After a moment, the library reformed around her, but it was different. Stefano was no longer forcing himself into her, her hands were no longer bound and there were fewer books on the shelves in the room and the furniture looked newer.
"I thought I told you to stay away until I call for you." a woman whispered.
Francesca turned towards the source of the voice. A vaguely familiar woman was by a shadowed corner of the library with...Stefano. Francesca gawked at him. He was definitely not the Stefano that was manhandling her before. He looked younger, happier, and in love. Francesca could see that. He looked at the woman with such love, she felt embarrassed just by watching them.
"I'm sorry, I just couldn't help myself," Stefano said, his voice was the same one that was familiar to Francesca, but it held a gentle quality to it. She probably wouldn't have recognized it if she didn't see it come out of his mouth.
"You're such an idiot." the woman lau
As soon as he stepped inside Stefano's house, Tristan knew that his mate was there. He went straight to the library despite Gianna and Mira's protests, following his bond to Francesca. But when he opened the door, there was nobody in sight. He stood there for several seconds, wondering how his intuition could be wrong. And he was just about to give up when Francesca and Stefano materialized in the previously empty library. Francesca's eyes rolled to the back of her head and she fainted while Stefano screamed in terror and pain. Smoke arose from the whole expanse of his skin as if he had just been burned. "Em..." Stefano murmured, almost to himself. He screamed in torture again, clawing at his skin. But Tristan could care less for his fellow Alpha. He went straight to his unconscious mate. "What happened?" Tristan asked no one in particular as he touched Francesca's cold forehead. "Hell if I know," Gianna answered as she and Mira ministered over th
Francesca woke up, breaking a sweat. She couldn't remember what happened, only vaguely recalling passing out after getting overwhelmed by the soldato in that dilapidated alley. She was extremely tired, her bones burning, and she could feel the familiar congestion in her lungs. She could barely open her eyes. Hacking a cough, she made a move to get off the bed she was on. Somebody stirred beside her and warm arms wrapped around her neck. Francesca stiffened, but only for a moment, as her mate's scent washed through her senses."Qin ai de," Tristan croaked, barely out of his slumber, "I'm sorry."Francesca squeezed her eyes shut at the apology, hot tears pooling within her lids."Wha--" she started, but a fresh bought of coughing started and she had to sit up in order to breathe. Tristan removed his arms to let her so, but he did not let go of her shoulders."Francesca, breathe." he coaxed."What else do you think I'm trying to
The Gammas, the shamans of the pack, started talking excitedly over each other upon learning that their Alpha's mate was Selene. The Crescent Moon has all-female gammas, and they were famous in the werewolf world because of it. At that moment though, Tristan felt no pride about the fact whatsoever, as they continued to celebrate the news.He slammed his fists on the table. "You don't seem to be getting the point. We did not consult with you to give you joyous news. My mate is dying. I wanted your thoughts on how we can prevent her transformation from happening, not to celebrate it."The gammas turned to their leader, a serene-looking woman in her seventies, but she did not speak and only continued to silently observe the chaotic exchange before her."With all due respect, Alpha-" One of the elderly gammas on the table piped up."Don't talk to me about respect." Tristan snarled. "You're asking me to just give my mate up to the moon."
Francesca waiting for Tristan to get off work in the cafe near the office lobby. She saw Jacob and they were both awkward."Hey." Jacob greeted her but she could only nod. He started to leave but then he retraced his steps."Listen, Francesca. I would like to apologize for my behavior the last time we saw each other.""It's--you don't have to---" Frankly, it was the least of Francesca's worries."No, I have to. I mean, I have to admit I don't think I will ever accept Tristan as Emerald's CEO. But the long history that comes with it is between the two of us. It has nothing to do with you. You obviously care about him and he adores you. I shouldn't have dragged your relationship through the mud. For that, I'm sorry."Francesca was torn. She could not help but feel hate for what Jacob had put Tristan through, siding with Stefano just like that. But then again, Jacob knew nothing about the werewolf world, and Tristan had told her that
Francesca dreamed, and for the first time, it was a good one. A baby and a girl with a blue ribbon in her hair playing by the creek. She had no idea what the dream meant, but she rejoiced. Maybe it was a dream about her future with Tristan, just like how her mate dreamed of her all those years ago. It was quite bold of her subconscious, to think of having children with Tristan when there was an uncertain future in front of them. But if the moon goddess had a hand in her dreams, maybe this was also a message from her. She might be telling Francesca that it was going to be a happy ending for her and her mate, that the moon goddess was giving them her blessing to marry. Maybe it was that one sliver of hope that made her get out of bed early in the morning, leaving behind Tristan's sleeping form, and finally paint for the first time in years. At first, Francesca did not know what she wanted to paint, but as soon as she faced the canvas, it became obvious. She simply had to paint her dr
As soon as they hit the bed, Tristan ran his hands through her body more forcefully than he ever did and he was uninhibited with his kisses. But Francesca needed him closer, mold his body into his. The last shed of clothing between them, and Tristan's fingers were suddenly between her legs. "Tristan," Francesca moaned his name as his touch met her most sensitive spot. She felt like burning up, and her wolf was no help either. They were both completely consumed by the moment. With an answering groan, Tristan dipped his head into her right breast, kissing the swell of a nipple. And then he was going down, nipping at the skin of her belly and into her aching center. Tristan's tongue against her was rough yet gentle, a combination that Francesca still yet to comprehend. As much as she tried, there were still parts of her that would cringe at thought of men touching her. Even then, as her mate made love to her, there were still ugly thoughts that crept into her head and her body would t
"Gia, thank goodness. How are you feeling?" "Better now.""I-I'm..." Francesca was suddenly not sure what to say, "What happened? How did you escape? How did you find us?" "That's a lot of questions. How I escaped was a long story. As to finding where you are. Well, Emerald Tower isn't exactly that hard to spot here in New York, Ches." Francesca warmed at Gianna calling her by her nickname, "You're right. That was stupid." "Francesca." Tristan's voice made her turn towards the door. He took one look at Gianna and his eyes landed on Francesca again. "Can I talk to you alone, for a second?"Without another word, Tristan led her to the supply room of the infirmary, ignoring the curious looks of the nurses around them. He shut the door quietly. "Can you believe it? She's here. Sure, she's a bit banged up, but she looks like she's healing. And she's...actually here." Francesca was practically jumping up and down in happinness, "Now, we just need to rescue Mira and--" "Qin ai de, wha
"I'm coming with you," Francesca said, following Tristan out as soon as he barged out the supply room door. "No!" he immediately exclaimed, eyes wide, hair mussed, and the front buttons of his dress shirt misaligned. It seemed almost comical to Francesca, if only the situation wasn't serious. "Not this again," she complained, then choked back her tears. "I let you go alone to face Stefano before and I almost lost you." "Qin ai de, you are in no condition to fight. You know that." Tristan whispered at her, cradling her face in his hands. Around them, some curious nurses have started to notice their distressed demeanor, but no one dared to ask their Alpha about it. "I'm fine, Tristan. I can fight. Besides, I told you I decided to be Alpha, right? How can I just stay here while everyone's in trouble?" "I know you're strong. Hell, you can probably take me even in your condition. But Francesca, for my peace of my mind---" "What about my peace of mind? You'll be out there. The pack wi