The beach where the bonfire is happening is only several minutes away from the docks. I've packed a change of clothes and change in the back of my car after my shift. Denim shorts and a fluffy, white sweater. In the back are also some blankets, just in case it's cold. Growing up by the water, I'm almost immune to the icy bite of the sea breeze, but sometimes the night winds can be rough.When I pull into the parking lot, there are already several cars there. Young Wolves from the pack are gathered in the parking lot, chatting and laughing, while others lug things down to where a group of boys are building a massive bonfire. Hendrick is with them, a wide grin plastered along his face as he and his packmates mess around."Hey, you!" Jayden hugs me as I approach her and Camilla, "I was so excited when I found out you were coming.""Yeah, thanks for having me," I grin at Camilla as I wrap an arm around Jayden's waist.Camilla opens up the trunk of her car with a smile, "Of course! I thoug

I re-tie the rest of the lines and make a mental note to tell my dad to send Old Man T a reminder to secure his lines better. We'd be in big trouble if his boat comes loose and damages one of the others.As I wipe my forehead, I notice that Kennedy hasn't said anything in the past few minutes. I look up at him and find him watching me quietly, a faint shimmer in his gaze. I try to hide the blush of my cheeks as I grin, "Yeah? What is it?""I'm wandering what else you can do with those crafty hands of yours," He murmurs in a low, husky voice. His lips curving up in a cheeky smirk, "You're quite talented with ropes.""I have a mate," I raise an eyebrow at him, "Just saying."His lips only curve into a crooked grin, "And I was complimenting your ability to tie knots. Just saying..." He hooks his finger under my chin, but the simple touch sends waves of heat through me, "What did you think! was saying, love?""..." There are flecks of blue in the forest of his green eyes. They become more

I slam the door in his face, but he's quicker than I am. His body shunts the door open and throws me to the floor."You still have the sense to be scared of me," He tower over me, shadows cast over his face, "Good."His foot comes down on me knee, twisting it violently. I scream and try to crawl away, but he grabs me by my hair before I can blink. Slamming me against the wall, he knocks the wind from my lungs."Fuck you," I wheeze, but regret it the moment his knee connects with my gut. I splutter and try to blink the tears that gather in my eyes."So she speaks," He grabs my chin and wipes my eyes with his thumb. He stares at me quietly, his frown deep and the yellow fading momentarily from his gaze, "You're there. I know you are, Iphigenia."I shriek as his lips crash onto mine. His tongue and his teeth explore every crevice of my mouth and I recoil. His fingers encircle around my wrist and I stiffen in fright, until I hear something unclasp. The silver bracelet.It falls to the gro

"Hello."I just shut my car door and in the middle of picking up my car keys from the ground when I hear the familiar voice. Eamonn.I look over my shoulder as I lock my door, "Hello."He has the same cheeky grin that his father has, and points at my keys, "Are you okay?""I'm okay-just clumsy," I laugh as I stuff the keys in my bag. Truth be told, I had another moment where Orion's anger filtered through me. I'm tempted to search for him and find out what happened to make him so enraged, but don't have the courage."I'm Eamonn," He sticks his hand out. I clasp his forearm and lean down to let him press his cheek to mine, "You're Alora.""I am.""You know who I am?""I do.""I know who you are-kind of. But you're different from what I imagined," His head tilts and he looks over me with scrunched eyebrows, "You're not as scary."I burst out laughing and he grins proudly, though I don't think he knows exactly what I find funny. I can never see myself being intimidating."You weren't her

I only realize when we're all going through the warm-up rounds that Palus is here too. It surprises me because I thought Abrego and Palus aren't on good terms, but perhaps that's exactly why they have been invited. I notice Mira cozying up to the Palus Alpha, Kieran, much better.The girl I'm currently paired with is a fair match. A few months ago, and she would have handed my ass to me. But I take her down easily, holding her down in the sand until she finally stops squirming and taps out.We shake hands after, though she doesn't seem too happy to be beaten. None of the Palus Wolves do, though the Abregons are all too thrilled with me taking down another Wolf.Jayden picks me up and spins me around, "Fourth win! Alora, what the hell were you so nervous about?"I don't say anything, just pat her cheek and blush furiously. We watch as the final battles finish up. Ashenia is facing off one of the Solari females, and Hendrick is up against a Palus male.Jayden howls as Hendrick lands a p