Wolf Crying Mate of the Alpha by Jazz Ford

‘It’s Dom Hayes. I need to see Zenith as soon as possible.’ ‘Okay, sir. Please hold on a moment,’ I open the diary screen and find a free spot tomorrow. ‘Mr. Hayes, I offer, ‘I can book you in for 2 pm tomorrow?’ ‘Okay, I’ll see him tomorrow, Mr Hayes says, ending the call before…

It’s really awkward and quiet after that. Seth follows me out the front door but I’m not planning on running. Walking over to where Dad lies unconscious, I take in his blood-stained body; he is breathing but definitely not going to be waking up anytime soon. Seth and I walk over to some grass and…

Ryker and Seth are talking just outside my room. ‘You know this isn’t going to go down well with Alice,’ Seth says. ‘I know, but I have my mate now so things have changed.’ I open the door; they go silent and smile at me. ‘Luna, that dress is very flattering on you,’ Seth smiles….

‘This way. Ryker motions for me to follow him and steps into the room beside his. ‘This room is your room. You have a walk-in wardrobe, a bathroom, a king-sized bed, a balcony, and a nice comfy couch in the corner here, Ryker says. It’s a beautiful room, only slightly smaller than his. Make yourself…

‘Do you want to talk about it? Mia mentioned what she said, he says. ‘How am I supposed to come to terms with shifting into a wolf, shifting into something I’ve always feared since I was seven years old? I don’t want to meet my wolf, Ryker. I don’t want to shift,” I cry. Ryker…

Tears roll down my cheeks as my father holds me against my bedroom wall by my hair. Striking my face, he splits my lip, and bruises my eye after striking me again. I fall to the floor crying. ‘Please Dad! Stop this, stop hurting me!’ I beg. ‘YOU SHOULD HAVE THOUGHT ABOUT THAT BEFORE YOU…

‘They will be here any minute. Just take everyone’s drink order, serve them and bring out the platter of food when you’re ready.’ ‘Sure thing, boss,’ I reply with a smile. ‘Oh, and Jim, I hope you don’t mind if I wear my hood up? I’d rather not be stared at or questioned about the…

Ryker’s face softens as his concern for me replaces any anger he previously felt toward me. He takes a step closer to me, inhaling the air around me sharply. I move behind Jim; still sobbing quietly. Ryker looks away; me distancing myself from him has offended him somewhat. His fists are clenched by his side…

After covering myself in mud the chase is over; with Ryker scentless and directionless, I know I am safe. I pass the street the diner is in and make my way home. I’m an hour late and I pray Dad is passed out drunk or asleep. I open the front door slowly, and cringe with…

‘Astrid, I’m going to explain everything to you and I know you won’t believe me, yet, but you need to know now so you know what to expect on your birthday. No matter what I say, try and stay calm. It’s a lot to take in. The world you know is about to change,’ Ryker…