Ashley’s POVThe cab finally pulled up in front of the fashion house, and I barely caught my breath before rushing inside. I was late, and the thought of Steven's reaction made my heart pound harder.A woman near the entrance spotted me instantly. “Are you Miss Ashley Green?”“Yes, that’s me,” I panted, trying to compose myself.She nodded. “You’re expected on the fourth floor.”I muttered a quick thank you and hurried to the elevator. My palms were clammy as I rode up, my heart racing with dread.When the doors opened, there he was: Steven, seated on a leather couch, looking calm but with a dangerous edge. Liam stood beside him. Steven glanced at his watch, raising a single eyebrow as he met my gaze.“Right on time,” he said flatly, his voice slicing through the air like a knife.I glared at him, almost daring him to say something more. But before he could, Liam’s soft voice broke the tension. “I hope you had no trouble finding the place?”“No, not really,” I replied, forcing a smile
Steven's POV"She's not my mate yet, so she’s not part of the family," I declared, my voice leaving no room for argument."But she will be soon," Freya replied, a knowing look in her eyes."By tomorrow night, she’ll be your mate, Steven. You need to start accepting that she's part of the family now," Freja added, her tone both gentle and unyielding.I watched them, Freya and Freja, laughing with Ashley. They were chatting, their joy echoing through the house. But instead of feeling at ease, a strange discomfort twisted inside me. Without another word, I turned and headed upstairs, hoping to escape the tension building in my chest."Where are you going, Steven?" Freja called out, but I didn’t respond.In my room, I sank onto the couch, staring blankly at the wall. This was really happening. Ashley was becoming part of my life. The weight of it all pressed down, tightening around me like a vice.Moments later, Liam knocked softly, then entered, closing the door behind him."You alright,
Ashley's POVFreja’s phone rang, the sharp sound slicing through the tension in the room. She glanced at the screen and answered quickly. "Was that Liam?" Bella asked, her voice tight with concern as Freja ended the call. Freja nodded, her face unreadable, her usual calm demeanor replaced by something darker."Steven’s furious with Liam," Freja said quietly, her voice tinged with unease. "He let us leave without permission. Now Liam’s probably out there somewhere, trying to find us, bring us back to the Mansion."Bella’s frustration was palpable. She huffed and shook her head. "We’re not children, Freja. We can go wherever we want. Why’s Liam so scared of Steven?"Freja sighed deeply, leaning back in her chair, her eyes distant as if seeing something far beyond the room. "Everyone’s scared of Steven. You don’t see it because he’s more relaxed around us, but trust me, Bella, it’s different when you’re not in his inner circle. Liam… Liam’s the only one who can stand up to him. The only
Ashley’s POVI lay in bed, wide awake, staring at the ceiling as the hours ticked by. My mind was a storm, churning with thoughts and fears. The wedding was set for tonight. And there was no escape.Marrying a man as ruthless as Steven felt like plunging into darkness. The kind of darkness you don’t come back from. I hadn’t told anyone—not even Mabel, my best friend. Keeping it all hidden felt like carrying a weight too heavy to bear.The door creaked open, and Mabel’s face appeared in the dim light. "Still awake?" she asked, slipping inside without waiting for an answer.I nodded, shifting to sit up. "Yeah... seems sleep doesn’t want to visit me tonight."She sighed, moving to sit beside me. “I get it. Tonight’s... a lot to handle, Ash.” Her voice softened. "I still don’t understand why you’re doing this. But I’m here. I trust you."Her words pierced through the fear, leaving a bittersweet ache. I wanted to tell her everything, but I couldn’t. Not now. Maybe not ever. “Thank you, M
Ashley’s POVI packed my things, neatly folding each item into the single luggage bag in front of me. Everything fit, of course. I was never one for shopping or luxuries. It was ironic, given what today would bring.A car horn outside jolted me from my thoughts. I glanced out the window and saw Liam waiting. My stomach twisted. This was really happening.“It’s time, Mabel,” I whispered, though my voice cracked. Mabel glanced over with worry. “Your supposed brother-in-law is here to pick you up?” she asked, her tone suspicious, as if she sensed something wasn’t right. I nodded slowly, avoiding her gaze.“Can’t I come with you, just for today? It’s your wedding, Ashley. I should be there with you.” Her eyes were pleading, but I couldn’t drag her into this.“I’m sorry, Mabel. Jayden’s family… they’re private people. You can’t come to the mansion with me.” The words felt hollow, almost rehearsed. Mabel sighed, her shoulders slumping.“Fine. But at least let me know where the wedding will
Ashley's POV“Is there any problem?” Steven asked, his intense gaze on me.“What? No, there’s no problem,” I replied quickly, hoping my voice didn’t betray my nervousness.We arrived at the venue, swarming with cameras and reporters. This was my reality now—being married to a powerful, sought-after CEO. I was still adjusting.“Ashley!” My friend Mabel rushed over, pulling me into a hug. “Girl, you look like you just went through a beauty transformation!” She beamed, and I couldn’t help but smile back.I introduced her to the twins before we all moved into the wedding hall. Hours passed in a blur until finally, Steven and I stood before everyone, reciting our vows. The ceremony ended, but I knew the real part was just beginning—the werewolf mating ceremony. We said our goodbyes, and soon enough, I was in the car heading back to the mansion with Steven. The silence between us was thick, but I didn’t mind. As long as he wasn’t being cruel, I could handle the quiet.The car stopped, but
Ashley's POV"Ashley!" I heard a distant scream, my body feeling weightless, as though I was falling into an abyss. Panic surged through me, my heart hammering against my chest. But then, strong arms caught me, and the world seemed to slow. "Are you okay?" Liam's voice was steady, calm in the chaos, but his grip around me was like iron. His warm hands cupped my face, and I could feel the heat of concern in his touch.The twins rushed up beside us, their faces etched with worry, their frantic movements adding to the confusion. They gently laid me on the couch, their eyes scanning me for any signs of injury."Ashley, can you hear me?" Freya’s voice pierced the haze, her hand waving in front of my face."I… I can hear you," I stammered, the fog lifting as my mind scrambled to piece together the shattered pieces of the night. The blood, the violence, Steven's chilling coldness—it was all too much.Freya's voice was a soft comfort, but it only reminded me of the horror I’d witnessed. "Tim
Ashley’s POV“You’re still not dressed.” His voice cut through the room like a blade, making me freeze mid-step. The way he stood, towering in the doorway with a piercing gaze, sent my heart into overdrive.“Yeah, ummm… I just… My…” I stammered, looking everywhere but at him, feeling the flush of heat creep up my face. What was I supposed to say? It’s not every day you see a man standing there, his body still damp, a single towel barely clinging to his hips.Steven’s gaze didn’t soften; if anything, it grew more intense. “The shower is over there,” he said, nodding toward the bathroom. His tone made it sound more like an order than a suggestion.“Wha—what… shower?”He tilted his head, clearly impatient. “Aren’t you going to take a bath?”I swallowed hard and nodded quickly, embarrassed by my flustered response. “Yes. Yes, I am.”He let out a faint sigh. “Then don’t keep me waiting. And try not to test my patience—I’m not in the mood for it today.”There was something so chilling in hi
Steven's POV"Oh, about Maya," Liam said, breaking the silence, "she's still being held in the cottage. So what do you plan on doing with her?"I glanced at him and smirked, my thoughts already set. "I’ll go to check up on her now. I’m sure she has been missing me so dearly," I said, already standing to take my leave. Liam accompanied me as we approached the location where Maya was being held.Maya's eyes widened with shock and rage as we entered the room. "You!!!" she yelled, her voice full with anger.I couldn’t help but smile. "Don't you ever change? Even now, you still have the energy to scream when you see me," I replied, my tone light and even humorous."I will surely pay you back for this," she screamed, her eyes filled with rage. "I'll get you back for everything you've done, Steven!""Do you really think I'm going to let you out of here alive?" I asked, my voice hardening. "You’ll be dead soon enough, Maya. I kept you alive for a reason, and that purpose is finished. I just w
Ashley's POV“Don’t look at me like that, don’t pity me!” he snapped, his voice rising as he stood up abruptly. “You’ve heard my story, now do your work and finish those designs. And they better be good.”He turned to walk away, but I reached out and grabbed his hand, my grip tight with concern. “I’m so sorry for everything you’ve been through,” I said softly, my heart heavy with sympathy. “I had no idea... you’ve endured so much, and—”“Don’t pity me!” he shouted, cutting me off, his anger flaring. “I don’t need your pity! I’m not that weakling anymore. I’m an Alpha now, ruthless, and you should be afraid of me, not pity me!”“I... I don’t fear you,” I whispered, my voice trembling with both certainty and sorrow. “You shouldn’t be feared, Steven. You should be understood. You’re not ruthless; you’re... you’re broken. Damaged.”“I am not damaged!” he shot back, his fists clenching at his sides as his eyes burned with defiance. “I’m stronger than you think. Stronger than you can ever i
Ashley’s POVI walked back into the room, my thoughts swirling with the chaos of the day. After a quick shower, I slipped into something comfortable—just a simple casual outfit. The soft fabric was calming against my skin, but my mind couldn’t quite relax. I sat down on the couch, trying to find focus, when Steven strode into the room.His expression was dark, frustration radiating from him like a storm ready to break."Did you get the phone?" I asked, already knowing the answer from the scowl on his face."No," he admitted, his tone sharp with annoyance. "They were too many of them, and they’re too fast."A laugh escaped me, and I couldn’t help the teasing edge in my voice. "So the mighty, ruthless Alpha lost to his two sisters and cousin brother?" I said, letting the mockery drip from every word."Just shut up and focus on your work," he snapped, clearly in no mood for my jokes."Oh, I’ve stopped working," I replied nonchalantly, leaning back on the couch as I crossed my arms.His e
Freja's POVFreya gave me a dubious glance as I placed the last plate on the table and took a step back to examine the setup. Her brows were slightly raised, and her lips curved into a playful smile."Ok, Freya, spill it. What's up with this look?" I asked with my arms folded.She cocked her head, her smile broadening into something that disturbed me. "I'm just... shocked, you know?""Shocked about what, exactly?""It's just that you're not the 'help-out-in-the-kitchen' sort.""You're more of the 'action and chaos' type," she joked, her voice full of laughter.I rolled my eyes, breathing sharply. "I just decided to help today." Can't a girl shake things up once in a while? Now stop staring at me like that—it's weird."Freya shrugged lightly, but her smile remained constant. "Alright, but I have to say, this is very... unlike you.""Enough already," I snapped. But her expression sparked curiosity in me. "Wait—why are you smiling like that? What are you hiding, Freya?"Her face faltered
Steven's POV"All done, happy now?!" I groaned, falling into the couch with a sigh of frustration."Not really," she responded nonchalantly, without even looking up. "I need water."I blinked incredulously. "What?!"She looked up and gave me an innocent shrug. "Well, it is your fault. You brought me food, but not drink, and the jug is empty."I leaned back and pinched the bridge of my nose. “So now it’s my fault? You’re blaming me while I’m solving your problems for you?"She smiled slyly. "Only because we made a deal. I save your company’s image, and you spare Maya’s life.""You seriously think I brought you food because of that deal?" I shot back. "Don’t flatter yourself. Maya sent assassins after you, and I hate her just as much as you do.""Then why don’t you want her dead?"Her face softened, and for a moment, she almost looked vulnerable. "It’s not that I don’t want her dead. I just don’t want you to be the one to kill her. I hate it when you kill people, Steven. It changes you—
Liam’s POVHer lips were soft, warm, and alluring. The way they fit against mine made my heart race so fast that it blocked out all other thoughts. I closed my eyes and savored the moment, allowing it to stay with me.But as swiftly as I slipped into the kiss, reality slammed me like a cold wave.I retreated abruptly, my voice hoarse and wobbly. "I... I'm sorry.""Liam..." she started, her tone unsure, but I couldn't let her finish.“I shouldn’t have done that. I don’t know what came over me,” I murmured, retreating before she could answer. I needed to get away, needed space to think. My chest felt heavy, remorse combining with the lingering warmth of her kiss. What was I thinking? How could I let my emotions get the best of me?*****Steven’s POVI awoke to an empty bed. Strange. Luna never gets up before me.I stretched and stood up, noticing her on the couch, laptop poised on her knees, eyes fixed on the screen."What are you doing?" I inquired, my voice hoarse from sleep.Without
Ashley’s POVThe dining room felt empty as I sat between Roy and Liam. A thick silence surrounded us, heavy and stifling. Freya’s anger loomed in the air like a relentless storm, and Steven—well, he was just being Steven, bearing the weight of his choices like a sturdy fortress.The sound of footsteps approaching broke my concentration. I looked up to see Freja, her expression resembling dark thunderclouds.“Where have you been all day?” I asked, trying to mask my curiosity.“I don’t want to discuss it,” she retorted, her voice cutting like a knife. Without further explanation, she marched upstairs, her fury trailing after her like a whirlwind.I exhaled. Freja’s rage, Freya’s sorrow, and Steven’s silence—it was all overwhelming. This family was the perfect image of disorder, a work of art in dysfunction. And here I was, somehow caught in the chaos.After finishing my dinner, I dragged myself upstairs to face the man at the centre of the storm. Steven was already in bed, lying there l
Ashley’s POV“I said apologize!” Steven's voice roared, his anger evident, his gaze filled with rage.Maya, her voice shaking, replied softly, “Never.”A chilling grin appeared on Steven’s lips. “I suppose you’re looking forward to your demise then.”“Brother, don’t,” Freya’s voice cracked, her desperation clear. “Please, don’t kill her because of me.”Steven shot her a quick glance before replying, his voice calm. “If that’s your concern, then just let it go. Even if she hadn’t harmed you, I was always planning to take her out in the end.”In one fluid motion, he thrust his hand deep into Maya’s chest. Blood bubbled in her throat, and a choked cry escaped her mouth. I felt my breath catch in my throat.“Stop!!!” I yelled, sprinting forward, but Steven didn’t flinch. His hand was still buried deep in Maya’s chest, like he was crushing her very soul.“Kill her,” I said, my voice trembling but resolute, “and I’ll kill myself too.”I grabbed the sharpest knife from the table, my hand sha
Ashley's POV Freya and I paced restlessly around the living room, my thoughts racing."Where is he?" Freya's voice trembled with concern, her eyes darting toward the door, her anxiety palpable in the air."He’ll be back soon, Freya," I said, trying to reassure her, though I wasn’t entirely sure myself. "Maybe he just went to the woods, working off some of his anger. You know, punching it out on a few trees."Before she could respond, the door suddenly slammed open, sending a chill through the room. Steven stepped inside, his presence dominating the space. His suit, once pristine, was now soaked with blood, and in his grip, he dragged Maya’s lifeless, mutilated body across the floor. The sight was horrific.My heart stopped.Maya’s body was barely hanging on, blood dripping from her wounds, and I felt my stomach churn with fear. But then, everything shifted in a flash, and before my eyes, Steven’s hands were buried in Maya’s chest. He pulled out her still-beating heart, the raw brutal