DOMINIC’S POV
One day ago…
The night wrapped around me like a comforting shroud as I retired to my room. The dim glow of the full moon spilled through the window, casting soft shadows across my bed. I sank into the cool sheets, ready to let the day’s exhaustion take over, damn that Alpha Harold had me taken care of meeting up with the elders again when it was supposed to be his business.
And just as I was about to close my eyes, my phone buzzed incessantly on the bedside table.
“What the hell could he want again?” I murmured, reaching for the device thinking it was Harold once more.
The screen lit up, and my breath caught in my throat as I saw the flood of notifications. Suddenly, curiosity washed over me as most of the messages were from a person I least expect to message me—Luna Elisse.
To my confusion, all of it were image attachment.
And with a flick of my thumb, I opened the images. I was immediately met with a series of nude photos—of Elisse’s, my alpha’s mate, in nothing but seductive lingerie. Each of her photo was a tantalizing display of her body, posed in ways that made my blood boil and my dick hardened instinctively.
“Sweet fucking Luna,” I breathed, feeling my pulse quicken.
There she was, her delicate slender body wearing lace and silk, every curve screams of perfect wild invitation. The first image showed her leaning against a wall, her back arched, the fabric barely concealing her breast and only revealing her sweet pink erected nipples. I couldn’t tear my gaze away.
“Damn I want to bite them hard,” I murmured, my fingers trailing down my to stroke my dick in a reflexive motion as I became harder at the sight of Elisse’s nude photos. It was intoxicating, exhilarating, and entirely wrong. But the thrill of danger only added to the allure.
I scanned through the next photos, each one more enticing than the last. There was one of her lying on a bed, legs spread wide as she showed her wet pussy, her sultry gaze directed right at the camera as if she were inviting me into fuck her delicious wet hole. “This is what you want, isn’t it?” I taunted softly, as if she could hear me. “To be screwed so badly. To know what it feels like to be truly satisfied.”
As I lost myself in the images, I could feel my resolve slipping. I stroked myself slowly to fast, in rhythm with the pulsating heat building inside me. Each stroke of my hand mirrored my wicked fantasies on how I want to fuck Elisse so bad and destroy her cunt.
I imagined what it would be like to have her beneath me, to take her apart piece by piece until she was left gasping for more and craving for my dick to destroy her ass and pussy all night.
“Looks like everything’s going rough on your end, my sweet Luna,” I chuckled darkly. “Has the alpha failed to make you satisfied?”
I let out a low, wicked laugh, the sound echoing off the walls of my room, a mix of triumph and desire coursing through me. The way her body arched, the way her lips parted in those photos—she looked desperate for something more than what Harold could give her. “You have no idea what you’re getting yourself into, Elisse,” I whispered, my voice dripping with lust.
I continued to stroke my hardened member, my eyes glued to the screen, imagining her beneath me, begging for me to fuck her harder and faster. “I can give you everything he can’t,” I taunted, lost in the intoxicating haze of pleasure and desire. “I could show you a more pleasures beyond those pathetic little poses.”
As I was about to cum, I let out a groan, feeling the pressure build until it became too much to contain. I closed my eyes as I came in my hands, my cumshot exploding in the air and spraying against the image of Elisse with her pussy spread wide for me to enjoy.
Losing myself in the moment, the images of Elisse consumed me completely. My breath quickened as I let go, a shuddering release that made me feel both exhilarated and utterly wicked.
I lay there afterward, panting, the aftershocks of pleasure coursing through me as I stared at her photos. The room was filled with a heavy silence, and the reality of what I had done settled in. But I couldn’t bring myself to feel guilty. No, I felt even more hungrier to be honest and I know exactly what meal would satisfy me next and that was to have Elisse.
“That’s right,” I said to myself, a sly grin creeping across my face. “I have you, Elisse. One way or another, you’re going to feel what it’s like to be truly desired.”
I chuckled again, running a finger over the screen, tracing her image as if it were a treasure before I licked the image of her wet pussy. This wasn’t over. Not by a long shot. I wouldn’t stop until she was mine to fuck.
“Tomorrow, my sweet Luna. Tomorrow, I’ll make you understand just how satisfying it can become mine.”
ELISSE’S POV
Moments after Dominic left me at inside his study…
Everything around me felt like it was thick with unspoken words, the aftermath of our heated and forbidden kiss still linerd on my lips. Caught up in guilt and excitement, I could feel an odd pull towards him, like a magnetic force that sent warmth pooling low in my stomach.
My legs wobbled slightly, damped and sweaty, like an evidence to the storm of emotions raging inside me right now that I couldn’t seem to explain.
I glanced at the direction from where he life and rememered silver eyes that was filled with a mix of mischief and desire. It was like I was imagining him standing before me, whispering me with words that was too damn wrong.
“You know,” he said, stepping closer in my imagination, his deep voice a low murmur, “I know you want me to continue, Elisse. You don’t have to lie and be a good damn girl. Just follow what you truly want.”
His words wrapped around me like a warm blanket, tempting and dangerous. But deep down, I was horrified. I had never imagined that a momentary accident—those compromising pictures I had taken—would lead to this, to me cheating with my husband’s own beta. The thought twisted in my gut, but as Dominic’s fingers brushed my lips with his thumb and made me swallow it, that thought melted away under the heat of his touch.
Just as I was about to open my mouth to respond, there was a loud bang on the door that quickly disrupt me from my imagination. “Elisse! Open this door!” Wella’s voice pierced through the tension like a knife.
“Shit,” I muttered, stepping back as if the distance would shield me from the reality of what was happening.
Wella’s voice grew more insistent. “Elisse! I swear, if you don’t open this door right now—”
“Fine! I’m coming!” I called, rushing to the door. As I opened it, Wella barged in, her eyes wide with concern. She took in the scene—me looking flustered and Dominic looking too damn comfortable.
“What is going on here?” she demanded, her eyes narrowing at me.
“I was just having a discussion with Beta Dominic,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady.
“A discussion? Where is he?” Wella raised an eyebrow, crossing her arms.
“He already left a moment ago.” I replied.
Wella glared at me, but I could see the tension in her shoulders relax slightly. “You can’t be serious, Elisse. You’re in here alone with him? What were you thinking?”
“I wasn’t—” I started, but the words tumbled out awkwardly. “I mean, we were just talking about pack matters.”
She heaved, “Alright, did he deleted the photos?” Wella’s tone was skeptical, but she turned to me, her expression softening. “If your husband finds out…”
“He already did” I lied, and I don’t fucking know why I did. Why am I even covering him up when he was clearing using it to blackmail me.
Wella sighed, her eyes darting between me and Dominic. “Look, Elisse, I just don’t want you to get hurt. Dominic might be charming, but you know he has a reputation. So be careful around him, make sure he really deleted those photos.”
“Yeah…”
“He’s still your husband’s beta,” Wella interrupted. “That makes this whole thing a million times more complicated.”
“Yeah, I know. Well, complicated seems to be my specialty these days,” I muttered, crossing my arms. “But he has already shown me that he deleted it after I explained that it was meant for Harold.” my lies continued and I felt bad I had to lie to my bestfriend.
Wella softened again, placing a comforting hand on my shoulder. “I just want you to be safe, Elisse. You deserve it, especially after how Harold had completely thrown you out. If something happens to you I know he would be the very least person you can count on.”
“I agree,” I agreed quietly.
Wella's eyes lit up with mischief. “Now we can head back do the rest of the list. Let’s find a way to make Harold regret not appreciating you. How about we hit a strip club tonight? Show him what he’s missing?”
I blinked, taken aback by her suggestion. “A strip club? Seriously?”
“Why not? Isn’t that part of your list?” Wella insisted, a grin spreading across her face. “You can have a little adventure, and Harold will see you in a whole new light.”
Wella chuckled, clearly entertained by the idea. “What do you think, Elisse? Ready to embrace your wild side?”
I glanced at her, feeling a rush of uncertainty mixed with excitement. “Of course.” I replied
But even as I prepared for our escapade, I couldn’t shake the memory of Dominic’s words. “You deserve more than doing any of these damn list, Elisse. You’re not just a pretty face to be tossed around like some whore toy for other men.” While my body recalled the intoxicating thrill of his touch.
And it made me thought, why was I even curious about what would have happened between us should Wella had not interrupted?
LATER THAT EVENING…
The neon lights of the strip club flickered outside as Wella and I approached the entrance. My heart raced in a mix of excitement and trepidation. The air was filled with laughter and the pulsing beat of music, creating a sense of exhilaration that made me feel alive.
Wella turned to me, her eyes sparkling. “Ready for a night of freedom?”
I took a deep breath, my apprehension bubbling beneath the surface. “As ready as I’ll ever be.”
Inside, the atmosphere was electric. The sound of laughter mixed with sultry music, and the scent of perfume hung heavily in the air. Dancers moved with confidence, their bodies glistening under the lights. I felt a thrill run through me—a rush of adrenaline and something else I couldn't quite place.
“Look at that one!” Wella exclaimed, pointing toward a dancer who moved gracefully across the stage. “She’s incredible!”
“Yeah, she is,” I replied, my voice slightly breathless.
As we found a table, a server approached us. “What can I get you ladies?” she asked, her smile bright and welcoming.
“Two shots of tequila,” Wella ordered, glancing at me with a mischievous grin. “We need to loosen up!”
“Absolutely,” I agreed, feeling the anticipation building.
When the shots arrived, we raised our glasses and clinked together. I could feel the tense in me earlier was beginning to dissolve. “To Elisse’ getting a successful hook up tonight,” Wella said, her voice gleeful.
“Fucking cheers to that!” I echoed, downing the shot in one go. The burn was sharp but exhilarating, igniting a sense of freedom I hadn’t felt in a long time.
As the night wore on, we watched the performances, laughter spilling from our lips. I began to feel a sense of liberation that I hadn’t anticipated. Each dancer was a story, a moment of bravery, and I admired their confidence.
“See? This isn’t so bad!” Wella said, nudging me playfully. “You’re having fun!”
“I am,” I admitted, a smile creeping onto my face. But even amidst the excitement, thoughts of Dominic lingered. I could still feel his touch, the way his fingers had lingered on my skin. It was intoxicating and maddening.
Just then, Wella leaned in closer, “I’ll just head to the comfort room for a while.” as she left me behind.
It wasn’t even long when Wella left that a group of three men uninvitedly seated on the same cubicle as I am. It made me feel nervous but thinking perhaps it wouldn’t even be so bad knowing I would eventually be able to fulfill another to do from my naughty list.
However, for some reason, my inner wolf was feeling unsettled. This was the first time that it contradicted me against my plans. It was like she was giving me a warning as she continued to growl within me.
I tried to ignore her and followed what I think I should do around these three men. Not before long when I suddenly noticed that most of them were not only enjoying to drink and eat the food we have on the table but also, their hands were randomly touching me everywhere that was beginning to make me feel uncomfortable.
“Come on miss, we know you want to get nailed. So let us all have some fun.” said one with a long beard.
“You’d enjoy our company.” chimed by the bald one sitting on my left as she was forcing me to allow him squeezed my breast. He was able to do it while forcing his mouth against my neck.
Their touch wasn’t as passionate as how Dominic did me earlier. I couldn’t even believe why it was him that I remembered during this moment but it was like my inner wolf was making it happen.
After a while, I was finally convinced that I don’t want to have anything to do with these pervert men. I don’t want to be banged by either of them three that I soon began to struggle and escape.
However, before I could even manage to do so, the bald guy quickly gripped my two hands and pressed me against the chair. I wanted to scream for help but aside from the fact that the cubicle were at was secluded at the farthest corner from the bar counter, one of the three men held my mouth preventing me to scream.
My moans were too low against the bombarding music of the club that all that was left for me to do was cry and continuously struggle, the other guy with long hair laughed as he ripped my panties off and sniffed it with satisfaction.
“You smelled so fucking good.” he commented as he stroked his boner.
The other guy with exaggerated beard went on to unbuttoned my upper dress, revealed my breast. He lifted my bra down exposing my nipples and he began to play with them.
“We will surely enjoy tonight, we promise you won’t be able to walk for days after this.” he threaten to tell me and it made my eyes grew wide when the bald guy began to unzip his pants and exposed his erected dick before my face.
I didn’t want it.
But no matter how I tried to struggle, I just couldn’t break free and escape. I had been hoping for Wella to return and save me but I wonder what was taking her so long to come back.
And for some unknown miracle that might have heard my prayers, all of us were shock when all of a sudden the bar’s music stopped as the nearest glass window next to our cubicle was shattered by a large dark brown werewolf that entered the bar.
It growled furiously as it glared at the three men who were about to molest me. It wasn’t even before long when the three men began leave me to make a beeline for escape. However, the wolf didn’t even bother to let any of them escape.
I was witness how the wolf ripped them piece by piece making the rest of the people at the bar escape from fear. Before I knew it, the wolf was done with them and not it would certainly come for me next.
But as the rays of the moon light shine towards the wolf, it quickly shifted back to a human—a naked man and it was Dominic.
“You’re a very naughty girl. Didn’t I told you not to do any of your list anymore?” he quickly said as he approached me and grabbed for my hand as he drag me somewhere.
Still shocked that I was really seeing Dominic’s massive thick erection, Dominic lured me back to my senses when I realize he was pulling me outside the bar and towards his car that was parked outside.
“Where are you taking me?” I asked, trying to pull my hands off his grip. But since his grip on me was too tight, it became much of a struggle.
Before I could even attempt to make another chance for escape, Dominic yanked me towards him and I felt his dick brushing at the cheek of my pussy hidden beyond the thin hem of my dress. I remembered I no longer have my panties which makes this situation a lot more dangerous.
“What do you think you’re doing, Dominic!” I screamed at him. Everything escalated far beyond what I had anticipated when Dominic refused to answered right away as he shoved me inside his car.
His presence was so domineering as he crawled on top of me. Dominic’s silver eyes sparked and burned as he eventually growled, “I’m going to fix how those filthy bastards almost spoiled what should have been mine to claim.” His voice was deep and dripping with intense possessiveness.
I was completely caught off guard and before I could even think to protest, Dominic’s lips rushed to press against mine and down my neck as he resolve it by leaving a soft bite, his mark, claiming me in a way that felt inevitable, as if resisting him was no longer an option.
The air between us felt thick with intensity as Dominic’s lips traced a line down my neck, igniting a rush of shivers that I couldn’t control. I wanted to protest, to push him away. Yet the warmth of his touch, the way his eyes captured mine with a fierce possession, scattered my thoughts, leaving only the thrill of his presence.His hand moved from my shoulder to cup my chin, lifting it until I had no choice but to meet his gaze. His eyes were a shade darker, feral but calculating, assessing. “You put yourself in danger back there, Elisse.” His voice was low, almost a growl. “Do you even realize what could have happened if I hadn’t arrived?”I fought for my voice, though I could still feel the weight of his touch, holding me captive. “I didn’t… think things would get out of hand,” I stammered, more to myself than to him. The truth was, it had started as an attempt to reclaim some sense of control, to rebel against the quiet neglect Harold left behind. But now, under Dominic’s gaze, I
The night was quiet as we drove farther away from the city, a stretch of road surrounded by thick trees and darkened hills. With every mile, we were sinking deeper into a place far from any familiar territory. The tension in the car felt tangible, and Dominic’s silence only heightened the unease curling in my chest. When he finally spoke, it was in a low, steady voice, almost as if he’d sensed the questions twisting inside me.“Do you regret this, Elisse?” he asked, his gaze fixed on the road. “Coming with me?”I hesitated, my eyes drawn to his profile as he drove. “Regret… isn’t the right word,” I murmured, unsure myself of what I meant. The emotions I felt were too complicated to untangle, a mess of desire, guilt, and a longing I didn’t want to admit to. “I don’t know what I feel.”Dominic’s jaw tightened, a muscle working as he absorbed my words. “I know what I feel,” he said, voice laced with quiet intensity. “I want you safe. Away from him. And I want you to feel what it’s like t
The days passed, but the mark Dominic had left on my neck refused to fade. I had taken to wearing high collars and scarves, but Dominic’s mark stayed, as if unwilling to let go of its claim on me. Life with my husband, Harold had continued as well, though it had become even more strained. There was an unspoken tension between us, an almost mocking civility, as if he was daring me to say something, to admit I knew the truth of his neglect and his contempt.Then, one morning, a summons arrived. Harold wanted to see me in his study. I knew what awaited me—after everything that had happened, after years of silence and resentment, there could only be one reason he’d called me there. For the Divorce.The thought of it should have brought relief, maybe even a sense of freedom. But as I walked down the long hallway toward his study, I could feel something else stirring inside me, a nervous anticipation that I hadn’t felt in a long time.I opened the door to Harold’s study, expecting to see
A few days passed after the confrontation with Harold in his study, and I found myself constantly on edge. Every time I passed a mirror, I could see the faint but undeniable mark on my neck—the mark that Dominic had left.It was a reminder of our forbidden connection and a danger I couldn’t afford, not with Harold so close to uncovering the truth. I tried everything to conceal it, even resorting to layers of makeup, scarves, and high collars, but I knew the day was coming when it would be impossible to hide.One morning, while I was applying concealer in front of my vanity, there was a sudden knock on my door. Panic flared as I dabbed the makeup sponge over my neck, the door swinging open before I had a chance to answer.“Elisse.” Harold’s voice was cold, and I froze, feeling the hairs on the back of my neck rise. He was already halfway into my room, his gaze narrowing as he caught sight of me. His eyes drifted to the makeup sponge in my hand and then to the side of my neck, where I h
The tension between Harold and me only grew sharper over the next few days, thickening like a storm cloud with each encounter. He hadn’t mentioned the divorce papers since that night, but his glances were more probing, and his conversations colder. I felt the invisible clock ticking down, each second adding to his suspicions as he tried to piece together what he sensed lurking beneath the surface.One evening, just after sunset, he summoned me to his study. This time, the edge in his voice was unmistakable, dripping with barely-contained fury. As I approached the heavy oak door, dread twisted in my stomach, a familiar sensation by now, but one I’d never grown used to. I braced myself, preparing for whatever accusations or demands he might hurl my way.Inside, he stood by the window, his back turned, a dark silhouette against the forest’s fading light. His posture was tense, hands clasped behind him, a man barely holding himself together. He didn’t look at me when he spoke.“It’s been
The weight of Harold’s resentment had hung over the house since the last conversation with him earlier before the hunt. His gaze towards me grew colder, and even his demands became persistent that it was becoming too hard for me to continue enduring to resist him from his relentless desire to have me signed the divorce papers.With each passing day, his words began to sting more like carefully placed weapons than accusations. It’s like a venom that was creeping through me everytime we both talk and it was becoming too hard to counter. Although most of the time, I would often just listen to him and refuse to start an argument. Later that evening after their hunt, the night abruptly was thick with an ominous calm as I rested in bed. I didn’t even bother waiting for them. Usually, Harold wouldn’t even mind if I waited for them or not so might as well spend the rest of the evening resting so that I wouldn’t even have to waist my energy on people who doesn’t even care whether I make an e
The next two days in Dominic's penthouse were a experience unlike anything I had ever known. The silence wrapped around me like a soft blanket, soothing the frayed edges of my mind. The freedom was intoxicating; for the first time, I felt the weight of fear lift off my shoulders, replaced by a profound sense of liberation that was almost surreal. The penthouse, perched high above the city, offered breathtaking views that seemed to stretch into infinity. Vast windows framed the skyline, the twinkling lights below resembling scattered stars, reminding me that I was untethered, floating high above the chaos of my past.In this sanctuary, I could breathe again. I realized that no one would find us here, and with that thought came an overwhelming sense of safety that felt foreign yet deeply welcome.When Dominic returned from his outing, I was taken aback by the sight of him lugging in bags of groceries and supplies. I hadn’t expected such a thoughtful gesture; it was a surprise that set
But every wonderful moment seemed to have an ending. As much as I don’t want to go home yet, Dominic was the one who told me he should send me back a day ahead before Harold comes home.I understand that it would become rather suspicious if I were nowhere to be found when Harold returns. Not that he would care in a sense of jealousy, but I believe it would be because he would rather much want to find out further flaws to use up against me so that he could force me to sign the divorce papers.The drive back to the pack house was filled with a tense silence that hung in the air between Dominic and me. I stared out the window, watching the trees blur into a green haze as we sped down the winding road. I couldn’t shake the feeling of unease that crept in, a reminder of all that was at stake. “You need to head early,” Dominic said, breaking the silence. His voice was steady, but I could sense the underlying tension. “We can’t be seen together, Elisse. It’s too risky.”I nodded, my heart h
As the car roared to life, the tension between Dominic and me was thick enough to cut with a knife. He sat in the back, silent and brooding, his eyes flicking between the road ahead and the small stack of documents in my hands. I could feel his gaze on me, but I refused to acknowledge it. This wasn’t the time for distractions, not when we were heading straight into enemy territory.We drove in silence for what felt like hours, the city lights blinking past in a blur. I was processing Dominic’s words, the weight of the trap we were walking into pressing down on me. But even as I tried to focus, his presence in the backseat kept nagging at me, pulling at my thoughts.Creed was driving with determination, his jaw clenched as he muttered low under his breath. "This place better be worth it."I had half a mind to reply, but instead, I found myself stealing glances at Dominic through the rearview mirror. He was staring out the window, his face shrouded in shadows, but there was a quiet inte
The sounds of gunfire and shouting echoed down the corridor, sharp and frantic. Creed’s movements were precise, each shot calculated to neutralize our pursuers, but the growing number of guards meant we couldn’t stay and fight for long."Exit’s ahead," I shouted to Creed, my voice low and urgent. We had to push through—there was no other option.We barreled forward, ducking behind pillars and crates, our every step echoing in the cold, concrete halls. The weight of the files we’d grabbed felt like lead in my hands, but I couldn’t afford to drop them. This intel was everything. It was our leverage against the Director, our ticket to shutting down whatever operation he was running.Creed fired another round, hitting a guard square in the chest, but even that wasn’t enough to slow down the reinforcements pouring in from every side."Keep moving!" I yelled, taking point as we rounded another corner. We were close to the exit now. Just a few more yards and we could get out into the open. B
The next day, we were ready. The warehouse near the docks wasn’t far from where we were operating, so we had the advantage of familiarity with the area. Rina had briefed us on the specifics of the meeting—Asher’s conditions, the layout of the location, and the timing. We weren’t taking any chances. Every route had been mapped out, every angle covered. Dante had a few men placed on lookout, just in case. Creed had already checked the finances and made sure the Black Hand's accounts were less secure than they thought. I had prepared a few words, though I wasn’t sure what would happen once we walked into that room. It all hinged on Asher.We made our way to the warehouse at dusk, the sun barely touching the horizon as we pulled up in a black SUV, the city skyline just visible in the distance. The docks were eerily quiet, the only sounds being the occasional rustle of wind against the ocean and the distant hum of machinery. The perfect place for a secret meeting. Or an ambush.I stayed f
The air in the room was thick with tension as I processed everything Rina had just told us. The Black Hand. It was as if the very mention of them had cast a shadow over the room, a foreboding sense of doom creeping in. But in the midst of that darkness, there was something else—something burning deep within me. It wasn’t just fear. It was anger.I couldn’t let them destroy everything I’d fought for. My life. My freedom. My family. Not after everything.“We need to act now,” I said, my voice sharper than before. "The longer we wait, the more time they have to close in on us. We can’t afford to be passive. We have to hit them first."Rina nodded, though there was a caution in her eyes. “It won’t be easy. The Black Hand doesn’t make mistakes, and they don’t let their enemies live long enough to fight back.”I turned to Dante and Creed. “We’ll need to gather intel—everything we can about them. Who their allies are, their operations, weaknesses. We have to find out how deep they’ve infiltr
The cold air hit me like a slap when I stepped outside the safehouse, but it did nothing to chill the heat still burning in my chest. I couldn’t stop thinking about Rina’s words. There’s someone else after you, Elise. And they’re not going to stop.The rain had stopped, but it still felt like the storm hadn’t passed inside me. The weight of it all—the death of Callum, the betrayal, the bloodshed—was suffocating. And now, Rina had shown up. I should have felt relief. I should have welcomed her with open arms. But all I felt was a sense of foreboding, the sense that the past wasn’t done with me. That the worst was yet to come.I walked to the edge of the cabin’s porch, my boots sinking slightly into the damp earth. The night was eerily quiet, save for the rustle of leaves in the distance, whispering secrets I couldn’t hear. The storm had passed, but the silence lingered like an omen.Dante’s voice broke through the stillness. “You should come back inside.”I turned toward him, his silho
The rain hadn’t stopped by the time we reached the safehouse. It clung to me, soaking through my clothes, chilling me to the bone. My fingers were numb, but it wasn’t from the cold—it was from what I had done.Callum was dead.I kept replaying it over and over, the way my knife slid into his chest, the way his breath had caught in his throat. The look in his eyes—shock, then fear, then nothing. I should have felt relief, triumph even, but all I felt was an eerie silence settling inside me.Dante pushed the door open, his grip firm on my wrist. Creed entered first, gun still in hand, sweeping the room in one last precautionary check. It was a small, run-down cabin on the outskirts of the city, nestled between overgrown trees and shadows. The perfect place to disappear.“Clear,” Creed muttered, shaking off the rain. He glanced at me, his sharp eyes assessing, but he said nothing. He never did unless necessary.Dante let go of me, stripping off his soaked jacket before tossing it onto th
Callum lunged at me again, his knife flashing in the storm’s light. I twisted, barely dodging his attack, feeling the rush of air as his blade sliced past my cheek. The sting came a second later, warm blood mixing with the rain. But I didn’t stop. I couldn’t.Dante fired another shot, taking down one of Callum’s men who had been closing in on us. Creed had disappeared into the trees, picking them off one by one, silent and efficient. But Callum was mine.I ducked under his next strike, driving my knee up into his gut. He grunted, stumbling back. I pressed forward, slashing at his arm, drawing another line of crimson. His face twisted in fury, but there was something else there—something I hadn’t seen before.Fear.“Not so confident now, are you?” I taunted, circling him.Callum let out a sharp, humorless laugh. “You think you’ve won?” he sneered. “You’re still that scared little girl, Elise. And deep down, you know it.”I ignored his words. He was trying to get inside my head, to make
The storm howled in my ears, but it couldn't drown out the pounding of my heart. There was no going back now. The wind whipped around us, cold and biting, but the warmth of Dante’s presence beside me grounded me. The rifle in his hands was steady, his eyes sharp as they scanned the shadows. Creed was to the side, his every move calculated, waiting for the right moment.We were surrounded.I could hear their footsteps on the wet earth, the crunch of leaves and dirt under their boots. Six figures, maybe more, closing in with a purpose. Callum was at the center of it all, standing tall with that sickening grin on his face. It made my blood boil.I couldn’t let them take me again. Not after everything I had fought for.Dante’s hand brushed against mine, a quick reassurance. "Stay behind me," he whispered, but there was no fear in his voice—only resolve.But I couldn’t hide behind him forever."I’m done running," I said, my voice barely audible over the storm. My grip tightened on the knif
Dante stepped closer, his dark eyes searching mine. The weight of unspoken words pressed between us, thick as the storm outside. I could feel the tension in his grip, the demand for answers."Tell me the truth, Elise," he said, voice low but firm. "Who are they? What do they want?"I exhaled, dragging a trembling hand through my damp hair. The truth was a wound I had kept stitched shut for too long, but now the stitches were unraveling."They’re the ones I escaped from," I admitted. "I thought I was free. I thought I could start over." I looked away, swallowing hard. "But no one ever really escapes them."Creed leaned against the wall, arms crossed, watching me with an expression I couldn’t decipher."They were never going to stop looking for you," he muttered. "I warned you."Dante’s jaw tightened. "You knew?""I suspected," Creed admitted. "Didn’t have proof until now."Dante turned to me, his hands gripping my arms, grounding me. "Why didn’t you tell me?"My throat tightened. "Beca