“I understand that we are familiar with each other but you shall not question my intelligence and then proceed to utter profanity to my face.” “You-” “Pardon my interruption.” I smile, my gaze finding him but I look over his head because my confidence isn't sufficient to say it. “However I would hate if we let our personal lives cost us this project. I reckon how valuable it is to Ezra and so I'll let that slide.” Knox's head tilts, a deadly smirk on his lips. “Are you threatening me?” “No.” Rhys snorts. “However, Alpha Knox. It appears you're close to earning a lawsuit under the guise of defamation and if I may add a little razzle dazzle, verbal abuse.” “I'd win that case.” I snort, quickly gathering myself and my ego built on the basis of a courtroom winning streak. “I'm mature enough to not let my personal life interfere with my work. Believe me, Alpha Knox, I'm not happy about this either.” “Oh...kay.” Ryan sighs, blowing out a hushed whistle tone. “That's settle
“Thalia?” I gulp, her name of foreign taste on my lips. I've not spoken of her in so long and I was getting used to living without her despite whatever unhealthy bond we previously shared.Angela snaps her fingers, “Bingo. So we all see her and girl let me tell you that room went so silent, except for the kids they-”“Kids?” my heart starts to race. “Bella and Katie Rose?”“No.” Angela snarls, “You need to let me finish. It's Alpha Ezra's kids, apparently, she's a super aunt or something anyhow, back to the entrance. So She enters, and we're shocked, I look towards Brianna she's gagged too and Alpha Knox is beyond pissed.”“What did he do?”“He looked like was ready to snap her neck but Alpha Ezra was so proud of himself for bringing her. Alpha started to be rude, to belittle her competence but her pack defended her. Alpha Ezra even threatened to call everything off if Thalia didn't like something we did.”Alpha Ezra? That's who she joined after leaving here? I never got an answ
Now, I look at him. Trying not to breathe him in because he smells too good for comfort. “I know how much you hate me but for the next few months, you have to put up with me because I'm not going to let Ezra down. I'm not leaving, until everything is done.” I remind him because he seems to have forgotten that I'll be Ezra's project manager. Knox argued I can't do my job, and went as far as to dive deep into investigating my life but he found nothing behind my work life. “For every minute you spend in my sights, on my territory that I exiled you from? I will make your life hell, Thalia.” he warns, and there's certainly no bluff behind it. I know when he's playing, and right now he's not, he could smash my head against the wall with a fucking smile.“Fair enough, I understand and if I were in your position I would too.”“Stop it,” he growls.I frown, genuinely confused now.“I-I'm not doing anything, Knox.”“Alpha Knox.” he instantly corrects.“Right, sorry.” I nearly stutter. “Al
KNOX Thalia has won every case in the last week, no lawyers I've tossed her way have been a match for her. Not once did I think she would become a lawyer, she lacked the spine it takes to get that job done. I used to believe in her potential but the girl that would uncontrollably start crying any time we argued or I raised my voice wouldn't win against the tough lawyers I paid. I went as far as getting lawyers from abroad, to stiffen the competition and if not win to at the very least be able to drag one of the cases out. Yet none of them succeeded, she's apparently good in the courtroom, wins in record time, and with remarkable banter while she's at it. One of the lawyers I sought declined the offer with the reason that he can't let a little girl disgrace him or his career a second time. I recently had my company audited and gave the case to Thalia, I'm incriminating myself to get to her, providing fake evidence too. “My superstar!” Thalia exclaims, noting Alpha Ezra and his da
Her smile drops, and her eyebrows furrow as she stares blankly into my eyes. “Excuse me?”“Unbelievable, you still want to act innocent? Thalia, you couldn't brainwash me into making you my Luna so you go for him? Have you no shame, he's got a family.”“You're mistaken.” she nervously chuckles. “Ezra and I are like family.”I snicker, unable to control my laughter. They're family? “And yet you say his name like that? You both must be truly incestuous because as far as I know, family doesn't screw each other.” I sneer, and I should know considering I have a lot of sisters and cousins I'm close to.“You can say what you will about me but don't you dare utter anything of that nature against Ezra. Regardless of what atrocities your deranged brain must be conjuring, he loves his wife and kids very much. He's an honorable man….” she trails off, glaring at me. “Unlike most.”I shake my head, she's feigning innocence as if she doesn't know what I'm saying but she does, she's just so good at p
NOVASeeing Thalia again after being forbidden from going on the floor she works felt good. I am aware It's hypocritical of me to miss her, and as a sister and aunt I dislike everything that occurred but as a friend? I love who she is. She might have been a terrible mother, mate, or whatnot but she's a good friend. Ever since I saw her covered in cement, claiming Knox didn't push her which in certain he did, we've talked daily. And no, I've not missed how she's been trying to avoid me so I brought it up and we ended up agreeing to be friends again, even if she goes no contact when she leaves. “We should totally get lunch at Fenny's.” I offer, and Thalia gasps.“She still runs the place? I love her food.”“Well not technically but on Fridays she cooks and lucky for us I made a permanent reservation for every Friday.”Her lips pull into a smile, the happiest I've seen her in the two days we've been catching up. “Should we go right now?”“Yeah, but can we stop at the pack house so I can
I frown, my gaze shifting between Bella and Thalia. “Huh?”“She eats vegetables, so she's very pretty.” Bella explains and I finally connect the dots, she thinks Thalia is pretty and I always tell her pretty women ate and ate a lot of vegetables when they were young. “And her hair is shiny. Can I touch it?”“Bella,” Knox calls out in a panicked warning. “Come here.”“Just a tiny touch, tincy winy..” Bella pouts, flat out ignoring Knox.“Me too.” Katie Rose agrees, clapping her hands. Now both the kids are excited. Thalia feigns a laugh and squats down. “Go on.” she urges them, and they waste absolutely no time. They both stroke her hair and gush about how beautiful and soft it is. “I could do this forever.” Katie Rose sighs, pure satisfaction as she feels the strands of Thalia's hair.“Me too.” Arabella Venus agrees, looking up at Mariella. “Mommy you should eat some vegetables too like this lady. Your hair doesn't feel this nice.”I can't help but laugh at the remark. “Okay
Too many questions, too close to him to not fantasize about the accusation. “Because you can.” he snaps, and I hardly get to react or so much so as to get a word in before his lips crash onto mine. Claiming them violently, and too darn hurtful. He's giving me both pain and pleasure, kissing me while purposefully biting my lips and I'm too consumed by lust to notice. “You should leave my territory.” he bites. A moan slips past my lips, consumed into my mouth. “I can't, not yet.” “I hate you.” he snaps, shoving me onto the mattress where I land with a bounce. My rob wasn't exactly fixed for this, it comes undone the moment he throws me, leaving me bare on the mattress as he stares at me like exactly what I became years ago, his prey. “I can't stand you, Thalia Rose Laurel.” “I know.” I nod, licking my lips. He leans over me, grabbing me at the wrists and pinning them above my head. His gaze sweeps over my hard nipples, the way in which my chest rises and falls from being in hi
KNOXI'm a mess.My bond to Thalia is trying to overpower my hatred for her but unlike four years ago, I'm a rational man. I can't let her get to me, not after what she did to my daughter, it's not unheard of for some women to behave that way towards their pups but I didn't foresee that from Thalia. Even now, she plays nice with children, confusing me even more. I can't wreck my brain thinking why she did it because the last time I did, it nearly cost me my pack, and my people's lives. Thalia all that, my enemies knew I was weakened in a way, and every life that was lost while I was drinking and cussing her name weighs heavy on my conscience. There's something about the way she acts that makes me lose my sanity, all logic, it all gets blinded by something. It's like she's fragile, yes that's it, that's how she lures me in. Just like two nights ago at Ryan's birthday party, she appeals to my Alpha nature and I stupidly fall for it, I'm a sucker for the way I could effortlessly bring
“Run?” I turn around to find Beta standing behind me. “Hi,” I nervously laugh. “Great party huh?” “It would be if you weren't running from me.” “I wasn't, you were busy and my job was done the second you were surprised.” He nods, watching me. “So you hang out with me because Nova asked?" “Yes and no.” “Help me understand Amara, I'm not too good at this type of thing.” Cute, he must be bluffing because he's very popular with the ladies. “I did it because I like hanging out with you.” “Why?” he asks, his lips twitching with a smile. My cheeks heat up as I find the courage to look him in the eye again. “You know why.” “Hmm, but I need you to say it, sweetheart.” Ugh, moon goddess, this man. You did your triple big one with him, there's no faults to him even his pushing me to admit my feelings is insanely attractive. “Because I like you, Ryan.” This time, he grins, his gaze searching mine and I can guess his next word before he speaks. “Why?” “Oh, you're maki
My heart does this thing where I feel like I might die from too much excitement but it only makes me weak in the knees. She claimed me, she called me hers and I would love nothing more than for her to be serious about that statement. Nikolai frowns, “Come on, share the good guy.” “No. We are leaving before you infect him with loser. “I'll see you tomorrow night?” No, what's tomorrow night and why is he saying it with that wide smile? “Yes, I love you.” she smiles, going in for the hug he begged for earlier. My heart is shuttered, until he speaks, leaving me speechless. “Love you too lil sis.” His sister, that explains a lot—Not. If Niko has zero ops, then Amara must be dead and if he has a hundred then trust Amara recruited ninety-nine more. “Ryan, he reaches for my shoulder but Amara is quick to seat it away. “Don't touch him, Niko. You already got me one for three.” Nikolai smirks, “Ryan if you're being threatened to hang out with this menace, let me know. You're officiall
RyanThis might just be one of my core memories, I initially planned to seek Amara out at the game but sitting next to her? Premium experience.Tearing up my tickets was the best thing Arabella Venus and Katie Rose have ever done for me, it not only provided me with a reasonable excuse to give my buddies, but it put me in the best seat in the house, right next to Amara.This town is the primary Vulture fan club, so that puts Amara in the 0.8 percentile of people who hate the club. Still, that didn't make her shy away from yelling, screaming, and bullying the Vultures each time they scored. Nikolai, the star of today's match was her biggest victim, she nagged, called his tricks sheer luck, and booed at his every score and honestly it was so hot to watch. Much to her dismay, my team beat hers by a whopping six points but it didn't affect her mood, she has been invariably cheerful.“Do you want to go ?” I nudge her, watching the way she peeks at the queue to the locker rooms.“No,” she
MARIELLA Alpha has been ignoring my calls, and Arabella is restless, awaking every half hour if not an hour at best to ask if her daddy is home yet. This has made it hard for me to fall asleep either because she comes looking for me to ask again and again. Nobody knows where he is, and this isn't the first time this has happened so I sit in the dimly lit kitchen, scrolling through my phone with a cup of coffee in hand to reward myself for putting Bella to sleep for over an hour now. It's nearly four in the morning, maybe I can go back to sleep, but I can't risk being awakened by loud sobbing at my bedside. My lips stretch into a wide grin, my cheeks undoubtedly flushed from the dirty thoughts I get looking at a picture of Alpha Knox, shirtless. The creaking sound of the kitchen door opening wipes my smile away, my hand grips my mug tighter, ready to swing at the intruder but when I see him, my nerves calm immediately. He doesn't notice me, I watch him stagger as he enters the
“Not particularly, I just meant that—” Ryan chuckles, winking at me, “I'm kidding.” “You know, the downside of this efficient work you've accomplished is you won't have anything to do for the next two months. Our schedule was cleared for at least seven months.” Amara reminds me, of a detail I missed when I was plotting to complete the project fast enough to get me away from Knox and my bitter-sweet memories attached to Flame Valley. “I guess I'm finally taking time off work.” I shrug, the idea itself sounds ludicrous. If I'm not in a courtroom or handling legal aspects of our pack negotiations, who am I? Amara laughs, ostensibly unconvinced. “Oh please, attorney T.R Laurel doesn't rest. You'd work in your sleep, let's face it, you're not normal.” “That's not true,” I frown. “I know how to be normal.” “Rose, you work on your off days.” she sighs, leaning back in her seat. “You're the prime definition of a workaholic. Pull up a dictionary and there you are, at the top, and
THALIA I walk into the boardroom with supreme urgency, I shouldn't be here but Alpha Ezra canceled because Luna Serenity got worse. Everyone from Flame Valley is in their seats when we arrive, but none of them expect to see me but Knox seems pissed at my presence and it's not because I'm nowhere dressed for the meeting. “Good afternoon, all.” Amara greets, settling down beside me. “Sorry, I'm late. Shall we start?” “Where's Alpha Ezra?” I don't look at him as I answer, “He had an emergency so I'll be substituting for him.” “An emergency?” he scoffs, “He should have communicated with me before resorting to—” “His wife is sick, you insensitive psycho.” I snap, my tone surprising even myself. He's not here because he didn't want to cancel yet again.” Ryan clears his throat, “I'll get the projector.” “Thank you, Ry.” I smile, my voice much softer and calmer as opposed to when I spoke to Knox. Ryan leaves, and Amara gets to work on connecting with the rest of our team
Mariella’s lip curls up with contempt, “You look lovely, princess.” she feigns a smile. “You did so good, Arabella.” Nova praises. “I'm sorry I made a fuss.” she pouts, looking up at Rose.” “It's okay, I know you were scared but you need to remember that even if it seems like a bad day, you'll be fine, smile and keep your chin up because when the sun comes up tomorrow, it'll be a new day.” Arabella nods vigorously, “Okay, auntie.” “Mommy, can we surprise Daddy with my hair?” Katie Rose asks Nova. “Yep, I'll call him when he's out of surgery.” Nova smiles, petting her head. “Is he okay?” I frown. “Yes, he's the surgeon.” Nova laughs, noting my confusion. “Er, so what are we doing next?” “Thalia and I were going to get our nails done.” I tell her, “We want to look deadly in court.” “That's great, Mariella you could use a new set.” Nova’s head tilts, looking at Mariella's nails. Mariella glares at her, “This is new.” “It's pretty. “ Rose smiles. Nova shrugs, her eyes twin
AMARAThalia and I are getting our hair done in preparation for tomorrow's meeting, she went first and immediately buried her nose in a gossip magazine. I'm checking my hairstyle when a familiar face pops up behind me in the mirror.“Nova!” I call out, whirling around. My squeal alerts Thalia too.Nova smiles, waving at me while the little girls with her squeal. “Hi, Amara.”“Auntie Thalia Rose!” both girls scream, running to meet her.“hi, darlings,” Thalia matches their excitement. “I love your matching dresses.”“Thank you,” they say in unison, hugging Thalia. I turn my attention to the Thalia lookalike. “Hello.” she grins, looking even more like Thalia.“Amara, this is Mariella, Knox's finance, his kid. My kid.” Nova tells me, gesturing to each individual. My gaze gets stuck on the kids, one looks very much like Thalia.“Say hi to my friend.” Thalia prompts.Nova's daughter stares between us, scratching her head. “Are you a lawyer too?”“Yes.”“Cool.” They both swoon, “I'm Katie R