Henri’s POVMy phone rang beside me, lighting up with Julian’s name written in bold as the Caller ID.I picked up after a few rings. “Yes?”“Onyx has been kidnapped,” was the first thing he told me as soon as I answered the call. I blinked, trying to process the statement, but he continued speaking, his voice filled with worry.“I just found out about it, and apparently he was kidnapped the same day that he left for his motel. You could have let him stay longer.” I felt my stomach churn slightly, knowing that I was the cause that he went back that day, but it disappeared as soon as it came.“I’m still here in Chappaqua. I can’t go and rescue him,” Julian lamented in a sore tone.I waited for him to finish before I decided to speak. “So? What do you want me to do about it now?” “You’re over there in New York, closer to him than I am, and it’s way more convenient for you to help him,” he said, and I let out a mirthless chuckle.“Why would I put myself in danger because of your friend
Karyna’s POV“Why are you here?” I asked, with my back still facing him. Despite our argument about an hour ago, I couldn’t help but still feel salty about how mean he was, for a dumb reason.He sighed heavily. “Karyna, don’t be like that,”I scoffed. So he was gonna continue with this act. That’s fine. Two can play at this game. “Like what? I’m merely asking why you’re here,”“I…I came to apologize,” he finally said, his voice above a whisper. “For what?” I continued to act nonchalant.“For being such an uncaring asshole and snapping at you. I shouldn’t have. You didn’t deserve such cold treatment,” his voice in my ears sounded like smelling honey in the night air, and I could feel myself melting already, under his honey trap.I finally turned to face him, sitting up on the bed. His face was somber and filled with remorse. And those green eyes reflected regret.I softened immediately.“Then why wouldn't you go and rescue him?”He suddenly looked nervous and tense, scratching at hi
Henri’s POVI knew I had said this to myself countless times, but being this close to her, observing her beauty up close, felt like a whole new dimension that tilted me off my axis.With every sleepy breath she took, her chest rose and fell, resembling a fairy with her lush hair cascading over her face. Her nose crinkled, and her brows tilted up slightly in her slumber.Is this the luxury Julian has been enjoying all this while? I wouldn’t have experienced this if I hadn't taken this step.I grew awfully envious of my brother at this moment. Not only was he confident around women, but he has also been in numerous relationships with women, while I found it hard to express my emotions.Don’t get me wrong, I wasn’t envious of his experience or the fact that he could snag women from all angles, no.If I just had an ounce of that charisma and charm that he had, to use on Karyna, it would make me happy. I knew I couldn’t be like him. We’re the opposites, and it would remain that way.I wish
Karyna’s POVI woke up with a yawn, stretching my limbs out on the bed. I felt so sleepy, yet so refreshed, which came from a good night’s rest.Blinking away the sleep in my eyes, I looked around and discovered that Henri wasn’t in the bed with me as I thought. At first, I imagined that I dreamt about us sleeping together, but when I remembered the conversation we had, it was less than likely.I shrugged and slipped off the bed, stretching once more. Then I put on my slippers and went into the bathroom, where I released my fluids and then brushed my teeth.When I was done, I went downstairs in search of Henri. The moment I reached the staircase, the delightful aroma of sweet, savory bacon enveloped my senses, and before I knew it, my feet carried me swiftly to the bottom of the steps.When I rounded towards the kitchen, I was met with a rather…pleasant surprise. Henri was cooking breakfast, shirtless, in a gray pants.His back was facing me, but I could definitely appreciate his ton
Julian’s POV“Yeah?” Henri answered after a few rings.“Hey,” I greeted briefly. “Onyx has been found,” I informed him, taking off my clothes. I was just coming back from the hospital, after checking up on Onyx.“But before we can fully have this conversation, make sure that you aren’t near Karyna, so that she won’t hear,” I informed him and he let out a hum. There were some movements behind the phone, and I could hear the sound of a door getting shut before he spoke again.“Really? I didn’t think it would be that fast,” he said, but I knew that there was no malicious intent behind his words.“Yeah…” I trailed off, shedding away the button up shirt I had on. “But he is in a pretty bad shape, Henri. Not only was he physically abused and nearly tortured, but he was sexually assaulted as well too,” I told him, gritting my teeth as the rage began to surface again.Just seeing him in that bruised and battered shape made me want to strangle someone. I had to fight back all homicidal though
Karyna’s POVMy fingers reached into the bowl, grabbing a handful of the sweet, buttery popcorn that I microwaved earlier. I snuggled closer into the blanket resting on my chest, as my focus was mostly on the movie displaying.Henri had the idea to have a movie night, and I was quite thrilled by it, especially since he was in such a good mood lately. I didn't know what shifted in him, but I liked this side of him.The living room was dark, save for the TV, the only source of light here, and the volume wasn’t too high as well, giving the atmosphere a more intimate ambiance. I took a quick glance at him, studying his features and his outline. He was tuned into the movie, giving me the opportunity to ogle him even more. He looked so similar to Julian, yet so different. More…mature. Even his stoic demeanor has a sense of experience. I didn’t know how to explain it further than that. Aside from that, his sharp jawline, the light stubble that grazed his chin, those thick glasses resting
Henri’s POVLight flooded the room through the windows, rousing me up from my sleep. My eyes lazily turned to look at sleeping Karyna, whose arms were wrapped around my midsection like a koala, hanging on a branch.A small, slow smile appeared on my face, and I couldn’t help but pull her closer to me.Then I checked the time on my phone. It was nine in the morning, and today was a Saturday. We deserved to sleep in at least, right? We worked hard enough to have this little luxury.Normally, I would have gotten up to start one thing or the other regardless, but I guess she was becoming an influence on me now. Whether it was good or bad, it was yet to be known. However, I liked this… being in this moment. So I decided to savor it the best I could.I sank further into my pillow, using one hand to wrap around her waist, as I felt myself falling asleep once more.***By the time I woke up again, Karyna had wormed away from my grasp and she was nowhere to be found. I groaned, sitting up on
Karyna’s POVHenri finally looked away from his laptop screen, glancing at me over the computer. He gave me a weary smile, and it made me feel a bit guilty. I knew he must be tired. Thankfully, my project was done, and at least he would get the rest that he needed. Although, I couldn’t stop the excitement and how giddy I was.“Well, I’m just tidying it all up. I’ll forward the document, as well as the film project to your email,” he informed me, and my smile grew wider.“Thank you so much, Henri. You have no idea how much this means to me, seriously,” I said to him sincerely, clutching my chest.“Like I said, it’s nothing,” he waved me off, looking back down at his laptop. “I’ll just finish up here and take a quick nap,” he told me and I took that as my cue to leave.With a nod, I left the room with a little skip in my steps. I went back to my room and jumped on my bed excitedly.I knew it was a bit silly to be this happy over just a mere project, but this was my first time doing sch
Julian’s POV “Don’t kill him yet. I want to return all the ten slaps he gave me.” Karyna’s words rang in my ears and I felt a dark cloud of rage enveloped me. I shot forward but she grasped my hand, restraining me as I fumed. “Release my hand,” I ordered her, breathing heavily. Karyna shook her head stubbornly. “No. You promised me not to kill him if Henri didn't.” She whispered, her hand squeezing my clenched fist. I wasn't aware he hit her 10 times before I made that oath. No one can stop Venar from dying today. “I can't keep this promise, Karyna. Only his death can dispel the anger rooted in my chest.” I growled, my whole body convulsing with fury. I released my Alpha aura, thinking the overwhelming energy would push her away but she remained steadfast, unwilling to leave my side. Any sensible werewolf would have kept their distance from a raging Alpha, knowing that the raw power could easily crush them, and they would never be able to shift again. But of course, my Kary
Henri’s POV I had made a vow to kill Venar with my own hands, just like I did his father, Venom. Why? Because both of them are nuisances. That son of a gun kidnapped my Karyna and nearly slapped her to death. “Fucking bastard!” I growled, my hands clenched tightly on the steering wheel as I trailed after Venar. I wanted to go after him that morning, but Karyna was badly injured, and I feared we might lose the surviving baby in her womb, so I let him escape. I placed the highest fucking bounty on his head, but none of the hitmen found find him. I had a feeling he had been lurking in the shadows like a rat scuttling away from the light, and I was right. “You think you can hide forever, don’t you?" I muttered under my breath, a venomous smirk lifting my face. “I’ll make you regret every choice you’ve made. You’ll wish you never crossed me, just like your father did. When I finally catch up with him, I will make sure you taste what it felt like to be slapped to death.” Th
Karyna’s POV The short skirt I wore did nothing to conceal the wetness trickling down my thighs. I could even catch a whiff of my own arousal in the air, and I was sure Julian and Henri could sense it too. “Jules, please,” I let out a desperate plea when he wouldn’t slip his fingers inside me. Julian had been tormenting me; using his middle finger to rub my clit in circles, lightly pressing kisses against my neck. He growled lowly, that deep sound sending explosive waves of arousal down my spine. “What are you begging me for, my love?” Julian whispered in the shell of my ear, and it suddenly felt like we were the only ones in the car. The sensation in my lower stomach was too consuming. I could feel my pussy throbbing painfully as my heart pounded under my chest. The intensity of the moment was almost too much to bear, so I just looked into his green eyes, hoping he’d understand just how much I craved him at that moment. “Alpha. I don’t think your fingers can d
Karyna’s POVAs we made our way to Henri’s car, a whirlwind of emotions washed over me. I couldn't bring myself to accept that my abusive father was truly gone. I was still in shock. I could feel the overwhelming amount of fear I had for Thomas Vegas dissipating with each assurance that he was indeed dead. He was killed by Julian. I was caught between feeling relieved that he could no longer harm me, or force me to do his vile wishes and the nagging question of whether I should feel sorrowful for his death.I’d known that cruel man all my life, and I’d always thought he was invincible, so it was crazy to believe that he was dead, just like that. He had been wealthy and influential during his life, but now he wouldn’t have a final resting place because Julien had killed him to avenge me, and his body would remain lost forever.When we got in front of the car, Julian pulled the back seat door for me, and I slid in. I could feel the sizzling heat coming from his body as he sat beside
Julian’s POV I was anticipating kissing Karyna until she was lost for words again when an iPhone ringing echoed in my ears. “Who's fucking phone is that? Fuck, it’s mine.” I groaned inwardly and went to pick it up, licking my lips to savor the pancake I had just eaten. When I saw that it was Leah who was calling me, my suppressed anger returned. I didn't want this woman calling me. But I was still using the same phone I was using when I was wearing the skin mask that was similar to Onyx’s face. Jeremy deserves his phone and number. I made a mental note to sort that out today before turning to Henri and Karyna. “It’s Leah,” I revealed, bitterness coating my voice like poison. I felt Karyna’s worry surge, even without her saying a word. She looked at me with those baby-blue eyes, her gaze filled with concern and thoughts of another threat. Another threat from my family. I clenched my jaw at that. I contemplated whether I should step outside to answer her. Leah knew I acce
Karyna’s POV I'd been eavesdropping on Julian and Henri's conversation after Henri entered. I heard Henri's laughter and Julian's question of what was funny. Henri's response of “everything” was followed by Julian's shocking revelation that made me blink in disbelief. Besides the fox he killed, he had also attempted to harm one of them. Did he see killing as a normal thing? “I was simply bullying her back for you,” Julian stated, walking over to retrieve the bowl of pancakes in my hand. My eyes widened in astonishment. I couldn't fathom his nonchalant attitude towards serious actions like this. I paused my lips, my heart sinking as I gazed back and forth between the Alphas I had fallen hopeless for. I didn't want to think that I had judged them wrongly or I had underestimated their animalistic nature. “I understand where you're coming from, Julian. But you can't go around ending lives or torturing animals just to defend me from bullies or make me accessories,” “I alre
Henri’s POV As I dashed after Karyna, my heart pounded with worry. How could she be so reckless, especially after yesterday's events? The arsonist might still be out there, and here she was, venturing off alone because she was pissed about the death of a fox. Her blind courage angers me and it fills me with worry. Why couldn't she be more concerned about her safety? I finally caught up to her just before she reached the guards who were stationed in front of the house. Without hesitation, I grasped her arm firmly and stopped her in her tracks. “Karyna, stop!” I urged, my voice thick with concern and frustration. “This is just our way of life. It's normal for werewolves to hunt and kill other animals. Hunting and killing are what we do. There's no need to get upset,” I deadpanned. Karyna turned to shoot me an angry glare, her baby-blue eyes revealing bitterness and confusion. “Normal? Are you freaking serious right now?” Her voice trembled as she spoke. “Just because
Julian’s POV The snow poured heavily on me, stinging like a thousand icy needles, yet I refused to halt my sprint. What was supposed to be a simple 15-minute early morning run turned into a relentless sprint fueled by my escalating anger. It wasn't just Henri's continuous provocation to abandon the Pack that fueled my fury. It was the unsettling realization that his reasons were valid, and I might be forced to confront a truth I wasn't ready to face. I was certain he'd only come back to safeguard Karyna and our child. Yet, deep down, I clung to a foolish wish that his return would reignite the memories of the beautiful life we once shared here and he would want to protect the pack, but as I said, it was a foolish wish. It hurt like crazy to admit that he didn't see this Pack estate as home but as a refuge camp, where he could hide from his enemies, and leave at any slight inconvenience. “Do you really think they want me back as their Alpha? All they want is a pack to b
Karyna’s POV In my dreams, Julian and Henri were having a heated argument. Julian was clearly upset, warning Henri never to mention abandoning the Pack, but Henri insisted it was necessary for our survival. I thought it was all just a dream until a loud door slam woke me up, and there was Julian storming off in frustration. “Henri,” I called out, my voice filled with surprise. I saw the worry etched on his face as he locked eyes with me, and I felt a pang in my heart. Did he insist on abandoning the pack because he was triggered by my mention of needing a break from the chaos surrounding us? Henri sighed softly and walked closer, he climbed on the bed and pressed a kiss to my forehead. “Morning, sweetheart,” he greeted, his voice above a whisper. Though his tone seemed light, the somber look in his green eyes and the shadow of regret on his face showed he was sad about the argument he just had with Julian. “Did you really believe we will be safe if we abandon the Pack?” I