I could barely make out the figure in the dim light, but I could tell it was a curvy woman with long hair swishing as she moved. A surge of curiosity gnawed at me, and I felt an overwhelming need to see who it was. My heart raced as I cautiously advanced toward Dalton’s office, making sure to stay in the shadows. The last thing I wanted was to be noticed, especially when I had no idea what was happening inside.The office door was slightly ajar, just enough to let me hear faint whispers. But the words were unintelligible, leaving me even more restless. My mind was already on edge, and the soft rustling of papers inside told me that Dalton was deep in work, focused on something important. I chewed anxiously on my lower lip, my thoughts spiraling. I should’ve just gone to my room, but instead, I couldn’t tear myself away. I was just about to make a move toward the door when the sound of the elevator doors opening froze me in my tracks. My heart skipped a beat as I quickly ducked behind
I froze in my tracks, my heart pounding wildly in my chest. I had thought Dalton hadn’t noticed me, but the deep, commanding sound of his voice shattered that illusion. Slowly, I turned around, locking eyes with him. His expression was stern, yet there was a flicker of curiosity in his gaze that made me feel like I was being scrutinized.My mind raced, scrambling for an excuse, for something, anything to say. But the words wouldn’t come. Panic surged within me, making my heart beat faster, as if it might leap out of my chest. “Come here,” Dalton’s voice sliced through the thick tension in the room. His command was simple, yet it carried an undeniable weight, and I could feel it in my bones. He was seated at his desk, still holding the marker, but his attention was already back on the file in front of him.I hesitated, but I couldn’t resist. With shaky steps, I reluctantly approached him. My eyes darted around the room, avoiding his gaze as I made my way to the chair opposite him. The
I couldn’t help but feel a surge of frustration as I sat in the quiet of the garden, my mind spiraling through conflicting thoughts. If someone had told me just a few weeks ago that I would willingly submit to Dalton, the Lycan King, I would have laughed in their face. Yet, here I was, struggling to control the heat pulsing through my body. My wolf had yet to fully awaken, leaving me in a state of uncertainty. The transformation process had begun, but it had been interrupted when my body collapsed, spiraling into a heat that Dalton had to mark me through.I had no idea why things had turned out this way. Dalton, a powerful and commanding figure, probably wanted a strong mate by his side—a werewolf who had fully transformed. Not a girl whose wolf remained dormant. I had made a choice, though, asking him to mark me, partly because I didn’t want to be labeled a failure. The pressure to succeed in the transformation had weighed heavily on me; if anyone knew I had tried and failed before
I couldn’t make out who it was, but I could clearly see the outline of a curvy figure and long hair swishing as she moved. A strange wave of curiosity tugged at me, urging me to get a better look. Without thinking, I slowly advanced towards his office, taking care to stay hidden in the shadows. The lights were off, which worked in my favor, allowing me to remain unseen. I peered around the edge of the dimly lit doorway, the blinds in his office only partially drawn. Through the slits, I could make out the faint glow of a desk lamp, and I could hear the rustling of fabric and the soft shuffle of papers. Dalton was busy with something important, and I wasn’t sure if I wanted to find out what it was. I bit my lower lip, the gnawing uncertainty making it hard to focus. I didn’t know what I was doing—whether I should turn around and leave, or press forward and risk being caught. The office door was slightly ajar, just enough for me to hear murmurs inside, though I couldn’t understand the
I woke up with a singular goal in mind: I needed to awaken my wolf. The events of the previous night had left me tangled in a mess of conflicting emotions, but they had also reminded me of what I truly wanted. My first transformation had been a disaster—an uncontrollable mess of emotions that led me straight into Dalton’s arms during my heat. I couldn’t afford to let that happen again. Not after everything.I’d been seen as weak and worthless for far too long, and now, with my wolf finally making its presence known, I couldn’t miss my chance to rewrite that narrative. I wasn’t going to let myself be a pawn in someone else’s game again, especially not Dalton’s. I had watched my mother love my father with all her heart, only for him to discard her for his fated mate. The moment he cast her aside was the moment I vowed that I would never let myself end up in that position. The thought of a mate was intoxicating, but I knew that once Dalton’s curse was lifted, he’d find his fated mate. An
I froze in my tracks, my heart pounding wildly in my chest. I had thought Dalton hadn’t noticed me, but the deep, commanding sound of his voice shattered that illusion. Slowly, I turned around, locking eyes with him. His expression was stern, but there was a flicker of curiosity in his gaze that made me feel as though he were scrutinizing every inch of me.My mind raced, scrambling for an excuse, for something—anything to say. But the words wouldn’t come. Panic surged within me, making my heart beat faster, as if it might leap out of my chest. I opened my mouth, but nothing came out. I felt trapped under his gaze, helpless and exposed."Come here." His voice sliced through the thick tension in the room, the simple command carrying an undeniable weight. I felt it in my bones, an unspoken authority that I couldn’t ignore. He was seated at his desk, still holding the marker, but his focus was already on the file in front of him, his attention unwavering.I hesitated, unsure of how to mov
I had always admired Elijah’s easygoing nature. He was so different from Dalton in so many ways. Where Dalton was power and intensity embodied, with his muscular build and his rugged, intimidating persona, Elijah was softer, almost disarming. He reminded me of the boy next door, someone you could trust without thinking twice. He wasn’t imposing in the slightest, but there was something in the way he spoke to me, made me laugh, and went out of his way to make me feel at ease that made me want to be around him more.I tried to ignore the constant ache in my chest as I focused on the present. I had come here to learn about myself—to understand my wolf, how to shift, how to control this power I was still coming to terms with. It was the most important thing right now. Everything else, it seemed, had to come second.As I looked up at Elijah, he gently wiped a bit of sauce off my lips. His fingers lingered on my skin longer than necessary, and a flush crept up my neck. I tried to ignore the
I tried my best to keep my emotions in check, standing beside Elijah. I could see the discomfort in his eyes, though he was trying to mask it. I wanted to do something, anything, to ease the tension that hung between him and Dalton, but it seemed like I was in way over my head."If you want, I can clear up the misunderstanding with King Dalton," I offered, my voice quiet but sincere. "It was I who kept you busy with my silly stuff." I wasn’t sure why I was offering, but the air between Elijah and Dalton was thick with discomfort, and it made me feel like I had to do something.Elijah shook his head, a soft but firm smile playing on his lips. "There’s no need for that, really. It’s okay. I know Cal thinks well of me, and he has the right to be angry with me."I hesitated, unsure if I should push further. "Are you sure?""Yeah, you're getting too worked up," he reassured me, his tone light. But there was a sadness in his eyes that I couldn't ignore. I wanted to help him, but all I could
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