Total pages in book: 109
Estimated words: 101147 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 506(@200wpm)___ 405(@250wpm)___ 337(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 101147 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 506(@200wpm)___ 405(@250wpm)___ 337(@300wpm)
In a blink, I change. My limbs neatly adjust themselves, and I am wolf. My senses are a thousand times sharper, and I no longer feel the cold as keenly.
Stellan shakes his head as he stares down at me. “Sven thinks the wisewoman ousted you for her daughter’s sake. I believe differently. You are strong. If they ever fed you properly or gave you a moment’s training, you would be First among the women. Perhaps even the men, and that is what they all fear. Go, little wolf. Your destiny is not here.”
I run, my wolf legs eating the distance despite the thick snow. I run, and I do not look back. Stellan is right. There is nothing for me here.
Chapter One
Dante
The Vampire Plane
I watch my family and friends as they stare at the floor-to-ceiling projection from the comfortable seats of Dellacorp’s media room. The room is normally used for conferences, but my mother has gone all out for this party. There are freaking flowers and a champagne station. It’s a lot, but I’m worried no one will want to celebrate at the end of the show. My whole family, a large group of our friends, and several key members of the corporation are rapt with attention, watching everything happening on this final episode of the most popular DL in the States.
I try not to laugh at the image of myself pondering the decision I’m about to make. The producers made sure I thought about the intensely important life decision I was making via reality television in various states of undress. During filming, I spent an awful lot of time with my shirt off, but I have to admit, I look good in a tux, too. The reality TV me stands at the edge of a lovely, romantic pond, surrounded by greenery and flowers, waiting for the helicopters that will bring the two final women.
I really should have thought this through. At the time it seemed like it would be kind of a funny story, but my parents are taking this shit way too seriously.
I down a long drink of Scotch as I watch the drama play out. I hope the alcohol will relax me fairly quickly. I didn’t have much of an appetite. I desire neither a meal pill nor an actual warm-blooded dinner. My gut is not in a good place. On an empty stomach, the Scotch should work fast. I have the feeling I’m going to need a good buzz once my parents see the way the final stock ceremony ends.
On the high-definition screen, the luxury helicopter lands and a gorgeous vampire steps out, showing off her long legs and perfect figure. She wears a designer gown and looks like a woman on a mission. Veronica. Even her name makes me shiver.
“I knew it.” Susan practically shouts at the screen. My big sister is a high-octane, type-A version of myself, right down to her red-and-gold hair and green eyes.
My sister didn’t like Veronica at all. It was a mistake to put two alpha females in the same room together. They practically had a knock-down, drag-out when I brought Veronica home to meet the family. The producers were thrilled. It makes for excellent television.
“They always dump the first one,” Susan says with a vicious fist pump. “Take that, bitch! I knew my brother would pick the consort.”
Susan’s husband, Colin, gives his wife an affectionate pat. He nods Dante’s way. “Thank you. She would be impossible to live with if you brought that one home again.”
My mother, Alana Dellacourt, dabs at her eyes, crying slightly. It makes me nauseous at the thought of disappointing her. Her manicured hands come out to pat my shoulders. “I knew you would make the right choice. The consort is lovely. I can’t wait to begin planning the wedding. I know you’re contractually obligated to stay apart from Sheila until after the final airing, but I wish she could have been here. I can’t wait to welcome her into our family.”
On the screen, Veronica is rolling her eyes and vowing corporate vengeance. Her long red nails remind me of talons. She actually scared the crap out of me. I was afraid to dump her before the final ceremony. More than one corporate war has been started because of this particular series.
My father, Don, walks up behind me and gives me a hearty pat on the back. I can feel the satisfaction coming off him in waves. “I didn’t think this was a good idea. Your mother had to convince me this wouldn’t ruin our corporate image. Playing around in hot tubs is no way to find a wife, I say. You should have done what your cousins did. You should have bought a consort at the marketplace. Still, I like Sheila. You did good, son.”