~Jasmine~
Quickly, I threw off the luxurious bed cover and began dressing up. As I glanced around, I noticed the opulent high chandeliers and exquisite artwork adorning the walls. It didn't take a genius to deduce that I was in a presidential suite. I read the inscriptions on the unique pieces of furniture closely. This was not just a suite in a random hotel but one in the exclusive Crimson Blood hotel.
Oh gosh! I held my throbbing head as I realized that my fated mate might be a man of immense wealth because not just anyone could afford such a suite. It was only patronized by the elite.
I shrugged off the thought of his status; it should be the least of my problems. I shouldn't be bothered about a mate who obviously ran off the first night with no explanations.
Besides, I still had to finalize my divorce with Logan, and being seen here was risky enough and could be used against me. I had to keep it low.
Hurriedly, I grabbed my belongings, and soon, I was out of the hotel. I flagged down a cab and slid into the back seat.
“Where to, ma’am?” the driver asked.
For a moment, I froze. Home? That place no longer felt like home. Swallowing back my emotions, I gave him Rose’s address instead.
“No. 7 Royal Blue, West Side,” I murmured.
As the cab pulled away, I unlocked my phone, only to be bombarded by a flood of missed calls and messages from Rose. My stomach churned as I read through her frantic texts, sent since last night:
“Where are you? Are you okay? I’m calling the cops!”
Last night’s events replayed in pieces as I tried to fix the puzzle. My pulse quickened when I remembered Samantha’s smirk from across the barroom. Could she have had something to do with this?
Ping!
A new email notification snapped me out of my thoughts. It was from the pack registry notifying me that my divorce with Logan will be finalized by 10:00 a.m. prompt at the werewolf hall. The registry couldn’t contact me without someone starting the process.
The werewolf city hall? My stomach knotted. Did this mean the new Alpha had returned? Did Logan contact him? What was Logan up to?
After three years, Logan ’s uncle, Alpha Maverick , might have finally returned to reclaim the Gold Pack. He had left it under the watch of Beta Kazeem while he pursued his business.
I pinched the bridge of my nose, knowing I would likely be back to square zero if he took sides with his blood. A divorced, former housewife, expelled with nothing from her previous pack? I didn’t know how I’d survive, but I was certain I would. Giving up was not one of my attributes.
“We’re here, ma’am,” the driver announced, pulling me from my spiraling thoughts.
I handed him cash, muttered a quick thank you, and rushed inside Rose’s house. She was wiping down her coffee table when I entered.
“What the hell, Jasmine? You had me worried sick! Where did you disappear to?” Sophie’s voice rose as she followed me into the kitchen. “Are you even listening to me? The waiter said you left with a man.”
Ignoring her barrage of questions, I chugged down a glass of water. “I think Samantha set me up, but I will explain everything later, okay?”
“How? That bastard,” she yelled.
“Right now, I need to get dressed. It seems my request for divorce was approved. Not sure, sort of. But I have to be at the head registry before 10:00 a.m.”
Her eyes darted to the clock. “It’s already 9:07! I’m driving you.”
“Thank you,” I muttered. All I wanted now was to freshen up and get the divorce over with.
Rummaging through Sophie’s wardrobe—since I hadn’t retrieved my things from Logan s house—I searched for something appropriate to wear.
After some digging, I settled on a formal gown that would suffice for the occasion. A concerned Rose insisted on accompanying me to the ‘Werewolf City Hall’ to ensure the process went smoothly.
When we arrived at the registry, Logan and Samantha were already waiting for me, with smug expressions plastered across their faces.
Logan’s eyes raked over my body, lingering on my curves. His jaw tightened before he quickly looked away. I recognized that look all too well—jealousy.
Samantha, on the other hand, wore her usual smug expression. And something in her eyes told me she had a hand in whatever happened last night. After all, she has proven to be a foe, not a friend, and spiking my drink was not far from what she could do.
“Oh, see who finally graced us with her filthy presence,” Samantha sneered, her lips curling with malicious hatred. “The shameless whore, pointing her fingers at others when hers aren’t clean either. You're here.”
Ignoring her like she was nothing—because, frankly, her words no longer affected me—I turned my gaze back to Logan. “Shall we?”
But it was as if my silence drove her over the edge, and I was hell-bent on not giving her the attention she craved.
Stomping her feet like a child, she moved inches closer to me and continued, “How did you spend your night with your lover? It’s going around town that you were whoring around. You’ll never win against us, so cut this act and drop the case.”
Rose and I shared a knowing look. Her words confirmed what I’d suspected. Samantha had spiked my drink last night. Fury flooded through me, but I couldn’t retaliate without solid proof.
Logan scoffed, his anger barely contained. I knew it wasn’t just about the divorce but also his bruised ego. “I demand 100% of marital assets and ninety percent of your financial shares in the bank. Not only have you invaded my privacy and defamed my character, but you’ve also caused me emotional trauma by disregarding our mate bond. I curse the day we bound our souls under the holy watch of the moon goddess.”
I almost laughed out loud. The audacity of this man! Trying to encroach on my meager shares? How could he twist the truth when his infidelity was the real issue? But then again, I shouldn’t be surprised by his greed. After all, one woman had never been enough for him.
I didn’t care anymore. Let him have everything if it meant I could finally sever ties with the Gold Pack without facing a humiliating expulsion. I agreed to leave the pack with nothing of his, signing away my rights.
Logan couldn’t hide his surprise. I knew he hadn’t expected me to concede without a fight. But I was done.
As I reached for the papers, about to sign them, a familiar scent stopped me dead in my tracks.
“Logan,” a sultry voice cut through the tension, “My pack, my rules. You cannot commit such atrocities under my reign and expect to go scot-free. It is you who will be leaving the pack instead.”
The room fell silent as a tall figure strode in, his royal blue suit fitting perfectly over his broad shoulders. My eyes slowly traveled up, meeting his face.
His ocean-blue eyes locked onto mine, freezing my world.
No. This can’t be! I thought he fled without a word. What was he doing at the registry? With a presence commanding attention, like he ruled here.
My senses heightened at the scent of his power mixed with the richness of leather, sending a shiver down my spine.
My wolf, calm until now, began pacing and howling wildly, willing to lay her life in submission to the man before me. It confirmed what I already knew—he was mine!
“What?” Logan stammered, his once confident composure crumbling with each passing moment.
My breath hitched as I stared at my fated mate, awestruck by the confidence and authority that he exuded.
His pack? It only meant one thing—he was the Alpha of the Gold Crescent Pack.
It couldn’t be. Was the moon goddess playing a game of twisted fate on me?
(Alpha Maverick’s POV)“Can you believe it? She framed me with heavily doctored photos and videos, and now she wants a divorce!” Logan sighed in frustration over the phone.As I made my way to meet a business associate from the Blue Lagoon Pack, he filled my ear with his complaints.I had just received a call from my nephew, explaining that his wife was accusing him of infidelity. She was also attempting to use false evidence to acquire their marital assets.“I’ll be there as soon as possible, and we’ll look into it,” I replied, cutting the call. But something didn’t sit right with me. Logan has never complained about his mate. Why would she suddenly demand a divorce after they had agreed to be mates?I dialed Alpha Tristen of the Blue Lagoon Pack. “We need to reschedule our meeting,” I said. “Something urgent has come up.”The Gold Pack’s divorce procedures required the Alpha’s presence to confirm the separation of bonded souls, so I had to return to my pack immediately after nearly
~Jasmine~Shock pinned my feet to the floor; I couldn’t believe what was unfolding before me. My heart raced while my mind went blank.I froze, the pen in my hand halting midair. The tension in the room thickened as my gaze shifted between the Alpha and Logan. Before I could react, Alpha dropped to one knee and slid a diamond ring onto my finger.My heart pounded against my chest at his claim, stunned by his choice, a clear indication that he was not one to be influenced by perceived loyalty to bloodline. I couldn't believe that this mystery man did not flee after all. But the question burning in my mind was: how had he uncovered the truth?Glancing around the room, I noticed the shocked expressions on everyone’s faces as he got off his feet, admiring his assertion on my fingers.He quickly glanced at the papers on the desk, grabbed them, and flipped through them. “One hundred percent of marital assets to you, Logan? What a joke. How did you think I would be a party to this atrocity?”
~Jasmine~I stared at him wide-eyed as his name died on my lips. He approached me slowly, like a predator closing in on his prey. Instead of backing away like any sane person would, I held my head high, crossing my arms. “What do you want, Logan?”“You? And my uncle? That is impossible, Jasmine. Why don’t you reject him, huh?” He came closer until I felt his hot breath fanning my face. His scent, which I once found comforting, now felt overwhelming. My wolf rejected his smell. Maybe it was because I had gotten a taste of my mate’s scent.Grabbing my elbow softly, he spoke again, his voice soft this time. “What do you want, Jass? I have treated you so well and worshiped the ground you walked on. I gave you every damn thing you wanted. I provided for you without you having to lift a finger. I gave you the best, so why…” His voice cracked as he continued, “Why couldn’t you give me a second chance after one mistake?”I scoffed, unable to believe what he was saying. Instead of apologizing
~Jasmine~I held my throbbing cheek in pain, too stunned to even move. The woman glared at me, her eyes filled with so much disgust. But as I looked closer at her, something clicked in my mind. I gasped, recognizing her. The woman standing in front of me was Logan’s mother, Isabella.The uncanny resemblance was undeniable. Starting with the sharpness of her eyes, to the curve of her lips, and the fact that I had seen her photos in an album Logan kept in his room. But she looked slightly older from the photographs, the years of bitterness and hate written in the lines of her face.Isabella’s voice dripped with ridicule. “This is a generous offer, Jasmine. Enough to set you up anywhere you want, far away from here. Take it and leave our lives for good.”My eyes landed on the buyout check, and my jaw tightened. “You think you can buy me off? My worth isn’t measured in your money, Isabella. Keep it; your son needs it more than I do.“You ingrate,” she boomed, her voice vibrating with rage
~Jasmine~“What a pleasant surprise, brother,” Isabella remarked, her tone dripping with malice. “You're here to defend a woman who is clearly undeserving. What has she done to you? She has used her charms to bewitch you. Manipulating you into removing Logan as the CEO of Prime. What did Logan do to revoke the authority you gave him over that little fraction of Grand Prime?”Maverick’s expression turned stern. “Enough of the hateful words, Bella. You should know better than to trifle with the will of the moon goddess. As for Logan, I can't compromise. He cannot be trusted for trying to lure me into being a party to his bad ways.”“Know better? Can you even hear yourself, Maverick?” Isabella scoffed in disbelief. “You are the one blind to her schemes. Now she has come between you and us. She will destroy us; don't let her.”“Isabella—” Alpha Maverick warned, but she cut him off.“No, Maverick. You are my blood, and I must look out for you. I know this dirty swine better than you do. Sh
~Jasmine~I stood before the full-length mirror as I got ready for the gala, my gaze locking onto my reflection. I took a deep breath, smoothing the emerald green gown clinging to me like a second skin.The dress had a daring slit up the side, which revealed my toned legs before pooling elegantly at my feet with a luxurious cascade of the dress’s fabric.My smokey eye makeup and winged eyeliner accentuated my already striking features, while my lips were painted in a perfect deep red shade. My hair was swept up neatly, with a few tendrils framing my face. I looked absolutely gorgeous.As I touched up my face, ensuring I hadn’t missed anything, the sound of a car pulling into the driveway reached me. I didn’t need to be told—it was Alpha Maverick, so I quickly tried to finish up.After Maverick made his request, he had left to handle pressing matters about a report, leaving me to rummage through my wardrobe for something suitable to wear. My nerves had also been fraying ever since.Thi
~Jasmine~Clearing my throat, I added, “May I ask for a clarification?”They froze while the Stallion Pack’s representative gave me a judgmental look, but I continued, “You mentioned something about using a human-dominated faction, right?”His eyes narrowed, and he furrowed his brows, becoming defensive. “I believe there’s a scheme going on in the Gold Crescent Pack. Using a high percentage of humans goes against what's in the protocol book.” As I listened to him, I realized there was a misinterpretation in the research paper.I quickly sifted through my thoughts, recalling that I had encountered a similar issue during my research days. I tried to piece together the puzzle and find the missing link.“I believe this accusation stems from a misunderstanding,” I said, holding the gaze of both parties.“What do you mean?” The Alpha’s executive asked, and I smiled, clearing my throat. All eyes were on me, and for a moment, I forgot I was standing before prestigious members in the hall, the
~Jasmine~His words sent me over the edge as I pressed myself closer to him, wanting to feel him near me once again.The kiss became more frantic, more intense, as I clenched my thighs together. His large hands slowly trailed over my body, caressing me, the contact making me moan into his mouth.Just as he reached down to my panties, I shivered slightly, his thumb grazing over my sensitive spot, and reason returned to my mind.“Wait,” I said as he pulled back with a questioning look in his eyes.“Is there something wrong?” he asked in a raspy voice, his eyes still clouded with desire.I let out a shaky breath. “Nothing… I just think we need to take things slow.”His hands, which were tugging at my panty line, now rested on my thighs before he asked again, “Including sex?” He turned to look deeply into my eyes.And when I refused to answer, he got the message. He let out a low chuckle. “You know that’s going to be a hard one, Jasmine. I can’t resist you, and the mate bond isn’t making
~Jasmine~As I walked back to the department, my phone pinged, signaling a notification. I glanced at the screen to see Alpha Zephyr’s text:“Sorry I left you alone. There was a health crisis I needed to attend to. Hope you’ll understand. I’ll call Rose right away.”Why was he—? Oh. My mouth formed an ‘O’ as realization dawned on me. Alpha Zephyr… was he the one who saved me? Flashes of the elevator incident replayed in my mind. I had been the one who called him in the first place.But why didn’t Alpha Maverick believe me? He claimed he was only one call away, yet the first to respond was Alpha Zephyr. My heart tugged painfully at the thought. Why hadn’t Alpha Maverick trusted me?I sighed, pushing the heavy weight of sadness from my chest as my mind returned to Alpha Zephyr’s message. What health crisis was he talking about? I hoped it wasn’t serious. Wetting my lips, I thought about Rose. How was I supposed to explain all this to her? Sooner or later, I’d have to tell her everything
~Jasmine~“Argh,” I groaned, clutching my throbbing head with trembling hands, my eyes squeezed shut. My breathing grew shallow; the lack of ventilation was suffocating me. I struggled to concentrate, desperate to activate my wolf and use her strength, but my mind was too clouded by anxiety. The overwhelming panic suppressing my ability to shift.Dark spots flashed across my vision, and just when I thought I couldn’t endure it any longer, the elevator door creaked open.A blurry figure approached, but my ears buzzed, and I couldn’t make out his features. His mouth moved, as if he was trying to speak to me, but his words didn’t register in my brain.I tried to fight it, but I couldn’t anymore, and soon… darkness swallowed me whole.I shifted; every muscle in my body ached, and I felt as if I had been wrecked by a train. My head pounded mercilessly. I tried to sit up, disoriented by the sound of an ambulance’s blaring siren.Wait a minute, am I moving?Panic rushed through me, and I sho
~Maverick~I groaned, walking away from the lab, trying my hardest to hide my arousal. Jasmine affected me in insatiable ways that I couldn’t fathom. Soon, I approached the boardroom where I was supposed to meet the Alpha of the Red Blood Pack.As I entered, I extended my hand. “Glad you could make it, Alpha Zephyr.”He shook it firmly. “Likewise, Alpha Maverick.”I nodded at his beta and motioned for them to have a seat.We delved immediately into the matter without wasting time. Both packs’ properties were at risk due to the unexplained, constant fire outbreaks. We didn’t know yet if witches had a hand in it, if there were supernatural forces lurking in the shadows, or if it was simply arson.A collaboration with his insurance company could reduce costs for both packs and enhance preparedness.Ever since the increase in fire outbreaks, not even one fatal one has been recorded with Red blood pack. Due to their expertise in disaster areas, they seem to have the best mitigation.“Given
~Jasmine~My mind swirled with questions about why they erupted with laughter as I proceeded through the building. Floor after floor, I searched but still couldn’t find the reserve store. Was this rocket science?When I finally reached the ground floor, I checked the map plastered on the wall for directions. Frustratingly, there was no mention of the reserve room.My eyes widened as I glanced at the clock, realizing I had already wasted fifteen minutes wandering around aimlessly. It began to dawn on me why they all laughed out loud.What creeped me out most was the emptiness of the building. There was no one here to ask for help. Perhaps because it was late. Most departments were shut.I knew Alpha Maverick was in a meeting. Should I call him? I debated for a moment before deciding against it; I didn’t want to be a bother. Instead, I found a spot to sit and sent him a quick text asking where the reserve room was located.Minutes passed, but still no reply from him. Returning to the la
~Jasmine~“Um,” clearing my throat, I gently declined his offer. “I would prefer to stay back and get to know the department better.” I knew Alpha Zephyr would probably be there, and meeting him could result in misunderstandings, so I would rather stay back. Rose deserved to hear the explanation from me.Maverick didn’t object. Instead, he nodded. “I understand,” he said, taking my hands into his and placing a soft, lingering kiss on the spot. My heart flipped as I felt butterflies erupt from every corner, my wolf struggling to stay put.“If you need anything, don’t hesitate to call me,” he said with a smug look gracing his face while maintaining eye contact. I got lost in their vastness for a moment, my lips curling as I refused to back down from the staring contest. “I am not a damsel in distress, Alpha.”“Oh really?” He stepped closer, and I felt warmth spreading from my neck to my cheeks. His eyes flickered, and there was an emotion I recognized, one he wasn’t scared to show—desir
~Maverick~Squaring my shoulders, I sighed, leaning back as I went through some paperwork in the conference room.Just then, a sweet, familiar scent wafted into my nostrils, and I didn’t need to raise my head to know it was Jasmine. My wolf stirred with excitement, howling as she approached. I glanced up, and there she was.Jasmine! I whispered, a smile tugging at my lips as she strode confidently into the room. All eyes turned toward her, and I could feel jealousy gnawing at my insides, my wolf claiming ownership. She was mine, only mine, to look at.Her gaze finally locked on mine, her eyes flickering with something unreadable as she walked toward me. She pulled out a chair beside me and sat down, her presence consuming me in ways I never expected.“You made it,” I greeted, sliding some documents in front of her. “You need to review these before the assessments. They cover all the vital points you should take note of.”She nodded absentmindedly, her mind clearly elsewhere, as though
~Jasmine~I stood frozen by the door, with confusion swirling in my mind. Why had Violeta been so stunned earlier? Was she pretending to be sick just now? Or was I just imagining things?“Jasmine!” She greeted me with a soft smile, though her expression quickly turned tired as she held her arm. I returned a faint smile as I stepped fully into the room and walked over to the visitor's chair.“Violeta…” I said as I took a seat, feeling conflicted about what to believe. Was I reading too much into things? I don't know. But one thing is certain: she is a good actress.I heard about your accident from the Alpha. I had to come check on you. But… it seems you’re doing much better,” I said, studying her closely. She shifted, sitting a bit straighter as she leaned back against the bed.“Ah... yes.” Violeta began, her voice ten times weaker than when she was on the phone earlier.““I’m trying my hardest to be strong. I’m avoiding anything that could put my baby’s life at risk,” she said, her ex
~Jasmine~After Alpha Maverick left, I stayed back for a while, thinking about anything and everything, my mind full of unanswered questions.I opened the ride-sharing app on my phone and booked a cab. When it arrived, I gave the driver Alpha Maverick’s home address without thinking too much about it. His home was home to me now.The house felt cold and empty without him. I walked straight to my room and fell on the bed, still wearing my clothes. I felt drained and upset.“Calm down, Jasmine. It’s too early to feel this attached to him,” I whispered, trying to convince myself. But it didn’t help at all. The feeling refused to go away.I couldn’t stop thinking about what Alpha Maverick was doing. The thought of him remained in my mind. Frustrated, I sat up and groaned loudly, covering my face with the pillow.“Why in this forsaken world do you have to feel this way, Jasmine?” I whispered angrily at myself for caring so much.Just when I closed my eyes to rest my mind, my phone rang lou
~Jasmine~He looked like he didn't have a single care in the world. My heart suddenly felt heavy as I was overwhelmed by rage. How could he be happy in another woman’s company? My wolf was also furious, fighting to take control and tear the other she-wolf apart. “Let me out,” she scratched at my mind, but I refused to let her take over.Sensing my presence, Alpha Maverick turned his head in my direction, surprise flickering in his eyes. I wanted to scoff at him, but I tried to maintain my composure.“Jasmine,” he called, standing up and walking toward me as I took in his appearance, his dark hair neatly styled, and his perfect jawline highlighted by the light. He had taken off his coat and was now wearing a rolled-up white shirt, which showcased his large arms and the veins bulging beneath the fabric. A wristwatch adorned one of his wrists. He looked… spectacular.As he stood in front of me, he enveloped me in a hug, his scent overwhelming my senses. My wolf, which had previously been