Gillow ignored her shocked expression. The scent was unmistakable—someone had touched her intimately, and he needed to know who it was.“Who touched you?” he repeated, his voice low and forceful.“No one,” Arda whined, her voice trembling. “No one touched me.”Gillow’s eyes narrowed, his sharp gaze locking onto hers. “I can smell it,” he said, his tone dark and unrelenting. “It’s a distinct scent. Someone touched you—closely. Who was it?”Panic swelled in Arda’s chest. She didn’t want trouble, especially not the kind Gillow could bring if he decided to go after her professor. Her mind raced, trying to piece together an explanation that wouldn’t provoke him further.Maybe Gillow had picked up the professor’s scent because he wasn’t human. The others in his pack had the ability to sense things like this. But then she remembered—her professor had also sniffed her paper.Were human scents different from werewolves? She didn’t know.“Don’t make me ask you again.” Gillow’s voice cut through
Arda jolted awake, startled by the firm hand on her shoulder. Her eyes flew open to see Gillow beside her, dressed in pajamas, his tousled hair framing his sharp features. She blinked in confusion. She had gone to bed alone the night before—when had he returned? "What is it? You're having a bad dream?" he asked, his voice low but laced with concern. "No, I was just startled," she murmured, her heartbeat slowing. "Hmm. Anyway, it's morning," he said. Arda rubbed her eyes, still disoriented. She hadn’t realized she’d slept so long. Sunlight was streaming faintly through the curtains. "I didn’t see you come in," she said, her voice soft. "I know. You were sleeping like a baby," Gillow replied, his lips curling into a slight smile. "But it’s already 7:30, and you’re still sleeping. I couldn’t resist waking you up." Before she could protest, he was already helping her sit upright, his hands steady but firm. “I need to head out early today,” he continued, watching her closely, “but
For some unfathomable reason, Gillow's admission began to stir a deep, primal fear within Arda.The sensation grew as he traced a finger along her jawline, his touch deceptively light."Yeah, I am a monster," he murmured, his voice low and threatening. "I can easily kill threats around me—tear them apart, shred them to pieces. And that includes any male who dares to show interest in you or who you show interest in. They won’t just be in trouble. They’ll be dead." His words turned darker as his eyes held hers, unrelenting. "So, you better remember, Arda—your Alpha is a monster. If you let anyone touch you, I won’t just punish you. That won’t be enough. There will be hell."Arda's breath hitched, and her misty eyes shut tightly in terror. She couldn’t bear the weight of his threat any longer."Please, stop," she whispered, her voice trembling.But he didn’t stop. His tone grew colder, his words sharper."As for the unfortunate guy, I’ll take him apart—limb by limb.""Please," she whisper
Arda shut her eyes, resigned to her fate. The sharp points of Sue’s fangs pressed against her skin, their sting a chilling reminder of what was to come. Sue’s breaths, raw and animalistic, mingled with Arda’s trembling gasps. Any second now, the fangs would pierce through. Each passing moment dragged like eternity. The fangs pushed deeper, enough to cause discomfort, though not yet to draw blood. Sue was slow, hesitant, as if something—or someone—was holding her back. Arda heard a low growl. It wasn’t Sue. This sound was darker, commanding, and laced with undeniable authority. Her eyes flew open. She already knew who it was before she saw him. Gillow stood crouched low, his intense gaze locked onto Sue’s wild, predatory eyes. His teeth were bared in a snarl, his breaths coming in sharp pants. “Sue,” he growled, his voice a blend of control and challenge. “You’re stronger than this. Control your want—control your need. You’re in charge. Always.” Sue’s feral growls softened. Her g
Outside, the sun was lurking in the background as Arda rode beside Gillow in his car with Asher driving. They were seated in the back seat. She avoided Gillow by playing a game on her phone. He was mostly on the phone, speaking with someone in a foreign ancient-sounding language. When he was done, he looked at her. "Ignoring me now, are we?" She didn't respond. She continued playing her game. Without warning, he snatched her phone off her hands and focused ahead of him, ignoring her. "Give it back." She demanded, spreading out one palm before him. Laid back, his eyes met hers, fell on her held-out palm, and focused on the road. "I said give it back." She demanded. "And I want it now." He returned his gaze to hers. "Then ask politely." She folded her arms and stayed mute. He ignored her and silence in the car reigned until they reached the airport and Asher parked the car in the parking lot. She looked at him expectantly, opening her palm once more to receive the phone, but he
Karina lingered outside Ray’s office, her arms crossed as she waited for Arda. Inside, Arda faced Ray, who was seated behind his desk, his eyes cold and unwelcoming. “Good morning, sir,” she greeted, her voice steady despite his penetrating gaze. Ray didn’t bother with formalities. “Let’s dispense with the pleasantries, Arda. Since this isn’t our scheduled thesis meeting, I assume you have something important to tell me. So, get to it.” “The answer is no,” she said flatly. His eyebrows arched. “What?” “I said, the answer is no.” Ray rose from his seat and walked slowly toward her, his expression darkening with each step. “Is that your final answer?” he asked, his voice low and menacing. “Yes.” “Then prepare to fail—and lose your last scholarship payment.” Arda met his gaze, unflinching. “I know what you are,” she said suddenly. Ray froze, his composure faltering for the briefest moment. “What did you say?” “I know what you are,” she repeated, her tone firm. “And what exa
"I am in school, remember?" Arda told him. "I know. I'm just confirming." "Okay." "Call me as soon as you're home." "Okay." "Enjoy your day. And let me know if your professor gives you any issues." "He did not." "I see. Okay. That is a good one. I will call you soon." "Okay." The call ended, and she looked at Karina. "That was not so bad," she commented. "I guess he would have been suspicious if you didn't take the call," Karina replied. "Yeah." Back in the car, Arda began questioning herself about the escape plan. Doubts crept in, especially since it seemed like all the Alphas were against Gillow. The only potential ally Gillow had, and it wasn’t confirmed, was the Alpha of the East. As the car swerved out of the school gates, Arda turned to Karina and Chester. "Are you sure we’re doing the right thing?" "What are your fears?" Chester asked, prompting Arda to reveal the source of her doubts. "You have nothing to worry about," Chester reassured her. "I’ll say the same,
Following Karina’s haste, Arda was back inside the car where Chester sat waiting, tapping the steering wheel impatiently. “You guys took forever,” he muttered as they climbed in. He started the car but cast a glance their way. “And you both look like you’ve seen a ghost.” “Not a ghost,” Karina replied, her tone sharp. “A werewolf. Her professor, to be exact.” Chester’s head snapped toward her. “What? What pack is he from? And what happened?” Karina waved him off. “We’ll explain later. Please just get us out of here.” Chester frowned but said nothing, focusing on the road. The car sped down the winding path, sunlight filtering through the trees, casting eerie shadows across the dashboard. After a tense silence, he tried again. “Are you going to tell me now?” Arda exhaled, her voice tight. “Professor Ray has been asking me out. I refused. He didn’t take it well and started threatening my grades—and my scholarship.” Chester’s grip on the wheel tightened. “That’s messed up.” “It g
Arda’s breath hitched as Gillow’s countdown continued, his voice a dark promise of both pleasure and discipline."...three...four..."Her fingers twitched against the sheets, every muscle in her body screaming to move, to clutch onto him, to anchor herself against the storm he was unraveling inside her.At thesame time, she wanted to protect herself from his sight because she was shy and self conscious at that moment. But then he had threatened to punish her and she didn't want to test him.Arda let out a shaky breath, forcing herself to obey as she let her hands fall to her sides."Five." Said Gillow, his eyes narrowing at her. Her breath caught in her throat. "Too late." He said. "Turn over. I'm going to spank you for wasting time.""No, please." Her voice was soft. "I took my hands off." She caught a small smile on his face and knew he was now teasing her.Gillow’s approval was instant, a slow, satisfied smile curving his lips. “I know, Mate. I'm just playing with you. You're my go
When she relaxed around him, Gillow accepted her surrender. He celebrated it with a kiss of thanksgiving, his lips claiming hers gently. "That's it, mate." He murmured encouragingly, his voice coaxing, comforting, oddly commanding even in a sensual state. It further raised her new found desire to completely give in, to trust him without reservations. Arda’s breath came in shallow waves as Gillow’s lips moved against hers, slow and unhurried, as if he had all the time in the world to explore her. His hands, warm and firm, skimmed down her sides, memorizing every curve, every delicate tremor that ran through her body. His weight was a comforting presence above her, not trapping but anchoring her in a way that made her feel safe. She had never known touch like this—gentle, reverent, yet laced with a hunger that sent shivers cascading through her skin. “Relax, mate,” he whispered against her lips, his voice deep, coaxing again. “Let me show you what it means to be mine.” A par
Arda stiffened for a fleeting second, wary of his beast surfacing but then something shifted. The heat of his kiss, the firm yet unyielding way he held her, and the sheer intensity of his presence melted the last traces of resistance within her. Her wariness also disappeared. She believed he would always protect her. He had come dangerously close to feeding on her on different occasions but somehow, he controlled his urges. This foundation was her hope. A soft sigh escaped her lips as she gave in, pressing closer, her fingers gripping his shoulders for balance. She wasn’t sure when she had risen onto her toes, but now she leaned into him completely, matching his passion with a hunger of her own. Gillow’s grip tightened, his hands splaying across her back, pulling her flush against him. He had wanted this—her surrender, her willingness to accept him, not out of obligation but because she truly desired him. And now, feeling her melt into him, responding with just as much need, a d
Arda responded to Gillow’s kiss, hesitant at first but gaining confidence with each passing second. A strange warmth settled in her chest, pushing aside the remnants of her earlier encounter with Luke. It surprised her how easily she let go of that unpleasant moment, as though Gillow’s presence had rewritten the weight of her past. Her heartbeat quickened when their lips parted, and for a moment, they simply stared at each other. There was something unspoken between them—something neither of them dared to put into words just yet. Gillow exhaled, then cast a glance at their table. Their plates were empty, the conversation complete. "I think we're done here," he said, his voice carrying an undertone of finality. Arda nodded, not trusting herself to speak. He pushed his chair back and stood, extending his hand. "Shall we?" She slipped her hand into his, relishing the warmth of his palm. "Sure." He led her toward the exit, his touch light yet commanding. A gentle breeze swept
Meanwhile, in the corridor, Luke stepped in front of Arda, blocking her path."Come on, I waited for you for three years," he said, voice thick with frustration. "Surely, I deserve answers or at least ...one more try."Arda’s expression hardened. "What do you want from me, Luke? It’s over.""I know. But I think it's fair if all I want to see right now is if you’re really a witch."Her eyes flashed with disbelief. "Step aside, Luke. I have nothing to say to you anymore. My boyfriend is waiting for me. And I’m sure your girlfriend is waiting for you."His jaw clenched. "Who do you think you are, huh?" His voice rose, frustration giving way to something uglier. "I waited three years for you, and yeah, I might’ve made a mistake, but now you’re just parading around with that guy. What is it? Because he’s rich? Because he’s so gorgeous you can’t keep your legs closed?"Arda stiffened, nostrils flaring. "What?" she bit out. "I’ve had enough of your insults."Luke surged forward, closing the
For three years, he had waited for her, believed in her. Then, just like that, she had moved on—to this stranger who now kissed her like he had always owned her. But wait, he thought. Had she lied to him? Had she already been seeing this man behind his back? So all this while she had a secret boyfriend and was pretending? The thought made his blood boil. He had convinced himself that rejecting her was the right thing to do, that she was nothing but a witch, someone who looked innocent but in reality, was evil. But now, watching her like this, he wasn’t so sure. Maybe he made a mistake. Perhaps he shouldn't have rejected her like that. At least not in such an embarrassing manner. He must have made a huge mistake. Because she looked happy. Genuinely, effortlessly happy. And the man she was with didn’t just claim her—he cherished her. Luke couldn’t stand it. “Babe?” His girlfriend’s voice pulled him back to the present. He realized then that he had been staring at Arda for to
They were laughing—so lost in their own world that they hadn’t noticed her yet. Luke’s arm was slung casually around the girl’s shoulders, his grip possessive, his smile smug. They looked… happy. Completely at ease with each other.Something twisted inside Arda.It wasn’t jealousy.Not even regret.Just… the bitter aftertaste of a memory that had once stung like an open wound.And then it happened.Luke looked up.His laughter faltered.His eyes locked onto hers.For a fraction of a second, time seemed to stand still.The recognition in his gaze was swift, followed by something else—something unreadable. Surprise? Confusion? Annoyance?Then his gaze shifted.To Gillow.A new kind of tension rippled through the air, almost tangible.Luke’s expression hardened as he made the connection. He had seen Gillow before—on that very same day. The mysterious man who had stolen Arda’s attention the moment he’d walked into the restaurant.Now, that man was sitting across from her. Holding her hand
Chapter Title: A New PathArda caught a glimpse of her newly manicured nails and smiled. She liked the way they looked, but the sight also brought back a memory—Gillow’s earlier refusal to let her fix them in the first place.“Alpha,” she said quietly.“Yes, mate?”“About my nails… Did you tell Karina to discourage me from fixing them?”Gillow didn’t even pretend to feign ignorance. “Sure.”Of course, he wouldn’t deny it. That was just how Gillow was.“She mentioned you were entertaining the idea during one of her sessions, so I told her if you tried it, I would have her head.”Arda’s heart skipped a beat. “But it wouldn’t have been her fault if she couldn’t stop me.”“True. But I didn’t care.”“That was mean, Alpha.”He chuckled. “I know. But… with my understanding today, you have my permission to do it. No more than twice every quarter of the year.”“Is it negotiable, considering I have the right to—”“Let’s not talk about rights now, mate. Let’s enjoy the moment and visit rights la
As the car rolled to a stop in the park’s parking lot, Arda took in the lively fast-approaching evening scene outside. People were scattered across the grounds, some walking, others lounging on benches, while children ran about, their laughter mingling with the rustling of the evening breeze. The atmosphere was warm, inviting—yet for her, this place held memories she wasn’t sure she wanted to relive.She reached for the door handle, but before she could push it open, Gillow's hand gently stopped her.“Allow me,” he said smoothly, a teasing glint in his eyes. “I want to be the perfect gentleman tonight.”She couldn’t help but smile at his playful tone. With that, he stepped out, walking around to her side. True to his word, he opened the door for her and extended his hand. She took it, feeling the strength in his grip as he helped her out.As he shut the door behind her, she noticed Gillow’s men discreetly taking strategic positions throughout the park. It was subtle but unmistakable—h