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 dusting of powder, and then carefully lined Isla's eyes with a brown pencil, her lips becoming plumpier with the gloss. The hairstylist, a tall and lanky man named Max, was working on Isla's hair, teasing it into soft, loose waves that cascaded down her back.
As they worked, Isla couldn't help but think about how far she had come. She had quit her old job, and Jackie had been shocked when she found out that Isla had landed a job with Victoria's Secret. "You'll never make it," Jackie had sneered. "You're not good enough." But Isla had proved her wrong, and now she was standing in front of the mirror, ready to take on the biggest runway show of her life.
The theme of the show was "Heavenly Bodies," and Isla had been given a stunning white lingerie set to wear. The outfit was adorned with intricate lace and delicate feathers, and it made her feel like a true angel. As she slipped into the outfit, she felt a surge of confidence and excitement.
She was going to rock this runway, and she was going to make sure that everyone knew her name.
As she finished getting ready, Isla was handed a pair of wings to wear. They were made of delicate white feathers, and they sparkled in the light. Isla felt a thrill of excitement as she put them on, feeling like a true Victoria's Secret angel.
The show was being held outside, and as Isla made her way backstage, she could hear the sound of music drifting through the air. Dua Lipa and Sean Paul were going to perform their hit song "No Lie" during the show, and Isla couldn't wait to see them in action.
As she reached the backstage, Isla took a deep breath and prepared herself for the biggest moment of her life. She was going to walk the runway, and she was going to make sure that everyone remembered her name. She was no longer just a model, she was a Victoria's Secret angel, and she was ready to take on the world.
The stage was a breathtaking spectacle, a vision of ethereal beauty that seemed to float above the ground. It was adorned with shimmering white drapes that cascaded down like waterfalls, reflecting the soft glow of the strategically placed lights. The runway itself was a glossy, polished surface that sparkled under the bright lights, creating an illusion of walking on clouds. On either side, high-profile clients and celebrities filled the front rows, their eyes glimmering with anticipation. Isla could see familiar faces—designers, influencers, and fashion moguls—all waiting to witness the magic of the Victoria's Secret runway.
Isla’s heart raced as she took her place backstage, her nerves tingling with excitement. She was set to walk third, right after the iconic Stella McCartney, a model whose name was synonymous with grace and elegance. The air was thick with the scent of hairspray and perfume, and the buzz of chatter filled her ears. She could hear the faint strains of music filtering through the walls, the rhythm of Dua Lipa’s voice mingling with the electric energy of the crowd.
As Stella glided onto the runway, Isla felt a surge of adrenaline. This was it. This was her moment. She took a deep breath, reminding herself of the countless rehearsals, the late nights, and the sacrifices she had made to get here. She was no longer the girl who had been belittled by her toxic boss; she was a Victoria's Secret angel, and she was ready to shine.
When it was finally her turn, Isla stepped forward, her confidence soaring as she slipped into the spotlight. The high heels felt like a second skin, and with each step, she felt the power of her transformation. The music swelled, and she could hear Sean Paul’s voice echoing through the venue, “It's so hypnotic, the way you move
That's why I wanted to get to you.” The lyrics resonated within her, and she couldn’t help but smile as she waved at Sean Paul, who was performing just a few feet away.
As she reached the center of the stage, she struck a pose, channeling the grace of Gigi Hadid and the poise of Miranda Kerr. She felt like an angel, her wings unfurling behind her, and for a moment, the world faded away. The audience was a blur, but she could feel their eyes on her, their admiration washing over her like a warm tide.
But then, her gaze caught on a figure in the crowd. A man stood out among the sea of faces, his presence magnetic. Liam Lockwood. And in that instant, he stood out surreal among the crowd of mundane humans standing below her - looking unusually beautiful, the world around her ceased to exist. The music faded into the background, and all she could see was him.
His piercing hunter’s eyes locked onto hers, with an intensity that seemed to strip her of her angelic wings and the delicate lingerie she wore. It was as if he could see right through her, peeling back the layers of her confidence to reveal the vulnerable girl beneath.
Time slowed, and that single moment stretched into eternity. The voice of Dua Lipa echoed in her mind, “Feel your eyes, they are all over me, Don't be shy, take control of me, Get the vibe, it's gonna be lit tonight,” and she felt the weight of his hunter gaze, heavy and consuming. It was as if he was the only one in the room, and she was the only one who mattered. The connection was electric, a silent conversation that spoke volumes. She could see the pride in his blue eyes, the way he smiled at her as if he had known all along that she would make it here.
But just as quickly as it began, the moment was interrupted. Isla realized she had lingered too long, and she needed to move. With a deep breath, she tore her gaze away from him, forcing herself to walk forward and give way for the next model. The music continued to play, but her heart was still racing, the realization dawning on her like a sunrise breaking through the darkness.
As she walked away, she understood something profound. She hadn’t become an angel on her own—it was Liam Lockwood who had made her an Angel - by pulling the strings for her, recommending her for this position.
And it was so stupid of her to think that she could have actually gotten such a big break all by herself - without a recommendation from a big shark!
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
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 gripped the silver gun tightly in her hand, her heart racing as she faced the chaos of the garden. The adrenaline coursed through her veins, and she felt a fierce determination to protect her pack. She had never imagined herself in a situation like this, but the instinct to fight for those she loved surged within her.“Get away from him!” she shouted, her voice ringing with urgency as she aimed the gun at the nearest rogue. The wolf snarled, its eyes glinting with malice as it lunged toward her. Isla squeezed the trigger, the sharp crack of the gun echoing in the air. The bullet struck the rogue, causing it to yelp in pain, but it was only momentarily distracted.Just as she thought she might have a chance, another rogue came barreling toward her from the side. Isla barely had time to react before the wolf slammed into her, knocking her off her feet. She fell hard to the ground, the breath knocked out of her lungs. For a moment, everything went dark as she struggled to regain her
The days that followed Liam’s escape were filled with a sense of relief and anticipation for Isla. She felt lighter, buoyed by the knowledge that he was out there, fighting for their future. The pack had rallied around her, and she continued to navigate her duties as Luna with growing confidence. However, the tranquility was abruptly shattered one fateful afternoon.Isla was in her study, reviewing some pack documents, when Miranda burst through the door, her face pale and eyes wide with urgency. “Isla! We have a situation,” she said, breathless.“What’s wrong?” Isla asked, her heart racing as she set the papers aside.“Some rogues have broken into the mansion. Andy, Ken, and Taylor are handling it, but it’s getting intense. You need to stay safe in your room,” Miranda urged, her voice laced with concern.Isla’s stomach dropped at the news. “Rogues? Here? What do you mean?” she asked, panic rising within her. The thought of intruders in her home sent a chill down her spine.“There’s n
As the hall filled with anticipation, Isla stood at the podium, her heart racing with a mix of excitement and nerves. The atmosphere was charged with energy, and she could feel the weight of the moment pressing down on her. The priest, an elder of the pack, stood beside her, holding the Moon Goddess’s holy book, its pages worn and filled with wisdom passed down through generations. The flickering candlelight cast soft shadows on the walls, creating an almost ethereal ambiance that heightened the significance of the occasion.“Today, we gather to witness the oath of our new Luna,” the priest announced, his voice resonating through the hall. “Isla, daughter of the Lockwood legacy, will take her place as the leader of our pack, standing alongside her mate, Liam.”Isla took a deep breath, her heart swelling with pride and determination. This was the moment she had been preparing for, yet it felt surreal. The weight of her responsibilities loomed large, but she was ready to embrace them. T
Isla felt a surge of frustration mixed with fear. She had been carrying the burden of Liam’s secret alone, and the thought of sharing it made her stomach churn. But as she looked into their earnest faces, she realized that they were right. They deserved the truth, but revealing it was against the promise she made for her father-in-law.“Isla, we know you’re hiding something,” Miranda said again, her voice steady but laced with concern. “You’ve been acting strange ever since Liam was taken. We need to know what’s going on.”Taylor crossed her arms, her brow furrowed. “You can’t keep this to yourself. We’re your friends, and we want to help you. But we can’t do that if you won’t let us in.”“I can’t,” she finally said, her voice barely above a whisper. “You don’t understand what’s at stake.”Miranda stepped closer, her expression softening. “Then help us understand. We’re worried about you, Isla. You’re not just Liam’s mate; you’re the Luna of the Lockwood pack. You have to be strong fo
The next few days were a blur for Isla. Each morning, she woke up in the grand Lockwood mansion, the sunlight streaming through the tall windows, illuminating the opulence that surrounded her. But the beauty of her surroundings felt hollow without Liam by her side. The weight of his absence pressed heavily on her heart, and every moment was a reminder of the uncertainty that loomed over them.With Liam captured, Isla had taken on the mantle of responsibility for the mansion and the pack. Miranda and her mate, Andy, stepped in to manage the pack duties, but Isla felt the burden of leadership resting squarely on her shoulders. She knew that soon she would be introduced as the Luna of the pack, a title that felt both empowering and terrifying. Despite not having a wolf of her own, she was expected to lead, to inspire, and to unite the pack in Liam’s absence.As the days passed, Isla found herself retreating to her room more often, seeking solace in the quiet. She would sit at the ornate
Isla sat in the plush leather seat of Maximilian’s private plane, the hum of the engines a constant reminder of the distance they were putting between themselves and the chaos that had unfolded. The cabin was luxurious, but the opulence did little to ease the turmoil in her heart. She gazed out the window, watching the clouds drift by, her mind racing with thoughts of Liam and the uncertainty of their future.Maximilian sat across from her, his expression serious as he reviewed documents on a tablet. The weight of leadership hung heavily on his shoulders, and Isla could sense the tension radiating from him. After a moment, he looked up, meeting her gaze with a steady intensity.“Isla,” he began, his voice calm yet firm, “we’re almost back in New York. You need to prepare yourself for what’s ahead.”Isla turned to him, her heart sinking. “I really don’t think I can do this,” she admitted, her voice trembling slightly. “Without Liam, I feel lost. I’m still wolfless. I can’t take charge
Isla’s hands trembled as she reached for her phone, her heart racing with urgency. She scrolled through her contacts until she found the name that felt both familiar and distant—Maximilian Lockwood. Taking a deep breath, she pressed the call button, her mind racing with thoughts of Liam and the danger he was in.The phone rang, each tone echoing her anxiety. When the call connected, she could hear the calm, authoritative voice of Liam’s father on the other end. “Maximilian Lockwood.”“Mr. Lockwood,” Isla said, her voice shaking as she struggled to keep her composure. “It’s Isla. I… I need your help. Liam has been captured.”There was a brief silence on the other end, and Isla could almost hear the gears turning in Maximilian’s mind. “What do you mean, captured?” he asked, his tone shifting to one of concern.Isla swallowed hard, her heart pounding in her chest. “A group of mutts attacked us. They overpowered him, and I couldn’t do anything to stop it. They took him away, and I don’t k
Isla’s heart raced as she felt the presence of more than just the intruder. The door creaked open, and a group of pale creatures stepped into the room, their movements fluid and eerily graceful.They were unlike any beings Isla had ever encountered. Their skin was a ghostly white, almost luminescent in the dim light, and their features were sharp and angular, giving them an otherworldly beauty that was both captivating and terrifying. Long, slender limbs ended in delicate fingers, and their eyes glowed with an unnatural light—somewhere between the deep crimson of a vampire’s thirst and the piercing gold of a wolf’s gaze.Among them stood their leader, a striking figure with long, flowing blonde hair that cascaded down his back like a waterfall of silk. He exuded an aura of authority, his presence commanding the attention of everyone in the room. His eyes, a chilling shade of silver, locked onto Liam with an intensity that sent a shiver down Isla’s spine.Isla’s breath caught in her th
The moon hung high in the sky, casting a silvery glow over the icy cold waters of Nysoria. The gentle sound of waves lapping against the shore created a soothing melody that filled the air, mingling with the soft rustle of palm leaves swaying in the night breeze. Inside the luxurious four-poster bed suite, Isla lay nestled against Liam, the warmth of his body enveloping her like a protective cocoon.After a long day filled with exploration and playful intimacy, Isla felt utterly exhausted. The events of the evening had left her both exhilarated and spent, her body pleasantly weary from the connection they had shared. She had never imagined that she could feel so alive, so in tune with another person, and the memories of their time together danced in her mind like fireflies in the night.As she shifted slightly, the soft sheets caressed her skin, and she sighed contentedly. Liam was beside her, his strong arm draped protectively over her waist, his breathing deep and steady. She turned