Selene Bastien is watching me when I wake up. Propped on his elbow and tracing patterns across my bare belly with a goofy grin on his face. Shivering in the cool morning air, and less than amused to have my covers stolen from me, I roll towards my mate, “Bastien I’m cold.” I whine.“I’m sorry little wolf,” He chuckles, snuggling me close, “I couldn’t help myself.”“You know it’s very creepy to watch someone sleep.” I grumble sleepily.
SeleneFrowning at my reflection, I try to focus my attention inward, reaching deep to try and access the well of my powers. I’ve been working at it every day, wanting to learn how to do more than send out a few random energy bursts. I want to figure out how to do all the things I read about in Odette’s books, and Bastien has been encouraging me to practice as much as possible - so long as I stay far away from the pool.I’ve turned the lights down low, staring determinedly at the shadows and begging them to bend to my will. Of course they don’t budge one bit, they remain stubbornly fixed in the nooks and corners of our walk in clos
Bastien“I’m not sure we should do this today.” Selene frets, watching Lila nibble on a slice of apple. It’s just before lunchtime on Saturday, and we’ve agreed to tell our pup about the new addition to our family before night falls.“Everyone is going to know before too long.” I remind her, “she should hear it from us, not from whispers on the street.”“She wouldn’t know what they meant even if she did hear them.” Selene argues, “she’s too young. We should wait.”Only we can’t wait, because I need to know everything is alright before I leave for the Calypso pack. I need to make sure my family is on solid footing, that Selene and Lila can thrive without me. “The more time she has to get used to the idea, the better.” I remind my mate.“Yes but…” Selene trails off, cradling her belly, “Bastien nothing is certain until we’ve made it past the first trimester. If something goes wrong… I don’t want to have to explain that to her on top of everything else.”“Is that what you’re worried abou
BastienSelene’s silken voice is floating out of Lila’s bedroomin a steady stream, weaving fairy tales from thin air to carry our pup off tosleep. It’s already dark out, the winds of autumn ushering in the night earlierand earlier as we near the equinox, and confusing my young daughter’s internalclock to no end.Moving to lean in the doorway, I spy my mate stretchedout on Lila’s twin bed, our pup snuggled beside her with heavy eyelids. Herlittle mouth stretches wide with frequent yawns and I know it won’t be longbefore she passes out completely.Pure longing consumes me as I watch the beautiful pair:Selene’s gentle hands caressing Lila’s dark hair as she spins her fantasy, thesweet pup’s soft cooing sounds as she’s lulled into dreamland. I could standhere gazing at them forever. I’m conti
SeleneThunder crashes overhead, jarring me straight to thebone. Terror lances through me as lightning streaks through the sky, pushing meto run faster, even as I hear Bastien howling for me in the distance. The rainbegins soon after, fat droplets bursting onto the forest floor and transformingdirt and leaf litter to thick, sticky mud.Annoyance flits through my mind. The rain might helpcover my scent, but the quickly coalescing muck will save my footprints in aperfect trail. It will be only too easy for Bastien to follow me, and I do notwish to be caught.The worst part about my mate’s hurtful words is that weboth know they’re undeniably true. I deserve to feel this pain, I deserve tosuffer the consequences of my past cruelty.Tears stream from my eyes as I run, the steady poundingof my heart punctuating every loping st
Bastien“Daddydo you have ta go?” My pup’s tiny voice cuts me right to the core. Hasthere ever been a worse feeling than this? Than leaving my family and notknowing if I’ll ever see them again? Than knowing that if I can’t fix thingswith Blaise, their lives might be forfeit, and I won’t be around to protectthem?“Iwouldn’t be going unless I absolutely had to, Lila bean.” I explain earnestly,cupping her tiny cheek in my hand.“Whenyou come back?” Lila questions mournfully, reaching towards me with both armsopen.“Assoon as I can.” I promise, pulling her out of Selene’s arm and into my own.“Nextweek?” She asks, her adorable face so hopeful I want to cancel my mission justto make her happy. I can’t believe how
Drake“What’sgoing on, Bastien.” I inquire urgently, eyeing Sophie where she huddles in theshower. Lowering the phone for a moment, I lean over and press a kiss to hercheek, “We’ll finish this later.” I promise, hoping she knows I’m not cuttingour conversation short because of any lingering feelings for Selene.Sophienods, looking far too serious and gnawing her plump lip.“Ilove you.” I remind her, relaxing slightly when a wide smile stretches acrossher lovely countenance, “And no more playing without me.” I order huskily.Leavingmy blushing mate, I stride out into my bedroom. “Go ahead.” I say into thephone.Theother man’s low voice sounds in my ear. “I’m on my way to the Calypsoterritory,” he explains, “I’ve left Selene
ArabellaLookingaround my opulent suite in the Calypso pack house, I decide that a girl couldget used to this kind of pampering. The rooms are ten times nicer than myapartment back in Elysium, and even bigger than the private apartment Bastienrenovated when he married the halfling. Blaise must like me very much indeed toafford me such an honor, though I am a bit disappointed he hasn’t invited me toshare his bed yet.Eitherway, I have to revel in the knowledge that I’m living better here in Tartarusthan Bastien ever will in Elysium. In fact, if Flynn’s memory wasn’t driving meforward, I’m so content here that I might consider abandoning my mission.Blaise can offer me more wealth and power than I ever dreamed of possessing,but no amount of luxury can avenge my brother’s death.Still,it’s tempting to gi