Elliot plans stealing your gems for me ;)
LilaBy the time we left the dance floor, my feet throbbed with exhaustion, every step a dull ache. Elliot, ever the attentive one, guided me to a chair, his smirk deepening as my stomach growled in protest. He didn’t even have to say anything—I knew exactly what he was thinking. Between carrying twins and my already insatiable appetite, I was constantly hungry, something he found endlessly amusing.“I’ll get you something to eat,” he murmured before walking off.The moment he was out of sight, a voice slithered into the space he’d left behind.“So, you came here just to threaten me?”I didn’t need to look up to recognize the bitterness in Sheldon’s tone. His voice was a blade, sharp with fury and something else he probably didn’t care to admit. Regret, maybe.I exhaled slowly, keeping my composure as I glanced up at him. “Shouldn’t you be getting married right about now? Or did your bride run off already?”His jaw twitched. “You shouldn’t have come here with him.”I scoffed, folding m
ElliotI wanted to push, to demand the truth, but I let it go—at least for now. I scanned her for marks, for any sign of distress, but she looked untouched, so I decided to keep my cool.Guiding her back to our table, I pulled out her chair, ignoring the curious glances around us.“Elliot,” she hissed through gritted teeth, eyeing the plates stacked with food. “Are you crazy? Why did you bring so much? Do you think I’m going to eat all of this?”I scoffed, shaking my head as I sat beside her. “Have you forgotten how much you eat?”She shot me an exasperated look. “We’re in public. I can’t eat this much. They’ll stare at me like I’ve been starving for ages.”I leaned back, arms crossed, my voice flat. “Since when do I care about people staring? I’m not letting you or my pups go hungry for the sake of these fucking people.”She let out a sigh but didn’t touch the food.My patience ran out. Picking up a fork, I twirled some pasta and held it up to her lips.Her eyes widened. Around us, hu
Lila“It’s strange. I’ve never even heard of it,” Elena said, her nose wrinkling as if the very thought left a sour taste in her mouth.“Elliot said the same thing,” I murmured, chewing through a bar packed with nuts and chocolate—comfort food I missed in my pack. Every bite gave me something to focus on, anything but the haunting echo of that shadow’s voice, still whispering through the corners of my mind like smoke that refused to clear.Why had it told him to leave me?Why did it threaten him to leave me?I hadn’t told Elena what the shadow had said to Elliot. He had asked me not to tell anyone about it. Not out of secrecy, but out of caution. For his pack’s safety. For the sake of the lives that depended on him. So I bit my tongue even when my chest screamed to share the burden, even when the silence felt like it was swallowing me whole.The door creaked open and my breath hitched.Elliot walked in, sweat-drenched and brooding in low-slung sweatpants, his body tense from a workout
ElliotAt first, I felt a flicker of offense that she could doubt my intentions, that she didn’t have faith in me, that I would never leave her. But the moment I looked into her eyes, all of that faded. It was like peering straight into her soul, and what I saw there stopped me cold. Her wounds ran far deeper than I could have ever imagined, etched into her being in ways I hadn’t fully understood.Whatever I felt—hurt, frustration—ceased to matter. This wasn’t about me. It was about her.So I did the only thing I could. I wrapped her in my arms, held her close, and whispered the assurances she needed to hear, putting her above everything else.Yet, I couldn’t shake the guilt. I had been so consumed with strategy, preparations, and fortifying our borders after the shadow’s chilling warning that I’d overlooked the obvious. Lila had been left alone with her fears, her insecurities festering in silence after facing something so dark and incomprehensible.And still, the question gnawed at m
Lila“What do you mean by darkness?” I asked, my voice trembling slightly. The weight of Lucas’s words hung heavily in the room, the air thick with tension that seemed to press down on us.Beside me, Elliot’s jaw was clenched, his hands fisted at his sides. I had never seen him like this—so visibly unsettled—and it made the unease in my chest grow even sharper.Lucas leaned back in his chair, his expression grim as his fingers tapped against the armrest. “Darkness like this is rarely simple. It’s not just one force—it’s an abomination, a blending of powers that should never have mixed. From the way it moves and hides, I’d say it’s a creation born of witchcraft and vampire blood—a hybrid of the two.”A shiver ran down my spine, and I instinctively leaned closer to Elliot, seeking the comfort of his presence.“But why attack werewolves?” Elliot’s voice was sharp, laced with frustration. “We signed the treaty decades ago. Vampires and witches have no cause to target us. Or has that treaty
ElliotAfter lunch, Lucas led us to a hidden room tucked deep within the estate. The air inside was heavy with history, a faint metallic tang lingering from the old weapons displayed on the shelves. My gaze immediately landed on a sword with intricate carvings, its hilt adorned with a crescent moon symbol. But what truly caught my attention was a bow and quiver of arrows, each arrow tipped with a crimson sheen that gleamed ominously under the dim light.I frowned. Wolves didn’t use bows and arrows—it wasn’t practical for us. Swords, daggers, even brute strength were our weapons of choice, especially in wolf form.Lucas noticed my hesitation and smiled knowingly. “I can see your doubt, Alpha Elliot,” he said, hefting a weathered leather bag onto the table. “These bow and arrows are no ordinary weapons. They were gifted to the first Alpha King by the Moon Goddess herself. He was her direct descendant, and only her bloodline can wield them.”I stepped closer, studying the crescent bow. So
Lila“So, tell me all about yourself and how you managed to crack through my asshole nephew’s thick skull,” Liam asked enthusiastically as soon as Elliot left the room.I blinked, caught off guard by his bluntness, but the warmth in his smile kept me from feeling too defensive.“I wouldn’t say there’s much of a story to tell,” I said carefully. “We’re still figuring things out.”Liam leaned back in his couch, his arms crossing over his chest as he studied me with a sharp, almost mischievous glint in his eyes. “Figuring things out? Hah! I can see it all over him—he’s already completely gone for you. Don’t let his brooding demeanor fool you.”Heat rose to my cheeks, and I dropped my gaze, focusing on my hands clasped tightly in my lap. I didn’t know how to respond to that.“Come now,” Liam pressed, his tone softening. “Tell me about your pack, about you. I like to know who my nephew is willing to die for.”Despite his teasing, there was something in his words—something raw and deeply sin
LilaElliot stood by the small kitchen window, his broad shoulders tense, the weight of his childhood memories pressing down on him. The sadness etched on his face reflected in the glass, and my heart ached for him. This place held so much pain, so much longing—it wasn’t easy for him to be here.Without turning, he spoke, his deep voice laced with emotion. “You came.” He didn’t need to look at me; the mate bond ensured he knew my presence the moment I stepped into the room, he must have caught my scent.I didn’t say anything. Instead, I walked to him and wrapped my arms around his waist, pressing my cheek against the warm, solid expanse of his back. My hands clutched his chest as if holding him tighter could somehow shield him from the pain that haunted him. Through the bond, his pain seeped into me, raw and unspoken.Elliot placed his hands over mine, exhaling deeply as if he’d been holding his breath. He kissed my fingers softly before turning me gently in his arms, his stormy eyes m
LilaThe moment I locked my bedroom door, a rush of anticipation washed over me. Settling on my bed, I carefully opened the wooden box. My heart raced in my chest as I uncovered its contents—a tangle of delicate jewelry, a journal, some faded photographs, and a few half-torn letters. My fingers brushed over a necklace I recognized instantly. It was the one my mother used to wear every day. I vividly remembered asking her about it when she stopped wearing it. She’d told me she’d lost it, but something about the way she’d said it had always felt off. Now, holding it in my hands, I wondered if there was more to the story. At the bottom of the box lay the journal. Its cover was simple yet elegant, with a bold gold V embossed at the center. I traced the letter with my fingertips before opening it. The first page revealed her full name, written in her neat, graceful handwriting: Valentina Jasmine Elbert.It struck me immediately—she hadn’t used my father’s surname. This journal must have
LilaThe meeting at the office had gone better than I expected. With the new plans and policies in place, my company was finally heading in the direction I had always envisioned—a place where equality thrived, where the employees felt valued, and where archaic, discriminatory practices were eradicated. The new investment plans were strategically crafted to revitalize my company, ensuring its steady recovery from the losses my father’s mismanagement had inflicted. Each decision was calculated to not only stabilize the business but also position it for long-term growth, restoring the reputation and strength it once held. As I stepped out of my office, Sheila, my ever-efficient secretary, called out to me. “Lila, wait.” She hurried over, holding a thick file in her hands.“These are old records,” she explained, her voice tinged with unease. “I couldn’t make sense of some of them, but I thought you should take a look. They might be important.”I frowned, sensing her discomfort. “Thank y
Lila“I’ll miss you,” Uncle Liam murmured, pulling me into a warm, comforting embrace.“We’ll be back soon,” Elliot replied smoothly, his hand resting protectively on the small of my back before I could respond.Aunt Julia's eyes shimmered with unshed tears as she clasped my hands in hers. “Call me, sweetheart. Promise me you will.”“Of course,” I reassured her, my voice soft but steady. She was the last connection I had to my mother’s family, and I knew her presence might be key in uncovering the secrets hidden in my mother’s journal.“I’ll visit his pack during the blood moon,” Elliot’s uncle said, glancing at Aunt Julia with a small smile. “If you’d like, you can join me.”My aunt's expression shifted from surprise to unrestrained joy. “I’d love to,” she said, her voice tinged with delight.“Don’t forget to invite us to the wedding,” Aunt Julia teased, her words laced with playful mischief as her gaze shifted between me and Elliot.My cheeks flushed, heat creeping up my neck, but E
ElliotHer lips on mine set my entire body ablaze. I could feel her surrender, her trust, and her desire—everything I craved to earn from her. The waves lapped around us, cool and steady, but nothing could temper the fire she ignited within me.I gripped her waist, holding her steady as she kissed me deeply, her hands threading through my hair and tugging just enough to drive me mad. She tasted like sweetness and temptation, the perfect mix of innocence and wildness that was uniquely her."Lila," I murmured against her lips, my voice thick with need. "If we keep this up, I won't be able to stop."Her emerald eyes met mine, a glimmer of determination in their depths. "Then don't."My wolf growled in approval, but I hesitated. She was carrying our children. Her safety, her comfort—it came before my desires. Always."Lila," I said, my tone softer now, my forehead pressed against hers. "You're everything to me, and I don't want to hurt you. Not physically, not emotionally."Her hands cupp
LilaHis face glowed beneath the sun's setting light, the hues of amber and crimson casting an almost ethereal glow on his features. As we walked hand in hand along the beach, the sand warm beneath our bare feet, I couldn’t help but trace the sharp line of his jaw with my fingertip.Elliot turned toward me, his expression softening as a dimple appeared on his cheek, and I caught my breath. That single dimple was a betrayal of his otherwise unyielding demeanor—a glimpse of vulnerability that made my heart stumble.“Why don’t you smile more often?” I asked, my voice lighter than I felt. “The dimple really suits you.” My finger lingered over the hollow, as though committing it to memory, before I pressed it gently like a button.His chuckle was low and unrestrained, the sound vibrating through me. “I smile when there’s something worth smiling about,” he said, the warmth in his voice making my pulse quicken.“And what’s the reason now?” I prodded, raising a brow.He leaned in slightly, hi
ElliotUncle Liam had asked me why I had come without her but I had shut ignored him and came back to my room. I was seething in rage, I was hurt by the way she had responded, I knew what I did was wrong but the way she had shut me out and didn't even give me a chance to hear me out was what hurt me more. I laced around my room restlessly, not able to stay away from her and the distance was gnawing at my insides. The room was heavy with her plum and jasmine scent which perturbed me more, I needed to calm distract myself so I got out of cabin and drove to the woods where I might get some peace but when I reached my car, I saw Mark opening the door of his car for my mate and I clenched my jaw, hating the fact that he was with her while I was away from her.Julia ushered Lila towards me, smiling down at me genuinely. “I see you're going out,” Julia said warmly as Lila looked at me silently with a confused face. I looked away from her and nodded my head. “Take your mate with you,” Juli
LilaThe surge of emotions through the mate bond as I woke was overwhelming—powerful, magnetic, and utterly suffocating. My hand instinctively went to my neck, fingers grazing the tender mark that now connected us irrevocably.Elliot had marked me.While I’d been unconscious, he had taken away my choice, sealing our bond without my consent. Fury ignited in my chest, eclipsing every other emotion, every other thought.My wolf stirred within me, her presence stronger, more vivid than ever before. Elliot’s mark had strengthened her, tethering us to him in a way that I couldn’t deny. But I couldn’t let the sparks, the intoxicating pull of the mate bond, blind me. Not after learning the truth about my mother’s life—how she had allowed love to trap her, to chain her.“I’m sorry, Lila,” Elliot’s voice broke through my spiraling thoughts, laced with a raw sincerity that might have softened me at another time. “I didn’t have a choice. Your aunt told me it was the only way to wake you up.”Hurt
Elliot “She’ll be fine,” Uncle Liam said, breaking the tense silence. His tone was firm, but his eyes betrayed him—darkened with concern.“She better be,” I growled, my voice raw. “Because if she isn’t…I'm going to kill that Beta of yours.” My hands clenched the wheel even tighter, my words trailing off into a dangerous promise.Mark’s house came into view, a sprawling estate tucked behind wrought-iron gates. I didn’t wait for them to fully open, driving through the narrow gap the moment it was wide enough. The tires screeched as I brought the car to an abrupt stop.The front door flew open before I even reached it, Mark standing there with a grim expression.“She’s upstairs,” he said, his voice steady but tinged with worry. “She fainted suddenly in my Mom's room. Serena’s with her now.”I pushed past him without a word, taking the stairs two at a time. My heart thundered in my chest, each step bringing me closer to the room where Lila was.When I finally entered, I saw her lying pal
Elliot“Tell me what you need from me,” I asked, leaning against the wall of his office, my arms crossed.Uncle Liam looked up from his laptop, removed his glasses, and sighed heavily. The weight of his exhale told me whatever he was about to say wouldn’t sit well.“Take a look,” he said, turning the screen toward me.I moved to the empty chair in front of his desk and began reading. My jaw tightened as my eyes scanned the document. The history of his pack stared back at me—a history deeply rooted in my mother’s bloodline. Her ancestors had fought tooth and nail to preserve it through countless wars.“Why are you giving it to Mark, then?” I asked, my voice cold, carefully masking the unease bubbling inside me.“I don’t have children,” he replied with a dismissive shrug. “And you clearly don’t want it. I won’t force this pack onto you. You already have your pack, your mate’s pack soon, and let’s not forget—you're going to be the Alpha King. Your responsibilities are only going to multip