"Thanks, punkin," Ava said, petting the broom as it revved. "Hopefully, it takes us back to Aphelion."Grayson wrapped his arms around her waist, and she leaned back against his warmth.Before long, they spotted the massive mansion in the distance. It felt as if they hadn't moved at all, but rather time and space had folded around them."I still can't believe people actually live there," Ava marveled."People also work there. Our Research and Development for Redwood Industries is on site. Blake's mate used to be the VP of R&D and wanted to kill him," Grayson explained."Seems like being a Redwood attracts such attention," she chuckled.The broom descended slowly, and as they got closer to the ground, the mansion appeared even more imposing. It seemed like a beast ready to swallow them whole.Mrs. Westwood, with her grandmotherly appearance, awaited their arrival. Her face reflected patient understanding, as if she knew the lessons she had sent them to learn and was now ready to offer

As the door to her chamber swung open, the scene that unfolded before her eyes both exceeded and fell short of Lenore's expectations.Lenore was nestled in a seated position, legs folded neatly like a pretzel, a phrase Noah often used. Her attire consisted of loose-fitting sweatpants and a whimsical Scottish pub t-shirt, proudly displaying the emblem of The Wolf and Lamb. The vibrant green hue of the shirt evoked a sense of Scotland within her. How curious it was that a color could evoke such vivid associations.Meanwhile, Randi, engrossed in the task of painting Lenore's nails, was far from a skilled hand. Frustration escaped her lips in a hushed muttering, expressing her self-doubt. "Oh, damn it," she grumbled. "I'm just not cut out for this."Lenore chuckled in response. "Keep trying," she encouraged.But then, another woman, situated on the floor, interjected with a determined tone. "Allow me to give it a try."Lenore hesitated, contemplating the offer. "No, I'll manage."The unfa

Randi's shoulders drooped. "I'm scared, that's why. I mean, just look at me. Fiery-haired curvy women like me don't marry billionaires."Ava couldn't fathom how someone as powerful and self-assured as Randi could doubt herself. "Yes, they do. Especially stunning BBWs with vibrant red hair.""I hate when I doubt myself like this. Part of me still fears that if I celebrate and express gratitude for the blessings I have, someone might snatch them away from me.""Let's be real. It's not all sunshine and roses. I mean, now you have to handle two different monthly cycles," Maribella chimed in."Damn, you're right," Randi grimaced, displaying her displeasure."So, tell me more about this flower," Ava inquired."Oh, the infamous Redwood flower," Maribella snickered. "It only works on humans. I hoped that since I have fey ancestry, it might have an effect on me. You know, just for the fun of it. But nope, nothing happened.""It worked on me," Randi admitted. "I think that was the start of it a

After Grayson had safely entrusted Ava to the care of the other women, he set out on a mission to find War and Noah. It had been quite a while since he last relinquished his human form and fully embraced the freedom of the night.With a deliberate motion, he discarded his clothes, symbolically shedding his human skin and embracing the transformative power of his inner beast. The cool night breeze caressed his fur as he reveled in the sensation of his wolf form.As the metamorphosis coursed through his being, a surge of exhilaration enveloped him. He eagerly anticipated traversing the familiar terrain, his paws connecting with the earth, as he surrendered himself to the enchanting embrace of nature. The wolf within him granted him an invigorating sense of liberation that transcended the confines of his human existence.In that moment, Grayson couldn't help but wonder if his young pup had ever experienced such a profound connection. With his head held high, he released a resounding howl

As he strolled through the halls, his footsteps echoing softly, Grayson found himself cornered by "Aunt Lenny." The expression etched on her face was a rare sight, one that only a select few had ever glimpsed. Lenore Breslin was not the type to display fear openly.Her scent stirred a mix of unease within him. It wasn't precisely fear, yet it lacked the comforting or pleasant qualities he had come to associate with scents. When he had lunged at her earlier, forcefully pinning her down, her scent had remained unchanged. There was no trace of distress or fear. However, whatever she needed to discuss with him now seemed far more urgent than being tackled by an enraged werewolf.Grayson positioned himself to lend a keen ear to her words. "Shall we adjourn to the boardroom? I also have a matter to discuss with you."She nodded in agreement, and he guided her to the room where his Alpha brother presided over both pack and family meetings."Quite exquisite, isn't it?" she commented upon ente