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’
Serena’s POV I was tired—emotionally, physically, and mentally. It felt like I was caught in a web of everyone else’s expectations and emotions, while I had no time to untangle my own. Darius had been silent all morning, his brooding energy filling the house like a storm cloud. The memory of him storming into the restaurant and dragging me out in front of everyone replayed in my mind, each time sending a fresh wave of embarrassment coursing through me. And yet, underneath the embarrassment was something more complicated. Anger? Definitely. But there was something else I didn’t want to admit—something closer to… relief. Relief that he’d cared enough to act. But that didn’t mean I was okay with it. “Darius, you had no right,” I said for the third time, pacing the living room as he leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed. His sharp jawline and piercing eyes made it impossible to tell what he was thinking, but I could feel his frustration simmering under the surface. “I had every
Serena’s POV My mood was heavy as I headed back to the house, my mind in a daze. The putrid smell of smoke that clung to me stung my nostrils, reminding me of Cynthia’s cold words back at the studio. I'd tried to confront her but she'd come along with company. “You're lucky I can't lay a finger on you yet,” she'd sneered as she left, protected by two mean-looking men. But that wasn't important I thought, as I ran a hand through my hair. My paintings, my soul poured onto each canvas, all gone. I trudged into the compounds, ignoring the strange looks the guards shot at me. When I pushed the door open, the last thing I expected was to find Darius waiting for me in the living room. I nearly gasped, the sight of him taking me by surprise. He turned as soon as he heard me come in and his gaze swept over me. “Serena,” his eyes held mine for a moment. “We need to talk.” Talk? A chuckle escaped my lips and I shook my head. “If this is about earlier, save it. I’ve had enough for one d
Serena’s POV I could barely keep the smile off my face as I walked side by side with Darius and he led us out of the room the drawings were in. I still couldn't believe Darius had gone to such lengths to get my drawings. The thought left me both touched and shaken, “Thank you,” I whispered for what must have been the one-hundredth time. “You didn’t have to,” I whispered, seeing his eyes fixed on me. “I did,” Darius replied, his tone firm. “You poured your heart into these. Letting them be destroyed wasn’t an option, though, of course, I didn't know Cynthia was going to try to destroy them.” At the mention of Cynthia Darius’s expression hardened for a brief instant before the dark clouds were gone and his expression brightened. My heart swelled with emotion as I stared at him, unconsciously pausing in my steps. Darius had become an enigma, I couldn’t seem to see through. Cold and unyielding one moment, kind and thoughtful the next. “Thank you,” I said, my voice barely above a
Susan’s POV The hallway outside was eerily quiet and the sound of my footsteps echoed in the hallway. The two men standing guard let me pass without a word. My breaths were shaky and my palms slick with sweat, I tried hard to resist the urge to wipe them on my gown. I inhaled slowly as I paused just outside the door. He doesn't know. He can't know I thought, Stephanie wouldn't betray me. I wasn’t certain. I pushed the door open slowly and I stepped inside, my heart in my throat. A faint beeping filled the air when I stepped in. Dylan was seated on a couch, his beady eyes scanning through the documents in his hand. When his eyes lifted to meet mine, I couldn't spot any obvious change. “Susan,” he greeted, his tone even but distant, “what brings you here?” His eyes followed me as I walked up to him. “Don't be like that,” I forced a smile, “I came to see how you're feeling. I've been so preoccupied but of course I'll come to see you,” I leaned in to peck him on the cheek. “Indee
Serena’s POV The drive back home was heavy with silence of unspoken words, I still felt like everything that'd happened in the past hours was a dream. Cynthia punished, Darius declaring me as his mate and he'd overturned the elder's decision. Every detail from earlier—the confrontation with Cynthia, Darius stepping in for me—replayed in vivid clarity. “What made you do it?” I finally asked, turning to face him. “Do what?” Darius asked, he stared me in the eye. “You know what,” I pressed. “You stood up for me tonight, defended me in front of everyone. Why?” My voice choked with emotion as I stared at him, all my life I'd never had someone stand up for me. Susan and Stephanie had treated me as they pleased and my father had never interfered. Seeing Darius go to such lengths made me feel… I sighed, I couldn’t find the words for it. This time, he glanced my way, his dark eyes unreadable. “Because someone had to.” “That’s not an answer, Darius,” I shot back, my voice firmer no
Dylan’s POV Dylan’s vision was blurry as he slowly stirred, regaining consciousness and he winced as a sharp pain stabbed at the back of his head. “Where…” His words came out as a slur, his senses gradually returning. “Where am I?” He breathed out. He was seated in a chair with his hands tied behind him. “Finally awake huh?” Derek’s cold voice echoed in the room. “You…” Dylan’s head snapped up and he stared at Derek with deep sated hatred. Derek’s hands walked slowly across the room, his hands in his pockets. “What do you think you're doing Derek?” Dylan spat, his eyes held a trace of disgust. “This won't end well, I'm assuring You of that.” “I'll regret a lot of things,” Derek's expression didn't change. “But not this,” a mocking expression climbed onto his face. “You're not qualified.” Dylan pulled against his restraints, his muscles straining, but the ropes held firm. “Coward! You couldn’t even face me like a real Alpha. You had to resort to trickery, skulking around li
Darius’s POV The darkness settled around me, blurring my vision. “Jake, we need to move. Now,” I barked, my voice sharp, resolute. Jake’s jaw tightened, his expression mirroring the storm raging inside me. He held up the stamp, the damning evidence that tied Alex to the attempt on my life. “This was too much,” he muttered, following me. It couldn’t been a coincidence that we'd found the stamp hidden close to the car. The men who knew about the explosives said they'd seen it on the person who'd bought them. I’d trusted Alex, leaned on him, and now this? My fingers curled around the soft glossy edge of the stamp as I stormed out of the room, Jake close behind. Alex sure as hell didn’t know what was coming for him. I hissed under my breath, I couldn’t believe he Could be behind this but the evidence was overwhelming. We were striding down the corridor when Agatha appeared, she looked surprised to see us. “Uhh,” she frowned, her gaze shifting between us. “What's going on?” She
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.