(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
Olivia's eyes met his, filled with hurt and resentment. The stark contrast between her vivid memories and his apparent indifference was written clearly on her face."I... I didn't think..." he began, his voice faltering."No," I cut him off harshly. "You didn't think. You didn't remember. You were t
(Ethan's POV)Blood trickled down my back as Olivia's whip cracked against my skin again. Each lash burned like fire, but I remained motionless. My face showed nothing while my back became a canvas of pain.Her emerald eyes blazed with hatred as she delivered another strike. The hot blood ran down m
(Olivia's POV)No matter whether he let me whip him in the Stone Ancestral Hall, or was now gently caring for my wounds, I knew the truth. The purpose was simply to soften my heart, to make me voluntarily agree to release Victoria Frost.Five years ago, I would have fallen for it. I would have inter
"I'm here now, baby," I soothed, stroking her hair. "Mommy's here."Emma curled against my side, her small form pressed protectively against me. Soon, her breathing evened out as she fell asleep.Once she was sleeping soundly, I collapsed into Ethan's arms, allowing my trembling to intensify. "Why w
(Olivia's POV)I stepped out of Matriarch Evelyn's villa, inhaling the crisp morning air. The weight of the conversation about potential suitors still hung heavily on my mind. I had promised to consider them, but my heart wasn't in it.A sleek black Maybach waited at the bottom of the steps, its eng
(Olivia's POV)My phone felt heavy in my hand as Matriarch Evelyn's voice continued through the speaker."Alpha Blackwood is waiting for you downstairs, dear," she said, her tone warm but leaving no room for argument. "A fine young Alpha from a respected bloodline. I've arranged everything."I close
As Miles's car pulled away from the curb, I kept my gaze fixed straight ahead, refusing to look back at my mate and the woman he clearly preferred over me."I understand this arrangement came as a surprise," Miles said once we were on the main road, his eyes briefly meeting mine in the rearview mirr
"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'