Elena After kicking Mason out of my room, I need a minute to collect my racing thoughts. To be honest, I’m freaking the fuck out! I may have acted appalled at his indecent proposal, but the truth is, my mouth watered at the thought of tasting him that way. I take an extremely cold shower and take my time getting ready for the day. I know he’s still here. It’s like I can feel his energy buzzing in my veins, feel his presence as clearly as my own. My room reeks of him and it’s doing nothing for my self-control. I’m about to pull on my clothes but I only get my jeans half way up when I yank them back off, the material too itchy against my skin. Despite the cold shower, the back of my neck is sweating and my clit throbs with need. I could fight it. I should fight it, but if I don’t sate this need, it will ride me all day. Climbing back into bed, I burrow myself deep into my Mason-scented sheets. I roll around in the silk material, coating my body in his scrumptious whiskey and leathe

Mason Kaden’s grim announcement brings an abrupt end to our conversation. “Show us.” The Alphas say, already pushing Kaden toward the door. My almost-but-not-quite revelation is completely forgotten as they rush back to the scene, hoping to preserve any evidence left behind. I don’t hold out much hope that they’ll find anything useful, but that’s okay. My information will keep. But just because the Alphas aren’t here to hear it doesn’t mean I’m going to keep it to myself. Ellie needs to know what I know and she needs to know now. And I want both those fuckers mascarading as her mates to be there when she learns the truth. “Aspen and I are going to see if we can help at the scene.” Asher says, trying to nudge his brother toward the door. “Why?” Everyone turns my way wearing matching confused expressions. So I elaborate. “Why are you so anxious to help investigate deaths in a pack you’re just visiting? I mean, it’s not like you have anything to gain, right?” The taunt i

Elena I end up giving Mason some half-baked excuse about poor timing when he asks why I haven’t rejected him. He knows it’s bullshit but he has the good grace not to call me on it, sensing I’ve had enough turmoil for one day. But I know I’ll have to face the truth eventually. I just need more time to figure out what the truth actually is. I’m not ready to have that conversation with Mason because I’m scared to even have it with myself. If I’m being completely honest, I think some small part of me never gave up on the idea that he would come back for me. Down in the darkest depths of my soul, there’s a tiny flicker of hope that never burned out, that burns still. For him. And what’s worse? I think he knows it. I see it in the way he looks at me sometimes, studies me like he can see right past my steely façade. He felt the bond we shared long before we were mates as deeply as I did so it only makes sense he would know what I’m feeling now. It’s just so fucking unfair! I still wan

Asher “Liars! You’re fucking liars!” Elena is crazy with rage as she comes at us. She’s punching and kicking, her limbs swinging wildly as she takes her fury out on us. Neither Aspen nor I defend ourselves, both knowing we deserve her anger in all its forms and more. Even so, Mason pulls her off of us, her feet still kicking as he drags her away. Frankly, I’m surprised he bothered. “You said we were mates and I believed you! How could you fucking lie to me? How could you?” Her shouts turn to choking sobs and it feels like my heart is being torn from my chest to see my strong mate crumble. “I can forgive a lot of things but hurting my mate isn’t one of them!” Mason growls, “I could give a shit what she thinks of you but right now, she’s questioning herself for trusting you and I can’t have that. You fucking fix it or I’ll make sure you don’t live to hurt her again!” Elena’s face is buried in his chest, his huge hand stroking her hair softly despite the violence in his words.

Elena My heart stutters at the way Mason cradles me in his arms so tenderly as he carries me up the backstairs to my room. His nostrils flare as my arousal spikes, a result of imagining myself running my tongue over every dip and ridge of his muscular physique. I squirm in his arms, pressing my pussy against his very imposing bulge. “Little one!” He growls a warning but the way he grips my ass, pulling me down hard against his rock solid length, tells me all I need to know. “Hurry please! I need you!” I mumble against his throat, my nose buried in his neck, soaking up his intoxicating whiskey scent. He growls again, but this time it’s in approval. I lick a stripe from his shoulder to his jaw before nipping at his earlobe and whispering how much I need his big fat cock inside me. I don’t know what’s gotten into me. I’m not in heat, but the desperate ache in my core feels pretty damn close. The bedroom door slams against the wall when Mason kicks it open, unwilling to take