by Janie Marie
Contents
Also By Janie Marie
AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM Janie Marie
1. OFF LEASH
2. EVIL DAUGHTER
3. NIGHT TERROR
4. VILLAIN
5. DARKNESS
6. SAY IT
7. SAFE
8. WHO’S AFRAID OF THE BIG BAD WOLF?
9. MAMA
10. DON’T GIVE UP
11. DARK ONE
12. THE LITTLE MOON
13. DEAR KYLIE
14. MY JANIE
15. GODSON HOUSE
16. LITTLE HOODS
17. FORGOTTEN ONE
18. HERO
19. SISTERS
20. THE INNOCENT
21. THE GOLD FLAME
22. MORE THAN FOREVER
Epilogue
CONNECTED NOVELS
COMING SOON
Acknowledgments
About the Author
First published in March 2019 as Who’s Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf? by Janie Marie
This edition published in January 2021 by Janie Marie
Copyright © 2021 by Janie Marie
This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either a product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.
All rights reserved.
No part of this book may be reproduced, distributed or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.
ISBN: 9798584506360
Cover design & Illustration by Thander Lin
©2020 Thander Lin
First edition edit by Emily A. Lawrence, www.lawrenceediting.com
Created with Vellum
Also By Janie Marie
GODS & MONSTERS
Gods & Monsters Book One
THE FALLEN QUEEN
Gods & Monsters Book Two
THE LIGHT BRINGER
Gods & Monsters Book Three
JANE’S TEAM
A High School Reverse Harem Romance
WHO’S AFRAID OF THE BIG BAD WOLF?
#1 The Big Bad Wolf Trilogy
LITTLE HOOD AND HER WOLF
#2 The Big Bad Wolf Trilogy
DEDICATION
For my Little Hood
Read my darkness. Read how I was swallowed by the Big Bad Wolf. Then remember my mistakes, my triumphs—my tears and smiles. Remember my roar. Remember I was never alone, and neither are you.
Remember me. For I am with you for longer than always & beyond forever.
You are not the Big Bad Wolf.
You are the huntress.
Roar.
Jane finally looked up, smiling through the strain of using such power as she took in the family. “You were always enough, Lancelot.” Her voice mixed with another’s, and it would have made David fall to his knees had Death not held him up.
“You were never forgotten,” she said, the other voice still echoing through everything around them. “You were always loved. I will never give up on you.” She cried as she stared at his family for a moment before focusing on Lancelot. “Forgive us.”
-The Light Bringer, Gods & Monsters Book 3
AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM Janie Marie
Ryder & Janie ©Thander Lin
The conclusion of the Big Bad Wolf trilogy is brutal, but I promise it’s worth it. Just hang in there.
Be warned, however, there are very traumatic, triggering scenes.
Another warning:
Though many readers connect with my characters, it is strongly recommended that all avoid self-insertion into the story being presented—actually, all stories I tell.
My characters were not created to be perfect or to please any reader. They will make poor choices and deliver/receive harsh opinions/judgments that can be damaging to sensitive readers. Use caution and remember these are my characters and not a representation of any reader, or judgement against any reader who shares some similarity to them.
You are reading their story. My story.
Do not get lost in the darkness simply due to a connection made between one or more characters.
Do be open to the messages and lessons this fairy tale contains. Do see the light in the dark as a reminder that there is always hope.
x
Janie Marie
One
OFF LEASH
Archer, Tercero, and Savaş stood silent across from the tattooed twenty-four-year-old. Until Lance Grimm’s release from prison, Lykos Grimm had been the only Grimm in the pack under Luc Godson’s thumb. And like his father, Lykos had allegiances before Luc. Those allegiances rested with Ryder Godson.
“Ryder wants to deal with this himself,” he added after he finished delivering the report on what he’d discovered, what he’d already relayed to Ryder and his father.
Tercero released a tired breath. “This will not unfold well.”
Lykos slid a finger over the red riding hood tattoo on his forearm. The girl was bleeding and bruised, but she held her sword with strength as she raised the decapitated head of the big bad wolf and roared at the others who would attempt to feast on her blood.
He’d had the tattoo done to honor the girl who was more than blood to him, and he’d made a vow to see that she once again stood victorious over her monsters. “No,” he agreed with Tercero. “But the Wolves will step in if Ryder doesn’t keep her safe.”
Archer chuckled as he pushed off the wall. “Well, your brother kinda fucked that up.”
Lykos huffed, annoyed. “There are orders in place.”
“Against your brother?” Tercero asked, amused. “I would tread carefully, wolf. Wounded, she is, but she will not allow him to be harmed.”
Lykos shrugged. “She doesn’t know Logan’s choosing to abandon her and the family. I’m not afraid to do what she needs.”
“No, you’re not,” came a familiar voice. “Even betraying your king.”
Lykos stiffened in his seat, the hairs on the back of his neck raising as the temperature in the room seemed to drop.
Luc placed a hand on his shoulder. “Your frequent walks off leash are not going to become a problem, are they, young Grimm?”
“No,” he answered, scowling at Archer’s almost maniacal smile.
“And what have you told my brothers?” Luc asked. “Why are you all gathered here when Trevor Grimm and a rogue roam free?”
Tercero met his big brother’s steely gaze. “Well, brother, we are not Wolves who hunt, are we? Nor are we Knights who rescue damsels in distress and slay the wicked.”
Archer grinned. “I like how Janie puts it; we’re not racist. We just kill everyone.”
Luc sighed, lifting the hand he’d rested on Lykos’ shoulder. “You know better than to discuss your duties in public.”
Archer pointed at the camera in the small conference room they’d taken over at the hospital. “Tercero took care of it.”
Luc didn’t reply as he unbuttoned his suit jacket and removed it before he took a seat next to Lykos. It wasn’t comforting for Lykos. He was in deep shit.
Savaş yawned, stretching his massive arms over his head. “Can I go join the wolves? I’m getting bored sitting here. Trevor and whoever they’ve been hunting will not enter while Ryder is here.”
“Ryder is with the blond,” Lykos commented, getting their attention.
“He’s going to destroy her,” Archer said, uncaringly.
Luc glanced at Tercero. “You will stay close. Ryde
r will leave her side often this night.”
“Why can’t I stay with her?” Archer asked, grinning like the sick bastard he was.
Lykos shook his head at him. “If you continue your little game of trying to get in bed with her, I’ll chop off your dick.”
Archer waved a dismissive hand at him. “She loves me. Since Luc’s hair changed to this ash colored shit, she needs a blond. I’ll do.”
Tercero’s possessive glance surprised Lykos, but he didn’t comment on it. Ryder would keep them in line, but Archer was a nasty little fuck who loved to see how close he could get to the girl Lykos considered a sister.
Luc motioned for Savaş to leave. “Find Prince and join their search. I want him alive.”
“No promises, brother.” Savaş grabbed Archer by the collar and hauled him up. “You’re coming with me. Janie needs to rest and you’ll get killed if you push Ryder.”
Archer didn’t argue and left. Perhaps they knew Ryder’s control was thin with Janie’s condition and all that they’d uncovered. He could destroy everything if pushed the wrong way.
Lykos stared at Tercero. “I heard he stirred.”
Tercero smiled faintly. “He’s been stirring for months. She’s strong enough to restrain him, even if she is unaware of such things. Why do you think Logan is still alive?”
Luc watched Tercero with a calculating sort of look, then his eyes shimmered with silver. “You’ve awoken as well?”
Lykos flinched as Tercero’s black eyes seemed to darken even more.
“Does she know?” Luc asked when Tercero remained silent.
“Of course not. Just as she doesn’t realize you’ve been awake since returning.” Tercero’s pale lips twitched as if he found it amusing.
Luc nodded, appearing satisfied. “Stay close. I will be busy, and I want one of us with her.”
Tercero stood far too gracefully for an eighteen-year-old. “You could not part me from her if you forced your worst on me.”
The smile on Luc’s face was pure evil. “Careful, brother, your affection for her is far too visible.”
Their elegant way of speaking always annoyed Lykos, but there was a reason for it—there always had been. Now he had all the confirmation he ever needed. The stories were true.
“Not my style to deprive the one I love,” Tercero said, leaving.
Luc turned to Lykos. “Betray me again, and I will bury you.”
“You control the Wolves,” he said, despite the knowledge of what Luc could unleash upon him. “I’m her brother before I’m your Wolf to command.”
“That is why you are not already dead.” Luc stood, sliding on his jacket. “Do not report to Ryder first again. He is not as stable as he appears. You may have given the girl a death sentence.”
Lykos shrugged. “Big Bad Wolves deserve to die.”
“Then find the one who tried to murder my queen,” Luc said, leaving the room as the temperature returned to normal.
“Fuck.” Lykos blew out a breath he hadn’t realized he’d been holding as he left the room. He wanted to check on Janie, but Logan was with her. If he confronted his brother, he’d beat him to a pulp.
The hospital was crowded as he headed to the exit. He scanned his surroundings for anything amiss. He knew no harm would come to Janie with Ryder near, but his brotherly affection for her had him uneasy about leaving.
His phone vibrated, though he didn’t stop walking as he checked the text: The Wolf Prince: Sighting.
The next text contained an address. He picked up the pace, passing a group he knew all too well.
The big bastard in front smirked at him as he tossed and caught an apple. “Leave some meat for the rest of us,” he said.
Lykos peeked at the others. They weren’t Wolves, and they only spoke to those in command. They had their duty, and it wasn’t one they permitted him to know about.
Sin, the wild member of the pack, winked at him. “You’ll go gray with worry, young wolf. Go play.”
Lykos didn’t reply. The Wolves were out in the open, at least the elite of the pack. They circled their prey, the monster no one saw until Ryder ordered him to investigate Kylie Hood.
Two
EVIL DAUGHTER
Kylie shook like a leaf under the cruel sneer that formed on Ryder’s face.
“Yep. I found out all about you.” The disgust in his voice burned like acid on her skin. “A spoiled, mean bitch. Luc told me not to go near you after you showed your nasty ass attitude while Janie fought for her life. But I thought if I told you about us some goodness would manifest in you. But I don’t think you have any goodness in you.”
“Shut up,” she whispered as the hooded girl became clearer in her mind.
“There’s always a reason for a person’s actions,” he said. “Did you think she’d just take it forever?”
“You don’t know anything!” Kylie tried to stand, but he was faster.
He shoved her shoulder, forcing her to stay on the bench as fury ignited in his emerald eyes. “I know everything,” he spat. “When I looked back on how Maura and Janie used to go at it with each other, I realized they’re very similar. My girl can say some crazy shit when she’s at her low points. That regret always appears in her eyes, though—that sadness and horror only some girls know. Once I found out about Trevor, it clicked.” He snapped his fingers. “That’s why—they’d been sexually abused. Knowing now that Janie’d dealt with it for most of her life because of Trevor, it made sense that Maura had too.”
“Stop it!” Kylie tried to stand again, but he shoved her down.
He spoke coolly, but underneath his skin a monster lurked, hungry for her destruction. “I’d gone to arrange for security and hire a specialist to examine Maura, and she said the same thing that Janie did when I came for her: ‘Please take me.’ They hoped I was an angel come to take them from all the pain.
“It did something to me—hearing those same words, seeing her dark hair spread out like a halo. So I held her hand and told her she was going to be okay. She cried and said it wasn’t. She said she couldn’t stop feeling them.” He gave her a dirty look that made her eyes water. “But you knew that, didn’t you?”
Kylie shook her head as tears spilled down her cheeks. “She lied.”
“You saw your dad molesting her.” The violent statement punched her in the stomach, and she gasped. “You lied when she told Lorelei and your teachers, and you told her no one would believe her after you hit her.”
“Stop it!” Kylie covered her ears, but she still heard him. The girl in the hood became clearer, and her cruel smirk and jealous green eyes glowed with menace because she wanted to destroy the purest of hearts. Go back to the dark.
“Did Daddy not like your blond hair?”
“Stop,” she shouted.
“Were you jealous?” The violent sound of his voice made her ears ring. “Daddy gave his new daughter too much attention for your liking. He gave her attention she didn’t want because she’d already been abused by her own father.”
“You know nothing,” she whispered, trying to hide from him and the girl under the hood.
Ryder didn’t stop. “That little abortion lie Maura blurted about you had seemed a bit far-fetched. But it wasn’t really a lie, was it? Poor Maura had your father’s baby growing inside her when she was thirteen years old. Kinda puts a new perspective on his sudden death, doesn’t it?”
“My father was probably murdered,” she screamed, wishing she could rip his head off.
“Good. It means a child molester’s dead.” He snarled, his face twisting in rage. “It makes sense now why you never cared about Janie’s rape—why you hated her a little too much for being the one who pulled the trigger on her rapists. Made you think of dear old dad, didn’t it? All of us cherished and protected her, and you only took it we were happy your dad was killed. I’m not, by the way.” A dangerous smile stretched over his lips. “I wish the motherfucker was still alive so I could kill him myself.”
“Shut up!” She couldn’t breathe—couldn’t escape.
The voice slithered across her skin. You can’t hide now.
“Fuck, it makes so much sense now.” He laughed cruelly. “You saw Maura every time you looked at Janie. It’s girls like you who make Janie hate her looks. I’ve had to teach her it’s okay to be pretty—to think she’s beautiful. The person she used to see in the mirror was ugly because she listened to the same bitches who tormented you. She fears guys getting close and then bitches like you make her feel like it’s her fault guys like her. Don’t you realize that’s what you’ve done to Maura? But where Janie’s had us, Maura’s had no one. It pushed her to seek acceptance by spreading her legs.”
“You know nothing.” She wiped her hand over her face to hide her tears.
“My men have been looking into everything about you since the fight happened. When they reported Kylie Hood was popular at her old school and how people only remembered Maura as a weird loser, I was sure they mixed you up. After all, the Kylie Hood you’ve been selling isn’t the type of girl who bullies weaker girls—or should I say, girls who boys think are prettier than her? The Kylie Hood you wanted us to see was shy and innocent—everything you’re not.”