I stood frozen, my heart sinking as I watched Cynthia cling to Dalton. Her hand held his with such familiarity, and every inch of their proximity seemed to burn with a painful intensity. It stung more than I cared to admit, the way her chest brushed against his and the way she gazed up at him with such clear expectation. My mind couldn’t help but imagine them together in ways I wasn’t ready to face—intimately involved. The memory of my coffee mishap earlier felt all too real in the wake of this moment.I tried to push those feelings down, tried to remind myself of who Dalton was—the Lycan King, still searching for his fated mate or chosen one. He was free to pursue whoever he wished, even if it crushed me to witness it.Finally, Dalton pulled his hand free from Cynthia’s grasp, his voice cool. “We will see, Cynthia. Now, I have a few more meetings to attend.”Cynthia pouted, though the expression quickly shifted into a bright, cheerful smile. “You work so much, Dalton. Don’t forget to
My heart raced, my nerves on edge as Dalton closed the door behind me. The soft click of the door shutting felt louder than it should, making me realize, in a rush, that it was just the two of us in the room.“Take a seat,” he said, his voice calm as he gestured to one of the chairs in the spacious office, walking toward his desk.I glanced around the room, trying to avoid his eyes for a moment. The space was massive, sleek, modern, and elegant, and I had no idea what I was doing here, especially alone with him. I spotted a notepad and a pen on the desk, and after a moment's hesitation, I asked, “May I?” He nodded slightly, giving me permission. I picked up the pen, clicking it open, needing something to occupy my hands. The nervous energy coursing through me was almost unbearable. I didn’t want to appear too fidgety, so I focused on the task at hand. “So, everybody tells me you don’t love parties or fun. What kind of event are you looking forward to, then?” I asked, hoping it would
I walked away from my office, frustration gnawing at me. The conversation with Olivia kept echoing in my mind, especially the way she’d looked at me when she claimed I could never love anyone. It was a simple statement, but something about it hit harder than expected. I’ve never been the type to care about what others think of me—especially not someone like her—but damn, her words kept lingering. Why did they affect me so much?I’ve been through enough rumors, whispers about me being the arrogant Lycan King who’s all command and no heart. They were right about one thing—I don’t let people close. I don’t need anyone. The curse hanging over me has kept me distant from everyone. Mates? I never understood them. Humans lived their lives without them—choosing partners based on preference, and if things didn’t work, they moved on. I wasn’t built for that. I never needed a mate. People only came near me because they wanted something—power, wealth, security.But Olivia... Olivia was different.
The days leading up to the ball passed in a haze of activity and confusion. I spent most of my time running around, overseeing the final preparations—arranging flowers, coordinating with the staff, making sure everything was just right. Maria had assigned a team of servants to assist me, but no matter how much help I had, my mind kept drifting back to the strange behavior of the Lycan King.Ever since that awkward conversation with Dalton, I noticed that he’d been avoiding me. The usually confident and commanding King seemed to retreat into his office, keeping to himself. I hardly saw him unless it was during the brief moments he emerged for a shower or when he needed to grab a bite to eat—if he ate at all. It felt… odd. I had hoped we could clear the air, but it was becoming increasingly difficult to even approach him. The tension that hung between us was suffocating.During meals, he was often absent, leaving me to sit at the table alone or with Maria, who was always busy with somet
I stood there, frozen, my heart racing as Drusilla's reaction caught me off guard. Her eyes widened in horror, and she screamed, swatting her hands around as if trying to fend off some unseen danger. I watched, still in shock, unsure of what to make of her frantic movements. I felt more self-conscious than I ever had in my life. The girl in the mirror... was that really me?"Drusilla, what did you do?" My voice came out thick, laced with confusion as I turned my gaze toward the reflection. I couldn’t process what I was seeing. I could barely recognize the person staring back at me.Drusilla rushed toward me, her hands landing on my shoulders, scanning me up and down as if trying to figure out what had gone wrong. "What? What did I do?" she asked, her voice full of frantic innocence.I was still struggling to believe what I was seeing, my throat tightening as I whispered, "That... that doesn’t look like me."Drusilla, clearly unfazed, slapped me lightly on the shoulder, a chuckle escap
I watched helplessly as Cynthia and her friends burst into laughter, the alcohol splashing across my face and ruining my makeup and hair. My skin stung as the liquid seeped into the fabric of my dress. My hands shook as I fought back tears, trying desperately to keep my composure. But they weren't done. They began pulling at my hair again, tugging at the delicate fabric of my dress like it was nothing more than a plaything."Just let me go!!" I cried out, my voice breaking as I struggled to free myself. But they only closed in on me tighter, their laughter ringing in my ears like a cruel melody. The music blared in the background, louder now, masking my voice.Cynthia's words pierced through the noise. "Remember what you are, you breeder. That day, when I saw you in the mansion, I should’ve known you were eyeing Dalton. Know this—he is mine. MINE!!" Her finger jabbed at my dress, and then she wiped her hand on a nearby shrub, as if I was something to be discarded."Ugh, don't touch he
I had been sitting in my office, surrounded by papers and files, my mind entirely focused on the task at hand. I had my decision made: I would bury myself in work, just as I always did. Olivia would not be the one to soften me. I had my duties, and nothing was going to change that.But no matter how much I tried to concentrate, my thoughts kept drifting to her. I’d tell myself that she didn’t matter, that she could go to the ball, find her mate, and move on. But my Lycan side had a different opinion.“Why are you avoiding her if she doesn't mean anything to you?”I rolled my eyes, trying to block it out. “Because I’m working. That requires focus.”The Lycan chuckled in my mind. “At least you admit she’s distracting you.”I gritted my teeth, frustration building. “Not helping,” I muttered, trying to shove the conversation aside. But even my own mind wouldn’t let me escape. I focused back on the files, trying to ignore the pull I felt every time I thought of Olivia.Then, the door to my
Dancing. I had never experienced anything like it before. The rhythm, the energy, the connection—I felt like I was floating, swept up in something I couldn’t quite control. Dancing had always been a solitary thing for me, something I did when I was alone, caught up in the feeling of joy or freedom. But here I was, on the dance floor, in the arms of Dalton, of all people. I could hardly believe it.His presence was magnetic, like nothing I had ever felt before. When he had asked me to dance, I couldn’t refuse. My heart raced, thudding in my chest like it might burst out of me. I had never been so nervous, but I couldn’t walk away. His hands on my waist, his eyes on mine—it was all too overwhelming.Dalton moved with such ease and grace, the kind of confidence that made me feel awkward in comparison. My steps were clumsy, and I stumbled once, stepping on his foot.“Sorry,” I mumbled, mortified.He chuckled softly, his voice low and smooth. “No need to apologize. You dance better when yo
The warmth of his lips vanished too soon, leaving my skin cold and aching in their absence. My heart hammered against my ribs, protesting the sudden loss. One second, I was lost in the heat of Dalton’s touch, melting under the pressure of his mouth. The next, he pulled away, his focus shifting elsewhere.I should have been used to his unpredictability by now. But stopping—in the middle of this—was a new level of frustrating.I had barely caught my breath when his hands seized my waist, lifting me effortlessly. A startled gasp left my lips as he pulled me up, settling me onto his lap with ease. My bare skin pressed against him, but he didn’t resume kissing me. He didn’t even move.I tried twisting to see what had caught his attention, but his palm came down lightly on my thigh—a silent order to stay put.A shiver ran down my spine. Obediently, I propped myself up on my elbows, my chest pressing against the damp ground, waiting.His thumb ghosted over the sensitive skin of my mark, send
For a split second, my heart stopped.Did he just say that?I felt my stomach twist, heat creeping up my neck. He knew.Of course, he did. He could smell it. My arousal.I had forgotten that was even a thing.But shouldn’t the water have masked it? Shouldn’t it have dulled the intensity?Panic clawed at my chest, urging me to run, to disappear into the shadows before I embarrassed myself even further. First, I had foolishly admitted my crush, and now my body was betraying me in the worst way.I swallowed hard, trying to ignore the way my thighs pressed together beneath the water. My dress clung to me, torn and ragged, the delicate sleeves hanging uselessly at my sides.I must look desperate. Hungry.Weak.I turned, intending to take a step back, to put some distance between us, but Dalton moved too fast.I froze.His presence was a force, surrounding me, owning the space between us. I dropped my gaze, unable to meet his piercing stare.“Zee.” His voice was softer than I expected, but
“I… I felt something,” I whispered, gripping Dalton’s wrist without realizing it. He let me, his body steady and unmoving as I nearly stumbled into his chest.His lips curved slightly. “That’s good. Close your eyes and try again. Focus on that feeling—let it guide you.”Encouraged by his words, I nodded and squeezed my eyes shut. My breath was slow and measured as I searched for that pull—the strange tug deep in my stomach, like an invisible thread connecting me to something unknown.But nothing happened.The sensation had vanished, leaving behind an empty void.Panic surged through me. My eyes flew open, desperation lacing my voice. “It’s gone. I can’t feel anything—I can’t—”A firm finger pressed against my lips, cutting off my anxious rambling.“Shh.” Dalton’s voice was calm, his touch light but commanding.A shudder ran down my spine. It wasn’t just his words; it was the way he looked at me, unwavering and composed, as if he truly believed I could do this.“It will come to you,” h
The ride to the lake felt agonizingly slow, stretched thin by the heavy silence between us. The small space of the car seemed to shrink, making it impossible to escape the tension that had taken root in the air.Dalton was focused on the road, his hands gripping the steering wheel so tightly that his knuckles turned pale. His sharp jaw was clenched, the veins in his throat subtly protruding as if he were restraining something—anger, frustration, or something else entirely.I fidgeted with my fingers, my mind still replaying my foolish confession from earlier. I had blurted out my fascination with him so thoughtlessly, without a drop of alcohol to blame for my lack of restraint. What had I been thinking?If he was merely toying with me, leading me to a dead end where my feelings would be left shattered and bleeding, I had nowhere else to turn.Would he do that?The question burned in my chest, but I forced myself to look away, my gaze drifting outside the car window. The night was deep
I had spent too long suppressing my emotions, tangled in my own confusion. But tonight, there was no running from the truth. No more pretending.The ache that had settled deep in my chest, gnawing at my very soul every time he wasn’t around, had become unbearable. I had tried to ignore it, push it aside, convince myself it was nothing. But the moment Dalton was near, my resolve shattered like fragile glass. The pull toward him was undeniable. My body craved his touch, my lips yearned for his kiss.And tonight, I would awaken my wolf. I could feel it in my bones, humming beneath my skin, restless and impatient.There was no one else I wanted by my side but him.Dalton had been my guide, my tormentor, my salvation—training me relentlessly, pushing me past my limits, never letting me give up even when I wanted to. He had never treated me as weak, never doubted my potential. And tonight, I wanted to thank him. In the most intimate way possible.I wanted his eyes on me, only me. Those gold
Oliver was going to be the death of me.Every time I tried to distance myself, something inside me rebelled. It wasn’t just my body—my heart ached for her in a way I couldn’t control.She was too pure, too naive, and too damn brave for her own good. The day I brought her home, I had only intended to make amends for my past sins, not entangle her in the darkness that surrounded me.But she stayed. Even when I was cold, even when I tried to shove her away, she never left. And I hated how much that relieved me.I could feel the weight of her gaze now, studying me, waiting—always waiting for something more. I should have ignored it. Should have walked away. Instead, words slipped past my lips before I could stop them.Oliver frowned. "What did you just say?"Damn it."Nothing," I exhaled sharply, dragging a hand through my hair.She took a step forward, unrelenting. "No, you said something. Tell me."I should lie. I should say anything to make her drop it. But the way she was looking at m
A few minutes ago, I had been happy. Genuinely happy.Today was supposed to be one of the most important days of my life. The day everything changed.For over a month, I had trained relentlessly. I had followed every order Dalton had given me, endured every grueling challenge, and pushed my body beyond its limits. All of it was for this night—the night of the full moon, the night my wolf would awaken.For the first time in my life, I had dared to dream.I had even dressed up for the occasion.Sure, I had worn elegant gowns before—at the ball, at that party with Harry—but this was different. This wasn’t about impressing others. This was about me. About reclaiming my worth.I had imagined walking among the alphas with my head held high. No longer an outcast, no longer a weakling—just a strong, capable woman worthy of respect.But reality had a cruel way of reminding me who I was.I hadn’t even planned to attend this meeting. My only intention was to pray—to offer a silent plea to the Mo
The grand doors creaked open, and the room fell into an eerie silence. Every conversation, every whispered discussion about rogue attacks and war strategies came to an abrupt halt. And it was because of her.Oliver stepped inside with slow, deliberate steps, her head held high even as her hands clenched at her sides. The confidence she tried to portray didn’t fully mask the nervous energy radiating from her, but that didn’t matter—not when she looked like that.My breath stalled in my throat as my gaze traced her figure from head to toe.The dark blue gown she wore clung to her body like a second skin, accentuating every curve in a way that had my jaw tightening. A slit ran up one side, stopping just high enough to tempt, to make my fingers twitch with the desire to reach out and feel the warmth of her skin beneath my touch.I had seen Oliver in all sorts of clothing—loose dresses, gym wear, simple pajamas. The only time she had worn something even remotely revealing was that night by
Dread settled in my bones, growing heavier with every breath. The thought of finally meeting my wolf—of standing before all those powerful Alphas—sent a wave of anxiety crashing through me.What if my wolf never awakened?What if I stood there, waiting, only to be met with silence?I wouldn’t be able to show my face after that. It would be the ultimate humiliation. The whispers would start, the judgmental stares would follow, and the realization that I was nothing—just a girl without a wolf—would suffocate me.I would rather lock myself in my room forever than endure that shame.Drusilla sat across from me, watching me with an unreadable expression. I could tell she was hesitating, weighing her words before speaking. That only made me more nervous.Finally, she sighed. “I just hope your wolf awakens soon.”My heart clenched at her words.“I do too,” I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper. “But that’s not all you wanted to say, is it? You’re hiding something.”Drusilla pressed her