When Lacey followed Gwen into the castle, the room had a high vaulted ceiling and ornate crown molding along the edge. The walls were painted with a light gold overlay, causing them to sparkle, creating a magical affect. A huge crystal chandelier hung in the foyer and a long, curved staircase wound from the second floor. It was obvious that the interior of the castle had been redone. Every inch of it sparkled but wasn't overly done."This is the foyer...." Gwen stated the obvious, but Lacey said nothing, not wanting to add to Gwen's past cruel treatment. "And to the right is the dining room and the kitchen, and to the left is the parlor. Straight ahead is the Grand Ballroom, and upstairs are the bedrooms." Gwen smiled, obviously proud of the castle."How long have you worked here?" Lacey asked.Gwen shrugged. "For more years than I can count." Obviously, she was a shifter, but she didn't appear to be a day over nineteen.But shifters didn't age, as long as they didn't give up their wol

When Lacey walked in, Julien sat at the head of the long dining table, and Scar was sitting kitty-corner from him to his right. Their heads were together, obviously enjoying a private joke, and she wondered if they were laughing about her. Julien looked up and his mouth nearly fell to the floor when he saw her.Scar looked her over, her lips curling in disgust. "What is she doing here."Suddenly, everyone's eyes were on her."Lacey! I'm glad you could join us!" Julien quickly closed the gap between them, and then looked at the pack filling the room, all dressed in their finest attire. It was clear that they were having a dinner party, and no one came for her. "Everyone, this is my new pledge and your future Alpha Queen, Princess Lacey Taregon."A rumble of welcome resonated throughout the room, but Lacey noticed that few met her gaze. "Lacey, I'm glad you're here. Maybe you can help settle an argument between Scar and me." Julien led her to a seat at the table to his left.Lacey smile

"Well, thank you for coming." Lacey rose from her seat. Madame Pomeroy didn't budge, not taking the hint. "How do you like my designs?"Lacey turned her attention back to the clothing design sketches. "They look great." Then she turned to one and pointed. "But there's no need to make the wedding dress right now."The strange woman tilted her head to the side. "Why ever not?"Lacey sighed. "Because I don't intend to marry Julien until some things change." She closed the portfolio and handed it back to the woman. "But the rest of the designs are exquisite. Thank you.""Well...." The woman rose from her seat. "Welcome to the Harvest Moon Pack. It was nice to meet you, Princess. I'll have your clothes delivered soon.""Thank you so much." Then Lacey had an idea as she gave the woman a mischievous smile. "I'll walk you out."The woman smirked, obviously knowing what Lacey was up to. "That would be wonderful." Then she looped her arm in Lacey's and whispered, "I think I might start on the w

Lacey wasted no time. Even though she had just eaten, she was itching to run. Leaving her plate on the table, she wanted to seize the opportunity before Julien changed his mind. Lacey hurried from the room, through the foyer, and out the huge double doors of the castle.Outside, she stood on the porch and took a deep breath of fresh air, letting it fill her lungs. Then she ran toward the edge of the forest. Alone, she stripped off her clothes and hid them in a tree. Then she ran through the trees and leapt into the air, letting the shimmers run down her arms and over her body, and the red haze with black edges overtake her vision, landing on her huge white paws. Lacey dug into the lichen and pushed harder, propelling herself forward into the deep forest, enjoying the feel of the fresh air rush through her fur, and the feel of her muscles elongating, finally free. As she ran, she suddenly realized that she was nearly to Canada, so she stood at the top of a mountain, watching the view b

Julien was around the corner on the other side of the stairs when he heard Brock flirting with Lacey. His wolf growled inside, wanting to protect what was his. He was actually proud of Lacey for standing up to Brock like that and for turning him down, but Julien knew that he would probably have to have a talk with Brock before it was over. But if he wouldn't take no for an answer from Lacey, then he was going to take no for an answer from him. Julien headed toward the stairs and Brock jumped back, not expecting to see him. "I'm only going to say this once, so listen up," Julien said, his voice low. "Lacey is the future Alpha Mate... my mate... so leave her alone." He narrowed his eyes. "Trust me. You don't want to get on my bad side."Julien stared at him for a moment and then nodded once. "Good to know." Then he walked on, appearing to be unaffected. But Brock had been loyal to him for years and Julien wasn't going to throw that away just because Brock was being stupid. But he had be