Life’s Spiced Up with Some Werewolf Reads
Lucian pressed it to his ear, his face carved into a cold mask. “This is Lucian Reed,” he said smoothly, authority wrapping around each syllable. “If you’re in actual trouble, I’ll send someone immediately to assist you. If not, I expect there won’t be any further interruptions tonight.” I stiffened, my mouth opening in alarm.…
And then I saw him. The doorway had a direct view of the stairs, and Lucian Reed descended those stairs at that exact moment, barefoot, his shirt unbuttoned halfway. His eyes flicked to me, widening for a fraction before his face settled into an unreadable mask. My gaze darted between them-the way Sera swallowed hard,…
Her smile was pure sunshine. “Because you’re incredible, duh. Your training records aren’t a secret. Your stats are phenomenal for your progress level. It would be criminal for you not to be on it.” I wanted to argue, to say this must have been some kind of mistake, and I wasn’t as great as everyone…
“Of all the f-” He caught himself, jaw tightening as if he’d swallowed the curse halfway. I blinked against the sudden dark, disoriented. Then I reached for him, my fingers finding his cheek, warm and taut under my touch. “Hey,” I whispered, smiling even though he couldn’t see me. “It’s okay” I felt the heaviness…
I snuggled into the pillows, turning to Maya. She mirrored my position. “So,” she urged excitedly. “Tell me more!” There it was again-that giddy teenage exhilaration. I’d just come back from a date with my crush, and now I was telling my best friend about it. But as I recounted the date and all the…
She chattered beside me, filling the morning air with easy laughter, but my thoughts lingered on Lucian’s touch, the scent of his cologne still clinging faintly to my sweater from when he hugged me goodbye. On the ride home, a screen bolted to the back of the cab’s headrest flickered with morning broadcasts. I wasn’t…
A flicker of anger surged, but I swallowed it down. I had no idea why she was hostile. It was hard to believe that, as gentle and kind as Lucian was, someone from his pack could be so acerbic. I met her gaze calmly. “Jessica, I’m not here to compete for anyone’s approval. Not even…
I let out a soft gasp that melted instantly as warmth and oud enveloped me. “Got you,” Lucian murmured against my ear, his voice low and amused. My lips curved despite myself. “You scared me half to death.” His chest vibrated with quiet laughter. “That wasn’t my intention. But I admit, seeing you sneak out…
And it was all for me. “Do you love it?” Maya asked breathlessly, grabbing both my hands. Her eyes sparkled as though my reaction mattered more than anything else in the world. “I had the entire thing arranged the moment Ethan told me you were coming back. The hot springs are open all night, we…
But it was hard to dwell on the missing piece of me when the other pieces were larger than life and filling me with more delight than guilt. And maybe that was the real gift of tonight-not forgetting the missing pieces, not pretending the wounds didn’t exist, but realizing that love, happiness-in all their forms-…