The engines of both vehicles came to a halt as Delia's yellow Mini and Rafe's black Defender rolled into the driveway of Rafe's mansion almost simultaneously. Rafe immediately swung open the door of his car and was by Delia's side in an instant as she emerged from her vehicle. A warm smile graced his lips as he pulled her close, his touch sending warm tingles through her body. Before she could utter a word, his lips found hers in a brief yet demanding kiss, leaving her breathless. Interlacing his fingers with hers, Rafe led Delia towards the grand entrance of the mansion. But as they crossed the threshold, he paused, a wicked glint dancing in his eyes. “Come with me,” he whispered huskily as he guided her towards a small library just off the hallway. Once inside the dimly lit space, Rafe wasted no time in pulling her into his arms, his lips crashing against hers in a passionate frenzy. Their kisses grew more urgent, more insistent, as the heat between them intensified. Rafe’s
Delia found herself standing inside her closet, staring at the row of dresses in front of her. Her eyes scanning the array of colors and styles, searching for the perfect ensemble for her date with Rafe that evening. Earlier that day, she had ventured back to the town boutique to look for an outfit, but nothing caught her eye. Frustrated, she returned home and turned to her closet for inspiration. She was beyond excited about tonight and she wanted to look perfect for her first official date with Rafe. She wished Aria were here to help her pick something out. After what felt like hours of deliberation, she finally decided on a pale pink dress with a sweetheart neckline, adorned with delicate black piping and spaghetti straps. As she slipped it on, the fabric draped elegantly over her curves, the A-line skirt swishing softly over her thighs with each movement. She accessorized the dress with a delicate black choker necklace and slipped into a pair of black strappy heels that a
As a stunning redhead approached their table, Rafe's expression shifted slightly, a hint of tension creeping into his features. Delia couldn't help but notice the change, sensing an undercurrent of unease radiating from him. The woman stopped beside their table, her gaze fixed on Rafe with an intensity that made Delia's stomach churn with apprehension. “Well, well, well, if it isn't Raphael Donovan," she purred, her voice dripping with sultry charm Dressed in a form-fitting black dress that hugged her curves in all the right places, the woman was tall and looked like a model with fiery auburn hair. Her attire was accessorized with delicate gold jewelry that glimmered in the soft candlelight, adding a hint of glamour. She was a vision of beauty with full, ruby-red lips that curved into a playful smile, revealing a set of perfectly straight white teeth. Rafe's jaw tightened imperceptibly, his silver eyes narrowing as he regarded the woman before him. "Natasha," he acknowl
As Delia followed Ethan into the villa, her facade of composure crumbled, her distress evident in the tremble of her hands and the quiver of her voice. Turning to Ethan, she couldn't contain the torrent of questions and emotions swirling within her. “Why didn't anyone warn me about Natasha?" Delia demanded with hurt evident in her green eyes. "I had no idea Rafe was involved with her." Ethan's eyes softened, his eyes reflecting empathy. "Delia, Natasha doesn't mean a thing to Rafe," he reassured her, his tone gentle yet firm. Delia scoffed incredulously, her frustration boiling over. "It certainly didn't seem that way tonight," she retorted. Ethan sighed, a mixture of sympathy and frustration flickering in his eyes. "Yes, Rafe and Natasha have history," he admitted. "But that was awhile ago and long before he met you. I can't even begin to tell you how much you affect him." Delia shook her head in disbelief, her heart heavy with doubt and insecurity. "If that were true, Et
The sound of crashing waves provided a soothing backdrop as the moon casted a luminous glow over Delia's figure as she stood by the water's edge, her gaze fixed on the horizon. For a moment, Rafe simply watched her, his heart swelling with a mixture of longing and regret. He knew he had hurt her, and the thought gnawed at him relentlessly. Summoning every ounce of courage he possessed, Rafe took a hesitant step forward, the cool sand shifting beneath his feet. "Delia," he called out softly, his voice carrying across the gentle night breeze. Startled, Delia turned towards him, her eyes widening in surprise as she caught sight of him standing there, his imposing silhouette illuminated by the moonlight. “Rafe," she breathed, her voice barely above a whisper. For a moment, they simply stared at each other, the air thick with unspoken tension. Then, as if drawn by some invisible force, Rafe took a step closer, his gaze never leaving hers. “Delia," he murmured, his voice a low
As Rafe hoists Delia over his shoulders and carries her to the villa, her body trembles with a mixture of nervousness and excitement. His palm kneading her behind, he easily holds her weight up the rocky terrain. When they finally enter the villa, he leads them straight to her bedroom. With a swift motion, he throws her onto the bed, the mattress bouncing beneath her. Delia's heart races as she meets his hungry gaze. She scoots back nervously, her eyes locked on him as he approaches with a predatory glint in his eyes. But before she can protest or resist, he grasps both her legs, pulling them forward while simultaneously stripping off her pajama shorts, leaving her bottom half bare to him. Rafe stares at her beautiful glistening core as if entranced, his desire evident in the hungry look in his eyes. "Mine," he whispers hoarsely before diving in and tasting her directly for the first time. Delia gasps at the sensation of his warm tongue, her fingers clutching at th
As Nate's figure disappeared from their view, Delia's attention was abruptly seized as Rafe's strong grip enclosed around her arm, yanking her into the villa. “Why is Nate here again, and why are you just in your towel?" Rafe's voice dripped with possessiveness, his eyes ablaze with jealousy. Feeling her anger flare at his accusatory tone, Delia wrenched her arm from his grasp with defiance. "He was just here to check on me. Where were you this morning?” Rafe's predatory aura intensified as he closed the distance between them, his steps deliberate and menacing. “He sure likes to check on you a lot”. Delia instinctively backed away until she felt the cool surface of the wall press against her back. Before she could react, Rafe seized both her wrists and pinned them above her head, causing her towel to slip away, leaving her exposed to his hungry gaze. Turning her around to face the wall, Rafe pressed his body against hers, the heat of his desire palpable against her skin as h
As Delia awoke from her unexpected afternoon siesta, the soft glow of evening light filtered through the curtains, casting a warm hue across the room. Blinking away the remnants of sleep, she glanced at her phone, half-expecting to find a message from Rafe. Disappointment flickered briefly as she saw none, but she brushed it aside with a shrug, reminding herself that he had promised to see her later. She decided to head to the beach and take a dip into the ocean to freshen up. She slipped into her white one-piece swimsuit and made her way down the beach access. As she reached the shoreline, the sound of crashing waves greeted her. Without hesitation, Delia waded into the ocean, the water refreshing against her skin after the warmth of the day. To her surprise, she spotted Ethan in the distance, his muscular arms cutting strong strokes through the water as he swam laps in the open expanse. Delia waved out to him, a smile lighting up her face as their eyes met. Ethan returned
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