AVA POV I woke up with a throbbing headache, my vision blurry and struggling to adjust to the darkness. My body felt heavy, my mind sluggish, like I had been drugged. What the hell was going on? I let out a weak cough, trying to shake off the haze covering my thoughts. Then it hit me, hard and fast. The air reeked of something so vile it made my stomach turn. Raw blood. Rotting meat. I suddenly realized something that made me snap my eyes open. My senses sharpened, and my vision finally cleared. That smell wasn’t just bad, it was death itself. I suddenly panicked as I yanked at my arms, only to feel the painful bite of ropes digging into my skin. I was tied to a chair. My heart pounded in my ears as I twisted and pulled, but the rope wouldn’t budge. “What the hell is this?” I rasped, my voice shaking. “Where am I? Let me go!” An amused chuckle filled the room. “Oh… you are finally awake,” a deep voice murmured. I froze. The sound of a knife scraping against wood sen
AVA’S POV“You see, our tracker picked up her scent all the way here, even with all the rot and blood polluting the air,” a voice echoed down the stairs. A voice I knew.I stiffened.I could smell her. Hear her. Feel her.And I knew exactly what this meant, I was screwed. Not just the usual kind of trouble. No. This was the kind of trouble that swallowed you whole and spat out your bones.“I don’t usually let my clients back here," Enoch said. "Wouldn’t want the council sniffing around my little operation. But you, Madam Evelyn… you, I trust.”Yes…Evelyn..My senses hadn’t been wrong all along. My freaking stepmother was somehow here?How? Why?! This night had already been a horror show, but somehow, it had just taken the kind of turn that makes people wake up screaming.“I am not your client,” Evelyn said, her voice cutting through the filth in the air. “I don’t partake in the consumption of human flesh, and I certainly have no interest in whatever disgusting business you have runni
AVA'S POVWhat was that sound?What the hell was going on outside?Curiosity urged me to take a look, but fear held me back. I was frozen, unable to move.The whole situation was beyond terrifying. If I didn’t have even a little self-control, I probably would have pissed myself."You, go out there and stop whatever is causing trouble," the man beside me barked. At this point, I assumed he was their boss.The van door swung open, and they rushed out, ready to face whatever was waiting outside. But I knew, hell anyone with a brain knew that was a terrible idea.You don’t go up against a black wolf and expect to walk away alive."Please, just let me go. Let us get out of here before it—" I pleaded, but I barely got to complete my sentence. All I got in return was a harsh pull on my hair as the man growled."Shut up. Just shut the fuck up," he warned, shoving my head forward as he let go of my hair. I cried, curling into the corner of the vehicle, squeezing my eyes shut, and covering my e
AVA'S POV“There is nowhere for you to hide. I will hunt you to the ends of the earth,” Evelyn said, a cruel laugh slipping from her lips as she pointed at my stomach. “And that thing inside you? I will start by killing it first, just like you killed your sister’s baby.”Enoch stepped closer, his eyes carrying that same dangerous look I had noticed from the very first day but stupidly ignored. “Don’t worry,” he sneered. “The witches will know exactly what to do with that fetus of yours. And me? I am going to make a fortune selling you.”“Please, don’t touch my baby!” I screamed, struggling with the restraints, my voice filled with so much desperation. “Please! Don’t you dare lay a hand on me!”They didn’t answer. They just laughed. A cold wicked sound that made me feel nothing but fear. They were enjoying this.They are evil. Every last one of them.Evil.“I didn’t kill Betty’s child! I didn’t kill it!” I cried out loud and suddenly…My eyes flew open, almost getting blinded by the br
AVA'S POVHis lips twitched, like he was holding back a smirk. "Hmm."He sat up straighter, his full attention on me now. "Alright, I am listening. What is your condition?"I took a deep breath, my eyes drifting to the window for a moment before snapping back to him. "Our marriage..." I started, hesitating. Did I really want to say this out loud?Iris leaned in slightly, his eyes on mine. "What about it?"His focus made me nervous, but I forced myself to push through. I took another deep breath, bracing myself."It has to stay a secret," I said finally. "No public announcements, no grand ceremonies, and absolutely no putting me in the spotlight."He just stared at me. No reaction, no words, just pure, intense eye contact. And honestly? It was getting harder to hold his gaze. I shifted slightly, tapping the pillow impatiently as I waited for his response. He nodded slowly, then tilted his head in a lazy circle like he was rolling the idea around in his mind. For a second, it looked
AVA POVOh, hell no.I shifted in his arms, glaring at the bed like it was some kind of trap. "Nope. Put me on the couch. I am fine there."Lycan Iris was carrying me to the bed. I couldn’t allow that, Absolutely not! That was dangerous territory. It wasn’t just a piece of furniture, it was a statement.Imagine sleeping on the same bed with Lycan Iris, that was a whole new level of intimacy that I was not ready and I will never be ready for. I might be injured, but I wasn’t stupid.He smirked. The kind of smirk that should be illegal. "Oh? You are giving me orders now?" His voice was deep, smooth and even dangerous. "Alright. I won’t drop you on the bed on one condition."I frowned, crossing my arms over my chest. "What condition?""Close your eyes, and I will drop you on the couch. Keep them open, and you stay in my arms." His voice dropped low as he said in a seductive voice “or in my bed..” He suddenly stopped walking, holding me effortlessly like I weighed nothing.Oh.I blinked u
AVA’S POV Memories of that night, the beautiful night that led to this pregnancy flashed through my mind like neon lights.I remembered his hands, his mouth, the way he owned every inch of my body like he had all the time in the world to memorize it. He had kissed places I didn’t even know needed attention, touched me with a level of care that had me melting under him. And his tongue? God. The way it moved over my skin, setting me on fire, making me beg for more…Shit.Why was I thinking about this now?I clenched my thighs together, my body already reacting to the vivid memories, and I had to physically shake my head to clear them before I did something wildly inappropriate; like moaning out loud and completely humiliating myself.I forced myself to break eye contact, clearing my throat, and that seemed to snap both of us out of whatever spell we had just been under. His hand, which had been resting a little too long on my leg, pulled away instantly."You will be fine," he murmured,
AVA'S POV “What the hell? Did you just push me?" I snapped, as I got back on my feet. My hands were still clenched around my phone, because if I dropped it and cracked the screen on top of all this, I might actually lose my mind.The blonde woman in front of me scoffed, looking at me like I was some insect she accidentally stepped on. "Maybe if you had watched where you were going, this wouldn't have happened," she said with so much attitude.Then, for dramatic effect, she looked down at her dress that was stained with ice cream, like she really examined it before smashing the half-melted ice cream in her hand on the floor like a toddler throwing a tantrum. "Do you even know how much this dress costs?" she demanded.I blinked. Was that rhetorical? Was I supposed to guess?I glanced at the dress. Yeah, it looked expensive. But so what? Accidents happen.Even with her being so pissed and speaking rudely I couldn’t help but admire how stunning she was. Tall, blonde, legs that probably w
Ava's POV:The ride to the pack was filled with nerves for me. I didn't exactly have an expectation for the reception I was going to get there.Just as I folded my hands in my lap, Iris intertwined our fingers.“You are too tense for someone who looks this beautiful," Iris said to me and I turned to look in his direction. My cheeks heated up at his compliment, and the feeling of my hand in his was something else."Thank you, but I can't help it. The last time I was here they were deciding my execution for a crime I didn't commit. I don't know what to expect now that we are returning as a couple," I said to Iris who nodded his head.“Fair enough, but you can't allow your nerves to get the best of you tonight. Remember to have fun while at it; I plan to,” Iris said to me, and I nodded my head. He suddenly leaned in."Do you recall that woman we saw on the sidewalk of the mall on our way out?" Iris asked me and I took a moment to think about it before nodding my head.“What do you think
Ava's POV:I walked out of the dressing room feeling unsure about the outfit that Iris had picked for me to use tonight. It was still eleven in the morning but here we were playing dress up.Well, I was the one wearing different outfits and Iris was giving each a rating.“I don't know, this seems too much. I know we need to make a statement but this is downright shameless," I said to Iris as I stared at my reflection in the mirror. The emerald green gown matched my green eyes. We were yet to go for makeup which I believe was absolutely unnecessary. Why was I bothering to look good for that bastard, Rob?Iris, on the other hand, rose to his feet and approached me. My breath suddenly got stuck in my throat as he once again stepped into my space.I was immediately assaulted by his scent.“Hmm, I believe this is just perfect for what I had in mind for tonight," Iris said as he walked around me, the way his eyes moved over my skin made me pant.“It has the right touch of everything to mak
Evelyn's pov:With my heart beating loudly in my chest, I opened the door and nearly fainted when I saw that it was Alpha Rob that was standing there.How much did he hear from our conversation?!“Good evening, Alpha, we weren't expecting you. Betty is having her bath, should I call her?" I said to him, my mind running rampant with various thoughts. When his eyes glued to my direction, I gulped.“There is no need for that. We are having dinner guests tomorrow, and I thought to inform you about it now so that I won't forget,” Alpha Rob said to me, and I braced myself against the door as relief made me weak in the knees."Thank you, Alpha. Might I ask who we will be dining with tomorrow?” I asked him. "My brother,” was all he said before he turned around and left. The relief that I felt earlier was obviously short-lived because my mind ran through different scenarios.Did Lycan Iris find out that I was the one who sent Enoch after Ava? Was this a form of revenge?What the hell was I go
Ava's POV:The garden was like a scene out of a sci-fi movie. Everything was so beautifully arranged that it didn't feel real.“These are beautiful! Can I touch them? I know some plants are deceptively beautiful but will make you drop the second you touch them,” I said to Iris as I looked around at the beautiful garden. This place felt unreal."Go ahead, I'll keep you away from the toxic ones. I need you alive for the wedding,” Iris said to me and I turned to glare at him. "Whatever,” I said under my breath before continuing to peruse the view.The encounter earlier was leaving me with a warm feeling on the inside.“Keep your head on straight, don't lose your head to another man who hasn't proven his worth, even if he's richer than my former pack combined,” I said to myself in my head. Soon I was enveloped by the warmth of Iris. He was hugging me from behind.“Watch yourself, I still need my bride alive," Iris whispered in my ear. The sound of his voice at such a close proximity sen
Lycan Iris’s POV:I watched Ava as she slept in my arms on our ride home. My beast was raging for blood but our mate didn't share the same sentiment.First off, she lied about the doctor's assessment and the doctor collided with her. Then she tries to cover up the antics at the workplace.It seems an audit was in order.“Sir, we have arrived,” my driver said in a low tone, mindful of my sleeping mate. I looked at her face which betrayed her exhaustion earlier and nodded at my driver.“Keep driving," I said to him, At about the third trip Ava stirred in my arms."Oh! I must have dozed off. Where are we?” Ava asked me as she looked through the tinted windows. This was an area of the estate that she was yet to visit.“We are somewhere on the property. Do you want to see?" I asked her, and she gave me an adorable look before nodding her head.The driver packed the car almost immediately and I got out of the car with Ava still in my hand. She was red in the face.“Please put me down. This
Ava’s POV:“Sir!" Alice stuttered out but I was too embarrassed to say anything. The way Iris was looking was truly terrifying.The quick clack of heels could be heard from behind me and then Miss Laurent was standing between me and Iris but his eyes were trained on me. I had to look away and swipe out the tears running down my cheeks.“Good afternoon sir, I didn't know you were coming around our department today. Please sir, let's step into my office," Miss Laurent said to Iris, but I could still feel his gaze on me.I looked to the floor in utter humiliation. I wanted the ground to open and swallow me whole. That is until a pair of shoes appeared in my line of vision.Slowly I raised my head and came face to face with Iris. He didn't look amused, well, he looked mad.“I'm going to ask you again, what the hell is going on? What happened?" Iris asked me, his voice was a tad bit gentler than when he first asked the question. I didn't know how to tell him it was nothing without betraying
Ava's Pov I closed my eyes in absolute surrender. If this is death, so be it.Just when I thought death was about to accompany me out of my body, the car screeched to a stop. My heart pounded in my ears as I heard the car door flew open. I immediately opened my eyes, and a popular catchphrase from the series of game of thrones came to my mind. 'What do we say to the God of death? Not today,' was Arya stark's response. I couldn't see the figure that came out of the vehicle, the bright headlights still obstructed my sight.But as the person got closer to me, I knew the identity of the person, it was Iris. "Ava?" he said as he rushed over, his brow furrowed with concern. He helped me to my feet, but I was still shaking from the near death encounter."Why where you on the road, Ava?" he asked, "You fainted?"I shook my head, "No, I was pushed.""By whom?" he asked, the tone of his voice louder now."No idea, didn't see the person.""Wait here, let me check around,” he said and made a
Ava's Pov I stepped out of Cassie's office, the door closing behind me like a hammer on a nail. The restroom was the next place on my mind, a place to hide from this cruelty. I went straight to the restroom, locked the door behind me, the click echoing through the restroom. My forehead rested against the cool wood, and the tears I'd held back began to pour out from my eyes."Why me?" I whispered, the words barely audible. My mind replayed the painful experiences I have had in the past: my father's abusive behavior, his constant assault on my mother when I was little, my stepmother's evil heart, my step sister's wickedness, both of which are bent on seeing me dead, my husband's cheating lifestyle.And now, strangers who didn't even know me seemed determined to destroy me. The weight of it all crushed me, leaving me breathless.What have I done to deserve all this? I muttered as the tears ran down my cheeks.Perhaps commiting suicide would make all this problems go away? I puzzled. I
AVA'S POVI gulped, forcing a polite smile. "Yes, Miss Laurent. I am Ava, your new P.A.” My gaze stayed glued to her desk, too nervous to meet her eyes.But I could still see her from the corner of my eye; she leaned back in her chair, one perfectly manicured hand resting under her chin as she sized me up like I was some charity case that had wandered into her office by mistake.She was young, stunning, and covered in designer clothing that probably cost more than more than I will earn in the next six months. Everything about her screamed power and money, the kind that didn’t just come from a fat bank account but from knowing you could make or break people with a single sentence.She tilted her head slightly, her brows knitting together. "You look familiar… have we met before?"My heart nearly stopped.Oh, crap. She remembers.I forced a small, polite shake of my head. "I don’t think so, ma’am. I don’t recall ever seeing you before."Lie. A big, fat lie.Because I did remember her. Ve