Chapter: Chapter 214VICTORIAFour years laterThe air feels different today — softer, lighter, almost unreal.The sun pours gently over the gardens of Valemont estate, painting the marble white and the grass gold.Children run barefoot across the lawn, their laughter spilling through the breeze like music.I am standin
Last Updated: 2025-10-31
Chapter: Chapter 213******************************************************************************************CHASEThe music floats across the beach, slow and warm, the kind that makes the night feel softer than it is.Fairy lights sway in the ocean breeze, and laughter ripples through the guests as I stand near the
Last Updated: 2025-10-31
Chapter: Chapter 212VICTORIAThe sand is warm under my heels as we walk down the narrow path leading to the beach, the faint hum of waves mixing with distant laughter.My hand rests lightly on my belly, the other laced tightly with Chase’s because I still can’t believe this is real — that he’s this happy, that we are.
Last Updated: 2025-10-31
Chapter: Chapter 211I pretend not to notice, but something cracks quietly inside me.On the jet, she wasn’t exaggerating about sleeping. The moment she sits down, she curls up, adjusts the blanket, and shuts her eyes without a word. I sit across from her and just… stare as the engines hum softly, clouds drift past the
Last Updated: 2025-10-31
Chapter: Chapter 210CHASE“That’s it. Close that laptop; we’ll be late,” I say, standing from the couch at House of Valemont, telling her for the tenth time, pretending she didn’t hear me.Victoria doesn’t even flinch. Her eyes stay fixed on the screen, the faint light tracing her sharp cheekbones as she scrolls. “One
Last Updated: 2025-10-31
Chapter: Chapter 209The entire ride to House of Valemont, I can’t calm down. I keep rehearsing my steps, my greetings, my smile. My mind runs wild with what-ifs—what if nothing’s the same, what if I walk in and everyone stares? What if I can’t do this? but I try to remain strong until we get there.Once we finally arr
Last Updated: 2025-10-30
Chapter: CHAPTER 044BETTYGrace is practically vibrating beside me. “Where are we going? Where are we going? Tell me!”I glance at her, smiling. “How do you feel about the arcade?”Her scream is loud enough to make me flinch. “YES!”We head to the other side of town, where the streets are louder, and the buildings are closer together, and where people move like they have somewhere to be at all times.Grace presses her face to the window the whole way, pointing at random things like she’s never seen the city before, and I let her because I need this too.When we step into the arcade, the sound hits us first—machines beeping, coins clinking, music pulsing, and laughter bouncing off every surface.The lights flash neon colors across Grace’s face as she spins in a slow circle, taking it all in like she’s walked into a dream.“Mom,” she breathes, eyes huge. “This is amazing.”“Go, find something cool. ” I tell her, and she takes off like a firework, as I run behind her.We start with racing games. Grace grips
Last Updated: 2026-01-21
Chapter: CHAPTER 043BETTYI’m in front of the mirror because I couldn’t sleep, already dressed in a cute cropped hoodie, high-waisted jeans, and sneakers that make me feel light on my feet even when my heart isn’t.My hair is pulled back, my face bare, and for a long moment, I just stare at my reflection like I’m waiting for her to say something first.I look… normal. Which is funny, because nothing about my life feels normal anymore.A memory of Rhys’s hands on me flashes in my mind, and my stomach tightens, that stupid flutter threatening to rise again, but I shut it down immediately, like slamming a door.“Not today,” I murmur to my reflection, grabbing my purse from the dresser and turning away before I can overthink it.I rush downstairs, and I find Anders at the entrance like he’s been standing there since midnight, waiting for the world to begin.He straightens the moment he sees me, polite and professional as always. “Good morning, ma’am.”“Morning,” I reply, not slowing down. “I’ll be taking Gra
Last Updated: 2026-01-21
Chapter: CHAPTER 042NATHANIELI’m leaning against my desk, legs spread apart, the edge biting into the back of my thighs through my trousers, while Amanda stands between them like she belongs there. Which she does.Her perfume clings to the air, the kind that lingers long after she’s gone, and her chest brushes mine every time she shifts, trying to steady her hand to apply the cream around my eye.The sting hits immediately, but I don’t flinch, staring past her shoulder at the city skyline beyond the glass, deep in thought.Her face won’t leave me alone. Betty’s.The way her cheeks were flushed, that raw red that didn’t look like embarrassment but so much as heat, panic, and something else entirely.The way her breathing was uneven, shallow, and fast, like she’d been running towards something or away from something.And the way she clung to that nightgown like it was armor, as if to shield me from whatever the hell she didn’t want me to see.And then Rhys. Standing at the bottom of the stairs like a man
Last Updated: 2026-01-19
Chapter: CHAPTER 041BETTYRhys’s mouth moves against mine with an urgency that steals the air from my lungs.His hands are firm on my waist, strong and certain, and before I even understand what’s happening, he lifts me as though I weigh nothing, and sets me on the cool marble counter.The shock of it sends a tremor through me, and my whole body hums with a fever I don’t recognize.His lips find mine again, hungrier, and I feel the heat of him pressed between my legs.My fingers clutch at his back, tracing the hard planes of muscle through his vest, and slip up into his hair without meaning to.Every nerve in my body feels alive, burning and desperate, and I can’t remember the last time I felt anything like this.For a split second, I forget where I am, because this is the only thing I want right now, but everything crashes into me all at once.The marble counter beneath me, the faint ticking of the grandfather clock at the entrance, the thought of Harriette asleep upstairs, of Grace in her little bed, a
Last Updated: 2026-01-18
Chapter: CHAPTER 040BETTYRhys hesitates, then finally sits down like a kid on the verge of a tantrum, jaw tight, gaze fixed on the floor.I move closer, and for the first time since everything erupted upstairs, I finally have a full view of him.The vest he’s wearing clings to him like a second skin, his muscles taut beneath the thin cotton, his abs pressing faintly against the fabric every time he breathes.His sweatpants hang low on his hips, and his socks are mismatched—white and slightly frayed at the edges, shoved into old house slippers.His hair is an artful mess, a chaos that somehow works on him, and even from where I stand, I can smell the faint trail of his cologne, clean, musky, something dark and masculine.It’s unfair, I think, that someone can look like that after almost getting into a brawl.I clear my throat, shaking off the thought, and pour disinfectant on a cotton pad. “Hold still,” I mutter, stepping into his space.The air changes instantly, every nerve in my body going sharp, as h
Last Updated: 2026-01-18
Chapter: CHAPTER 039BETTYI freeze outside the door, my breath caught somewhere between my chest and my throat.I force myself to look in and the sight steals whatever air was left in my lungs.The room looks like a battlefield, books scattered like fallen soldiers, and papers littering the floor in torn, angry flurries.Rhys stands in the middle of the wreckage, his mouth bleeding, his chest rising and falling fast, his eyes wild, the kind that carry more than fury.Harriette stands across from him, hugging herself so tightly that she looks as though she’s trying to keep her bones from shaking apart.“Are you okay, Grandma?” I whisper, rushing to her side before she can answer.Her skin feels cold under my hand, fragile in a way I’ve never felt before, and I slide my arm around her shoulders, rubbing slow circles to warm her.She gives a tiny nod, but her eyes dart toward Rhys, and that’s when I notice his hand—split and bleeding.“We should clean that,” she murmurs, her voice coming out thin and shaky.
Last Updated: 2026-01-17
Chapter: EPILOGUETwo years later.RACHAEL."Ms Rachael, all the meetings have been pushed to Monday," my secretary says with a warm smile. "You can go enjoy your wedding weekend."I exhale deeply, letting out a relieved laugh. "Thank you, Claire. You'll be there, right?" I ask, squinting playfully."Of course! Wouldn’t miss it for the world, “she replies before closing the door behind her.I had reopened my marketing firm and focused on luxury brands. It had been a dream of mine ever since I worked for Mrs Raymond all those years ago. One year in and we had acquired clients all over the country. Jake had been my rock through it all.I lean back in my chair, tapping my feet excitedly on the floor. "I’m getting married," I whisper to myself, a grin spreading across my face.After organizing my desk and shutting down my laptop, I grab my bag and wave goodbye to my team."See you all on Monday!" I call out, heading toward the exit.Waiting for me outside is a familiar, handsome face I hadn’t seen in a few
Last Updated: 2025-01-24
Chapter: CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND~SEVENJAKE’S POVThe day of our trip is finally here. I stop by Rachael’s mom’s house to pick them up. Dean is practically bouncing with excitement, unable to contain his joy about flying on a plane again.Rachael’s mom walks us out to the car, her eyes glistening with tears as she hugs Rachael and Dean tightly.“I’m going to miss you two so much,” she says, her voice trembling.“Mom, we’re not going away forever,” Rachael reassures her, squeezing her in return.Her mom crouches down to Dean’s level and wraps him in another warm hug.“Grandma’s going to miss you the most,” she whispers to him before planting a gentle kiss on his forehead.She then turns to me, her expression soft but serious, and pulls me aside. “Take care of them, will you?” she orders, hugging me.“I promise,” I reply, bending down to return the hug.She leans in closer and whispers something into my ear. Whatever she says makes Rachael look at us with suspicion from where she is standing. I just smile and ignore her cur
Last Updated: 2025-01-23
Chapter: CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND~SIXRACHAEL’S POV“That was a nice surprise,” Jake mutters, his voice breathless as he leans back against the couch.I chuckle, nodding. “You are welcome.”We both glance around the living room and burst into laughter. The place is an absolute mess—pillows on the floor, a lamp knocked over, and even a picture frame tilted on the wall. This isn’t me at all. Jake was bringing out a side of me I didn’t even know existed. It was wild, exciting, and so out of character, but I loved it.“There’s food in the kitchen if you’re hungry,” he says, brushing my shoulder lightly.“I’m good. I had dinner at my mom’s before I came,” I reply, tilting my head to look at him. “But I’ll take some water.”Jake stands and heads to the fridge. My eyes follow him, lingering on his waistline and the defined muscles of his back. A small smile plays on my lips as I lean back into the couch.He comes back with a glass of water and hands it to me.“Not that I’m complaining, Rachael, but how did you know where to find
Last Updated: 2025-01-23
Chapter: CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND~FIVEJAKE’S POVI couldn’t wipe the grin off my face as I drove to the penthouse. The last 24 hours had been the best of my life. Having Rachael in my arms all night felt like a dream. Watching her sleep was a moment I would replay in my mind forever.It had cost us so much to get here, but we finally made it. I wasn’t about to waste any more time.Before I even pull into the basement, I grab my phone, call my attorney and financial manager, and instruct them to meet me at the penthouse as soon as possible. There is much to plan—starting with selling the house in Oakwood. I didn’t want to keep any ties to that place. It is a crime scene, but It is Oakwood—someone will still buy it without a second thought.Next, I need to file for the divorce and get the process moving for our clean slate. And then, the most important job is finding a home for us. Somewhere, we could truly start over in peace.But I already had a plan for that. It was going to be a surprise for her.By the time I get to the
Last Updated: 2025-01-22
Chapter: CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND~FOURRACHAEL’S POVFor the first time in weeks, I slept through the night without tossing and turning. Jake and I spent the entire night cuddling, and I couldn’t remember the last time I felt this... peaceful.I’d called my mom to let her know I wasn’t going, and she agreed to put Dean to bed, though I suspected she knew there was more to the story.I turn to watch Jake as he sleeps. He looks so handsome and peaceful.“Stop staring, Rachael,” he murmurs, a lazy smile spreading across his lips.I laugh softly, surprised he’s awake. “I thought you were asleep.”His eyes flutter open, locking with mine. For a moment, we just gaze at each other, no words needed. Then I sit up and reach for his shirt, slipping it on as I climb out of bed.“Where are you going?” he asks, his voice husky from sleep.I laugh, shaking my head at his question. “You’re aware we have a child, right?” I tease.Jake sits up, his messy hair only making him look more irresistible. “And?” he counters with a playful smirk.
Last Updated: 2025-01-22
Chapter: CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND ~THREEJAKE’S POVAfter giving me the best blowjob of my life, Rachael suddenly pulls away and stands up slowly. Without hesitation, I grab her waist and lift her effortlessly. Her legs wrap around me as if they belong there. I carry her to the wall and pin her gently but firmly. My mouth crashes into hers and I kiss her with a passion I didn’t know I had in me. Her hands dig into my back, pulling me closer, and I feel her nails bite into my skin—a sweet pain that only fuels my desire.I adjust her slightly, aligning us perfectly, and in one fluid motion, I enter her. A soft groan escapes me as her warmth surrounds me. She arches her back to me, her pleasure matching mine. One of my hands supports her while the other moves to her back, keeping her steady as I begin to move my hips in slow, deliberate circles.Her head falls back, and I lean down, my lips finding her chest. My teeth graze her nipple, biting it gently just enough to draw a gasp from her. The sound of her pleasure pushes me fur
Last Updated: 2025-01-21
Chapter: EPILOGUEFIFTEEN YEARS LATER.After a long day at the bakery in Shadow Ridge, I finally return home.The scent of pine and wildflowers greets me as I step onto the patio, the last light of day stretching golden across the compound.I sink into my favorite wooden bench and exhale, my shoulders softening for the first time all day.Out in the field, I watch our kids, Emily and Ethan, sparring under the fading sun. Their movements swift and deliberate.Ezra watches them closely, cane in hand, barking gentle corrections.“Welcome home, my Luna.” Lucian’s voice rumbles from behind me and I feel a familiar warmth wrap around my waist as his arms encircle me.I lean back into him, his lips brushing my cheek before settling into a kiss, and he hands me a glass of red wine.“How was work today?” he squeezes my hand gently, his voice soft.“Busy,” I sigh, smiling into my glass. “But I’ve got a solid team now, that’s why I was able to leave early for once.”“Good. I missed you.” He hums, sipping his whis
Last Updated: 2025-06-24
Chapter: CHAPTER 140INGRIDThe laughter continues around the table for hours as stories echo like the wind after a storm.I catch Logan’s gaze from across the table as he rises and makes his way toward me.He leans in close, lowering his voice. “My hunters and I are ready to leave.”I nod, swallowing the knot that suddenly forms in my throat. “Okay… just a minute.”I turn to Lucian and tap his arm. He looks up, his eyes softening, and I nod toward Logan.Without needing me to explain further, he stands and wraps Logan into a strong brotherly embrace.“Thank you,” Lucian mutters under his breath. “For everything. And if you ever need anything… anything at all, you know where to find me.”Logan nods, pulling back with a smirk. “Same goes, Alpha. Take care of them.” His eyes land on me, then on Emily.Lucian nods as well and returns to his seat.I hand over Emily to him, who’s now blissfully asleep, her tiny breaths rising and falling, curled safely against his chest.I lead Logan outside, and as soon as we
Last Updated: 2025-06-22
Chapter: CHAPTER 139LUCIANThe room is warm and alive—filled with laughter, the low murmur of conversations, and the unmistakable sound of clinking cutlery.Everyone has finally gathered around the long, polished table set in the center of the room.Plates have been passed around, steam curling up into the air carrying the scent of roasted meats, seasoned vegetables, and freshly baked bread.Large bowls of buttery garlic potatoes are set down one after another, followed by grilled ribs glazed in honey and spice, and trays of baked fish seasoned with herbs.There are pitchers of mulled wine, bottles of aged whiskey, and goblets of sweet berry juice for those who prefer it.The kitchen had outdone themselves, just like I had asked them to.As I sit at the head of the table watching as laughter echoes through the room, forks dig into meals, and stories are exchanged across the table like currency, I notice the tension of the past weeks seems to have melt from everyone's shoulders.I glance over to Ingrid, wh
Last Updated: 2025-06-21
Chapter: CHAPTER 138LUCIANThe room is quiet as I lie in bed with Ingrid curled up against my side, our heartbeats finding the same rhythm.Her fingers trace lazy patterns across my chest, my hand mirroring the movement along her arm, slow, back and forth, memorizing her again.She exhales softly, her breath warming my skin, her head resting on my chest like it belongs there. And it does.I lean down, pressing a kiss to her forehead, and she tilts her head up to look at me, a sleepy smile pulling at her lips.I smile back, my fingers lingering in her hair. “We should probably get out of bed,” I mutter. “They’re waiting for us downstairs.”She groans and lifts her leg, draping it over my thigh, adjusting herself closer, her skin soft against mine, the warmth of her body making it hard for me to move. “I don’t want to leave this room,” she sighs, her voice quiet but full of emotion. “I want us to stay here, just us… after everything, we deserve some rest, Lucian.”A soft laugh escapes me, and I nod, stroki
Last Updated: 2025-06-21
Chapter: CHAPTER 137INGRIDI turn around, and Lucian is right there, his chest warm against mine, his eyes burning into me like I’m the only thing that exists.His skin is damp from the steam, his breath warm, his gaze soft but hungry.I can’t believe he’s real, that he’s here, right in front of me, and that I’m touching him."You have no idea," I whisper, my voice trembling, "how much I’ve missed you… especially thinking I was never going to see you again."He clenches his jaw like he’s swallowing the same grief, and he leans in, his hands firm on my waist, before I feel the cold tiles at my back.He presses me there, lifting one of my legs around his waist, the heat of his body sinking into mine like a brand.His forehead rests against mine, and he sighs against my ear, "I swear to you, Ingrid… I will never leave your side again."My back arches instinctively, desperate to close the space between us, to feel every inch of him, and a soft sound tears from my throat, raw and aching.One of my hands glide
Last Updated: 2025-06-19
Chapter: CHAPTER 136LUCIANThe murmurs of conversations buzz around me like distant echoes, the living room is filled with familiar faces.It feels surreal, watching everyone without raised weapons or snarling threats, and at this moment, peace feels foreign on my skin, almost suspicious.I glance toward Ezra, who’s leaning on the arm of a chair, pale and visibly weak, but upright.“Sit before you fall,” I bark, with a small grin, nodding toward the couch beside me.He exhales, chuckling as he lowers himself beside me. “Don’t jinx it.”I study him for a second, and I notice he still has that faint tremor in his hands, and his posture is tense like he’s bracing for something.“You’ve missed a lot, you know, ” I smirk, my tone low.Ezra leans forward, his elbows on his knees. “Catch me up. Last thing I remember is being stabbed and Aiden’s face above me… then nothing.”I nod slowly, drawing in a breath.“After chaos broke loose. We had to look for your cure, rogues stormed the compound, I almost died, and
Last Updated: 2025-06-18
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