But then, Isabella appeared out of nowhere. She wore a sleek navy blue dress with iridescent sequins that made her look every bit the snake she was.“Vanessa is Liam’s girlfriend. I invited her,” she said with a huff. “Nicholas, don’t be so inconsiderate.”Nicholas’s eyes flicked to his stepmother.
Kayla & NicholasKaylaI panicked a little, standing frozen in place like a statue made of ice—and yet at the same time my face seemed like it was on fire.Nicholas simply chuckled as he turned to face me.“I know you’re not the biggest fan of public displays of affection after what your ex did to y
“Alpha Nicholas?” a voice called, pulling me from my thoughts.I snapped out of it and locked eyes with the elderly man in front of me. It was Alpha Alex from Darkwood Pack, also one of the presidents of the guild, Isabella’s older brother, and currently my biggest enemy.“Alex,” I acknowledged curt
Nicholas & KaylaNicholasThe effects on Kayla were immediate; I had seen this particular drug used before and could tell instantly from the sudden change in her scent and the way her pupils dilated. She turned to me and placed a hand on my chest.“Nicholas…”I cursed under my breath. Scorpio had ac
It was all too familiar.“I’ll make them pay,” I muttered under my breath. Memories of my mother flooded back—the same drug, the same tactics. After forcibly detoxing, her body had become weak, and she never fully recovered.Kayla stirred beside me, her hand reaching out. I took it gently.“Mommy...
KaylaIsabella and Sadie stared at me in shock. For a moment, the room was silent.“Why don’t you open the box now, dear?” Sadie finally said with a sweet smile.I narrowed my eyes and set the box aside. Clearly, something was indeed off here; I wasn’t being paranoid or going insane after that aphro
Sadie sputtered, “This isn’t over.”I met her gaze calmly. “Yes, it is. Please leave.”She huffed but obeyed, storming out with Isabella following closely behind.Once they were gone, I let out a breath I hadn’t realized I was holding. The room felt lighter already without them in it.Later, as I se
KaylaNicholas stormed forward and shoved Liam aside with unprecedented force, sending Liam sprawling down the front steps. Before I could process what was happening, he signaled to the security guards. They moved swiftly, escorting Liam and Isabella off the manor grounds despite their protests.“Ni
I nodded, suddenly feeling my legs go weak. Three days walking nonstop in the forest, living on berries and squirrels, finally seemed to be catching up to me. I sank down into a nearby chair, slumping slightly.Nicholas glanced at me, then walked out of the room without a word, leaving me and Jade a
KaylaI didn’t hesitate. “Take me there,” I said, turning abruptly toward Nicholas.Nicholas furrowed his brow slightly, as did Emma. I knew they were both surprised at my sudden interest in Nora, who had been nothing but a thorn in my side since we’d met. And frankly, I didn’t blame them. Maybe a f
At that, Nicholas released me, taking a step back. He furrowed his brow. “You look surprised.”“Because I thought you had no intention of going on a honeymoon,” I blurted out, smoothing down the front of my jacket. “I thought…”My voice trailed off, and I couldn’t find it in me to say it out loud. I
KaylaI looked up to see Nicholas approaching, his face pale. “Are you alright?” he asked, stopping a little ways away from where I was standing.I quickly turned away, hoping he couldn’t see the tears welling up in my eyes. “I’m fine.”“Kayla.” Nicholas stepped in my way. “Talk to me. Did something
Was it true that Nicholas had laughed in her face when she confessed her feelings? Was he truly that heartless, even back then? Was it true that Nora thought she was doing me a favor by trying to break us up, by showing me that audio clip?I didn’t think Nora could ever be my friend, not by a long s
KaylaI stared at the deer turning on the spit, its skin turned red and glistening with fat as the fire cooked it from beneath. The air smelled like roasting meat, mingling with the scent of fresh bread and mulled cider.I was starving and surrounded by food that looked utterly delicious, and yet my
Before I could protest further, Nicholas whisked me off my feet, gathering me in his arms like I was as light as a feather. He strode quickly toward the edge of the forest—I was surprised to find that we weren’t nearly as far as I thought we were this whole time—and then veered toward the house.“I’
KaylaI stared wide-eyed down at Nora’s unmoving body, at the pool of blood forming around her abdomen. She coughed and sputtered, eyes glazed over, already worlds away from this place by the time I found her.The warrior said that he had accidentally pushed her too hard during a spar, and she fell
And although it was bitterly cold out today, with the feast being held outside no less, all of the torches and fire pits scattered around the gathering area kept me warm enough that I’d even removed my jacket some time ago.Jade shook her head and took a seat next to me, perching on the edge of the