Isla Hart sat on the worn-out couch in her small apartment, staring at the check that had changed her life. Three million dollars. It felt surreal, like a dream she couldn’t quite wake up from. Just a few weeks ago, she was drowning in debt, struggling to pay her rent, and worrying about her evil boss who delayed paying her salary for the past two months. Now, she had enough money to breathe, to live, and to finally take care of herself.
With a smile creeping onto her face, she thought about how she had paid off all her rent dues. The weight that had been pressing down on her shoulders for so long had finally lifted. She could finally sleep without the gnawing anxiety of eviction. And then there was the refrigerator. Her old one had been a rusting hunk of metal, barely keeping her food cold. Now, she had a shiny new fridge, its stainless steel surface gleaming in the light of her tiny kitchen. It felt like a luxury she had never imagined she could afford.
But the most astonishing change was the dental care. One of her molars had been aching for months. Now, with the money in her bank account, she had made an appointment with a top-tier dentist in the city. The root canal had been a breeze compared to the pain she had endured before. As she looked in the mirror, she couldn’t help but smile at her reflection. Her teeth were finally healthy, and she felt a surge of confidence she had never known before.
Yet, even with all these changes, her mind was a whirlwind of thoughts about one person: Liam Lockwood. The man who had saved her, who had given her this incredible gift. He was always there, lurking in the corners of her mind, like a shadow that refused to leave.
Every night, as she drifted off to sleep, her dreams were filled with him. Liam’s striking blue hunter's eyes haunted her, piercing through the darkness of her dreams like a beacon. They were the color of the ocean, deep and mysterious, and they held a power that made her heart race. She could see his thick, well-defined eyebrows, framing those captivating eyes, and his full, sensual lips that seemed to whisper secrets meant only for her.
In her dreams, he was always there, his high cheekbones sculpted as if an angel had carved them from marble. His perfect jawline and muscular body made her feel ecstatic. He was divine, a creature of strength and beauty, and she couldn’t help but feel drawn to him.
Isla often found herself lost in thoughts of the moments they had shared, even if they were brief. The way he had held her, the warmth of his arms around her, made her feel safe and cherished. She could still feel the intensity of his gaze, the way he had looked at her as if she were the only person in the world.
But it wasn’t just the dreams that consumed her. She swore she had seen him a couple of times while shopping at the grocery store. Her heart would leap in her chest, and she would follow the tall, broad figure, hoping it was him. But every time, she would lose him in the crowd, and it would turn out to be just a trick of her mind.
“What is happening to me?” she whispered to herself, feeling a mix of excitement and confusion. Was she really hallucinating? Or was her heart simply longing for someone who had changed her life in ways she couldn’t fully understand?
As she lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, she couldn’t shake the feeling that Liam was somehow a part of her destiny. The dreams felt so real, and the connection she felt with him was undeniable. She closed her eyes, picturing him once more, and let herself drift into the world of dreams where he was always waiting for her.
In that moment, Isla knew one thing for sure: her life had changed forever, and Liam Lockwood was at the center of it all. And that she needed help!
…..
Isla sat in the therapist's office, the soft hum of the air conditioning filling the silence. The walls were painted a calming shade of blue, and the plush chair she sat in felt comforting beneath her. But despite the soothing environment, her heart raced with anxiety. It had been seven days of dreaming about Liam Lockwood, and she was beginning to feel like she was losing her grip on reality.
“Isla, it’s completely normal to have a crush,” Dr. Bennett said, her voice gentle and reassuring. “Especially after such a life-changing event. You’ve been through a lot, and it’s natural to project your feelings onto someone who has made a significant impact on your life.”
“But I can’t stop thinking about him,” Isla replied, her voice trembling slightly. “It feels crazy. I wake up and he’s the first thing on my mind. I dream about him every night. It’s like he’s taken over my thoughts.”
Dr. Bennett nodded, her expression understanding. “It’s not crazy, Isla. You’re processing your emotions. You’ve experienced a whirlwind of changes. You say that you were almost close to death and that man saved your life. It’s okay to feel overwhelmed. You’re human, after all.”
The word “human” struck Isla like a bolt of lightning. She was not just a human. Even though her wolf, Selene, had died, she still felt a connection to that part of herself. The memories of running through the forest, the thrill of the moonlight on her fur, and the bond she had shared with Selene were still vivid in her mind. She missed it deeply.
“Human,” she whispered, closing her eyes as Dr. Bennett encouraged her to breathe deeply. Inhale… one, two, three… exhale… one, two, three. She focused on her breath, trying to calm the storm inside her. But as she breathed, a realization struck her.
‘I lost my wolf, but I’m still a wolf,’ she thought to herself, still focusing on her breathing. ‘Even if that part of me is dead, it’s still a part of who I am. I still think and feel everything like a werewolf does.’
It was a well known fact that werewolves are known for feeling emotions intensely—passion, love, longing. It’s part of her nature.
Isla took a deep breath, letting the therapist’s words wash over her. It was strange, yes, but it felt right. The intensity of her feelings for Liam was a reflection of her true self, a self that was still very much alive, even if it was different now.
As she sat there, she felt a flicker of hope. She was not crazy at all - she was just a werewolf with passionate feelings. And she will get past this - as the first few days were really tough for any werewolf to forget a crush. After three weeks she can do much better than this - completely forget Liam Lockwood and move on with her life.
“Thank you,” Isla said softly, opening her green eyes after the breathing exercise, a small smile breaking through her uncertainty. “I think I’m starting to understand.”
Dr. Bennett nodded, her eyes warm with encouragement. “Just take it one day at a time, Isla. You’re not alone in this. You are a strong, beautiful girl. Don't forget this.”
And for the first time in a long while, Isla felt a sense of peace. She was still a wolf at heart, and perhaps that was enough.
…..
That night, at 10 PM, Isla sank into her bed, feeling lighter than she had in days. The weight of her thoughts had lifted, and for the first time in a long while, she felt relaxed and free. The dreams of Liam Lockwood had faded into the background, replaced by a sense of calm that wrapped around her like a warm blanket. She closed her eyes, ready to drift off into a peaceful sleep.
But just as she began to slip away, the shrill sound of her phone ringing jolted her awake. Groggy and disoriented, she fumbled for her phone on the nightstand, her heart racing as she wondered who could be calling at this hour.
“Hello?” she answered.
“Good evening, Miss Isla Hart,” a smooth, professional voice replied. “This is Rebecca from Victoria’s Secret. I hope I’m not disturbing you.”
Isla’s heart skipped a beat. Victoria’s Secret? Was this real? She sat up straight, suddenly wide awake. “Um, yes, this is Isla. How can I help you?”
“Congratulations! I am pleased to inform you that you have been selected to work as a model for Victoria’s Secret,” Rebecca continued, her tone formal yet warm. “After careful consideration of your application and portfolio, we believe you would be a perfect fit for our upcoming campaign.”
Isla’s mind raced. Was she daydreaming? This couldn’t be happening. “Wait, are you serious? This is a real offer?” she stammered, disbelief flooding her voice.
“Yes, Miss Hart. This is indeed a real offer,” Rebecca assured her, her voice steady. “We were impressed by your unique look and the passion you bring to your work. We would like to discuss the details further and set up a meeting at your earliest convenience.”
Isla felt a rush of emotions—excitement, disbelief, and a hint of fear. Was this a prank? Was someone playing a cruel joke on her? Yes, she did apply to Victoria's secret a year ago - but she never heard back from them. Top modeling agencies were selective, choosing only the most promising models with high status - not just any attractive girl from the street.
“I… I can’t believe this,” she managed to say, her heart pounding in her chest. “By the way, are you sure you have the right person?”
"Absolutely," Rebecca replied firmly. "We have your application from a year ago. We take our time to review applications thoroughly, and we're confident you're the right fit for us. This is an excellent opportunity, and we're excited to have you join our team.”
Isla was stunned. They remembered her application from a year ago. This was a real, legit offer.
This was her dream job, something she had fantasized about since she was a little girl. The thought of walking the runway, wearing beautiful lingerie, and being part of such an iconic brand made her heart race. But could it really be happening?
“Thank you so much,” Isla finally said, her voice trembling with emotion. “I’m… I’m honored. When can we meet?”
Rebecca provided the details, and Isla jotted them down, her hands shaking with excitement. After hanging up, she sat in silence, staring at the wall, trying to process what had just happened.
Was this real? Was she really going to be a Victoria’s Secret model? The thought felt surreal, like a dream she had never dared to chase.
As she lay back down, her heart still racing, she couldn’t help but smile. Maybe life was finally turning around for her. Maybe this was the beginning of something extraordinary. And just like that, the dreams of Liam Lockwood faded into the background, replaced by a new dream that felt just within her reach.
For the past few days, she had been rehearsing and training for her first Victoria's Secret runway show, and the excitement was building up inside her. She couldn't believe how different this experience was from her prior modeling job with the mediocre agency. There, she was just another face in the crowd, treated like a mere commodity rather than a person. But here, at Victoria's Secret, she was treated like an angel.As she thought about her former job, a shiver ran down her spine. She remembered the humiliation she had faced at the hands of her toxic boss, Jackie. The way she would belittle her, make her feel like she was nothing, and the way she would take credit for Isla's hard work. But now, as she stood in front of the mirror, surrounded by a team of makeup artists and hairstylists, she felt like a completely different person.The makeup artist, a kind and gentle woman named Sarah, was busy perfecting Isla's look. She applied a light layer of foundation, followed by a glitter d
As Isla walked back to her dressing room, she couldn't shake off the feeling of unease that had settled in her stomach. She slipped into a robe, covering up the white lingerie that had made her feel like a million bucks just hours before. Now, it felt like a reminder of the opportunity that Liam Lockwood had given her.Why had he done it? She wondered, her mind racing with possibilities. Was it because he saw something in her that no one else did? Or was it simply out of charity? She thought back to the rumors she had heard about Liam's philanthropic side, despite his reputation as a deadly and ruthless businessman.Isla sighed, feeling a pang of disappointment. She had been hoping that there was more to it, that Liam had seen something in her that no one else did. But now, she realized that it was probably just an act of kindness. He had saved her from her toxic boss, and now he was trying to do something good for her.She shouldn't think more of it than it was, she told herself. It w
“So Isla, please don’t tell me that you got scared of Liam Lockwood’s beauty,” Miranda teased, her eyes sparkling with mischief as Isla rejoined the group. The atmosphere was still buzzing with laughter and chatter, but Isla felt a sudden wave of self-consciousness wash over her.“Scared? No way!” Isla replied, trying to sound nonchalant as she tossed her hair over her shoulder. “I just needed a moment to breathe, that’s all.”Taylor, perched on the edge of her seat with her thick arched brows raised, chimed in, “Come on, just accept it. We all have seen girls drooling over him. And this one here,” she pointed at a girl next to her, who was nursing a drink with a look of disappointment etched on her face, “was looking forward to sleeping with him tonight, but he ignored her and went over there.”Isla followed Taylor’s gaze to where Liam was mingling with a few men, his laughter ringing out like music. He looked effortlessly charming, his presence commanding the attention of everyone a
As Liam laughed, clearly impressed by her rejection, Isla felt a strange mix of emotions swirling within her. Alpha Liam Lockwood was just to lucky- He lived an easy life, blessed with good looks, power, and influence - so he had zero rejections from the opposite gender. But for Isla, the reality was starkly different. She had faced rejection from none other than her destined beta mate, the one who was supposed to cherish her.If only Liam knew her past—the girl she had been before stepping into the modeling industry. The awkward teenager who had struggled with her self-image, who had been overlooked and dismissed and lost her wolf in a stupid battle. From the lowest low, she had fought tooth and nail to transform herself, to become someone worthy of attention, by enhancing her physical appearance - yet here she was, still grappling with feelings of inadequacy.Shaking off the thoughts, Isla returned to Miranda and Taylor, who were animatedly discussing the latest trends in the ind
As their lips parted, Isla felt dizzy, her head spinning from the intensity of the kiss. She pressed her forehead against Liam's, the warmth of his skin a comforting balm against her racing thoughts. She was grateful for her tall 6 '0 frame - as it helped her to easily rest her forehead against the 6' 3 feet tall guy like Liam Lockwood, without having to stand on her tiptoes or strain her neck much. "Thank you," she breathed against his lips, her voice barely audible. "Thank you for everything you have done for me, Mr. Lockwood. But please, don't do any other favors for me."Liam's eyes, those striking blue orbs that had captivated her from the start, looked at her with hurt and disbelief. Isla felt a pang of guilt, but she knew she had to set boundaries - before she got in much greater trouble. She swallowed hard, trying to compose herself. "Goodnight," she said, her voice firm but barely above a whisper.With that, she pulled back and turned to her car, leaving Liam standing alone
Isla stirred awake, the events of the previous night flooding back to her. The kiss with Liam, the connection they shared, and the weight of her conversation with Maria weighed heavily on her mind. Guilt gnawed at her as she recalled how she had shut her friend out, dismissing her concerns and advice. Maria had only wanted to help, and yet Isla had pushed her away.With a sigh, she swung her legs over the side of the bed and padded quietly to the living room. As she stepped into the space, her heart sank at the sight before her. Maria was sprawled on the couch, a blanket tangled around her legs, and empty pizza boxes littered the floor. Three boxes? Isla’s brow furrowed as she realized they were all her friend’s favorite toppings—pepperoni, extra cheese, and mushrooms. Only a werewolf could eat that much and not gain a pound, and stay fit. Feeling a wave of guilt wash over her, Isla tiptoed into the kitchen. She needed to do something nice for Maria, a gesture to show her appreciatio
As the roller coaster crested the top of the hill, Isla let out a whoop of excitement, her laughter mingling with Maria's. The wind whipped through their hair, and the lights of the fair twinkled below them like a thousand tiny stars. For a moment, everything felt carefree and exhilarating.But as they began their descent, Isla's gaze caught on a pair of piercing red eyes watching her from the shadows. Her heart skipped a beat as she felt a shiver run down her spine. The eyes seemed to be fixed intently on her, and for a moment, she felt like she was the only person in the world.As the roller coaster continued its thrilling ride, Isla found herself lost in the exhilaration of the moment. The rush of adrenaline coursed through her veins, and the piercing red eyes she had seen earlier faded from her mind. The coaster took a steep plunge, and she screamed with delight, her laughter echoing in the night air. Just as they reached the bottom, the ride swung upward, and she felt weightless,
Isla's heart raced as she clung to Liam's wolf body, her fingers tangling in his soft strawberry-blonde fur. The warmth of his muscular form pressed against her, a stark contrast to the cold fear that had gripped her moments before. "Maria," she whispered urgently, her voice trembling with desperation.Liam's powerful muscles tensed beneath her. With a sudden burst of speed, he sprang forward, racing towards the roller coaster tracks where Maria was still locked in a violent battle with the two rogue wolves. Isla's body moved with him, her chest pressed against his back, her breath catching in her throat.It had been years since she'd ridden a werewolf, and the sensation overwhelmed her senses. Liam's scent—a mix of pine, earth, and something wild and distinctly masculine—surrounded her completely. Each powerful stride sent a shiver down her spine, a complicated mix of fear, excitement, and something deeper she couldn't quite name.As they approached the tracks, Isla's memories of bei
Liam was the first to transform back to human form, standing tall. The others followed suit, the transformation allowing them to handle the artifacts with greater precision."It's over, Darius," Liam said, his voice carrying the authority of generations of Alpha blood. "Your projections are failing. Your army is being decimated. And now we have the means to end your reign of terror once and for all."Isla stepped forward, her hand clutching the Moonstone Dagger. The transformation had left her feeling strangely invigorated rather than drained as it once had. Selena's presence within her was strong, unified with her own consciousness in a way that felt more complete than even before their separation.They moved with practiced precision, each knowing their role without needing instruction. Ken placed the Binding Stones in a circle around Darius, who found himself suddenly unable to step beyond their perimeter. Miranda held up the Verity Mirror, which shimmered with an inner light as it
"It's time," Isla said, clutching the artifacts close to her chest. Their weight seemed to increase with each passing moment, as if they recognized their impending purpose.Miranda nodded, her usually playful demeanor replaced by steely determination. "You sure you're ready for this? First transformation since..." She didn't need to finish the sentence."Since I lost her," Isla completed, a small smile playing on her lips. "I'm more than ready."Ken and Taylor moved to flank the doorway, their senses heightened for any approaching danger. Ken's muscular frame tensed as he sniffed the air. "Their numbers are growing. Liam and Maximilian are holding the eastern perimeter, but they need those artifacts now."Isla closed her eyes, feeling the familiar yet long-forgotten sensation of her wolf stirring within. For years, that space had been empty—a hollow cavern where Selena had once resided. Now, the warmth of her presence flooded Isla's veins once more."Selena," she whispered, not as a s
Isla could feel the missing piece of her soul slowly sliding back into place, like a puzzle finding its perfect fit after years of searching.Her wolf was back. And nothing would ever be the same again.The moment Selena fully materialized, Isla felt a surge of emotions so intense it threatened to overwhelm her. Years of absence, of feeling incomplete, of living with a gaping spiritual wound - all of it dissolved in an instant. "Selena," she whispered, her voice cracking with emotion. "I missed you. I missed you so much. You didn't have to do that that day."The memories came flooding back - that fateful day when she was 17, battling rouge wolves in a fight that seemed impossible to survive. She had been severely injured, blood pooling around her, death's cold fingers already beginning to grip her. And then Selena had done the unthinkable.In that moment of near-death, Selena had used every ounce of her spiritual energy, every drop of her essence to keep Isla alive. "Live, Isla. Liv
Ken intruppted Isla and said, "Stay here! I'll deliver the artifacts."Of course! Like they would let Isla to get out of the protected Beach house suit. Ken took the artifacts and tied to get out of the suit's door, but all of a sudden, he came flying back, falling on the floor. The tension was thick in the air as Ken stood trapped, the magical barriers preventing him from leaving Isla's side. The artifacts he was meant to deliver to Liam in his hands. The magic that bound him was intricate and powerful, a web of protection that kept him tethered to Isla, rendering him immobile.Isla paced the room, her mind racing. She understood now that the key to their freedom, to ending the war, lay in awakening her wolf Selena. For years, Selena had been dormant, a spirit locked away since that fateful day when Isla was 17. The wolf's absence had been more than just a physical loss; it was a spiritual wound that had haunted her for years.Miranda watched her carefully, concern etched across h
The battle raged on the beach, a chaotic dance of supernatural violence that seemed to defy logic. Each time Liam or one of the Lockwood alphas appeared to defeat a version of Darius, another would materialize, laughing with that bone-chilling, omnipresent sound that seemed to come from everywhere and nowhere at once."He's not just creating illusions," Liam's thoughts crashed into Isla's mind. "These are fully corporeal duplicates. Each can fight, each can bleed."Isla gripped the balcony edge, watching her mate and his parents fight with increasing desperation. The pack's initial advantage had evaporated, replaced by confusion and mounting exhaustion. Wolves that had been fierce and coordinated were now reactive, constantly shifting to defend against attacks that could come from any direction."We can't win like this," Isla muttered.Taylor and Miranda exchanged a look—the kind of silent communication that spoke of years of shared experience. "We need to find another way," Taylor sa
The first wave of Darius's forces crashed against the Lockwood pack's defenses like a storm surge. From her vantage point, Isla watched in awe as the beach transformed into a battlefield of supernatural fury.Liam moved like living lightning in his wolf form. His strawberry-blonde fur gleamed with an almost metallic sheen as he launched into the attack, a blur of speed and devastating power.Where other wolves might tear and rip, Liam struck with surgical precision—each movement calculated to maximum effect. Rivals fell before him like wheat before a scythe, his massive wolf form cutting through the enemy ranks with terrifying efficiency.*"This is why they call him the most powerful Alpha-to-be,"* Taylor murmured beside Isla, her voice a mixture of pride and reverence.Angelina fought with a completely different style. Where Liam was a thunderstorm, she was a silent predator. Her silver-blonde wolf moved with cat-like grace, almost dancing between opponents. Each strike was elegant,
Isla leaned against the railing again, her attention drawn back to the beach below where a transformation was taking place. Pack members had begun to shift, their human forms dissolving in ripples of magic as wolf forms emerged in their place. The sight still fascinated her—the fluid transition between shapes that seemed both impossible and entirely natural.Her breath caught as she spotted Liam in the front line, his wolf form magnificent and commanding. His fur gleamed strawberry blonde in the strengthening dawn light, thick and lustrous. Even in this form, she would have recognized him anywhere. Beside him padded Maximilian, his wolf a deep, rich red that seemed to burn like living flame against the pale sand. And completing the leadership triad was Angelina, her silver-blonde fur shimmering with an almost ethereal quality.The three of them stood as a united front, facing the eastern horizon where Darius's forces would soon appear. Behind them, arranged in precise formation, were
The first hints of dawn had begun to streak the eastern sky, painting wispy clouds in delicate shades of pink and gold. Isla stood at the open-air balcony of the beach house suite, her hands resting on the silver railing as she watched the hypnotic rhythm of waves washing against the shore. The ocean stretched endlessly before her, its surface glittering with the dying moonlight, deceptively peaceful despite the approaching conflict.From this elevated vantage point, she had a perfect view of the expansive beach below, where the Lockwood pack had assembled in battle formation. The suite itself was nestled into the cliffside overlooking the bay—the pack's most defensible structure on the island and the designated safe house for those who would not participate in the coming fight.The wind carried the scent of salt and tension up to her, along with fragments of commands being issued below. Isla's senses, already heightened from the mating ceremony, seemed even more acute this morning.
The celebration that followed the binding ceremony transformed the Den from a sacred ritual space to a grand banquet hall. Pack members moved, rearranging the stone tiers into feasting tables while others brought forth platters laden with food and drink. The natural skylight above continued to channel the full moon's glow into the chamber, bathing everything in ethereal silver light that complemented the warm golden flicker of hundreds of candles.Isla's neck still tingled pleasantly where Liam's mark had been placed, a constant reminder of the profound connection they now shared. As the newly recognized Luna of the Lockwood pack, she found herself seated beside Liam at the head table positioned on the central dais—the very spot where, moments before, they had pledged their eternal bond to one another."How are you feeling?" Angelina asked, taking a seat across from them. The Alpha's wife—no, Isla corrected herself mentally, her mother-in-law now—looked radiant in her formal attire,