GINGER I'd managed to avoid Tyce for almost a whole week. But now it was Sunday, and I knew he'd be at the service that night. My anxiety was in overdrive. Not only was I stressing about seeing Tyce again after everything that had gone down almost a week ago, but I still hadn't worked out exactly how I was going to get to Salem again, and the next full moon was only two weeks away. Our family only had one car, so asking to borrow it for an entire day was not easy. Everyone would want to know where I was going and what I was doing with it. It was a four-hour drive to get there, so it wasn't exactly something I could slip out for an hour or two to do. I had to think of a creative excuse. When we finally arrived at temple that evening, I spotted him right away. It was hard not to—he was so tall and had a commanding presence. It made sense, considering he was an alpha, and I had a hard time forcing myself not to stare at him as he conversed with people at the front, near where the alpha

GINGER I set my alarm for early on Friday. I didn't want there to even be a slight chance I'd miss my ride. I really had to swallow my pride for this one, and I knew I'd have to be on my best behavior. Who knew how many other rides I'd need to grovel for in the future. Although, I really hoped this would be my last one. With the sun shining, and the warm air flowing in through the window screen, I had a good feeling about this time. I threw on a cute spring dress and stood in front of my full-length mirror. Damn, I'd forgotten how low cut this dress was. I was sporting more cleavage than I intended. But when you were busty like me, it was pretty unavoidable. I pulled the neckline up a bit, but it didn't really do much. Oh well. It's not like Tyce would be interested or looking anyway. He'd made it pretty fucking clear I was a 2 on his rating scale. As much as I hated to admit it, his dig still stung. After I was satisfied with my appearance, I made my way downstairs to make myself

GINGER The day was uncharacteristically hot for so early in June. I was relieved once we made it inside the air-conditioned fortune-telling shop. Helena greeted us, passing her hand through her dark curls—well, greeted Tyce. I may as well have been invisible. "Oh, hello there. You're back!" She smiled widely at him as she came around from behind the register. "Hey," he replied, giving her a flashy smile. Although it absolutely should not have bothered me, it did. No, I was clearly just annoyed that she didn't even notice my existence even though I was a regular customer—that's all. It one hundred percent did not bother me that she was looking Tyce up and down and he was giving her a much bigger smile than he ever gave me. No, not at all. "How long are you in town for? Do you have time for a drink or two this evening?" She fluttered her eyelashes at him. "Maybe," He began to reply. "There's a great spot. Totally underground. But I can get you in." "I think I can make time for a

GINGER Tyce and I didn’t talk the entirety of the ride. Tyce just trained his eyes on the road and never once glanced my way except to merge lanes. I clutched my purse, thankful, at least, I got what I came for. So it wasn't a complete disaster. Two emotions competed within me simultaneously. One, I was upset about how Tyce had treated me. First, he called me his "buddy" to Helena, especially after making it seem like there was something between us. I didn't even know why I thought that or why it bothered me so much, but it did. After milling it over in my mind, I concluded that it just hurt to feel so inadequate next to someone so hot and powerful. I hated being made to feel so weak and worthless. It was a feeling that I carried throughout my life, and it was always so hard to kick, no matter how many friends I made or how much I succeeded at school. I still always felt like that little girl that never properly got her wolf in middle school. Then, as soon as I disappeared, he'd go

BLAKE After the temple service, Jasmine and I jumped in my car to head north. I glanced over at her as I started the car, taking her hand in mine. "You know, you're going to need a bigger car soon. It's going to be a lot of work getting pups in and out of their car seats with a two-door." "I know." She sighed. "But I love that car." I squeezed her hand. "Maybe we can trade cars when we have to take the pups." I smiled at her and she put her head against my arm sending sparks dancing up and down the length of it. I was still getting used to the idea of it, being hit unexpectedly by the news. I thought we'd have more time to ease ourselves into the idea of it. I always knew I'd have to provide an heir to our pack, but I just didn't think it would happen so soon. As we drove, Jasmine drifted into sleep. I did notice she'd been a lot more tired lately, going to bed much earlier than previously. She kept claiming she had no symptoms, but I definitely noticed them—both how horny and uni