Steven's POVLiam was driving me home from work, the car’s engine softly humming amid the stillness of the night. As the mansion emerged in the distance, I couldn't help but feel the weight of the day still clinging to me.“Did someone pass away?” I queried, shattering the silence as I stepped out of the car.“What? No way,” Liam responded, his tone distant.“You've been oddly quiet... almost somber,” I remarked, a smirk playing at the edge of my lips. “Not that I mind the silence. In fact, I find this version of you quite enjoyable.”He let out a dramatic sigh, lowering his head. “I realize I’ve been a nuisance, always chatting too much. I’ll just keep quiet from this point forward,” he said, turning to walk away.I shrugged and entered the mansion, the atmosphere still thick with tension. Today had drained me—endless meetings, endless expectations. My thoughts were racing, but I knew I had to face whatever awaited me inside.Upon entering my room, I discovered Luna lying in bed, her
Ashley's POVThe morning sunlight poured through the window, its gentle warmth coaxing me awake. I squinted, the brightness overwhelming at first, and gradually opened my eyes.It was eerily quiet—too quiet.I scanned the room and noticed I was alone in the enormous bed. Steven was absent.Turning my head toward the mirror, I spotted him, standing there, fixing his tie. His movements were meticulous as always, but there was an unmistakable tension in his stance that made me curious if something was amiss."Are you going to the office?" I inquired, propping myself up on the bed, still feeling drowsy.He glanced over his shoulder, a slight smirk playing on his lips. "Isn’t it clear?""Nothing is clear when it comes to you," I shot back, arching an eyebrow. "Who says you can't sport a suit while going to eliminate people? That's what you're best at, right?"He laughed softly, but the humor didn’t reach his eyes. "I’ll take that as a compliment," he said as he struggled with his tie."Let
Steven's POV"What did you say?" My tone was low and authoritative as I glared at my fashion design manager, challenging him to repeat his words."The designers—who were meant to create the lady’s clothing line—they all abruptly resigned," he stuttered, his voice shaking."Resigned?!" I scoffed, the laugh sharp, filled with disbelief and fury. "Are you kidding me? Do you grasp the significance of this? We’ve already informed the media about an incredible line in five days. FIVE DAYS! How could they quit now?" I shouted, my voice resounding in the room as his posture tightened in apprehension."They’re nothing more than failures," I dismissed, treating them like insignificant bugs beneath my heel.******Liam's POV"Hurry up!" I shouted, my voice resonating across the training grounds as the wolf warriors trained with their sticks."We’re facing an imminent attack. The demon wolf is still out there, hiding in the dark, and we don’t know when or how he’ll strike. We must be prepared. We
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
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 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
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
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—
Steven's POVI went back downstairs, my head filled with what happened tonight. My mind was clear, thinking as it pieced everything together. I knew Liam and my sisters were waiting for me, expecting answers from me, but at this moment, I myself was searching. The weight of leading weighed on my shoulders, yet I was calm.The moment I entered the room, they all turned to me, their faces filled with a mixture of expectations and unease. I didn't waste any time getting to the point. "So, how many of our wolves were killed?" My tone was detached and without inflection. None of them immediately responded. They were all just standing there, looking at me. Their continued silence irritated me.I glared at them. "I only asked you all one question." Sharper this time, my words left little to no room for further reluctance. Liam finally cleared his throat, shifting slightly as if trying to find the right catch-all words. "Oh, I'm so sorry… It was four. The demon wolf killed four of our wol
Freya's POV The tension in the room was thick enough to cut with a knife. Freja paced restlessly back and forth, her arms crossed tightly over her chest as she let out an exasperated sigh for what had to be the tenth time in the past few minutes. The frustration in her eyes was impossible to ignore."Where the hell is Steven?!" she snapped, her voice laced with barely contained anger. Each step she took on the wooden floor echoed throughout the room, adding to the growing tension.I had been leaning against the wall, my arms crossed as I turned towards Liam, who had been standing silent beside me. His face wasn't different from its usual impassive look, but somehow, his posture seemed to relay a tinge of guiltiness. My eyebrows furrowed as I turned toward him."Are you absolutely sure you told him that Maya escaped?" I asked, making sure my voice was firm, yet not blaming. This really wasn't a mistake Steven would make, and I needed to make sure this wasn't just some sort of misunder
Steven's POV I had gone straight to Cavin High, asking questions about one Gabriel Fred. I'd made sure no one knew why I was looking for him. I didn't need anyone to know my reason behind this visit-not yet.Being Steven Blackwood, the high-profiled CEO of Blackwood Enterprises, getting his home address from the school records was a bit too easy. A few connections, a few favors, and I had what I needed.Now, standing in front of an old, rotten apartment building, I couldn't help but feel a wave of disgust. Yet, it somewhat fitted that someone like him-someone who had hurt Ashley-would live in a place like this: the paint peeling off, the windows dirty, and with the scent of stale air seeping through the cracks into the wall. This is where he hides.I could feel the rage boiling in my chest. I hadn't come here for a casual conversation, after all. I kicked the door open with a force that made it slam into the wall with a loud bang. My heart pounded in my chest as I walked in, the ro
Mabel's POVI stood in the hallway, helpless, as he stormed out of the house, raging. His footsteps echoed down the street, and I couldn't help but wonder what he would do next. My stomach twisted anxiously. God only knew where his anger would take him now.With a deep sigh, I swung my eyes to Ashley's room while with every move that I made the feeling of pain inside my chest heightened.I swung open the door with so much tenderness. And then, when I saw her, my throat sucked at that view. The delicate body curled into a grieving, quivering bundle on the floor by her bed, as tears racked in unending quivers shook her whole being."Ashley?" I called softly, my quivering voice breaking. She raised her head slowly, and then I saw it-her swollen eyes, red and puffed up from all the crying. "How long are you going to cry, Ashley?" I sat next to her on the floor, not knowing what to say but needing to find just the right words to say to make her pain go away, to feel better."You're strong
Liam's POV"You're getting better, Williams," I said, extending my hand as I moved beside him into a crouch. The ground was damp from the dew, but I did not care; I tugged him to his feet with a firm grip, my eyes locked on his-he was trying, and it showed. "At this rate, you'll beat me in no time," I said with a grin, trying to lighten the mood.Williams chuckled softly, brushing off the bits of grass stuck to his clothes, though not looking quite confident. He gave me a small smile before his gaze turned distant. "Thanks, but I still have a lot to learn." He hesitated a moment, his voice quieter now, as he added, "Perhaps Alpha Steven still thinks I'm not good enough in duels."His words cut deeper, I think, than he realized. Steven had always been hard on his pack-most especially in training-but I did not want to admit just how much that must weigh on Williams. I shook my head; I didn't like the sound of that."Oh please," I said, trying to lighten it up with a light laugh. "If you
Ashley's POV"Let's go take a ride on the Devil's Spin!" I exclaimed, grasping Steven's arm and towing him across to the crazy ride at the edge of the amusement park."You said it was going to be the last, a horse ride!" Steven complained; his voice told of exasperation."Yeah, maybe I did," I replied with a wry smile. "But I am not an Alpha bound by keeping my promises. I'm but a fragile human, and this breaking of promises is pretty much my prerogative. And so, it would be Devil's Spin! "Steven sighed deep. "You really ought to thank the goddess that you're bonded to me."I turned to him, my face alight with playful curiosity. "What if I wasn't bonded to you? What would have happened then?"He smirked, an edge of seriousness under his teasing tone. "Let's just say it would've been a very different story-one that definitely wouldn't have ended in your favor."I tittered, "Then I really should thank the goddess I'm your mate! But first, let's conquer the Devil's Spin." And before he
Ashley's POV"Good job, Ashley. You did great, and I'm proud of you," he said, completely blindsiding me with his comment.I couldn't even take one step as he engulfed me in an embrace. Literally, I did not move. My brain would not seem to process what was going on-was this reality, was it seriously going on right this moment, Steven seriously hugging me, being proud of me, or another dream of perfection?The thrill that coursed through my veins fled quickly as he seemed to snap back into reality. He released me almost too fast, as if he realized he had crossed some invisible boundary."Um. they. they liked your design," he stammered, sounding awkward."Obviously," I replied with a small nod, trying to mask the nervous flutter in my chest.The silence between us stretched for a little more than it was supposed to, and for the most part, was awkward."I.I have some work to do," Steven stammered, turning to leave. But acting on instinct alone, I snatched his arm for him to stop."You're
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