Piper Redding
The drive to my parents' house feels endless, the engine's steady hum failing to drown out the unease twisting in my stomach. When I finally pull up, the sprawling estate looms ahead, picture-perfect as always—a constant reminder of everything I’m not. I step onto the stone path, and before I even reach the heavy oak door, it swings open. Mom stands there, arms crossed, her lips pressed into a thin, disapproving line. “You’re late,” she snaps, her voice as sharp as the chill in the evening air. “We’ve been waiting for twenty minutes.” “Sorry, traffic,” I mutter, brushing past her into the warmth of the house. Inside, my sister, Paige, is already at the dining table with Greg, her fiancé. She glances up, her perfectly styled blonde hair catching the light just right, as always. “Traffic?” she repeats with a smirk. “Or did that clunker of yours break down again? Poor thing couldn’t handle the speed limit. You really should upgrade, Piper.” I force a tight smile and head straight for the chair farthest from hers, my jaw clenched. “Let’s eat,” Dad says, attempting to cut through the tension before it boils over. Dinner is uneventful—quite—or at least it would’ve been if you don’t count Paige and Greg’s nauseating display. Greg feeds her forkfuls of pasta, and she giggles, leaning in to take a bite. like she’s starring in a rom-com. “You’re ridiculous,” she coos, her tone syrupy sweet. Greg leans in closer, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “Only for you, babe.” They burst into laughter, the sound loud and grating, and my parents’ faces lit up practically glowing with approval like kids watching their favourite movie. “Oh, look at them,” Mom gushes, placing a hand over her heart. “They’re so in love. Reminds me of us, doesn’t it?” “Absolutely,” my father agrees, his eyes soft as he looked at her with the kind of warmth they’ve never directed my way. I shove a piece of bread into my mouth to keep from groaning, my chest tightening with a mix of jealousy and resentment. It’s not that I don’t love my family. I just never feel like I belong in their picture-perfect world. I feel like a visitor. Maybe I am. So where do I belong? “So, Paige, how’s work at the hospital?” Dad asks, steering the conversation to exactly where it always went. Paige beams. “Busy, as always. But I love it. Helping people, making a difference—it’s everything I’ve ever wanted to do.” “That’s my girl,” Mom says, her pride practically dripping off every word. “We couldn’t be prouder.” Then, like clockwork, they turn to me. My whole body tenses. Here it comes. “And you, Piper?” Mom asks, her tone taking on that familiar edge of disappointment and criticism. “How’s the... what do you call it again? Party business?” “It’s called being a child entertainer, Mom,” I say evenly. “And it’s going fine. The kids love it.” “I’m sure they do,” she says, lips pursed. “But don’t you ever think about doing something more… meaningful? Something with a real future? You could’ve been a doctor, like Paige My grip tightens on my fork, but I force myself to stay calm. “I like what I do. Making kids happy is meaningful to me.” “But is it sustainable?” Dad chimes in, piling on as usual as if I hadn’t heard this argument a thousand times before. “What about your future, Piper? Don’t you want stability?” Paige laughs, breaking the tension in the worst way. “Maybe she’s just waiting for Prince Charming to come and rescue her.” Mom perks up at that, her eyes narrowing in on me. “Speaking of Prince Charming, where is Adam? Why didn’t you invite him tonight?” The air grows heavy, and I shift uncomfortably in my seat. “We broke up,” I mutter, hoping they’ll let it go. “More like he dumped you,” Paige says, her voice dripping with fake sympathy. That does it. I slam my fork down, glaring at her. “You don’t know anything, Paige. So maybe keep your mouth shut for once.” “Piper!” Mom snaps. “That’s no way to speak to your sister.” Paige smirks, victorious, while Greg excuses himself to the bathroom. The tension lingers, thick and suffocating, until Dad clears his throat. “Your mother and I have something important to share,” he announces. Paige and I exchange confused glances as Mom’s serious expression returns. “We’ve been discussing this for a while,” she begins, looking between us. “And we’ve decided it’s time to give you both a fair chance to claim your inheritance.” “What does that mean?” Paige asks, leaning forward, curiosity already gleaming in her eyes. Dad clears his throat again. “Whoever gets married before Valentine’s Day will inherit everything.” “What?” I blurt out, my head snapping up. Mom raises a hand, cutting me off before I can say more. “However, if both of you get married within that time frame, the inheritance will be split evenly.” Paige’s jaw drops, but only for a second. She recovered quickly, her lips curling into a smug smile. She turns to me, her confidence radiating like a spotlight. “Well, looks like I’ve got this in the bag,” she says smugly, glancing toward the hallway where Greg had disappeared. “Good luck finding someone willing to put up with you in two months.” I stare at her, my mind spinning. The room feels too small, the walls closing in as her words cut deeper than I want to admit. My parents watch us, their expressions calm but expectant, as if this entire conversation were perfectly reasonable. Two months. To find a husband or risk walking away with nothing. I needed that inheritance; it could change everything for me. If only Adam hadn’t cheated on me, maybe things would be different walk away with nothing. My throat tightens, but I refuse to let her see me falter. I straighten my back, my voice steady despite the storm raging inside me.“We’ll see.” “And there’s one more condition,” he says calmly, like he’s delivering some kind of corporate merger plan instead of dictating the rest of my life. My mother nods in agreement, her perfectly manicured nails tapping against the table. “To ensure that you don’t rush into a hasty divorce, you’ll need to stay married for at least two years or—” She pauses for dramatic effect, as if this isn’t insane enough. “You’ll need to produce a grandchild within the first year.” My jaw drops. “You want us to… what?!” “A grandchild, Piper,” my mom repeats, as if I just asked her to define the word. “Or at least stay married long enough to prove the relationship is legitimate. It’s only fair.” Fair? I bite the inside of my cheek to stop myself from screaming. My mind is reeling. Three years. A baby. For money? “This is insane,” I manage, my voice trembling with frustration. “You’ve had plenty of time to settle down,” my dad says, his expression impassive. “You just haven’t taken it seriously. This is your chance to prove you can commit.” “I don’t even—” “Sorry about that,” Greg’s voice interrupts as he walks back into the dining room, looking far too pleased with himself for a man wearing socks with sandals. “Did I miss something?” Paige’s smug smile widens. “Just a little family update. No big deal.” “Uh-huh,” Greg says, settling beside her, clearly oblivious to the tension. He kisses Paige’s temple, and she giggles like a schoolgirl. I want to roll my eyes so far back I could see my brain. I glare at my parents. “This conversation isn’t over.” “Oh, but it is,” my mom says, standing up with a satisfied look. “We’ve said what we needed to. The rest is up to you girls.” --- Dinner finally ends, and I grab my coat, ready to escape this madhouse. “Piper, darling,” my mom calls as I head for the door. “Why don’t you stay the night? It’s been so long since we’ve all spent time together as a family.” I laugh under my breath. “Thanks, but no thanks. I think I’ll pass.” “Are you sure?” my dad chimes in, leaning casually against the doorframe like he didn’t just turn my life upside down. “I’m sure,” I say, my voice clipped. “I have... things to do.” “Suit yourself,” Paige says, lounging on the couch like a queen. “Good luck with... everything.” Her smirk practically follows me out the door. --- When I get home, the silence feels deafening. The small apartment that used to feel cozy now feels suffocating. Adam’s ghost lingers in every corner—his jacket still hanging on the back of the chair, his stupid cologne faintly clinging to the throw pillows. I rip open the closet and start yanking out everything he left behind. Sweatshirts, socks, a watch I once gave him for Christmas—all of it goes into a trash bag. Each item feels like another shard of heartbreak I’m purging from my life. As I toss the bag into the trash can, a glint of something shiny catches my eye. Curious, I pull it out, and my heart sinks when I see what it is. The ticket. I stare at it, my throat tightening. I had spent every penny I’d saved to buy this—for our fifth anniversary. It was supposed to be a dream getaway to a private island, just the two of us and a few other couples. I wanted us to explore, to go on an adventure together. To create memories. And now? Now it’s just a reminder of how stupid I was to believe in him. My eyes drop to the fine print on the ticket. The final flight departs on December 8th. I clench the paper, tempted to tear it apart, but then a thought slips in, quiet and cunning. The ticket expires in three days. An idea blooms, dangerous and wild. What if I go? What if I find someone there? Someone who can pretend to be my husband for a few months ? My parents don’t care about love—they care about appearances. I could pull this off. Marry someone for the inheritance, stick it out for two years, and then go our separate ways. With the money, I could finally do something real—with my life. I run my fingers over the ticket, forcing myself to push past my fears. It’s reckless. It’s insane. But it might just be exactly what I need.Piper Redding The wheels of my luggage squeak loudly against the polished airport floor as I drag them behind me. My arms are already sore, and I haven’t even boarded the plane yet. Around me, couples linger in clusters, holding hands, leaning into each other, and laughing like life is some endless rom-com.One guy wraps his arms around his partner, whispering something that makes her giggle. The sound grates against my nerves like nails on a chalkboard. I tighten my grip on the handle of my suitcase and keep walking, head held high, refusing to let their sickening happiness get to me.When I finally reach the ticket counter, the attendant gives me a polite smile, but I can feel the stares before I even present my ticket.“Um, excuse me?” A woman’s voice cuts through the noise of the terminal.I glance to my left and see her: tall, blonde, perfectly manicured nails tapping against her designer tote. Her smile is all teeth—the kind of fake politeness that reminds me too much of Paige.
PiperThe breakfast room buzzes with quiet conversations, silverware clinking against porcelain plates. I hesitate at the entrance, clutching my bag against my side like it’s a shield. Couples fill every table, laughing, whispering, and sharing intimate smiles. It’s a stark reminder of why I shouldn’t have come for this couple-centric getaway alone. I feel like an out-of-place puzzle piece, awkwardly standing in the doorway.Steeling myself, I head to the buffet and fill my plate. Eggs, toast, fruit—safe options. My appetite isn’t really there, but the food is included, so I might as well eat. Plate in hand, I scan the room for an empty table. That’s when I spot Amber.She sits with her picture-perfect blonde hair cascading over her shoulders, her lips quirking into that smirk that makes me think of Paige—my sister, my tormentor, my constant reminder of what I’ll never be. Amber’s eyes meet mine, and her smirk deepens, a mocking laugh in disguise. Who are you going to eat with, lonely
Elijah LykonShe’s beautiful and small, like a fairy. My fairy. I was whipped before our story even began.The moment I saw her on that bus, it felt like time stopped. Maybe it did. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that my idea of building this hotel—a desperate, last-ditch attempt to find her—would actually work. I knew my mate wasn’t in our world. I had searched every corner, leaving no stone unturned. The human world had been my last hope, and here she was.I should be overjoyed. My plan worked. She’s here, but then my joy soured into confusion and anger. Why was she here? And alone? The thought of her coming to a retreat meant for couples, possibly hurt and abandoned, sent a fresh wave of rage through me. No one should dare hurt her.My wolf growls in my mind, the sound low and guttural. “Shouldn’t you be happy she’s alone? This way, we don’t have to kill anyone.”“Maybe,” I mutter, flexing my hands into fists. “But I hate that she might have been hurt. No one gets to hur
Piper I step into my room, shutting the door behind me with a soft click. Leaning against it, I exhale, still replaying the moment those piercing blue eyes locked onto mine during breakfast. It wasn’t just the way he looked at me—there was something in his gaze, something possessive and oddly intimate that sent shivers down my spine. I shake my head, trying to push the memory aside.Focus, Piper.After a quick shower, I pull on a pair of ripped black jeans, a loose, white cropped sweater, and my trusty canvas boots. I tie my black hair into a messy bun and grab my leather jacket just in case it gets chilly later. Comfortable and casual. Nothing to catch anyone’s attention. That’s the goal, right?As I step into the hallway, closing the door behind me, I see her—Zoe. She’s down the hall, locking her door. Surprisingly, she’s alone. No sign of her insufferable boyfriend hovering over her like a possessive shadow. She must feel my gaze because she looks up suddenly and smiles, lifting a
Piper I sit at the corner of the bar, the room spinning slightly from the wine. Another empty glass sits before me, and I motion for a waiter, trying to shake off the weight of all the judgemental stares."One more," I slur, waving my hand with an air of indifference.The waiter hesitates but nods, just as Zoe suddenly appears out of nowhere, placing her hand over my glass. "Isn’t that enough?" she asks, her voice light but tinged with concern. "You’ve been drinking all afternoon, and it's obvious why."I blink at her, feigning ignorance. "What are you talking about?"She rolls her eyes and sits down beside me. "Come on, Piper. You’re missing him."I straighten in my seat, crossing my arms defensively. "Missing who? You’re being ridiculous."Zoe leans in closer, her brows raised knowingly. "Oh, please. You’ve been sneaking glances at the door ever since he handed you that glass of wine earlier. And I told you he’d show up again, didn’t I? Granted, he’s not the millionaire boss we tho
PiperThe garden is breathtaking. I step through the wrought-iron gate, and it feels like I've walked into another world. Twinkling fairy lights drape from trees, their golden glow illuminating a cobblestone pathway lined with vibrant flowers. The air smells like roses and jasmine, and a soft breeze carries the chirping of crickets. I stop in my tracks, my mouth slightly open.“How does a waiter have access to… this?” I can’t hide the disbelief in my voice. My eyes dart to him, but he simply smirks, gesturing toward a small table in the center of the garden.“Have a seat,” he says, his voice smooth, yet carrying an edge that leaves me unsettled. He pulls out the chair for me, and I sit down, feeling the weight of his gaze on me.He takes the seat across from me, leaning back casually, like he owns the place. “You brought me here for a reason, didn’t you?”I take a deep breath, my palms sweating despite the coolness of the evening. “I’m not going to waste your time.” My voice is more c
Piper’sAs I walk down the quiet hotel hallway, an uneasy feeling continues to gnaw at me. I’d spent time searching for Zoe throughout the hotel, but she was nowhere to be found. Worse, I realized I didn’t have her number to text or forward her the evidence. Anxiety prickled at me as I debated whether to ask the hotel staff for her details. For some reason, my worry for her was growing by the minute.Just as I’m about to turn back, a muffled sound stops me in my tracks.Rounding the corner, I freeze. Zoe is on the floor, curled into herself, her arms wrapped tightly around her knees. Her shoulders tremble, and the soft sound of her crying breaks the silence.“Zoe?” I rush to her, my heart lurching. She looks up at me, and her tear-streaked face punches me right in the gut.I don’t ask any questions—I don’t need to. The raw pain in her eyes is too familiar. A part of me feels relief that I hadn’t been so foolish as to send her that stupid video, which would have only added to her pain.
"Through the door,” he replies sarcastically, standing there shirtless, his infuriatingly smug smirk making my blood boil.Did he hear my thoughts?“What the hell are you doing here?” I stammer, embarrassment washing over me as my face flushes a deep crimson.He crosses his arms and leans casually against the wall, like he owns the place. “What does it look like? I’m doing my job.”“This is not your job!” I hiss, clutching the robe tighter to my chest. “You’re supposed to be—this is supposed to be—oh my God!”His grin widens, and he takes a slow step closer, his eyes dark with amusement. “What? You seemed like you were enjoying it.”“I didn’t know it was you!” I shout.“Well,” he says with a shrug, “now you do. Who else would dare touch your body if not me, your mate?”Again with his crazy word?My hands tremble as I grab my clothes, trying to ignore the heat coursing through my body. “This is wildly unprofessional! You—ugh, you’re impossible!”“I’m impossible?” He repeats, his tone d
Elijah’s POV I arrive at the location, my jaw tightening the moment I recognize it. Of course, it had to be here—our father’s mansion. The man barely sets foot in the human world anymore, but this place still reeks of memories I’d rather bury six feet under. I should’ve known Nicholas would run straight to the only man who ever indulged his darkness. I don’t bother knocking. The front door is unlocked, swinging open with an eerie creak. The house is silent, unnaturally so, like no one’s lived here in years. But I know better. The stench of death lingers in the air, unmistakable, leading me like a beacon. Nicholas. I follow the scent, step after step, down the long, dimly lit hallway. My fingers itch to unsheath my claws, but I force them to stay human. I don’t need my wolf for this—I just need to end it. Then, I see the door slightly ajar at the end of the hall. My heartbeat slows, steady and controlled, as I push it open. Nicholas sits slumped in a chair, his head hanging low,
Elijah stands at the head of the dining table, looking effortlessly handsome. My parents pause for a moment, taking him in, and I don’t miss the way my mother’s breath hitches, or the way Paige’s eyes widen slightly.I smirk, stepping forward. “Mum, Dad, meet my mate—”I catch my slip and quickly correct myself. “I mean, my husband.”Elijah’s lips twitch with amusement as he extends a hand. “Elijah,” he introduces himself smoothly, his deep voice like silk. His gaze is sharp yet undeniably charming. “It’s a pleasure to meet you both.”My mother stares at him like he’s a god. “He’s so… handsome.” She exhales shakily. “I’ve never seen anyone with such deep blue eyes…”I flick my gaze to Paige, whose jaw is slightly slack as she drinks in Elijah’s presence. A slow smirk spreads across my face as I lean back. “What about Greg?” I ask innocently. “Didn’t invite him for dinner? Oh, I bet he’s too busy running away with Mum and Dad’s fortune.” I laugh, a sharp, hollow sound, wiping an imagina
The bar is dimly lit, filled with the stale scent of alcohol and desperation. I weave through the crowd, my sharp gaze scanning every face, every shadowed corner.Then I hear it.A sharp, sickening slap.My ears perk up, my werewolf senses sharpening, and the unmistakable sound of a man's leering voice cuts through the noisy bar.“Come on, sweetheart. Just be nice to me.”“No—let go of me!” a familiar voice protests, laced with exhaustion and humiliation.I snap my head in the direction of the voice and my breath catches in my throat when I see her.Paige.But she’s unrecognizable. Her once-bright blonde hair is dull and faded, her face hollow and tired, her once-proud stance reduced to something small and beaten down. She looks like a ghost of herself.A filthy man with a bulging stomach and greasy hands grips her arm, his fingers digging into her skin as he smirks down at her. His other hand lifts again, about to strike—I move.Before his hand makes contact, I shoot forward with in
Elijah takes my hands, his thumb running slowly over my knuckles."Are you ready?"We stand before his massive black wolf painting, the creature’s eyes glowing faintly, watching us—as if aware, as if waiting. This journey is different. This time we are leaving Zoe and Ryder in charge of the pack until we return.I swallow, my gaze flickering to the new painting beside it—my wolf. My own portal to the human world. It still feels surreal knowing I now have access to both worlds. No longer just a human. No longer powerless."Yeah… just nervous," I admit.Elijah’s lips curl into a soft smile. "You’ll be fine, my Luna."His voice drops to a low, melodic hum as he begins to chant, the ancient words rolling off his tongue like a song only wolves understand."Na'vethar ka vethril, se'reythar ka mor'zhil dharani."(Open the gate, reveal the path to the mortal realm.)The moment the words leave his lips, the painting in front of us trembles, the canvas rippling like water disturbed by a stone.
Elijah Two weeks have passed, and yet, I still replay that moment in my head—Piper standing in front of my pack members, fierce and unyielding, defending me with every ounce of fire in her. My mate. My Luna.I should have forced them all to their knees, made them submit with my Alpha command, or cast them out into the streets for their disrespect. But I didn’t. Because I understand their frustration. I know why they acted the way they did. And that’s the difference between a tyrant and a true leader.That doesn’t mean my patience isn’t wearing thin.Right now, I’m sitting at the head of the long council table, my fingers drumming against the polished wood, as the elders argue amongst themselves like a bunch of squabbling hens. My jaw tightens. They’ve been pushing me, testing me, thinking I’ll break under their bullshit.Elder Marcus, the smug bastard, leans forward with a smirk. "Alpha Elijah, the two weeks are up. There has been no announcement of a pregnancy, which means—""Which
PiperThe crowd erupts into laughter—not just a few chuckles or scattered snickers, but a full-blown roar of amusement, as if I’ve just told the most ridiculous joke of the century.The elderly woman who spoke first sneers, her wrinkled face twisting with disdain. “Respect?” she repeats mockingly. “Alpha Elijah doesn’t deserve our respect anymore. He abandoned us for five years—five years while the curse took hold of our people. And now, he waltzes back in as if nothing happened?" Her gaze shifts to Elijah, her expression a mix of contempt and sorrow. "Where was he when we needed him?"The hostility in the air is suffocating.Elijah’s jaw clenches, but he remains silent. Beside him, Ryder looks ready to pounce, his hands curled into tight fists at the blatant disrespect toward his Alpha.Another elder, a man with a hunched back and eyes clouded with age but still burning with resentment, raises his voice. "We suffered. How many years have passed without us seeing our children and gran
Piper’s POVLast night was hell.Even with the walls separating us, I could hear Zoe crying. The sound of it seeped into my bones, and no matter how much I tried to shut it out, it clung to me, thick and heavy. Her pain was suffocating. My heart ached for her, and I cried too—maybe it was the pregnancy hormones, or maybe it was just because I couldn’t stand hearing her break like that.When I woke up, my eyes were swollen, and my head pounding from the lack of sleep. Elijah had told me Ryder finally broke the news to Zoe about her babies, and since then, she hadn’t stopped crying. At one point, I even wished I wasn’t a werewolf, that I was still human—because then I wouldn’t have to hear every gut-wrenching sob.Now, as I step out into the cold morning air, I wipe my swollen eyes and make my way toward the entrance of the Luna Court. Elijah had told me we’d be leaving today, that I didn’t need to pack—not that I had much to begin with. Honestly, I was relieved to leave this place behi
Piper’s POVI sprint down the hallway, my breaths coming in sharp, panicked bursts. The walls blur past me, the thick scent of antiseptic and blood clinging to the air, but I don’t stop. I can’t stop.Please, let Zoe be okay. Let the babies survive.The thought of her lifeless, her babies lost forever to Serena’s dark magic, squeezes my heart, making it harder to breathe.I push through the clinic doors, and the sight before me makes my stomach drop.Zoe lies on the hospital bed, pale and fragile, her body covered in wires and IV drips. Ryder is sitting beside her, his large hand cradling hers, his thumb gently stroking her skin as if his touch alone could keep her anchored to this world.A sob escapes my lips before I can stop it.Ryder’s head snaps up, his tired eyes meeting mine. His face is etched with grief, exhaustion lining every sharp angle of his jaw. He bows his head slightly in acknowledgement before pressing a lingering kiss to Zoe’s knuckles. Then, he carefully places her
Her scream reverberates through the walls, sending my heart into a frenzied rhythm. But I stay pressed against the cold surface, keeping up the act.Serena glares, her chest rising and falling. “I have lived a thousand years,” she hisses. “And I am so close to becoming truly immortal. If I have to destroy all of you a thousand times to get there, then so be it.”She gestures toward Zoe with a flick of her wrist. “Your friend and her unborn children? They’ll give me, what? A hundred years at most? But you, Piper…”She steps closer, her cold breath ghosting against my skin.“The baby growing inside of you… your soul…” She smirks, her voice dropping to a whisper, laced with something dark and triumphant. “That will unlock my immortality.”My entire body goes still.Did she just say…?I have a baby growing inside me?I’m pregnant? Right now?Fuck.A lump rises in my throat as I lift my gaze to Zoe. She meets my eyes with a tired, sad smile—a silent congratulations, though she looks like s