Page 73 of Nightmare Island

Ghost’s hand cups my face, his thumb catching a tear. “Everything I do is for you, little flame.” His voice drops lower, darker. “Your heat’s coming. I can smell it getting stronger every day. I want you to have somewhere that’s just ours, where I can lock that door and take my time with you.”

The tears won’t stop now, and I blame my out-of-control hormones. He lifts me into his arms, licking the tears away with gentle swipes of his tongue. “Don’t cry, little flame.”

“These are happy tears,” I choke out. “No one’s ever… I never had anyone do something just for me. This shows me you truly care for me, that you?—”

“That I love you,” he finishes. “I love you so fucking hard, Hel. More than I thought possible. More than is probably safe.”

Now I’m really crying, cupping his scarred face in my hands as I kiss him. “I love you so much. Even if you are a dramatic, possessive Alpha who probably traumatized half the pack getting this room ready.”

He grins against my lips. “Only half? I’m losing my touch.” Then his expression softens. “I have something else to show you.”

He sets me down, leading me to billowing white curtains that stir in the breeze. Beyond them, a massive balcony stretches out, overlooking the entire island. The beach curves down below, the ocean endless. There’s seating and a lounge, and I already love it out here.

“Oh,” I breathe, moving to the railing. From up here, the island almost looks peaceful. Almost looks like home.

He hugs me from behind, his chest solid and warm against my back. “This is just the start,” he murmurs into my hair. “We may be on Nightmare Island, but we’re making it ours. Creating something new from all this darkness.”

His arms tighten. “And we’ll find a way for you to see your brother. I swear it. I just need to figure out how to deal with my mark.” He touches the brand on his inner arm that keeps him bound to the island.

I lean back against him, still crying, when something cold hits my nose. We both look up as white flakes drift down from the sky, getting heavier by the second.

“What is it?” Ghost asks as we both reach out to catch the falling pieces that melt instantly on our skin.

“Snow?” I laugh in disbelief. “I’m making it snow on a tropical island.”

His deep chuckle rumbles against my back. “Looks like we’ve discovered another trigger for your powers, little flame. Happy crying equals snow. Should I be worried about blizzards during sex?”

I laugh and elbow him, but we’re both staring at the snow that falls harder, dusting the balcony in white.

That’s when it hits—a deep ache in my stomach that steals my breath, liquid heat flooding between my thighs. My laugh turns to a gasp as desire slams into me with the force of a tidal wave. Every nerve ending comes alive, my skin suddenly too tight for my body.

Ghost goes still behind me, his grip tightening until it’s almost painful. “I smell you,” he growls, his voice pure Alpha. “Your heat’s starting.” The words rumble through me.

“Ghost,” I whimper, turning in his arms. “I need?—”

“I know exactly what you need.” He sweeps me into his arms. “Time to bless our new bed, little flame. I’m going to make you forget there was ever anyone before me.”

He carries me toward our bed, snow still falling outside, and the moment is perfect. In Ghost’s arms is the only place I want to be.

And as his lips meet mine, I realize something. Home isn’t a place. It’s a feeling. It’s this—his arms around me, his heart beating against mine, and the knowledge that no matter what comes next, we’ll face it together.

Even if it means making it snow in paradise.