“No,” Julian said. “There’s no way Bridget would start that rumor.” I pressed my lips hard together and lowered my head so I wouldn’t have to look him in the eye. I hadn’t talked to him since the morning out in the gardens. He didn’t know all the new things I had heard from Bridget herself. She

I hadn’t considered this, how my joining this trip would make the other girls feel. I looked to Susie for comfort and answers. She, at least, didn’t seem jealous. Why would she? The man she wanted was staying here. “How does everyone know so fast?” I asked her quietly, while Veronica distracted Ti

The day we were set to leave for the vacation, the chosen candidates and the two princes were to take a limousine to the airport and then a private jet to the southern beaches. Yet before any of that, we were to say farewell to the King and Queen, who would not be joining us on this trip. I rolled

At the airport, we were led onto the tarmac to board a smaller private jet. The royal jet, though small, lacked for no luxury. The seats were the finest leather. There was a sitting room and a large television. I’d never really been on a plane before at all, much less a fancy one like this. But I

Suddenly I found myself caught between two very irritated Alphas. Nicholas was growling, his shoulders straight, his stature tall and imposing. Julian matched the intimidating posture. He was slightly smaller in build compared to his brother, but he was still tall and strong. I guessed I might h

This type of scenting felt too intimate for our audience, but I supposed there was no real harm in it. Julian knew of my affections for Nicholas, and his for me. If anything, Julian might give me a high five afterwards. He’d say something like, If he’s jealous, it means he cares. But then, I look

When I returned to my seat with Nicholas in tow, I found Elva still excitedly looking out the window. She had her hands on either side of it, her nose pressed up against the glass. “Elva,” I said, lightly scolding her. If there was any turbulence, she was likely to bump her head against the glass

How unfair. How unkind. At least let me enjoy the beach first! “More turbulence,” Nicholas whispered. This time he was right up against my ear. I could feel the warm puffs of his breath against my skin, rustling my hair. With my eyes closed so tightly, my other senses heightened. I could feel th

After gazing at the ocean for a time, Nicholas separated from us, saying he had to make the rounds. So Elva and I walked to where a couch was arranged on the deck. Julian and Veronica were already sitting on it. I sat on the open seat and Elva wedged in between me and Julian. One of the wait staff

“Oh, no! Piper, I’m so sorry!” she exclaimed. She placed her empty glass down on a nearby table then held her hands out to me like she intended to do something. Yet she never actually touched me or my clothes. “What can we do? That will stain right away!” She was right. Red wine stains didn’t come