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
Serena’s POV My hands were trembling at my sides as I walked down the hall, my mind in a mess after confronting Cynthia. The verdict of the elder council made me shiver, particularly the words of the last elder, the meaning behind his words was only too clear to me. If I didn't get pregnant, there would be consequences, I shivered at the thought. I was so deep in thought that I hadn't been checking my path. I gasped as I turned the corner and nearly bumped into someone. My heart skipped when I saw who it was—Alex. “Alex?” I stuttered, my words laced with disbelief. I stared at him closely, there was something about him. He looked… different. His hair was shorter now, styled neatly, and he had this polished, almost sophisticated look about him. It threw me off for a moment, and I couldn’t help but stare, my gaze fixed on him. “Sorry about that,” he apologized, his hands reaching out to steady me. His lips curled slightly, “I didn't expect to see you here.” “I… it…” I exha
Susan’s POV The room lightened up as the morning light filtered into the room through the curtains. It gave the room a warm beautiful glow. But Susan wasn't in the mood to appreciate the sight, her body posture was tense as she moved through her bedroom. Her steps were careful and measured as she stepped in between the mess she had made. The entire room was a mess. “Where is it?” She muttered under her breath, her eyes widened as she poured out the contents of a drawer on the ground, and her eyes were wide with alarm as she ransacked through the mash of things that'd piled up on the floor. Not here, not this one. Where was it? Her expression twisted as she methodically went through every drawer, her nails catching on papers and folders. She felt her stomach clench, the cold realization settling in—her carefully hidden stash of documents was gone. “How's it gone,” Susan suddenly yelled, her hand swept through the pile of things on the floor as anger swept through her. She was jus
Serena’s POV My eyes narrowed as I stared at Alex, I could faintly feel that he'd planned this but my curiosity wouldn't let me leave without satisfying them. What did he know? I had to find out. Taking a shaky breath, I met Alex's gaze, my resolve hardening. "Fine," I said. "Lead the way." “That's good,” Alex smiled, a grin on his face. He motioned for me to follow and I took a deep breath before I followed him, I sure hoped I knew what I was doing I thought. No one asked any questions as Alex drove us out, heading to an unknown venue. Soon we arrived at a a restaurant. There were a fair amount of people when we walked in, and a hush fell across the place the moment we stepped in. I felt their eyes on me, whispers and curious glances. My stomach tightened with unease, but Alex placed a reassuring hand on my back, guiding me toward a table. “Don’t mind them,” he murmured, sitting down. “They’re just curious.” I nodded, still uncomfortable with the stares I felt coming our wa
Serena’s POV The entire car was silent as Uncle Sam drove us back home, I was seated in the passenger seat. My eyes drifted to him ever so often but his eyes remained fixed on the road, I could feel a soft sense of disapproval that oozed from him. He'd been silent ever since we entered the car. Was I wrong to have followed Alex there? I wondered, a twinge of guilt pricking at me, I silently recalled his warnings when he'd warned me not to get close to Alex. But the longer we drove, the more I questioned if I’d done anything wrong at all. Why was he so overprotective? I wondered, crossing my arms as I sank deeper into the seat. Sure, Alex had his rough edges, but it wasn’t like I’d run off with a stranger. And after everything Darius put me through, I didn’t feel like I owed anyone explanations. He was being too overprotective I thought, easing my eyes shut. I slowly opened my eyes as the car eased to a slow halt, I didn't wait for Uncle Sam to say anything before I yanked the doo
Serena’s POV The lounge was quiet and still as we walked up the stairs, Alex's hand holding mine. This was crazy I thought, my heart thudded in my chest. I'd come to meet Alex, the decision almost felt like it wasn't mine. I sighed, trying to shake the unease that threatened to bubble to the surface. Sam had meant well, I knew that. But his overprotectiveness felt suffocating at times. And Darius? I hadn't seen hair or hide of him for days, It was probably intentional I thought. The garden was beautiful though, and it was quiet, I'd been skeptical on my way but the beauty of the garden had wiped away all my doubts. “This way,” Alex murmured as he led me to a terrace that was nestled close to a cliff. It was a beautiful scene. “You…” the words lodged in my throat. “You didn't have to,” I finally managed to speak. “I did,” Alex smiled and he pulled back a chair for me to sit. As I sat I felt a As I sat, I couldn’t help but feel a twinge of guilt. I had ignored every warni
Darius’s POV Jake's voice droned in and on about the general situation around the pack, his words blurring into the background. I was fitted but my mind wasn't with him, my mind had flown a thousand miles away. Serena. We'd not spoken after I'd brought her home yesterday, it annoyed me how easily she seemed to slip into my thoughts. The image of her and Alex together made my nerves tight and I could feel anger whip into me. “Darius.” Jake raised his voice, snapping me back to the present. “Sorry, You were saying?” I asked as I rubbed my temples, trying to focus. Jake shot me a look, unimpressed. “This isn’t something you can afford to space out on. The pack needs stability, especially now.” Before I could respond, the door opened, and Uncle Sam walked in. His expression was grave, and there was a heaviness in his eyes that set me on edge immediately. “Jake,” Sam said, his tone curt. “I need a word with Darius. Alone.” Jake hesitated, his gaze flickering between us before he
Derek’s POV What was this? My eyes were narrowed as I stared at the TV that was mounted on the wall. The news was reporting with frenzy about the miraculous recovery of Darius and how he'd appeared at a restaurant to declare that Serena was his wife. But wasn't he disabled? My hands tightened into fists as I stared at the video of him and Serena walking out of the restaurant. The man everyone was buzzing about, the man who had somehow inserted himself into her life and now, it seemed, claimed her. Darius. The name alone made my jaw clench as I silently recalled how he'd intruded the last time I'd been with Serena. My hands curled into fists, he'd thought he was some hero. And then, the way Darius held her—it was possessive. Protective. Like she belonged to him. My fists curled tightly, the veins in my hands bulging as I fought the surge of jealousy threatening to consume me. She was mine once. She was supposed to still be mine. “You’ve been watching that all day.” Cynthia’
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.