The sound of the wind outside my window was soothing. It was pitch black outside so I had left my bedside lamp on. There was something so sinister about nighttime, the inability to see properly, the hushed, stealthy sounds in the darkness, the noticeable creaking and groanings of floorboards and ceilings, and a thousand other sounds that could be interpreted in many different ways. The dark was something I had always hated. It tended to rob me of my carefully honed reflexes. I did not like to be taken unawares, the warrior in me would never want that. It was always better to be prepared for any eventuality. That was my motto. But in the dark, darker things and people lurked. That was one of the reasons why I slept with the lights on all the time, always at the edge of consciousness, always prepared to defend myself and attack if need be. I turned in bed, pulling the covers down a bit. Sleep wouldn't just come yet. I put my hands behind my head, staring up at the ceiling. The pack ho

I walked into his study, already knowing what this meeting was all about. I guess he did not want to give me a piece of his mind while Madison was present. I had been about to erupt when he abruptly said he wanted to see me- immediately. His tone had brooked no argument. I had wanted to give Madison a piece of my mind anyway, but there was really no need to waste my breath arguing with her. Besides, she was in one of those moods where anything I said was likely to go through one ear and out the other. She had looked thoroughly excited about the whole thing, oblivious to the barely restrained tension between Dante and I. Even Maddox had noticed it. He had not seemed to enjoy his food as much as usual. He had eaten in silence as his dark eyes studied my face. Now, looking at Dante seated on his desk chair I asked myself what he could possibly say now that could change my mind."What was that all about?" he finally asked me after trying to stare me down and failing. "I should be askin

A hush hung over the pack house. It was as if a shadow had fallen over it. In the silence, there was a sort of expectancy- like everyone was waiting for something to happen. I sat in bed, my back ramrod straight.  There was a queasy feeling in my stomach I recognized as anxiety. I had tried all night to remain calm. I had done all I could, going through my phone, and trying to sleep but nothing seemed to work. There was an annoying insistent tapping in the silence of the room.  Frowning, I looked around and realized my foot was doing the tapping. I forced myself to stop. I was making everything worse by putting myself on edge. I hated to admit it but I was worried, worried about Dante and the outcome of his venture into the woods.  A few minutes after leaving Dante's study, I had been in the living

Allison's POV  I stared at Dante in disbelief, not sure if I had heard him right. Tonight I want to sleep with you. That statement could be interpreted in a lot of ways. I sucked in a breath as images of lying in bed with Dante, holding him in my arms flooded my mind.  A blush suffused my cheeks. The scoundrel looked at me in evident enjoyment of my reaction. He had said it on purpose. It was funny how Dante had the ability to throw me off trac

Allison's POV Breakfast was an awkward affair. I was not sure how I would face Madison and Maddox considering the way I had made an ass of myself by worrying about Dante whom I claimed to hate. The funny thing was that if I had my way, I would do what I did for him last night over and over again. I glanced at Dante. He was looking better now, thanks to me. His color had returned and he could move his injured hand a little bit. The weakness seemed to be ebbing. He had also donned his cold, aristocratic, and authoritative mask. What happened yesterday already began to feel like a dream. Dante whining and just being a crybaby. I had no idea that there was a softer and more approachable side to him. Maddox and Madison were also having breakfast with us as usual. Madison ke