HOPEI had no idea why the thought of meeting Nicco’s mom made me so nervous. I think it is because that was the next step of our relationship. Meeting the parents. Or, in this case, the parent.I was also going to meet his sister. When he took over his father’s business, Nicco sent both of them away to Spain for their safety. He had a coup that he needed to overthrow and some boundaries that needed to be set. When it was time for them to come home, neither wanted to. His sister, Lucia, had met someone and his mom was enjoying being away from the business. Instead of them coming to us, we were going to go to them.“I don’t have a passport,” I said to Nicco, worriedly. Nicco looked at me with a smile. “Doesn’t matter. We’re flying privately and I know the customs guys. Shouldn’t be an issue.”“I’d feel better if I had one,” I said. I was very nervous about leaving the country. Nicco shrugged.“Fine. We’ll apply for it, and I’ll make a few calls. We should have it in han

HOPE POVI shaded my eyes as I got off the plane, the bright sun almost overwhelming me. I turned, blindly, back towards the plane and bumped into Nicco.“Looking for this?” he asked, mildly, handing me my hat. I took it with thanks and plopped it on my head. For all of the amazing things New York City had to offer, it never really got this bright. Outside of all of the buildings and pollution, the sun was the brightest I’ve ever seen it and it made everything look like a beautiful painting.Waiting for us at the bottom of the plane steps was a limo and next to the limo were two of the most beautiful women I’ve ever seen. The younger of the two looked a few years younger than me and had the same eyes and beautiful black hair that Nicco did. It was long and luscious, wavy but not curly, without a strand out of place. She looked right past me to Nicco and gave a shriek, running towards the steps and flinging herself into his arms as soon as his foot hit the tarmac.“Lucia,” Nicco

NICCO POVI watched Hope follow the Omega and disappear from my sight. Only then did I turn to my mother.“This needs to be quick,” I said, letting my voice show my impatience. “I am beginning to regret this visit.”“Your mate has no wolf!” my sister said fiercely. I turned on her in time to see my mom shaking her head at Lucia. “Yes. That is true. Hope has no wolf. She is my fated mate. If the goddess thought she was good enough for me, then who are you to say she’s not?” I was angry and my sister took a step back away from the aura that was pushing out of me. My mom put her hand gently on my upper arm.“Come inside, Nicco. We don’t need to discuss family matters outside in full view of the servants.”I pressed my lips together. “Quit calling the Omegas ‘servants,’” I said, exasperated. “They’re part of the Pack, therefore part of the family.” I could never get my mom to let go of the classes. I had many Omegas that were part of my inner circle because they were loyal,

HOPE POVI was drunk or drugged. I didn’t know which, but I could feel it and I had no idea how it had happened. I had only had water to drink.My brain was foggy, and it was hard for me to put words together coherently. I could see the disapproving look on Bianca’s face every time she looked at me. Lucia was glaring daggers at me. All of their friends were ignoring me. Nicco had been spirited off to hang out with some of his old buddies and the only person who was nice to me was Izan.“Are you okay, Hope?” he asked, peering into my face, concerned.With difficulty I shook my head. “No. I don’t feel well. I need Nicco.”Izan looked around. “I think he’s out front in the driveway looking at Alberto’s new Charger. I know Alberto and I know his Charger. Nicco will be out there for a while.”I stood up unsteadily. “I think I need to go back to my room.” I lurched and reached for the back of the nearest chair. I could see Bianca pursing her lips and turning her back on me. I

HOPE POVMy head hurt. It hurt bad. I was also having a hard time breathing at this point and my chest felt like something heavy was pressing on it. I was also hot and rocking from side to side.I kept my eyes mostly closed and looked through my lashes. There was an odd red glow around me and a very musty smell. I tried to stretch my limbs and realized my hands were cuffed behind my back.I held back a whimper of fear, trying to figure out what was happening. My senses were slowly coming back and my brain was beginning to clear. I felt a big bump and, with a jolt, recognized that I was in the trunk of a car.There was some rumbling noises and then the car rolled to a stop. I kept my eyes closed, waiting for an opportunity, any opportunity. I wasn’t sure what was happening, but I was pretty sure I didn’t want to be in the situation I was currently in. The red glow abruptly ended and there was some squeaking as the car rocked. I could hear footsteps crunching on gravel and th