*** Slayne *** I like my new sister-in-law a lot. She is short but feisty, firm but loving and she is going to make an amazing Luna. The strength of her bond with my brother has left me in awe. I believe she will love him and make him happy and content. I feel my brother and Ivan coming closer to us, but Helen doesn’t realise what the pull is yet. She stands agitated at the windows, peering out, trying to see something that isn’t apparent to the naked eye just yet. But when Ivan’s car comes into view, she runs to the front door which she swings open despite the rain outside. When my brother steps out of the car she runs to him, he catches her and lifts her to his chest as she winds her legs around his waist and her arms around his neck and they never break their kiss. Wow! They kiss like no one is watching as the rain drenches their bodies. Meanwhile, Ivan and I stand a short distance apart from each other. It feels so awkward between us. After looking at my brother and his mate f

*** Alan *** As I speak to Rose on the phone, I want to smash this hotel room up. Helen knows about the money, about the monthly allowance and about the second lump sum that is due soon. That lump sum was going to get me away from her, her brat and that easy, clingy slag Melanie and settled in Central America where I can have sun, sea, sand and sangria and completely reinvent myself. I have big plans to create a new and exciting life for myself; it is, after all, what I deserve. I had already started to book in for plastic surgery to subtly adjust my appearance so I will not be recognised. Hair plugs, nose job, new teeth, and abdominal and pectoral implants. With the tan I will surely get, the ladies will find me irresistible. I have my fake passport, I have my flights booked and I have accommodation set up in the several stop-offs I was going to make so that I became untraceable. All I needed now was that lump sum to set me up for the next few years with a business and a home and

*** Brad *** It was a huge relief that Sal didn’t even question my loyalty, or my family’s. Jose always said she was clever and astute. “Do not take her for a fool, Ale. My little Sal has the noggin of a man, she will rival the best of them. This has nothing to do with her ability and everything to do with the prejudice she will face because she is female.” Those were his words, and as I watched her from afar, I knew he had actually been conservative in his assessment of her abilities. The Mafia is not a lifestyle for the fainthearted. As a third and fourth generation family, both me and Sal have been raised with the customs and expectations. The difference is that my sister was raised to be a wife, mother, and a behind the scenes support network, whereas Sal has been prepped and preened to be those things as well as the female boss. Jose raised her like a Mafia father would raise both his son and daughter, and he and Maria had done a brilliant job. I know civilians would look at

~*~ Flashback ~*~ ~~~ Seven Years Ago ~~~ “It’s a pleasure to finally meet you, Mrs Smith-Jones.” I hear my sickly-sweet tone as the words come out of my mouth and want to puke. I had asked Helen to marry me and move to Germany last night and I have to say I was a bit shocked when she agreed. So now, here I am, declaring my intentions to her mother and getting her to like me. “Oh, I’m actually Mrs Duvall now, but please call me Rose. It’s nice to finally meet the famous Alan who has swept my daughter off her feet.” She knows how to sweet talk too. I know from my conversations with Helen that this is her mother’s sixth husband, so she’s been around the block, unlike her daughter. “Mum!” Helen shouts, her face going bright red. I do my best Prince Charming act and kiss her hand as I gently laugh at her. “Oh, come on honey, it’s not so embarrassing anymore, I am crazy about you too and last night I asked you to be my wife.” I look at her with my best puppy dog eyes, I hope I am comi

*** Manzitti *** I could feel Helen’s anguish and growing anger in my chest despite the physical distance between us. The sooner we moved in together, the better, as far as I am concerned. I cannot help her from afar. I need her to feel safe and secure and loved. I want her away from the grips of that selfish, twisted fucker of an ex-husband too. The revelations of how he has mistreated my girl all these years just keep coming and coming. She is a warrior, so strong and resilient for making it through. I know now that is why the Moon Goddess fated us to be together. Despite being human, Helen is a tower of strength who is more than worthy of being Luna of my pack, she just needs to realise her own power. As I climb into my car, I think back on the announcement I made to the pack. Ivan had chastised me but if any one of my pack members makes Helen feel unwelcome or uncomfortable, I will break their legs. “Onyx River, I am proud to announce I have met my fated mate. Her name is Hele