ZAREKI approached Tania, feeling a sense of ease. “Yeah, I guess I've got a soft spot for kids,” I replied, shrugging slightly. My gaze drifted down to her hands, and I noticed that she was holding only one shopping bag.“What's with the solitary bag? Are the clothes stuffed inside?” I asked, curiosity tinting my voice as we walked out of the mall.Tania's face fell, her lips pressing into a slight frown. “No, they're not,” she said, her voice laced with a hint of disappointment. “I was going to buy a lot, but I think these clothes are fine. I don't want to go broke buying luxurious clothes.”Just then, a woman in a crisp uniform approached us, a friendly smile on her face. “Here you go, ma'am,” she said, handing Tania a few shopping bags adorned with the logo of an upscale brand.Tania's expression transformed in an instant, her smile radiant as she took the bags. “Thank you so much!” Tania exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with excitement.The woman smiled and nodded. “Have a great
ZAREKWe reached the apartment, and Tania sprang into action, efficiently sorting and putting away her new clothes. As she worked, I discreetly stashed the ring box and camera in my dresser, making sure they were out of sight. Just then, my phone buzzed, breaking the silence, and I glanced down to see the proposal planner's name on the caller ID. With my heart racing, I swiftly stepped out of the room, not wanting Tania to overhear my conversation. I answered the call in a low tone, trying to contain my growing unease. “Is it necessary to call?” I asked the planner, my words barely above a whisper.Just a hint about tomorrow's proposal, and Tania would quickly piece it together - she'd assume I was planning to propose, and it would ruin the surprise. I wanted to keep it under wraps until the moment I got down on one knee.The proposal planner's voice cut through my concerns. “I just wanted to confirm the proposal plans for tomorrow at the garden. Everything is set.”“Thanks for
ZAREKIt was an explicit video of Nikolas and Tania.I felt a wave of shock, disbelief, and anger wash over me. How could Tania keep this from me? And what was Nikolas trying to do, blackmail her? My mind reeled with questions as I watched the video, my eyes scanning every detail. The background and Tania's clothes looked familiar. Suddenly, it clicked - Tania had worn that same dress and styled her hair the same way just a few weeks ago when she went out with her friends. The background was Nikolas's new penthouse apartment, recently purchased. The video was recent, very recent. My brain spun and I felt like I'd been punched in the gut.How could she do this to me? How could she lie to me and betray my trust like this? I felt a wave of hurt wash over me.I only watched a few seconds, but it was enough. I turned off the phone, my mind racing with shock and anger. I didn't want to believe it, but the evidence was right there in front of me.I thought back to all the times T
Trigger Warning: The following scene contains graphic violence, physical assault, and explicit content that may be distressing for some readers. Please proceed with caution. ZAREK I made my way to Nikolas's penthouse and paused outside before pressing the intercom button. A low, gravelly voice crackled through the intercom, “Who is it?” it growled. I cleared my throat and stated my name, “Zarek.” The voice didn't respond, but the gate swung open with a metallic creak, revealing a dimly lit passageway. I stepped through the entrance, and the gate clanged shut behind me. As I walked into the luxurious lobby, I was immediately flanked by Nikolas' men, their eyes fixed on me with a mixture of curiosity and suspicion. Their hands rested on the grips of their weapons, an indirect warning that they were ready to strike if necessary. We ascended to the top floor through the elevator and I stepped out into a lavish foyer. Then, Nikolas walked out of the penthouse, dressed in a p
Trigger Warning: The following scene contains graphic violence, physical assault, and explicit content that may be distressing for some readers. Please proceed with caution.ZAREKThe grin on Nikolas's face grew wider and he didn't hesitate to continue his statement. “You know, she begged for mercy, begged for you to save her. But I just laughed, and I made her suffer more. And when she thought it was all over, I started again. I made her beg for death,” His voice dripped with pleasure, as if reliving the memory of her torment. My fury reached a boiling point at his twisted words. “You're a monster,” I spat, my voice trembling with rage as I tightened my fists.“A monster who got away with it,” Nikolas sneered, his voice dripping with malice. “And there's nothing you can do to change that even after you kill me. You'll never be able to erase the memories of what I did to her. But I'll always have those memories, and I'll always cherish them.”With a snarl, I released the knife and
ZAREKFor a moment, I stood there, taking in the sight of Nikolas's body as a sense of satisfaction washed over me. However, the satisfaction was brief, as the sound of the elevator doors opening broke the silence.The guards... They may have finally made their way past the elevator and entered the penthouse at this time. However, I didn't bother to move away as my wolf was still trying to take control.I tried to restrain its transformation in order to avoid a scene, but my body began to ache with the effort.Just then, the guards' footsteps echoed through the silent room. They gazed down at Nikolas's body that sprawled on the cold floor before turning their steely gazes toward me.“Don't come any closer,” I warned. My voice cracked as I said that, but they just kept coming, paying no heed to my warning.In an instant, one of the guards lunged at me, his fist aiming straight for my face. Instinctively, I ducked to the side, narrowly avoiding his attack. But before I could regain
TANIAMy smile faltered, and I felt a pang of confusion. I had assumed it was Zarek calling, but now my mind raced with questions. “Detective?” I muttered, my voice barely above a whisper. I hastily glanced at the caller ID, but the unknown number only added to my growing unease. Who was this detective, and why was he calling me?The voice on the other end continued, its serious tone making my heart skip a beat. “Yes, this is Detective James. I'm investigating an incident involving Alpha Nikolas, and I understand he was in contact with you last night.”I felt a jolt of anxiety as I processed the detective's words. What kind of incident could Nikolas be involved in? And what did it have to do with me? I tried to push aside the growing unease and focus on the conversation.“Y-yes, that's right,” I stuttered, trying to compose myself. “We spoke last night.” I paused, searching for the right words. “What's going on?”“I'd rather not discuss it over the phone, Miss Tania,” he said.
TANIADetective James's words stirred a flood of memories. I thought back to my previous conversation with Nikolas, the details slowly resurfacing.With them came the tension, rushing back like a wave, and my body reacted instinctively - my fists clenched, knuckles turning white as the pressure built.Steeling myself, I forced a neutral expression and turned to the detective.“It was just a normal conversation,” I said, trying to sound casual. “We greeted each other and asked how we were doing.” I paused, choosing my words carefully.Meanwhile, Detective James listened intently, his pen poised over his notebook as he took notes. “Did he mention meeting anyone or having any plans for later that night?” he asked, his eyes locked on mine, as if searching for any hint of deception.I shook my head, frustration bubbling up inside me. “No, he didn't say anything specific.”The detective nodded, his expression unreadable.“We noticed that you were the last person Nikolas contacted accordi