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
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
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
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
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
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