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 POVI fixed my gaze on the large screen with intense scrutiny, a wave of disappointment churning in my stomach like a twisted vine. I scoffed, unable to conceal my disdain."Is something wrong, Sir?" Mr. David, my fashion director and the presenter to the board, inquired, his voice trembling slightly under my intense stare."Actually, yes, something is wrong," I responded, causing the room to fall silent, all eyes now focused on me, their faces expressing a blend of curiosity and fear."Is this really the grand end-of-the-month plan you've been going on about?" I questioned, my tone laced with disbelief."Yes, Sir," he answered, his assurance clearly faltering."Well, it doesn't seem so impressive; your—""But, Sir..."I slammed my palm on the table, the noise reverberating through the room, and I noticed everyone flinch, their eyes wide with surprise."Don’t you dare cut me off when I’m speaking!" I yelled, my anger boiling over."I apologize, Sir," he mumbled, his voice sha
Steven's POV"Steven, it's time. The pack has arrived," Liam announced, his voice a mix of urgency and excitement, peeking into my room."I'll come," I responded, attempting to conceal the mix of anticipation and anxiety swirling in my stomach.He nodded and departed, the door clicking closed behind him. I stood in front of the mirror, staring at the Oakwood Moon mark on my shoulder, feeling a mix of pride and pressure. This mark was not just a symbol; it was a reminder of my responsibilities, of who I was meant to be."It's time," I muttered, my voice barely above a whisper, as I took a deep breath to steady myself before leaving my room.As I stepped outside, the sight of the Oakwood Moon pack gathered below the mansion struck me like a wave of energy. The air was thick with their eager chatter, the excitement palpable. "Pay your respects to the Alpha of the Oakwood Moon pack!" Liam yelled, and they all bowed, a show of loyalty that warmed my heart. It felt good to know they looked
Steven's POV"Hey! Who are you?" I turned back to see a blonde girl staring at me from behind."Well, I'm a boy," I said, unsure of the right response to her question."I can see that. I mean, who are you? Tell me your identity," she said boldly."I don't know; I can't remember," I admitted sadly."You can't remember? How?" "I'm not sure. This morning, I found myself by the lake, and all I can recall is my mom instructing me to wait for her here, saying she would return to fetch me," I described."Are you still waiting for her?" she inquired, and I nodded.After a brief pause, she joined me and sat down."I'm Ashley," she introduced herself with a smile.""""""""""'''''''"There's no way I'll ever listen to that fanatic goddess's sayings!" I yelled, frustration boiling inside me."You have to, Steven. She is our Matchmaker; you cannot disobey our goddess," Liam insisted, trying to reason with me."But how? How am I not your destined mate when we are so obviously perfect for each othe
Steven's POV"Bunch of manipulative beings," I scoffed, shaking my head as I walked away from the gathering. The words felt heavy on my tongue, fueled by frustration and a sense of betrayal."Take me to the captured human," I instructed Liam, my voice steady despite the turmoil inside me. The grand mansion felt oppressive as I stepped inside, the air thick with secrets and shadows.He led me down a narrow corridor to a dimly lit room where the human was held captive. He was awake now, his eyes wide with confusion and defiance."What is your name?" I asked, trying to maintain a semblance of authority."Williams," he replied, his voice surprisingly calm."Do you realize where you are?""I don't know, but I do know you'll kill me eventually. So just do me a favor and get on with it." His resignation struck me like a blow, and I felt a surge of surprise."You don't seem afraid of dying, Williams," I said, kneeling beside him, my curiosity piqued."Before your men captured me, I was going
Ashley's POV“Who... what’s your name?” he asked, his voice low and authoritative.“My name is Ashley, Sir. Ashley Green,” I replied, my voice barely above a whisper. His piercing gaze felt like it was drilling into me.He stared at me for a few seconds, and I could feel my heart pounding in my chest.“Are you okay, Sir?” Debby asked, breaking the tension. He quickly released my gaze but not without a lingering intensity that sent chills down my spine.“Everyone leave,” he said coldly.The others began walking out, including Alice. I hesitated for a moment, unsure if I should stay, but his words echoed in my mind—everyone. I decided to step out too.“Not you,” he said, gripping my hand firmly.The door shut behind the others, and my stomach dropped. What have I done?“Sir… I… think there’s a mis… misunderstanding. I honestly didn’t mean to touch you. I… I was just concerned when… when I noticed you winced in pain. Please… please forgive me,” I stuttered, panic rising.He released my