(Victoria's POV)I wept in Ethan's arms, my tears soaking through his shirt. To anyone watching, I appeared devastated by grief over Lily's death. But hidden against his chest, my lips curled into a satisfied smile."I'm so sorry," I sobbed, my voice breaking perfectly. "If only I hadn't called you
"If there's another life after this one," I said, my voice barely audible, "I hope you'll be my daughter again. And I promise, Lily, I'll make you the happiest child in the world."(Olivia's POV)I froze at the edge of the cemetery path, my blood turning to ice in my veins. Victoria Frost stood at m
(Victoria's POV)I stood at Lily's grave, watching Olivia's face contort with rage. The sight filled me with a dark satisfaction. Her pain was my triumph."Olivia, take your anger out on me," I said, my voice dripping with false sympathy. "Ethan really can't bear it anymore! You don't feel sorry for
"Grandmother," she whispered, the title an acknowledgment of the bond we shared despite the absence of blood relation.I nodded to her, then turned my attention to Victoria Frost. The woman had the audacity to smile at me, as if we were meeting at a social gathering rather than at my great-granddaug
(Victoria's POV)Blood trickled down my face as I knelt before Lily's grave, my designer clothes torn to shreds from Olivia's lashing. The pain was excruciating, but I refused to show weakness."I would never harm a pup," I declared, widening my eyes with practiced innocence. "Where is your proof of
Olivia sat beside my bed, her emerald eyes clouded with guilt. She hadn't spoken since we'd arrived, her shoulders hunched with the weight of her actions."Child," I said, reaching for her hand. "You mustn't blame yourself."Her fingers trembled in mine. "I lost control, Grandmother. I could have ki
(Olivia's POV)The fluorescent lights of the Silvercrest Pack Medical Den's morgue cast a harsh glow over Matriarch Evelyn's peaceful face. My legs nearly gave out beneath me as I approached her body, each step heavier than the last."Grandmother," I whispered, the word catching in my throat.Her ha
I turned to leave, noticing that Olivia was already heading for the door. Despite our estrangement, we were united in our need for answers.In the corridor outside the morgue, Olivia pulled out her phone and dialed a number. I caught the name on her screen: Chief Walter Garrison."Chief Garrison," s
"I want you to authorize Connor Blackthorn's release," I stated firmly. "Today.""He tried to kill you," Ethan growled, his protective instincts flaring."That's my concern, not yours," I countered. "You lost the right to protect me when you abandoned me and Lily."The words hung between us, sharp a
(Olivia's POV)Rain pounded against my windshield as I drove toward Stone Pack Enterprises headquarters. The wipers fought a losing battle against the downpour, much like my emotions battled against the memories this place evoked.I gripped the steering wheel tighter. No way was I going to Ethan's M
(Olivia's POV)Morning sunlight streamed through my kitchen window as I carefully arranged fresh moonberries atop a stack of fluffy pancakes. The rare berries had cost a small fortune, but my mother deserved something special.I packed the breakfast into my Crystal-Infused Thermal Food Container, en
(Victoria's POV)"He attacked me like a wild animal!" I sobbed, clutching Ethan's arm as tears streamed down my face. "She knew I couldn't defend myself with my paralyzed legs!"My wolf whimpered pathetically inside me, playing up our victimhood. The bruises on my face were already darkening, and I
The door shuddered as something—or someone—slammed against it from the outside."Victoria!" Ethan's voice called, concern evident in his tone.With a splintering crack, the door flew open, kicked in by Ethan's Alpha strength. He rushed in, his amber eyes taking in the scene before him.(Ethan's POV)
(Olivia's POV)Victoria's legs were useless, dragging on the ground like dead weight as I pulled her across the private dining room floor by her hair. Her perfectly styled blonde locks twisted in my grip as she whimpered pathetically."Not so powerful now, are you?" I whispered, my voice eerily calm
Olivia was alive. My mate had returned from the dead, only to reveal she was engaged to Lucas Blackwood. The pain of that revelation had been consuming me since the night of Gwendolyn's gathering.But regardless of her feelings toward me, I would protect her. Connor Blackthorn would remain imprisone
(Olivia's POV)Two years ago, my life changed forever. Not just because of Lily's death, but because of what came after.The car accident should have killed me. My brakes failed on a winding mountain road, sending my vehicle plummeting over the edge. By some miracle, I survived the initial impact, t
"Ms. Winters!" Gwendolyn exclaimed, steadying me. "You're hurt!"I looked down to see blood seeping through my dress. The cut wasn't deep, but it was bleeding freely.From the corner of my eye, I saw Ethan moving toward me, concern etched on his face. For a moment, our eyes met, and I saw the Alpha'