Delia was curled up with a book in the cozy reading nook of her villa, when she was startled by the sound of the doorbell. Looking at the time, she thought Rafe may have returned earlier than expected. She made her way to the door and opened it to find Phillip standing at her doorstep, looking a bit disheveled. “Phillip, what are you doing here?" Delia's voice betrayed her confusion. "Delia, lass, I hate to bother ya, but my car broke down a little ways from here," Phillip admitted sheepishly. "I think I left the headlight on draining the battery. I was wondering if you could give me a jumpstart?" Delia's brow furrowed in concern. "Of course," she replied with a reassuring smile. "Let me grab my keys, and we'll head out right away." "Thank you, lass. I really appreciate it," Phillip said earnestly. “It's no trouble at all," Delia reassured him, leading the way to her Mini parked outside. "Let's get you sorted out." With Phillip settled into the passenger seat, Delia star
As Rafe carried Delia into the villa, her protests fell on deaf ears as he firmly held her in place, his grip unyielding. "Rafe, put me down!" Delia exclaimed, her voice echoing through the halls as she thumped against his back. In response, Rafe's hand came down on her behind, lightly spanking it. He walked through the villa, out onto the veranda and then the pool area. He finally set Delia down on her feet. With a deft hand, he removed her top and unbuttoned her shorts, pulling them down and leaving her standing in nothing but her lace bra and underwear. “Rafe, what are you doing?" Delia questioned as she met his intense gaze. But Rafe's eyes darkened at the sight of her. “Let's go for a swim," he suggested in a husky tone, as he removed his shirt, revealing his sculpted eight-pack. Delia's breath caught in her throat as she stared at him in awe. This man before her was nothing short of a god. Without waiting for her response, Rafe dropped his trousers and dove into
Rafe tenderly carried Delia through the corridors of his mansion. As he reached his bedroom on the third floor, he carefully laid her down on his bed and covered her with a blanket. “It's over now, Delia," he murmured softly, his voice a soothing balm in the darkness. He didn’t think she had seen anything but wasn’t sure how much she may have heard during the chaos. Climbing into bed beside her, Rafe wrapped his arms around Delia, pulling her close to his chest. He held her tightly, offering her warmth and reassurance as she shed silent tears, her emotions raw and unguarded in the quiet of the night. Safe in Rafe’s embrace, Delia finally succumbed to sleep. As Rafe pressed a tender kiss to her forehead, he found solace in the simple act of holding her close, knowing that he would do whatever it took to protect her from harm. Rafe lay awake beside Delia as his mind churned with questions and doubts. The sudden attack by the rogue pirates on the villa seemed too calculated to be
In the wee hours of the morning, Rafe returned to his room after questioning and torturing the prisoners in an attempt to extract information. Unfortunately, he wasn’t able to get anything out of them even though their lives were hanging by a thread. Additionally, Ethan had reported back saying he wasn’t able to locate Natasha. She was last seen leaving High Tide shortly after Rafe had departed, getting into a black SUV with tinted windows. Ethan had tracked her scent till the marina, but it seemed she may have already headed back to St. Germain. When Rafe tried to reach her by phone, her phone went directly to voicemail. The weight of the events of the night hung heavy on his shoulders as he entered the quiet confines of his bedroom. He had already stripped off his blood-stained clothes and showered in the guest bathroom, washing away the physical remnants of the night's ordeal. He expected to find Delia fast asleep on his bed, her peaceful form a reassuring sight aft
As the incessant ringing of Rafe's phone pierced the tranquil air of the bedroom, both he and Delia stirred from their slumber. Delia was nestled against Rafe, his nose buried in her hair, inhaling her snowy scent and lulling his beast into a state of calm. With a groggy murmur, Rafe reached for his phone, his senses sharpening as he saw Natasha's name flashing on the screen. He sat up with a jerk. Delia turned over at his sudden movement and caught glimpse of the caller name on his phone. “I need to get this”, Rafe mumbled and hurriedly stepped out onto the balcony to take the call, leaving Delia staring after him. “Natasha, where are you?" Rafe's voice carried a tinge of urgency as he answered. Natasha's cheerful tone resonated through the line. "Hello to you too Rafe! I'm back in St. Germain. I figured there was no point in lingering there since you'll be joining me here for the Full Moon Festival tomorrow." Rafe responded, “I see..” “I saw your missed calls from
As Nate guided Delia to an empty table, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee enveloped them. Delia caught Phillip’s eye as she sat down and gave him a small wave. Phillip nodded in acknowledgment, his eyes lingering on them with curiosity. Nate stepped away briefly to order their coffees and returned with two steaming cups, placing one before her. Delia offered him a small, appreciative smile, as she noted that he remembered what she liked and got her a cup of cappuccino. Sitting down opposite her, Nate's gaze softened as he searched her face. "Delia, about the other day..," he began, his voice sincere. "I'm sorry for the way I behaved. It's just that I do care about you and this situation with Natasha and Rafe... I can't help but think you might end up with the short end of the stick." Delia listened quietly, absorbing Nate's words, wondering if he was correct. “It’s okay, Nate," she replied softly, meeting his gaze. “I know you didn't mean any harm. Our friendship means a l
As the day of the Full Moon Festival approached, Delia had successfully evaded a confrontation with Rafe, mainly by hiding in her new room at the mansion for the past two days. Rafe had come by occasionally, trying to coax her into letting him in but she iced him out. As long as he was still going with Natasha, she had nothing to say to him. She remained steadfast in her decision, refusing to engage with him despite his persistent attempts. The only visitor she allowed was Ethan. Delia had confided to him about the entire situation and while Ethan had been disappointed by Rafe’s actions, a part of him understood his reasoning behind it. Delia, however, had not been able to tell Ethan she was going to the festival.... with Nate! She knew that everyone assumed she would just avoid the event based on how she felt about the entire situation. On the day of the festival, she sat quietly by her window, her gaze fixated on the breathtaking sight of the sun sinking into the vast expan
Delia arrived at the marina and parked her car, her gaze immediately drawn to the large yacht docked nearby. She recognized it as Nate’s from the Jackson & Associates’ logo and it being the only one left at the marina. As she made her way towards the vessel, she saw Nate descending to meet her, his eyes fixed on her in admiration. “Delia, you look stunning, darling," Nate exclaimed as he reached her, taking her hands and admiring her from head to toe. “Thank you," Delia murmured, feeling a bit uncomfortable under his intense gaze. Nate shook his head slightly, as if to snap out of his reverie, and gestured for her to follow him onto the boat. "This way," he said with a smile. Once aboard, the captain set sail as Nate led Delia inside the cabin, which was elegantly fitted with plush seating and a bar in the corner. “Would you like some champagne?" Nate offered, gesturing towards the well-stocked bar that held a bottle of Dom Perignon in an ice bucket. Delia nodded, a small s
As Alex pulled the Jeep to a stop near the ferry dock, a strange sensation rippled through him. His wolf, which had been restless and tense ever since the attack, suddenly went deathly still—What the hell? He looked across on the pier to see a lone figure sitting on the bench. He tightened his grip on the steering wheel, taking a slow breath to steady himself. Behind him, he heard the hum of Aria’s BMW pulling in, but his focus remained on the lone figure sitting on the bench near the pier. A woman. She stood as she noticed the cars, brushing a strand of long, dark curls behind her ear. The motion was simple, but for some reason, it held his attention. Alex felt something inside him shift, like a force he couldn’t explain pulling him toward her. She was wearing a navy dress that showed off her tanned arms and legs. Her frame was slender yet strong, and her posture carried an air of confidence despite the slight hesitation in her stance. He swallowed hard. Aria was alre
As Alex pulled the Jeep to a stop near the ferry dock, a strange sensation rippled through him. His wolf, which had been restless and tense ever since the attack, suddenly went deathly still—What the hell? He looked across on the pier to see a lone figure sitting on the bench. He tightened his grip on the steering wheel, taking a slow breath to steady himself. Behind him, he heard the hum of Aria’s BMW pulling in, but his focus remained on the lone figure sitting on the bench near the pier. A woman. She stood as she noticed the cars, brushing a strand of long, dark curls behind her ear. The motion was simple, but for some reason, it held his attention. Alex felt something inside him shift, like a force he couldn’t explain pulling him toward her. She was wearing a navy dress that showed off her tanned arms and legs. Her frame was slender yet strong, and her posture carried an air of confidence despite the slight hesitation in her stance. He swallowed hard. Aria was alre
Aria stepped into Rafe’s dimly lit bedroom, careful to keep her steps light as she made her way toward his bedside. The room smelled faintly of herbs and antiseptic, a reminder of how weakened her once invincible brother had become. It hurt to see him like this—pale, resting against the pillows with dark circles under his eyes. He had always been the strongest person she knew, the one who had shouldered the weight of the pack, their family, and most importantly, her. Ever since they lost their parents, Rafe had done everything in his power to make sure she never lacked for anything, even when he carried his own burdens in silence. Seeing him vulnerable like this made her chest ache. She pulled a chair close and sat beside him, watching the slow rise and fall of his chest. Then, as if sensing her presence, Rafe stirred. His silver eyes fluttered open, slightly unfocused at first, before they found hers. A weak, familiar smile touched his lips. “Hey, kid. Where have you been?
Back in St. John, Rafe sat in the backseat, his head leaning against the window, his body still weak from the effects of the wolfsbane. His sharp silver eyes, though dulled with exhaustion, flickered with an unreadable emotion as he gazed out at the passing scenery. The doctor had ordered complete bed rest for the next week, but Rafe had insisted on returning home as soon as he was stable enough to be moved.Alex sat beside him, tense and silent. Ethan was still in the hospital in critical condition, and Alex’s mind was weighed down with everything that had happened. The pack was in disarray, their Alpha was injured, and the only person who could possibly bring Rafe back to his full strength quickly—Delia—was gone.And now, Rafe didn’t even remember her.Natasha sat on Rafe’s other side, her fingers occasionally brushing against his arm in small, possessive gestures. She had barely left his side since he regained consciousness, playing the role of the devoted fiancée. Alex still did
The first thing Delia became aware of was pain. A deep, burning ache that radiated from her leg, spreading through every inch of her body like molten fire. It was sharp, relentless—a cruel reminder that she was still alive. Every nerve felt raw, every muscle weak, as though she had been trampled underfoot and left for dead. Her eyes slowly fluttered open, blinking rapidly against the dim lighting of the room. The air smelled faintly of antiseptic. A rhythmic beeping filled the otherwise silent space, and it took her a moment to register that it was the sound of a heart monitor. Her heart. She was lying in an unfamiliar bed, strapped up to IV drips and medical monitors, her wrist connected to a heart rate machine that quickened the moment she tried to move. She tried to shift, to sit up, but the moment she moved, agony exploded in her leg. A white-hot pain shot up from the wound, searing through her nerves like lightning. A strangled gasp escaped her lips, her fingers clutchi
Alex turned to Natasha sharply, his patience wearing dangerously thin. His voice came out low, barely contained. “What the hell is going on, Natasha?” His eyes burned with frustration. “Why did you just refer to Delia as some new maid?” Natasha met his glare with an impassive expression, but there was a flicker of something—calculation—behind her striking blue eyes. “Lower your voice, Alex,” she chided, glancing around the hallway as if worried someone might overhear them. “Rafe’s still recovering, and the last thing he needs is unnecessary stress.” Alex stepped closer, his imposing height overshadowing her, but Natasha stood her ground. “Unnecessary stress?” he repeated, incredulous. “Delia is missing! Kidnapped by rogue pirates! And now you’re acting like she doesn’t exist?” Natasha let out a slow breath, as if dealing with a child who didn’t understand reason. “No, Alex. I’m acting like someone who actually cares about this pack’s survival.” Alex’s fingers curled into
Alex stood in his office, staring out the large window, his hands shoved deep into his pockets. The moonlight cast long shadows across the pack lands, and everything looked deceptively peaceful.But his mind was anything but at peace.Natasha’s words kept replaying in his head. You need me. The pack needs me.Damn her.A sharp ring shattered the silence, and Alex turned swiftly, his jaw tightening before he reached for his phone. He didn’t recognize the number at first, but as soon as he answered, a familiar, breathless voice came through the line.“Alex?”He exhaled, shoulders easing just slightly. “Aria.”“Thank God I’ve reached you.” Her voice was laced with worry. “Marcus told me what happened, and I just—I couldn’t believe it. Is it true? About the attack? Rafe and Ethan…and Delia missing?”Alex rubbed a hand down his face, the weight of everything settling deeper into his bones.“Yeah, kid,” he said, voice rough. “It’s true. Things are…not great here.”There was a beat of silenc
The scent of blood lingered in the air as Alex strode down the hospital corridors, his mind racing. The sterile white walls and the faint beeping of monitors did nothing to calm the storm brewing inside him. Rafe was still unconscious, his body fighting against the potent wolfsbane that had nearly killed him.And now, Delia was gone.Alex gritted his teeth, his hands clenching at his sides as he paced near Rafe’s room.Shortly after bringing Rafe and the injured warriors to the hospital, his head had snapped up at the sudden intrusion of a mind link.Ethan.His voice had been weak, barely a whisper in Alex’s mind.“Rogues… ambushed… Delia… I—”And then nothing.Alex had bolted. He barely had time to gather Marcus and a few other warriors before they rushed out.When they arrived, the scene was worse than he imagined.Ethan lay crumpled on the side of the road, a pool of blood beneath him. His throat had been slashed wide open, his breathing ragged and barely there. His usually strong
Once Simon was back on his battleship with an unconscious Delia in his arms, he moved swiftly through the deck, his boots thudding against the wooden planks. His grip on her was firm but careful, mindful of her injuries.He pushed through the infirmary doors, his voice cutting through the tense air.“Get the doctor. Now.”The nurses jumped into action, one of them sprinting down the corridor while Simon gently laid Delia onto an empty cot. She looked fragile under the harsh medical lights, her skin pale beneath the soot and grime. His jaw clenched. This wasn’t how things were supposed to go.Within a minute, the doctor arrived and he wasted no time, kneeling beside Delia and inspecting her wounds.“Her leg is badly injured,” Simon muttered, his voice tight.The doctor worked quickly, his hands moving over Delia’s body with practiced efficiency. After a thorough check, he turned to a nurse. “Put her on oxygen. She’s weakened and has inhale a lot of smoke. If we don’t stabilize her soon