All Chapters of Crowned in Fire, Baptized in Blood: Chapter 1 - Chapter 10

Caden’s POVI hit the punching bag for what feels like the thousandth time. It’s busted—leaking sand and covered in my blood. My knuckles sting as tears fall from my eyes.I caused her so much pain—for nothing. I was a dickhead. I nearly lost her because I refused to listen when she told me, over and over again, that she was ready.I was so obsessed with protecting her innocence that I didn’t realize I was breaking her. Her heart stopped beating. And when it did—so did mine. Why couldn’t I see her then the way I see her now that the bond is in place? She wasn’t a girl. She isn’t a girl. She’s a woman.The bond doesn’t snap into place and magically turn you into an adult. It’s more like a conclusion to your childhood—a graduation into something deeper. It’s the moment every wolf waits for. Not just because you’re officially classed as an adult, but because your wolf—the counterpart growing inside you your whole life—finally becomes strong enough to rise to the surface. To become a mate

My outfit leaves little to the imagination, but that’s the point. I want to look so good that when Caden sees me, he’ll have no other option but to fall at my feet and worship the ground I walk on.I slip on the new purple heels Fiona got me for my birthday. I pair them with a white, strapless crop top—not that I have much to cover, but what I do have looks great. The criss-cross design across the chest gives the illusion that I actually have curves beneath the fabric.The matching white skirt sits high above my belly button. It doesn’t show too much of my flat stomach, but it still screams sexy. The skirt clings to my thighs, short and snug, while a sheer layer drapes over it, trailing to my ankles with a huge slit up the left side that reveals the fitted mini underneath. With my new purple heels, matching bag, and a purple choker around my neck, I look hot. Even I have to admit it—and I’m not usually a confident person.My hair is half-up, half-down, pulled tight and sleek. My makeu

His eyes trail down my body, his expression a wild mix of fear, envy, jealousy, and appreciation—all pulsing through the bond, reflected in the golden rims of his eyes.“When did you get here?” I ask, trying to sound casual. He doesn’t answer at first. Instead, he lifts his gaze to meet mine, eyes stormy, and grabs my hand. Without a word, he yanks me outside, slamming the door behind us. In one swift motion, he pushes me back against the wall, the impact nearly knocking the wind out of me. A possessive growl rumbles through his chest as he buries his face in my neck, his nose brushing my ear. The tingles spreading across my skin send my body into overdrive. My lips quiver, my legs press together—arousal hitting me hard and fast, uncontrollable.“What do you think you’re playing at, Baylee?” he growls, velvet and dangerous. His breath fans across my face, making my insides melt. His hand trails down my body, leaving fire in its wake. My stomach tightens, thighs damp with desire.“I… I

When we arrive, May leaves pajamas folded on the deck for us. As soon as she and Ryan disappear inside, I turn and quickly pull on a pair of shorts and one of Caden’s shirts.Just as I finish dressing and turn to him, he grabs me—yanking me up into his arms as his lips crash into mine. I wrap my legs around his waist, moaning as his taste floods my senses, lighting up my soul like a flame to dry wood.“Dudes, seriously—come inside! You have the rest of your lives to do… whatever that is!” May shouts from inside.I groan, pulling away and resting my head against Caden’s shoulder.“Looks like that ‘naked bed’ idea will have to wait,” I mumble.He shrugs, pressing kisses along my throat as he carries me toward the door.“Maybe if we gross them out enough, they’ll banish us to the bedroom.”I giggle as he buries his face in my chest, his laughter vibrating against me. Then he pulls back, drops me onto the couch, and leaps on top of me. He lands on all fours, hovering over my body, his gri

The morning light filters through the curtains, warm and golden. I stir slowly, sore in all the best ways, wrapped in the arms of the boy—no, the man—I just gave everything to. His heartbeat thumps steady against my back, his arms caging me in like I’m the most precious thing in the world.I smile sleepily, pressing a soft kiss to his wrist. Caden murmurs something incoherent, then nuzzles into my neck, his voice rasping from sleep.“You’re not allowed to be this perfect first thing in the morning.”“Says the one glowing like she just drank the moon,” he replies, his hand sliding beneath the covers to rest on my stomach. “How are you feeling?”“Sore. In places I didn’t know I had,” I mutter, smiling. “But… so good.”He chuckles, kissing my shoulder. “Come shower with me?”I nod, letting him pull me out of bed. We pad naked across the room, the bond humming quietly between us like an invisible thread tying us together. My mark throbs lightly, like it knows I’m safe, claimed, loved.The