"I'm sorry," Phoebe apologized, realizing she hadn't meant to say that, but it was the truth."Why are you apologizing?""I…" Phoebe found herself at a loss for words."Phoebe, relax. I'm not a wolf who's going to eat you."She froze for a second, surprised by his comment. But, well, he was a wolf."Open your mouth and eat this bowl of food." His commanding tone was authoritative but oddly comforting to Phoebe.She felt conflicted. She hadn't eaten much for several days, and her stomach had shrunk. Just finishing one bowl had left her feeling stuffed, and this was already the third bowl he'd served her. She couldn't eat anymore, or her stomach might burst.As she saw him prepare to feed her again, Phoebe looked at him weakly and said, "I'm full. I really can't eat any more."She was afraid he'd be angry. After all, he meant well, and here she was, refusing him.Alexander paused, realizing that in his enthusiasm, he'd forgotten she was still a patient. How could she eat so much at once
The next day.Phoebe closed her eyes, relishing the warmth as she nestled back into Alexander's arms.He hadn't left her side all night.A sudden pang of sadness welled up inside her. She had no idea what he would be like toward her after this. But right now, she just wanted to enjoy the comfort of his embrace.Unconsciously, she snuggled closer to his chest, craving to be nearer. The subtle scent of his skin filled her senses, intoxicating her. It was so alluring, she couldn't help but feel like she was falling under its spell.In his sleep, Alexander seemed to sense her movements, his arms tightening around her. After a while, his body grew restless. The soft, tickling sensation against his chest made him snap his eyes open.Damn it, Phoebe. Teasing him so early in the morning.He glanced down, a smile tugging at his lips.She was still asleep, but like a little kitten, she was nuzzling his chest as if trying to win her master's affection. The way she gently rubbed against him, almo
Alexander walked into the villa, the living room engulfed in darkness, and he reached out to turn on the lights.He had planned to visit Phoebe at the hospital, but today was Melissa's birthday, and he figured he could celebrate with her first and head to the hospital afterward.Suddenly, slender fingers covered his eyes from behind. "Don't open them," Melissa whispered, standing on her tiptoes."Melissa," Alexander said fondly. Who else could it be? It was her, of course."Don't open your eyes yet," Melissa's sweet voice teased him by his ear."Why so mysterious?" Alexander asked with a smile."I have a surprise for you," Melissa let go of him and smiled brightly. "Do you like it?"Alexander chuckled. "Did you do all this?" She certainly knew how to be romantic.Of course, she hadn't done it herself. She had hired help to arrange everything, but she didn't respond to his question."Do you like it?" she asked again."It's your birthday today, I should be the one preparing things," Ale
Alexander felt something wrapping around him from behind.He squinted his eyes, his gaze sharp and piercing. Reaching out, he grabbed and yanked whatever it was toward him to see who it was."Melissa? Why is it you?" Alexander frowned. No wonder he had sensed something familiar; he almost threw her to the ground just now."Alex," Melissa fell into his arms, her voice sweet and sticky.The cold shower had already washed away half of the heat in his body, but now it was quickly reigniting."Hurry and go back to bed," Alexander said, sensing something was off. His hand brushed against her skin. Quickly, he reached over and turned on the bedside lamp.The room lit up, and what he saw made his eyes narrow.Melissa's hair cascaded over her shoulders, her eyes full of seductive intent as she looked at him. Her lingerie—if it could even be called that—was barely there, a sheer red fabric that left little to the imagination.Damn it. Did she even know what she was doing?"Alex," Melissa purred
In the hospital, Phoebe lay dejectedly on the bed. It was late, and he still hadn't come.She took a deep breath, feeling a pang of self-contempt. Despite his treatment of her, she found herself inexplicably in love with him.Was it love?No—she didn't even know what love truly was.Was it simply liking him? It must be, since he always made her heart ache.Was it because of his looks? She wasn't the kind of girl to judge based on appearances.So what was it? After thinking for a long time, she couldn't come to an answer. He treated her so cruelly that she should hate him, yet she found it impossible to do so.For over a decade, her love life had been empty; she had never truly liked any boy. Some had pursued her before, but she had always felt repulsed.In college, juggling studies and work left her with no time to consider relationships. In the realm of emotions, she felt like a blank slate, and he had stumbled into her life, catching her completely off guard.He occupied her mind an
Early in the morning at the hospital."Get off me..." Phoebe mumbled, realizing he had been on top of her since waking up.They were both naked, skin against skin, making her heart race. And this was the hospital—she feared someone might walk in at any moment."Phoebe, why were you rejecting me last night? Did I scare you?"She didn't answer, turning her head away from him. She closed her eyes, her long lashes glistening with tears. He hadn't forced her, yet she felt an inexplicable fear. She could no longer accept him.Alexander felt a pang of sympathy. He gently cupped her face and kissed away her tears. If he had caused her lasting shadows, he would work to erase the darkness in her heart.Unable to resist, he pulled her into his arms, holding her tightly without saying a word, offering her a comforting embrace.Perhaps Phoebe's earlier screams had attracted the attention of a nurse.Knock, knock, knock—"Miss, are you alright?" The nurse's concerned voice came from outside the doo
As they left the hospital, Alexander looked at Phoebe, his face pale."Why didn't you fight back? Didn't you hear what she said to you?" Why did she look so defeated, accepting mistreatment without a word?"..."Seriously? Wasn't it his fault too? The nurse's words were harsh, but she felt she had no reason to respond. She just had to endure."From now on, if anyone dares to say anything to you, I'll deal with them.." He wouldn't let anything slide.Phoebe rolled her eyes; he seemed a bit immature.Both were hungry, especially Alexander, who had been up all night. They decided to eat at the nearest upscale hotel, marking Alexander's first time taking Phoebe out to eat.Walking into the hotel in her hospital gown attracted some odd looks, but Alexander didn't seem embarrassed at all. He held her hand tightly, offering warmth, which made Phoebe feel a little touched.Since breakfast had already passed, they went straight for lunch, even though it was only eleven.After lunch, Alexander
In the upscale club, a man slapped Melissa's rear forcefully."...Don't touch me!" Melissa glared at him angrily, wanting nothing more than to go home."Already turning on me? You were just fine a moment ago," the man smirked, unconcerned about her expression."Just take me back."It was already afternoon; what was supposed to end by eleven had dragged on, and she had lost track of time, caught up in his demands.Alex must be looking for her. If she didn't return soon, he would start to worry. She could already imagine him searching anxiously for her."Afraid Alexander will be worried?""You don't get to tell me what to do. Just take me back," Melissa replied, her tone firm. Their relationship was purely transactional—he had no right to dictate her actions."You really think you can go back like this? You don't think he'll be suspicious?" The man chuckled, lighting a cigarette."You don't need to worry about that; I have my own ways.""Care to share your plan?" He scoffed. "Don't unde
On the white hospital bed, Phoebe lay quietly, having just woken from a nightmare. In her dream, she had seen Gordon lying in a pool of blood. She was terrified, heartbroken.Slowly opening her eyes, she saw the pale ceiling above her, and the sharp scent of disinfectant filled her nostrils. Looking around, she realized she was in a hospital."You're awake?"A male voice above her caught her attention. She squinted, then opened her eyes wider.Gavin?For some reason, the name kept repeating in her mind.Her memory began to piece itself together, and she recalled the bloody scenes before she passed out.Her eyes turned red instantly, and with a trembling voice, she stared at him, "Where... Where's my brother?"The room was silent except for the sound of their breathing.For the first time, Gavin felt as though his voice had been caught in his throat. He didn't know how to answer. He was afraid of what would happen once she knew the truth, afraid of her reaction.The tightness in his ch
"Sir, Miss Laura is here!" The butler said respectfully, standing behind the timid Laura.She kept her head lowered, afraid to raise it because the butler had said she was being brought to see her brother. The memory of his cruelty the night before made her body tremble uncontrollably."Mm, you may leave."The butler bowed and left, leaving Laura alone. She was terrified, and for a moment, she almost ran after him.She truly didn't want to be alone with her brother. The cruel images from last night haunted her, and she could still feel the lingering pain in her wrist."Come here!" His cold voice commanded, filled with authority.Laura's heart skipped a beat, and her feet felt unusually heavy, but she gathered all her courage and slowly walked over."What is it?" she asked in a shaky voice, barely audible."Take good care of her over the next few days, understood?" He didn't even look at Laura, his voice commanding. He seemed to care about her, wanted her here, just so that when she wo
The next morning, at Phoebe's home."Hello! Is this the residence of Miss Phoebe Garcia?""Yes, it is. And you are?" Hermosa asked, confused by the unexpected visitor so early in the morning."Mr. Alexander Davis, our boss, assigned me to drive your daughter to school. I've been waiting outside for an hour, but she hasn't come out. Is she not attending school today?" the driver replied politely."Alex? You mean my daughter's boyfriend?" Hermosa paused for a moment before smiling, seemingly realizing something. He's very considerate of her."That's correct. Is she not ready yet?" the driver asked, his gaze briefly sweeping inside the house."Apologies, but Phoebe rushed out after receiving a phone call yesterday. She said a friend was looking for her and didn't even stay for dinner," Hermosa explained with a hint of concern.The driver froze for a moment. "She didn't come home last night?""That's right! We were worried all night. She didn't answer any of our calls either. We were just
"What... what did you say?" Her voice trembled, and her breathing grew uneven."Take it off!" he ordered, his eyes narrowing dangerously. His fingers gripped her pale wrist, his strength threatening to snap it.Laura followed his gaze to her own arm, her heart pounding in panic. "But... this..."Wasn't this a gift from him? Why would he ask her to take it off? And why did his expression look so terrifying? Had she done something wrong?"It hurts!" she whimpered softly as his grip tightened, pain shooting through her wrist. Instinctively, she tried to break free from his hold, but this side of her brother made her shiver uncontrollably.The pain was excruciating. Laura furrowed her brows tightly, tears brimming in the corners of her eyes.With a forceful shove, Gavin pushed her down, his movements rough and unrelenting. He yanked her pajama pants, leapt from the water, and pinned her beneath him."Ugh!" Laura gasped as her head slammed against the hard floor, a sharp crack echoing in t
"Did you know? He really likes Phoebe," she murmured softly.Titan, lying silently like a loyal listener, rested his head on his paws."I'm so jealous of Phoebe," she whispered to herself. "If only he could like me, even just a little."But deep down, she knew Gavin would never look at her the way he did Phoebe. She tried to console herself: As long as he doesn't hate me, that's enough.Is he back now?What does he do out there every day?She had only overheard bits and pieces from the butler—her brother seemed to be involved in something akin to the mafia. But what exactly was the mafia? She wasn't entirely sure.Brushing off the grass from her clothes, she stood up. "I should head back now, Titan. I'll come visit you again when I can!"She coaxed Titan back into his cage. He whimpered in protest, reluctantly stepping into the enclosure and laying down, his sorrowful gaze fixed on Laura. He wished she wouldn't leave."Goodbye," Laura said, waving reluctantly. She gave Titan one last
After Gavin left, Astor didn't follow him. Instead, he walked toward the group of arrogant men who had been causing trouble moments before, raising his gun without hesitation."We're sorry! We're sorry! We were wrong!" they knelt, pleading desperately for their lives."Yes! We were wrong! We didn't want to hurt her! Someone made us do it!"Hearing this, Astor's hand paused. His voice was cold as ice."Speak. Who was it?"The men, thinking they might have a chance to live, scrambled to respond."She's called Sheridan!""Yes! We just overheard it, but that's the name we caught!"Astor's eyes darkened.A moment later, piercing screams shattered the stillness of the night, one after another, painting the air with an eerie tension.***At the hospital."Save her!" A frantic male voice echoed through the hallway.Blood streamed down Phoebe's legs in an alarming volume, staining Gavin's clothes entirely red.Doctors rushed out, quickly placing her on a stretcher and pushing her into the oper
On the other side, a burly man grabbed Phoebe from the ground and barked an order to the others, "Take the body back.""Let me go!""Do you want to die too?!" the man snapped harshly. Ignoring Phoebe's struggles, he began dragging her away, but a man suddenly stepped in front of him."Get out of the way!" the burly man roared at the stranger.The dim lighting in the bar obscured the stranger's face, but not the bloodthirsty glint in his eyes."Let her go." The cold, commanding voice cut through the air like a knife.Gavin lowered his gaze to the disheveled Phoebe, his entire presence radiating lethal intent."Mind your own business!" the man growled impatiently."Boss, this guy doesn't look easy to deal with... Look, he's got a whole group of bodyguards with him," one of the lackeys murmured nervously, his eyes darting toward the stoic men standing behind Gavin."Useless fool! What's there to be scared of?!" the burly man bellowed, though his expression darkened.Years in the underwo
"Gordon, what's going on?""Don't ask questions now. I need to get you out of here!"Before Gordon could finish speaking, a group of burly men suddenly appeared, surrounding both him and Phoebe, leaving no escape."What do you want?" Gordon positioned himself protectively in front of Phoebe, his gaze fixed on the men with a wary intensity.He had to shield his sister. It was his fault she was in danger, and he wouldn't allow anything to happen to her."Escape? You think it's that easy? The five million we gave you wasn't charity!""Keep the money. Just let her go!" Gordon shouted desperately at the men."Hahaha," the leader of the group laughed mockingly, as if Gordon had just told the best joke. "Do you think this is a place you can walk in and out of as you please?""If any of you dare touch her, I'll fight you to the death!" Gordon roared, his voice like a feral animal's, his desperation evident."Save your breath. You can't even save yourself, let alone someone else."Fueled by ra
As soon as Phoebe stepped through the front door, she heard the phone ringing in the living room."Phoebe, answer the phone! I'm busy in the kitchen!" Hermosa called out, poking her head out briefly."Okay, Mom, I'll get it..." Phoebe replied, quickly swapping her shoes and hurrying to the phone. The moment she picked up, her brother's voice came through the line.Phoebe froze, thinking she must have heard wrong."Hello, Gordon?" she asked, puzzled. He was supposed to be in rehab. Why would he be calling her out of the blue?"Phoebe, you have to come help me!" Gordon's voice was strained, filled with pain."What's going on?" Phoebe asked, worry creeping into her tone."I'm trapped at a bar, surrounded by some..."Phoebe gripped the phone tightly, her heart racing. "How did this happen? Aren't you supposed to be in drug rehabilitation center? Why are you at a bar?""Phoebe, there's no time to explain! Just come and help me!"Gordon quickly rattled off the location—a seedy underground b