Total pages in book: 139
Estimated words: 129268 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 646(@200wpm)___ 517(@250wpm)___ 431(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 129268 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 646(@200wpm)___ 517(@250wpm)___ 431(@300wpm)
“There are a few shopping malls a few towns over. Right now may not be the best time for you to go alone with everything going on.”
“What exactly is going on?” All I know is that this morning the werewolves talked to one another silently. And I sat beside Devin with him reassuring me that I would be told everything later.
“It’s a bit of a drive but if you want to get out of here, we can take you.”
“Way to dodge the question,” I retort.
Lev throws his hands up in defeat. “Just name someplace,” he suggests and his tone is nearly pleading. “We’ll take you.”
“What about the nearest coffeehouse?”
With an uncomfortable demeanor, he tells me, “Sorry, Grace, you’ll have to order it and have it delivered, but I can take you to one of the malls after?”
I nod. That’s not a bad option.
“Let’s order Lizzie’s coffee and head out so I can pick up some stuff. Which room is hers?”
As I ask the question, Vince strolls into the kitchen wearing sweats, no shirt, and has a belt draped around his neck. The buckle of it hits him in the chest a few times while he walks and a look of irritation crosses his face before he swings it over one shoulder.
“Yo, what’re you guys talking about?” He grins mischievously, heading to the fridge.
“Shopping trip.” Jude gives a clipped response.
“Ah, I think Veronica said she wanted to go out and get coffee.” My lips purse at the mention of Veronica.
“Do you like it when she calls you ‘pup?’” I blurt out but the question is riddled with my judgmental tone. Shit. If I could suck the words back in, I would. There’s no doubt in my mind the fact she’s a vampire has colored my opinion of her. And every detail of what she does. I immediately regret asking, but Vince doesn’t take offense. Thank God.
“Like it? I love it.” He smiles like a proud kid who just won a spelling bee and grabs a soda. Lev snorts a laugh and Jude chuckles.
“Seriously?”
“Yeah. I fucking love it when she calls me pup.”
“Isn’t it like … a little degrading?” I can’t help but to ask.
“What’s your favorite color?” A broad smile spreads across his face as he leans against the granite counters.
“What?”
“What’s your favorite color?” He repeats his question with strained humor.
“Purple.”
“Why?”
“Why what?”
“Why is it your favorite color?” A smug look crosses his face.
I nod as I pick up on the point he’s making. “There doesn’t have to be a reason.”
“Exactly.” He claps his hands loud in front of him.
“Don’t you feel disrespected, though?” His brow furrows and a small frown pulls his lips down. Maybe I pushed too far. Damn my stupid mouth. He finally shakes his head.
“Not at all. I’m earning her pleasure.” His smile returns. “And she’s earning my trust. Fuck, she has my trust. I know she’s going to take care of me.” Lev and Jude choke out a laugh again as he tosses the belt back over his shoulder. “Fucking thing keeps getting in my way, though.”
“It’s just like you and Dev. Isn’t it?” Lev asks. My eyes narrow. Fuck no, this isn’t like us at all. “He’s earning your trust, isn’t he?”
“Yeah, but not like that.” Vince lets out a bellowing chortle and his silver eyes brighten.
“It works both ways, sweetie. Just because our kink’s a bit different from yours doesn’t change anything. He’s gaining your desire to please him, isn’t he? And proving that you can trust him to make sure your every desire and need are met?” I let out a small hum in contemplation.
His words sink in as he strides out of the room, but I end up focusing on a single question.
How can Devin be ensuring my every need and want are met, when I don’t even know what I want or need anymore?
Lizzie
“She called you a broken wolf.” The cool air slips against my heated skin at Caleb’s words.
He said he would take my pain and turn it into pleasure. We decided together… but this is different. If only I snap my fingers, it all ends. I know that much and hearing him repeat the words, broken wolf, has the thought at the forefront of my mind.
I’m naked, on my knees with my head and chest lying on the foot of our bed. I hear Caleb unbuckle his belt and a flood of mixed emotions dries my throat and makes my hands tremble while simultaneously heating my core. “You didn’t defend yourself. You hid your emotions and blew it off as though it doesn’t matter.” He bends down with his mouth at my ear and whispers, “It matters. Don’t hide your feelings from me. I’ll ask you again and this time there will be consequences if you lie to me. I refuse to let you hide.” He straightens his back and runs the leather down my spine, tickling my skin and sending goosebumps down my body. “Tell me how you felt when she called you broken.”