Ivory Snow: Silver Moon Collection

By TJ Lee

Ava was the fairest in the land, yet her sister still won the heart of the Prince. 13 years later their daughter debuts in society. The rumor is, she's fairer than Ava. Well, now, Ava couldn't have that. 

 

After watching her parents murdered in front of her, and nearly dying herself, Ivory finds solace in the home of 7 orphaned males. In exchange for help around the house, they agree she can stay. 

 

All but one see her as a sister. The grumpiest, the oldest, doesn't understand the pull she has on him. 

 

After years of peace and quiet, Ava's dark cloud threatens the farm and the males. Only, Ivory is no longer a small pup. Her wolf has come forward, and the true Queen is ready to take back her throne. 

 

• Language: English
• Publisher: TJ Lee
• Release date: Oct 30, 2022
• ISBN: 9798215137666

Book preview

Prologue

M aria, come on! You know we aren’t supposed to be walking around the castle at night. Ava scolded her younger sister with her usual impatience.

Maria rolled her eyes, her back to Ava as she rolled the dough out on the counter.

If you are so worried about getting in trouble, then go to bed.

Maria, who had only recently turned eighteen, had been helping their mother in the castle bakery since before she could reach the counters. Baking was her passion, something she did when she couldn’t sleep. That was how she processed things that were on her mind and worked out all of her stress.

Like her older sister being intolerable. A not so rare occurrence.

Maria had been doing this for years and had never seen another living soul in the kitchen that late at night. Which made it all the more perfect.

Out of the two pups their parents had, Ava was the oldest and the stubbornest. Maria was calmer and more patient.

Maria was satisfied with whatever life gave her, while Ava was always wanting more. Unlike the rest of her family, she wasn’t happy living a simple life.

Ava stomped her foot and gave Maria an irritated growl. Fine, but don’t say I didn’t warn you. Ava spun away, letting her long black hair fly around her. Simpleton. She added in a low mumble. 

Marie stilled her hands and closed her brown eyes, enjoying a small moment of silence. Just long enough to take a slow deep breath, letting the peace and tranquility of the kitchen soothe her wolf. She refused to let her poisonous sister taint her safe haven.

While the sisters were arguing in the kitchen, the young Prince Alexander snuck out of his suite of rooms on the other side of the castle. With his 21st birthday just a month away, his parents had begun to pressure him into choosing a mate. Alex had spent the last year traveling the kingdom, even kingdoms of their allies. All in search of his one true mate.

Sadly, he had yet to find her. 

At dinner, his father gave him until the next morning to make his decision. Tradition called for him to take over the throne when he turned 21. In order to do that though, he needed a mate.

For the last few hours, he had been trying, and failing to sleep. Neither his mind, nor his wolf, would let him. Both were restless tonight.

None of the females he had met over the last year, or before, had captured his or his wolf’s eye. Sure, they were nice to look at. But that was the only good thing he could say about them. Alex never considered himself to be a picky person, but this was an important decision.

It would affect not only him, but also his kingdom.

He roamed the castle, with no clear destination in line, contemplating going to the royal gardens to let his wolf run free for a time. Maybe that would help.

He had barely hit the main floor when someone spotted him.

Your highness! 

Alex inwardly groaned. He knew that voice. He kept walking, acting as though he had not heard her.

Your highness! The call was followed by the hurried footsteps of the baker’s eldest daughter. 

Alex knew better, this female was persistent.

With a muted, yet exaggerated sigh, he slowed his footsteps, allowing her to catch up. As she grew closer, he turned to greet her politely. His mother would be upset with him if he were to be offensive to one of their subjects and pack members. 

Good evening, Ava. How are you this evening? Alex kept his hands gripped behind his back.

She’d been known to take any opening to hold his hand. Something she had been doing for... ever, actually.

Ava stepped in front of the handsome Prince, grinning ear to ear, feeling as though a pile of gold had just fallen into her lap. She looked down, tucking an invisible hair behind her ear.

The shy act was old, and completely fake.

Ava was like all the others. She only wanted Alex because of his station. He knew this, she knew this, everyone knew this. And yet, she still acted like it wasn’t true.

I’m doing well, your highness. How are you this evening? 

Alex swallowed back the groan, tired of the innocent flower act. 

I’m well, thank you. He bowed his head slightly. Have a good night, Ava.

Alex made the two steps to go around her, avoiding eye contact. He did not want to give her any ideas. He may only have a few hours left to pick a mate, but she was not going to be it. His choice had nothing to do with her station either. That didn’t matter. It was her personality that was lacking.

Even though Ava did not say anything else to him, he could still feel her eyes watching him, hungrily monitoring his every step. The kitchen was coming up. Surely, he could escape her there. Everyone knew how much she hated being in there.

A late-night snack didn’t sound half bad either.

A smile came to Alex’s lips as he thought about the apple pie from dinner. He would have to see if there was any left. Nobody beat the royal baker and her family. That was sure to settle his mind. And his stomach. His wolf grumbled in his mind. Making Alex chuckle. Maybe some leftover chicken would be good as well.

Ignoring the light footsteps following from not far behind him, Prince Alexander pushed the door open to the kitchen. He hadn’t actually been down there in years, maybe ever. His father frowned upon the idea of him going into servant territory, as the King saw it anyway. 

The King once told him that letting the servants be the alpha of those small territories was a kindness. Every wolf needed to feel ownership of something. To feel in control of their own lives. He declared that this kindness was why they excelled in their duty. 

Alex didn’t know many of the kitchen staff, outside of Ava. She was a different story though. She wanted everyone to know her, she felt it was deserved because of her looks.

As the door swung open, the young Prince was hit with a scent that was so enticing that it made him forget all about the pie and his woes. Even his wolf was preening in his chest, forgetting about the chicken. 

Maria sighed disappointedly when she heard the door open again. She should have known her sister would not give up so easily. Ava wouldn’t give up until Maria was back in their shared room.

Maria finished rolling the dough into small balls and laid a cloth over the top of them. If she left them there to rise, they would have fresh rolls for breakfast. They would blend splendidly with the fresh raspberry jam she and her mother made the week before. 

After she laid the cloth on top of her master pieces, Maria took a deep satisfying breath. But it wasn’t the smell of dough that caused her lips to curve and her eyes to close. There was a new scent in the air. And it most certainly was not her sister.

Alex walked up slowly, not wanting to disturb the serenity of the female as she finished her task.

Who was she? Was she new to the castle? She had to be.

Surely, he would have smelled this intoxicating scent around the halls had she lived there longer. 

At her soft exhale, he couldn't hold back anymore. He slid his arms around her waist and left a gentle kiss on her neck.

Maria did not react the way she would have normally, if a strange male had been so forward. There was something about his touch and his scent that immediately calmed her wolf and put her at ease. More so then all the nights she had spent baking in the kitchen.

Who is this beautiful female in my kitchen, so late at night? Alex whispered softly in her ear.

Maria giggled, relaxing into his arms. Your kitchen? And here I was under the impression that it was mine. I live here more than my own apartments after all.

The male behind her chuckled, sending vibrations throughout her whole body. She slowly turned around, needing to look into the eyes of this male she had not yet met.

Was he a new guard to the castle?

She gasped as her eyes fell onto the prince. Maria automatically tried to step away, her eyes lowering to the ground in fealty.

Alex wasn’t having any of that. In fact, he was sure it was him that needed to bow to her. He tightened his grip on her waist, not allowing her to move. Both he and his wolf were in pain with just the idea of it. 

I’m sorry, your highness. It is your kitchen. I should not have been in here at this late hour. Maria felt ashamed and embarrassed with her actions.

Alex pressed under her chin with his finger and lifted it up. It is more yours than mine, my love.

Maria blushed and reflexively tried to look down again. He refused to let her face move even an inch away from his.

A crease formed between Alex’s eyebrows. How long have you worked here? I don’t recall ever seeing you around the castle before.

Pride swelled in Maria’s chest as she prepared to tell him who she was. She knew very well how much he enjoyed the treats she made. It was something her parents often bragged to others about.

I was raised in the castle, my Prince. I am Maria. My mother is the royal baker. I have been working with her for many years. As for why you haven’t seen me, well, I rarely stray into the castle halls. I have never had a need.

There was a twinkle in Alex’s eyes as things began to slide into place. You make the pies.

Maria blushed again and bit her lip. Yes, my Prince. I make many of the treats you like.

Alex hummed in the back of his throat, wondering if she tasted as sweet as her treats. She certainly smelled better than them.

Maria noticed his eyes on her lips, which made her lick them. She giggled again when she heard the deep growl that had to be his wolf. Alex loved the sound of her laugh. He tightened his embrace of her as he lowered his nose to her neck, letting his wolf inhale as much of her cinnamon scent as he could.

Mine. Alex’s wolf pushed forward and growled deeply into her neck.

Maria’s heart skipped a beat, both in excitement and in shock. When she daydreamed about finding her mate, she always assumed it would be someone in the village, or one of the guards. Never had she ever dared to dream about mating with the Prince. Not that she would be complaining either.

Within that next beat, his lips softly found hers. 

Ava watched from the doorway as the Prince chose her own sister to be his mate. Both were so caught up in each other, not one of them noticed the seething female standing only a few feet away.

Over the next few weeks, she refused to speak to anyone at all. She was too busy fuming over it. No one was prettier than her. She was as well known for her beauty as Maria was for her baking. 

For years, Ava had been trying to get the Prince’s attention. With the pressure his parents were putting on him, she thought for sure that he would want to at least pick someone familiar, someone the household and the pack were already familiar with. 

In a way, she had been right.

She never would have believed it if she hadn’t seen it for herself.

This wasn’t the end though. She would get what rightfully belonged to her, one way or the other. 

Ava played her part well, as the dutiful older sister to the Queen. Just thinking the word made her want to sneer. Maria always got the best of everything.

Soon, more logs were thrown into the fire of her anger. People began discussing the beauty of their new Queen more than they did her own. 

A year after the coronation, came the next announcement. Maria was pregnant with their first pup.

To welcome the birth of the new Princess, the royal family held a large celebration. Family members from all over the kingdom came to give their blessings. 

One in particular took quite the fancy to Ava, as was her right.

Most males had difficulty keeping their eyes off her. This one was a Count, the King’s cousin in fact. She had already tried her luck with the King’s younger brother, Duke Andrew. Unfortunately, he had met his mate before Alexander met Maria. 

The good Count had already found his mate as well. But both she and the unborn pup she carried did not survive the birthing process.

The Count was taken enough by Ava’s beauty that he spent his week at the castle wooing her and trying to convince her to be his chosen mate.

She let him think he was working for it. The attention helped to soothe her and her wolf. As long as she didn’t try to see if Alex was watching, regretting his decision, that is.

Moving away from the castle was almost a relief to Ava. She no longer had to watch her sister enjoy what should have been hers.

With the new distance between them, Ava could more thoroughly plan out her revenge. Her plan to take what should have always been hers.

Chapter 1

For the first time in many, many years, Ava walked into the ballroom of the castle. She could have come sooner. She just didn’t want to.

Nothing in her life had turned out the way she planned. And it was all Maria’s fault. It should have been her that was celebrating her daughter’s birthday, the true Princess.

Instead, it was Maria’s daughter.

Maria’s kingdom.

Maria’s mate.

Ava had been close to convincing the prince into choosing her. She knew it. If her know-it-all sister had just gone to bed as planned, Ava would have been the one he turned to when he needed comforting. Not Maria.

Ava stood in the entrance to the large room that was used for celebrations and looked around. On the other side, in the two golden thrones, sat Maria and Alex.

Ava noticed bitterly how they still looked as happy as ever. She was comforted to notice that Maria had obviously never fully gotten rid of all of her baby weight. And, even from this distance, she could see a few gray stripes in Maria’s hair. 

Ava smiled to herself, letting the joy that she was still more beautiful than her sister fill her heart. She had chosen her dress well. It was a long royal blue gown, which clung to her still ripe chest firmly, and flowed down her legs. 

Maria was wearing a dark red dress. It was not flattering in the slightest.

Why would she wear something so ghastly? Ava scoffed to herself. Maria had never been very good at fashion. Some things never changed. Which of course was further proof that Ava was the one more deserving of the crown.

My lady, shall we pay our respects to the King and Queen before we mingle with the others?  Dale, her advisor asked softly, placing a gentle hand on her elbow.

Ava sighed dramatically and let him lead her in that direction. If we must. 

Ava kept her shoulders back and her chin up, walking with all the grace that was her right to carry. 

You won’t let them hurt me again. Will you, Dale? Ava pouted her bottom lip and held tight to his arm, as though she was a scared little pup.

Never, my lady. I live to serve and protect you. I don’t care who they are, no one can step on you anymore.

Ava gave him a demure smile. You spoil me, Dale. I don’t know what I would have done without you all these years.

Dale threw her a hidden wink and patted her arm. She gave a giggle that was more fitting for that of a teenage pup than the full-grown Countess that she was.

Still, it had the desired effect.

It hadn’t taken long after she mated with the Count for Ava to learn how to manipulate this male.

Dale and the Count had been litter mates. They grew up together and were best friends. So close in fact, that when Dale realized his one true mate was about to be mated to his best friend, he kept his mouth shut. 

Unfortunately for the Count, the pull of a true mate was stronger than that of a friend, a brother. His wolf never forgot that she was meant to be his mate, not even after the pull was dimmed by her mating the Count.

Well, on Dale’s side anyway.

Around their one-year anniversary, the Count began pressuring Ava to give him a pup. An heir. Something she did not want to do. Ava had no interest in ruining her body the way other females did.

While it had been tempting for a time, the thought of having a pup that was more beautiful than Maria’s, it still wasn’t worth the cost. Not for a pup of the Count’s at any rate.

One night, Ava had finally had enough of consistent pressuring.

While sitting in the garden one evening, Dale had come upon her. She sniffed at all the right spots, and even managed to push out a few tears. 

My lady, why are you crying? Are you hurt?

No. She gasped out, and then jumped as he tried to touch her.

She pretended to fear his touch, causing him to worry further.

She cleared her throat and made it look as though she was trying to cover up her mistake by stepping away.

Truly, Ava was a good actress.

Just not good enough to catch the Prince, the real prize. 

No. I’m fine. I just needed some fresh air.

Dale walked closer. His wolf needed to comfort its mate. His wolf had always tried to convince him that he should have just spoken up to their friend in the first place. The Count loved and respected them.

Pardon me for saying so, my Lady. But I don’t believe you. I can feel how upset you are. You know I can.

Thankfully it was dark enough that he did not see the eye roll Ava let slip out.

Did she feel a pull to them? Of course. However, she had ignored them enough that the pull had weakened. With the Count marking her, she could barely feel it at all. Both she and her wolf agreed that Dale and his were not worthy of someone like them.

Using their bond to their advantage was not below them though.

Ava practically threw herself into his arms, burying her head in his neck. She inhaled his scent deeply, something she had seen many mated females do when they were upset. 

At first Dale was surprised and acted a little awkward. Once he felt her inhale, his arms wrapped around her and took a sniff of his own. For a year, he had been dying to do this, but he knew it would be bad if he ever tried. 

Which had most assuredly been a smart idea, as that one sniff of her raw scent was like a kick to the gut. His knees became weak, and he felt himself falling to her more and more. Just the idea of her returning to the Count after that was enough to make a male go on a killing spree. The more of her fresh, undiluted scent that he pulled in, the stronger her pull on him became.

Dale rubbed a hand gently down the back of her hair and kissed the side of her head. Ava leveled out her uneven breathing, letting him think he was affecting her. 

Tell me, my love. Tell me what happened. I can’t fix it if you don’t let me. Dale begged in a whisper.

He... he yelled at me.

Dale’s body stiffened. The Count yelled at you? Why? That was not like the Count at all. He had a mild temperament. It was not like him to raise his voice to anyone. 

Ava sniffled again and tightened the grip she had on Dale’s shirt.

Because I haven’t been able to give him a pup. That’s all he mated with me for anyway. Without providing him with an heir, I’m nothing but the daughter of a baker. What do I have to offer anyone?

Dale was furious. How could anyone possibly think of her as something so worthless? 

He is just disappointed. I’m sure he didn’t mean any of it. You are the most beautiful creation. You have the kindest heart, the sweetest soul. No one in their right mind could think any less of you.

Ava worked to keep the grin small. Just to be safe, she pressed her cheek against his chest, keeping he face from his view.

Well, maybe Dale wasn’t so worthless after all. Before tilting her head back, to give him a pleading look, she pushed the smile away.

This wasn’t the first time he said those things, nor was he the first person. My family was never kind to me. Never as good at baking as Maria. Never as polite and soft as Maria. Never knew my place as a servant like Maria. I never enjoyed baking like she did. I tried. I did. I just couldn’t do it. I never liked being tied to that kitchen. Ava sniffed and wiped her nose disgustingly with the back of her hand. 

Then she went off and mated with the Prince. There was no coming out of her shadow then. Even here, a hundred miles away, she is still popping up. Maria got pregnant with a pup within a few months of their mating! It’s not my fault my body won’t accept it! Her voice gave a little crack, which splintered Dale’s heart.

He placed his palm on her cheek, and she leaned into it. Dale’s wolf puffed with pride in his chest. Even the good Count could not take care of her the way they could, the way they were made to do.

All of that is lies. Lies people tell themselves to make them feel more important. To excuse away what they can’t accept. You are the most beautiful. You are too special to settle for the simple things in this life. You were meant to shine, not be hidden away from the world. So, what if your body will not accept his pup? It was not meant to be his anyway. You were never meant to be his. 

Ava’s eyes widened at the possessive growl lacing his words. She had never heard him speak like that before.

No male. True mate or chosen, has the right to speak to a female that way. My wolf and I could literally pull his throat out for saying such hurtful things to you. We trusted him to take care of you, in a way we are not capable of, and he failed.

Ava’s jaw dropped. She was shocked by the turn this conversation had taken, truly shocked.

She bit the corner of her lip seductively, a new idea coming to her. One she hadn’t fully thought of before, mostly because she hadn’t thought it was possible.

Now, though? Maybe it was. She would need to test it first though. Test him.

You care for me so much?

Dale slid his hand behind her head and held her tight. You are my mate. I will serve you and protect you however you will let me. I know you are far beyond my reach, but I will take what I can get. You are mine. No one is allowed to hurt you. Physically or otherwise.

Ava’s wolf purred. He may not be an alpha wolf, but he would definitely come in handy. She did like this side of him. Maybe she would keep him around after all, even throw him a... treat... from time to time.

Oh, Dale. You know me so well. What would I do without you? She leaned in just enough to hint at what he should do next. His actions needed to be his own, well, as far as he was concerned anyway.

Dale greedily closed the small gap, pressing his lips to hers. He growled as her tongue slipped between his lips and hungrily went further. Ava slid her hands around his head and pressed her body against his. She could tell how happy he was by his reaction to her. It wasn’t difficult to feel, seeing as how she was in nothing but her thin night dress.

As with everything Ava owned, her dressing gown was made of the best material and fit her perfectly. Had this been during the day, he surely would have been able to see straight through the dress. 

Ava took a few steps back, pulling Dale with her, until her back hit a tree. She wasn’t enjoying it as much as he was, but she knew it was important that he believed otherwise.

Acting as though she had no control over her own actions, she slid her hands down his sides and then slowly up his shirt. She never gave much thought into Dale’s appearance before, his station had pretty much damaged that for her.

With her eyes closed, she examined his muscles.

Dale was buff.

She counted eight firm muscles on his rib cage. Something larger than she thought possible jammed harder into her as her hands moved. In her mind’s eye, she thought back to what he looked like in the daylight, trying to put the pieces together that she hadn’t yet.

Dale was well over six feet and had thick shoulders and arms. He had a strong jawline and a slightly bent nose. Shifters healed generally fast, but if a broken bone wasn’t set properly right away, it would heal deformed. She didn’t care enough to ask him what had happened and why he hadn’t had a doctor set it properly.

His black hair was nearly identical to hers, and his blue eyes shone as bright as the clear sky when he was happy, but as dark as the storm raging when he was upset. 

Throughout her growing up years, Ava had played around with some of the males in the village. It was how she passed the time while waiting for the Prince. Most of them barely got the job done. She heard talk among the older females of how it was always better with your mate. The Count was sadly disappointing in that arena. 

The realization that the females may have meant a true mate dawned on Ava. Maybe it would be better with Dale. 

Ava twisted her head just enough, giving him the hint to move down her neck.

It wasn’t entirely unpleasant.

By the way his hand held her lower back tight, keeping himself pressed into her, she could tell that he obviously knew what he was doing. 

Dale made just the right move, eliciting an unexpected moan from her.

That was new for her.

Dale took that as his sign to keep going. He slid a hand down her shoulder, pushing the thin strap of her nightdress down with it. It wasn’t long before one side of her was bare to the world.

He paused, his eyes widening as though he just realized what he had done.

Filled with curiosity and the knowledge that she needed to give him something to hook him fully into her control, she gripped the back of his head again and pushed him down. He was smart enough to know what she wanted. 

Ava decided this was already better than what she had had in quite some time. She allowed herself to relax enough to let her body get what it needed. She reached down and began to loosen his pants.

Dale growled and attacked her with more ferocity as he started bunching her dress up to her waist. 

Both of them were barely freed from their cages when they heard a voice coming from down the hall. 

Ava? Are you out here? The Count called, frustration and irritation clear in his throat.

Dale looked into her eyes. 

Don’t let him hurt me again, mate. She pleaded desperately.

With the new title, a fire lit in Dale’s eyes. No one will ever hurt you again. He fixed her dress and slinked into the darkness. Pull him in here. I will take care of it.

Interesting. Let a true mate get a little handsy and they were like putty in your hands. Who knew? 

Ava turned to face the opening to the garden, right as her chosen mate walked in.

The Count sighed, slightly relieved. There you are. Come, it is time for bed. You should not be out here alone this late. Your scent, especially at this time will tempt the unmated males. I do not want to put you or them in that situation.

Ava did not move toward him nor reach for the hand he had stretched out to her.

Technically, yes, this was the right time in her cycle for her to get pregnant. The scent of which called to the wolves in the unmated males, smelling sweeter and more tempting than it normally would. However, what the Count did not know was that she drank a special tea twice a day. One that was guaranteed to keep her from getting pregnant. 

The Count came closer, grabbing her hand. This was exactly what she wanted. She wanted Dale to get the impression that his friend was being forceful with her.

I’m not ready to go to bed yet. It is a beautiful night. I want to stay in the garden longer. Ava knew full well that the older male did not like staying up late. And as he just said, he didn’t want her out here alone either.

As an alpha wolf, he did not like to be denied or challenged. 

He frowned at her. Ava. It’s time for bed. You need to take care of your body. We need you to be healthy if we are going to have a pup. He softened his voice and stepped close to her, lifting his knuckles to gently graze her cheek. I do not want to lose you the way I lost my first mate.

With what Ava had said earlier, insinuating she was just a replacement, Dale grew increasingly angry with him. Touching her intimately like that pushed his wolf further over the edge. What little piece of him that was still unsure about this action flew out of him when the Count kissed her cheek. 

Ava pulled back, stopping the Count’s movement back toward the manor.

Wait! She bit the corner of her lip again, knowing it always had an effect on the males. She had no idea why, but she would not question it if it worked. Maybe fresh air is the key. We can both be more in touch with our wolves out here.

The Count was torn. He was not of the type to do something so daring. Yet, the thought was appealing. Especially to his wolf.

Ava gave him a playful smile and he let her pull him into the batch of trees. He chuckled softly as she let go of his hand and backed away from him. A game of chase might be a bit fun too. His wolf did love to dominate, and all females loved to be dominated.

He followed her deeper still, until it was nearly pitch black. The trees blocked out the small bits of moonlight. Ava’s nightdress was a soft white, making her look like an angel in the night. Despite the darkness, he could still see her.

He began unbuttoning his shirt, preparing to shift and give chase, when he heard a low growl coming from his right. He only had a small moment of confusion before a large set of teeth bit into his neck.

Dale shifted back to his human form at once, guilt draining down his throat along with the blood of his childhood best friend. A male who had been more brother than friend. 

Ava reacted fast, not wanting to give him the chance to rethink what he had just done.

Yes, she could call the guards. They could take him away and have him killed for assassinating the Count. She didn’t think that was the best choice though. She could use someone who was completely devoted to her, and her alone.

Someone she could count on to do the dirty work, without her having to actually tell him too. And this one had already proven he would.

She fell to the ground, shivering with fear, calling to him in a near whisper. Dale? Dale?

His head snapped up and he ran to her, scooping her up into his arms. 

You saved me. You protected me. Even though he was your friend, you knew he would hurt your mate.

The change in his demeanor was immediate. He had done what needed to be done. The Count had changed, he was no longer the good male Dale once thought he was. 

The breeze picked up creating a small break in the tree branches, just enough for one beam of moonlight to come through. Ava could see the blood dripping down Dale’s neck and onto his bare chest. She suddenly became aware that he had removed his clothes after leaving her. He was even better than she imagined. Leagues better than the Count had been.

I would do anything to protect you, my love. I may not be good enough to stand equally by your side, but I will always be good enough to protect you. No one will ever try to hide you or bring you down again. Not as long as I am around.

Ava wiped the blood away from his lips and leaned in to kiss him. It wasn’t long before Dale, still feeling the adrenaline from the attack, had her on her back in the grass,