Valtor's study. Valtor sat at his desk, his fingers tapping lightly on the surface as he stared at the phone in front of him. The faint hum of the fire in the hearth was the only sound in the room until his phone buzzed. He picked it up, his voice sharp and curt. “Speak.” “Hello to you too, sunshine,” came Rylan Ashford’s teasing voice from the other end. Valtor sighed, already regretting answering. “Do you have something useful to say, or are you wasting my time again?” “Relax, boss,” Rylan chuckled. “You’ve been cooped up in that study of yours for too long. I bet you’ve even forgotten what daylight looks like.” Valtor's jaw tightened, and his voice dropped to a dangerous calm. “Get to the point, Rylan.” “Fine, fine,” Rylan replied, though the grin in his voice was unmistakable. “How’s the project in Dreadfall coming along? Or is that too classified for a lowly guy like me to know about?” “It’s progressing,” Valtor said shortly. “That’s all I get? Progressing? I tho
At night.Valtor found Gaia near the garden, where the moonlight shone through the garden gate, wrapping her in a soft, silver glow. Her dark, glossy hair fell in soft waves down her back, catching the light like a river of ink. Her skin looked smooth and pale under the moonlight, almost glowing. Her eyes, wide and expressive, seemed to hold a mix of sadness and strength, drawing him in despite himself. The curve of her face, the gentle slope of her nose, and the fullness of her lips all added to her quiet beauty. She looked fragile yet unshakable, like someone who had endured more than anyone should and refused to break.“You’re still awake,” he said finally, his voice cutting through the quiet.For a moment, Valtor couldn’t tear his gaze away. The way she stood there, so still yet so powerful, stirred something unfamiliar in him. He forced himself to look away, his jaw tightening. He couldn’t let himself feel this way—not now, not with her.Gaia turned at the sound, her wide eyes
Selene’s heels clicked furiously against the marble floors as she stormed through the corridors of the mansion. Her chest heaved with anger, her mind replaying the sight of Valtor and Gaia together. The intensity between them was undeniable, and it cut through her like a blade.How dare he? How dare she? The questions looped in her head, feeding the fire in her veins. She reached her private chambers and slammed the door behind her, the sound echoing through the mansion.But Selene wasn’t one to wallow. She was the Luna of the Silverhowl Pack—a title that demanded strength and cunning. If Gaia thought she could encroach on her territory, she was sorely mistaken.Selene crossed to her mirror, her reflection glaring back at her. With a deep breath, she began to formulate a plan. If Valtor wanted to test her patience, she would remind him why she was chosen to stand beside him. And if Gaia wanted to play games, Selene would make sure she knew the rules.Pulling out her phone, she dialed
The car hummed softly as it cruised down the bustling streets of the city. Gaia sat stiffly in the passenger seat, her hands clasped tightly in her lap. Her eyes darted to the window, drinking in the view outside.The sunlight streamed through the trees lining the sidewalks, casting playful shadows across the roads. People walked by, chatting, laughing, and living their lives without a care. Gaia’s chest tightened as she took it all in—the freedom, the noise, the color. It felt like an entirely different world from the one she’d known.“It’s beautiful out here,” Gaia murmured, almost to herself.Selene, seated beside her in the driver’s seat, arched an elegant brow. “What’s beautiful? The traffic? The noise?” She chuckled lightly, though her tone held no malice.“No,” Gaia replied softly, shaking her head. “The world. I haven’t been outside like this in years. It’s… overwhelming, but in a good way.”Selene cast her a sideways glance, her lips curving into a smile that didn’t quite rea
Gaia stood frozen, her pulse hammering in her ears as the security guard reached for her shopping bag. The other customers in the boutique stared, their whispers a sharp buzz that filled the air. Selene stood off to the side, her arms crossed, a faint smirk playing on her lips.“I didn’t take anything,” Gaia said quickly, her voice trembling.The guard gave her a professional but firm look. “It’s just a precaution, miss. We need to check everyone’s bags.”Selene stepped forward, her tone dripping with mock concern. “I’m sure there’s been a misunderstanding. Gaia wouldn’t do something like this. She’s… not that kind of person.”The way Selene emphasized her words made Gaia’s stomach churn. Was she defending her or subtly casting doubt?The guard nodded and began rifling through Gaia’s bag. Each second stretched unbearably long, and Gaia clenched her hands into fists at her sides. She couldn’t believe this was happening.When the guard finally straightened, holding up nothing but the cl
Gaia sat comfortably on the couch in the living room, sorting through an assortment of shopping bags, her fingers tracing over the elegant logos of high-end brands. Each item she pulled out seemed more extravagant than the last. Her lips curved into a subtle smile as she admired her haul.Across the room, Valtor leaned against the doorway, his arms crossed, his sharp eyes tracking every movement Gaia made. Despite his calm demeanor, an air of tension lingered between them.“You got quite a lot,” Valtor commented, his tone neutral.Gaia glanced up at him, her smile unwavering. “Well, it was a productive outing—eventually.”Before Valtor could respond, the sound of heels striking the floor cut through the silence. The front door slammed, and Selene stormed into the room, her face flushed with barely contained fury.“Productive?” Selene hissed, her voice dripping with sarcasm. Her gaze darted to the numerous shopping bags strewn across the couch. “Looks like you had a great time finishi
Selene’s flushed face tightened as she gritted her teeth. “What do you mean?” she asked sharply, her voice carrying an edge of defiance. Gaia sat back in her chair, her expression unbothered. “Oh, you heard me,” she replied evenly, her voice carrying a quiet confidence that only added to Selene’s rising fury. “I’m just asking why you put the wallet in my jacket.” Selene stood abruptly, the scrape of her chair against the floor piercing the tense silence. “That’s absurd! How dare you accuse me of something so ridiculous?” She turned to Valtor, her eyes pleading now. “You’re just going to sit there and let her throw baseless accusations at me?” Valtor rubbed his temples, a sigh escaping him as he glanced between the two women. “Selene, calm down. Let’s just talk this through without turning it into a shouting match.” His voice was steady but carried a sharp edge of frustration. Selene rounded on him, her voice rising. “You’re defending her? Again? Why are you always taking her si
Tokyo, Japan.A man sat in a sleek, leather chair, the Tokyo skyline stretching out before him, glowing with neon lights and deep shadows.He swirled the amber liquid in his glass, his gaze steady and unblinking as he leaned back. Bringing the phone closer to his lips, he exhaled a slow plume of smoke."Go on," he said, his tone sharp yet calm, slicing through the low hum of the city outside.The man's sharp chuckle echoed in the dimly lit office, his fanged smile glinting briefly against the glow of his cigar. He leaned forward, resting his elbows on the polished mahogany desk, the phone pressed to his ear.“Victor,” he began mockingly, his voice like silk laced with venom. “I would have expected more cunning from a man of your… position. But no, you’ve proven to be as desperate as the rest of them, clutching at straws to clean up your daughter’s messes.”The man on the other end sputtered, trying to defend himself, but the man cut him off with a low, humorless laugh.“Oh, don’t wast
"Wait! Please don't hurt me."Gaia’s voice rang out. She wasn’t sure why she said it. She wasn’t sure what she was trying to stop—Lucian from draining her or from something even worse.Lucian turned to her slowly, amusement flickering across his face. “Wait?” He chuckled, taking a step closer. “How pathetic.”Gaia swallowed hard, her pulse racing. She couldn’t move. Not because she was restrained, but because of the power emitting from him. It was suffocating.Lucian knelt in front of her, lifting her chin with a single cold finger. His touch sent ice down her spine. “Beg me,” he whispered, his red eyes gleaming with hostility. Before Gaia could react, a voice cut through the air, sharp and deadly.“Touch her again, and I’ll rip your spine out.”Lucian sighed dramatically. “And here comes the wolf.”Gaia was shoved to the floor as Lucian turned his full attention to Valtor.Valtor stood tall, his gaze locked onto Lucian with an expression colder than death itself. But something was
Selene’s hands tightened around her phone as she read her father's message again. “Gaia is about to meet her downfall right there at the party. And Valtor will not be able to protect her this time. Be careful.”What the fuck? Why didn't he tell her on time? She clenched her fists, breathing heavily. If something happened to Gaia, Valtor would lose it. He had already been overly protective, but if she was harmed, it wouldn’t just be a bloodbath—it would be war.Selene hesitated, fingers hovering over the screen. Should she warn him?No. If she told Valtor, he’d demand answers, and if he found out her father was involved… she couldn’t afford that risk.A deep breath. A forced calm. She slipped her phone into her purse and stepped out of the restroom.★ ★ ★Valtor was occupied, surrounded by high-ranking officials and influential figures, exchanging formal pleasantries.Though his face held a polite expression, his eyes constantly searched the room.Gaia stood a few feet away, feeling o
The ride to the party was tense. The air inside the carriage was thick with unspoken words, and the silence only made it worse.Gaia kept her hands folded in her lap, staring at the passing scenery through the small window. Selene, sitting beside her, wasn’t nearly as composed.She let out a sharp exhale. “This is ridiculous.”Valtor, sitting across from them, didn’t look up from where he rested his chin against his fist. “Then stop talking about it.”Selene scoffed. “So that’s it? You’re just going to ignore the fact that she wasn’t supposed to be invited?”Valtor didn’t react.Selene’s nails dug into her palm. “You told me this was a political gathering—a private event. You do realize she doesn’t belong here?”Gaia felt her jaw tighten, but she said nothing.Valtor’s eyes flicked toward Selene, his voice calm but firm. “Gaia is my guest. That’s all you need to know.”Selene let out a bitter laugh. “Right. Your guest. Just like she was your guest last night? The same night you called
Gaia stirred awake, her body sinking into the soft sheets, the warmth around her strangely familiar yet… absent. She blinked against the dim morning light, turning her head toward the empty space beside her. Valtor was gone.Her fingers instinctively brushed over where he had been, the sheets still slightly warm. The memory of last night rushed back—the intruder, the panic, Valtor holding her. She shivered.Did he cuddle her all through the night? She groaned, covering her face with her hands. Was she embarrassed? Maybe. Or maybe it was something else—something she didn’t want to admit.A sharp knock pulled her from her thoughts."Good morning, sleepyhead!"Gaia barely had time to react before Lyra burst in, balancing a tray of food in one hand and a folded dress in the other. Her eyes sparkled with mischief as she shut the door behind her."You look like you’ve seen a ghost," Lyra teased, setting the tray down beside Gaia. "Or had a very eventful night."Gaia rolled her eyes. "It wa
The door to Gaia’s room slammed open, and Valtor stepped in, his gaze immediately scanning the room. Behind him, a doctor followed, his medical kit clinking softly as he entered. Gaia sat up in bed, her fingers still tracing the scratch on her neck from the intruder’s violent grab. Her blood had dried, but the sting of it—of the situation—still felt fresh.“Gaia.” Valtor’s voice was soft, but his eyes were hard, as if fighting off something dark. He turned to the doctor, his tone authoritative. “Check her over. Now.”The doctor quickly set to work, though his eyes flicked nervously between Valtor and Gaia. “Of course, Alpha,” he said. His fingers gently pressed at Gaia’s neck, making her wince slightly at the tenderness. She could feel his nervous energy, like he was being watched by something bigger than just the Alpha.The moment was interrupted when Selene entered the room, her presence a heavy cloud hanging over them. She walked in without a word, eyes locked on Gaia with an inte
Gaia lay on her bed, staring at the ceiling. She turned onto her side, hugging her pillow as her mind replayed what had happened earlier with Valtor.The way he had stood so close, how the air between them had felt too heavy, how his lips had almost—She groaned, pressing her face into the pillow. Why am I even thinking about this?It wasn’t like she wanted him. He was someone else’s mate. Selene’s mate. The same Selene who had appeared just in time to remind them both of that.Gaia exhaled sharply and turned onto her back again.But still… the way he had looked at her. The way her body had reacted—“No,” she whispered to herself, shaking her head. “I’m not doing this.”She needed sleep. Desperately.Maybe in the morning, she would stop feeling this ridiculous pull toward a man who wasn’t hers.Eventually, exhaustion crept in, and her thoughts blurred into dreams.---She didn’t know what woke her.The air in the room felt… off.Gaia’s eyes fluttered open, her body still sluggish from
The air in the room was thick with tension, the lingering heat of their earlier passion replaced by something colder, sharper. Evelyn sat on the edge of the bed, a towel wrapped tightly around her chest, her damp hair clinging to her skin. She was still trying to process everything—the asylum burning to the ground, the case that had consumed her life now reduced to ashes. And John.John, who stood a few feet away, his shirt unbuttoned, the marks she’d left on his skin barely faded, but already he felt like a stranger."You knew how much this case meant to me, John," she said, her voice brittle. "And yet, here we are. The asylum is gone. Burnt to the ground. And you expect me to believe you had nothing to do with it?"John let out a short, humorless laugh, rubbing the back of his neck. "Jesus, Evelyn. You really think I had something to do with that?""You tell me," she shot back. "Because it’s awfully convenient, don’t you think? The moment I get close to the truth, it all goes up in
He guided her to the edge of the bed, positioning her on all fours, her ass presented for his taking. Evelyn's breath quickened as she felt the head of his cock pressing against her entrance."Please, sir," she whispered, her voice hoarse from the oral worship she'd just bestowed upon him.With one swift thrust, John impaled her, filling her completely. Evelyn gasped, her body adjusting to his size. He gripped her hips, his fingers digging into her flesh as he began to move, each stroke eliciting a moan from her."You like it rough, don't you, Detective?" he grunted, his voice strained with effort."Yes, sir," she managed, her words punctuated by his relentless pounding.John's dominance was absolute as he drove into her, his pace increasing with each thrust. Evelyn's hands clenched the bedsheets, her knuckles white as she struggled to maintain her composure. The sensation of being so thoroughly taken was overwhelming, and she wanted more."Harder, sir," she begged, her voice breaking
Valtor’s steps faltered as he turned, the sound of his name piercing the air."Valtor!"He stiffened, the familiar voice cutting through the tension in the room. His gaze shifted to Gaia, whose face had gone red, eyes wide with the unmistakable flush of embarrassment. She looked as if she wished the floor would swallow her whole.Without another word, Valtor stepped back, his hand instinctively pulling away from the wall where it had been pressing just moments ago.Gaia’s gaze followed him, her chest rising and falling quickly, a mix of frustration and discomfort flashing in her eyes. She didn’t say anything—no defiance, no words of protest—only a deep breath as she turned away, wrapping herself in silence.As she walked away, a sharp ache settled in her chest, leaving her to wonder why she felt that way about Valtor.★ ★ ★John stood tall and imposing, his broad shoulders filling the doorway of the dimly lit hotel room. The air was thick with anticipation as he locked eyes with Evely