Gladdy giggled as Emma blew raspberries on her chubby feet and legs. She had just cleaned her bottom, powdered her up, and changed her diaper. “You’re so cute…” she laughed, blowing on the soles of her feet. “Who’s my lil cutie? My sweet, sweet Gladdy!” She put on Gladdy’s small pink socks, then wrapped her in a soft white blanket. Sitting by the edge of the bed, she nursed Gladdy as she rocked back and forth slowly to get her to sleep. The master bedroom itself was bigger than their apartment, set on the third tier of the penthouse suite. The glass walls showcased the entirety of the room while giving them a vantage point of the city, which was a captivating sight to behold; like a carpet of stars, only created by man. Soft lighting overhead gave the room a tranquil ambience, and as Gladdy fell asleep, a tear slid down her cheek. Count

 When dawn was breaking, Aidan sat by the edge of the bed, staring out into the sky. The sheets were a mess, the pillows thrown somewhere in the room, and the blankets were ruffled up on the floor, but he made no move to fix it. He didn’t feel like sleeping. Arke was alright with it. Smoke trailed up one end of the joint between his fingers, embers lighting a bright yellow as he took a long drag from the other end. From the glassy reflection staring back at him, the stinging red handprint on his right cheek was visible. Samantha had slapped him, and she slapped him hard – something that women seldom did to him. He had a good time; he didn’t mind it. Besides, the split-second sting was nothing compared to a real injury. Tonight, however, was different. It bothered him. Not the slap, or the fact that Arke was delighted when she did and slowed down his healing so the print stayed longer.

  Aidan followed her around the bookstore, pushing a cart behind her as she added more books, stationery, pens, and other school materials. As he did, he was thinking as to why he took it upon himself to be her chauffeur for the day. Gladdy was awake now, and Emma was patting her bottom as she browsed through the books she needed. He noticed her head turn to the fictional books, then back to her textbooks. It was subtle at first, but as they went nearer the end of the aisle, he was sure she wanted a particular set of books from the opposite shelf. He made a mental note to browse through it later, or maybe just buy all of it since he didn’t know which ones she wanted exactly. What am I thinking? Aidan held back a sigh and brought himself to focus on her. That was when he sensed it. He looked to his left, then behind him. Someone was watching him … or them. And whoever it was

            Niquel tried to concentrate on the papers on his desk, but his mind kept drifting to the events of the previous night. Holding her in his arms felt so right. He missed the soft feel of her, her warmth and comfort. He was afraid she’d push him away in panic. Instead, she welcomed his embrace and leaned into him as if finding in him the same kind of comfort he found in her. His beast was threatening to surface. Knowing they were within arm’s reach of their mate; it couldn’t help but want to mate with her again. It missed her in more ways than one and wished to show just how much it loved its mate. Niquel sighed, his shoulders dropping. She was still in love with Dylan, he could see it in her eyes. Should he tell her? Could he? He promised himself that he wouldn’t let her go through pain again because of him. Reopening

            “Van, why did you do that?” she hissed as soon as the bedroom door closed. Emma was too shocked by Niquel’s actions and words that her mind short-circuited back at the kitchen. She didn’t even speak up for her boss, who so graciously helped her for the day and even took the liberty to accompany her and Gladdy to the park. Vanessa flipped her long blonde hair and rolled her eyes. “You were going to say yes anyway.” “No, I wasn’t!” She raised a brow. “Really?” “I – I mean, I was thinking about it.” Gladdy was laid down on the middle of the bed and covered with a thick blanket. “Em, I’ve seen the way you look at him. What is it?” Emma averted her eyes. “What is what? I don&r