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 was just a favor, nothing more. And with that thought, she decided to leave. Her walk was done, and she didn't need to stick around any longer.
As she was about to leave, she was stopped by two of the most popular Victoria's Secret models, Miranda and Taylor. They were both stunningly beautiful, with flawless skin and perfect bodies. Isla felt a pang of intimidation as they approached her.
"Hey, are you a newbie?" Miranda asked, her voice friendly and curious.
Isla hesitated, feeling a little self-conscious. "Yeah, I am," she replied, trying to sound confident.
Taylor smiled. "Well, you weren't too bad for a newbie," she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "We should get you to join us for the after-party. It's happening upstairs in the VIP lounge."
Isla's heart skipped a beat. She didn't want to go to the party, not if Liam Lockwood was going to be there. She didn't want to get allured by him again, and she knew that seeing him again would only make things worse.
But Miranda and Taylor were insistent. "It's really important for you to attend these parties," Miranda said. "You need to get your face out there and meet people in the industry. It's a great way to get brand endorsements and boost your popularity.”
Isla sighed, feeling a little overwhelmed. She didn't know if she was ready for all of this, but she knew that she couldn't say no. Not if she wanted to make it in this industry.
"Okay, fine," she said, trying to sound enthusiastic. "I'll go."
Miranda and Taylor cheered.
After Isla got changed into a white dress, she followed Miranda and Taylor to the party. The VIP lounge was packed with models, designers, and celebrities. Everyone was laughing and chatting, and Isla felt like a small fish in a big pond, making her feel like an outsider.
She decided to sit alone and drink, feeling a little overwhelmed by the crowd. But before she could even take a sip of her drink, Miranda came over and pulled her into the gang.
"Hey, everyone, this is Isla, the new girl," Miranda said, introducing her to the group.
Isla felt a little shy, but the group welcomed her with open arms. They asked her questions and made her feel like part of the group. Isla couldn't help but feel a little grateful to Miranda and Taylor. Maybe they were really kind, and not just pretending to be friendly.
As she chatted with the group, Isla realized that this was a tough place. The world itself was a tough place to climb up and get noticed, especially when you were competing against people who were just as beautiful and talented as you. She was aware of the backbiting and the gossip that could happen among the girls and she was still skeptical,
wondering which one of the girls around her could become her rival. She wondered if any of the girls around her were secretly plotting against her, waiting for her to slip up so they could take her place.
Miranda, still holding Isla's hand, led her over to a group of former top models, including Kate Upton and Stella Maris. "Girls, I want you to meet Isla, the new face of Victoria's Secret," Miranda said, beaming with pride.
Kate Upton, a legendary model known for her curves and confidence, looked Isla up and down before asking her to turn around.
Lily blinked.
"Just do it," Miranda whispered, and Isla obliged, spinning around and facing Kate again.
Kate touched Isla's hair, her fingers running through the strands. "Are you really blonde?" she asked, her voice dripping with skepticism.
Isla nodded, feeling a surge of pride. "Yes, I am. My mom was a blonde, and I inherited her hair color."
Kate raised an eyebrow. "That's nice. But let's talk about your height. How tall are you?"
Isla stood up straight, trying to make herself look as tall as possible. "I'm 6’0," she said, trying to sound confident.
Kate nodded, her expression thoughtful. "That's not bad, but you're not going to stand out on the stage just because of your height. You need to work on your overall presence. You're missing something.”
Stella Maris, a former supermodel known for her striking features, chimed in. "I think it's her eyes. She has big green eyes, but they're not standing out because of the dark circles under them."
Isla felt a pang of embarrassment, realizing that she had forgotten to reapply her concealer while dressing up for the after-party. She cursed herself for being so careless.
Kate nodded in agreement. "And it's not just her eyes. She lacks confidence as a whole. I saw her on the stage, and she paused too much. She needs to work on her stage presence.”
Isla felt a surge of defensiveness, but she bit her tongue. She knew that Kate and Stella were just trying to help, but their words felt like a subtle put-down.
As Kate and Stella walked away, Isla turned to Miranda and whispered, "Wow, they're really vicious."
Miranda smiled sympathetically. "I know, right? The industry can be tough, and being at the top only increases the challenges. But don't worry, Isla. You'll get used to it."
Isla nodded, feeling a sense of determination. This was her dream job and she was going to prove herself, no matter what it took. But as she looked around the room, she couldn't help but feel like she was under a microscope, with everyone waiting for her to slip up so they could pounce.
Miranda and Taylor led Isla to a circularly arranged seating area, where two other girls were already seated. The area was posh, with plush couches and a beautifully decorated table. Drinks were served to the five of them, and Isla, feeling a bit frustrated, decided to take a shot. One down, two down, and on the third, she felt her heart stutter as she noticed a familiar man approach them.
He took a seat right next to Taylor, and his striking blue eyes locked onto Isla's. She felt like she was frozen in time, unable to look away from his gaze. He was just too handsome, too unreal, with a perfect, symmetrically beautiful face and angelic jawline. His brown hair formed a striking contrast to his blue eyes and pale skin, and he looked like a modern version of the French actor Alain Delon.
The other girls immediately went gaga over him, squealing and cooing as they said, "Liam Lockwood, so you're back!" Of course, he was Liam Lockwood, the richest and most handsome man in New York City. Only Miranda and Taylor seemed unfazed, speaking to him in a normal, friendly tone as if they were old friends.
But Liam's striking eyes never left Isla's, and she felt like she was drowning in their depths. She couldn't blink, couldn't look away, as he gazed at her with an intensity that made her skin prickle.
“And this is your new friend?” Liam asked Taylor, his gaze fixed on Isla.
Taylor spoke up, saying, "Oh, she's a newbie. But don't scare her, Liam." Liam chuckled and lent his hand to Isla, saying, "I'm Liam. Nice to meet you." He acted as if he was meeting her for the first time as if he hadn't given her the gig she had dreamed of - as if he hadn't saved her life from fire. As if he hadn't saved her from her toxic ex-boss.
Isla shook his hand, feeling an electric shock as she touched his skin. She immediately withdrew her hand, feeling like she had been burned. The girls asked if she was okay, and Isla nodded, trying to play it cool. "I'm fine, I just need to use the ladies' room," she said, grabbing her handbag and making a hasty exit.
As she walked away, she could feel Liam's eyes on her, watching her every move. She felt like she was going to collapse, her heart racing with excitement and attraction. She couldn't believe she had reacted that way to him, like a schoolgirl with a crush.
She made her way to the ladies' room, locking herself in a stall and taking a few deep breaths. She couldn't believe she had touched his hand and felt that spark of electricity. She couldn't believe she had reacted that way to him like she was under his spell.
‘Moon Goddess, Selene, please help me…..’
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“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
The fair continued around them, a stark contrast to the supernatural battle that had just unfolded. Sweet scents of popcorn and cotton candy wafted through the air, mixing with the metallic undertone of recent violence. Isla stood frozen on the tracks, her mind struggling to process everything that had happened.She turned to Liam, her green eyes narrowing with suspicion. "Were you following me?" The question hung in the air, heavy with accusation.Liam's response was unexpected. "I expected something in return for saving your life," he said matter-of-factly. There was no hint of apology, just a raw, unapologetic statement that made Isla's breath catch."Saving me?" Isla felt a surge of frustration. "I wouldn't have been in trouble if we hadn't kissed. Your scent was on me, and that's why the rogues tracked me down."A ghost of a smile crossed Liam's lips. "You kissed me first," he corrected her, his blue eyes holding a challenging glint. "And I kissed you back.”Isla felt her cheeks f
Isla blinked awake, her surroundings slowly coming into focus. Her eyes fluttered open to find herself in a room that belonged in a luxury real estate magazine – crystal chandeliers, silk curtains, and furnishings that probably cost more than her annual salary. The walls were painted in soothing shades of cream and gold, and a large window overlooked a sprawling view of the city skyline. She sat up, her heart racing as she took in the luxurious surroundings.“Where am I?” she croaked, her voice hoarse.As her eyes adjusted, she spotted Miranda and Taylor sitting nearby, their expressions a mix of concern and relief. Behind them stood a muscular man she recognized from the fair – the one who'd helped fight off the rogues."Miranda," Isla's voice came out raspy. She swallowed hard, forcing down her rising panic. "Why the hell did you bring me here?"Miranda held up her hands in a placating gesture. "Isla, please calm down. There's something you need to know."Taylor guided her to sit o
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,