LAZAROS POV.She still loved him, which was fair; I didn't care, but maybe this once I had foolishly let a screw loose in the plan.“Fine, it's okay to handle it, but I want you to know he's dead, Simone. You know that, right?” I asked, sliding my palms slowly towards her cheeks; she nodded briefly, sniffing hard again, being gentle with my touch seemed to be some Sort of reassurance for her, and I'd give anything to make her feel relaxed.“I'm sorry, I know he is... But, I... I... I'm sorry, Lazaro, you've done your best; you've tried hard enough already, but I still can't stop fawning over my dead husband, and I hate myself for it. I'm really sorry,” she apologised, breaking down into even louder sobs as she cried.I didn't want her to feel neglected or in despair, and I certainly wouldn't let her start getting second thoughts about our entire arrangement.I pulled her face closer to mine to kiss both of her eyes and then her nose, my mouth hovering around her lips briefly before I
LAZARO’S POV.The forest was alive with shadows, the kind that moved when you weren’t looking, the kind that made your skin crawl if you stared too long. The moon hung low, its pale light cutting through the trees like a knife, casting jagged patterns on the ground. Simone walked beside me, her steps slow and hesitant, like she was afraid of what might be hiding in the dark. Good. Fear kept her close. Fear kept her mine.I glanced at her out of the corner of my eye. Her arms were wrapped around herself, her fingers digging into her sleeves like she was trying to hold herself together. Her face was pale, her eyes wide and darting nervously at every sound—the rustle of leaves, the snap of a twig, the distant hoot of an owl. She was scared, and part of me liked it. Scared meant she needed me. Scared meant she wouldn’t run.“Do you trust me, Simone?” I asked, my voice low and smooth, like the rumble of distant thunder.She hesitated, her lips parting like she wanted to say something, but
SIMONE .My hands became shaky, and tears brewed up in my eyes. I refused to believe what fate had in store for me. The reality became way too harsh to handle, and I swallowed hard. My heart was racing in my chest while my eyes remained pinned on the text message on the phone.“I'm pregnant. Let's meet at the usual spot. We have a lot to plan away from your barren mate, of course.” The text read, my heart shattering into a thousand pieces while my eyes glanced over the contents repeatedly.I always knew something was wrong. It's been through my marriage to Marcel; the first two years were blissful, but then he became cold. I'm in my third year, and I wasn't sure what had caused it. I believed it was one of the burdens that came with being alpha.He had spent a few nights out for several months still keeping things away from me. I didn't question his reasons; he was alpha, and more still, I knew my marriage to him had begun teetering at the edge. I couldn't bear to lose him, so I kept
SIMONE.“It's not so big of a deal. She rides better than you do!” Those were the first words that seeped through Marcel's lips.I glanced up, passing him a frown, hair to toe, my eyes lingering on the messy situation he was in at the moment, a hand against his cock and his cum still slipping off his palms.“You bloody lied to me, Valerie i trusted you with everything; you are my sister, and you've been fucking my mate.” I asked, still yelling, My heart squeezed in my chest, but after the pitiful act, I felt instant hatred towards them. I launched towards Eleanor, who remained mute but was thrown off my marcell.His cum stained hands grabbed forcefully onto my neck, and all I saw was bitterness and anger in his eyes. “Are you crazy? Do you want to harm the child?” He asked right on cue, and valerie parted her lips as if to speak but then hesitated."Did you get pregnant for him?" You are his mistress?” I asked again, and this time she stood to her feet, wrapped a thin sheet of linen
SIMONE.A heavy migraine coupled with the soreness between my thighs was the first feeling that reeled into me. I yawned lazily, pulling myself slowly from the bed.Panic struck me as my hand had brushed over something...hairlike. A loud gasp eased through my lips. Hastily, I blocked my mouth with my palms as a sudden realization dawned on me... I slept with someone, and it wasn't Marcel.I studied the man carefully; he was fast asleep, his thick brows complimenting his squared jaws and point noise, those plump lips of his...I really must have gone mad. Having such audacity to sleep and fantasize about a man that wasn't my husband...Husband,I was brought back to reality. I reached for my phone to see that I had gotten fourteen calls from my father and two from Marcel.“Crap!” I needed to meet with the king today. Slowly yet hastily, I wiggled into my clothes, grabbed my phone, and sprinted across the room towards the main entrance. My heart ached as I took a long and lasting glan
SIMONE.I was visibly shaking; cold sweats trickled down from my temples as he pulled away from me. I could see him grinning widely, yet I couldn't tell what was going on in that pretty head of his.“Have you two met before?” Marcel was quick to ask, and I saw how pissed off he was at the sight of the Lycan king and me kissing.“I don't answer to lowly miscreants like you; I came here for my bride, and I'll be leaving with her.” Giovanni responded curtly; his voice, gesture and words all demanded respect. Marcel had gone white from fear yet seemed to be so green from envy, gotten cut short by Giovanni's words.“My betta would have the alliance settled; I do not wish to spend a minute more in this pack... I'm leaving; it's nice meeting you all,“ he asserted again, turning on his feet while grabbing me by my arms and dragging me behind him.“Simone. Wait” Marcel yelled out after me. I stopped for a brief moment, turning to face him, my heart racing in my chest. He hesitated for a bit bu
GIOVANNI'S POV.Not once, twice, or thrice had she stolen secret glances at me. I smacked my lips together hungrily. The mere thought of being alone with her made andrelaline pump through my veine, she tensed up after all I had blurted out what came to my mind.The car pulled over, and a sigh eased across my lips as I helped her out of the car; slowly she set her palms into mine.“This is your home now, our new home.” I announced, gloating imwardly with an air of pride,her eyes sparkled with joy—or was it a reflection of being gone from the pack which had basically destroyed her?I grimmaced at the mere thought of it. Each one of them would pay; I'll make them regret setting a finger on her skin; every inch of her body belonged to me alone.“I need rest. We wouldn't stand here all day, would we?” She asked, trying to keep her sarcasm although I had seen her face turn red when I asked that she put me on a leash."Simone,” I called out to her, reaching for her hair and coiling my fing
SIMONE.Was he gone already?. I knew I was ungrateful, and I may have pushed further than I ought to, but I wouldn't make the same mistake twice. I needed him to understand that I wouldn't fall for his trick like I had with Marcel.That I wouldn't swoon after him, that I wouldn't foolishly put him as a first priority in hopes that with time he would love me, nor would I forget that I had no intentions to believe any word of affection that slid through his lips.Yet I couldn't thug this nagging feeling I got out of my belly; I slid into my flip-flops. Turning the doorknob before slowly peeking out. The corridors were well lit; I almost couldn't tell it was nighttime.His mansion was huge; I dared not go far, there were no maids around; I could get lost easily, but I didn't want to stay alone. I somehow craved his comfort.A loud screech eased through my lips as I flinched backwards, scared as fuck as I felt something brush on my skin.“It's just me.” His voice called out, I swallowed
LAZARO’S POV.The forest was alive with shadows, the kind that moved when you weren’t looking, the kind that made your skin crawl if you stared too long. The moon hung low, its pale light cutting through the trees like a knife, casting jagged patterns on the ground. Simone walked beside me, her steps slow and hesitant, like she was afraid of what might be hiding in the dark. Good. Fear kept her close. Fear kept her mine.I glanced at her out of the corner of my eye. Her arms were wrapped around herself, her fingers digging into her sleeves like she was trying to hold herself together. Her face was pale, her eyes wide and darting nervously at every sound—the rustle of leaves, the snap of a twig, the distant hoot of an owl. She was scared, and part of me liked it. Scared meant she needed me. Scared meant she wouldn’t run.“Do you trust me, Simone?” I asked, my voice low and smooth, like the rumble of distant thunder.She hesitated, her lips parting like she wanted to say something, but
LAZAROS POV.She still loved him, which was fair; I didn't care, but maybe this once I had foolishly let a screw loose in the plan.“Fine, it's okay to handle it, but I want you to know he's dead, Simone. You know that, right?” I asked, sliding my palms slowly towards her cheeks; she nodded briefly, sniffing hard again, being gentle with my touch seemed to be some Sort of reassurance for her, and I'd give anything to make her feel relaxed.“I'm sorry, I know he is... But, I... I... I'm sorry, Lazaro, you've done your best; you've tried hard enough already, but I still can't stop fawning over my dead husband, and I hate myself for it. I'm really sorry,” she apologised, breaking down into even louder sobs as she cried.I didn't want her to feel neglected or in despair, and I certainly wouldn't let her start getting second thoughts about our entire arrangement.I pulled her face closer to mine to kiss both of her eyes and then her nose, my mouth hovering around her lips briefly before I
SIMONE'S POV.The first emotion that struck me was fear. Goosebumps lined my skin as I parted my eyes open, my heart thumping hard and fast against my ribcage.I was drenched in sweat again, I knew things have been quite fair these past few months but this once I got the most eerier feeling ever.I rustled around, reaching for a bottle of water to drink; I had several emotions coursing through my mind: pain, anger, worry...sadness.Yes, I was sad. I lost the father to my child before he even knew he had a baby coming, and I was married to a man who protected me for the personal interest of mine. Pain stabbed deeper at my insides. My nerves churned at the mere thought of it. Could I really do this?.My baby... myself.My lips quivered; glancing around, I wrigged out of the sheets to my feet. It was still dark out; I could see from the balcony the dark pigments of the sky.I pressed my lips into a firm line, pushing my way out of the room and down the stairs, wandering helplessly. I ne
GIOVANNI'S POV.My mate was dead. I killed her. I came to terms with it, and what else could I do After ripping off the only woman whom I adored. Worshipped and obsessed about into shreds? Not much, I admitted. Which was why I was stuck in this case. The bumpy roads unsettling me the more, I passed a pivotal gaze at Garson who was seated right by my side, his eyes out the window, but his mind was probably miles away.Fine, this was awkward…matter of fact, the entire week had been, after the confession we made that night,It pulled me out of whatever black hole I was spiraling into, and as much as I tried to act like nothing had happened, I realised I was only making things worse.“It was all a long time anyways; I don't love you anymore.”. Garson explained frankly. Staring me in the eye before we started the drive.I didn't see him in that light; he was my best buddy, and I straight up didn't give a damn about his sexuality but with my dead mate, the pack troubles had been weighing
.SIMONE'S POVThe pain of his fangs buried in my wrist dissolved into a pleasure so profound it was almost intoxicating. His tongue darted across the sensitive skin, lapping up every drop as though it was the only thing keeping him alive. My chest rose and fell erratically, my breath shallow, my heart pounding like a war drum in my ears. "Lazaro…" I whispered his name, unsure whether it was a plea to stop or to keep going. My free hand gripped the edge of the table behind me for support, but even the cold, solid surface couldn’t ground me. His gaze lifted from my wrist to meet mine, and for a moment, I forgot to breathe. Those sapphire eyes were darker now, eclipsed by hunger and something else—something primal, untamed, and utterly consuming. "You're trembling," he said, his voice rough, barely more than a growl. His lips brushed against my wrist as he spoke, the warmth of his breath sending shivers down my spine.I wanted to deny it, to tell him I was fine, but my body betrayed m
.SIMONE'S POV A soft, feathery touch grazed past my ears; I mumbled inaudible gibberish, groaning from the ticklish feeling against my skin.“Awake yet?” His soft voice called out to me; I grumbled, closing my eyes shut for a brief moment.My body shook; I tossed from side to side, finally pushing open my eyes to meet with the set of blue ones I had come to get used to.“Lazaro... not now; I slept bloody late. I don't think you should have woken me yet “. I complained. Acting like the spoilt brat I suddenly was,I pushed myself off to the edge of the bed, his eyes following every single direction of mine, a light smirk strapped to the sides of his lips.“I'm sorry, you were… well… crying in your sleep.” Just when he spoke, I noticed the beads of tears rolling off my cheeks slowly; I brushed my fingers past them, wiping them off. I shied away from his gaze, standing toward the curtains to push them open.He doesn't say anything; he watches in silence. Nothing. None of us had said a s
GIOVANNI'S POV.3 MONTHS LATER.“Cut the bullshit!” Garson yelled, storming into the room, grabbing the bottle off my grasp, glaring at me, but I said nothing. I remained in the chair, half drunk, my eyes half closed shut, humming in low tones, rocking the chair back and forth, my eyes staring up into the night sky, dark cloudy, full of stars… the cold wind brushing past my skin.What in the bloody hell is wrong with you? You didn't have it this bad when Hayley died, so what's so special? It's been three months. Get over it,” he yelled again. I couldn't blame him; in fact, I could, but I didn't want to. I glanced sideways; I could see that he still has men stationed right outside my door, just like he did everywhere I went. “Or what? You'll kill me? Murder me? Make my life way worse?” I asked. Biting into my cheeks, and then on my lips, he groaned, running his hand into his hair, fuck, he was frustrated as hell, and so was I…“Too bad my life is pretty fucked up. I'm sorry to disap
GIOVANNI'S POV.A strong string pulled at my heart. A tightening sensation, I couldn't breathe. I tried to move, but nothing came. Then darkness, and then I fell. I wouldn't stop falling, down and down. Towards the end of a bottomless pit, my breaths were erratic, mismatched; it was getting harder for me. Then it came down, dawning on me with great force: I was in pain; I was scared. Those were the first two emotions that registered towards my senses.I pushed open my eyes, panting heavily, drawing out loud breaths that were more than necessary. My body was soaked from sweat. I was in bed, but then my eyes trailed off to the huge brown ones staring at me. “Garson...," I called out slowly. I blacked out; I remember now, it was my wedding night, the curse had started, and then, nothing... it poofed into thin air; I couldn't make sense of any other thing.“Fuck... Simone, where is she?” My mind was blurred, my heart squeezed tight in my chest; I couldn't think well; my memory was all f
GIOVANNI'S POV.The image pushed me over the edge.I came deep inside her, moaning louder than I meant to. My head was in the clouds, and my cock released as much cum as possible. I wanted to fill her to the brim. I wanted there to be so much of my seed that it came spilling out when I pulled out. I’d never allowed myself this kind of satisfaction with a woman, to be as dark as I wanted without judgement or distaste. She knew exactly what I was and used it to her advantage. My upper lip was swollen and red from the bites she had given, and when I kissed her, I tasted her own salt on my tongue. I always kissed her when I was finished, silently telling her how much I enjoyed being inside her. I slowly pulled out, my cock softening now that I was satisfied. My cum dripped out of her and splashed onto the floor—just as I fantasised about. “Fuck.” I kept her legs around my waist and felt my cock harden all over again. I wanted to add more to the pile. I wanted her to have more than she