Two days had passed since my conversation with Rodrigo in his office. Two long days spent locked in my room, avoiding him, avoiding everyone. The only person I interacted with was the maid who brought my food, and even then, I barely spoke. My thoughts were too loud, too consuming. I kept replaying everything—how my perfect life had crumbled into chaos, how I had gone from being set up, molested, and bitten by a wolf to becoming one myself. And now, I was supposed to decide whether to work with the largest, strongest pack in the country. The same pack that could give me the resources I needed to take down ASA and find the bastard who did this to me. I hated that my life had become this complicated. For forty-eight hours, I turned Rodrigo’s offer over and over in my mind, trying to make sense of it. Maybe he wasn’t pressuring me for his own gain. Maybe this really was my best option. And I needed a job. It wasn’t in my nature to sit back and let someone else take care of me. Bu
“You've got explaining to do, Nox!” Kelly’s voice cut through the air, demanding answers I didn’t have—or more like, answers I didn’t want to give. How the hell was I supposed to explain that I was suddenly drawn to the most dangerously attractive man I’d ever laid eyes on? “Stop yelling,” I muttered, my gaze still fixed on the entrance Dylan had disappeared through. “Do not dare lie to me, Kara. I saw everything unfold right in front of me. He whispered into your ear, *in public.*” “He’s Rodrigo’s work partner. That’s how I know him,” I lied, hoping she’d drop it. But Kelly? She never let things slide. “You two seemed too connected for just acquaintances. Well, I like him.” Something inside me twisted at her words. It was stupid, irrational, but my entire body tensed. I hated the feeling, hated how easily it had taken over me. Kelly smirked knowingly. “Relax, Kara. I’m just joking. But damn, your face? If looks could kill, I’d be a goner.” “What do you mean?” I snapped,
The sound persisted, but I ignored it. I just wanted to be alone. I sat on my bed, staring through the parted curtains at the moon hanging high in the sky, its glow spilling across the earth. The cool night breeze kissed my skin, grounding me in a moment I didn’t want to share with anyone. The knocking stopped, and I exhaled, relieved. But just as I let my guard down, I heard the unmistakable sound of the door unlocking from the outside. Footsteps followed. A tall shadow stretched across the dimly lit room, his scent preceding him—familiar, strong, impossible to mistake. Rodrigo. The light flickered on, illuminating his intense gaze as he stood by the door, hands tucked in his pockets, scanning me. "How was your date with Kelly?" His voice, deep and steady, broke through the silence as he approached the bed. I swallowed, glancing away. "We had a good time." "Then why lock yourself in here?" His tone sharpened. "Did something happen?" "Nothing happened. I just wanted
DYLAN "Urghhhh!!!" I yelled for the hundredth time that morning, frustration coursing through my veins as I pounded away at the punching bag in my private gym. My muscles burned, but the rage inside me burned hotter. A week. A fucking week had gone by since my encounter with my mate, and I fucking missed her. Not that it surprised me anymore. The taste of her lips was still fresh on mine, the feel of her body against me still so vivid, soothing my soul and my Wolf. It had taken every ounce of willpower I had not to mark her right there in that restroom. The way she responded, the way her body fit against mine—I couldn’t stop thinking about it. I couldn’t stop thinking about her. But then she passed out. Right in my arms, after I shoved my hardened cock into her body. It had shaken me in a way I wasn’t ready to admit. Something about her reaction wasn’t right. It didn’t sit well with me or my Wolf, who had been restless ever since. I had barely stopped him from chasin
KARAEverything disappeared at that moment. I got lost in his eyes, watching as they flickered between his Wolf’s and his own. My feet refused to move, my Wolf howling inside my head, emotions surging with no restraint. Dylan Gaspar. He stared right back at me, unwavering. I must have zoned out because suddenly, I felt strong hands tapping me out of my thoughts. “Kara.” Murphy’s voice pulled me back, and I blinked rapidly, tearing my gaze away from Dylan. My heart was a chaotic mess, my pulse erratic. “I… I’m sorry,” I whispered, my voice shaky. I refused to meet Dylan’s gaze, knowing he was still watching me. “Welcome, guys. Please, Kara, step forward for introductions,” the older woman from earlier instructed. Slowly, I took a step forward, keeping my eyes on the ground, refusing to acknowledge the man who was still burning holes into me with his stare. “This is Kara Nox,” Murphy announced. “Our newest addition to the Brokers. Her file has already been added to your
KARAI didn’t see Dylan for the rest of the day. My mind was a mess, tangled in the events of the morning. Work became unbearably slow, every task feeling like an uphill battle as thoughts of him consumed me. Murphy must have noticed my distraction—how could he not? Ever since we left Dylan’s office, I hadn’t been myself. Sensing my curiosity, he took it upon himself to explain a few things. "This company is Dylan’s personal business," Murphy revealed. "The Gaspers have multiple enterprises spread across the world." My lips parted in surprise. "And Thiago? Dylan’s brother?" "He runs his own company under the Gasper Empire," Murphy said casually, as if this was common knowledge. I listened, absorbing every word. I had always known the Gaspers were powerful, but this? This was on another level entirely. A troubling thought entered my mind. Did Rodrigo know? Did he know that Dylan was my employer? And if he did—why hadn’t he said a word? By the time work ended, I cou
DYLANConcentration was a lost cause. The only thing in my head—no, in my entire damn being—was her. My mate. Her scent filled the room, seeping into my skin, leaving me at her mercy. But I had a plan. A cruel one. I saw the flicker of hurt in her eyes when I ignored her. It took every ounce of self-control not to reach for her, not to give in to my Wolf’s restless growls demanding I claim what’s mine. “Boss, these are the latest tasks at hand. I received them two days ago,” Murphy spoke, placing a file on my desk. I flipped through the pages, scanning the details of the company’s ongoing projects. “When do you intend to get on with these?” “In a week, it should be completed.” My gaze drifted toward her—Kara. My precious lamb. She sat at the far end of the room, close to the door, as if she were trying to escape me. A foolish attempt. “When does Kara begin fieldwork?” Silence. Every eye in the room turned toward me. But the only one that mattered was hers. Our gaz
KARAWe kissed. Again. The moment I left his office, I bolted straight to the bathroom, my face burning as I stared at my reflection in the mirror. My fingers grazed over my swollen lips, the ghost of his touch still lingering there. Dylan keeps playing these games with me, and it’s driving me insane—especially since he’s freaking engaged. The way he looks at me, the intensity in his eyes… it’s magnetic. The connection we share is so powerful that words feel unnecessary. Our hearts move in sync, bound by something unseen, something I can't explain. Is it… a bond? The thought sends a shiver down my spine. I press my palms against the cold marble sink, trying to ground myself, but my mind spirals with too many unanswered questions. “What are you doing to me, Dylan?” I whisper, my voice barely audible. Shaking off the thoughts threatening to consume me, I pull myself together and head back to my desk. The moment I sit down, a fresh pile of work files greets me. “These a
DYLAN’S POVThe entire ride, I felt her curiosity. It wasn’t just a flicker—it stormed through the mate bond like a hurricane slamming into my chest. One of the twisted gifts of the bite—your mate’s emotions become yours. There’s no filter, no distance. And Kara? She was a whirlwind.Anxiety, hesitation, confusion. They rolled off her in violent waves, choking the air inside the car. I reached for her hand, silently grounding her. When the pack house finally came into view—tall, grey, and looming like a fortress against the cold skies—she turned to me, voice soft and unsure. “Dylan…”I met her gaze briefly, my hand tightening around the steering wheel before I spoke. “Relax, babe. You have to face them one way or another.”My tone was calm, collected—but the wild flicker of fear in her eyes told me my words had done nothing to soothe her. Her lip trembled slightly, and she looked away.“I don’t think I’m ready yet…” she whispered. Her voice cracked, and that was it. My wolf stirre
Kara’s POVFor a fleeting moment, I imagined it was all a dream. A sweet, sinful fantasy spun from my deepest desires. But then his fingers drew lazy circles across my skin, waking every nerve ending alive with want. His breath fanned over my shoulder, hot and possessive. And the ache between my thighs—the sweet, sore throb—was proof of what we now shared.“Good morning, baby,” his voice rumbled low, like warm velvet in the quiet room.My lips curled into a soft smile as I turned to face him, heart fluttering. His eyes were gentle this morning, glowing with something softer than lust.“How do you feel?”“I feel... different.” I snuggled closer into his warmth, breathing him in.He pressed a kiss to my hair, tugging me into his chest like he never wanted to let go. I didn't mind. I wanted to drown in him.“Last night,” he whispered, “was the best I’ve had in years.” His chuckle was deep, raw, unfiltered.My heart skipped, knowing he meant it. His gaze fell to my neck where his mark la
Dylan's POVThe night air was cool, but she burned against me.Kara sobbed in my arms, her face buried in my chest, and I held her like she was all that tethered me to the earth. Her tears soaked through my shirt, but I didn’t care—I’d let her cry for hours if that’s what she needed. She was safe now. And I’d make damn sure she stayed that way.Minutes passed. The silence was broken only by the steady hum of the city outside the window and the soft, broken breaths she released against my skin. Eventually, she pulled back just enough to look up at me, her lashes wet, her eyes glistening like the sea after a storm.God, those blue eyes could ruin me.We sank down onto the mattress together. She curled into my side, her body small and fragile in the massive bed. I pressed a lingering kiss to her forehead, the gesture more sacred than I expected it to be. My fingers ran gently through her hair as she found her breath.“How did you know?” she asked quietly, her voice hoarse.I explained it
Author’s POVThe moment Tiffany’s smug smirk faltered under the weight of Old Man Gasper’s fury, the entire hall seemed to hold its breath.“Guards, seize her and throw her into the old cells!” Gasper thundered, his voice reverberating off the high stone walls of the banquet hall. His hand shot out, fingers curled like claws as he pointed directly at Tiffany, eyes ablaze with barely restrained rage.Two guards moved immediately, their boots echoing across the marble floor as they seized her by the arms.“You can’t do this!” Tiffany shrieked, struggling against their grip, her once-perfect curls now wild around her flushed face. “I was doing the right thing! I showed them the truth about that bitch you’re parading around as Luna!”Her voice cut through the murmurs rising like smoke from the stunned crowd. But the fury in her words only fanned the flames of judgment, disgust, and whispered accusations now flooding the space.“Theon!” she cried out, thrashing. “Tell him! This is wrong!”
“We have gathered here today to witness history,” Old Man Gasper began, his deep voice ringing through the grand ceremonial hall like a war drum. “The Moon Goddess has proven once again why she is the deity of the wolves.”Silence fell like a veil over the vast, candlelit chamber. Not even a whisper dared interrupt the weight of the moment. The flickering flames cast golden shadows on the stone walls, and above us, the crescent window bathed the room in ethereal silver light.“Tonight,” Gasper continued, “we recognize the chosen one for my son, Dylan. Ladies and gentlemen, please rise and welcome my son and daughter to the stage.”A wave of thunderous applause surged through the room as Dylan reached for my hand. His touch was warm—firm—but it did little to calm the chaos twisting in my stomach. My heart pounded against my ribs like a trapped bird.We walked together up the velvet-draped steps, a thousand eyes glued to our every move. I lifted my chin, pretending calm, but my gaze wa
Two days had passed since that night on Dylan’s balcony—the night when my body had said yes while my soul screamed not yet. He hadn’t pressured me since, hadn’t even brought it up, but the silence between us buzzed with things unsaid. And I knew—I knew—I couldn’t run from the truth forever. I needed to tell him soon. Before it unraveled everything.“Kara, you need to tell him,” Kelly said, holding up a sleek satin gown against my frame. “Before it’s too late.”We were dress-shopping for the ceremony, but her eyes weren’t on the rack—they were locked on me, sharp with concern.“I know,” I murmured, fingers brushing over a velvet hemline. “I just... I’m scared. What if he looks at me differently? What if he doesn’t *want* me after he knows?”Kelly raised a perfectly arched brow. “Kara, denying a man who’s obviously head-over-heels obsessed with you? Dangerous move. Dylan’s patient—but not forever patient. Tell him now or risk losing him.”Her words struck deep. She was right. Every day
The scent hit me first. Cedarwood—warm and sharp—cutting through the artificial gloss of cologne and perfume that filled the hall. But it wasn’t just that. Beneath it, a thread of something raw and wild curled into my lungs. And then I saw him.He walked through the double doors like the room belonged to him, dressed in black-on-black—his collared shirt rolled up to his forearms, revealing the ink etched into his skin like it had been branded by fire and fury. Every step was precise, deliberate, as though he was stalking prey.Me.Conversations stalled. Heads turned. A ripple of tension spread across the room like a slow-moving storm. But I didn’t move. Couldn’t. My heart stammered against my ribs, caught between fear and the kind of desire that set bones on fire.In one breathless moment, he was in front of me.Dylan didn’t speak. Didn’t ask.He yanked me from my chair like I was his to claim—and kissed me.Right there. In front of the entire table. In front of the world.His mouth
Dylan guided me out into the garden, our footsteps crunching lightly over a stone path lined with dew-soaked grass. The early sun bathed the garden in a soft, golden hue, but the energy around him was anything but calm. His grip on my hand was firm, his aura simmering with restrained anger. I felt it pulsing off him, thick in the air.We stopped before an old, ivy-covered wooden door nestled between two arching hedges. Without a word, he pushed it open, gently tugging me inside. The scent of earth and jasmine wrapped around us like a welcome home.The moment I stepped in, my breath caught.“Dylan…” My voice was a hushed gasp. “This is… this is stunning.”A glass greenhouse stretched before me, bathed in natural light. Hanging planters overflowed with delicate vines, orchids danced along the corners, and rose bushes bloomed in neat rows along the stone path that wound through the center. Soft music, like wind chimes and rustling leaves, seemed to echo off the walls. “It belonged to m
Finally, the car slowed to a stop, the low hum of the engine fading into silence. We had arrived.Despite Dylan’s comforting presence beside me, my stomach coiled with nerves. The last time I stepped foot on this estate, it was for an engagement party—an event that had ended in humiliation and whispers. I guessed the wedding was officially off now.Dylan’s hand found mine, his grip firm and grounding. He didn’t say a word—he didn’t have to. We stepped out into the chilled evening, and the sight of the mansion came into view. A sprawling estate of stone and glass, its windows glowed with warm light, casting soft shadows across the manicured hedges and marble columns. The scent of roses and pine drifted through the crisp air, mixing with the faint aroma of wood smoke from the distant chimneys.Before we reached the grand oak doors, they opened for us. A young woman in a crisp black-and-white maid uniform stood there, her eyes lowered in respect.“Welcome, Alpha. Welcome, Luna.”Luna?