Adan “Everyone, please be seated,” I announced over the microphone. Mason stepped up beside me, his hands folded behind his back. “Where’s Brenna?” I asked before he could speak. He shrugged, shaking his head, his eyes suddenly filled with concern. “She wasn’t in her room?” “No, and her guards weren’t there, either.” I looked around, and the room was nearly filled, but she was nowhere to be seen. “Find her.” “Aye.” Mason headed down the stairs next to the stage. Suddenly, the sea of shifters parted in the center aisle, and she marched in, dressed in her practice fatigues with a sword sheathed at her side. Warriors followed behind her. A smile lit my lips. She was a born warrior and leader. Relief swept over me at the sight of her, but I was angry that she was out practicing with the warriors when Darius had come to the gate. Brenna turned her head and said something to the warriors. They nodded and stood along the wall since all the seats had been taken. Brenna rushed up the
Adan I stormed down the hallway and pushed both doors open at the end. Outside, limos waited by the Main Gate. I headed toward them, and Fernando Amaro stepped out of his car and buttoned his suit coat, flanked by two bodyguards who stepped discretely to the side. He was young to be a Mafia Don, but who am I to judge? “Don Amaro!” I smiled, extending my hand as I walked through the gates. They had no clue about the supernatural world, and I aimed to keep it that way. “To what do I owe this honor?” He shook my hand, smiling as he casually looked over the grounds and then into my eyes. “We’re sorry to come unannounced, but I heard you had some trouble here a little while ago and the other Dons and I were concerned. We thought we’d offer our assistance, if you need it.” I let out a deep breath. Word sure travels quickly. I wondered how they found out. My heart sank as I realized that someone inside my Pack must be leaking information to him. But I'll deal with that later. Right now, I
Brenna Determined not to submit to Adan and be ordered around, I concocted a plan for him to see me as an equal… or else. He was going to treat me as an equal if it was the last thing I did Hurrying to shower, I blew my hair dry, letting it fall into curls over my shoulders. Unable to resist, I dressed in a long, red evening gown. It was strapless and fitted to the bodice, then it flared out at the waist, accentuating my thin waist. I then slipped into some red heels, threw on a bit of makeup, and headed out the door. The guards did a double-take when they saw me. “My Queen!” one of the guards bowed slightly, offering me his arm. “May I have the honor of escorting you to dinner in the conference room this evening?” I nodded, pleased by his reaction. “Yes, please. Thank you.” The other guard offered me his arm, too, and smiled. “My Queen.” “Thank you.” I took their arms, and they escorted me to the elevator. “What are your names?” I asked once the doors were closed. “I’m Cory Hi
Brenna He nodded once. “I’ll walk you out.” “That won’t be necessary.” I indicated Lucian. “Don Sky will walk me out. Won’t you?” He nodded, the creases beside his eyes growing a bit deeper. “Yes! Of course.” He shook Adan’s hand. “Thank you for such a lovely evening. And regarding the other matter, let us know if you need us. We’ll be here.” Adan nodded. “Thank you, Don Sky.” “Lucian, please.” Adan smiled. “Yes, of course.” Then Lucian turned to me. “Well, my dear. Shall we?” I nodded. “Thank you. My guards are right outside the door.” A grandfatherly smile lit his lips. “So are mine.” After we walked out, he closed the door behind us. “Do me a favor.” “What’s that?” He narrowed his eyes, even though he was still smiling. “Don’t break his heart.” Of course, I knew exactly who he was talking about. “I don’t intend to.” Was it that obvious? Did everyone think I was playing a game tonight? But then again, I guess I was. But I ended up making a fool of myself for trying to ge
Brenna Brenna awoke to an unfamiliar warmth. As her eyes adjusted to the morning light streaming in through the window, she realized the source of the warmth was Adan. To her surprise, he had fallen asleep the night before and hadn’t left, still laying in the same position as the night before, arms folded around her, his legs twined with hers. I didn’t want this moment to end. I lay awake, relishing every moment of being this close to him… before he woke and said something to ruin it. But I pushed the thought aside, determined to enjoy this for however long it lasted. I watched him as he slept, tracing every curve of his handsome face with my eyes, committing it to memory. All too soon, he leaned over and kissed the top of my head. “Good morning, darling.” “Good morning.” I looked up and smiled, wondering how he would react about sleeping next to me all night. I wondered if he had planned to slide out of bed once I was asleep and accidentally fell asleep next to me or if he had pla
Brenna Just then, the doors opened, and I stepped out, glad for the cool air hitting my face in the hallway. Adan was the most exciting man I’d ever met in my life. But I had to stay strong and focus on what I wanted, or I may never get it. Adan caught up with me, and my guards followed. I didn’t turn to look at him. I needed to stay strong. But one look into his gorgeous blue eyes, and I would be tempted to cave and let him claim me as his Mate right then. But that time wasn’t now. “Are you all right?” he asked. I nodded as I peeked up at him. “I’m fine.” But I quickly looked away. I was ready to push open the door when Adan caught my hand, stopping me. “Brenna, I’m sorry if I overstepped—” “No. Not at all.” I smiled, letting out a deep breath. Then I pushed the doors open and walked in as he followed. The Main Dining Hall was set up like a buffet. Looking around, I realized this was the first time I’d had breakfast here. To the right was a buffet line, and servers kept everyt
Brenna “Shut the hell up!” Hailey yelled. “Hailey!” Ember shouted, capturing her attention as she pulled on her arm. “You’re making a fool of yourself! Let’s go!” Just then, two guards walked up behind her, and one placed his hand on her shoulder. “Hailey.” She shrugged away. “Get off me! I’m going!” She pointed her finger at me. “But mark my words! This isn’t over!” “As I said before, yes, it is.” I doubled my fists at my sides, ready for her to bring it on. “Hailey, it’s over!” Adan growled, using the Alpha timbre in his voice that all wolves in his Pack had to obey. “Now, go!” Tears ran down her cheeks as she nodded. Ember slid her arm around her shoulder as she looked back at Adan. “You didn’t have to do that. I hope you’re happy with yourself.” “For one,” Adan growled, “it’s none of your business. And for another, she knew what she was getting into when she started seeing me. I’m sorry—” “Save it for someone who gives a damn.” She walked out with Hailey as the guards fol
Adan When I glanced up and saw the look on Brenna’s face, I knew her seeing me with Hailey would take a lot of explaining. But in good conscience, I couldn’t let Hailey walk away like that. I owed her that much. I would deal with the fallout with Brenna later. “Hailey, please try to understand. I never wanted you to hurt you—” “Well, the time for that’s over.” She sniffed, wiping the tears from her eyes. “Obviously, you never loved me.” “I tried to tell you that when we first started seeing each other, but you still wanted to see me. You knew I was waiting for my Mate. I never lied to you.” It had sounded good at the time. But now, seeing her distraught face, I felt like a heel for having used her like that. But then again, she knew what she was getting into. “I know.” She placed her hand on my cheek as she looked into my eyes. “From here on out, I will work with you as one of your warriors, but nothing more.” I nodded as guilt raised its ugly head within my chest. “Agreed.” Sh