The relief when Ivan didn’t dismiss my little speech was unreal. The sadness when he didn’t recognise the wave of warm love hitting him broke my heart. Any jealousy I might have had about being his second-chance mate floated away. I don’t need to be jealous of someone who didn’t even treat Ivan the way he deserved. When a small servant in a grey tunic summoned us we had redressed, my hair properly brushed and plaited down my back with my maroon dress. Still an alien feeling to be smartly dressed in front of him. Ivan however, looked so handsome.“I am a huge fan of the White Forest look.” I murmured, pulling at the strings of his white shirt, revealing the deepest angle of the v-shape cut to me. “If they accept me what do I get to wear?” “You’ll get a hooded cloak, you’ll have seen them all wearing them.” “So I wear that and nothing else?” I asked innocently, loving the way his eyes glimmered whenever I teased him with a tempting idea. The little female servant was speedy, a long w

Spending the afternoon curled up in Ivan’s huge arms listening to his ridiculous stories was blissful. I adored his scent, unable to stop myself nuzzling in closer to his body, toying with the strings that lace up his shirt. Waves of adoration meant I practically floated back into the huge castle courtyard before remembering Luna Helena might want my head on a stick. In fact, the opposite occurred when we got back to our suite. A vast selection of fine dresses was laid out for me to wear alongside new, finer quality white shirts and pants for Ivan. I chose a rich purple off-the shoulder gown. Gently puffed sleeves rested on my upper arms, a semi-corset elevating my chest. I wore my hair up, a few loose curls trailing down, a Luna for a night I scoffed at Halo. Ivan’s gaze hit me as he left the bathroom, flattening his copper tufts down. He moved to stand behind me in the mirror, hands softly on my hips and placed some kisses along my bare neck and shoulders. “You look beautiful.” “

Castle life is like being on a whole other planet. The sumptuous suite, servants, unlimited food and drink, even the weather seems better in Silver City. Ivan has been busy every day putting volunteers through their paces. Half of his battle is picking recruits that are the right personality for this job. Anyone who could be corrupted or too violent once the job was done has no place in his Battalion. It was a clean-up job, not conquering. Surprisingly the competition is fierce, with peace for so many years under Alpha Alexander. All the candidates want to experience shifting and fight as a wolf rather than walk through tactics. It meant I had a lot of free time during the day, so my letter to my father was swiftly despatched. I spent a lot of time with Helena and little Freya. I could see why Ivan cared for Helena, despite her royal demeanour there was a sweet vulnerability behind those hazel eyes. She had a good sense of humour and the afternoons passed pleasantly enough. It wa

That was unbelievable, The adrenalin surged through me as Halo reached speeds I didn’t even think possible. Weaving, leaping and dodging she explained that the less time on the ground, the less placement of her scent. We are so small and light we even ended up using the trees, pouncing from branch to branch, further distancing ourselves. Without any mind-link there were some hairy moments but I wasn’t going to give Ivan concerns straight away. He looked sick to his stomach at the top of the bleachers, it almost stopped me celebrating. The way his face changed when he saw me, the smile and colour that flooded his features was adorable. I love the fact I can see his affection so plainly. Helena might love the brooding and dark Alexander but I would rather not have to interpret. I know Ivan loves me because every bit of him tells me so. From the way he grabs me to him, the golden glint in his eyes and the half-grin that creeps up his face whenever I say something he cannot help but b

It is time to name the squad. Cherish, Helena and Alexander are waiting on the side of the bleachers in the blazing sun. Jackson and I spent the morning debating, but we have an agreement. We are wearing our full white shirt, black trousers and black cloaks this morning, trying to stamp the appearance of authority upon the sweaty men before us. The recruits all stared at me as I took centre stage in the dusty earth bowl that used to be a sports field. The grass had been shredded away from all the fighting, running, and drills I had enforced on these shattered shifters. “I know you probably think I have been too harsh, too demanding. After all we are chasing down common criminals and thugs? What you don’t realise is that the people we are seeking do not play fair. They will have weapons. Silver-edged knives, possibly even landmines peppered with silver and booby-traps.” Though I had told them this several times already, some of the men’s eyes still looked to the ground at the though