I choked on air at the blunt question. Before I could say it was none of his business, Lucas spoke up. “Never. If she wants to change, that’s up to her. She’s my mate either way.” He didn’t even bristle at my brother’s sharp tone.
Raphael crossed his arms. “None of this forced biting like the guy my cousin hooked up with.”
“Absolutely not.” Lucas looked to me. “What Dastien did was wrong. He knows it. He was young and couldn’t control the urge. But I’m not young. Okay?”
I nodded. My life was complicated enough without being a wolf, and for once I wanted to think things through before jumping in. For the time being, it was enough to just be me.
“Let’s go,” Adrian said. “Don’t want to miss the flight. Tessa is freaking out. She thinks Luciana is up to something.”
I sighed. “She’s always up to something.”
“Well, this time it’s extra bad.”
When it came to Luciana, it was always bad. “You got the stuff?”
Raphael held up a small gym bag. “Although how we’re going to get a hand past security…”
I winced. “We’ll figure it out.” Lucas ran his fingers down my arm, until he reached my hand, twining our fingers together. “Let’s get this over with,” I said.
“And then on to the next chapter,” Lucas said. “Maybe we can pick up a travel book in the airport?”
I grinned up at him. “That would be amazing.”
As we left, I knew that we had some big things to do before we got to have our time together, but I was aiming for the stars. And I’d be more than happy with the moon. It was fitting, too. I’d have the moon and the wolf.
As we got in the taxi, I leaned against Lucas.
“Everything okay?”
I looked up at him. “Everything’s just fine.”
He pressed his lips against mine, and I melted. When he pulled away, I leaned against him again. “Yup. Everything’s just fine.”
The Alpha Girls series continues with Tessa and Dastien in Alpha Unleashed.
Out September 29, 2015. Click here to order now.
For more information and updates about the series, go to: http://inkmonster.net/books/alpha-girl-series
Also by Aileen Erin, Cipher, Book One in The Shadow Ravens Series.
Click here to order now.
For more information and updates about the series, go to: http://inkmonster.net/books/shadow-ravens
Also from Ink Monster, The Angelbound Series, by Christina Bauer.
Click here to order Angelbound, the first book in the series.
Also available in The Angelbound Series: Scala, Armageddon, and Maxon.
For more information and updates about the series, go to: http://inkmonster.net/books/angelbound-series
Acknowledgments
To all my readers, you asked for Claudia’s story and you got it! I’m hoping to expand to other characters, too. Anyone want a Meredith book? ;) Thank you to everyone who read this book. I wrote it during a particularly difficult time in my life. For a while, I wasn’t sure if I’d get it done in time, but somehow I did.
I needed some cheerleaders to get through it.
Lola Dodge: I wouldn’t have finished if it wasn’t for you believing in me. Thank you for all the random Skype sessions and speedy edits. I’m always so thankful that we got paired together all those years ago. Best crit partner ever If it wasn’t official before, it surely is now. You’re stuck with me forever.
Christina: My fellow Ink Monster in crime, thank you for being my partner in this crazy business. Having you by my side makes everything easier and much, Much, MUCH more fun! We’re rocking it, sistah!
To all of the lovely ladies at INscribe: Thank you for everything that you do. Christina and I wouldn’t be as far as we are today without you!
To the lovely Kristi Latcham: Thank you for all of your support and proofing! You’re the best mother-in-law a girl could ask for. We’ve been through the wringer the last six months, but the light is ahead.
To my Halcyon Bastards: You three are a constant inspiration to me. Thank you for being such great friends. Can’t wait ‘till I see you all again.
To my family and friends: Thank you for all of your support. It’s been a rough few months, and I couldn’t have gotten through without you all.
To everyone at Seton Hill University’s Writing Popular Fiction program, big hugs! I’m lucky to have such an awesome second family.
Last, but most importantly, to my husband: You are my everything. Thank you for carrying me through this hard time. Thank you for being supportive through thick and thin. For believing in me, even when I didn’t believe in myself. I love you more than words could ever express. A lifetime with you won’t be enough.