I was born into a progressive wolf pack. Our pack is much different than the traditional packs. We are more of a monarchy. My father was a King, not an Alpha. My mother was a queen, and I was a princess.

Our family lived in remote southern Louisiana. There were a lot of vamps in the area. We intermingled with them. I have a family that is both vamp and wolf.

The wolf packs outside of our area were not fond of our way of doing things but it worked for us. The wolves protected the vamps because they wanted to. They were our family.

Of course, nothing lasts forever. Some vamps and some wolves wanted to disrupt our happy community, and they did. I was 16 when the war started. My parents sent me away during the war.

I went to college and became a real estate agent for one of the biggest developers in Louisiana, Louis Astor St. John. He built it and I sold it. That’s how I met Arlington Crown.

“I am sending a very special client to look at a house with you today, Hester,” Louis said as he barged into my office.

I waved him off. I was on a very important call, but he did not seem to care at all.

“Hester!” he shouted at me.

I abruptly ended my call. “Are you out of your mind? That was important!” I yelled at him.

“I am sorry, but listen to me. Arlington Crown is coming to the office. He wants to look at some of the properties and I need you to charm him,” Louis said with a huge smile.

When I think back on this day, I honestly wish I would have walked away and never looked back, but I didn’t. That day changed all of our lives forever.

“Who is Arlington Crown?” I asked

Louis shook his head at me like I am supposed to know who he is talking about.

“Hester, he is an attorney for King Robin and Countess Wren, and he is their son,” he said.

“I do not care who he is. He gets no special treatment from me. I am showing a house this afternoon to the Wallace family. Remember?” I said.

“Cancel it. Call Arlington and set up some houses to show him. That’s an order,” Louis said.

“An order?” I responded.

Louis left the room. I remember how mad I was at that moment. I was so furious with Louis and Arlington. I did not even know Arlington yet.

I was a good girl, and I made the call. I called Arlington to find out what he was looking for. He was very kind on the phone. I looked over a few properties for him and made my selections. I called him back went over the properties, and he picked a few on the lake. I made all the arrangements to meet him that afternoon.

I walked down the hall to Louis’s office to let him know how mad I was before I headed out to meet Arlington. I walked past his secretary opened his door while he was on the phone.

“Hey, I just wanted you to know I am headed to meet Arlington and that you owe me big,” I said and walked away without giving him a chance to respond. He knew I was mad and let it go.

Louis and I always had a great working relationship. He knew when to let me be. He was always a great listener. He knew my family history. He was raised by vamps and was very fond of how my family had always treated the vamp community.

What I did not know that day as I left to meet Arlington was his family was not as fond of wolves, but Arlington was. Louis thought I could get him to buy the biggest house because I was a wolf. Louis thought Arlington would not try to negotiate with me.

As I approached my car in the parking deck a little black sports car pulled up behind me and blew the horn. I was annoyed, to say the least.

“What?” I said as I glared at the driver.

“Louis told me to look for the most beautiful extremely mad woman in the parking deck. Is that you?” Arlington said with a big smile on his face.

“I am not mad at you sir but I am very upset with him. How can I help you?” I said. All I could think was this has to be the sexiest man I have ever seen in my life.

“We have an appointment. I am Arlington Crown,” he said.

“Well, I was planning to meet you at the house in an hour,” I said. At this point I was annoyed. I had not eaten and now he wants to be pushy.

“I thought I would give you a ride. That way you can tell me all about the house on the way. I can try to make a quick decision, and I won’t take up too much of your time,” he said.

What a charmer. Well, the house price stands I am not coming down on it I thought.

“Thanks, but I really need to grab a bite on the way,” I said and turned to get in my car, “I will be there in an hour.”

“Please get in. I will buy you lunch,” he said.

“Okay, we can discuss the houses over a very quick lunch,” I said.

What the hell am I doing? Is he charming to me? I will be professional.

“Let me get the door for you,” he said as he jumped out of his car and came around quickly to open my door.

“Nice bod, vamp boy, but I am not charmed so easily,” I thought.

“I would hope it takes more than my body to charm you,” he said.

“Vamps are not supposed to be able to read my mind,” I said.

“Well, I am special and so are you, Princess Hester,” he said.

“I am sorry, not sorry. I don’t get out much I guess,” I said.

I know at that moment I was every shade of red.

“I will remember that in case I need to use it in negotiating a better price on my house,” he said.

“It will take more than an embarrassment to get me to lower the price of the house, Mr. Crown,” I said.

Arlington closed my door and jumped into his little sports car.

“I can put the top up if you are worried about your hair,” he said.

I laughed. “I am a wolf, Mr. Crown; I have perfect hair. You can leave the top down,” I said with a smile. He smiled back and I got a glimpse of his fangs. I gasped.

“I am sorry, not sorry,” he said with a laugh.

We both laughed.

“I thought you used to vamps and fangs,” said.

“I am, but it’s been a long time,” I said.

We rode in silence to a small deli close to the lake. “Is this okay? I hear the food is great,” he said.

“It’s fine. I just need a quick bite to carry me through the rest of the day. The houses I am showing you are huge and have a lot of acreages. You don’t want me to pass out halfway through the tour, do you?” I said.

He smiled again. He never stops smiling. “Why don’t I grab you something and you can eat while I look at the information of the houses,” he said.

I nodded. He walked up to the deli. I watched him walk away minding my thoughts. When he returned with a brown paper bag I was surprised.

“What is this?” I asked.

“It’s your favorite,” he said.

“Please don’t read my mind. It’s annoying,” I said. I took the ugly brown paper bag and looked inside. It was my favorite: avocado burger, and fries.

“Don’t worry about the car, please eat,” he said. He held back his beautiful smile afraid I would see his fangs again.

“I am not afraid of them. It’s just been so long since I was in the presence of a vamp. Don’t hold back your smile,” I said.

I ate as he drove us to the house. I absolutely did not want him to be interested in me. I did not want to start another war. I was promised to another wolf eventually. I had made a point to avoid the chosen wolf for me in hopes he would fall in love with someone else.

When Arlington pulled up to 7281 Washington Cove, he was in awe.

“It’s beautiful, isn’t it?” I said.

“It really is,” he responded.

“I live right down the street,” I said.

“Nice selling point. A beautiful neighbor is always a plus,” he said.

“Well, I have had a hard time selling it. I think the creepy basement is a turn-off,” I said.

“Well, you know us vamps, we like the creepy basement,” he said.

“It has a cool wine cellar. It is almost exactly like mine,” I said.

“The cellar of the house,” he asked.

“Both,” I said.

“Do you want to see it?” I asked.

“The wine cellar or your house,” he asked.

That was it. The way he looked at me. I knew I was in trouble. This will not end well I thought.

“Sorry. That was too forward,” he said.

“Not at all. I can show you my house if you want to see it. Would you like to look at this one first?” I asked.

“Umm yes. I am sorry. Yes. Please show me the house, Miss Hester. I want to see it,” he said.

We walked the property. I don’t remember ever having such a wonderful time showing a house. He was so kind and charming.

When I took him inside the house he was in awe.

“I thought you lived in a huge house, Mr. Crown. I was honestly afraid this would be too modest for you,” I said.

“I mostly was in boarding schools. I have only been to my family home a few times. I want a nice place to maybe start a family someday,” he said.

“Oh. Well, this place is perfect for that,” I said.

“I will take it,” he said.

“You haven’t even seen the entire house,” I said puzzled.

He stared at me for what seemed like forever, “I have seen everything I need to see,” he said.

“I can get the paperwork ready. I have everything on my computer at home. You can drop me off there. I can make Louis bring me my car,” I said.

“How about I go with you to do the paperwork after we can go get your car and maybe celebrate?” he said.

“Sure. Why not!” I said.

Arlington knew I was worried about him coming to my house. “I will be a gentleman,” he said.

I don’t know what came over me, but I immediately started thinking about what if he wasn’t. He smiled and I turned red again.

“Stop reading my mind. It is just rude,” I said.

Arlington laughed as he followed me out of the house. He opened the door and smiled as he shut it. I am in so much trouble I thought.

“Maybe not,” he said.

“I need a witch and a blocking spell. Know any?” I asked him.

He laughed. “Which way to your house?” he asked.

“I am next door,” I responded.

“Oh. Hmm, well then, neighbor, you could be in trouble. I don’t know if I can live this close to you,” he said.

“Flirting will get you nowhere with me,” I said.

“Thank goodness I have a smoking hot bod,” he said and flashed his fangs.

“True,” I responded.

For the five minutes, it took us to drive from his soon-to-be new home to mine I tried desperately to not think about how hot he was. He was the first man to make me feel like I needed to wolf out and have a wild night of romance. I had never been with any man. At 28, I was way past having a fling, but he made me want him. Maybe it was the fangs.

I knew I was in trouble the moment I walked into my house with him. I took him to my home office and called Louis to tell him the house was sold. He was even happier I sold it at the full asking price. I did not really give him time to congratulate me. I had paperwork to do.

“Hester, I am an attorney. I can help you with the paperwork so you can finish quicker,” Arlington said.

“Trying to run from me I see. Are you afraid to be in the big bad wolf's house?” I asked.

“Not at all, but I would love to take you out to celebrate,” he said.

“No worries. I have a template to make all this go quick. I just need to fill in your information and I will be done with my part. My secretary will handle the rest. If I can be honest I am not into partying. I would be happy to build a fire and hang out in my backyard,” I said.

“Sure. While you’re doing all the paperwork, can I see the creepy basement?” he asked.

“Sure, but you do know my personal chambers in down there. Please don’t mess with it,” I said.

Arlington walked out of my office. I knew he was snooping. He was trying to figure me out. I did not care. I had nothing to hide.

Arlington came back with a picture of my parents. “I knew them. They were so kind to me when I was growing up,” he said.

“Yes they were kind to everyone,” I responded.

“I have to confess something Hester. I asked you to show me the house. I asked Louis to send you. I wanted to see you. I am sorry if I was devious in going about this. I had to see if you were still beautiful,” he said.

“Arlington I do not remember you. If you were with us when I was young, I do not remember,” I said.

“You were 16. I was much older than you but I told your father when you became old enough I wanted to be first in line to be your mate. But then everything fell apart,” He said.

“Most of the vamps in our village were orphaned. You have parents. I am very confused,” I said.

“My parents helped start the alliance. The countess was my mother she married the King after the queen died. He adopted me and changed my name to hide me,” he said.

“Barlow?” I asked.

“Yes,” he responded.

“That is why you can read my mind, which is why I am so attracted to you. We were supposed to be mates,” I said.

“Yes. I wanted to reach out to you sooner, but I did not want to disrupt your life,” he said.

“You are not disrupting my life. I need answers. I think I need answers. I am not sure what I need,” I said.

“Hester, why don’t we just hang out tonight and see what we remember,” he said.

“Okay, let me email all this to Allison. There is wood on the patio. Why don’t you build us a fire and I will cook us a meal. Wait. You don’t eat regular food. I think I have something in the wine cellar. I cannot think,” I stammered over my words.

I was in such shock. I thought Barlow died when I was young. He was standing in front of me. The man I was first promised to. The man I was supposed to have a life with. I did not know how to handle it.

I quickly emailed all the documents. I called Allison. I turned off all my phones. I wanted to concentrate on Barlow for the night. I wanted to see if I was still in love with him.

As I tried to put all this in a neat little box Arlington grabbed me and kissed me.

“I never stopped loving you,” he said.

I said nothing. I did not know what to say at that moment. I like everything nice and neat and my life in the matter of one afternoon was a hot mess.

“I can still read your thoughts,” he said.

“Good. Do you know what I am thinking now,” I responded?

“Yes, but I think there are some things you need to know first,” he said.

“I know everything I need to know. I have waited my entire life for you to come for me. I have waited for you in every way,” I said.

I had waited. I was a 28-year-old wolf virgin. I thought my mate was dead. I thought my family was going to make me mate with some idiot. I had spent the last few years avoiding everyone so I could stay single. My goal was to stay alone long enough I no longer had to mate. Here he was in front of me. He was a sexy beast and technically he was mine.

“It could be dangerous for you. I could be dangerous for you. I am not sure you want this,” he said.

“Yes. I want this,” I said.

I could feel my inner wolf. She was growling for him. “I cannot control her,” I said.

“I know. You’ve waited too long. You could seriously hurt us both,” he said.

I went to him. I placed my hand on his chest. I immediately felt this wild urge to have him. My entire body became like a raging fire.

“You need to calm down. How long has it been since you released your wolf?” he asked.

“Months,” I responded.

I was on him. I kissed him. I scratched at him. I could not stop I wanted every part of him.

“Come back to me Hester,” he demanded.

“I cannot. I have to have you now,” I said.

My desire for him was overwhelming. I could only think of giving myself to him at that moment.

“Hester, Listen to me. We have to do this right. Your wolf is very strong. If you bite me I will die,” he said.

The thought of something bad happening to him brought me out of the trance.

“I …. I …. I am sorry,” I said.

He held me so close at that moment. I had to silence my inner wolf. She was furious. She had been without for so long. She wanted him. He knew how strong my desire was for him.

“Why didn’t I know when I saw you,” I asked.

“Your wolf has been asleep for a long time. She recognized me when you spoke my name,” he said.

“I am so embarrassed. Let me get off of you and straighten myself up. This is no way for a lady to behave,” I said.

He laughed.

“What should I call you Arlington or Barlow?” I asked.

“Arlington is fine. Let’s not get your inner wolf a reason to try to attack me,” he said.

“I would never attack a man. I am pretty sure you were a willing participant,” I said.

“Yes. Right up to the point I thought your inner wolf was going to bite me,” he said.

“What now?” I asked.

“Well, tonight let’s build that fire. We will be neighbors soon. Unless you don’t want me to move into the house now,” he said.

“I would love for you to be close by,” I said.

“Remind me tomorrow to have the house wolf proofed. I don’t need you wandering in and having your way with me,” he said with a laugh.

“I would never. I am a lady,” I said.

“You might be. But your wolf is a wild woman,” he said.

Arlington and I spent the night on my patio talking about my family. It was the first time in years I was able to openly talk about my home. It felt so good. There were only a few times I wanted to release my wolf on him. I knew that night I had to find a way to let her out so I could have Arlington without killing him.