I felt Ethan stiffen beneath my touch but didn't release his hand. Instead, I leaned closer, my thigh pressing against his shoulder in a deliberate display of intimacy.Victoria's eyes narrowed dangerously. Her perfectly manicured nails dug into the sofa cushion."Olivia," Eleanor snapped, "the kitc
(Victoria's POV)Where had Ethan disappeared to? I had only turned away for a moment to discuss the seating arrangement with Eleanor, and he'd vanished.I smoothed my designer dress, irritation flickering across my features. This was supposed to be my night—the celebration of my triumph over Olivia
"These herbs need attention," I replied evenly. "Unlike some people who receive more than their share."Victoria circled around me, her designer heels sinking slightly into the soft garden soil. "That little display in the kitchen was pathetic, you know."I remained silent, focusing on a stubborn we
(Olivia's POV)A piercing scream shattered the evening quiet of the Stone Estate gardens. I whirled around to see Emma's small body plunging into the Moonlit Reflection Pool, water splashing violently as she disappeared beneath the surface.For a split second, I stood frozen in shock. Then instinct
"Let me see her, Alpha Stone," he requested, his voice carrying the weight of decades of experience.Ethan reluctantly set Emma down on the sofa but remained close, his hand resting protectively on her shoulder. Dr. Bennett examined her thoroughly, checking her temperature and listening to her breat
(Eleanor's POV)I sat rigidly in my chair, glaring at Olivia Winters with undisguised contempt. The Stone Ancestral Hall's cold atmosphere matched the ice in my veins as I watched her stand before me, her shoulders squared despite her precarious position.How I loathed this woman. This nobody who ha
"Grandmother!" I cried, tears of relief streaming down my face.She opened her arms, enfolding me in a protective embrace. Her familiar scent—moonlight herbs and wisdom—surrounded me like a shield."My dear Olivia, are you alright?" she asked, her aged hands gently examining my face."I'm fine," I a
(Matriarch Evelyn's POV)I watched the video on Olivia's phone with growing anger. Each second of footage confirmed what I had suspected – my family had betrayed my trust in the worst way possible.The recording clearly showed Emma deliberately throwing herself into the Moonlit Reflection Pool while
"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'