NATE'S POV "How could she do that? How could she fucking do that?!!" I screamed, flinging the glass cup in front of me so hard that it smashed against the wall and shattered into pieces. I landed a violent kick to my desk, sending it tumbling down to the ground. There was so much pent up rage in me, I had to let it out somehow. That fucking bitch. Oh, how I wanted Clara's head on a platter. I couldn't believe she did that to me. I couldn't let her get away with it. I just wouldn't. "Nate…" Isla called out to me, her voice shaky. She was standing at a corner of my office, trying to calm me down. But it proved usesless because I was irritated by the sight of her face. I wasn't in the mood to see anyone around me right now, least of all, Isla. She took a timid step toward me. "Nate, please just try to ca–" "Don't fucking tell me to calm down!! How do you expect me to calm down when that low life bitch is trying to humiliate me in front of the entire pack?! That bitch has g
CLARA “I heard you visited Breakstone Pack today.” I was leaning against the counter in the kitchen, sipping from a cup of chamomile tea and watching Edward quietly from over the rim of the ceramic. “And you also purchased the Al Blue News building?” Edward pressed on, his expression stoic and unreadable as always, the last words coming out as a question. Why couldn’t he just act human, even once? Would it actually kill him to show a bit of emotion? “Are you stalking me now?” I returned, wrapping my palms around the warm ceramic cup. He sighed, threading his fingers through his hair. “Stalking you?” He queried, his brows raised in incredulous curiosity. “I’m only looking out for you, Clara. And besides, we’re married to each other, so there shouldn’t be secrets between us.” At his words, I scoffed, setting down the cup on the countertop. “Secrets?” I asked, raising a brow, “That’s rich coming from someone who has his emotions bottled up and has refused to let me in on
EDWARD’S POV I lifted the wine glass to my lips and took a sip, letting out a tired groan. Jaxon, who was seated opposite me on the rooftop of the penthouse, cocked an eyebrow. “Is everything okay?” He asked, “You’ve sighed at least twenty times since we’ve been here.” I sighed again, looking away. “I’m fine, Jaxon.” The wind blew against my face, ruffling my hair, and I wasn’t comforted by it, as I usually would be. I was restless and troubled about this new development. And I just couldn’t understand why Clara had seemed slightly offended, disgusted and uncomfortable at the idea of intimacy. What was so wrong about it? Moreover, we used to like each other. Wasn’t that right? So, what was the problem? “I don’t think you’re fine,” Jaxon argued staring at me. “Because it’s been a while we sat together like this to have a drink, and we both know you mostly drink when you’re—” “I said nothing’s wrong,” I interrupted abruptly, and Arthur, who stood beside me with a b
CLARA I stepped into Edward’s room and shut the door behind me, the cold wind biting at my skin through the light red lingerie I wore. My legs and cleavage were on full display, and a wave of doubt crept in. What was I thinking, wearing this? Edward turned, a glass of wine in his hand, and my gaze instantly locked onto the undone buttons of his shirt. The sight of him like that, effortlessly handsome, sent my heart into a wild rhythm. My breath hitched as his eyes slowly traveled over my body. But just as our gazes met, he looked away. We were both nervous. I could feel the energy hanging very low in this room, and there was a good reason for it. This was the night we’d agreed on, for the natural conception. We’d have sex tonight. I couldn’t believe this was about to happen, because if anyone had told me back in high school that I would eventually have sex with Edward Sterling, and like this, I’d have called them mad. But here I was now, standing in his room, showered and per
CLARA I woke up the next morning, feeling completely exhausted, but for some reason, it was in a good way. Just as I noticed the throbbing ache between my legs, I realized I was lying on something hard and…comfortable. It was at that moment I realized I was still wrapped in Edward’s arms. I jolted up from his chest with my heart beating loudly, pushing him up in the process. He sat up on the bed, concern marring his beautiful features. “Hey,” He said softly, “Are you okay? Did something happen?” He looked around in slight panic, trying to find a reason for my sudden reaction. I grabbed the sheets, pulling them up to cover my nakedness as I suddenly realized I was fully exposed. “Nothing,” I mumbled, feeling heat rush to my face. I had slept off in his arms. Of course, it was unrealistic for me to have returned to my room last night. But waking up to him felt awkward. He sighed, pushing his fingers through his hair. “I thought something happened,” He exhaled in relief as he
CLARA’S POVI took small, conscious sips of my tea as I sat in the garden, the morning sun radiating off my skin and bathing me with a beautiful glow.I flexed my neck, feeling sore. My entire body ached but I tried not to think about why. My face flushed in embarrassment as I remembered the steamy night. I bit down on my lips to rear the memories back into my head.“Stoppp, thinking about him,” I whispered in a small voice, closing my eyes. But the memories wouldn’t just go awayA memory of his face as he was slipping his fingers in and out of me tormented me, and my body tingled with remembrance.I pressed my legs together, taking another sip as if it would help keep the thoughts away.At that moment, I felt a presence behind me, and I turned to see Lydia standing a few feet away. “Good day, Luna Clara,” She greeted with slight courtesy. And I acknowledged her greeting with a slight nod of my head, motioning her to take a seat on one of the chairs. “Do you have what I asked for?”
CLARA’S POVWhat exactly was going on?I watched in awe as maids wheeled in trays of food, lining them up on the massive table before me and Edward. He sat quietly, leaning against his chair, and the wind tousled his hair across his face. For some seconds, I just stared at him, hoping to understand what was happening from his expression. One moment he had been talking about how we needed to talk, and the next, maids were swarming the garden with food. I couldn’t see how talking had anything to do with a full-blown buffet or whatever this was. As soon as the meals were served, he dug in, while I watched him quietly. After a while, he lifted his head to look at me. “Why aren’t you eating?”I looked away, pushing a strand of hair behind my ears. “I had tea earlier,” I answered, “And I’m not exactly hungry.”“Oh, c’mon,” he pressed between mouthfuls, “You’re missing quite a feast here. You should try the chicken salad. I’m sure you’ll like it.”“I’m fine,” I declined, waving my hand i
CLARA’S POVMy heels clicked sharply against the tiled floor of Urban Style as I stepped into the fashion boutique, Lydia striding briskly behind me, a document and bag in hand.The moment I entered, all heads turned. Some gazes held admiration, others envy but whichever it was, I met them head-on with a knowing smile.I had chosen this Molly dress deliberately, a statement piece designed to command attention and turn every head when you walk into a room. The mirrored fabric caught the light with every step I took, and paired with my red-bottomed Louboutin, it was impossible to ignore.The dress was blindingly red. My lipstick, just as bold. Too flashy? Maybe. But I didn’t care.Once, someone had told me I’d never look good in high fashion. That bold colors and dramatic dresses would never suit me.Well, I was about to meet that someone in this store, in this damn dress, looking every bit as stunning as she said I never could.I came to a stop in the middle of the store, my gaze locki
CLARA’S POV I leaned back in the hammock, eyes fixed on the clear sky, gently rubbing my stomach. I used to wonder how women could carry life inside them and still manage to do so much. But now, I understood. Ever since I felt my wolf, since the night Edward marked me, I’d felt like a completely different person. Healthier. Stronger. More alive. “Here are the documents you asked for, Luna Clara,” Lydia’s voice broke into my thoughts. I looked up and saw her standing beside me, holding out a few papers. “Everything about the company launch is in here,” she added as I took them from her hand. “I’m really glad we’re moving forward with the plans, Luna,” she said, her grin wide and excited. I forced a small smile, nodding as my fingers brushed over the papers. But inside, I felt a sense of unease. No matter how far I tried to move forward, the fear still clung to me. Maybe it was just paranoia. Maybe not. I hated the way my chest tightened every time the memories c
Nate’s POV Getting a bit suffocated inside the car, despite the blasting cold air-conditioner, I pressed the button in the arm of the door, the window rolling downwards. I inhaled sharply as the wind hit me in the face, natural and soothing. More like it… The car radio static cackled then, a female voice drifting through. “…Luna of the territory has been found and rescued, following her kidnap that happened a few days ago.” “Turn that up,” I quickly instructed, and the driver leaned forward and turned up the volume of the radio. “She was found in good shape and health, despite a few injuries,” the broadcaster continued, “and the perpetrator is still at large, no traces of them found.” I scoffed, shaking my head. So she’d survived, after all. That was quite disheartening, because for a while, I’d really thought this would be her end. But somehow, she keeps surviving. My jaw ticking, I lifted my fingers and pushed them through my hair, a bit unsettled by this informa
CLARA’S POV A rush of adrenaline coursed through my veins. My eyes flew open, and I could feel something stirring deep inside me: a soft, steady thumping. Was that… my wolf? Lying against Edward’s chest, I lifted my fingers to my neck, gently caressing the bite mark. Then my hand drifted to my chest, pausing over my heart, feeling the pulse beneath my skin. Yes… that was truly my wolf. “Clara…” A faint, almost whispering voice called to me, and I jolted upright, clutching my chest as my heart hammered wildly. Was that her voice? Edward stirred beside me, his gaze sharp and cautious as he watched me. “Is everything okay?” I nodded shakily, rubbing my palms against my chest to steady myself. “Yeah, I… I think I just heard my wolf’s voice.” My words were breathless, disbelief still clinging to them. Edward’s eyes widened, and he quickly propped himself up. His hand gently covered mine, his touch warm and comforting. “And I think I can feel her too,” I added, my voice barely
CLARA’S POV I woke up with a pounding headache, like a hammer was slamming between my eyes. I sighed, not in the best mood. I wasn’t just sick—I was sad, angry, and overwhelmed. Everything with Edward had taken its toll on me. We hadn’t really spoken since the outburst, when I told him I’d be leaving once the contract was over, and after I gave him his baby. It wasn’t like he hadn’t been trying to talk to me. The problem was me. I didn’t give him a chance. The night before, he’d come into my room, trying to get me to open up, but I ignored him. Every time he touched me, I shoved his hands away. Eventually, he’d left, his shoulders slumped in defeat. Sighing, I forced myself up and shuffled toward the bathroom. Just as I was about to push the door open, a knock came at the main door. “Who is it?” “We’re here with breakfast, Luna,” a female voice called. I rolled my eyes. Breakfast already? I just woke up. “Come in!” I called out, slamming the bathroom door shut an
Clara’s POV Henry and I stared at each other for what felt like forever, my eyes burning with anger, his full of something else. Maybe surprise that I wanted to see him. Finally, he sighed, leaning back with a shrug. “Fine. I’ll tell you, since you’re so desperate to know.” I couldn’t help the small sigh of satisfaction that slipped from me as I leaned back in my seat, folding my arms. “I’m all ears.” “But first,” he said, smiling, “Why are you so covered up?” He raised an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. “Let me guess, you don’t want to be seen with me?” I shot him a glare, my lips pressing into a tight line. “That’s not important right now.” He shrugged again, biting back a laugh. He signaled the waitress, ordering an iced coffee and a bagel, then leaned forward, clasping his hands on the desk. I watched him, trying to decide if I could trust anything that came from the mouth of someone so… off. There was something unsettling about him with each
Clara’s POV I tossed and turned on my bed, my mind heavy with thoughts and frustration. I’d been thinking for nearly an hour, and I still couldn’t understand why Edward would do this to me. Why had he kept something so vital from me? If he’d told me we were mates long ago, when he first found out, I wouldn’t have had to suffer so much. Maybe I could’ve avoided the tragic turn my life took after marrying Nate. If only Edward had been honest with me… Sighing, I couldn’t shake the thoughts that plagued my mind. I threw the sheets off my body in a fit of frustration and stormed toward the door. As I unlocked it, I found Lydia standing there, looking worn and concerned. “Luna Clara,” she said softly, her hands clasped in front of her. “Are you still angry?” Ignoring her question, I cut to the chase. “I need you to do something for me.” She blinked, the hurt in her eyes fleeting before she nodded. “What is it, Luna?” “You saw the man with Edward, right?” Her brows fu
CLARA’S POV I turned slowly, pressing my back against the pillar as my heart pounded in my chest. What did I just hear? I was Edward’s mate? What kind of joke was that? I stole a glance at the two men, my gaze locking onto Henry’s face. His lips curled into a smirk, but his eyes were deadly serious. He wasn’t bluffing. He wasn’t joking. Edward was my mate. But how? And why was I only finding out now? I shifted my focus to Edward whose back was still turned to me. He wasn’t denying it, just stood facing Henry, his jaw fingers clenched. Why wasn’t he saying anything? Why wasn’t he telling this man that he was lying? “What happens in my family is none of your business, Henry,” Edward finally said, stepping closer, his voice low with warning. “So leave. While I’m still asking nicely.” Henry cocked a brow. “Is that what you think? That I’m not family? That’s ridiculous, Edward. Telling me to leave won’t change the fact that you’ve been keeping this from her for G
CLARA’S POV Edward stood at the foot of my bed, his face tense with frustration. I had insisted on carrying this baby, no matter what. He wasn’t happy about it, he wanted to keep me safe, but I wasn’t changing my mind. Lydia walked in, carrying a bowl of water. Edward glanced at her. “Make sure she’s looked after at all times,” he said, his jaw tight. “I want more maids assigned to her, and she isn’t to lift a finger. Understood?” Lydia set the bowl down on the bedside table and curtsied. “Yes, Alpha.” Edward sighed, then leaned down, cupping my cheek. “Get some rest, okay? I’ll check on you later.” I nodded, giving him a weak smile. He returned it before heading for the door. But just before leaving, he paused and turned back to Lydia. “Make sure she doesn’t strain herself,” he added, his voice laced with worry. “No single task. Nothing strenuous.” Lydia nodded, and he slipped out, closing the door softly behind him. I pulled the sheets up to my chin, staring ou
Clara’s POV I stared down at the blood trickling down my thighs, my heart pounding. My eyes blurred, and tears began to fill them, making it hard to see. What was causing this blood? Why was I bleeding so suddenly? Where was it coming from? I slowly turned my gaze up to Edward’s face, seeing that he looked just as shocked and scared as I felt. His eyes widened as he took in the sight of my bloodied thighs and the soaked sheets beneath me. “Edward…” I whispered, my voice breaking as the weight of fear settled heavily in my chest. “Get the doctor!” Edward suddenly yelled, his voice sharp with panic. A guard rushed in, looking confused. “Alpha?” “Get the doctor, now!” Edward’s voice was desperate, and his panic spread across his face. He bolted to his feet, lifting me into his arms with a gentleness that didn’t match the urgency of the situation. Without hesitation, he carried me out of the room, half-sprinting down the hall to his own room. “Edward,” I whimpered, my ch