suspect something. Maybe Tanner needs to be more careful and hide his phone; you said yourself that his last call was strange." I hinted, trying to comfort a frightened woman.It was the first time I had talked to Arthur or Daliah since I visited Autumn Pack. First, our trip was disrupted. Although I must admit that the help in overcoming the pain was pleasant, the fact that I allowed myself to be so stupidly surprised was not my best moment.Then, this sparring, which helped me more than running through the forest, also caused me a few additional problems. And I'm not talking about stupid gossip, which hasn't bothered me for a long time, but the fact that many people witnessed my little madness didn't
*Tanner*I heard water dripping into the metal bowl in the left corner of my cell. The cold and dampness of the musty floor made my body shiver, and a very sharp, frosty wind pierced me, causing a fever. My eyes were tired and sleepy, and my eyelids were too heavy to lift, but my brain screamed at me to move."How long do we have to keep him here? It's been almost ten days, and the guy hasn't said a word.""We are to hold him until he arrives. We are not paid to extract information from him; they will take care of that."I heard the muffled but still quite distinct voices of several men talking nearby. Although slightly muffled, my hearing still registered everything that was happening around me."Time for another dose."This announcement made me panic and made my heart beat faster. I knew what these words meant, and I was afraid that I would no longer be able to resist the effects of the drug. Otis was already so heavily intoxicated that his further resistance wavered. Even though I
*Logan*The crisp morning air filled the palace as sunlight poured through the grand windows, illuminating the ornate halls that echoed expectations and unspoken words. I paced the marble floor of my room, the weight of my thoughts consuming me. I had spent countless hours wrestling with my feelings for Allegra, trying to ignore the turmoil that was becoming increasingly harder to evade. The butterflies I once cherished now felt like a storm churning in my chest, pulling me under with every fleeting glance at her.Allegra had awoken on this particular day with a glow that made her appear ethereal, her laughter brightening even the darkest corners of my mind. We had shared breakfast on the terrace, the air filled with the scent of fresh pastries and blooming flowers, yet an unspoken rift had lingered throughout our time together. I watched as she talked animatedly about some festival planning for the upcomin
*Logan*The palace's lush gardens were alive with the colors of spring, their fragrance drifting on the gentle breeze. It was here, amid the vibrant blooms, that Allegra and I found our sanctuary. A week had passed since our return, yet it felt like time had stitched together a tapestry of stolen moments and intimate whispers. Each encounter crackled with a youthful excitement as if we were teenagers navigating the thrilling waters of first love.I walked alongside Allegra, our fingers intertwined, echoes of laughter bouncing off the marble pathways. I marveled at how her smile could light up even the dimmest corners of the grand old palace. With every shared glance, I felt the butterflies in my stomach take flight, exhilarating yet terrifying all at once. Allegra was a tempest of emotions, her joy infectious, filling the warm air between us.But though everything appeared pe
*Poppy*I have been back in Autumn Pack for several days now, and the new routine of my life felt almost like a dream - one I had yearned to return to for so long. Each morning began with birds chirping and the gentle rustle of leaves outside my window. Together with Gemma, we could rise to share breakfast with Daliah and Arthur, whose warmth enveloped me like a comforting embrace.Dante's presence had rapidly become a part of my daily life. He was attentive and kind, always finding ways to make me laugh, whether by sharing a silly joke or reminiscing about adventures he wished to embark on. Our connection deepened in ways that both intrigued and frightened me; he would reach out to tuck a stray hair behind my ear and offer his hand as we walked through the woods, fingers grazing softly against each other. The lightness of our interactions often left me breathless, a mixture of exhilaration and fear floodin
*Poppy*When we finally arrived at the Autumn Pack territory, the sun had just dipped below the horizon. The familiar scents of pine and earth enveloped me, and with every step closer to the pack house, I felt a mixture of emotions swell within me. It had been far too long since we had walked these grounds, yet it felt like coming home.As we approached the front steps of the large, welcoming house, the door swung open, revealing Daliah and Arthur - a couple who had been pillars of strength and warmth throughout my life. The years may have added silver to their hair and deep lines of wisdom to their faces, but the joy in their eyes remained youthful and vibrant."Poppy! Gemma!" Daliah exclaimed, her arms wide open as she rushed to embrace us."Daliah, it's so good to be back," I squeezed her tightly. A wave of relief washed over me; this was th
*Poppy*I stood at the courtyard's edge, my heart racing as uncertainty knotted my stomach. The vibrant garden colors around me felt muted compared to the swirling emotions within me. The time had come for me to face Andrew and Amara to deliver the news I had wrestled with for days. I could no longer ignore the call of my heart, the longing for home, and the necessity of returning to the Autumn Pack.Taking a deep breath, I made my way to the large stone archway that led into the main hall. Inside, Andrew and Amara were conversing, their expressions serious. I knew precisely what they were whispering about, and the weight of that knowledge settled heavily like a lead upon my heart as I faced this agonizing decision. How could I walk away when their home was cloaked in such a shroud of sorrow? The air was thick with grief, and I felt the aching pull of my reluctance. Blaze was gone, his suffering mercifully at an end, yet the relief felt like a cruel taunt i
*Poppy*I sat on the edge of my bed, staring out the window at the sprawling landscape beyond the mansion's walls. The sun was slowly sinking behind the distant mountains, painting the sky in hues of orange and purple. It was beautiful and captivating, but I found no solace in the view. My mind was a tangled mess of worry and frustration, and the weight of uncertainty pressed heavily on my chest.For days, I had scoured every possible lead in search of the identity behind the recent events that sent ripples of unease throughout our community. The whispers of betrayal, secrecy, and impending danger loomed over me like a dark cloud, suffocating any flicker of hope. Each day had been met with disappointment; unreliable informants, half-truths, and more questions than answers left the journey feeling as though
*Andrew*The dim light of the hospital room flickered gently, casting a warm glow over Azize as she slowly regained her strength. The walls were adorned with calming landscapes, but the atmosphere was thick with unspoken tension and curiosity. After days of worry and uncertainty, Azize finally opened her eyes. Dr. Kyle and I sat beside her, our faces etched with concern and reassurance."Azize," I breathed with a mixture of relief and urgency. You're awake!"The remnants of exhaustion lingered in her features as she struggled to sit up, clutching the soft blanket around her for reassurance. "Hey, Drew. Hey, Kyle." Her voice was hoarse, but each word carried the weight of everything she had endured.Kyle, seeing her stubbornness, leaned closer. "Take your time, Azize. You've been through a lot. But if you can,
*Andrew*I stood at the eastern window of the mansion, gazing out at the horizon. I felt a strange unease stirring within me, a thread of anxiety woven through the quiet. My twin sister, an intrepid adventurer and skilled operative, had been missing for weeks since the last mission. This treacherous undertaking had pulled me into the shadows of the unknown. We have been waiting for news, hoping against hope that she would return.The Piemontesi Valley, cradled by majestic mountains and cloaked in a blanket of vibrant green, had always been a sanctuary of peace. The sun cast a golden hue over lush valleys and placid streams, the air filled with the fragrance of wildflowers and the gentle rustle of leaves. It was a haven where time seemed to stand still, and every care would dissolve into the landscape. But as the sun dipped below the mountains, the sky flared with vibrant hues of or
*Poppy*The sun hung low in the sky, casting a warm golden hue over the room. Andrew and I sat in a cluttered room filled with papers, charts, and remnants of late-night coffee sessions. I leaned back in my chair, my brow furrowed in thought as I stared at the wall, which seemed to be closing in on us with every quiet moment."Andrew," I began, breaking the comfortable silence that had settled between us, "how long has it been since we picked up any signs from the distribution channel?"Andrew glanced at his watch, the weariness in his eyes evident. "Almost three weeks. My contacts are spread out and searching, but... there haven't been any leads. It's like they vanished into thin air."