Peyton Sawyer

On the day of my bonding ceremony with Vincent Sawyer, the future Alpha, the moonstone ring meant for me, the future Luna, has mysteriously disappeared from the ringbox. In its place sits a can tab that has already gone black from oxidation. The guests' cheers die down immediately. They all turn to look at me after that. Amid the silence, Vincent's childhood sweetheart, Sharon Anderson, walks out from the crowd. She raises her left hand and waves, the moonstone ring perched on her ring finger. Then, she pulls out a matching ring before sliding it onto Vincent's finger. "You must be scared out of your wits, huh, Angelica? I'm actually wearing the ring right now. This can tab is no ordinary item, you know. Vincent had given it to me when we were still pups. It resembles everlasting love that will never fade away. Now, I'm giving it to you." Sharon's words strike me right in my heart. I tremble violently, feeling as if my heart is being cut into a million pieces. However, Vincent just chuckles. "Sharon always comes up with silly ideas. She's just joking around, Angelica. Don't take her actions to heart." "Oh, I won't." I toss the can tab into the bonfire, a dry chuckle escaping from my lips. "This bonding ceremony is canceled." Vincent grabs my hand before pulling me into his arms. "Stop messing around, Angelica! We found the ring, didn't we? This bonding alliance will affect the future of our packs! You're not the one calling the shots here!" I squirm out of Vincent's grasp, catching a trace of sickly sweet scent lingering around him—one that isn’t mine at all. "While it's true that the Moonlake pack is going to form a bonding alliance with the Brownstone pack, my future mate isn't necessarily you."

When she took his hand and pressed it between her thighs, he froze. Again, he looked at her, checking to make sure she was OK. Her hand was on top of his, her legs spread, her hips making small circles against his palm. “Baby? Are you sure?” “Yes.” “Jenny.” He took her chin and forced her eyes to meet his. “Completely sure?” “Yes.” She kissed him, her mouth hot and hungry. “Yes.” Chris pressed gently on her pussy, felt her incredible heat. With one finger, he found her through the material and she arched under him. Holy fuck, she’s so wet. So turned on. Oh, God, help me. **** Six years ago, Jennifer Sawyer survived something that nearly destroyed her. Now she’s rebuilt her life: successful restaurant, loyal friends, laughter reclaimed. There’s only one rule she refuses to break: no men. Not ever. Except Chris. He’s the only man she trusts… and even he’s never touched her. But when Jenny decides she’s ready to confront intimacy as part of her healing, there’s only one person she can ask. One name. One risk. Chris Brooker is a former Ranger turned mechanic, and he’s been quietly in love with Jenny since first sight. He knows her past is dark, even if he doesn’t know the details. When she asks for his help, desire collides with terror... of hurting her, of wanting too much, of losing her entirely. Step by fragile step, Jenny and Chris fight for every inch of trust and closeness. But healing changes everything. And the biggest question remains: is Jenny ready not just for touch, but for love?