BtAN: 8 Predator or Prey?

Beneath the Alpha’s Nose, Chapter 8 “All hands on deck! Arm yourselves!” It’s almost instant—the crew jolts awake, grabbing anything sharp and bracing themselves at the rails. One grim-faced sailor pushes a wicked looking knife into my palm. He doesn’t bother asking questions, and why would he? I’d sounded the alarm. “Watch the water,” the […]

BtAN: 7 No Safe Passage

Beneath the Alpha’s Nose, Chapter 7 The Mermaid’s Folly wheezes like a wounded thing, every groan reminding me that I’m trapped inside another cage, only this one floats. If I breathe too loud, it could all collapse; this disguise, this fragile boy’s shell holding in the wolf. I’ve barely been aboard six hours, and already […]

BtAN: 6 Among the Stillskins

Beneath the Alpha’s Nose, Chapter 6 The streets of Pinehaven are all but abandoned by the time true night settles in. I keep to the deepest pockets of shadow, and even with my hair lopped short, the bristling at my nape won’t let me forget how exposed I am. Every new noise stabs sharp, and […]

BtAN: 5 Seal and Shadow

Beneath the Alpha’s Nose, Chapter 5 The estate’s asleep, or it’s doing a really good impression. I edge down the corridor toward my father’s study, the air thick with shadows that could hide almost anything, the smallest noise a threat. I remind myself of who I am now—I’m Ari—and it’s got to be second nature […]

BtAN: 3 Secrets Between Sisters

Beneath the Alpha’s Nose, Chapter 3 I make my way down the hall, sliding quiet as dusk through the hush of the house. Under my feet, the floorboards ache to creak out warnings, but with each practiced step I keep them hushed; every bruised muscle in my legs and back reminding me what’s at stake. […]

BtAN: 2 The Secret Clearing

Beneath the Alpha’s Nose, Chapter 2 I don’t slow down as I run through town. My heart’s beating so hard I can feel it in my throat, and every footstep is louder than the last. They want to pick my whole future for me, right down to whose bed I’ll be thrown into. Not happening. […]