Darius POV I wheeled away from the ballroom, my fists clenched so tightly that my nails dug into my palms. The image of Serena and Alex, dancing closely as if they shared some private world, burned in my mind. My words to her a few days ago echoed unceasingly in my head. I'd made it clear that this wasn’t permanent but fleeting. Why? Why did I feel like this? My heart pounded as if I’d been hit, every nerve sparking with an unrelenting anger. It didn’t make sense—she was free to do as she pleased. I’d kept her at a distance on purpose. But seeing her with Alex felt like a betrayal I couldn’t ignore. I shook my head, hoping to clear the image from my mind, but the jealousy was too raw, too real. It'd happened already, the whole scene of Alex kissing her made my anger bubble furiously within me. There was a heat rising within me, something primal that I couldn’t entirely control. I’d let her in too far, and now, watching her turn to someone else, I realized just how much I cared.
Derek’s POV The house lay silent in the dead of night as Stephanie slipped down the dim corridor, her heart pounding. Shadows stretched across the walls, and every creak of the floorboards felt like a shout. She was aware of every sound, every faint whisper of the wind outside. She had to get in and out of Susan’s room without a trace—this had to be clean, invisible. She paused when she reached the door, her eyes searching the hallway for any movement. But there wasn't a single soul in sight. She held her breath, turned the handle, and slid into the room. It was just as she expected: neat, like a museum display, each object precisely in place. She imagined Susan making her bed every morning, her obsessive nature in each perfectly aligned item. Stephanie knew her mother like the back of her hand, that's why she'd picked this time to sneak in. Keeping her movements controlled, Stephanie moved to the desk, she held a small pen light that she discreetly used to see. She opened the fi
Serena’s POV I was alone in the elevator, its gentle hum filling the air as it descended to the lower levels of the hospital. The thought of seeing Father made my insides twist into knots. Agatha had surely taken his security seriously I thought, recalling the four guards that guarded this single elevator that came down here. They made sure he was comfortable as he recovered I thought, my eyes narrowing. I didn’t care about his comfort. I was here for answers—answers I’d been denied my entire life. When I reached his room, the guard posted outside gave me a silent nod, stepping aside as I knocked and entered. “Serena?” his voice echoed with a slightly surprised tone. My heart thudded as I stepped into the room. Father lay in bed, his face looked slightly pale but his eyes as sharp as ever, following me with a look that managed to be both irritated and dismissive. “Serena,” he said flatly, not bothering to mask the disinterest in his tone. “What are you doing here?” His eyes had
The entire place was shrouded in darkness, the faint light from the flickering candle cast dark shapes across the walls. “You look beautiful when you're in thought,” he chuckled as he stared at her, feeding his eyes. Cynthia ignored his words as she paced back and forth, her brow creased in thought. “This,” she muttered under her breath. “It's just strange.” Her steps were quick and restless, a deep frown was etched on her brow. She was deep in thought. He let her walk in silence for a few moments, before he cleared his throat, breaking the silence. “What do you think?” Derek asked, his expression becoming grave. His sharp gaze swept over Cynthia, expectant, waiting for any hint of doubt or concern from her. “I don't know,” Cynthia stopped, crossing her arms as she looked at him. “I don't trust her.” Derek frowned and she added, “It’s… ambitious, I’ll give her that. But something about it feels off.” Her eyes narrowed, her voice holding a note of skepticism. “Stephanie has
Serena’s POV The silence between us grew thick and heavy, and for a moment, I could almost convince myself that Derek was considering it. My heart thudded in my chest as I stared at him, thinking. Maybe he’d finally agree to end the contract, release me from this binding, and let us both move forward separately. My throat was heavy with tears unshed, I couldn't believe all my sacrifices were for a father who didn't give a rat's ass about me. “Hmmm,” Darius's cold mask faltered and for a brief moment, a hint of something flashed across his face—surprise, maybe even a sliver of regret—before it quickly faded, replaced by the familiar, unreadable mask he wore so well. “No.” He finally said, his voice was clipped, final. Before I could even react, he turned his chair and began to wheel himself away, as if my words, my entire presence, were nothing more than an annoying distraction. “Darius,” my breath hitched in my throat and a wave of frustration surged through me, hot and undeniabl
Serena’s POV “I…” I trailed off, the words lodged in my throat. I couldn't have imagined that Darius knew about this, my heart thudded erratically as we exchanged gazes. The air in the room suddenly felt thick and heavy and it pressed against my chest, I could barely breathe. “It’s the truth isn't it?” Darius's eyes burned with dark fury and something else, I couldn’t make it out. His piercing. My gaze was locked on mine, daring me to challenge him, to deny what we both knew was true. “You aren't speaking,” Darius radiated anger as he walked closer to me, his body mere inches away from mine. My breath hitched in my throat, his masculine energy seemed to shroud me, blurring out my thoughts. And then, in the space of a heartbeat, something shifted. Maybe it was the heat of our anger, or the proximity, or the fact that neither of us was willing to look away. Whatever it was, it snapped. “I can explain…” I began, glancing at him but then I froze, the fury in his eyes was gone, rep
Darius’s POV The office was silent as I leaned back in my chair staring out the window, I hadn’t been able to focus on the paperwork Jake had brought in earlier. My mind filled with thoughts of Serena, the past few weeks had been eventful. The thought of how she'd disrupted my world brought a faint smile to my face. She’d disrupted my world in ways I hadn’t anticipated, ways I hadn’t even believed possible. For years, intimacy had felt like a performance—a task that required a chemical boost to even become tolerable. My eyes narrowed as I thought of the times I'd felt like a plank of wood, I'd even had to use pills to force my desire. It was a secret I'd kept for years without telling a soul. Why was she different? My eyes narrowed as I silently considered it. Part of me knew what it meant. Serena could be my fated mate. The mere thought of it felt both exhilarating and…wrong. I’d locked my heart away, fortified it against attachments, convinced that I could survive alone. Let
Serena’s POV My heart beat erratically in my chest as the heavy doors creaked shut behind me, their echo lingering in the cold, cavernous hall. My heart was pounding, louder than I wanted it to be, as I stepped forward, every gaze from the elders sharp and unyielding as they could slice through any excuse I might offer. I'd been shocked when a maid had come to inform me that I was being summoned by the council. My heart thudded as I stood, waiting in the middle of the hall. The elders of the council were the strongest wolves in the pack and also the ones who wielded the most influence. Agatha was at the head of the assembly, her expression unreadable, her posture as regal as ever. I searched her face, hoping for a glimmer of support, but all I saw was a stony resolve. I silently prayed everything was well because I couldn't understand why I'd be summoned here, had I done anything wrong? The silence broke as one elder leaned forward, his voice low and heavy with reproach. “Tell
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.