Jason sat across from Janet, his eyes downcast as she asked him why he always seemed so closed off with her. He knew that he couldn't keep his secrets from her forever, but he also knew that the truth would only push her away."It's not just that, Janet," he said, finally looking up at her. "There are things about me that you don't know, things that I'm not proud of."Janet's brow furrowed in confusion. "What could you have possibly done that's so terrible?"Jason let out a bitter laugh. "You have no idea, Janet. You have no idea who I really am."Janet shook her head, determined to understand. "It doesn't matter, Jason. Whatever you've done, it's in the past. We can move forward together, and make a better future."Jason's eyes flickered with emotion, and for a moment, he seemed like he might open up to her. But then he shook his head, his expression hardening once again."You don't understand, Janet. You don't know what I've done, what I'm capable of."Janet reached across the table
Aiden was seated in his throne room, staring blankly into space as his father walked in. The King observed his son's expression and noticed the sadness etched on his face. He approached him and asked, "Aiden, why do you look so glum? Is it because of Chloe?"Aiden looked up at his father, surprised that he had guessed the reason for his sadness. He nodded slowly and said, "Yes, Father. I miss her so much, and I want her back with me."His father sighed and asked, "Then why aren't you doing anything to get her back? You're the Alpha, Aiden. You have the power to make things happen. If you really want her back here, you know that you can easily arrange for that to happen."Aiden's shoulders slumped, and he replied, "I made a deal with Liam. He allowed me to heal Chloe when she was poisoned, and in return, I promised not to interfere with his relationship with her. My word is my honor, Father, and I cannot go back on it."The King nodded thoughtfully and said, "I understand your dilemma,
Chloe was languishing in the dungeon, her heart heavy with sorrow and despair. When the guard entered, announcing that she was to be taken for the mating ceremony, she felt a shiver run down her spine. As she was led to a room, she couldn't help but feel a pang of regret for her current predicament. The maids in the room began to bathe and dress her up in fancy adornment and ornaments fit for a Luna. They asked her how she felt about being mated to Liam, and her response was a clear and emphatic one."I abhor the very thought of it," Chloe said with a voice filled with conviction. "I am not in love with Liam, and I never will be. I would rather die than be mated to someone I don't love."The maids looked at her with a mix of sympathy and curiosity. "Why do you feel this way, my Lady?" one of them asked gently."Because love cannot be forced," Chloe replied. "It is a feeling that cannot be manufactured or dictated. I have my heart set on someone else, and that someone is Aiden."The ma
The Alpha's eyes flashed with anger, and he raised his hand to strike her. But before he could land the blow, the door burst open, and Liam walked in."What is going on here?" he demanded, his voice firm.The Alpha let go of Chloe and stepped back, his expression turning neutral. "Just teaching our prisoner a lesson," he said casually.Liam's eyes narrowed, and he looked from Chloe to the Alpha. "I will not tolerate this kind of behavior," he said firmly. "Chloe is not just a prisoner, she is a guest in our home. And I expect her to be treated with respect and dignity."The Alpha nodded, but Chloe could tell he was seething inside. She knew this wasn't over yet, and that she would have to be on her guard at all times. But for now, she was grateful for Liam's intervention, and she vowed to herself that she would never let the Alpha break her spirit.The Alpha let out a growl before turning his back on her and leaving the room. Chloe let out a shaky breath as she was left alone with Lia
Chloe felt a lump form in her throat, "But at what cost? How much are we willing to sacrifice for the sake of duty?"Liam sighed, "I don't know, Chloe. I really don't. But I do know that I'll always be here for you, no matter what happens."Chloe felt tears well up in her eyes, "And what about Aiden? What happens to him?"Liam's expression hardened, "We'll deal with him later. Right now, we have to focus on the ceremony."Chloe bit her lip, feeling torn between her duty and her heart. She knew that whatever decision she made would have far-reaching consequences, and she wasn't sure if she was ready to face them.Chloe's heart was pounding as Liam leaned in to mark her, but suddenly the door burst open, and in walked Aiden with his guards. Chloe's relief was palpable as she was quickly untied."What is the meaning of this?" Liam demanded, his face twisted with anger.Aiden stepped forward, his eyes blazing. "I won't let you mark her, Liam. Not when she doesn't want it."Liam's lip curl
Chloe couldn't believe how lucky she was to have found Aiden. As they spent more time together, she felt her heart grow fonder and fonder of him.One day, as they were walking through the gardens, Chloe turned to Aiden and said, "You know, I never thought I would find someone like you. You're kind, strong, and always there for me."Aiden smiled at her and replied, "I feel the same way about you, Chloe. You're smart, beautiful, and I can't imagine my life without you."Chloe blushed and looked down at her feet, feeling a warmth spreading through her body. "I don't think I've ever felt this way about anyone before," she admitted.Aiden reached out and took her hand, pulling her close to him. "Neither have I," he said, his voice low and husky.They stood there for a moment, lost in their own thoughts and feelings, before Aiden leaned down and pressed his lips to hers. Chloe's heart raced as she kissed him back, feeling like she was on top of the world.As they pulled away from each other
Chloe woke up with a lingering sense of anxiety, a feeling that she had grown accustomed to over the past few days. Her mind was preoccupied with the ongoing trial of Emily, who had been remanded in house arrest for attempting to poison her. As she walked to Janet's garden, she couldn't help but feel a sense of relief wash over her.Janet was overjoyed to see Chloe and welcomed her with open arms. "My dear, how I have missed you!" she exclaimed as she hugged her tightly. Chloe smiled and reciprocated the hug. "I've missed you too, Janet," she replied.Janet asked Chloe how she could be of service, but Chloe told her that she was her friend now, and she didn't need to act like her servant. Janet was surprised but pleased to hear this, and she smiled warmly at Chloe.Chloe then told Janet about the trial of Emily, and how she hoped that justice would be served. "I really hope that she gets what she deserves for almost killing me," Chloe said, her voice laced with frustration.Janet list
Chloe felt a flutter in her chest as she met his gaze. There was something about Liam that drew her to him, something that made her heart beat faster whenever she was near him. "I'd like that," she said softly. "I'm excited to get to know this new Liam."He laughed, the sound rich and full of mirth. "I'm not new, Chloe. Just refined."Chloe giggled, feeling a lightness in her chest that she hadn't felt in a while. "Well, refined or not, I'm happy to have you in my life again."They fell into an easy conversation then, talking about everything and nothing, just enjoying each other's company. Chloe found herself feeling more and more comfortable with Liam, as though they had never been apart. They laughed and teased each other, and as the sun began to set, Chloe knew that she didn't want the evening to end.But eventually, they had to part ways. Liam walked her to her car, and as she got in, Chloe turned to him with a small smile. "Thank you, Liam. For everything."Liam leaned down and