Once she was inside the room, he grabbed her around her waist and threw her on the bed. She quickly bounced and tumbled to the side, followed by Mal landing on the bed. She giggled as she ran to the bathroom with Mal hot on her heels. He grabbed her once more, spun her around, then slammed her against the door. Their breathing grew ragged as they looked into each other’s eyes. Claire spoke first, “you should probably let me get a shower before bed…” He slowly lowered her to the ground, keeping her held against him so she could feel every ridge of his body and he could feel every curve of hers. She kept a firm grip on his forearms to keep her balance as she drew in a shaky breath.“Go on then…” Mal moved to lean his hip against the bathroom counter, cross his arms over his chest, and raised an eyebrow; challenging her.Turning her back to him, she started the shower. Then ran her hand through the dripping water, then sauntered back to him. She stood on her toes in front of him and w

Mal gently lifted her chin. “No one was hurt. But I fear they may just be getting started. This was a warning.” He brought his hand to her cheek, using his thumb to rub the lone tear that involuntarily fell.Claire nodded her head, then turned her cheek into his palm. His cool skin seemed to calm her; the cool counteracting the heat that threatened its way to the surface. Mal leaned down, his lips pressing to hers. She opened willingly as their tongues eagerly explored each other’s mouths. She didn’t realize she needed this comfort. He was turning her insides to mush, but fanning the flame that never seemed to die when she was around him. Mal effortlessly lifted her to the counter, opened her legs, and placed himself in between them. *ding *ding *dingClaire tore her lips away from his and placed her forehead on his chest, trying to hide her laughter. “You really need to get that damn doorbell fixed.” Deciding that she had a point, Mal wanted to either dismantle the annoying cont

The last week went by at a snail’s pace. Graduation had to be postponed a few weeks due to “leaking pipes” in the auditorium, but Claire overheard her father and Zach when she returned home a few days after her birthday.“The rogues damn near destroyed the building. Are we sure we got them all?” Jack’s voice quivered with his restrained anger.Zach nodded his head. “We have dealt them with. We didn’t get any info from them, though. Perhaps we’ve stopped them for now.”Jack stared into his whiskey glass, contemplating. “That’s what worries me. We’ve stopped them. For now.”The scene played on replay in Claire’s brain, and she couldn’t wrap her head around it.The rogues attacked her car at the party and her high school auditorium. But why? She was the only connection between the two.She walked into the living room, where everyone gathered around the coffee table. When she sat down, Steph grabbed her hand. “The banquet for the King is next weekend. We get to look at some dresses and do

It had been a rather relaxing day since they arrived on the pack lands. The other girls on her floor were partying and causing a ruckus, so Claire grabbed her book and her noise canceling headphones; she needed to tune out the noise.On the verge of falling asleep, a knock on her door jolted her awake.“Ugh. This better be good, or someone is dying tonight.” She opened the door to Sean, sheepishly running a hand through his sandy hair. “Just wanted to say good night. And no matter what happens tomorrow night, we’ll always be friends.” Claire could only look at him. “Well duh, Dipshit. And goodnight...” She closed the door as he walked down the hallway. What in the world is going on with everyone?Getting comfortable again, she grabbed her book to continue reading. Within a few minutes, she was fast asleep.*******************************************************She looked so peaceful; her hair spread over her pillow, her soft lips slightly opened as she gently snored. He sat on the

More guests arrived and more glasses piled up on their table. The Taylors and Millers were throwing back tequila shots and bottles of wine like it was their job. Laughter was abundant as they mingled with each other and the other guests. Claire nervously drummed her French-tipped nails on her glass as she bit her bottom lip and tapped her feet. She enjoyed the banter that was coming from their table, but she needed to step away to work away some of the uneasiness that was settling in the pit of her stomach. Walking around the edge of the crowd, a middle-aged woman smiled sweetly at Claire. “Hello, child. Glorious evening, isn’t it?” Claire smiled back and walked to her side. “Yes, it is. Hi, I’m Claire Taylor.” She held out her hand to the woman as she introduced herself as well.“Hello Claire. I’m Priestess Ramona. Council leader of the witches and warlocks. And I am very excited to meet you in person. Your reputation precedes you, young Claire.” Her gaze trickled down to Claire’s