Novels by Author INA

TaylorThe cold air stung against my damp skin. My wet dress clung to me, still heavy from the water poured over me inside the hotel when the fire broke out. Devon had insisted the medic take a look at the cut on my leg, and now, as I sat on the edge of his sleek black car. The scent of smoke lingered faintly in the air.He stood a few feet away, talking to one of the security men. His jaw was tight, his hair a little ruffled, his sleeves rolled up. I shouldn’t have been watching him. I knew better. But somehow my gaze wouldn’t let go.He looked different under the streetlights, less like my arrogant boss and more like the man who once kissed me like he meant forever.When he turned back toward me, my chest tightened.“Does it hurt?” Devon asked, voice low, careful.I shook my head, though the sting was real. “No. I’m fine. You don’t have to keep hovering.”He leaned on the hood beside me, his body warm even through the chill air. “Hovering?” His tone carried that teasing curl he

8:00 PMTaylorThe bass from the speakers thumped through the floor, echoing in my chest. My palms were clammy against my purse as I stood before the double doors. Behind me, laughter spilled from the cheaper section of the building, the one meant for employees like me who weren’t “important” enough for the main event.And yet, here I was.The guards at the entrance glanced at my invitation and wordlessly opened the doors. My breath caught.I muttered to myself,“ You can do this, Taylor. He's just a puppet of the devil. Not like he has powers or anything…” Then, one of the guards snapped me back to reality. “ Ma'am…”I nodded and walked in holding the piece of hope left in me. The room sparkled. Gold chandeliers, velvet curtains, champagne fountains every inch screamed wealth. I instantly regretted my simple gown and soft curls. Everyone dressed so expensive that they could pay my rent.I was seconds from retreating when I felt a warm breath behind my ear."Didn’t think I’d see you

TaylorAfter finally leaving his office, I pushed my head back against the door and breathed in deep, shaky breaths. My heart hammered so loudly I felt it in my throat. I couldn't stop replaying his words, “I'll get you soon.”Some part of me knew that wasn't an empty threat. Devon was the kind of man who got what he wanted even if it meant hurting people to do it. Yes, I thought it aloud. There had been times I suspected him of ordering hits. So far, though, it was all just whispers and ugly suspicions.Right now, I had to keep Ashley far away from him. If he wanted me back, dragging Ash into it would only make things worse.A ridiculous thought jerked through my brain: what if he could hear my thoughts?I walked slowly to my desk, one hand pressed against my chest as if to steady the thudding inside. Devon was up to something, and I couldn't prove a thing. Why return after three years? And why was he still with Ivy if he wanted me back?As I reached my office, heads turned. For a

Taylor“Who’s the father?”For a second, I thought I’d misheard him. My brain froze, my heart stuttered.“What?” My voice cracked, thin as glass. “What are you talking about?”A smirk curved his lips,lazy, dangerous. Those green eyes, the ones I used to drown in, looked at me like they were dissecting every secret I had ever tried to bury.“Don’t act like you didn’t hear me, Tay.” His tone was sharp, quiet, and lethal. “Who’s the father of the baby you’re carrying?”My breath caught. The air turned heavier, thicker. His gaze darkened with every heartbeat I refused to answer. That darkness, it was the same one I saw the night he smashed a mirror and whispered, “You made me this way”.I forced out a nervous laugh, my voice trembling. “What are you even saying? Do I look pregnant to you? Even if I was, I’d never tell your corpse!”He reached for my hair, fingertips grazing a strand, and I flinched as if burned.“Devon, it’s none of your business. If you’re that stuck in the past, go buy

Devon’s POV I walked into the building like I owned it, because, technically, I could. The cold air, the glinting glass, the hush of money being made… it should’ve felt impressive. But all I felt was her. Taylor. There she stood near the reception, arms crossed, every inch of her professional and poised. Her black suit hugged her frame like armor, and her hair was pulled back so tightly I couldn’t tell if she was angry, anxious, or simply surviving. I stopped for just a second. One second too long. It hit me in the chest, how little she’d changed, and how much it still messed with me. I felt the lingering gaze of her blue eyes send shivers down my spine. I replayed what had happened last night over and over in my mind, the way her hand jerked away the moment I reached for it. That cold, sharp recoil, like I’d touched a live wire. It wasn’t just a refusal. It was a message. She didn’t want me. Not anymore. And no matter how much I tried to convince myself I’d get ba

Taylor I woke up to silk sheets and city lights pouring in from a glass wall. This wasn’t my apartment. It wasn’t even close. I sat up quickly, heart pounding, clutching my chest. But then I realized… my clothes were still on. Nothing was out of place. Wiping my dry eyes, I released a sigh and tried to piece together what had happened after Devon came. But my memories were in disarray. I couldn’t remember anything. What had really happened to me? Then I saw it. A note on the bedside table, placed next to a white envelope and a gold-trimmed business card. “You passed out before I could explain. I didn’t touch you. I never would. Where the hell have you been for the past four years?” Beside it was a check for $100,000 and a number scribbled on the back. Collateral damage, huh? Rage boiled over me. What did he think I was again? Was he too stupid to see I was satisfied with my life? For years I had lived peacefully without seeing his face, and now that he had come back, my peac

ALINA'S POVI glanced around, and everyone’s eyes locked on mine. Their stares pierced into my soul, but there was no way I was leaving.They all looked at me like I was a piece of shit — but they should smell themselves. The scent of humans reeks.Suddenly, someone stood in front of me, blocking my path. I raised my head to see a petite lady dressed in a black suit, like she was a spy.Her hair was slicked back, which brought out the sharp features of her face.I blinked rapidly. “Excuse me?!”I couldn’t read her expression, but she started, “You...aren’t supposed to be here. He doesn’t want you here.”Those words hit me like a meteor striking a planet. They were sharp — but not sharp enough to break me. I burst into laughter.My eyes creased with amusement. “Are you joking? I assume you know who I am, since the boss…”“He’s in a meeting right now,” she interrupted, “so it’d be best if you left. If he gets angry today, the last meeting will end in disaster.”She spoke like she had re

Noxi’s POVI heard my mom yelp in surprise. There’s no way she’d pressure Alina into drinking the Gedri again—not after what she just witnessed.My eyes didn’t leave the scene unfolding before me. Alina stood completely naked, using her arms in a frantic attempt to cover the two apples nature had gifted her.She avoided my gaze, cheeks flushed red, but as soon as she turned her head to check if my mom had left, she lost her balance on my leg. In the motion, her hands slipped.I only caught a glimpse, but it was worth it.Shocked, she blinked rapidly, as if trying to process what just happened, then her voice cracked as she yelled, “Did you see…?”“All of it,” I replied in a low, amused tone.She raised her hand to slap me but quickly stopped mid-action, realizing any sudden move might reveal her again. “Aren’t you supposed to look away?” she barked.“Why would I do that?” I asked, the corner of my lips curling into a smug smile.She was flustered, embarrassed. For someone as stubborn

ALINA'S POV I hesitantly stepped into the bathroom, where I found the woman I’d seen earlier—the one who had stood in that royal chamber like she owned the air everyone breathed.“You can leave, Tracy,” she said sharply. Tracy gave a respectful bow and quietly exited.The woman stared at me with a strange mix of disdain and curiosity, like she wasn’t sure if I was dirt—or some trophy to polish and hide.Taking a deep breath, I folded my arms. “You called me here. So, what do you want from me?”She let out a long, amused cackle before locking eyes with me. “And what do you think I want?”“I don’t know!” I snapped. “You called me! What am I supposed to guess? I don’t even know you.”She stepped closer, wrapping her arms around her chest. Her eyes searched mine, cold and calculating. “For your information… I’m his mother. Queen of this pack. Selena.”I scoffed, folding my arms tighter across my chest. “And how do I know you’re not lying? You just walked in here claiming that like it’s s

**Next Morning**ALINA'S POVI was jolted awake by the scorching rays of sunlight piercing through the windows and directly into my eyes. Groaning loudly, I rubbed my eyes, feeling the remnants of sleep still clinging to me. My body ached — sore and stiff from everything I had endured yesterday.As I sat up, still drowsy and aching, the memories of the previous day came flooding back. I couldn’t believe he had lost control like that — completely unhinged. And I could’ve sworn I saw his teeth dangerously close to my neck.There’s absolutely no way in hell he’d try to mark me. If he doesn't want me dead, he wouldn’t dare.My eyes drifted to the spot on my body where he had cut me. It hadn’t healed. The bruise was still fresh — like it had just happened.Why wasn’t it healing?Then it hit me. Back at my ex-pack’s palace, I’d learned that if I went even a week without treating wolves, my healing abilities would begin to weaken. I never understood why that happened, but here it was again

Noxi’s POVI stared at her in shock, struggling to grasp what I was seeing. There was no way—no way—she was proposing to me. Not here. Not now. Not in front of the damn cameras.She just knelt there, one knee on the marble floor, a smug grin curving her lips as if she owned the damn world.“Get the fuck up,” I mouthed at her, glaring with all the heat I could muster.But she didn’t budge. She wasn’t afraid. Her eyes glittered with defiance as she raised the ring, expecting—no, daring—me to slide it onto my finger.I’d had enough.With a sharp snap of my fingers, my guards moved in. The reporters yelped as they were dragged outside—not gently. It was messy, but I needed to stop this spectacle before it got worse.“Mr. North, please—” one of the reporters called out, still filming, hungry for a headline.“Don’t you everstep foot in this house again!” I bellowed. “Who the hell invited you?!”One of them sneered. “She did! Said she wanted it on the news!”The news?! My jaw clenched. That

**ALINA’S POV** I saw his face—clearer now, more familiar than I dared to admit. A chill ran down my spine. I knew him. But what in the goddess’ name was he doing here…serving a rival pack? “I…” I began, but the words died on my tongue. Noxi, ever attuned to tension, stepped in with a smirk tugging at his lips. “Should I leave the room for the reunited couple?” the man asked. “No!!” I snapped, louder than I meant to. My chest tightened with unease. The man tilted his head and gave a little bow. “Luna of the North Pack,” he said with alarming formality, “it’s an honor to finally see you again… especially after you saved my life.” I froze. Saved his life? My brows furrowed. It hit me—he was the boy I had dragged out of the alley, bleeding from a sacred knife wound. But he looked so different now. Hardened. Colder. “I don’t remember saving you,” I lied, trying to stay in control, probing him for more. Without hesitation, he lifted his shirt. My breath hitched at the sigh

NEXT MORNINGDante's POVI woke up feeling grumpy, my head throbbing with a familiar ache. The morning sunlight streaming through the window only intensified my irritation. My mom's meddling was the last thing I needed. Why did she always have to pry into my business? I thought I was the head of the family business, not her.Standing up from the plush bed, I opened the window to gaze out at the expansive pool below, its crystal-clear waters sparkling in the morning light. The sound of gentle lapping against the pool's edges was a brief respite from my anger.Suddenly, I heard a knock on the door, unusual since the maids knew better than to disturb me after 8 am. It couldn't be my mom; she never knocked. That left one possibility: Vanessa, the naive newcomer."Come in!" I yelled, my deep voice echoing through the room.Vanessa entered, dressed in a crisp maid's uniform, a tray of delicacies in her hands. Her bright red and black hair was tied back in a neat bun, and her green eyes spa

*Vanessa's POVI opened my mouth in fear as I saw the strand of red hair in his hand. What is happening? Am I dreaming? "There's no way my hair ended up in this room," I thought, my mind racing. I never cleaned his room, and I certainly didn't steal his drugs."Tell me... now! Why did you do it?" Dante yelled, his deep voice echoing off the walls, making my heart almost stop. His piercing gaze seemed to bore into my soul."I...," I began, but memories of Jade flooded my mind. Wait... did Jade set me up? I blinked rapidly, and my gaze met Jade's, who was laughing in the corner, her eyes gleaming with malice.The rage boiling inside me manifested in my actions as I gritted my teeth and clenched my fists, trying to break free from the guards. "You bitch... you set me up! How dare you? I saved you from that monster, and now you're shoving me under the bed!" I spat, my voice venomous.I couldn't get to her, but I heard her mocking laughter, fueling my fury. The nerve to betray me after I

Vanessa's povThe knife pressed against my palm as I deliberated my next action. Should I kill her for intimidating me or let her go? I raised the blade but stopped midway, throwing it to the floor. The noise didn’t even wake her. She was so intoxicated that not even an earthquake could rouse her. Regardless, I saw no reward or good outcome in killing her. I still needed to find my sister, and the last thing I wanted was to end up dead—or to make another enemy. At some point, I wanted to give up, but thoughts of my sister—how she was breathing, eating, drinking—rekindled my determination. I groaned and muttered before leaving, “Jade… you’re one lucky bitch.” ---### 8 A.M. I was in the bathroom cleaning the toilet of a room next to Dante’s when I heard screams and cries. What’s going on? Who are they torturing now? I barged through the door and froze. Dante sat on his little throne, Alessandro and Bella standing with their arms crossed, and Jade lay half-naked on the fl

**Vanessa's POV**I froze as warm blood splattered across my face, painting my vision in red. The man in front of me collapsed to the ground, a gaping hole in his head where the bullet had struck."Oh my God!"My gaze darted up to find my savior—Alessandro, his gun now pointed at Dante. Alessandro saved me… but why? After everything, after betraying me last time, why would he come back?Enemy or not, he was the only person here I could cling to, hide behind, and trust even a little.My body trembled in fear as my eyes scanned the scene. Finally, I bolted behind Alessandro, seeking refuge, every nerve in my body on edge.Dante’s cold, dangerous voice shattered the silence. "What did you just do?" He moved closer, his gaze fixed on Alessandro.Alessandro lowered the gun slightly, still gripping it tightly. "I did what I had to do."Dante’s voice sharpened. "Alessandro, have you gone soft? Why would you do this?"Alessandro's tone was raw, as if revealing something painfully close to him

Dante's povMy eyes narrowed, jaw clenched in rage. The slap echoed through the room, and for a moment, time stood still. Vanessa's defiance was replaced with a flicker of fear, but she stood her ground.'You dare to slap me?' My voice was low, menacing. 'You, a mere maid, think you can disrespect me?'I took a step closer, my movements deliberate, calculated. Vanessa's eyes widened as I grasped her wrist, my grip tightening.'You need to learn your place,' I hissed, my breath hot against her ear. 'And I'll make sure you do.'"I dragged Vanessa out of the room, her feet stumbling to keep up with my long strides. The maids watched in silence, their faces pale.'Where are we going?' Vanessa demanded, trying to wrestle free.I didn't respond yet I pulled her through the winding corridors, finally stopping at a door hidden behind a tapestry.'Inside,' i growled and shoved her into the dimly lit room.Vanessa stumbled, her eyes adjusting slowly. The room was sparse, with stone walls a

Vanessa's PovI screamed as the men closed in on me, my mind spinning. What the hell was Bella thinking, trying to hand me over to a group of quack doctors for some bizarre “surgery?”I darted toward the door, but Bella’s voice stopped me in my tracks. “Stop it!” she snapped, then hesitated before quickly adding, “He’s back! Everyone, act like you’re treating her!”The men stumbled to put on the act, pretending to check me over as “patients.” Then, just as they got in place, the door opened.He was back—Dante. The air shifted, heavy and silent as he scanned the room with a cold, unreadable expression. His gaze flicked between me and Bella, and I could practically feel the questions in his eyes.Before he could speak, Bella jumped in, forcing a warm smile. “I… I realized I might’ve overreacted earlier,” she said, her tone calm. “So, I brought in doctors to help with her wounds!”I felt a surge of anger. Two-faced liar!Dante narrowed his eyes, glancing at the “doctors” in surgical gown

**THE AIRPORT – LATER THAT NIGHT Fred’s hands clenched the steering wheel as if his grip alone could speed the car forward. Traffic lights changed, cars honked, and none of it matteredhe had one thought in his mind, Bethany.He didn’t know exactly where Jill had taken her, only that she’d been trying to flee. The airport felt like his only shot.When he pulled into the departure lane, headlights sweeping the curb, his eyes caught movement.There eneath a flickering streetlamp, a lone figure stood barefoot, wrapped in nothing but a hospital gown. Her arms hugged her sides, and her hair was tangled from wind and panic.It was Bethany.Fred’s heart punched against his chest. He slammed on the brakes, barely aware that the car had stopped before he was leaping out.She turned toward the sound.Her eyes locked on him—confused, distant… but then her expression shifted. The corners of her brows furrowed like something inside her was struggling to take form.Fred moved slowly, approaching he

2 DAYS LATERFred stood silently in front of Bethany’s hospital room, staring through the transparent glass as a nurse leaned over her, administering another round of injections. Bethany’s face was still. Blank. She hadn't spoken a word to him. Not a flicker of recognition, not a single name from her lips—except Maria.Everyone else? A stranger.Even Kyle had stopped by a few times, trying his best to be supportive, but nothing ever changed. Not a memory. Not a reaction. Just silence.Fred let out a shaky breath and raked a hand through his hair, the strands sticking to the sweat on his forehead. With a frustrated sigh, he dragged himself back to the metal bench in the hallway and dropped into the seat. The cold bit into his skin, but he didn’t care. He barely felt anything anymore.That’s when he heard the sound of footsteps. Light, confident. He looked up to see Ariel approaching, her expression unreadable.She smiled faintly and said, “Hey. How’s she doing?”Fred’s jaw tightened. “

"Natalie! Natalie!!!" Natalie blinked multiple times, realizing she had been daydreaming about what she planned to do. But something didn’t feel right. She knew she had to do this, but she didn’t want to see her best friend taken away. "Are you okay, Natalie?" Fred asked for the umpteenth time. She pursed her lips and gazed at him, giving a slight nod. "Yeah… I'm fine." "Are you thinking about Bethany? If you are… don’t worry. She’ll be fine, back to her senses, and hopefully not all—" At the mention of Bethany, Natalie clenched her fists. "Really? I feel like you don’t want her to remember me… what we had as best friends!" Shaking his head violently, Fred scoffed. "Are you crazy?" He laughed. "I’m going crazy for my best friend! All I want to know is why you wouldn’t want her to remember her past!" Shocked, Fred leaned in. "Are we supposed to have this conversation?! Don’t you remember when Bethany wanted to kill herself because of her past? Or have you forgotten her

Fred's eyes softened as he processed Bethany’s words. Who are you?His brows furrowed, and he stepped closer. “You don’t know me?” he asked softly.Bethany gazed into his eyes, tilting her head. “No… Are you the doctor?”Jill let out an awkward laugh while tucking Bethany in. “Oh yes, honey, he’s the doctor. But you ought to know me! High school… your home… your parent figure?”Bethany responded without hesitation, leaving both of them stunned. “I… really don’t know who you are. Can… can I see Maria?” she asked weakly.Jill and Fred exchanged glances before Fred exhaled slowly, palming his forehead.“We’ll be back, honey!” Jill forced a smile before dragging Fred out of the ward.Once outside, Fred yanked his arm away. “Stop controlling me!” he snapped.“I am not controlling you! But you had better fix this mess. What the hell is wrong with you?” She stomped her foot, her eyes blazing. “I knew you were no good—juggling two sisters like they were a pair of juggling balls. Do you have a

**AT THE HOSPITAL** Fred tapped his foot impatiently, waiting for two things—Dean to be caught and Bethany’s condition to stabilize. He stood up from his chair and glanced over at Jill, who was busy applying makeup. She hadn’t changed one bit. How could she be so carefree when her daughter was in the hospital? Suddenly, the doctor approached. “Mr. Fred?” Fred tilted his head, his voice laced with worry. “Doctor! How is she? Is she okay?” The doctor sighed. “She’s stable, but her memories are groggy. The last thing you should do right now is remind her of her past, present, or future.” “Can I see her?” Jill interjected, taking what felt like ages to get to her feet. “Yes… yes, you can. But remember, follow the rules if you want her to recover properly.” “Okay… thank you, doctor.” Fred gave a warm smile, then walked toward the ward without sparing Jill a glance. Inside, Bethany lay on the hospital bed, IV drips attached to her fragile frame. Taking a deep breath, Fred

FLASHBACKFifteen-year-old Bethany was washing clothes, occasionally glancing at her mother, Jill, who was playing the role of a philanthropist—helping other women. They would come to their house, and Jill would hand them good clothes and money. But despite her mother's generosity, Bethany couldn't help but wonder why they still lived in near-poverty. Her mother wore expensive outfits, yet her father and she barely had enough to get by."Do a good job and come back for more. Don't you dare make me look bad. I trust you, sweetie!" Jill called out, waving goodbye to the women before turning toward Bethany.Bethany set the clothes aside, crossing her arms over her chest. She watched her mother approach, admiring the confidence she exuded."My pretty baby... You're going to inherit everything I have, and I couldn't be happier!" Jill beamed.A smile formed on Bethany's face. "Mom! Can I try on one of your dresses? I love how they feel on my body!"Jill arched a brow, her expression unread