"Your brother possesses full knowledge of the events leading up to the unspeakable torture endured by Kate. Despite her valiant resistance, she eventually fell into their clutches, and I found myself utterly powerless to intervene and save her. The malevolent perpetrators subjected her to indescribable anguish, mercilessly tearing her apart time and time again, perpetuating an abhorrent cycle of torment. They callously permitted her to regenerate and heal, only to subject her to further agonies. Can you fathom the depths of their monstrous deeds?"The very contemplation of the atrocities inflicted upon Kate—her violation, her slaughter, her repeated resuscitation—ignited an overwhelming surge of rage coursing through Grayson's being. The haunting image of those abominable acts being perpetrated against his beloved Ava mercilessly plagued his thoughts, pushing him precariously close to the brink of losing control. His primal instincts clawed vehemently beneath his skin, yearning to bre

“Right now, we’re going to the maze. That’s the way to my dream. I want to be with you. I want to be your wife. Your mate in all ways. I want this pack. This family. It was ripped from away from me.”“Hugging my brother— the Alpha.” He hung his head.“I belonged to this pack before, didn’t I? When put his arms around me, it was like coming home. A home I didn’t know I’d lost. What if one day, this was all just gone, and even if you didn’t remember it, you’d feel it, wouldn’t you? And what if you could have it back?” she cried.“But you can’t! Not the way you want it.”“Come with me to the maze.”“And what? I doubt the flower is going to work on you. Even if it did, why? So you stop being afraid long enough to have sex? I want you willing and in complete control of all your faculties when you come to my bed.”"No, you can't intimidate me," she exclaimed, though fear coursed through her veins. However, it was essential for her to undertake this endeavor. She needed to reclaim her former

"Please, Grayson," she pleaded. "I promise I won't be frightened.""You may not fear the wolf, but the warrior within, that's what you'll be afraid of. Just like before," he cautioned."Perhaps," she acknowledged. "But I still want to see. Will you reveal that part of yourself to me? I didn't have the opportunity to truly observe and comprehend it before. I need to witness that aspect of you."Reluctantly, he broke away from her, a look of hesitation etched across his face. "Maybe this is for the best."His lips were as plump as her own, his chest rising and falling as he regained his breath, and she couldn't help but marvel at his incredible beauty.There was no horrifying crunch of bones, no tearing or rending of flesh, no demonic howls of agony. In an instant, he transitioned from man to a magnificent amber wolf with eyes ablaze like burning embers.And the tail, oh so fluffy."May I touch your tail?" she inquired.He growled in response."No? Alright. Can I touch you, then?"The m

He wasn't prepared for this conversation, but it was necessary. "We have to talk about Noah.""Oh no, what's the matter?""Do you recall Mrs. Westwood mentioning the Academy?""I'm not ready to send him away."Grayson could sense the determination in her eyes and the firmness in her jawline. "I don't want to send him away.""Really? Because right after I mentioned wanting to wait on intimacy, you bring up sending him away.""Is that what you think of me?"Her determination faded, and her shoulders slumped. "No, not at all. Everything is still so new, and even the positive aspects are somewhat overwhelming, to be honest. So, please, explain it to me. Why do we need to send him to the Academy now?""Gabriel Harrison, for starters. Remember when I mentioned finding his cloak?"She nodded. "I thought you said we were safer at Aphelion, that you could protect us here.""I possess the capability to shield him, and you exist. Nevertheless, there exist certain circumstances within this realm

Discovering Lenore in the midst of packing her equipment, Ava lunged forward and embraced her tightly."You're fortunate I heard you before you pounced!" Lenore playfully teased, returning the hug."I don't want you to leave," Ava murmured into Lenore's shoulder. "I know you have to, I know you will, but I don't want you to."Lenore soothingly rubbed her back. "It's going to be alright, Ava. Remember, I'm the infamous and intimidating Lenore Breslin. I'm so fearsome that your mate rushed to protect you when he saw me near Noah. They're all afraid of me. Even Peter.""That's what makes him even more dangerous. I just wish it didn't have to be you.""But it does, and that's alright," Lenore replied, breaking the hug. "This is what I'm meant to do.""Everything is changing so rapidly, but maybe it's meant to change," Ava pondered."I believe it is. And I'll let you in on a little secret that should bring some comfort. I have something special in my pocket," Lenore revealed.Ava cast her