Cillian The drive going out of the boroughs of Devil’s Elbow was a blur. Kayleigh remained quiet on the road until she dozed off. I started to panic when I saw her wipe drops of blood coming out of her nose with the back of her hand. She assured me that she doesn’t feel weak or hurt, just strung from disabling Bash. Without even hesitating, I mind-linked Andrei and reminded him that Kayleigh might need his hybrid blood sooner. It’s almost eight in the morning and I know that it’s around the time when she needs her transfusion of Andrei’s blood. He was quick to assure me that he will come right up after Bash recovers from his embarrassment. Losing from the Alpha Luna, that is. Andrei’s blood. The reality that the hybrid blood helps my mate while mine doesn’t do shit is still a hard pill to swallow. But it’s not all about me. Kayleigh needs it, therefore, she should have it. I’ve been an asshole and a jerk far too long. I can’t just keep letting my jealousy take reins of my behavi

Andrei My dad is pissed. No. Scratch that. He’s furious. Despite his efforts to bribe the council, they were adamant with their decision to make me the sacrificial lamb for the peace treaty. My dad didn’t have a choice but to follow through. Thing is, I am unwilling to be their pawn. I informed him about the plan that Kayleigh and I devised. I thought he’d commend me and be impressed that I found a solution. But instead of getting his seal of approval, I’m getting hollered at and have been given an ultimatum that I’d lose my luxurious lifestyle if I don’t abide by the council’s wishes. “Perestanʹ vesti sebya kak rebenok!” Stop acting like a child, he says in Russian. “Papa, this is bullshit. Tell them to find another alpha.” I snarl but I rein my anger in. I don’t really want to add a log to my dad’s burning fury. “The red wolves specifically asked for you. They already said that no else is acceptable.” His voice is firm and unyielding. “Nyet, papa. I’m not gonna do it.”

Cillian Twenty nine hours. Twenty fucking nine hours. That’s how long I’ve been schooling a neutral expression every time my cock twitches as a reaction to everything Kayleigh does. Her sweet voice, her supple skin, her delicious smell, and the fact that she’s carrying our baby --- all leave me with a raging hard on. But for the last 29 hours, I’ve been holding back and stopping my Kayleigh-obsessed self from taking over and try to act all matured and grown up. I thought surviving a wolf-match with a fucking hybrid was the hardest thing I’d ever do. Nope. It’s willing myself not to rip the throats of every wolf blood drooling over my woman at the bonfire last night. I almost carried her back to Gio’s apartment so I can punish her with spanks on her ass and multiple orgasms until she remembers not to wear clothes that reveal too much of her body, that her body is only mine to look at and mine to feast on. It’s been really challenging to keep myself from touching her and fucking

Kayleigh Up in the skies, the yellow-orange full moon glows against the dark backdrop of the night. Millions of sparkling stars are sprinkled all over the vast black to navy milieu. At eye level, I’m besotted by the enchanting sight of hanging lights, pastel-colored fabrics draped on the surrounding trees, wooden tables and chairs, mismatched centerpieces made of burlap, greens, and fall flowers. There’s a huge make-shift dance floor in the open space, complete with a disco ball above it. The rustic décor is everywhere, a mesh of both old and new, antique and contemporary, neutral and deep colors, and the mixture of glam and country. The set-up isn’t as fancy as how we do dance balls and festivals back home, in Ireland, but for some reason, the fusion of elegance and ruggedness stirs warm welcome and a sense of belonging. Wolf bloods, young and old, dazzle with their outfits. She-wolves walk around with their elaborately designed gowns while the male wolves prance with freshly pr

Andrei “That’s my girl, the one in the red dress.” I zero my stare and focus on the blonde she-wolf as she moves towards the venue’s exit path. “The one with the short dress? Tight body?” Misha follows my train of sight. “Cousin, keep looking anywhere else but her ass before I pluck your eyes out myself.” I say with a firm voice. Not wanting to sound like an asshole but I’m pretty sure I sounded like one, anyway. “Whoa. Man. Never saw you this possessive before. Not even with Kayleigh.” My cousin chuckles, grinning like a clown. “I’m gonna follow her. Go tell Alpha Zerdan to negotiate with the red wolves on my dad’s behalf. I’ll sign the arranged marriage deal. With one stipulation, I have to pick my red wolf bride.” Ignoring his comment, I give him instructions as I start walking away from him and towards my red wolf. My little red wolf. My apple blossom-scented she-wolf. Oddly enough, right now, she doesn’t smell like apples. I’m guessing, my blind wolf mark is fully ac