Serena’s POV My heart beat erratically as Darius led me away, his soft but firm grip the only thing keeping me on my feet. My mind whirled with thoughts as I followed behind him, my mind still reeling from shock. “How…” I stuttered, my words clogging my throat. “How can you be walking?” My eyes narrowed as I tried to make sense of everything, Was it Darius I'd seen, lying motionless? Was I mistaken? I wondered, but even as the thought crossed my mind I shook my head. I couldn't have been mistaken. He was the one. He looked nothing like what I thought I'd seen, where he'd looked sick and weak, he looked Strong. What was going on? I wondered, my stomach tightened into knots as the layer of secrecy surrounding him felt thicker. A car was waiting, and a man I recognized as Jake, Darius's Beta and best friend was at the wheel. “You're safe,” he smiled frostily at me as we got in. “Thank…” I began but Jake jumped out of the car, disappearing into the dark. “I'll be taking you ho
Darius (A few Weeks Ago) My eyes were narrowed as I stared at the metal that'd been wedged beneath the car. I could feel my palms become sweaty and I felt like a noose had been tightened around my neck. Who could have done this? My eyes were narrowed as thoughts filled my mind. “How did you spot this?” I glanced at Jake, his face was slick with sweat as he stared at the explosive rigged to my car. I could imagine that when the engine had become hot enough, it'd trip off and… A chill ran down my spine, whoever had done this wanted me dead. “I…” Jake looked awkward, he shook his head. “I can't say, this wasn't a rushed job.” The weight of betrayal settled heavily in my gut and I silently ran through the names and faces of people who could want me dead. It was quite a long list, as Alpha to the Crimson Pack, a lot of smiling faces hid daggers. As the shock faded, anger surged. This wasn’t just about my life; this was a strike against my family, a message that we were vulnerable.
Serena’s POV The room was silent except for the tick of the ancient antique clock that was hung in the corner. Sleep felt like an impossible luxury and my mind just wouldn't stop swirling with thoughts. Jake had brought me back to the mansion, no one had asked any questions. A maid showed me my room and left after making sure I was settled in. But even then, the weight of Darius's revelations kept me awake. He wasn’t incapacitated as he'd led everyone to believe and I had a feeling that there was a bigger game at play. He just didn't tell me anything. My thoughts swirled in my head, memories and questions flooding into my head without an answer. I couldn’t imagine how fast things had changed, I'd been engaged to Derek only days ago, and now? I was engaged to Darius, a man I barely knew. I exhaled as I ran a hand through my hair, trying to calm myself down. There was something about Darius I thought, in my wildest imaginations I never could've thought he'd be the one to save
Serena “I…” my tongue felt tied as I stared at him, I felt like all the air had been knocked clean out of me and I silently scolded myself for saying so much. I'd just complained to Luna's son about his mother, pouring my heart out and I didn't know. My cheeks reddened with embarrassment, he'd probably just sat there enjoying the show. “I don't know what to say,” I managed, my voice shaking. “I…” I raised my hands. “I didn't mean to disrespect the Luna like that, you see…” I trailed off, my head blank of words. “It's fine,” Alex smiled, showing off his white teeth. He didn't look the least bit offended. “I've heard worse,” he winked. “My mother isn't the easiest person to speak to,” his eyes softened as he gazed intently at me. “Who are you?” His eyes flickered with barely concealed interest as his eyes swept over me. “I…” I blushed, my breath hastening. Before I could gather my thoughts footsteps echoed from behind us. Jake appeared, his face set in a stern expression, his g
Darius’s POV My fists clenched by my side as I watched her run away, bits and pieces of my emotion beginning to unravel. Waves of guilt ripped into me as I recalled her terrified expression. I did that. I wished I could follow behind her and tell her I hadn't meant to, but she wasn't going to listen to me. Why would she? I wondered, running a hand through my hair. I hadn't meant to scare her, but I'd kept this room off limits to everyone, seeing her in here… I sighed and my shoulders sagged. I’d spent so long burying my feelings that I was still finding it hard to accept the ones she'd stirred up in me. She was my mate? I wondered. I still couldn't find an explanation for the pull I'd felt ever since she'd stumbled into me at the party. It was the same pull that'd led me to mention it to Jake and the bastard had immediately pulled some strings, mother surprisingly hadn't been against the idea. I dialed Jake’s number as I headed towards the kitchen. “Hello,” he picked on the
Serena’s POV The mansion was silent as I headed down the stairs, the sheer silk I was wearing shimmered over my skin. I'd been pleasantly surprised that the clothes Darius had gotten were my exact size, “How did he do that?” I wondered, still surprised. I'd woken up only an hour ago, exhaustion from the previous day taking its toll. I had no idea where Darius was at the moment, I knew better than to go check on him in his room. Especially after Yesterday. My eyes narrowed at the thought of how Darius had reacted to me being in that room, I couldn't help but wonder who that lady was. Was she his previous lover? What could have happened to make him react so strongly? The kitchen was quiet as I padded in quietly, I paused as surprise flashed through my eyes. Where were the dishes? I wondered, I'd intended on doing them this morning before Darius came down, but I didn't plan on taking a chance on his reaction. I was rummaging through the fridge to get something to eat when a voi
Derek’s POV My heart thudded erratically as I paced the dimly lit room, my gaze flicking over the mess of papers scattered across my desk. Every shred of information, every clue I’d uncovered led me closer to Serena’s father. My eyes reddened as rage whipped into me. He thought he could hide, thought he was safe behind hospital walls, and hired guards. The corner of my mouth curled into a smirk. Not safe enough. I just had to find which one specifically. After days of digging, following leads, and bribing every lowlife connected to the Kensington family, I finally had what I needed. I’d found him. Serena had to know she couldn’t just walk away from me. And if she needed a reminder, her father would be perfect. Maybe then she’d realize just how powerful I was—and how wrong she’d been to choose Darius. A dark satisfaction settled in my chest as I went over my plan. Within minutes, my men were on their way to the hospital, each one moving under the radar, blending in like shadows.
Serena’s POV “Mother?” My eyes widened as I opened the door, “What… what happened?” I gasped, taking in her haggard appearance. She looked… awful, her eyes were red and swollen with dark circles. She looked nothing like her confident, polished self. I couldn't quite believe my eyes as I stared at her. “Serena…” she began, her voice thin and almost unrecognizable. “There's been a terrible incident, her eyes quivered. “Is Darius in?” She asked, stepping inside. “What happened to you? What's going on?” My breath caught in my throat as I ushered her inside. I rushed to bring a glass of water for her, I could feel a thread of dread tighten in my belly. I just hoped it wasn't about father. My mind raced with possibilities, each one worse than the last. I shook my head, trying to press down the surge of panic that threatened to rise within me. “It’s Stephanie,” Susan's voice was hoarse as she spoke, her eyes glimmered with tears. “She's been kidnapped.” “What!” the news hit me li
Darius’s POV The air felt thick with tension as I stood before the doctor, Dr. DiMario. Weird name I thought, staring at his neat dreads that hung just a few inches past his ears. “What's her status, Doc?” I asked, breaking the silence. I needed to know Stephanie was fine. “Well,” Dr. DiMario adjusted his glasses, his face drawn with lines from stress. “She's fine,” his first words sent a surge of relief coursing through me. “Her condition is stable now, so she's out of the woods,” Dr. DiMario added. His words were like a tranquilizer that made me relax. Phew! I slowly wiped away a sheen of sweat that'd gathered just above my brow. I hadn’t been able to sit still or do anything, the waiting becoming almost unbearable as I waited for news. “There’s something else,” Dr. DiMario continued, his tone cut through my relief short as he stared at me. He frowned slightly, hesitating. “This is rather unusual but, when I was examining her injuries, I found something strange,” Dr. DiMario
Serena’s POV Uncle Sam could scarcely believe his ears as he stared at me, his face twisted in shock. I'd repeated the same words to him. I wanted a divorce. “Serena,” Uncle Sam began and he leaned forward, his face filled with worry.“Reconsider this, I'm sure you can resolve this…” he glanced at Alex who was standing by the window. “Darius still loves you.” “Don't you dare say that,” I gritted my teeth in displeasure and I looked away, my jaw clenched tightly. “I'm done Uncle Sam,” I whispered, staring at him through watery eyes. “This is it for me,” I whispered, my voice shaking. I saw Alex’s body tense up out of the corner of my eye as he listened to my words. But Uncle Sam wasn't giving up. “Have you thought this through?” he pressed, his eyes searching mine. “I have,” I nodded, fighting for my voice to be calm.After all, Darius had done, it was better this way I thought, I'd spent my whole life trying to fit in. Now? I just wanted to be happy. “But—”“It's no use, Uncle
Serena’s POV My head seemed to throb in sync with the heart monitor that beeped rhythmically beside me as I slowly became conscious. Ouch! A stinging pain assaulted my head and I bit back a wince, clenching my eyes shut. My body felt heavy like stone and I couldn't even move a single finger. Darius. My mind slowly regained clarity as memories came rushing back. The ache in my body was joined by the ache in my heart. Even now I could see him in my mind's eyes. His cold, calculating voice. "Just hold on,” he'd said, his eyes coldly watching as I'd nearly given up the ghost. Because of Stephanie. Damn him! Tears streamed down the sides of my face as I closed my eyes, wishing I could shut out the memory. “You're such a fool, Serena,” I whispered, clenching my hands and my nails dug into my palms. I'd been a fool to think Darius would have anything remotely close to feelings for me. I'd let myself sink into delusion. And now I was paying the price. He'd not cared if I was going
"What exactly do you want?" Derek swiveled in his chair and he smirked at the man who sat across the desk. The room was dimly lit and the lights cast shadows across his face. Malcolm's expression didn't waver as he stared at Derek. “You seem calm for someone whose empire is crumbling,” Malcolm began, running a hand through his hair. He looked visibly frustrated. He got up and began to pace, his body language was stiff and tense. "Nothing is going according to plan. Heck! I don't even know what the plan is anymore," Malcolm ranted, pacing back and forth. He looked very restless. "Hmph!" Derek snorted, his eyes narrowed dangerously. "I never thought you'd be this shifty and disturbed. And how you have the guts to strut in error after trying to betray me," the temperature in the room dropped drastically as Derek glared at Malcolm, his eyes icy. "I…" Malcolm swallowed but he shook his head immediately. "This isn't the time to point accusing fingers around Derek," he paused,
My head was in the clouds as I walked through the garden, my heart beating with every step. The garden looked beautiful, but my mind wasn't there. Everything Darius had said earlier flashed through my head. 'I'd slapped Stephanie? How? When?' My eyes narrowed when I recalled my encounter with her some time back, she'd strutted around, very nearly getting under my skin if not for Uncle Sam. Yet she was accusing me of slapping her. Darius's reaction was what stung me the most, he'd glowered at me with dark cold eyes. Of Course he would, I looked down, filling my eyes. He cared for her, he always had. I'd been a fool not to see that. I was so constricted in thoughts I barely noticed Agatha approaching until her voice cut through the silence. "Serena," she said, startling me slightly. "I've been looking for you," she stared at me. I couldn't quite place what it was but something about her felt off, her tone unfamiliar. Cold."Sorry," I whispered under my breath. "I just ne
Darius’s POV The drive to the hospital felt unending, too many times I pressed harder on the gas, worry and panic pushing me on. I ignored the angry honks from irritated drivers as I sped past traffic lights and probably broke every law in the driver's rulebook. This was all my fault I thought, my hands tightening around the steering wheel. I'd hesitated and delayed in finding what to do with Serena. And now, this happened. The thought of Stephanie, pale and helpless in a hospital bed sent a wave of guilt and anger flooding into me, both warring for supremacy. My chest felt heavy when I finally drove into the hospital, it was a miracle I'd even arrived safely considering how recklessly I'd been driving. I strode quickly up the stairs, through the doors, and into the hospital. When I walked in I headed straight to the reception desk. A nurse dressed in scrubs was busy behind a computer screen. "I'm here for someone," I began, my heart beating erratically and my palms were swe
Serena’s POV The walls of the house felt like they were closing on me, suffocating my thoughts and breath as I paced back and forth. How could Darius accuse me of slapping Stephanie? It was outrageous I thought, the accusations hanging over me like a cloud. 'She wouldn't lie about this," Darius's words from earlier slammed into me like a punch to the gut. I didn't know what hurt me more. The fact that he'd rather believe Stephanie than me or the fact that he was fighting for her, not me. How had I become the villain in a story I didn’t even know I was a part of?He'd left, to go see her. The thought of the alarm and worry on Darius's face had deeply hurt me. "Serena," Marcella's voice snapped me out of my thoughts. I looked up to meet her eyes and my heart skipped a beat. Something was wrong. She looked hesitant, almost like she didn’t want to be the bearer of bad news, but I needed answers."What happened?" I asked, trying to swallow the lump that formed in my throat. “
Serena’s POV My heart was heavy as I stood by the window, my eyes staring at the night view through the curtains. It was a beautiful sight but even that couldn’t ease the ball of tension that wound itself in my belly. My hands were trembling as I dialed Dylan’s number, my mind racing with thoughts. The line rang a few times before Dylan picked up. “Serena?” Dylan sounded surprised. I never called him, and why would I? He'd act coldly and disregard me and I'd learned to stay distant, at least until now. “Father,” I exhaled, trying to sound relaxed. “How's everything back at the pack?” I asked, steering the conversation. “Well,” Dylan sighed, his voice sounded weary. “The entire Pack's a mess, Derek made sure of that. The situation's under control but it's too early to give up,” my eyes narrowed as I listened to him. It was worse than I'd thought. “Darius's support has been very helpful,” Dylan added, his voice lightening up. My belly squeezed into knots when he mentioned Darius
Stephanie’s POV The place was dark and silent as I stepped out of my car, my eyes darting back and forth. Derek had arranged to meet here, I didn't know why but in any case I'd come. I was here for answers. I adjusted my coat as a chill assaulted me, and I made my way up the stairs leading to the mansion. ‘Hmph!’ I snorted coldly, gritting my teeth as I glared at the house, Derek had a lot of explaining to do. But even as I walked up the stairs, I couldn’t help the unease that bit into me. The guards by the door didn't even glance at me as I walked in, it was almost as if I was invisible. Derek was seated in the living room, the air was filled with the smell of cigarettes. I was surprised to see Cynthia, she was perched on the armrest of his chair. ‘What was she doing here?’ My brows shot up as I glanced at her, I could vividly recall the way she'd sulked off the last time I was here. “Stephanie,” Derek greeted, his eyes followed my movements as I stopped a few meters away.