Nate’s POV I stepped into the familiar comfort of my home, Serena following closely behind me. “Welcome to my home,” I said to her, throwing my coat against the armrest of the plush sofa, and Serena smiled stiffly, looking around the house. “Thank you,” she murmured in response, and just then, Isla came flying down the stairs, her boobs dancing in the transparent robe she had on. “Nate!” She started to call, a bubbly excitement staining her features, but as her eyes rested on the sophisticated woman standing next to me, she faltered visibly, the excitement dying down. I watched with a frown, not missing the resemblance in the look, as the same one that had been on Clara’s face the first day I brought Isla home. “You’re home,” she said, eyeing Serena cautiously as she slowed to a halt in front of me. I nodded, moving past her. “This is Serena,” I introduced, nodding over at her, “and she’ll be staying over for a few days,” I added with a note of finality, turning around
Nate’s POV Many years ago. I sat behind my desk in my office, going over some files, when a knock sounded on the door. A second later, my secretary, Veronica, breezed in carrying a mug of coffee on a small tray. “Your coffee, sir,” she said, dropping it on the desk, and I nodded. “Thanks,” I muttered, “you can leave now.” As she walked away, her hips swaying from side to side, my eyes followed the jiggly movements, mesmerized by the beauty of it. My groin hardened the longer I looked, my dick starting to crawl around in my pants, and when she was almost at the door, I gave into the temptation and called out to her. “Veronica.” She turned, her brows cocked. “Sir?” “Why don’t you come a little closer?” I asked, beckoning on her with a finger, and although a fleeting look of surprise crossed her features, she came towards the desk slowly. “Come over here,” I pressed, directing her to move around the desk to where I sat, and after she obeyed a little reluctantly, I n
EDWARD’S POV I hesitated in front of the mirror, adjusting my tie as I debated whether to check on Clara before leaving for the business meeting. I glanced at my watch, my brows furrowing at the time. 7:15 A.M I wasn’t even sure she was up yet. Would going to her room make me seem too clingy? Maybe. I could just send my regards through Jaxon. I turned to leave, ready to find Jaxon and give him instructions, but I hesitated again, remembering I wouldn’t see her all day. The meeting might stretch into tomorrow, meaning she’d be alone for twenty-four hours. Could I really go that long without seeing her? I sighed, adjusting my suit, frustration settling into my bones. Agitation, confusion, desire—I couldn’t believe these were my thoughts before a business meeting. Clara had seeped into every part of me, consuming my senses completely. Before we signed the contract, I told myself I wouldn’t overwhelm her, that I’d keep my distance. Because if I gave in to how I truly fel
CLARA’S POV I stared at the list in my hands, disbelief settling deep in my chest. It contained the names of possible suspects behind the last attack on me—the shootout that had claimed the lives of my driver and bodyguard. “You really did it, huh?” I said, glancing up at Lydia. She sat across from me on the garden terrace, her hands folded on her thighs, with a satisfied smile. “Yes, ma’am,” she replied bowing slightly. Shaking my head, I couldn’t hide my admiration. “I thought you’d take some time off because of what happened and how traumatic it was. But instead, you put this together? How did you manage it so quickly?” She shrugged. “I only used a few minutes of my leisure time, Luna Clara. It wasn’t a big deal.” I gave her a pointed look, knowing better. Lydia wasn’t the type to rest when there was work to be done. She had likely lost sleep over this, refusing to stop until she had every possible lead. But I chose not to press her on it. “I’m really impressed.” I
EDWARD’S POV As the car rounded the next corner, bringing us closer to the Estate, my gaze flicked to the small bags beside me. A satisfied smile tugged at my lips as I rubbed my forehead. I’d spared no expense in choosing gifts for Clara. I couldn’t wait to give them to her, all of them, including the ones stacked in the trunk. Would she love them? And if she did, would she smile the way I hoped she would? I had wanted to see her reaction when her favorite flowers I ordered for the garden arrived, but they had been delivered while I was at work. She had called to ask why I’d bought them, and I couldn’t tell if she was impressed or not from her voice. I could have said they were for her, and I got them because she loved to spend time in the garden pavilion. But I felt it was too much, considering she was still healing from her divorce back then and had her walls up. But now, she was finally over that jerk. Other thoughts crept in as I glanced at the bags beside me agai
NATE’S POV The air in the room felt suffocating, sweat forming beads on my forehead despite the air conditioning. My heart was racing and several questions flitted into my head. Unable to answer them and knowing they couldn’t help me either, I turned to Serena. “I’m sorry, but our partnership has come to an end,” I said, standing off to the side with my hands shoved into my pockets. She straightened from where she’d been leaning against the wall, confusion flashing across her face. “What?” She took a step closer. “I’m not moving forward with our deal.” I repeated, my tone clipped. She blinked, looking stunned. “B-but why?” she stammered. “Edward will be captured soon. Everything we planned is falling into place. So why—” “It doesn’t matter why,” I cut her off. “What matters is that it’s over. Do you understand?” Her gaze narrowed suspiciously as she shook her head. “Something doesn’t feel right,” she muttered. “Do you know something I don’t?” I exhaled sharpl
CLARA’S POV “Before the startup, I need to put myself out there.” Seated behind my desk in the office Edward had provided, I studied the list in my hands while Lydia typed furiously on her laptop from the couch. “It’s important to set things in motion before we officially launch,” I continued. “We need to attract investors, both foreign and domestic.” “I have a few ideas,” Lydia said, glancing up from her screen. “Let’s hear them.” I leaned forward, resting my elbows on the desk. She picked up her laptop and walked over, turning the screen toward me. “Since your goal is to promote women in business, you should start showing support before the official launch. It’ll help establish credibility and build trust.” I pulled the laptop closer, nodding as I considered her words. “That’s a great idea. It’ll make the transition feel more organic when the company goes live.” Encouraged, Lydia placed her hands on the desk, leaning in. “You could also offer loans and business gra
EDWARD’S POV I tilted my neck from side to side, feeling the stiffness and ache from yesterday’s fight. Damn… I should have listened to Clara when she told me not to come to work today. But I couldn’t just sit at home trying to heal when there was so much to handle, so much to figure out. Like Serena. I was still trying to understand why she had sent those men after me—why she’d tried to have me captured. I didn’t want to believe it was because of Clara or my rejection. Could she really go that far? Still lost in thoughts, the phone on my desk vibrated, and I glanced down, looking at the caller. Jaxon. “Jaxon,” I answered. “Any news?” “Serena has been arrested,” he reported. “She’s in pack enforcement custody.” “Good.” I rose to my feet. “I’ll head over now.” I strode out of the office, taking long, quick strides toward the parking lot. The moment my driver spotted me, I snapped my fingers. “Get the car running. We’re heading to the pack enforcement office.
CLARA’S POV “Hi.” A small woman with freckles and round glasses perched on her nose walked up to me, a polite smile on her face and her hand outstretched. Before she could get too close, two guards stepped in, blocking her path. They squared their shoulders, clearly on alert. I studied her for a moment. She wore a white short-sleeved shirt with a stiff tie and held a black bag tightly in one hand. I raised a brow, curious. Who was she? She noticed and swallowed nervously, adjusting her glasses. “I—I’m Samantha,” she said, voice a little shaky. “Samantha Winters. The journalist.” Ah. She swallowed again but lifted her chin. “It’s truly an honor to work with you, Luna. Thank you for the opportunity.” I kept my eyes on her and gave a small nod. “Yeah, so…” It was true—I asked Lydia to find a journalist to cover the company launch and help spread our goal to every part of the pack. I motioned to the guards to let her through. They stepped back reluctantly. Her smil
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