Alex growls, and I see his claws extend. I know Zeke is pushing forward, and he will tear Jake apart if I don’t do something. Even with Jake’s skills, he’s no match for my angry mate.Ha-ha. You called him your mate. You’re starting to like him again! Vera grins.Not now, mutt. The sounds of breaking glass pull my attention back to the angry wolves fighting in my living room. Alex throws Jake into a wall, creating the biggest hole I’ve ever seen. He might as well have just taken out the wall. Jake lunges at Alex. I jump in front of him, and I knock the breath from Jake’s chest with my fist. His dazed body stumbles back. A kick to his stomach leaves him gasping for air on the floor.Alex looks at me with wonder. I walk to him with my arms outstretched. Ale

“I met him when I was sixteen, on my birthday, to be exact. It was the worst birthday of my life.” Amber inhales a large breath. “My friend insisted we go to a club on the human territory. She was screwing the bouncer, so it was pretty easy to sneak in. At first it was fun. Dancing with older guys, getting free drinks, getting hit on. It was the first time I had felt beautiful or loved in so long. It was everything you see in the movies. Until I met him. Back then, that pale asshat was the most gorgeous creature I had ever seen. He was so sweet and attentive. He complimented me, made me feel safe. He gave me what I was looking for. Love. I mean, I had my dad back then, but I wanted that all-consuming love. I wanted what I thought everyone around me had. What I thought my parents had. I know it’s silly considering I’d just met him, but I was so desperate for any type of love back then, I couldn’t stop myself from fallin

I slump into my chair, the adrenaline fading from my veins. Alex gently runs his fingers over my hand before locking them with mine. I’m too tired to ask him for space right now. It’s only lunchtime, but I’m drained.“You, okay?” Paige asks in a whisper.“Yeah, I’m just tired.”“I’m sorry for my part in those rumors. I didn’t start them, but I spread them.”I offer her a small smile. Apologies can’t erase the emotional scars, but I’ll take it. It’s not really her job to erase them, anyway. “I’m starving. The cooks made pizza today. How about I have them bring us all some?” Alex asks.Everyone agrees with a collective eagerness. Twenty minutes later and we’re all devouring greasy slices. I smile at the little moans that

“Come in.”“Hey, I just wanted to see…” Amber’s voice trails off as her eyes land on my body.I relish in the way her stare makes me feel. The tension of her heated gaze makes it hard to breathe. All I want is her, and all she wants is for me to leave her alone. That’s what she says, anyway. I realize that she’s staring at my scars more than my toned abs, an observation that deflates my confidence just a little.“What are those from? Those weren’t there before.” She walks towards me and touches my scars.Tingles light up my skin underneath her fingertips. Goddess, I have missed that. Her touch feels so good that I almost forget to answer her.“Oh, uh, I got into a fight with some rogues and their leader gave me a going away gift.”She moves closer, her hands never leaving me. The closer she gets, the harder it is for me to not throw her on my bed and show her e

“My name is Alpha Colin from Onyx Flame. I won’t take up much of your time. I just need to know if everyone feels safe and happy with-“ he turns towards Clyde’s brother. “What’s your name?”“Ray.”“Does everyone feel safe and happy with Ray taking over as your new Alpha?”Howls and claps confirm Ray’s position. Ray shoots Colin a pointed look as if he’s offended that he asked his pack how they felt. It’s clear the man isn’t a fan of ours, but it’s not like we can leave here without knowing these people are safe.“Wait, Ray, do you know where the girls are? Can we speak to them? They might have information on the other missing girls,” Peyton asks.Ray nods at us, walking us around the burning vampires to a secluded group of trees. “We found them in a van, close to where Clyde met the vampires. They haven’t talked much, only to say that they weren’t hurt. Mya, come here, please.”A young she-wolf walks up. It’s Ray’s daughter. It has to be. She’s practically his clone.Colin steps close