SORAYAHaving to settle into a new and foreign home had me feeling out of place. It was undeniably spacious, much more so than Jeremy's smaller place. But I preferred to think of Jeremy's place as cozy, and I’d come to love it over the past two years. No matter how nice Xaden's place was, I wasn't used to it. It wasn't home.And Xaden… being in his space again after all this time brought a wave of emotions I wasn't prepared for. I didn't know what to expect from him. My mind raced, tangling in a web of conflicting thoughts: Did he really not know I’d been in his office that day? The surrogacy contract… the threat of taking my child away… Had he really not planned to force me into any of that? My chest tightened, a hard knot forming beneath my ribs. Had I been wrong about everything all along? It all began to seem so clear, and more doubt crept in— pressing itself painfully against my chest. What if I’d been wrong about him? That would mean…No.I refused to think down that path. E
SORAYA“I… I’m sorry, Soraya. For everything.” The words hung in the air between us, but I didn’t reply, refusing to engage with him. After all there was nothing to say. It wasn't like he would let Kaylee and I go because he was ‘sorry’.I stood up, gathered the plates– still refusing to look at him–, and finally managed to put them in the stupid high tech dishwasher. It was to his credit he didn't try to undermine me by ‘helping’.I snatched Kaylee up and retired to the bedroom I’d chosen for us. I couldn’t deal with him right now— I was done dealing with him for the day. My emotions were raw and my head was a mess.I occupied my raging mind by bathing Kaylee and getting her ready for bed. It was still early— just after 4pm, but our day had been so tumultuous, I wanted us to go to bed early. If only for the reason that I wanted to slip into a dreamless sleep where I wouldn't remember how terribly upside down my life now was.Just as I set her down for her nap, my phone buzzed from t
XADENMy gaze fixed on the divorce papers spread out on the table before me, the words blurring— after two years of staring at the same lines for what felt like the millionth time.I probably had it memorized by now— every sentence a reminder of the nightmare I had been trapped in— a marriage without any semblance of love or happiness; formed out of convenience and solely held together by Celeste’s desperation. And Celeste had never signed them. Every time, she’d waved them off, her excuse being the same: "You haven’t found your mate yet, you're going to be an Alpha without a wife?" And she always seemed to take delight in pointing out that it was the only prerequisite for a divorce, in the marriage contract we'd signed.But now, the relief I had been chasing for so long was within reach. I had found my mate— two years ago, in fact— and it was time for this charade to end. I couldn't hold back anymore. I needed to be with Soraya. I needed to be with my daughter.When I got to the ho
XADENCeleste grabbed the papers and, in a fit of frustration, tore them apart, scattering the pieces across the floor.My temper snapped. I had tried to be civil about this. I wanted this to happen quickly, quietly, and without any unnecessary conflict. But it was clear now— this wasn't going to be easy. Celeste was going to fight me every step of the way.I clenched my fists, trying to rein in my anger. “Fine,” I said coldly. “You want to drag this out? Fine. But I’m taking this to the council. They’ll decide, and we both know how that’ll go.”I pulled out my phone and called my lawyer— my friend, Marcus. As soon as he picked up, I gave him the rundown.“Celeste refused to sign the papers,” I told him, pacing around the room while Celeste glared at me, all both frothing from the mouth.“Nothing new.” He sighed.“Yeah, we’ll have to go to the council. Meet me tomorrow. We’ll get this settled.”Marcus agreed, and I hung up the phone. I didn’t even look at Celeste as I left the house,
SORAYASchool. Just like that. Again.So I was supposed to pick up from where I’d left off.But two years had literally gone by already. How could I catch up? And would I even be able to keep up? I sighed, wondering why Xaden hadn’t just suggested I get a job instead— not that I even had much to offer with my limited experience. I sighed frustratedly, my heart beating wildly and my body feeling a tad clammy.He'd mentioned that my scholarship was still available, that he'd ensured it had been kept so— He must’ve done a background check on me when I ‘suddenly disappeared’. The thought made my stomach churn. Had he always known he’d find me? Had this just been a part of his plan all along?And Kaylee... It was almost like tearing away a part of me and leaving it behind. I knew he was her father and practically her lapdog as a result but I just couldn't shake off the feeling. I'd been Kaylee's only option for so long, taking me out of any of her equations just seemed so… unnatural.I kne
SORAYAI had only been back for a short while, and all I really wanted was for things to remain peaceful. The one thing I'd dreaded since the day I arrived was running into Celeste— with her icy presence and the fakest perfect smile ever. I hoped to avoid it at all costs. I’d also hoped she'd stay far away— preferably from me and everywhere else I might be, especially at school, but my worst fear since returning to the pack materialized.In truth, the day had started out well enough. I blended in with the sea of students almost perfectly just the way I’d hoped I would— the way I always tried to. I slipped through the hallways unnoticed and no one even paid me any real attention, which was a huge relief. Classes went smoothly, and for a brief moment, I’d actually felt like I could pull it all off. I made it through the first class without a hitch, and the sense of relief was overwhelming. I might have even smiled. I should have known that the peace would be short-lived. That sooner
SORAYAShe was not close to getting done. She was going to stip me with her words now.“She found her way two years ago into my husband's bed.” She swallowed as though this was difficult for her. Students were already gasping.“Yes, she slept with your Alpha— my husband.” Her words were sharp, dripping with disdain.The furious whispers were like a roaring flood in my ears and I almost didn't realise as my mouth fell open, every part of my body going numb. No..“Then, she disappeared without a trace. Abandoning the pack and leaving her studies. I was devastated when I found out but I thought her leaving was for the best. I'd thought it was over, but now she’s back. With the audacity to walk these halls like one of you…” She sniffled dramatically, dabbing at eyes— playing out the part of the heartbroken wife flawlessly and drawing out the compassion and sympathy of the audience. "...to continue her education here as if nothing happened.” Was that an actual tear? Goddess, she was good.
XADENI spent almost the whole day with Kaylee, and everything had gone well enough— pleasantly even. We played with her toys, went for a walk, and even shared some snacks and she remained her cheerful, playful self all through— but the longer the day wore on, the more I felt something was off. Soraya hadn’t come home. At first, I told myself she might just be caught up with something at school, but as the hours passed, worry settled in. Soraya wasn’t the type of mother to abandon her child— not for an entire day, and certainly not without a word.I fed Kaylee as Soraya had instructed through the maid I’d hired and who'd resumed just that morning, but my thoughts were elsewhere— my mind distracted by the unease of Soraya's absence. Something didn't sit right. The more I paced the length of the living room, the more I was convinced. I checked my phone every few minutes. There were no messages from her, no missed calls— not even to check up on Kaylee. It was odd.My instincts kept scr
SORAYA“Now tell me, is there anything I have not done or sacrificed for your protection and that of Kaylee? Or is there even any request you may have made that I have ever deemed as insignificant?” “No there isn’t. You have been most generous and I am grateful for everything.” I said as I threw a look of disdain at Celeste who was already seated and crossing her legs, obviously savoring every bit of that moment. She was having the time of her life at my expense and she wasn’t going to say one word. She wouldn’t risk undermining Xaden again and so she simply kept quiet and enjoyed the show.“Have I not been fucking good to you? Have I not been a loyal mate and genuine partner?” He asked, staring at me like he couldn’t even recognize the woman in front of him.“Xaden please, if we’re going to do this, can we not do it right in front of your ex wife?” I asked, while the pain of the way he looked at me threatened to bring me to my knees.“The same ex wife who got wind of all your escapa
SORAYAXaden’s voice rang out through the halls with such an intensity that it had sent shockwaves thrusting throughout my body and the ominous tone with which he yelled, echoed throughout the space and filled it with a scary ambience. In all the time I had known and been with him, I never heard him sound so furious or intimidating. Sure, he normally had the occasional outbursts and feats of rage but there was something different this time around, this time it seemed as though the fire in his voice would never be palliated. I felt my lips twitch and my fingers tremor in fearful anticipation of what was to come, it definitely was not going to be pleasant.I was still set up in the kitchen with Melissa and had almost rounded up with the pastries we spent the better part of the evening preparing. I had put so much effort into them and now it seemed like in the end, it would all be for nothing. I was still going to get them done and Melissa could keep them for all I care, she worked just
XADEN “You can be honest Dax, you don’t have to be brutal about it.”He paused momentarily, thinking over what he had to say. “If I’m being honest, I wouldn’t say my advice on this would be the most insightful but from the way I see things, I don’t think Soraya is or will ever get over Celeste living in your house. It’s just not right, I mean I don’t even live there and I really find it repulsive. I can’t possibly imagine how hard it must be for her to wake up to that everyday.”“Well, it seems you ended up being brutal with your honesty Dax.” I began, stifling a smile. “The thing is, that is what she said and I don’t believe it one bit. She may not have been comfortable but I knew she was already coming around to tolerating and ignoring her. No—this is more than that, this is definitely something deeper. The switch was too sudden and that’s completely out of character for her. There is something afoot Dax, I’m just finding it hard to place my finger on what it is.”“Like I said boss
XADEN To say that I had the faintest idea of what has been going on for the past three days would be an obvious lie. One moment everything seemed to be fine with Soraya and I thought we were finally in a good place and the next, it’s almost as if her mind did a complete one-eighty and I couldn’t even recognize my mate anymore.I had gone above and beyond for her protection, pulled strings to organize a lavish and fancy dinner for her, I even kept my distance from Celeste, choosing to move her away from the masters and still, it’s almost as if it wasn’t enough. There was something definitely wrong with her and whatever it was, she was choosing not to tell me. If she wouldn’t spill, then I guess I would just have to pry it out of her when I had the chance. But how could I even possibly get the chance? She refused to move back into our room, refused to cook and eat together as a family, it’s like living with a completely new person.Screeeeeech!I quickly slammed on the brakes of my SUV
SORAYAI didn’t know how George had done it but he somehow managed to drop Kaylee off and still get me to the university in time for lectures. Xaden sure knew how to employ those who were the best at what they did and our movement this morning was quite hasty. I couldn’t say the same for the classes though, the entire process just seemed to drag on for hours as lecturers replaced one another in a frenzy. I was grateful for the close of day and quickly made my way to the parking lot. I located the car parked in a corner under a tree shade and hurriedly walked up to it before knocking on the driver window.“Did you wait here all day?” I asked, looking over at George who had his hat hooded over his face and the driver seat reclined. He had probably been napping. He jumped up with a start and quickly adjusted his seat.“Sorry about that ma’am.”“Don’t apologize for resting, I mean what else would you do here all day? So you just stayed here waiting for me?”“Yes ma’am, those were my dir
SORAYA Morning definitely couldn’t have come faster. I thought as my eyes opened to the soft glints of the early morning sun that slowly filled the entire room. The cool fall breeze softly sipped in through the open window and caressed my skin with a tender feel. It was a beautiful morning and I couldn’t even appreciate it, all I felt was an heartache that threatened to tear me apart.I hadn’t had much sleep, how could I? When Celeste had made sure I heard everything that was going on during their dinner, even while I did my very best to ignore. She wasn’t kidding when she said she would be keeping me here simply for the fun of humiliating me and last night was seriously a test of my patience, I didn’t know how much more of it I would be able to take.With every laughter and happy moment that they seemed to share, an equal of amount of pain shot through my body and just seeing them cozy up to each other like that was simply too much to bear.I promptly got out of bed and went into th
SORAYA“Wow! I pulled a lot of strings to get that Italian chef flown in and you’re just going to spit it right back in my face huh?”Damn! He got me Italian food?! What a dreadful waste.“I’m not spitting anything in your face. I just said I’m not in the mood, surely you can understand that right?”“Oh I understand quite alright. I understand perfectly that you’re just a cocktease! Don’t let the door hit you on your way out.”“Okay then.” I whimpered as I moved slowly towards the door.“And since I can’t cancel the booking, I’ll still have the chef come over. I’m sure Celeste would enjoy some good food since you would be too busy not being in the mood.” He called out after me. He wanted to hurt me just like I was hurting him but at least I was pretending and he was just being a dick.“You can go to hell Xaden!” I said, choking down my tears.“You first Soraya!”I stormed off and pulled against the bedroom door before shutting it loudly as I stepped into the hallway.“Well, well, well
SORAYA I remained in the kitchen, standing there transfixed, like a deer caught in headlights. I was definitely caught by surprise with what I had just seen. I couldn’t believe it and yet I knew it was true, I mean I saw it with my own eyes.I could feel every hair on my body stand, my mouth suddenly went dry and palms were sweaty. My heart raced and my breathing felt forced, I felt like I was having a panic attack.At that moment, it felt as if time slowed down and I couldn’t help but hold onto the counter for support lest I fall flat on my face. My mind raced and Celeste’s words rang loudly in my head. Stay away from Xaden! Those were her words and she wasn’t one to trifle with her instructions. I felt choked for air and all of sudden I was light headed. The evidence was clear, clear as day and it was good, really good. She had caught me in such a compromising position that Xaden wouldn’t even think twice to dispute it. He believed so much in the things he saw and as long as his
SORAYAI winced as fresh, warm tears poured uncontrollably from my eyes, momentarily blurring my vision but I could still make out Xaden’s expression as the previous look of unbridled rage he had quickly disappeared. He moved closer to me, wearing a much warmer look and took me in his arms. He held me by the small of my waist, wrapping his strong arms tight around me and pulling me closer with such force and intensity that I felt my breath seize. “Xaden..” I tried to call out but his lips said no as they quickly locked on to mine and ravaged without stopping. My entire body fell limp against his hard and muscular frame and I was compelled to surrender to the hunger with which he consumed me.I quivered, my feet shaking as he bit softly on my bottom lip and as if he sensed my legs about to give way, betraying and exposing my powerlessness to the feelings of pleasure he ignited within me, he promptly lifted me up and laid me on the table as he tossed everything on it to the floor.In o