#11 Meet Me in the Emerald Forest

One fateful night changes the course of Clementine Reign’s life. At just 17 years old, like most teenagers, she had her life figured out. High school graduation, marry her current boyfriend, and go to college to become a writer. That all came crashing down when she came home late from a party to her parents murdered in her childhood home. Her brother, Daniel, is forced to return home from his carefree life in New York City to take guardianship of his sister for the last few months of her childhood. When her parents' murders go unsolved, Clementine changes her plans and hardens her heart. Seven years later, she’s a special agent with the FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit, struggling to find her parents' killer. What Clem didn’t know was that the only person who could answer her questions had already left her life, determined to move on with his.

Lukas Emerald was the young Alpha of the Emerald’s Woods pack in Virgina when a rogue attack led him straight to his young, human mate. The day only got worse when, on that very day, his mate’s parents were killed by those same rogues. Knowing she was only 17 and had her entire life ahead of her, Lukas walks away from his mate and vows to honor her for the rest of his life, even if she’s not in it.

But, the Moon Goddess doesn’t like to be ignored. Seven years later, their lives come crashing back together.

Book #11 of the Royal Legacy series (can be read as a stand alone).

COMPLETE!

Excerpt:

Her chestnut colored curls were sprawled out around her head on the pillow and her eyes were pinched closed like she was having a nightmare or in pain. Her face was thin and narrow, coming down to a point at her defined chin and jawline. Her lips were bright red and pressed together in a thin line. I couldn’t help myself when I reached out and grazed her fair skin with the back of my hand. Her body twitched and her face suddenly relaxed.

I leaned down and took a deep breath, allowing her floral scent to fill me and my heart. At that moment, my choice was clear. I pressed my lips gently to her cheek and flinched as the sparks ignited between us. My mouth moved to her ear as I whispered,

“I won’t take your life away from you, Clementine. I won’t take away your future and force you to lead a pack of creatures you don’t even know exist, yet. I won’t bring you down. You’ll always be safe and cared for, I promise you that, and I will never take another mate. I will honor you for the rest of my life even if you never know my name.” I kissed the space below her ear where she would have worn my mark before pulling away.

Her face was pinched again like she was thinking hard about something. I gently caressed her face until every last worry line was gone. Then, I pulled away from her bed and left her room. Mateo looked at me, confused.

“She needs a protection detail for the rest of her life and I’m putting you in charge of it. She can’t ever know about them.” I ordered. Mateo’s eyes went wide,

“Lukas….”

“My decision is final, Mateo.” I felt my face hardened and the Alpha tone weighed heavy between us. Mateo bowed his head in submission,

“Yes, Alpha.”

And then I walked away from my mate’s hospital room and from her for the last time.

Or so I thought.