“When I found my parents dead in their bedroom four days ago, I had no idea what to do. I still don’t really. Like most of you here today, I switch between demanding bloody vengeance or wanting to cry. Alpha Ivan and Luna Cherish were the soul of this pack. In their twenty years our newborn nation defied everyone’s expectations.A piece of my soul died that night. I know my twin brother feels the same.They loved, were loved, and will be forever missed."Inhaling deeply I force myself to continue. The sun is setting before me, casting long, bleak shadows. My handwritten notes blur, the heartbroken markings dancing illegibly before my tear-filled eyes.“The Moon Goddess has a purpose for us all. We offer our beloved Alpha and Luna back to her gentle comfort. Cillian will now light the funeral pyre and assume his rightful role as Alpha of the Shadowlands. Blessings upon him and his leadership.”The last sentences flew out of me just before my voice broke. Thankfully I’d memorised it ot

Back at White Forest I want to groan at the sight of the huge grey castle with its flags fluttering under a dusky sky. /Nikolai might be here soon so cheer the hell up/ Priya quickly snapped back at me. I followed Freya through a huge square courtyard, into a vaulted hall of tapestries, armour and paintings. I had been a guest at their ball when they were killed. I don’t have a room here. Do I head towards the room Nikolai dragged me into four nights ago? I was that blinded with lust that it could have been anyone’s room. Confusion overwhelms me, all I can think is that I don’t fit in here.“Father!” Freya cried. Alexander Romanov, still looking like a man in his prime at forty-eight was heading down a grand stone staircase. /If he is back, Nikolai might be!/ Priya cried excitedly, sensing the air for our mate's presence.“Genevieve, we have moved your possessions into a royal suite with Nikolai. The staff at the Shadowlands packhouse were kind enough to pack your clothes.”His dee

The soft click of the door clicking shut is the only sound for several seconds. When a second clunk rings out, I realise he has locked it too. That simple fact makes my pulse rocket up another notch. /He’s staying/ Priya murmurs excitedly. My eyes drink him in, as he unclasps his black cloak and casually throws it onto the dark blue sofa. He’s wearing thick black leather riding boots, tight around his huge calves. Black pants wrapping his solid thighs before skimming inwards to his toned waist. The waist that I knew contained a perfect, sculpted torso. The memory of me licking in and out of the dips and rises last time we were in a room together bounced into my vision like a camera flash. Every step of his boots clumped heavily on the wooden floor as he headed towards me.“So…you’re back then?”“For now.” His voice was deep and gravelly, all the authority of an Alpha. Priya was pushing to the forefront, I knew my green eyes would have pink flecks in, unable to hide the fact I was ab

It was meant to be an in and out job. Scratch the itch and get the hell out. Stomping back to my bike I am dazzled by the dawn rays. I feel like ripping something apart, getting up some speed on the bike will have to do.Every one of my senses had been burning to feel her touch. Each day apart, increasing the agonising pull. Almost without realising my route headed further from the northern territories, inexorably back to the castle of Silver City.I know what you're doing, I scolded my wolf as I pulled up the loud, powerful bike. Leaving away from the square castle courtyard of prying eyes and servants I looked up at my home and sighed.I knew what room she was in without trying, treading softly under the cover of darkness. My wolf followed her scent so damn easily. As though she had laid out a teasing trail of string for me to follow through the maze of stone corridors. Surely every shifter for miles could pick up on her honeyed scent?/It is just for us Niko. You already know she

The figure turned around and was unmistakably Luna Helena recognising her huge brunette curls. At the ball she had been sleek and polished. Chocolate ringlets crowning a silken gown, draped in jewels and poise. In her ragged nightgown and grey hollowed eyes sockets she appeared almost monstrous.Except there was no anger in her presence, it was all sadness. Every expression and step her weary body took was exhausted sadness.“Cherish?”She tottered towards me, mistaking me for my poor mother. We both had long blonde hair, I suppose in the night it was an easy mistake to make even if my eyes were green, not blue like hers and Cillian. “No, Luna Helena I am Genevieve, Luna Cherish’s daughter.”“Of course, of course,” looking up and down the walls.“Have you seen anything? Any clues? Nobody will tell me anything, but someone must know!”Unable to stop her she wandered into my open room, looking around like an inquisitive dog. “Luna Helena, you cannot blame yourself for what happened to m