Susan’s POVWhere was Dylan? My heart beat erratically as I glanced around the room, I couldn’t believe my eyes. Derek had done the unthinkable, he'd taken Dylan right under the nose of the Crimson Pack, he was going to pay for this I thought, about to start searching for my phone. I'd just begun searching when I paused, my mind filling with thoughts. If I reported this quickly I had no doubts the Crimson Pack would swing into action and find Dylan with all their might. But… my eyes flashed, did I want them to? Different thoughts surged in my mind like the rising tide. If Dylan was killed, I wouldn't fear Stephanie telling him the truth, the thought of Stephanie revealing the truth of my plan. My plans of stealing from him. The door was nudged open suddenly, making me scream. “Who’s that?” I turned around so quickly that I tripped, I retreated with my hands and feet, my eyes staring with dread at the open door. “Who…” my voice hitched as I backed up, putting as much distance as I
Alex’s POVThe soft melody echoed through the room as my fingers danced over the keys, the notes felt like a bind that pulled me into my thoughts while still expressing them. I was so deep in my trance that I didn't notice the figure in the dark corner. My thoughts resurfaced like the tide, its melody soothing yet it always came back to her.Serena.I suddenly missed a key, the jarring note cutting through the notes. “Again,” I exhaled slowly, my fingers faltering before I found the rhythm again. Why was it always about her? I didn’t understand it. It didn't make any sense, She was Darius's mate for Christ's sake. His woman. That was enough reason to squash all my nonsensical thoughts about her. Only that it didn't. If anything, it only made it worse.I sighed, drawing in a deep breath. I'd started this to rile up Darius and get on his nerves but along the line, my intentions seemed to have shifted unknowingly. I wasn’t supposed to enjoy her company, enjoy the way her cheeks flushed
Serena’s POVMy eyes fluttered open as I stirred, and my hands instinctively reached out. Nothing. My eyes snapped open as I stared around, the bed was empty. Where was he? I wondered, stretching my body and a sweet ache filled me. The images of I and Darius from last night filled my head, making my cheeks flush. I couldn’t believe I was that wild, I'd wanted him that much. My body was still sore in certain regions… my cheeks reddened at the thought of the activities I and Darius had been up to for the better part of the night. He'd been so hungry for me I thought, staring shyly at the rumpled bedsheets around me. I ran my hand over it, the memory of last night seemed just too fresh, the echoes of his rough whispers, his impatient hands, and the heat his touch had sent coursing through me. We’d crossed a line I never thought we would, and it felt… right. I couldn’t even place the feeling. But then, doubt crept in.What if this meant nothing to him? What if I was overthinking it?
Serena “This…” the words lodged in my mouth as I tried to come to terms with what I'd just read. This couldn't be happening I thought, my hand holding the paper trembled and the words on the paper seemed to leap out at me. Derek was behind this. The sight of his handwriting made me feel pained for a moment I couldn’t breathe. He'd betrayed me, hurt me. And now, he held my father’s life in his hands.“He came so suddenly,” Susan continued, seeing me remain silent. “They killed…” her voice hitched and she covered her mouth. “They killed the guards and took your father away,” Susan’s eyes filled with tears. “I couldn’t do anything.” “Why is he doing this?” I felt like screaming but I couldn’t move and I could feel a wave of guilt crashing into me. I'd caused this, if it wasn't for me none of this would have happened I thought, fighting to hold back tears. “Serena,” a voice snapped me out of my thoughts and I turned to see Darius walking toward me. He'd transformed back to his human
Serena’s POVWhat was he talking about? I wondered as I glanced between the two men. The last girl he sent to death? What was that all about? I wondered as my mind struggled to keep up with my thoughts. “Seems he didn't tell you,” Alex smirked as he folded his hands and glanced at me, his lips curled slightly. “I…” I swallowed and my gaze darted toward Darius. His face was set with a dark look. “Who are you talking about?” I finally asked after taking a deep breath. I felt Darius’s gaze sweep over but I didn’t relent, I wanted to know. “Brother,” Alex shifted his gaze to Darius, his tone filled with mockery. “Do you mind if I told Serena here about what you did?” Darius froze, his jaw tightening. The glance he shot Alex was more than a warning—it looked like a plea but I couldn't be sure. “Serena,” he began, his voice low, “you don’t need to—” “She doesn’t need to what, Darius?” Alex cut him off as he took a step forward. “Face the truth? The truth about how you promised someo
Cynthia’s POVCynthia’s face was ashen as she was driven home in a car her father had sent to fetch her. Her hands were clenched so tight her nails were biting into her skin but she didn’t seem to notice. Serena! Her eyes burned with a bright light as she silently recalled the humiliation she'd had to endure, her anger burning intensely within her. ‘You’ve dishonored this pack, and you’ve dishonored Serena…. And as for her father, he’s unfit to serve as Beta.’ Darius’s words seemed to echo in the small interior of the car, each word was like a dagger that stabbed at her pride. He had condemned her without hesitation, stripped her of any chance to explain or defend herself. “All because of that slut,” Cynthia mumbled under her breath, all thoughts of her past friendship with Serena gone. She couldn't imagine how her father would take the news, the thought of Malcolm’s forbidding gaze sent shivers down her spine. She had been so careful, so calculating, but it seemed none of her
I was shivering even though the room was at a moderate temperature but my mind wasn't even registering it. My feet felt frozen to the spot as Agatha’s words echoed in my mind: “She's dead.” The line was simple, final, and completely unnerving. Who was she? How did she die? What happened? Did Darius have anything to do with it? A flood of questions filled my mind but I didn't have any answers. “I…” Uncle Sam wanted to speak but he trailed off after Agatha shot him a glance. “Excuse me,” he murmured before he walked away. I barely registered his exit. “I'm sure you have questions,” Agatha began, her face was an unreadable mask. “But…” “There’s more to this, isn’t there?” I interrupted, my voice trembling. “What happened to her? Does Darius have to do with it?” My voice lowered to a tiny whisper and I felt a wave of dread as I waited for her to answer.Agatha didn't answer. She stared at me coldly, her sharp eyes locked onto mine. “You’ve asked enough questions for one day, Serena,
The call ended, but Derek’s voice stayed with me, like a storm cloud that wouldn’t clear. His threats, his venomous tone, and Father's faint, terrified plea were burned into my mind. I trembled on my feet, my knees felt weak and it took almost superhuman effort not to fall to the floor and burst into tears. But I wouldn't do that I thought, I wouldn't break. “Now isn't the time for tears, Serena,” I whispered to myself. Agatha said she would speak to the Elders. So I would have to wait for their decision. But waiting wasn’t a luxury I could afford. And deep down, I knew the elders wouldn’t lift a finger unless they thought it'd be for the benefit of the pack. Would saving Dylan benefit them? I didn't know, and I didn't dare bet on it. I had no illusions about where their loyalty lay.I needed someone who could stand against them. Someone who could make them listen.Darius.I sighed deeply at the thought of his name. The thought of him sent a jolt of conflicting emotions through m
Serena’s POV I couldn’t stay still as I paced back and forth, my heart pounding erratically in my chest. The events of the day left me with a bad feeling in the pit of my belly. I was just sitting when the sound of footsteps approaching echoed in the corridor. Darius. I knew it was him even before the door swung open, slamming against the wall with that made me shiver. “Why did you go to see Alex?” Darius snapped his voice low. His eyes were narrowed as he stared at me. “Why would you go to him?”Jake told him? I froze, trying to take in his words. I blinked, trying to collect myself, but my mouth went dry. “Go to who?” I asked cautiously, though the answer was obvious.“Alex,” Darius clarified, his eyes on me. “You went to see him, don't act ignorant,” Darius growled, stepping further into the room and closing the door behind him with a sharp snap. His presence was overwhelming, his anger palpable, but there was something else in his gaze—something raw and vulnerable that I
The corridor was dark and dim as Derek’s men made their way down to Dylan’s holding cell. They didn't have pleased expressions however, if anything they were confused. Derek’s orders had been clear enough, they just couldn't understand why he wanted them to release Dylan who he'd kept hostage for weeks already. It made little sense. Releasing Dylan, the man they'd once called Alpha felt like a bitter soup being forced down their throat. In Derek’s study earlier, the command had been given with an authority that left no room for argument. His tone had been sharp, his gaze cold as ice.“Release him,” Derek said, his voice as cold as ice. A wave of murmurs spread through the group of men. One of the braver men had hesitated, his brows furrowed in confusion. “But—” he tried to speak up but Derek wasn't having any of it. His fist slammed onto the desk, the impact echoing through the room like a gunshot.“But what?” He snapped, his eyes narrowed dangerously. “Do you intend to question
DariusThe air outside the council felt like freedom as I stepped out, leaving those group of old foggeys behind me. I exhaled slowly, the tension leaving me as my tense shoulders relaxed and thoughts swirled inside my head. I'd not been as relaxed as I'd made myself look. Damn them! I snapped internally, my eyes narrowing. They hadn't cared that Alex had kidnapped Serena, hadn't cared at all. All they cared about were their interests. “Darius!” Agatha’s voice broke through the mess of thoughts in my mind. I hadn’t noticed when she'd walked out after me. I halted mid-stride, my jaw tightening as I turned to face her. “What is it, Mother?” I asked, my tone sharper than I intended. I forced a smile, “won't you join them in their discussion?” I waved my hand, gesturing back at the closed chamber. “No,” Agatha smiled a little. “They already know where I stand on this, there's no need for more formalities.” I felt a warm fuzzy feeling at her words and I smiled. “You need to be more
DariusThe chamber felt colder than usual when I strode in, the sound of my steps echoing as my boots stepped on the freshly polished floors. My eyes were cold and icy as I glanced straight, scanning the group of people in front. Mother was seated at the far end of the room, she sat ramrod straight but I could see the weariness in her eyes. She had borne the weight of the pack for a while now but now, even she seemed rattled.The three elders were present, they sat quietly by the side but one would be unwise to ignore them. Not like I cared much for them I thought, stopping a few meters away. “Mother,” I began, bowing my head. I glanced at the elders for a moment, my eyes staying on that of Elder Mortis for a moment. He was the eldest and outspoken one, his eyes met mine with a piercing glare but he didn’t say a word. Elder Reed as always looked ready to criticize, his lips twisting into a scowl as he glanced at me. Elan, the quietest of the three, sat back with his hands clasp
Serena’s POV The air seemed still with unspoken words and I stared at Jake pleadingly. “Fine,” Jake nodded, relenting. He massaged his brows gently, “I'll take you to him,” he said, “But—” he held up a finger. “Only for a few minutes” he added, his expression serious. “If Darius finds out I let you see him…” He trailed off, shaking his head. “Let’s just say I’ll be lucky if I still have skin on my back.”“I understand,” I nodded quickly, my heart pounding. “Thank you,” I whispered, "I won’t take long, I promise.”Jake didn't answer and his jaw tightened, but he motioned for me to follow. “Leave,” he turned to glance at the guards who stood further off, then nodded and turned to leave without a word. He probably didn't want anyone knowing what we were going to do I thought, watching the guards leave. “Let's go,” Jake waited until they'd left before he motioned me to follow him. We walked into one of the adjourning buildings, and through some dimly lit halls in silence, the atmosph
Serena’s POV I was deep in my thoughts when a knock at the door pierced the silence. I glanced up, surprised, as Susan stepped into the room. Her movements were slow and quiet as she drifted into the room, her gaze shifting nervously before settling on me.“Susan?” my eyes narrowed slightly. I was surprised to see her, and a moment later I frowned. There was something off about her I thought, wondering if my eyes were playing tricks on me. Her usual air of superiority was gone, replaced by something I couldn’t quite place.“Serena,” she began, her tone softer than I’d ever heard it.I straightened, sitting up while adjusting a pillow behind me, despite myself I was still wary of her. “What is it?”Susan hesitated, her hands twisting together. “I came to see how you were doing,” she beamed a smile at me as she fidgeted on the spot, unsure of whether to come close or stay where she was. “See me?”My brows shot up as her words threw me off, that was the last thing I'd expect Susan to
Serena’s POV The room was so silent you could hear a pin drop. Darius stood near the door, his arms crossed and I could feel his eyes on me, boring into me. “Th—thank you,” I stammered, my voice coming out in a whisper and I forced myself to look up at him. My chest tightened as his eyes flicked to mine, holding them for a moment too long before glancing away.He didn’t respond immediately. Instead, he shifted on his feet, looking oddly uncomfortable—almost hesitant, as if he wasn’t sure how to respond.“Are you…okay?” he asked finally, his voice gruff but softer than I expected.“I’m fine,” I said quickly, the words feeling hollow in my mouth. Darius nodded, though the tension in his posture didn’t ease. The silence stretched again, awkward and heavy, until I couldn’t take it anymore.“I mean it, Darius,” I stuttered, my voice a little firmer now. “Thank you for saving me. If it weren’t for you…”I trailed off, not finishing the statement. Alex had wanted to take me somewhere. So
Serena’s POVThe sound of the car was the only sound that filled my ears as we drove in the dark. My heart was beating erratically, a by-product of the tense thoughts floating In my mind. Darius was at the wheel, and his hands were gripping the steering very tightly as he drove, his expression was like stone. He hadn't said a word since we'd left, his eyes occasionally meeting my gaze in the rearview mirror. Marcella sat quietly beside me in the back seat, her presence reassured me. This wasn’t fake. This wasn’t a lie, I'd been rescued. I winced slightly as I adjusted my position, my body screaming with pain. I couldn’t get the image of Alex out of my head. ‘Was he fine, had Darius injured him? What had happened?’ I sat there struggling with the thought as it plagued me. I needed to know if he was okay if he’d made it out alive, but I didn’t know how to ask. My throat felt tight, I didn't wish to test Darius’s reaction by asking, so I couldn’t bring myself to speak.“He’ll be fi
Susan stood behind the door as she strained her ears to eavesdrop on a conversation with someone on the phone. She couldn't hear the voice on the other end, but the tone of Stephanie’s words made her feel very uneasy. Something was off. “…it’s handled, don’t worry about that,” Stephanie said quietly, pacing the room. She was dressed in a beautiful blue dress. “If you keep your side of the bargain, keep mine,” her words made Susan scrunch her face, suspicion filling her. “I’ll keep you updated,” Stephanie said. “Stick to the plan,” she ended the call. Plan? What plan? Susan’s brows furrowed and she pushed closer, trying to overhear more bits of the conversation but the conversation had ended already. Susan hesitated at the door, her face having all kinds of emotions. She took a deep breath before she pushed the door open and stepped inside. “Who's—” Stephanie exclaimed as she spun around, her words cutting off when she saw Susan and her expression hardened instantly.“Who were