Sunshine streamed in through the window the next morning, alerting Lacey to the start of a new day. Then her eyes popped open as the events of the night before came rushing into her head. Julien had actually been nice to her and had treated her with respect. And then, there was the kiss....As she closed her eyes, the events of the night before ran through her mind. Brock pinning her against the wall, Julien saving her, and then their lovely meal and evening together.Then she remembered him walking her to her door and then giving her the best kiss of her life. He was a respectable man, after all. She wondered if his respectful treatment of her would last. Bang! Bang! Bang! Someone was knocking on her door. She slowly slid out of bed and peered through the door. Julien was standing on the other side."Morning." One corner of his lips curled into a smile."Morning."Then he took her hands and lightly touched his lips to hers, awakening her wolf. "How did you sleep?" he asked, pulling

Julien took Lacey by the hand and led her to the edge of the cliff and sat down. She just stood there, looking at him. One corner of his lips curled into his sexy smile as he patted the soft grass beside him, raising an eyebrow. "Sit. I promise I won't bite."But her wolf wished he would. Lacey scoffed, unable to believe that her wolf had betrayed her that way. But she sat beside him and looked out over the horizon at the colorful mountains, illuminated in the bright sunshine. Even though it was getting cool out, it didn't bother Lacey. The weather never bothered her, ever since she turned. "It's gorgeous."Julien nodded. "Yes, it is." He looked out over the mountains, rising majestically in the horizon, green and lush. "I wish I could run free in the mountains forever.""Yes. Me, too." She thought for a moment and then asked, her voice low, "What did you want to tell me?"Julien sighed. "Do you remember in the limo when you asked what happened to me?" He cleared his throat. "What Scar

After dinner, Julien escorted Lacey up to her room and stopped at her door. "Lacey, I just wanted you to know that I will do as you asked." Julien let out a deep breath. This was hard for him. "I will speak with Scarlett." Lacey nodded. "Thank you.""So, you agree to start planning the wedding then?" Julien searched her eyes, seeking the truth.Lacey nodded as a slight blush colored her cheeks, looking into his eyes. "Yes, of course.""Come here." His lips descended upon hers and he laced his fingers through her hair behind her head, pulling her closer... and his wolf wanted more, having already claimed her as his. When Julien released her a moment mater, breathless, he whispered. "I'll see you tomorrow."Lacey nodded, but said nothing.As he walked away down the hallway, Julien wondered if Lacey felt it, too. Julien wasted no time. He needed to talk to Scarlett, and he had to do it now. It couldn't wait. He went to her bedroom and she wasn't there. So, he headed down the stairs and

Lacey hurried up the five flights of stairs to her room and quickly dressed for dinner. After the warning from Scar, the gloves were off. Lacey was through playing with her. Tonight, Lacey dressed in a sexy, but classy, dress that hugged her body just right. She hoped Julien would like it. Then she donned her red high heels that lengthened her calves. Usually, Lacey didn't pay attention to such things, but it was time she did. It was time to start fighting fire with fire.Julien was making an effort to get along with her and take the next step, and so would she. Lacey had set the ground rules for her preparing for and agreeing to the wedding. And now that Julien had done his part with Scar, it was her turn to do her part, too.Lacey purposefully headed down to dinner a bit early so she could take the seat to the right of Julien. It was petty, but it was necessary in order to prove to both Julien and Scar that she was worthy of the title Alpha Queen.She headed down the stairs and she w

The next day, Lacey hurried down to breakfast. Although she wasn't usually hungry in the morning, she was starving this morning. In the grand dining room, a breakfast buffet was all set up, which included bacon and eggs, Danish, sausage, biscuits, and everything else under the sun. Lacey grabbed a plate and a cheese Danish, along with a cup of coffee, and sat at the nearest table. It was small and decorated with a fall centerpiece. Lacey took a sip of her coffee and sighed, loving the fresh, rich taste.... As well as a moment alone."Well, hello!"Lacey's head snapped up and a guy with long, dark hair pulled back into a ponytail was standing next to the chair across from her. "Hello," she said, turning her attention back to her Danish.A wholesome smile spread across his face. "Mind if I sit down?" He shrugged, holding a plate filled with meat and then swayed his head from side to side, waiting."Okay. Come on." Lacey laughed as she motioned toward the chair, and then went back to eati