I struggled to regain consciousness, battling against the heaviness that weighed me down. Gradually, I began to resurface, my senses slowly awakening. Even before I could pry open my eyes, the rough texture of fabric grazed against my sensitive skin, eliciting a groan that escaped into the depths of the blanket.With great effort, I mustered the strength to move my arms and cast aside the offending cover. Cool air rushed over my fevered skin, and though every muscle protested with soreness, I pushed through the discomfort. What on earth had transpired?"It's good to see you finally awake," Malik's composed voice reached my ears, breaching the remaining barriers of my consciousness. I cautiously peeled open one eye, adjusting to the brightness that flooded the room.My dry throat hindered my ability to respond, and damn, that sunlight pouring through the window was blinding. "Here. I'm sure you need this," he said, handing me a bottle of water. Grateful, I eagerly accepted it, squintin
"I appreciate your preparations and understanding," I replied, my voice tinged with a hint of skepticism. "But what if I chose a different path? What if I didn't comply?"Malik's eyes held a mix of determination and concern. "Isabelle, we both know the consequences of defying your father. It would only escalate matters further. Let's focus on navigating this situation together and finding the best way forward.""If you didn't comply, I would have forcefully deposited you in the tub, turning off the heated jets," Malik remarked with a playful smirk. Despite the weight of the situation, his lighthearted comment managed to elicit a smile from me.His words resonated with a sense of familiarity, reaffirming our connection. Following him into the expansive primary bathroom, I couldn't help but be drawn to the allure of the oversized sunken tub. The anticipation of the hot, swirling jets promising relief to my aching muscles made it an enticing prospect. Moreover, the prolonged soak would g
"I appreciate your preparations and understanding," I replied, my voice tinged with a hint of skepticism. "But what if I chose a different path? What if I didn't comply?"Malik's eyes held a mix of determination and concern. "Isabelle, we both know the consequences of defying your father. It would only escalate matters further. Let's focus on navigating this situation together and finding the best way forward.""If you didn't comply, I would have forcefully deposited you in the tub, turning off the heated jets," Malik remarked with a playful smirk. Despite the weight of the situation, his lighthearted comment managed to elicit a smile from me.His words resonated with a sense of familiarity, reaffirming our connection. Following him into the expansive primary bathroom, I couldn't help but be drawn to the allure of the oversized sunken tub. The anticipation of the hot, swirling jets promising relief to my aching muscles made it an enticing prospect. Moreover, the prolonged soak would g
ChaseMy impatience grew with each restless step I took across the cold, unforgiving concrete floor. My sole purpose was to rouse Tyler from his slumber and assess his condition, but I yearned to wait until Isabelle arrived. After all, only she possessed the extraordinary ability to soothe his troubled mind.As I beheld Tyler lying on the cot, he appeared just as I remembered him from that fateful encounter at Isabelle's college, except now devoid of his simmering resentment and the unruly mane of hair that had once framed his face. The indignation that flickered in his eyes, the profound sense of betrayal that had overwhelmed him when he discovered he had been deceived—those memories surged back with an overwhelming force."What kind of deceitful game are you two playing?" he had demanded, his voice brimming with raw fury.Exasperation tinged my response, my frustration bubbling to the surface. "Listen here, you arrogant prick. I may not condone Isabelle's actions. By divulging her t
"Are you suggesting that he's transformed into a feral state?" Malik asked, a hopeful edge to his tone. However, I couldn't embrace such optimism, burdened by guilt that tore at my soul. I couldn't bear to make a decision that would undoubtedly lead to Tyler's tragic fate, sealing his certain death. "Now, let's exercise caution and refrain from hastily jumping to conclusions. We shall be patient, waiting for him to awaken, and then I shall endeavor to engage him in conversation," I interjected, my voice firm and resolute, a voice of reason amid the turmoil. "Isabelle, my dear, I must confess my growing unease about this situation. It deeply unsettles me that the alpha remains here, potentially placing himself in harm's way if unforeseen complications arise. The pack is growing increasingly curious, and if we fail to furnish them with satisfactory explanations in due course, we may find ourselves on the precipice of a mutiny. Why hasn't the alpha been relocated to a more fortified and
Isabelle’s Point of ViewThe urge to retrieve my words and apologize to Chase overwhelmed me. I had publicly berated and humiliated him in front of important witnesses. When he walked away, I fought against the immense desire to chase after him.However, I couldn't afford to act impulsively with all these watchful eyes upon us. As the new alpha, I had to be cautious in my approach; any misstep could quickly erode my leadership."Isabelle, we must address this matter. Such a revelation cannot remain hidden. There will be consequences for all involved," my father interjected."Father, I am now the alpha, and while I appreciate your assistance thus far, I am fully aware of my responsibilities here. Please excuse me; I need to urgently chart my next course of action," I retorted with a cold and pressing tone, leaving no room for further lecturing. My emotions were fraying at the edges, but I refused to succumb to them.Thankfully, my father shook his head and headed for the door. "You've
I found myself unable to respond, avoiding the weight of my responsibility. Tyler had indeed undergone a transformation, though labeling him a monster felt unjust. Did he not realize that we were now bound together? I let the silence linger, allowing tension to fill the room."I suppose I won't be allowed to leave," Tyler eventually broke the silence, the realization dawning on him.I shook my head, feeling tears welling up in the corners of my eyes. I had to find a solution to this predicament, or else...However, any hint of resignation was swiftly replaced by a surge of anger, distorting his features until they seemed even more wolf-like than before. Despite the tension, I took a step closer, mustering the courage to touch my fingers gently to his cheek."I truly apologize. I was lost back then and didn't fully grasp the consequences. But you rejected me," I spoke softly, trying to reach him."Stay away from me!" he snapped, pulling away from my touch. "You've done enough. I might
"That's enough. We shouldn't be attacking each other. We're a team, a family. And together, we'll find a solution. But not while everyone is so furious. We all need to take a step back and cool off. Isabelle, when was the last time you had something to eat?"I gave a nonchalant shrug, not having prioritized eating since the attack had unfolded."Take your time, whip up something, and then we can start sorting this out," Malik offered with a reassuring tone.I nodded in agreement, though my restless energy couldn't be contained by merely sitting around. My actions had left a trail of consequences – angering my father, offending Malik, irritating Chase, and holding Tyler against his will in the basement. I couldn't help but feel like I was failing miserably as the alpha."You worry too much, babe," Malik comforted me, but it only amplified the guilt already swirling within me."I don't deserve your understanding. I've been behaving terribly ever since I saw Tyler again," I admitted, my