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“So,” I pressed on, tilting my head. “Do you remember?”Lisa’s jaw tightened, her eyes burning with fury as she glared at me. “That was a long time ago.”But beneath all that stubborn defiance, I saw it, the look of panic creeping in. She was trying so hard to act unfazed, but the cracks were showing. She was scared.“No, Lisa,” I countered smoothly. “That was just two years ago. Two years ago, you made my life hell even when I did everything to please you.”She let out an exasperated sigh, throwing her hands up. “So? What do you want me to do about it? It’s in the past, isn’t it? Why don’t we just forget about it and—”I let out a bitter chuckle, shaking my head as I watched the once fearsome, sharp-tongued Lisa begin to crumble before me. “You were so confident when I walked in here, weren’t you? What happened? Why are you trembling now?”She stared at me, silent. Her lips pressed together, and I could see how she was struggling to fight her tears. One thing about people
NATE’S POV I slammed my phone down on the table, exhaling sharply. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. The investment deal I’d been counting on had just collapsed because of Clara. She was ruining my life, and the effect was driving me crazy. How the hell did a weasel like her even dare? Was this the same Clara who had once been completely under my control? The timid, pitiful Omega I had married? I scoffed, shaking my head. Impossible. Standing, I stalked to the cellar, grabbing a bottle of wine and a glass. I filled it to the brim, inhaling deeply as I tried to exhale every ounce of frustration boiling inside me. I needed to relax, to stop the inevitable migraine that was about to explode in my head, another gift from the chaos that bitch had unleashed in my life. I thought having to deal with the gossips was enough. But no. Investors were actually withdrawing from my company. “Bad publicity?” I scoffed, shaking my head bitterly. Did they not know every publicity is good? Lifting my glass,
Edward’s POV I sat in my office, cradling my head in my hand, sifting through my thoughts for answers. Where the hell was Clara? Who had taken her? A knock on the door interrupted me, and I lifted my head slightly, a dull ache spreading across my forehead. “Come in.” The door opened almost instantly, and Jaxon stepped inside, his face etched with devastation. Lydia followed closely behind, looking just as shaken. I fixed my gaze on Jaxon, waiting. He cleared his throat. “We’ve searched every warehouse in the pack, Alpha,” he reported, exhaustion clear in his voice. “Still no sign of her.” “For fuck’s sake,” I muttered, running a hand through my hair as frustration and fear tore through me. Where was she? Who had my wife? Was she even still alive? That last thought sent a fresh wave of dread crashing over me. In the chaos of searching, I hadn’t truly let myself consider that possibility. I pushed to my feet, staggering slightly as the weight of it hit me. “Alpha,”
CLARA’S POV Violent coughs tore through me, leaving me weaker with each passing second. I rolled onto my side, tears streaming down my face as sobs shook my body. I had screamed for hours, but the gag muffled every sound. Eventually, exhaustion took over. Now, all I could do was cry for myself, for my baby. I hadn’t eaten or had a sip of water in hours. My head swam, my throat raw and dry. I swallowed, but there was nothing left. The door creaked open. I lifted my head just enough to see him—wearing the same mask, the same smug smirk. Hatred twisted in my chest. “Oh, Clara,” he cooed, crouching beside me. He pushed my hair from my face with mock tenderness. “Is your baby okay? Can you feel it?” I couldn’t answer, not with the gag still in place. Realizing that, he leaned in and yanked it down. “Go on,” he murmured. “Let’s hear that sweet, sultry voice of yours.” “You’re a coward,” I rasped, my throat burning. My glare was sharp, even as my body trembled. “Why else
Edward’s POV I paced about my office, not any less agitated than I’d been since I was informed that Clara was missing. Almost twelve hours later, and she still hadn’t been found. There were no leads about her whereabouts yet, no sniff of her, whatsoever. I was losing my mind now, no doubt, knowing so well that she was not safe wherever she was. She, and the baby. Anything could happen, anything at all, and if things turned worse than they already were, and something happens to her, I would never be able to forgive myself. Ever. A knock sounded on the door just then, and I whipped my gaze to the door, hoping that whoever was there bore some news about my wife. “Yes?” I called out, and a second later, the door opened, and Henry stepped into the office. Sighing in disappointment, I whipped my gaze away from him, pushing my fingers through my hair as the agitation spiked higher. “What are you doing here?” I demanded, my tone cold. He scoffed, pulling out a seat and sin
Clara’s POV I slowly regained my consciousness, my eyelids quivering as I struggled to peel my eyes open. I was numb all over, weak to my bones. Sharp rays of sunlight hit my eyes as they peeled open, and I tried to move, getting away from the sharp rays. That was when I realized I couldn’t move. Looking down, I saw that my hands and feet were tied, and slowly, it all came back to me. The gas leakage at the ball, the choking, the coughing. The strange man. And now, I was here. In this strange place. Dread filling my chest now, I glanced around fearfully, trying to figure out where I was. But the environs were unfamiliar, or was it the grogginess, still? My heart was pounding so fast now, at the prospect of being in potential danger. My baby… Oh, no, no. I started to struggle against the ropes tied around my ankles and wrists, trying to get free, trying to get away from this dreadful place, but my efforts proved futile. Just then, the door to my right pushed open, and
Edward’s POV I whirled around, my heart shattering into thousand tiny splinters. “What did you say?” I ground out, my jaw ticking terribly. “T-the Luna,” Jacob stuttered, keeping his head bent. “She’s missing.” Oh, no, no. This had to be a joke. Was this a surprise Clara had prepared? I could barely contain the blinding rage that coursed through my veins, setting me on a dangerous brink, and grunting, I rammed my feet into the table in my office with so much rage that it went flying against the chair in the corner, breaking in two. Jaxon and the few guards that stood around scooted to the side, avoiding being hit by my destructive anger, their faces twisted into sad expressions that somehow pissed me off even more. This was not the time to be sad. No. “Tell me,” I pointed at the guards, my fingers trembling, “where is my wife?” No one said a word in response to my question, instead scooting further backwards, a mixture of fear and sadness clouding their features.
Clara’s POV The night of the ball was already upon us, and I stood at the front of the hall, my gaze sweeping across it. The security tonight seemed really tight, tighter than ever, and before anyone came into the hall, they were properly scrutinized and checked by the guards at the door. No one without an authentic invitation would be let into the hall, that had been the instruction. And once the ball starts in full session, the doors will be shut. I exhaled, already in good spirits, because it seemed like we’d executed a good plan this time. And everything seemed to be going smoothly so far… Tonight will be good, for a change. I glanced at Edward, who stood beside me in a polished tux, his displeasure still very evident in his face. But I was sure that displeasure would only last a while, as he would be duly impressed with how things turn out tonight. “You look beautiful,” he whispered, still keeping his eyes at the entrance, and I smiled at how observant he was, even wh
Clara’s POV It was a beautiful evening, and the air seemed serene, although there was still a strange aura that hung low, permeating the serenity. It’s been around since all these things have been happening… I was taking a stroll around the Estate with Lydia, trying to get some air, and filter my thoughts, exercise a little also, as my pregnancy require I walked around every now and then, but it wasn’t really working, because this strange aura in the air made me feel uneasy. Edward was barely speaking to me, and although I understood that it was because he was really busy, it still kind of annoyed me. Plus I wasn’t feeling my best these days, all thanks to the pregnancy. I let out a deep sigh, wishing that everything would go back to how it used to be before. Before the pregnancy. Before the attacks. Before all these calamities. “Luna, are you okay?” Lydia’s voice rang out beside me, infiltrating my thoughts, and I turned to look at her. “Hmm?” She pressed on, her brows
Clara’s POV I watched the maids scurrying about in the hall, each attending to the duty that was assigned to them in preparation of the Bluemoon ball that was just around the corner, and as one of the maids approached with a pile of silk clothes in her arms, getting closer, I directed her to dump them on the tiled floor in the corner. “Make sure that these materials are complete,” I instructed the other maid that stood to the side. “Sort them by their colors,” I added. “Yes, Luna,” she replied, curtsying briefly, and quickly going to work, sorting through the pile of silk on the floor. I let out a tired sigh, lightly touching my forehead. I felt weak, but I couldn’t allow myself even a little bit of rest, because if I gave in to this tiredness, who would take care of the preparations for the Bluemoon ball coming up soon? It was part of my responsibility as Luna, and I would see to it to the very end. I was still giving out orders to the maids, making sure everything was in
EDWARD’S POV I sat at the head of the table, my gaze sweeping across the faces of the Alphas gathered around the U-shaped table. Their expressions were tight with anger, distrust clearly visible in their faces as none of them tried to hide it. And I didn’t blame them. Not after what happened at the Fruitful Banquet. I hadn’t offered any explanation since that day. They were nearly killed on my territory. If the substance had been deadlier, we wouldn’t be sitting here. “What’s this meeting about?” one of them asked sharply, without waiting for permission. “Are we finally going to talk about the chaos you dragged us into?” I scoffed quietly, shaking my head. Why dance around the truth when they could just say it outright? I let my eyes slide toward Nathaniel, who sat in silence, arms crossed, unreadable as ever. His calm demeanor rubbed me the wrong way. And the fact that he even showed up surprised me. And irritated me. I tore my gaze away from him before the rage b