My initial apprehension morphed into a cautious scrutiny. She was a mess. A worn-out white gown, once elegant, now hung on her frame in tatters, revealing glimpses of dirt-smudged skin. Her face, pale and gaunt, reflected a hardship that went beyond simple neglect. The stench that hit me then confirmed that she had not taken a bath for a long time.I was shocked. How did someone end up like this within the pack? My gaze drifted to the exposed skin on her arms and neck, marred by livid bruises and angry red welts. It was clear that she was abused. Who could have done this to her?Taking a deep breath, I forced my voice into a neutral tone. "Who are you?" I demanded. “What were you doing there?”She dropped to her knees and cried. “Please don’t hurt me. I didn't mean to… I didn't mean to hurt anyone here."“Who are you?” I asked again.“Ava,” she replied, her voice trembling. “Please don’t hurt me.”The fear in her posture, the raw vulnerability in her plea, chipped away at my initial a
Noel’s POV…Two days passed, and we were still looking for the pregnant human ladies who had been taken away. But we found no clue. We had been keeping tabs on the Black Hounds Pack also, but nothing suspicious was noted. Instead, Tina had been helping us in the investigation, which was a stark contrast to the suspicion in my mind.On the other hand, human representatives were happy with us for rescuing the abducted people. We also presented evidence of witches transforming those rogues to attack the humans. While they acknowledged the explanation, the growing public outcry demanded a formal clarification. To quell the rising anxiety, they conducted a press conference.I was invited to the press conference. With all the evidence, I was ready to face the inquisitive reporters.The conference hall buzzed with anticipation. The mayor, with a reassuring smile, took the stage. He began by welcoming the assembled crowd. He announced that the kidnapped people had been rescued. He reassured t
Upon arrival to the pack, we sent Richard for treatment. Adelynn materialized at my side. Her eyes were clouded with worry. Before I could say a word, she wrapped her arms around me, holding me tight.“I saw the news,” she murmured. “The attack was brutal. So many casualties. I was terrified… terrified the witch would hurt you."Holding her close, I inhaled the comforting scent of lavender that clung to her hair. "I'm alright, my love," I murmured, stroking her back gently.“Are you hurt?” She pulled back slightly, scrutinizing my face. Her concern intensified as her gaze lingered on the faint line of dried blood near my chest. Her fingers brushed the injury with a feather-light touch, sending a jolt of electricity sparking through me.“Are you seducing me?” I asked, grinning mischievously.She looked at me with her wide eyes and my heart thumped. At this moment, I could only think about pulling her into the bedroom and claiming her.“How mean?” She pushed me away, jolting me back to
Meanwhile, Adelynn entered. “Noel!”“Come here.” I beckoned her. “Richard is… dying. Talk to him for the last time.”Her eyes, glistening with unshed tears, darted between me and Richard. Hesitantly, she approached the bed.Richard stirred slightly as she neared. A weak smile, tinged with regret, flickered across his lips. “Adel, I am sorry,” he whispered and then coughed. “I-I wanted to reject you properly, to sever the mate bond completely.”“Don’t talk,” she said. “You will be fine. Noel… why are the doctors not treating him?” Her gaze flicked to me, a question brimming in her tear-filled eyes.“He was poisoned,” I replied. “It’s too late.”“What?”“You still feel bad for me even though I hurt you so badly,” Richard chimed in, a bitter smile tugging at his lips. “I don’t deserve it, Adel… Now…” He coughed. “I, Richard Gray, reject you, Adelynn… Have a happy life… with Alpha Noel…”With that final declaration, a long sigh escaped his lips, his eyes fluttering closed. The faint rise
Adelynn’s POV…"Congratulations, Adel," a group of ladies cheered.“Thank you so much.” I grinned, expressing my happiness. I had successfully finished an important project, and now I was being promoted. This achievement wouldn't have been possible without the hard work of my beautiful team members.I stretched my arms widely and gathered them into a group hug. "This victory is for us," I murmured with delight.“Yes, but it is also true that you worked hard for it,” One of my team members said. “Without your guidance and supervision, we wouldn’t have achieved the success. You deserve this promotion, Adel.”“Thank you.” I smiled at them with gratitude.For the past year, we had been working relentlessly on this project, often returning home late. Today was different. I decided to leave work early. My boyfriend, Richard's handsome face flashed in the back of my mind, and my heart started racing. He had been complaining about not getting enough time with me. Tonight, I planned to erase a
I couldn’t keep my tears at bay. Richard was so cruel that he made me infertile. Not even an enemy would do such a thing, but my boyfriend did that to me. I couldn’t control my emotions. I felt a lump form in my throat, making it difficult to swallow. My mind was reeling, trying to process the news.“Miss Adelynn, please calm down,” the doctor tried to console me. “Yes, the report is indeed disappointing, but you still have a slim chance of reversing the effects of the drug. Start taking this medicine and come for regular checkups.” She jotted down something on the prescription pad.But my mind was preoccupied with Richard’s cruelty and his betrayal. I wasn’t really listening to her properly.“Thank you,” I mumbled in a daze as I took the prescription.“Don’t forget to take the medications on time,” the doctor reminded once again. “Hope for the best, Miss Adelynn. Don’t be disappointed.”I nodded curtly before I walked out of the cabin. I dazedly strolled out of the hospital, my mind
I woke up the next morning with a terrible headache. My body was aching too, as if I had run a marathon. I winced and rubbed my aching back as I fluttered open my eyes. The first thing I saw was the handsome stranger sleeping beside me.I froze instantly, my hand flying to my chest. Last night’s memories rushed into my mind- Richard’s cheating, going to a bar and getting drunk, and then seducing this handsome stranger.‘Oh, God.’I pressed my fingers against my lips. I actually slept with a stranger last night. This thought made my stomach flip. Some intimate scene flashed in the back of my mind, and I shuddered.Panic set in as I realized what I had done. I had never been reckless like this before, and the thought of it now filled me with shame and confusion. My stomach twisted into knots as I tried to process the events of the previous night.Despite my unease, I couldn't help but steal glances at the stranger's chiseled physique. I blushed when I saw his 8-pack abs. Every male soug
Unable to believe what I was seeing, I shook my head. But the face remained the same. I thought he was a gigolo. I even tipped him. But he was not a gigolo, much to my surprise. He was Noel Wilkinson, the new boss of the company. The shock hit me like the sky had fallen in front of my eyes.‘Oh, shit,’ I muttered under my breath, the realization sinking in.He would certainly fire me. Panic seized me as I contemplated the repercussions.‘What will I do?’ I thought, my heart trembling. I had to pay off my student loan; this job was crucial, and I couldn't afford to lose it.As he approached, I tried to keep my cool, hoping against hope that he wouldn't remember me. ‘Stay calm, stay calm,’ I reminded myself.I had been mortified enough already, and the last thing I wanted was for him to recognize me and make a scene. So, I kept my head down and avoided eye contact, praying that he would pass me by without a second glance.“Good morning, Mr. Wilkinson. We are all thrilled to welcome you.
Meanwhile, Adelynn entered. “Noel!”“Come here.” I beckoned her. “Richard is… dying. Talk to him for the last time.”Her eyes, glistening with unshed tears, darted between me and Richard. Hesitantly, she approached the bed.Richard stirred slightly as she neared. A weak smile, tinged with regret, flickered across his lips. “Adel, I am sorry,” he whispered and then coughed. “I-I wanted to reject you properly, to sever the mate bond completely.”“Don’t talk,” she said. “You will be fine. Noel… why are the doctors not treating him?” Her gaze flicked to me, a question brimming in her tear-filled eyes.“He was poisoned,” I replied. “It’s too late.”“What?”“You still feel bad for me even though I hurt you so badly,” Richard chimed in, a bitter smile tugging at his lips. “I don’t deserve it, Adel… Now…” He coughed. “I, Richard Gray, reject you, Adelynn… Have a happy life… with Alpha Noel…”With that final declaration, a long sigh escaped his lips, his eyes fluttering closed. The faint rise
Upon arrival to the pack, we sent Richard for treatment. Adelynn materialized at my side. Her eyes were clouded with worry. Before I could say a word, she wrapped her arms around me, holding me tight.“I saw the news,” she murmured. “The attack was brutal. So many casualties. I was terrified… terrified the witch would hurt you."Holding her close, I inhaled the comforting scent of lavender that clung to her hair. "I'm alright, my love," I murmured, stroking her back gently.“Are you hurt?” She pulled back slightly, scrutinizing my face. Her concern intensified as her gaze lingered on the faint line of dried blood near my chest. Her fingers brushed the injury with a feather-light touch, sending a jolt of electricity sparking through me.“Are you seducing me?” I asked, grinning mischievously.She looked at me with her wide eyes and my heart thumped. At this moment, I could only think about pulling her into the bedroom and claiming her.“How mean?” She pushed me away, jolting me back to
Noel’s POV…Two days passed, and we were still looking for the pregnant human ladies who had been taken away. But we found no clue. We had been keeping tabs on the Black Hounds Pack also, but nothing suspicious was noted. Instead, Tina had been helping us in the investigation, which was a stark contrast to the suspicion in my mind.On the other hand, human representatives were happy with us for rescuing the abducted people. We also presented evidence of witches transforming those rogues to attack the humans. While they acknowledged the explanation, the growing public outcry demanded a formal clarification. To quell the rising anxiety, they conducted a press conference.I was invited to the press conference. With all the evidence, I was ready to face the inquisitive reporters.The conference hall buzzed with anticipation. The mayor, with a reassuring smile, took the stage. He began by welcoming the assembled crowd. He announced that the kidnapped people had been rescued. He reassured t
My initial apprehension morphed into a cautious scrutiny. She was a mess. A worn-out white gown, once elegant, now hung on her frame in tatters, revealing glimpses of dirt-smudged skin. Her face, pale and gaunt, reflected a hardship that went beyond simple neglect. The stench that hit me then confirmed that she had not taken a bath for a long time.I was shocked. How did someone end up like this within the pack? My gaze drifted to the exposed skin on her arms and neck, marred by livid bruises and angry red welts. It was clear that she was abused. Who could have done this to her?Taking a deep breath, I forced my voice into a neutral tone. "Who are you?" I demanded. “What were you doing there?”She dropped to her knees and cried. “Please don’t hurt me. I didn't mean to… I didn't mean to hurt anyone here."“Who are you?” I asked again.“Ava,” she replied, her voice trembling. “Please don’t hurt me.”The fear in her posture, the raw vulnerability in her plea, chipped away at my initial a
I confirmed with a nod."Are you serious?" he breathed, disbelief coloring his voice. "The baby… It's mine? I am the biological father of your baby!” A flicker of a smile, hesitant yet hopeful, played on his lips. “That means… my infertility issue… Why did you lie to me? How could you be so cruel?” He barked, glaring at me. The pain in his eyes ached my heart."I'm so sorry," I whispered, regret gnawing at me. "I… I thought you didn't love me. That you just needed a temporary wife to solve some pack issue." Shame burned in my cheeks. "I-I was afraid," I stammered, tears stinging my eyes. "Afraid you'd take the baby away from me if you knew the truth."“What?” Hurt flickered across his face, morphing into a grimace of frustration. "Take the baby? What are you even talking about?" He shook his head. "So, you planned on leaving me… with the baby? That's why you were so eager to break the contract. Why wouldn't you trust me, Adelynn? I promised to take care of you both. Didn't that mean a
Ivy’s words caught me off guard.Second chance mate? The revelation slammed into me with the force of a rogue wave. She'd already found her fated mate? So that was it. The realization dawned upon me. Ivy had returned because her mate had been kidnapped.Who could have done this and for why? Why did Ivy approach me? What did she want from me?Several questions rushed into my mind, increasing my confusion.“Tell me clearly,” I demanded.Her eyes, red-rimmed and pleading, met mine. "I'll tell you everything," she choked out. “When I met Jack abroad, I realized Mood goddess had blessed me with a second chance mate. I immediately fell in love with him despite him being a human. We thought we would have a happy life together.”She choked back a sob, her voice cracking. "Then everything changed. We learned that a werewolf had kidnapped his sister. We rushed back, hoping to find her, to help. But we were wrong. So wrong."Her eyes welled up with tears, and she chomped with emotion. She regain
Adelynn’s POV…When I regained consciousness, I found myself in the familiar bedroom nestled in the warm bed. Relief washed over me, followed by a wave of dizziness. I blinked, trying to focus on the figure sitting beside the bed."Hey, sweetheart, you're awake." Noel's voice, gentle and warm, filled my ears. His smiling face stirred conflicting emotions in my heart.Gratitude warred with resentment. Yes, he had saved me once again. If he had not appeared on time, I would have been killed. But I couldn’t forget the fact that he had ignored my calls."Why did you come for me?" I blurted out, the anger laced with a tremor I couldn't quite control. "Shouldn't you have been with Ivy?"His smile faltered, a flicker of pain crossing his features. "I know you're upset," he said slowly, “but it’s all Ivy’s doing to make you jealous. She invited me to dinner, but I declined the invitation. I had an important meeting to attend to. She knew about it.”Noel explained everything to me.After heari
With a dismissive wave, I signaled for Caleb to leave. When he walked out, I answered the call.“Hello?”"Noel... Did I disturb you?" Ivy's voice, usually dripping with sweetness, came through the receiver. It used to sound endearing, almost playful. Now, it grated on my nerves like nails on a chalkboard."You already did," I replied flatly. "What is it, Ivy? Get to the point."A hesitant pause followed before she spoke again. "Don't be rude," she whined, the playful facade slipping slightly. "I just wanted to thank you for letting me stay at your place. I called you to invite you to dinner. Look, don't say no right away! I already invited Adelynn, and she said she'd come. It’s a treat from my side. Please, Noel… come.”I couldn't help but feel a surge of annoyance at Ivy's persistent attempts to insert herself into my life. I rubbed my brow, hesitating for a moment.I had an important meeting that I could not postpone. But the prospect of Adelynn alone with Ivy made me anxious. I did
Consumed by unease, I mechanically ate small portions of food whilst grappling with increasing turmoil within. I couldn’t shake off the feeling that Noel was in trouble.Suddenly, she broke through my reverie, probing gently, "Is something wrong with the dish?"Swallowing the lump forming in my throat, I muttered half-heartedly, "No, it isn't that. I just... don’t feel like eating.”“Oh, are you okay? You don’t look good.” She squinted at me inquisitively.“It’s normal for a pregnant woman to feel revulsion to certain food,” I replied nonchalantly and took some more bites.The next few minutes passed in a blur. Ivy resumed eating, eventually finishing her meal. However, I scarcely touched my plate, rendered unable to focus on anything other than Noel.Eventually, Ivy turned her attention back to me. “You must be thinking why Noel has not answered your calls. Isn’t it obvious that you mean nothing to him? As soon as I returned, his suppressed love for me emerged. He will soon break up