Prologue
Ember
I have been in love with Noah Brennan for as long as I can remember. Every time he pushed me away, I stifled a cry. Suppressed a scream or a curse. Sucked it up and moved forward.
When he kissed me, I damn near melted in my shoes.
When he shrugged it off after being confronted about it, I tried my best to veil my hurt and failed.
When he showed up on my doorstep that same night, angry and possessed by lust, I accepted everything he offered and ignored everything he didn’t.
And now, here we are.
Nerves have me rattled as I enter the precinct with Thea to see Kol and Noah. I don’t understand why, though. Noah’s note said he wants to tell Kol about us, and that couldn’t make me happier. My brothers, Kol & Arsen, mean everything to me, and hiding this secret from them isn’t something I want to continue.
In starting this relationship with Noah, I want the air cleared.
Stepping into the squad room, I immediately notice Noah sitting at his desk. When he sees Thea run past him, straight to Kol’s office, his startling azure gaze meets mine.
A lazy smile spreads across his face as he stands and saunters over to me. While brushing the hair off my forehead, Noah’s eyes search mine.
I hope he finds what he’s looking for.
“Hi, gorgeous. Glad you came.”
His gruff voice makes my insides quiver. “Me, too,” I whisper.
Enfolding me in his embrace, he guides me back to his desk. After pulling out the extra chair for me to sit in, he wheels his over and joins me.
This man has never been so affectionate with me before. Well, aside from the last couple of days and sharing my bed. But never in public. Not like this.
It’s a claiming. Or it feels like it.
“Once they’re done in there, I’ll have a word with Kol, then I’m taking you to dinner.” I don’t get a chance to respond before he leans forward to kiss me, and the minute our lips touch, my heart pounds so loudly in my chest, I’m sure everyone can hear it.
“Brennan, visitor!” I hear someone call, but Noah doesn’t pull away, so I ignore the person.
Until I hear an awful screech.
“You have got to be kidding me!” A woman screams, so highly pitched, I’m surprised the windows don’t shatter. “Who the fuck is this homewrecking whore?” I see the banshee storming over to us as we separate and stand.
Confused, I look up to Noah for guidance, but before either of us can say or do anything, an open hand slaps me across the face so hard I taste blood. Tears bite at my eyes as Noah steps between the stranger and me. I hear Kol yell, but I’m so hurt as her words register that I turn around and bolt for the door marked exit.
I hear Thea calling my name, but I don’t stop. I run until my legs give out, crying through the overwhelming and familiar heartbreak.