When everyone was seated, Kay said, “I’ve decided to leave the pack.”
Greta glanced at Brett, then looked at Kay. “Leave? Why? This is your home.”
“I don’t belong here,” Kay said, sighing. “I don’t think I ever have.”
“But you’re our Alpha,” Brett said. “You can’t just leave.”
“By rights, Greta should be our Alpha,” Kay said.
Greta shook her head. “I think I proved I’m a failure at that.”
“Things are different now. If you think it will help maintain the truce, I’ll be Alpha in name only, but you and Brett can run the pack while I’m gone. And I’ll come back, from time to time.”
“But … where are you gonna go?” Brett asked, frowning.
“I’m not sure yet. Gideon and I have a lot of things to work out.”
Greta blinked the tears from her eyes. “Do you want to tell the pack your decision, or should I?”
“I should do it,” Kay said, though it was the last thing she wanted to do.
“You’re right, of course.”
“Call the pack together, will you, Brett? I’d like to get it over with.”
Nodding, her uncle left the room.
“Are you sure about this?” Greta asked.
Kay nodded. “It feels right.”
Thirty minutes later, Kay stood in front of the men and women she had known all her life, and yet, in reality, she didn’t really know them at all. Greta and Brett stood beside her.
Kay glanced at Gideon, who waited in the doorway, his arms folded over his chest, a smile of encouragement on his face.
“I’ve called you here tonight to tell you good-bye,” Kay said. “My aunt Greta is the rightful Alpha, and I am reinstating her in that position now. We have decided that, at least temporarily, I’ll remain Alpha in name only. I’m grateful to all of you for your help these past few weeks. If ever I’m needed for anything, you have only to call and I’ll be here.”
Silence hung in the air and then, as one, the pack surged forward, their voices rising as they wished her well.
Kay blinked back her tears, touched by their devotion. One by one, the members of the pack embraced her, then left the room, until only Gideon, Greta, and Brett remained.
Gideon slipped his arm around Kay’s waist and gave her a hug. “Are you sure about this? It’s not too late to change your mind.”
“No, I’m sure it’s the right decision.”
“Be happy,” Brett said, giving her a hug. “Call us if you need us.”
Kay nodded. “I will.”
Brett stepped back and Greta took his place. “I’ll miss you,” Greta said, blinking back her tears. “I know this hasn’t been easy on you, but I’ve loved having you here. Please stay in touch. And let us know when you settle somewhere.”
“I will,” Kay said, blinking back her own tears. “I promise.”
After that, there was no more to say. A last hug, a last good-bye, and she was alone in the house with Gideon.
“All the loose ends tied up?” he asked.
“I guess so.”
“No regrets?”
“No.”
“Glad to hear it. So, Mrs. Marquet, I was thinking we could use a second honeymoon.”
“That sounds nice.”
“Where would you like to spend it?” Gideon asked, lifting her into his arms. “On a sandy beach in Hawaii? A five-star hotel in London? Or maybe a villa in Barcelona?”
“Surprise me,” she said, wrapping her arms around his neck. “It doesn’t matter where we go, as long as we’re together.”
“How about that beach in Hawaii tomorrow, and my lair in New York for what’s left of tonight?”
“Sounds perfect,” Kay said.
And it was.
Have you tried these other books by Amanda Ashley?
His Dark Embrace
A Vampire’s Kiss. A Woman’s Surrender.
Tall, dark, mysterious—and with a faint scar on his cheek that only makes him more gorgeous—Kaiden Thorne is one schoolgirl obsession Skylynn never forgot. Now, returning to her childhood home after eight years, she can’t believe her reclusive neighbor is still living across the street—and hotter than ever. Skylynn doesn’t know how Kaiden manages to stay so young, virile, and impossibly attractive. But she knows she wants him … even if he harbors a fearful secret he refuses to tell her.
When Kaiden sees the beautiful young woman Skylynn has become, he can no longer control the bloodlust that is his true nature. Once he pulls Skylynn into his arms, presses his lips against hers—and accidentally draws blood—he longs for more. Only she possesses what he wants and what he needs. Only she can save him or destroy him. But once Skylynn agrees to help Kaiden battle his darkest desires, there is no turning back …
Bound by Night
A Vampire’s Kiss Is Forever …
Once featured in a horror movie, the crumbling Wolfram estate is said to be haunted by ghosts, witches, and worse. But Elena doesn’t believe a word of it—until she spends the night and wakes up in the arms of a compelling stranger …
Tall, dark, and disturbingly handsome, Drake is the most beautiful man Elena has ever seen. For centuries, he has lived alone, and Elena is the first woman to enter his lair—and survive. And Drake is the first man to touch her heart and soul. By the time she discovers who he really is—and what he craves—it’s too late. Bloodlust has turned to love, and Elena is deeply under Drake’s spell. But forever comes at a price for each of them …
Bound by Blood
A Vampire’s Love Is Eternal
Zack Ravenscroft loves women—all women—and they love him. The irresistibly seductive owner of the hottest casino in Nevada, Zack has tasted every wicked pleasure Sin City can offer. But never in his six hundred years as a vampire has he seen a morsel as delectable as Kaitlyn Sherrad, the mysterious young newcomer in town. Zack knows nothing about her—except that he craves her …
Kaitlyn is half vampire, half human—and all woman. As the cherished daughter of the Carpathian Coven’s master, she has been given every luxury a girl could desire. Now her only need is for a prince. But though she’s ready to gamble her heart on Zack, a powerful enemy stalks their every move … watches their every kiss … and waits to destroy their undying love …
ZEBRA BOOKS are published by
Kensington Publishing Corp.
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New York, NY 10018
Copyright © 2012 by Madeline Baker
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any means without the prior written consent of the Publisher, excepting brief quotes used in reviews.
If you purchased this book without a cover you should be aware that this book is stolen property. It was reported as “unsold and destroyed” to the Publisher and neither the Author nor the Publisher has received any payment for this “stripped book.”
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ISBN: 978-1-4201-2829-1
Table of Contents
“ARE YOU GOING TO FEED ON ME TONIGHT?”
Other titles available by Amanda Ashley
Title Page
Dedication
Prologue
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
&nb
sp; Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Chapter 32
Chapter 33
Chapter 34
Chapter 35
Chapter 36
Chapter 37
Chapter 38
Chapter 39
Chapter 40
Chapter 41
Chapter 42
Copyright Page
Table of Contents
“ARE YOU GOING TO FEED ON ME TONIGHT?”
Other titles available by Amanda Ashley
Title Page
Dedication
Prologue
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Chapter 32
Chapter 33
Chapter 34
Chapter 35
Chapter 36
Chapter 37
Chapter 38
Chapter 39
Chapter 40
Chapter 41
Chapter 42
Copyright Page
Desire the Night Page 30