Chapter 20 Ana We arrived at the apartment that we'd be renting. It was tiny, only two bedrooms, so Courtney and I both knew we had to share one. When Max showed up, he would take the other bed. I couldn't help but smirk at the thought of Courtney and Dylan in the same room - it sounded good to me! We unpacked our things and rotated taking showers and getting ready. Courtney and I chose sundresses while Dylan wore ripped blue jeans and a black t-shirt - which made him look handsome. He was quite the charmer with all the female attention he received, yet he seemed to reject all of them; it was almost like he wanted Courtney to take him seriously. If they became a couple, I would be overjoyed, as I held them both dearly. I left my hair down but put on some make-up, nothing too ostentatious; we were going to the local club to hustle humans for money. I didn't want to stand out and draw more attention than necessary. We also needed to investigate the scam business that had been going on
Chapter 21 Ana Just when I thought my life couldn't be any more chaotic, I'm told to watch Alex, the ex-boyfriend I still feel such powerful emotions for, and his wife Shauna. Is this really just a wild coincidence? It's as if our lives cross paths, but not romantically. Instead of being together like we used to be, we are now destined to keep walking alongside each other. This makes me so angry! I want nothing more than to make them both disappear from my life so that I can finally move on. It feels even worse when Max isn't around; if he was here, then at least I could distract myself with his love and affection. The difficult thing when you have a human mate who doesn’t know, is that it's hard to forget them. I had to force myself to agree to marry Max, which only further bonded us somehow. It’s tough—almost unbearable—to focus on the good in life when I’m constantly reminded of this. I finally give Mr. Jackson my agreement, “Yes, let’s watch them tonight and see what informatio
Chapter 22 Ana After a wait of 45 minutes, Dylan arrives with our things. Mr. Jackson had been quite generous while we waited and passed the time chatting about the club and general knowledge that was useful to us. I wanted to get to know him better, but I kept some details back; I don't find it easy to trust people quickly. We get dressed and Courtney helps me polish my look by fixing my hair and make-up up so that I looked more sophisticated. For the final touch of elegance, Dylan gives me a necklace that used to belong to my mother. "Is this yours?" I asked Courtney. She smiled but shook her head. "No, Ana. It belonged to your mum. Your dad gave it to me." At first, I couldn't speak, many emotions running through me at once: bittersweet love for my mum and happiness and sadness combined. "It's beautiful," I said eventually, with a smile. "Thank you." Dylan puts the neckless on me and I barely recognize myself in the mirror. I look like my mother, who left me too soon. Courtn
Chapter 23 Alex The last month has been a living hell. I'm barely alive, my will to live almost gone. I'm feeling like I've lost control of my life and am trapped. My father's demands have cost me Ana for good - she doesn't know that this is all to protect her from danger. Shauna has clarified that she will hurt Ana if necessary and then announced that she was pregnant with my child - but I'm certain she is bluffing. To keep Ana safe, I must remain in the situation, even if it means sacrificing myself to a life I don't want. Lately, I've felt a sense of emptiness within myself. It's difficult to describe, almost as if something is missing. My intuition tells me it's the loss of Ana that's causing this feeling, but it seems deeper than just that. It feels as though a part of me has been ripped away, and all that remains are the scars from it. Despite my reservations, my dad and Shauna convinced me to return to Montana for work, so I did. Though I can't shake off this feeling of being
Chapter 23 Alex The last month has been a living hell. I'm barely alive, my will to live almost gone. I'm feeling like I've lost control of my life and am trapped. My father's demands have cost me Ana for good - she doesn't know that this is all to protect her from danger. Shauna has clarified that she will hurt Ana if necessary and then announced that she was pregnant with my child - but I'm certain she is bluffing. To keep Ana safe, I must remain in the situation, even if it means sacrificing myself to a life I don't want. Lately, I've felt a sense of emptiness within myself. It's difficult to describe, almost as if something is missing. My intuition tells me it's the loss of Ana that's causing this feeling, but it seems deeper than just that. It feels as though a part of me has been ripped away, and all that remains are the scars from it. Despite my reservations, my dad and Shauna convinced me to return to Montana for work, so I did. Though I can't shake off this feeling of being
Chapter 25 Ana The man was attractive. His hair, dark with a few strands of silver, matched the color of his suit. He was tall and strong, commanding authority in the room by just entering it. His face had perfectly chiseled features, along with a four-day stubble that gave him a devious look. I might have considered getting to know him if it weren't for his relation to Shauna and the knowledge of this. Then an idea crossed my mind - what if I made a move on her father right then and there? Shauna would be furious, but it would also be a way to show her who really had control in this situation. Courtney noticed my smirk and gave me a knowing glance; she was on board with the plan. He caught me looking at him and I could see how much he wanted me. So, maybe revenge would be so sweet after all. My eyes stayed glued to Shauna's dad as I walked closer. This could be a misstep, but the opportunity presented itself and I couldn't resist. The goal of my visit was twofold: to cuss out who
Chapter 26 Alex It's a cruel joke, right? I have spent months keeping Ana out of Shauna's and her family's clutches. They are the mafia; they do not care about anyone else but themselves. And here she is, my sweetheart walking towards them without realizing that all my efforts were to stop this from happening. I had thought being a coward would make her back away, get far from them. Yet, it seems as if she was following the path of the lamb into the wolf's den. I am still unsure about whether Mr. Giovanni is up to something. Judging from Shauna's pale face, I get the sense she knows neither. There is a tension in the air between her and her father; though he clearly cares for her, it does not seem to be a deep bond. This adds to my confusion about the whole situation. I have been trying to keep Shauna at a distance as I need to protect Ana. Whatever the truth is, I just want an escape from this mess. For some odd reason, ever since my return to Montana, strange urges have been over
Chapter 27 Ana My heart is thumping so hard I can scarcely draw a breath. All my senses are heightened and I’m more animal than human. My sense of smell is unbelievably sharp–I can tell what everyone had for breakfast this morning. Sweat trickles down my back, and I have an overwhelming urge to flee, but Courtney and Dylan hold me in place with their concerned looks. It’s worse than bad; it’s devastating and bewildering. Had I known the consequences of approaching Mr. Giovanni, I wouldn’t have done it—clearly Alex’s wolf had been dormant, and it just burst forth at full strength within him. He hasn’t shifted, but his eyes are golden. Alex now knows that I chose someone else over him, and his wolf has gone insane with rage. Mr. Jackson pins Alex on the floor with help from others from our large pack. He is almost spasming with adrenaline and is screaming with rage. His eyes are yellow and even though he hasn’t made his first shift yet, he is getting closer by the minute. It’s forbi
Chapter 40 Ana The wolf that stood before me was a sight to behold. Max, my chosen mate, was beautiful in his own right, but this animal was breathtaking. His fur was silver grey, and his eyes were crystal blue. He towered over me, his aura nearly bringing me to my knees. It was apparent he was an alpha, the leader of a pack. Alex's family history had always been shrouded in mystery. When I met his father for the first time, I could tell he was a high-ranking wolf despite being a rogue. Perhaps he once belonged to a pack before leaving and setting out on his own. Then again, maybe Alex's mother had something to do with it all. When Alex returned to Montana and reunited with me. Something shifted within him. The final straw broke Blade free from whatever held him back was when I flirted with Mr. Giovanni––it set Blade free to be with me instead. Blade approached me carefully, almost like he didn't want to startle me. It made me smile; after all, I was an Alpha just like him, althoug
Chapter 39 Alex Ana's kindness and selflessness astounded me; she was offering something so amazing. No matter what happened, I knew there was no way I'd leave her. Afterwards, I called my dad, and it was an unhappy conversation. He was yelling, demanding and threatening me to return right away - or else. Or else what? Would he disown me? There were no limits for him; whatever he wanted, he did. It boggled my mind that my mother ever found him attractive. He was wild, delusional, and fanatical in his beliefs: that he was invincible. I shared everything with Ana. No more secrets for us. We committed to spending the rest of our lives together, and though I wasn't thrilled about sharing her with Max, that was an issue for another day. We spent the rest of my first shift preparing, and Blade said we were fortunate to have each other accompanying us. When she told me the timing of her shift, something within me ached. She shifted early, not only because my father threatened to harm her,
Chapter 38 AnaAlex's words were clipped and concise. As soon as Shauna answered the phone, he informed her that their engagement was off - a fact which didn't sit well with her. She shouted curses and threats at him, me and everyone he cared about. It was difficult to listen to, though she had it coming. She ranted about a supposed baby she was expecting; pure fiction. I knew for certain she wasn't pregnant, having smelled her scent again at the club with Courtney. Alex promised me he had never slept with Shauna. He recalled only one instance two years prior but said maybe he confused her for me on the night of the party when they hooked up. According to him, someone may have drugged him that evening. I believe him. People have been trying to keep us apart for some dumb reasons. Alex seemed relieved yet worried when he hung up the phone, but I still felt insecure about the way he hurt me. I was a mess and put on a face of being okay, though I hadn't been since that night when every
Chapter 37 AlexI sensed her presence and smelled her perfume even before she tapped on the door. Somehow, I was aware of her entrance as soon as she stepped into the building. My dormant werewolf characteristics came to life—my suppressed feelings and instincts rose, giving me a sense of strength, but also making me uncertain about many things. One thing I was certain of, it was Ana. My love; my soulmate. From the moment I met Ana, I felt an overwhelming connection to her that surpassed anything I had ever encountered before. It all made sense now, knowing what I know. She belonged to me. When I heard her footfalls in the hallway, I swiftly checked myself in the mirror and made sure my appearance didn't disappoint. I wanted her to feel for me as intensely as I did for her. But if there was something I could sense from Ana, it was that she was unsure. I was sure that I wanted to be with Ana, either alone or sharing her with Max. I made the most of our time together and learn as mu
Chapter 36 Ana Max was instantly furious when I explained my plan and promise to Alex. He must have thought I was going to leave him, but after I reassured him, he became more concerned about my health. Everyone knew the danger of taking in another mate—except for Alex. After talking to both men, I went back home to take a few moments for myself. The more I thought about it, the clearer it became that there was no other way: I wanted them both, and the full moon - just a couple of days away - would be the deadline. Time was quickly slipping away. As I made my way to the apartment, I had plenty of other things on my mind; Shauna and, as well as Mr. Giovanni and his mob. Of course, Alex's father would be a problem for later. By now I was about to start alpha training, something I was quite eager to do. To be a good pack leader, I had to know how to lead, fight and use tactical strength. I believed it was the mob which caused the infiltration in our pack and our business. I daydreamed
Chapter 35 Ana I’m in a trance-like state when Alex is near me. I lose all sorts of judgment and rationality. He has complete control over me. What have I done? Have I really asked him to be my second mate? It happens occasionally, but usually it’s only between siblings. I haven’t even talked to Max about this. But I’m serious about this. I love Max with all my being. This won't change that. Not being with my fated mate will kill me if I do nothing soon.Yet what I just did was totally irrational. I should have spoken with Max first, but the look of relief on Alex's face, combined with the peace in my heart when I said those words, comforts me somehow. It seems there are no other solutions to resolving this dilemma; it’s that or utter mayhem. I choose my words carefully as I explain to Alex the steps I'll have to take in order to make this work. I need to seek Max's approval first, and that will be difficult given his animosity towards Alex. Even with all the new information that h
Chapter 34 Alex I had begged Ana to talk to me, and she eventually agreed. I was worried when I saw her sitting in another guy’s lap. It filled my veins with rage. But a single glance into her tender eyes calmed me down instantly. When we held hands, Blade’s anger dissipated, and I felt like I was back in control. My mind raced in all directions, questioning my history and my family, trying to figure out who could have done this to me. Was it really just my father? I wasn’t sure. It all felt too much for me to process. But a glance at Ana made everything seem easier. I suddenly felt connected to my body and soul, as though she were the missing piece that bound me together–providing happiness, security, and comfort from all my worries. She is the only one who kept me from losing control. I was drawn to her as I intertwined my fingers with hers and looked into her eyes. That she lets me hold her gives me a spark of hope. But as soon as my gaze catches sight of the mark on her neck,
Chapter 33 Ana Oh, no. This is not how I wanted Alex to find out the truth. Dylan's warlock friend had used some kind of spell to subdue Alex's wolf, Blade, so he wouldn't go feral. It wasn't ideal, but it was the only way to keep him from going wild. This is where we stand now: Alex clinging onto his composure with an iron grip. His jaw is clenched tight, his eyes narrowed in distress, and lips pressed together in a thin line. He wants to fight Max, but Blade has stepped away from him after hearing my Alpha command. We are left in this strange place between honesty and deceit. All I know is they have bound Blade inside of Alex and the recent event with Shauna's father has set him free. But he's still angry and hurt, and so is Alex. He looks so pitiable and remorseful that I can't help but feel guilty, though it's not like I'm the one who betrayed him or anything like that. After getting involved with Shauna, he deceived me, lied to me, and pushed me away. And yet I understand why h
Chapter 32 Alex I'm in a state of numbness, yet something deep inside of me is compelling me to find Ana. Everyone around me appears to be avoiding my questions and giving me half-hearted answers. I haven't seen her since this morning, and I need her desperately. Mr. Jackson, the club owner, has clarified that I can’t leave the room because of the risk posed by my wolf form. Even though I can't actively feel Blade at this moment, Dylan Maverick explained why — there must be some kind of spell keeping him quiet. But now, his emotional outcries demand that we find Ana immediately. Could she be in trouble? I get dressed in black jeans, combat boots, and a simple tee. They gave me these clothes. I normally dress a bit more casual, sporty kind of way, but don’t really mind what they have given to me. I throw open the door, unwilling to tiptoe out of my room like some awkward teenager. I'm all grown up, searching for the girl of my dreams. Instinctively, I run in Ana’s direction. The do