Morgana leaned back in the high-backed chair, her lips curling into a triumphant smirk. The dim light from the chandelier cast sharp shadows on her face.“It worked,” she said, her voice filled with satisfaction. “Never thought hypnosis would work on her.”Sebastian placed the small vial of blood back on the desk, his expression calm but quietly smug. “I think it was possible with her blood,” he replied, gesturing to the faint remnants of blood inside the glass. “Without that drop, this wouldn’t have worked.”Morgana’s gaze flicked to the vial. She remembered the struggle of acquiring that single drop, a detail she preferred not to dwell on now that the plan had succeeded.“Still,” Sebastian continued, “it was a gamble. Hypnosis usually fails on werewolves, but with a bit of science and the supernatural combined, it worked like a charm.”Morgana laughed lightly, her tone dripping with sarcasm. “So the mighty mate of Valen isn't so untouchable. Guess she’s not that powerful after all.
Valen had been restless all day, pacing his office like a caged animal. Ella consumed his thoughts, her presence weaving through his mind in a way he couldn’t shake. The scent of her lingered everywhere, teasing him, taunting him, reminding him she was just within reach.But he couldn’t go to her. Not yet.He knew she wanted answers, and he wasn’t ready to give them. The truth was messy, dangerous, and he wasn’t sure how she’d react. Would she hate him? Look at him with disgust? The thought alone made his chest tighten.He slammed his fist onto the desk, the sound reverberating through the empty office. Staying away from her wasn’t just hard—it was agony. The temptation to claim her was a constant ache in his soul, growing stronger with every passing moment. But she deserved better than half-truths and secrets.His hand rubbed at his temples as he exhaled sharply. “Pull yourself together,” he muttered under his breath.And then it hit him—an unease that wasn’t his own. Panic. Distress
Ella heaved a sigh of relief as she stepped into the Manor, her body trembling slightly from the tension that clung to her. She was grateful, immensely so, that no one had seen her in her current state. Dirt clung to her skin, and her disheveled hair framed her face in messy strands. She was eager to retreat to her room unnoticed, clean herself up, and pretend none of it ever happened.But fate wasn’t so kind.The moment she set foot inside, her heart nearly stopped as she came face-to-face with Valen. He stood there, tall and imposing, his sharp eyes piercing through her. His presence was enough to make her freeze, but it was the anger simmering in his gaze that made her throat run dry.“Where are you coming from?” His voice was low, steady, and dangerous.Ella’s lips parted, but no words came. Of all the people to find her like this, it had to be him. He had been absent for so long, unreachable and elusive, and now, here he was, staring her down with an intensity that made her legs
Ella’s back was pressed against the cold wall, her heart hammering in her chest. Valen was too close, his presence overwhelming, his eyes burning with something raw and untamed. She swallowed hard, trying to steady her breathing, but it was useless. The air between them felt electric, charged with an intensity she couldn’t escape.“You can’t just say things like that,” Ella whispered, her voice trembling. She didn’t even recognize her own tone—half-defiant, half-surrendering.Valen tilted his head, his gaze never leaving hers. “Like what?” he asked, his voice low and rich, a seductive challenge in every syllable.“‘You’re mine,’” she repeated, her heart racing. The words had affected her more than she wanted to admit, and she hated the way her body betrayed her, responding to his presence like a flame to oxygen.Valen’s lips quirked into a dangerous smirk. “But you are,” he said simply, leaning closer until his nose brushed hers. “And you know it.”Ella felt like the ground beneath he
Valen slammed the door shut as he entered his study, his breathing ragged and his heart pounding. He leaned against the door, his eyes shut tightly as he tried to compose himself. His body was still reeling from the intimacy he had shared with Ella. Every moment in her presence was like standing at the edge of a cliff, teetering between restraint and giving in to the bond that tugged relentlessly at him.He raked his fingers through his hair in frustration. Why does it have to be this hard? The thought of claiming her was a constant whisper in his mind, but he held back. Ella deserved more than being caught in the heat of the moment. Her past was already riddled with betrayal and pain. She needed trust, stability, and openness—things he hadn’t fully given her yet.“If I hadn’t left...” he muttered under his breath. The thought alone made his chest tighten. He wanted her—god, how he wanted her—but he couldn’t afford to let the bond dictate his actions. She deserved more than just being
Valen couldn’t shake off the tension weighing heavily on his chest as he approached Ella’s room. Her scent lingered in the air, a comforting reminder that she was still here. But he knew this peace wouldn’t last. The news Lucian had brought earlier replayed in his mind like a haunting melody—Alpha Derek was here, searching for her. The mere thought of losing Ella to another man, even if that man was her mate, churned his insides with an emotion he rarely allowed himself to feel: fear.As he reached her door, he paused, his hand hovering over the handle. For a moment, he debated leaving her to rest, but the pull was too strong. The door creaked softly as he pushed it open, his gaze immediately landing on her sleeping form. Her chest rose and fell in a steady rhythm, but even in sleep, her brow furrowed as if caught in a troubling dream. Valen’s heart clenched at the sight. He couldn’t bear the thought of her suffering, even in her sleep.Valen stepped closer, his footsteps silent, his p
The morning sun poured through the tall windows of Derek’s hotel suite, casting golden streaks across the polished marble floor. The room was expansive, with plush furniture in deep, regal tones of navy and gold, and a chandelier that hung like a centerpiece in the middle of the ceiling. Everything about the place screamed wealth and power, yet Derek barely noticed it.He stood by the window, his sharp eyes scanning the city below, but his mind was far from the stunning view of Devil’s City. His reflection in the glass showed a man lost in thought, his jaw tight, and his hands clenched at his sides. He couldn’t shake the image of Ella from his mind.It had been days since he arrived here, searching for her. Days filled with frustration and sleepless nights as he pieced together every bit of information he could find. Now, the truth was clear: Ella was being held at the Vampire Lord’s manor.The thought of her in that place sent a wave of anger surging through him. He tightened his gri
The air around Valen’s manor was thick with tension as Derek stood at the massive iron gates. Two vampire guards flanked the entrance, their expressions cold and defensive. Their red eyes flickered with suspicion as they sized up the lone werewolf before them.One of the guards narrowed his eyes, his sharp fangs peeking through his lips. “What business does a wolf have here?”Leo, Derek’s wolf, growled low in his chest, irritated by the guard's condescending tone. Let me loose. I’ll tear them apart and get our mate back.Calm down, Derek murmured under his breath, fighting to keep Leo under control. We’re not here to pick a fight.Derek raised his hands slowly, palms facing out, signaling he came in peace. "I’m not here to fight. I just need to see your Lord."The second guard exchanged a look with his companion before turning back to Derek. "Wait here." And with a speed that made Derek’s breath hitch, the vampire disappeared into the shadows.Leo stirred again, a restless force insid
Ella glanced back at the two men before turning toward her room. Her expression was calm, but her gaze carried a quiet authority that couldn’t be ignored. “I’ll be waiting,” she said, her voice even but firm, her eyes meeting theirs in turn. Her words left no room for argument. They couldn’t avoid this, and they both knew it.As her figure disappeared down the hall, Derek and Valen exchanged uneasy glances. The weight of the past—and what was about to be revealed—hung heavily between them. Both knew there was no escaping this moment, but neither wanted to go first.Finally, Derek let out a breath and straightened his posture. “I’ll go first,” he said, his tone resolute. There was no hesitation in his steps as he walked toward Ella’s room. He didn’t care about whatever misunderstanding existed between her and Valen. All he wanted was for Ella to understand his actions and, if possible, forgive him.This time, Valen didn’t argue or try to stop him. He stood in silence, watching Derek’s
Lila's paws pressed against the soft earth as she approached the manor, the glow of her silver fur shimmering in the moonlight. Her wolf form moved with quiet elegance, but her sharp eyes caught the figures standing at the entrance. Derek and Valen.They were standing side by side, their intense gazes fixed on her as though they’d been waiting all night.She let out a low chuckle, amused by the sight of her two mates standing together—awkward yet commanding. Well, isn’t this a welcoming committee.“This is funny,” she muttered inwardly.Lila, responded, her tone playful. “Funny, indeed. Two grown men waiting like lost pups. Should I shift?”Ella scoffed. “And stand naked in front of them? Not happening.”Lila’s laughter echoed, teasing and full of mischief. “They’ve both seen your nakedness before, haven’t they?”“That was different, and you know it,” Ella hissed. “Don’t even try it, Lila.”“Fine, fine.” Lila paused for a moment before adding slyly, “You wanted a conversation, though
“Ella, you need to stop them from always wanting to tear each other apart,” Lila’s voice echoed in Ella’s mind, steady yet tinged with concern.Ella paced the length of her room, her fists clenched. “And how exactly do you suggest I do that, Lila? They’re both so… so stubborn!” Her voice cracked with frustration, and her wolf sighed. “They’re adults, Lila, not children.” Ella continued, her tone carrying the irritation she’d been holding in.“Did you see what almost happened at the field earlier” Lila asked“I think Derek should head back to avoid all this.” Ella responded non-challantly.“I understand you’re still angry with Derek—after all the betrayal and pain he had caused us, it's justified. But don’t forget that Valen isn’t innocent either. There are still secrets he’s keeping from us, and though he’s also our mate, I don’t think he fully trusts us,” Lila replied, her tone firm but soothing.Ella stopped, her chest tightening. She didn’t want to admit it, but Lila was right. Sec
Morgana paced the room, her heels clicking against the cold marble floor. Her face was pale, her mind racing as she thought about the failure of their plan to frame Ella. If Valen were to discover what they’d done, the consequences would be disastrous.She clenched her fists, her frustration boiling over. “Sandra! I knew that working with a werewolf was definitely a wrong idea”She takes out her phone dialing a number as she walks out.***The moon hung high in the night sky, casting an eerie glow over the quiet woods where Morgana waited impatiently. Her sharp eyes darted toward the road, her red lips pressed into a thin line. She loathed dealing with Sandra, but desperate times called for desperate measures. Ella’s escape from the frame-up had turned the tide against them, and now Valen was investigating. If she didn’t act fast, everything would unravel.Morgana paced restlessly, her long cloak billowing in the cold breeze. She had arranged the meeting in secret, away from prying ey
Derek approached Ella cautiously, his expression guarded but determined. He studied her face as she stood amidst the crowd that had begun to disperse. The tension between them was palpable, but Derek could no longer ignore the turmoil swirling in his chest.“Ella, it seems you're not welcomed here, and someone is trying so hard to prove that point,” Derek began, his voice low and controlled.Ella looked at him, her lips curling into a bitter smile. “Derek, I appreciate your concern, but I can handle myself. This isn't the first time I'm facing threats. I’ve faced betrayal, humiliation, rejection… so what more could I possibly be afraid of?”Her words cut through him like a dagger. Guilt surged within Derek as he recognized her statement wasn’t just about the others—it was about him too. And it holds a clear meaning; She wasn’t just unsafe here; she wasn’t safe with him either. He sighed, his voice softening.“Ella, I understand you're still mad at me, but please… I need a chance to ma
Ella’s eyes widened as they locked onto something glinting a short distance away. Her pulse quickened, and hope flared in her chest. Finally, she thought. She cautiously approached the object, her heart pounding with anticipation. If this was what she thought it was, it could prove someone else was here—someone other than her might be responsible for the vampire’s murder.But as she drew closer, her hopeful smile faltered. The object lying on the ground wasn’t just any trinket. It was a pendant—her pendant.Her breath caught as she picked it up, her fingers trembling. The intricate design was unmistakable, and the tiny gemstones around the locket in the center and the initials S.C at the back of the locket were burned into her memory. She had worn this as a child, a small token of comfort during her turbulent years. Her stepmother had taken it away when she was older, claiming it was sold. But here it was, lying at a crime scene. How? Why?“Are you going to transform or not, Ella?” Mo
Ella and Valen stepped out into the hallway, where Dorian, Scottie, Derek, Morgana, and the two vampires accompanying her stood waiting. The air was thick with tension, and Ella felt the weight of their accusing gazes.“We’re going to the crime scene,” Valen announced firmly. His words cut through the silence, commanding attention.Morgana blinked, momentarily caught off guard by his decision, her confident smirk faltered for a split second, her surprise breaking through her mask of calm. She hadn’t planned for this turn of events.. She hadn’t expected this. Her plan had been simple—bring Ella to face the council and let the fabricated evidence do the rest. But now they were going to the crime scene, What if they were able to unravel something else there?“That’s… unexpected, seeing the provided evidence” Morgana said, quickly recovering. Her lips curved into a strained smile. “ But Of course. We can go to the crime scene. If that's what you want” she said hoping that Sandra hadn't ma
Valen’s emotions churned violently. Morgana’s words kept echoing in his mind, each syllable digging deeper into his resolve. The accusations she brought were serious, and the evidence—if it held any truth—painted Ella in the darkest light. And Ella just stood there, her expression unfazed, her silence deafening.Valen clenched his fists at his sides, his nails digging into his palms. He couldn’t understand why she wasn’t defending herself, why she wasn’t shouting her innocence from the rooftops. Wasn’t she aware of how precarious her position was? Say something, Ella, he thought, desperation clawing at him. Please give me something to work with.He clenched his fists by his side, struggling to keep his anger in check. Last night’s memory burned fresh in his mind. He’d found her sneaking in, in a disheveled state and her nakedness, a clear sign she had shifted. He hadn’t pressed her then, hoping she would come to him with an explanation. But she hadn’t. And now this. That memory, coupl
Ella felt the weight of the room shift with every passing second. Slowly, she released her hands from Valen's grip, her eyes meeting his briefly before she took a step back to address both him and Derek. Valen’s demeanor changed instantly, a flicker of unease crossing his face at her withdrawal. He didn’t lash out, though; instead, he kept his emotions tightly guarded, as if he knew her resistance was deserved.Derek stood there, his expression conflicted, his eyes locked on her. He seemed stunned, unable to process the weight of what she’d just said. Ella inhaled deeply, forcing herself to meet their gazes evenly."Derek," she began, her voice calm but firm, "like you said, a lot has happened. When I came here, I discovered that the Moon Goddess had other plans for me. I don’t know how it’s possible to have two mates, let alone from two entirely different worlds. I’m still trying to figure it all out." She paused, glancing briefly at Valen before turning back to Derek.“But yes,” she