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
TANIAWe headed to the hospital together, Zarek insisting on coming along despite my protests. I had initially wanted to face Nikolas alone, concerned about dragging Zarek into an already complicated situation. However, as we settled into the detective's car, his presence beside me was surprisingly comforting. What once felt like a daunting task now seemed almost effortless with him by my side.I couldn't help but think that if I let him, he'd gladly deliver some well-deserved punches to Nikolas.As the detective drove, I glanced at Zarek, who seemed lost in thought. His gaze was fixed on the passing scenery, but his eyes seemed to hold a thousand-mile stare. His hand rested on his knee, fingers drumming absently before curling into a tight fist. The slight movement spoke volumes about the tension building inside him.I wondered what was on his mind, trying to guess what had him so tense.Then, I remembered the flash of anger in his eyes when I told him Nikolas was alive. He wa
ZAREK The hall had emptied, leaving behind a quiet that felt almost sacred. The day had been full of energy and celebration, but now, with everyone gone, it was just Tania and me. The air was calm, and I could feel the weight of the moment settling in. I turned to her, my heart steady. This wasn’t going to be a surprise—after all, her mother had practically announced my intentions earlier. But that didn’t matter. What mattered was what I had to say, and how much I wanted to share this with her.“Let’s take a walk,” I suggested, squeezing her hand gently.She looked at me, her eyes warm and trusting, and nodded. We made our way up the grand staircase to the top floor, where the large windows offered a clear view of the night sky. The moon hung low, casting its soft light across the polished floors, creating an intimate, almost magical atmosphere.Tania turned to me, curiosity in her gaze. “What are you up to, Zarek?”I chuckled softly. “I know your mother already spilt the beans
ZAREK “Mum, what’s going on here?” Tania asked, her brows furrowing in concern.Tania’s mother looked up, a touch of defensiveness in her tone. “I was just discussing your engagement plans with Zarek. Don’t I have the right to know?”Tania opened her mouth to protest, but I stepped in to diffuse the situation. “It’s fine, Tania. There’s nothing wrong with discussing it. And yes, I do have plans to propose.”Tania’s eyes widened slightly with surprise, then softened as she looked at me. Her mother let out a sigh of relief. “Alright then,” she said, giving a small nod before walking away, leaving us in the midst of the bustling crowd.Tania tugged gently at my hand, guiding me towards the photo op area. As we walked, I couldn’t help but ask, “You’re not worried about the delay in the proposal, are you?”She shook her head, a light smile on her lips. “No, not at all. A normal relationship takes about two years before a proposal is made, so this is pretty standard. Besides, you’ve been
ZAREKTime passed, and the weight of justice finally settled.With Boss and Alpha Barral behind bars, the world felt a little safer, a little lighter.Then, a loud, booming voice echoed through the hall: “Alpha Zarek!”The words reverberated off the high ceilings and marble floors, sending a shiver down my spine.In an instant, the hall erupted into thunderous applause, a sound filled with appreciation and respect. I let the waves of applause wash over me, taking a moment to soak it all in.This moment felt surreal, almost like a dream, yet the warmth of the applause and the shining eyes of Xander and his Luna, Ziva, reassured me that it was real. The pride that radiated from them confirmed everything I had fought for.I took a deep breath, savouring the moment, then began my walk to the stage.The crowd parted, clearing a path for me, their eyes full of admiration and respect. As I climbed the steps, the weight of responsibility settled on my shoulders, but it was a burden I was re
ZAREK I held my breath. Alpha Rowan? I had heard of him—a powerful Alpha who was supposed to have been killed along with his wife. But this? It didn’t make any sense.“That’s impossible. He and his wife were killed,” I said, my voice barely audible.“They were,” Lizzy confirmed, her eyes darkening with the weight of the truth. “Nikolas’s father and boss conspired to kill Alpha Rowan and his wife as part of a twisted plan to seize power. When the plan went south and Boss was discarded, he hid the truth from you to protect his own agenda.”The room felt like it was spinning, with the walls closing in as the reality of her words sank in. I felt like I was falling, unable to grasp anything solid. The man who raised me, who trained me, who I trusted—he’d kept this from me my entire life. I had lived in the shadow of a lie. “So, everything I thought I knew... was a lie?”Lizzy nodded; her expression pained. “He kept you in the dark because he didn’t want you to know where you really
ZAREK Tania’s breath hitched, her eyes searching mine for any hint of a joke. But this was no time for jokes, no room for lies.“Assassins?” she whispered, her voice trembling with disbelief.“Yes,” I confirmed, leaning in closer, my tone even. “We’re trained, skilled, and we do whatever it takes—robbing, stealing, destroying.”“The man Lizzy killed was sent to take us out. He murdered Ramirez and Bruce, and he wouldn’t have stopped until he succeeded.”As I spoke, I watched as Tania’s expression shift—a collision of shock and confusion. I could see her trying to piece it all together with the revelation I had just dropped. “What? This whole time?” She asked.I nodded, feeling the weight of my own words. I never wanted her to find out like this. Not like this. But there was no going back now. “I never wanted you to find out this way, but it’s the truth. There’s more, though, Tania.” I paused, grappling with the right words. How do you explain the darkest parts of yourself to so
ZAREK We stood there for a long moment, wrapped in each other's arms, the tension and fear melting away.The tremble in Tania's shoulders stilled, and when she finally pulled back, her eyes, once clouded with tears, had cleared.“I met Lizzy recently,” she whispered. The words startled me, and I felt my pulse quicken.“Lizzy? Is she alright?” I asked, searching her face for answers.The thought of anything happening to Lizzy sent a jolt of panic through me. I needed to know if she was okay.Tania nodded, “Yes, she came here with me.”As she spoke, the tightness in my chest eased, replaced by a wave of relief. If Lizzy was with Tania, then she had to be safe.Afterwards, I noticed that she shifted her gaze to what was behind me. Her expression shifted to a mix of relief and something else.Concerned, I followed her line of sight, and turned to see Lizzy.She stood in the doorway, her eyes locked on me. She didn't seem hurt or weary. She seemed rather strong. Stronger than I remembered
ZAREK The memory of the man on the phone lingered. Whoever he was, he felt more like a conspirator.And then there was Dr. Everett, standing before me with that unnerving calm, as if everything was perfectly under control.Something didn’t add up.“Are you even a specialist?” The question slipped out before I could stop myself.Dr. Everett’s expression turned mocking. “That’s a good question.” He leaned in, his eyes glinting with amusement. “Is the Medical Arts Building even real? Am I the real Dr. Everett?”My mind raced. The Medical Arts Building isn’t real?Confusion clouded my thoughts. “What are you talking about?”“This is all just a game,” he said with a casual shrug.“What?” I said, bewildered.Dr. Everett’s back was now turned to me as he moved towards a distant table.“Wait a minute,” I said slowly, dread creeping in. “You’re not Dr. Everett, are you?”He didn’t respond; his focus absorbed in whatever he was searching for. The metallic clinks filled the silence.Then, his l
ZAREK The pungent smell of blood jolted me awake, making my stomach turn. I immediately started coughing uncontrollably, and blood spilt out of my mouth with each rasp.Even when I tried to push myself up, my arms barely responded, quivering under the strain.I felt weak—far weaker than usual. Had I injured myself during the transformation?I shook my head slightly, trying to recall. But the memories were hazy, blurred by pain.The only clear memory was how I had hurt Tania—or, worse, maybe even killed her.The thought hit me like a sledgehammer: my claws slicing through the air... her lifeless form.I squeezed my eyes shut, trying to block out the images, but they burned behind my eyelids, searing into my mind.I forced myself to focus, to push past the rising wave of guilt. I had to find out where I was and what had happened. But as I shifted, pain flared in my wrists, snapping me back to the present.I looked down and saw silver cuffs clamped tightly around them.Why am I cuff
TANIA I slowly opened my eyes, only to be stabbed by a bright light that made me wince. For a moment, I lay there, trying to let my senses adjust.Taking a deep breath, I raised my head and attempted to sit up, but the effort sent the room into a dizzying swirl of colours and shapes. My strength faltered, and I fell back against the pillow, my head sinking into its softness.As I lay there, my hand instinctively moved to my cheek, where a dull ache pulsed beneath the surface. I traced the tender skin, feeling the faint ridges where claws had raked across it.The memory of that searing pain was still vivid, as was the look on Zarek's face—his eyes wild and uncontrolled, filled with a terror I had never seen before.A shudder ran through me at the thought, and my heart began to race. Despite the dizziness, I forced myself to sit up again, driven by my concern for Zarek.I needed to see him.I sat up, and slowly, the room gradually came into focus. I took in the sterile white walls