LOGINLeonTwo hours later, after settling Edric in the guest wing suite closest to mine, close enough I could hear his breathing through the walls, a knock sounded on my study door. It was sharp and official.I knew who it was before opening it and I could tell that a storm was brewing.Elder Thorne stood there, silver hair braided back, his robes embroidered with the Blackthorn crest: a twisted oak wrapped in thorns. Behind him, Elders Mira and Garrick flanked like sentinels. Their combined presence pressed on the pack bond like an incoming storm.“Alpha Leon,” Thorne said, voice formal and edged. “The council summons you. Now.”I leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed. “This couldn’t wait until morning?” I asked, knowing full well that they couldn't since they all thought that they owned me.Mira’s eyes narrowed. She was the eldest, her face a map of wrinkles and wisdom, but her gaze still held the fire of a wolf who’d survived three alphas. “The incident in the foyer has already spr
LeonThe tires crunched over the gravel drive as I guided the black SUV through the wrought-iron gates of Blackthorn Manor. The mansion loomed ahead, its stone facade weathered by centuries of mountain winds, windows glowing like watchful eyes in the gathering dusk. Edric sat in the passenger seat, still pale from the hospital lights and the sterile smell that clung to his clothes. His arm was bandaged, the sling a stark white against his dark jacket. Human. Fragile. Mine to protect now, whether the pack understood it or not.I glanced sideways at him. “You should rest when we get inside. No arguments.”Edric offered a tired half-smile, the one that always twisted something deep in my chest. “You’ve said that three times since we left the parking lot, Leon. I’m fine. Just bruised and… tired of needles. I hate getting sick because I have to take care of my sister and I can't afford to get sick. There won't be anyone to take care of me and I won't be able to work. But right now, now you
EdricThe next morning, I felt significantly better. The fever had broken completely overnight, though my body still ached with every movement, especially when I tried to walk more than a few steps. Leon hovered the entire time, helping me shower, making sure I ate a proper breakfast, and watching me like I might disappear if he blinked.“I want to see Aria today,” I said firmly while he was buttoning one of his oversized shirts on me. It smelled like him, clean, warm, with a hint of something expensive. “No more excuses. I need to see her with my own eyes.”Leon studied me for a long moment, then sighed. “Alright. But we’re taking it slow. If you get tired, we come straight back. Doctor’s orders.”I nodded, heart already racing. It had been too long.The drive to the hospital was quiet. Leon’s car was luxurious and surprisingly comfortable, but I spent most of the trip fidgeting, my hands twisting in my lap. When we arrived, I expected the usual crowded public hospital wing where Ari
EdricThe quiet comfort of Leon’s arms didn’t last long. A sudden, sharp thought cut through the haze of exhaustion and lingering fever like cold water.“Aria.”I sat up too fast. Pain shot through my lower body, and the room tilted for a second, but I didn’t care. My heart was pounding. “Aria… my sister. I haven’t seen her since yesterday. Before Marcus…” My voice cracked. I tried to swing my legs off the bed, but they refused to cooperate. They felt like jelly. “I need to see her. Now. You promised you would give her the best care, but I haven’t even checked on her…”“Edric, easy.” Leon’s strong hands caught me before I could collapse. He pulled me back against his chest, one arm wrapped securely around my waist. “She’s okay. I swear to you. I had my people move her to a private room at the best hospital in the city the same night everything happened. Top specialists, round-the-clock nurses, everything she needs.”I shook my head, tears already pricking at my eyes. “I still need to
EdricI woke to sunlight streaming across the bed and the faint scent of chicken broth and herbs. My body felt heavy, like it had been wrung out and left to dry. Every muscle ached in a deep, dull way that made me wince the moment I tried to shift. Especially between my legs. A sharp reminder of last night, or rather, “early this morning” flooded back in vivid color. Heat rushed to my face.Noon. The clock on the nightstand read 12:17 PM. I had slept for hours.The IV stand was beside the bed, but the line had been removed, a small bandage taped neatly over the crook of my elbow. The sheets beneath me were fresh and cool. I didn’t remember any of that. The last clear memory I had was Leon’s voice murmuring against my hair as darkness pulled me under.A soft sound drew my attention. Leon was sitting in an armchair he must have pulled close to the bed, long legs stretched out, watching me. His hair was slightly damp, like he’d showered recently, and he wore a simple black shirt and pant
LeonThe heat woke me.Not the pleasant, sated warmth of a lover’s body curled against mine, but a worrying, unnatural fever radiating from the small frame tucked into my chest. My eyes snapped open. The room was still dark, the first hints of dawn barely touching the windows. Edric lay pressed against me exactly as I had arranged him hours ago; head on my chest, one slender leg thrown over mine, his smaller body fitting perfectly into the curve of mine like he was made for it.But something was wrong.I pressed the back of my hand to his forehead. Burning. His skin was flushed, cheeks rosy and damp with sweat. His breathing came in shallow, slightly labored puffs against my skin. A low curse slipped from my lips as I gently eased him onto his back so I could see him better.“Edric…” I whispered, brushing damp strands of hair from his forehead. He didn’t stir. His lashes fluttered weakly but his eyes stayed closed. Guilt slammed into me like a freight train.I had done this.I knew he
LeonI lose control and I know the exact moment it happens. It is not when my eyes turn red, not when my bones strain or my skin burns with the need to shift.It happens the moment I feel his fear. It's sharp, bright and alive.My Edric.The scent of it wraps around my throat and tightens like a l
EdricI don’t go back to Luna Noir.I tell myself that like it’s a promise, like if I repeat it often enough it will turn into something solid… something I can stand on when my knees threaten to give out.The sun is barely up when I leave the apartment, the city still yawning awake. Queens feels di
EdricI thought Leon had been exaggerating when he asked me why I let the ‘vampire’ touch me. I thought maybe it was a kink in the club.That was the first mistake.After the night he dragged me into that private room, after the bruising kiss, the way his hands shook like he was holding himself bac
LeonThe night was already running hot.Luna Noir throbbed with its usual pulse, music vibrating through the obsidian walls, supernatural auras winding through the air like smoke, scents sharp and heavy with desire. My wolves worked the floor, the vampires stalked the balcony, and everyone knew the







