The BlakesLuciano spoke coldly to the doctor across the table. “Because of our relationship with this hospital, we came here first. To say that I’m disappointed is an understatement. When we return home, my dear wife and I will reconsider our future donations.”“That… That…”, Dr. Jones felt that her soul might leave her body. “Please, reconsider, Mr. Blake. This was just the first appointment for us to get comfortable with each other.” She saw that Luciano’s expression turned icy and she quickly corrected herself, “I mean… for me and Mrs. Blake to get to know each other. The next appointment will be more specific and tailored to her needs.”Ignoring Dr. Jones’s excuses, Luciano took Talia’s hand in his and closed his eyes while savoring the delightful sparks he craved for.His thumb caressed Talia’s knuckles once, twice, and then he lifted her hand and kissed the back of her palm.Talia was still recuperating from the shock of Luciano labeling her as his wife, and then he called her
Negotiating with the demonTalia was sitting in a booth of a fancy steakhouse, next to Luciano, and pinching herself secretly under the table, to confirm this was not a dream.She would never imagine that she will find herself in a place like this, with Alpha Luciano.The steakhouse had dimmed lights and a wooden interior that gave a feel of a hunter’s lodge. The walls were decorated with big photos of humans with guns and animals they hunted, and the chandeliers were made out of antlers.The local radio station played country music and it all looked like a different dimension from the modern world outside which was made out of concrete and metal.A waiter took their orders for drinks and left two menus on the table.Talia was on the second page when her mind drifted to earlier that morning.After the hospital, Talia thought that Luciano will drive them back to the packhouse of the Dark Howlers pack, or maybe go to wherever Luciano needs to go, but he parked the car in a public parkin
The show was overTalia released the breath she was holding when the food arrived. It was a much-needed distraction because, for some unknown reason, she was flustered like never before even though Luciano released her hand in order to hold utensils.A massive plate of food was placed in the middle of the table and Talia was not sure where to look first.There were different cuts of steaks, grilled chicken, fish, shrimp, and there was some salad also (mostly as a bed for all the meaty delicacies).“I recommend that you start with this one.”, Luciano said while placing on her plate a piece of roasted meat that was wrapped in bacon. “It’s tender and juicy.”Luciano cut the bite-sized piece before offering it to Talia on a fork. He fed her previously, so she didn’t think much before accepting it.“Mmm…”, she hummed in satisfaction as the flavors exploded on her tongue. “It’s more than just tender and juicy. It’s the best thing I ever tasted.”Luciano’s gaze was stuck on Talia’s lips that
The road of becoming self sufficient.Cassie saw Luciano standing in the hallway and she wondered, where did the girl from that morning go? Did Luciano send her home?Cassie knew that after the cold treatment Luciano gave her, this was not the time to ask such questions and she needed to show that she will not be in his way.“Alpha Luciano, I see that something is weighing on your mind. I don’t want to appear nosy, but I hope you are aware that I will help you in any way I can. I can ask my father to assist you, if necessary.”Luciano didn’t want to talk to Cassie, but he knew that she is not going to leave easily, and he was aware that Talia will come out of the kitchen at any moment and head up to her room. If Cassie notices that Talia is heading to the third floor, Cassie might suspect something.He wanted Cassie to leave the packhouse as soon as possible, but for that, he needed a reason to send her away or he will risk angering her father and causing problems for his pack.At mom
A jinxTalia was confident that something was really wrong with Cassie’s head. Within a few seconds, Talia ended up as a thief and a liar, and Cassie didn’t have a single proof for any of that.She wants to be Luciano’s Luna? Will Luciano allow Cassie to be in a position to impact the lives of his pack members?Stephanie told Talia several stories about Luciano since he took over the pack as the Alpha, and Talia thought that he really cares about his pack. However, if he makes Cassie his Luna, that will change the dynamics for the worse, not only in the packhouse but in the pack overall.‘I need to leave this place as soon as possible.’, Talia told herself. ‘Living on the street and sleeping under a bridge can’t be worse than this.’Who cares about a cozy room if she can’t leave it without fear that she will be bullied? And what if bullies come into the room? How will that be different compared to the attic where she used to live?Without the authority to talk back to Cassie, Talia fe
Dinner and bossy altitudeStephanie saw that Talia’s mood was not good and she understood that after the incident with Cassie, Talia has every right to be upset.Maya told Stephanie about Cassie accusing Talia of stealing food previously, so she knew that this was not the first time for Cassie to bully Talia. Stephanie also knew about the point that Luciano was just standing there and didn’t do anything while Cassie was doing her Luna-act, and Stephanie couldn’t imagine how painful that would be for Talia. Luciano is the one who brought her here with a promise for a better life, yet when it counted he stood on the side.Stephanie’s heart ached and she wanted to comfort Talia who was holding the ice pack on her face. “Let me see your cheek, dear…”“Don’t worry about me. I’m used to it.”, Talia interrupted Stephanie. Compared to beatings she got at the Red Moon pack, this was nothing much. “Thank you for the ice pack. I know you have good intentions, but dinner will burn if no one takes
Pillow talkLuciano’s gaze directed at Talia made her uncomfortable and she wanted him to leave.“There is Tiramisu for dessert.”, Talia said when she finished the food from her plate.“You get dessert only if you join us in the dining room for a meal.”, Luciano responded.“That’s not what I meant.”, Talia said quickly. “I thought that you might want cake so you can have it when you go down.”Luciano cocked an eyebrow. “Instead of worrying about others, you should think about yourself more. What do you want to do now?”‘I want you to leave.’, Talia didn’t dare to say this aloud. “Sleep. I’m tired.”Luciano nodded faintly and his eyes fell on two empty plates. He collected the plates and stood up. “Since you are tired, go to bed.”Talia understood this is the part where they say their goodnights and she gets her privacy. “Thank you for bringing me dinner.”Luciano’s lips lifted into a smile. “You are welcome.”Neither of them moved for a few seconds and then Luciano’s eyes darted from
The apologyTalia wanted Luciano to leave, so she used the excuse of being sleepy.She needed space.Ever since the incident with Cassie, Talia didn’t find a moment to collect her thoughts.First, it was Stephanie, then Maya, and now Luciano, and Talia didn’t get a chance to think about what happened and what she will do about it. Well, she knew that she should leave the packhouse, but the question was: how far away should she flee?There must be some safe distance from Luciano and the bullies.Luciano was amused by Talia’s newfound spunk. She seemed determined to stay away from him, but he had no intention of leaving her side.He chased Cassie away, and that must count for something.“You can’t sleep like this?”, Luciano asked.“No. Not really.”, Talia said and moved her arm.The sleeve of Talia’s t-shirt hitched higher, and Luciano narrowed his eyes when he saw a fresh bruise on Talia’s upper arm.Luciano pushed himself up and examined the bruise. It was a palm print with five fing