LOGINLIANA POV"Another cup of Persimmon juice, please!”I smile, already picking up a clean glass. "A cup of our persimmon special coming right up.”Then I pick up a bottle to pour out some of my homemade juice which has become one of the most popular items on my menu, much to my surprise."Here you go," I say as I gently place the glass on the table. “Fresh from the batch."The customer’s eyes light up after he takes a long swig."Ah, I swear this gets better every time. You sure you're not using some kind of magic on this stuff?""No magic, just some good trial and error. And maybe a secret ingredient or two,” I shrug proudly, my smile widening as some other men laugh agreeably from their seats.When I think back to those days and weeks of aimless wandering six years ago, after I left my hometown and packed, I’m just grateful. It was fate, or maybe just dumb luck that led me to Moonlight Pack. I remember stumbling into town, exhausted and wary, expecting to be turned away like I had bee
LIANA POVFor a moment, I’m confused; I don’t understand what I’m hearing and witnessing. But as the other boys start handing in their own money, with Kane grinning as he pockets every single one of them, my eyelids start to twitch.The sound of all of them laughing begins to grate against my ears and sickens my stomach to the point the noise in the bar fades to a dull roar in my ears, with the thundering of my heartbeat vibrating against my ribs. My hands tremor at my sides and I clench them tightly into fists as an aching pang lances through my body."So that's what it was?" I sourly choke out and am still in a state of utter shock because I can’t fathom if I’m actually standing here, witnessing all of this, or if it’s just a nightmare I’ll soon wake up from.The group falls silent, all heads immediately turning towards me. I see how Kane's eyes expand the moment they land on me."A bet?" I continue with a soon trembling voice.Kane jumps to his feet, nearly knocking over his barsto
LIANA POV "Aren't you tired of this? This petty bullshit? I don't owe anyone any explanation, least of all you. And I'm sure as hell not going to put my life on the line for this 'town and pack'" — I make air quotes with my fingers — "that clearly doesn't give a shit about me."I can now feel a sense of pride underneath my rant. I finally said what I've been holding back for a long time, and it feels good."You want to know what I think I'm doing? I'm living my life. I'm allowing myself to be happy and be loved. Is that such a crime? Does it offend you so much that someone you deem unworthy might actually get a happy ending?""Yes, it offends me!" Juliet screams crazily and her hair whips around her face like Medusa's snakes.I take a step back, startled by the intensity of her outburst."It should be me by Kane's side, not you! I tick all the boxes, not you! I have all the qualities, everything it takes, not—you!"It’s strange, the surprise and pity I feel for her at the same time.
LIANA POV These past few days with Kane have been like something out of a dream. That feeling when you wake up from a dream and for a split second, you think you're still asleep. It’s like standing on the edge of a cliff, heart racing, knowing you're about to jump, but instead of falling, you're flying.Ever since I opened up my heart and self completely to him, I wake up every morning with a bubbly sensation in my chest that I can't help feeling. It's like my insides have turned into a champagne fountain that’s all fizzy and light and I catch myself grinning at random moments, probably looking like a total idiot, but I'm too happy to care. And don't even get me started on how Kane parades me around town like he's got a neon sign over my head screaming "MINE!" to anyone who dares look my way.Of course, our relationship is now the talk of the town. I still see the side-eyes and hear the not-so-subtle comments about how I'm not good enough. The only difference between then and now is
LIANA POVWhile we’re still kissing, Kane slowly dips a finger into my vagina. “Oh!” I shut my eyes, rearing up against him.“You okay?”My lips slide off his mouth as my head lolls back again before I breathe out, “Yeah…”Kane carefully uses his other hand to support the back of my head as he carries on teasing and rolling my clitoris between his fingers. His carefulness helps ease my discomfort.I breathe heavily against his mouth, dragging my nails from his nape to the rippling muscles of his back, and I’m getting even more aroused listening to the gurgling sounds my wetness is making as his fingers keep playing inside of it.“I want you inside me…”“…now…” I add with a growl that surprises even me. Of course, that Liana from a couple of moments ago is gone, and I like this new me.“Feisty much?” Kane smiles at me, kissing me again before lifting me off the table.I wrap my legs around his slender waist, smiling against his lips as he takes us into the bedroom. With me still wrapp
LIANA POVI slowly open my bedroom door an hour later. I’m now changed into a dry nightdress and the rain outside has reduced to a gentler patter. The living room is empty, and Kane's shirt is no longer hanging over the door. I sigh, now fully stepping out of my room. He must have left… or so I thought, feeling a bit of disappointment.That familiar heat has started creeping up my back again. He’s behind me."I thought you left," I force my voice to sound casual after turning to face him.Kane doesn’t respond. He’s just staring at me. Staring deeper and harder than ever.My heart rate starts to spike up again. Blood rushes in my ears. My breath starts to come faster. Kane’s scent, rich and wild, starts to reach out to me, overwhelming my senses. I can feel my muscles tensing and coiling under my skin, my fingertips tingling and aching to reach out. My wolf, she’s pushing herself against my ribs as if trying to break free. The very first contact of his finger on my hairline is what se
Josephine’s POVWe hung back while Caleb’s team ventured further into the commune. I waited with my heart in my throat. I didn’t like that Caleb was putting himself in the line of fire, but his plan was our best option for rescuing Theo. I just hoped I wasn’t trading my mate for my son.I knew Cale
Caleb POVWe waited until dusk to implement the strategy. That’s when the guards changed over, and darkness would give us the best cover. James was supposed to be on watch that evening, giving us the perfect opportunity to slip into the commune. Getting in would be easy. It was the rest that worrie
Josephine POVGrief and anger flashed across Jules’s face. Desiree gasped in shock, and James clenched his fists. None of them rose to Elijah’s defense.Frankie cleared his throat, his eyes downcast. “I ran when I should have stayed and fought—when I should have told the rest of the pack what Elija
Josephine POVIt was strange being back in Kisatchie National Forest. So much had changed in five years, but the forest remained the same. I still found it beautiful and peaceful despite knowing it harbored my kidnapped son. That wasn’t the forest’s fault, though.Jules waited for us just off the r







