kitazfrenzy

Seventeen-year-old Laylah Le Croix has a rich father, mansion, and servants. Yet she is lonely and neglected. Her father would rather work than speak to her. At the academy she is bullied and mistreated.

When Weres attempt to kidnap Laylah, she is saved by the mysterious Donil Silentshadow. Donil rouses feelings in Laylah that make her question her life and her father's animosity toward her handsome rescuer. Confused by these emotions, she seeks answers from those closest to her and is rebuffed.

She must make a choice. Obey her father's edicts or follow her heart to learn the truth about her past.

Werelove Dusk Conspiracy

Stefan ran through the woods of Pheasant Grow. He ran as fast as his legs would carry him, enjoying the wind running through his fur. His thoughts were that of man and animal. So many things to worry about--Zina, Laylah, Henry, and the Council.

His primary concern was Laylah. Beautiful Laylah. She looked so much like her mother that it was heartbreaking. He remembered one of the few times he'd seen Helena joyful and full of life. God, was it really that long ago….

October 2202, Invarnash Mansion

It was a cool fall day, but Stefan didn't mind. He was busy spying on his brother's wife. Helena Le Croix was gorgeous and had the decency to not flaunt it. She had a grin that could seduce a man into doing anything and everything the tiny beauty could dream of. She was the only one besides Stefan's mother who didn't treat him like crap.

Maybe those of the female persuasion really saw the man he was while his father and twin only looked at him as a big failure. So what if he didn't have Henry's knack with numbers? He was talented in his own way.

Stefan yelped, rolled and came up in a crouch. "Geez, Helena, you startled me!"

"Don't pout, Stefan. It looks really strange on a grown man," she chuckled.

"I'm not pouting." He tilted his head and looked at her. "There's something different about you."

"Yes, but can you guess what?" She batted playfully at his hand.

He grinned and wriggled his fingers at her. He knew werecats loved movement and Helena was no exception. "I don't know. You've got new clothes on?"

"Henry's finally going to take you somewhere romantic like New Brooklyn City?"

"Nope, I don't need another one. I'm happy with the one I got."

"I don't know, Helena, I give up."

Stefan was stunned. "How can you be pregnant?" he blurted out, dazed by her news.

"Well if you really want to know….when a man and a woman hop into bed together...."

"Okay, stop right there! I know how! I mean-um-congratulations?"

"Thank you!" She squealed, grabbing him in a hug and squeezing him.

"June 2203. I'm so excited. I'm already looking at baby names."

"Does Henry know?" He saw a shadow cross her face and then Helena smiled brightly.

"Not yet, Stefan, but I'm telling him tonight. I didn't want to jump the gun until it was confirmed."

"Makes sense. Well, I wish you both lots of luck and happiness." And he meant it, at least for her. He could care less about his brother. Upset by the news, he left to go find Zina. She always knew how to make him feel better.

Stefan came out of the memory and noticed he was on the hilltop where Donil had rescued Laylah. Why had his paws carried him here? Longingly he looked out across the land and wished that he'd made different choices. But now, he would have to make amends and keep alive the one person left for him to love.

Chapter 32