"Help!" I screamed, knowing it was futile. "Please, someone help me!"The thick walls absorbed my cries, swallowing them into nothingness. No one would hear me. No one would come.Panic rose in my throat, threatening to choke me. I forced myself to take deeper breaths, trying to slow my racing heart
(Olivia's POV)Memories flashed back to when I was eight years old. I followed my adoptive mother—a pack healer—back to the Stone Estate with Matriarch Evelyn Stone.The elderly Matriarch had treated me like her own granddaughter. Her kind amber eyes—the same eyes her grandson would inherit, though
"Please hurry. She keeps asking for you."(Victoria's POV)I ended the call with Ethan, a small smile playing at the corners of my lips. Everything was proceeding perfectly.Pacing the length of my bedroom at Rosewood Haven, I tapped my fingers rhythmically against my thigh. Olivia Winters would rem
(Matriarch Evelyn's POV)The afternoon sun cast long shadows across my sitting room as I paced back and forth. Olivia was three hours late for our weekly tea—something that had never happened before."Bernard," I called sharply. "Any word?"My faithful butler appeared, his face showing concern. "No,
The ground seemed to shift beneath my feet. Olivia, dead? Because of my actions?"I'll come immediately," I said, already moving toward the exit.I returned to Emma's room, finding Victoria now awake."Is everything alright?" she asked softly."I need to go. My grandmother has summoned me."Victoria
(Olivia's POV)(Earlier today-memory)When I woke up earlier, I asked Matriarch Evelyn to help me investigate about the attack.She told me that she had already investigated that matter. Evidence showed that the contact number was indeed mine, but it was proven to have been hacked at the time of th
"I don't know what you're talking about," she said, but her voice had lost its confident edge.I smiled and signaled to one of the bodyguards. He disappeared briefly, returning with a covered cage.Even from where I stood, I could hear the soft hissing sounds emanating from within.Victoria's face d
(Matriarch Evelyn's POV)Ethan looked up, surprise flickering across his features before he composed himself."Grandmother," he greeted, rising. "I wasn't expecting you.""Clearly," I replied coldly. "If you were, perhaps you would have prepared a better explanation for your actions."Confusion cros
"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'