Staring int into the mirror, I don't recognize the reflection. I have to give Audrie credit, she NAILED the dress. I run my fingers across the intricate crystal design that runs beneath my breasts and scrolls up the halter-style straps. The black fabric hangs closely to my body and just barely touches the floor. It would be pooling at my feet if it wasn't for the clear jeweled heels. Doing a small turn, with a small sigh, my eyes are met with an open back that didn’t allow for a bra but fully displayed my scars. The crystal embellishments continued on the back strap and ran from the small of my back to the floor. It did make my butt look pretty stellar. Having my scars out in the open like did make me nervous, but Audrie insisted that it showcased my strength and that the pack would think the same. Sucking in a deep breath as I lean forward to apply a coat of nude lipstick. I don’t wear much makeup, ever, but for tonight I was wearing mascara and lipstick. I did fancy up my typica

“Isla…Hey, Is, wake up” Warm tingles are dancing across my arm as I blink open my eyes. The soft hum of the tires on Zac’s 4Runner must have lulled me into a sleep I smile as my eyes land on his handsome face staring at me. Glancing around it looks like we’ve pulled off at a service station of some type. I’ve never really traveled before. Well, I guess I did when I was transferred between packs. I went from Blood Oak to Cedar Falls by ambulance but I was unconscious, TRTC wasn’t far from Grandma Junes when The Great Council took me there, and when I came to Zac’s, I had slept. The service station was huge and right off of a busy-looking multi-lane road, I didn’t pay much attention to where the cabin was from Clear Creek when I viewed the link. I was too absorbed in the thought of being alone with Zac. “Where are we?” My voice cracked slightly. “Just outside of Monument City. You looked so peaceful, I hated to wake you but I needed gas and thought you might want some coffee or sna

Feeling the warmth of the new morning cascading over me, I slowly blink my eyes open only to be greeted directly by the light of the sun. A familiar heaviness weighs across my hips, tilting my head I see a very peaceful Zac fast asleep behind me. His velvety lips parted just slightly, letting his warm breath tickle the nape of my neck. Rogue locks of his chocolate hair dangle across his uncreased forehead. Moving as to not wake him, I sit up and glance around what I’m guessing is the master bedroom. I don’t remember coming to bed, but this room, wow. Three walls of windows separated by rustic cedar planks look out into a thick forest. The large bed with lush linens offered a front-row seat to endless serenity. The last thing I remembered, we were in the larger soaker tub after a hot and heavy session on the couch. A shiver ran up my spine as I thought about the way Zac took care of my needs during and after the sex. This man was almost too good to be true. Goddess, was he my r

“I thought you were like boy genius or some shit” “If you want to do it, be my guest,” Jace says peering up at me over the top of his laptop. “I’m the muscle, you’re the brains, so just, just, I don’t know, be brainer” He narrows his eyes at me before returning to his computer screen and mumbling to himself so quietly that not even my werewolf hearing can make out the words, “Damnit! The files encryption is way harder to crack than I anticipated” “So… what does that mean…” “It means, I need to write a whole other program to run through the code and show me weak spots and then another one to help me alter the security and I have to do it carefully to not alert the council's IT teams, or else the TRACERS will be knocking on our door.” Before I have time to come up with any sort of smart-ass remark, my phone pings in my pocket as Jace’s vibrates on the desk. I raise an eyebrow at him as I pull my phone out. ‘Grayson: Alpha Zac’s office, twenty minutes.’ “Grayson?” Jace nods, “

“Shit, that one stung,” Audrie says rubbing her jaw as I reach a hand out to help her to her feet. “I guess all the stress and anger is finally surfacing” “Nice job everyone, that will be it for today,” Zac yells out and claps his hands together, signaling the end of training. Reaching down to my gym bag to grab my water bottle when suddenly a wave of nausea hits me like a mac truck out of nowhere. Clamping my hand over my mouth I run off to the locker room as the bile starts to burn up my throat. I just barely make it to the stall before completely emptying the contents of my stomach into the bowl. So much for finally being able to eat a whole meal... Sitting back on my butt, I lean my head on the cool metal wall of the stall just as Audrie comes bounding through the door. “Girl! What was that, are you okay?” Her voice was laced with worry. “Mhmm, I don't know, I don't think breakfast agreed” I murmur with arms wrapped around myself. Her face softens, “I’m sure all the stress