"Did I touch a sensitive nerve?"Alice jolted back. "I don't have...a...fa..." The word was ready to slip from his tongue, but he wouldn't let it happen. Not even in his dreams would he ever utter it. âDon't relate that bastard with me.âThat man was just a sperm donor who left his own wife and child for his mistress. A man like that could never truly be a husband or father. In Alice's memories, he never was one, and he never would be - and Alice would make sure it stayed that way. With every breath, he held onto that resolve, refusing to let it slip."You can't talk about your own father, and my friend, like this," Aman declared in a pissed voice, as if he were going to kill Alice with his eyes alone.Alice neither flinched nor said anything. He hated this topic, and he didn't know why this man was so worked up if he was a friend of that bastard man. Then he could go to him. Why was he here like a coward, trying to suck up to Alice?For years, Alice hadn't seen that bastard of a man
"If you think I'm lying, then you should consider why I would have any reason to kidnap you?" Aman commented.Alice gulped, looking towards Aman with heavy eyes, his head bursting with so many thoughts that he didn't know how to process everything.But one thing he knew for certain: he couldn't lose Alisha. That would be like having his heart ripped away.He had already felt the anguish when she ran away, driving him crazy. Now, with this situation, if he were to be separated from her, there was no way he would be able to live, nor would he be able to die in peace.Because he didn't want to be away from her, death or not.Still, he knew this was no simple matter. If his father was a hunter, and the head at that, when Alisha and others found out â he couldn't imagine the consequences."Why are you scared? Is there something you should be afraid of?" Aman mocked. "I heard you're pretty close to that girl, what's her name...hmm, Alisha?"Alice's eyes snapped at the mention of her name. "
"You have three days," Aman replied coldly. "And don't try anything clever, Alice. I have eyes everywhere. One wrong move, and she dies."Alice's heart sank, but he forced himself to remain calm. "Three days. Fine. I'll get you what you want.""Good," Aman said, a cruel smile playing on his lips. "Remember, Alice, I'm watching you."Alice sighed, deciding to say nothing because what could he even say when it felt like he was tied up? Even if he weren't physically restrained, he now knew why this man had kidnapped him and the threat he faced.He couldn't be reckless. If this were a normal Mafia issue related to his company, he wouldn't mind acting impulsively. But he knew he couldn't do that now because this matter involved Alisha.When it came to her, he could never take it easy or put her safety at stake.Why did it always have to be him? In his whole life, he had never found anyone he could love, but now that he had, she had first hated him, which was partly the reason for this mess
"How was work?" Maya asked as she saw Alice enter."It was fine," he replied, trying to sound as nonchalant as possible."That's good. Want to eat something? Or maybe go freshen up? You're looking like a zombie," Maya commented, noting Alice's slightly dirty clothes with concern.How did his clothes get so dirty? Maya wondered. He's rich, so his clothes shouldn't look like that. Her mind bombarded with questions she chose not to ask."I'll freshen up and rest. I'm not hungry for now," he answered as he walked into the room.While Alisha slept soundly on the bed, Alice approached her quietly and sat beside her, gazing at her peaceful face. His heart felt at ease.'Angel, you are fine, right?' he thought tenderly, gently touching her forehead, not wanting to disturb her rest.His heart raced faster than before, a second time in his life gripped by fear.Previously, he had been afraid due to an attack, but now his heart trembled, haunted by Aman's words. He didn't want to process it, for
"Whatever your beautiful hands make becomes special. How could I not exaggerate when it's you who made this for me?" Alice took a few more sips.The warm soup soothed his stomach, feeling like a gentle massage. He didn't usually enjoy food like this, but this soup was different. To him, it was the best thing he'd ever had. He couldn't remember the last time he liked something this much, except for the tea she made for him at Mary's house. Now, this soup made him feel like they were a real couple, even if his mind was playing tricks on him."You're too much," Alisha said, smiling and feeling flustered by his compliments."Only for you, Angel. I can be too much or anything for you.""If you really liked the soup, eat it all. Don't leave anything," Alisha said, still smiling."You eat some too," Alice said, offering her the spoon."Okay," Alisha fumbled a bit but took a sip from the same spoon."How is it?""Good.""Not just good, it's a blessing. The soup tastes like it's out of this wo
"Today is the celebration in the pack. We have to attend it, as the whole pack is required to attend this celebration once a year," Elk announced."That's a good idea," Jackson nodded and whispered in Maya's ear. "Seems like an opportunity has presented itself. It can be treated like a date, don't you think?"Maya smiled and whispered back. "Yes, I feel the same. I can ask Lima to be there, and Elk will already be there, so it's a win-win situation.""What are you two talking about?" Elk asked with suspicion in his voice."Nothing much, just discussing that it would be good to have a change of environment," Jackson quickly answered."Yes, that's what we were talking about.""Where are we going?" Levi came in with Rish and sat on the chair in front of everyone."A celebration that every pack member attends yearly. It's been a long time since Maya has attended, and for you two kids and Alisha, Alice, it will be your first time, so it's a good thing," Jackson explained with a small smile
"I am so happy, Alisha. We will get ready and see other people. I am so fed up with just training or resting at home all day. I know it's important, but this opportunity is exciting," Levi jumped as they entered the room and sat on the bed. She felt so happy. If she could, she wanted to attend the function right now, that's how bored she was staying at home."You just recovered from your illness. It's better if you don't waste too much energy, you get it, right?" Rish made a face, seeing his sister so happy, as if she was winning the lottery.He himself was looking forward to tonight's celebration, but he wasn't as hyperactive as Levi."You don't have to worry. I am recovered now, so don't be a spoilsport," Levi scrunched her nose, sticking her tongue out and making a funny face toward Rish."You want to get hit, huh? Stop making a face like that," Rish raised his hand and flicked her forehead, smiling."Ouch... what are you doing?""Teaching you a lesson, dear sister.""You, I am go
"You never listen to what I tell you, so of course I need someone else. We're not close enough, no need to behave like we are," Alisha grumbled, seeing how he was trying to guilt-trip her just because she shared a few things with Levi and Rish.Alice's focus was entirely on the road, but he gave her a side look. He hated when she said they weren't close. She was engraved in his skin, and he wanted to crawl into hers.He wanted to fill himself into her so she could never drive him away. It was as if he wanted to mix into her bloodstream, to be everywhere in her body.A psychopathic thought, but when it came to her, it wasn't enough, not enough to live, not enough to breathe. After knowing what his bastard father did, the desperate need to tie Alisha to him, to keep her from figuring out the truth, overwhelmed him. He wanted her to remain unaware of everything for his own good.The need to cage her and turn her deaf to everything but him was so great that he was scared of himself.And i
Aliceâs gaze burned into hers, wild and desperate, as his fingers found the delicate string of her wedding dress. With a slow, deliberate pull, the fabric loosened, slipping from her shoulder. He pressed his lips to her bare skin, his breath hot against her. Alisha gasped, her head tilting back. "Agh..." Her voice broke into a breathy moan as a shiver ran down her spine. His hands traced down her arms, leaving a trail of heat in their wake. "You're beautiful," he murmured, voice thick with longing. Alisha's fingers tangled in his hair, pulling him closer. "Then show me," she whispered.His lips traveled lower, trailing soft kisses along her collarbone. The loosened fabric of her dress slid further down, pooling at her waist, exposing the warmth of her skin to the cool night air. Alishaâs breath hitched as his hands traced slow, teasing circles along her sides. Every touch sent sparks racing through her veins. âAliceâŠâ she whispered, gripping his shirt and tugging him closer. He
"I do." The words spilled from Alishaâs lips as she stood at the altar with Alice. Six months had passed, and so much had changed. They had returned to their normal life with Daisy and Mary. The battles, the burdensâthey were behind her now. She still remembered the conversation she had with Maya six months ago when she told her it was better for 'her' to lead the pack. Alisha had never wanted that responsibility. She only wanted to live a simple, normal life. Maya had disagreed at first, but eventually, she understood Alishaâs choice and accepted it. Since then, Alisha and Alice had stepped away from the chaos and reclaimed the life they once had. And today, standing before everyone, was proof of how far they had comeâbecause today was their wedding day. "You may now kiss the bride," the priest announced. Aliceâs smile stretched wide as he leaned in, his voice dropping to a whisper. "Can I?" His hands rested gently on her waist, his touch reverent. He still couldn't believe t
âAmm.â Alisha moaned, her body aching as she tried to move. With effort, she forced her eyes open, blinking against the dim light. Her gaze landed on Alice. Alice was sitting beside her, but his eyes were closed, his posture slumped in exhaustion. âAliceâŠâ Her voice came out hoarse, barely above a whisper. He jolted upright instantly, eyes flying open, and within seconds, they brimmed with tears. Damn emotions. He hated themâloathed them, even. But seeing Alisha like this? He couldnât stop them. After so long⊠she was finally awake. His chest tightened with overwhelming relief. âAngel.â His voice cracked as he sobbed. âYouâre awake.â Alisha swallowed, her throat dry. âHow long⊠have I been sleeping?â âYou were in a coma.â He pressed the call button beside the bed before looking back at her. âItâs been over a week.â Within minutes, the doctor arrived and checked Alisha over. âSheâs stable now. Her wounds will heal with time,â he assured them before stepping out. Alishaâs ga
âYou need rest, Alice.â Maya ran a hand through his hair, her face as hollow as the corpse he sat beside. A week had passed, yet none of them had moved on from what happened. Alisha was still in a coma. Maya herself couldn't calm her nerves. She had killed her own husband with her own hands. Even if it had been necessary, the nightmares wouldnât let her forget. Not just because he was her mateâbut because she had loved a man like him. A liar. The cause of her suffering. Of everyone's suffering. Mostly Alisha, who had lost everything. And they still didnât know when she would wake up. Jackson had already explained everything to the pack, but explanations didnât erase guilt. Alice said nothing, his gaze locked on Alishaâs lifeless form on the bed. The images of that day wouldnât leave him. They played on repeat, like a broken radio, and the more he thought about them, the more he blamed himself. But he knewâblame wouldnât change a thing. All he wanted was for her to wake up. If
Lima looked at Jackson, tears welling in her eyes. âIf I could, I would have. But Iâm old, and my powers are weak after living with wolves for so many years.â Alisha thrashed against her restraints, sobbing as she watched Alice being beaten to the ground, blood pooling beneath him. 'Please!!' she pleaded in her mind. Aman sneered. âHeâs human. But arenât you royal blood? Is this how you save your mate?â He yanked her head back and slammed it against the chair. Alice coughed up blood. âMotherfucker!â He saw the crimson streak trailing down Alishaâs face, and despite the agony wracking his body, he tried to crawl toward her. Another brutal blow sent him back down. Aman laughed coldly. âYes, I am a motherfucker. But your motherâs not my taste. This bitch might be, though.â Alisha squeezed her eyes shut. She had to save them. Somehow. Could her wolf help? She had royal bloodâwould it be enough? 'You just have to trust me. Even cursed, I will do anything to save our mate and every
Alisha listened in silence, every word slotting into place, making the picture clearer. The puzzle was finally formingâpieces falling exactly where they belonged. âAnd we wanted power, so we helped,â Lucas and Harmis laughed in unison. Why wouldnât they? From being worthless rogues, they had risen to Alpha and Beta. They had enjoyed that power for years. And after today, they would keep enjoying itâuntil death took them. Maya frozen, tears streaking her face, her eyes locked on Elk. Utter betrayal. The weight of suffering crushed her chest, making it hard to breathe. Leviâs scream cut through the air. âHow can you do this, Dad?!â Her voice cracked as she turned to Rish, who looked just as shattered. Heartbroken. Aman chuckled, his grip still tight on Alishaâs hair. âDidnât he already tell you?â Alisha barely heard him. Her gaze was fixed on Alice. She understood Mayaâs painâbecause she felt it too. Knowing Aliceâs father was responsible for her being an orphan? That was one thin
âWho the hell are you?â Maya screamed, struggling against the ropes, her pulse hammering in confusion. Why the hell were they all tied up? She remembered sitting at home, sipping tea with everyone. Thenânothing.And now, she was here. Tied up.âI never thought youâd be this dumb, Maya.â Aman scoffed. âYou donât even remember me?â Mayaâs mind raced. Who was this man? Why had he been talking to Alice on the phone, demanding the key? Her gaze darted to Alishaâpale, wide-eyed, bound beside Levi and Rish. Aman stepped toward Alisha, dragging a rough fingertip along her cheek. âSo, youâre the last royal blood,â he mused, his voice laced with amusement. âGotta say, youâre just as beautiful as your mother.â Alisha flinched, nausea rising in her throat. Every nerve in her body recoiled. âLeave her!â Levi and Rish shouted in unison, straining against their restraints. Jackson, silent until now, felt something click in his memory. His jaw clenched. âYouâre the rogue,â he murmured. âThe o
Alice reached the house and stepped inside. "Alisha, where are you?" he called, glancing around. Silence greeted him. Maya, Jackson, Rish, Leviâno one was there. His chest tightened as he moved from room to room. Everything looked normal, except for the stillness. It didn't make sense. Frowning, he pulled out his phone and dialed Maya. Tring⊠ring⊠After a few rings, someone picked up. "Maya, where are you? Whereâs Alisha? Why is no one home?" A voice answeredâbut not Mayaâs. "Because theyâre with me." His blood ran cold. The voice was unfamiliar, nothing like hers. "Who is this?" "Aman here. I gave you plenty of time to handle your bullshit, but you didnât. So now, itâs my turn to do what I promised." Aliceâs eyes widened. No. This wasnât how things were supposed to happen. Alisha canât find out the truthânot like this. Not when he wonât even get to tell his side. He couldnât even imagine how this would end. "You son of a bitch," he snarled, gripping the phone tighter
Aliceâs eyes filled with tears as the pain he had buried for years tore through his heart. The weight of everything he had hidden threatened to consume him, and before he could stop them, the tears began to fall. His whole life, he had fought, using pain as his motivation. He hated how much his mother had lost in raising him. The man who should have stood by her had leftâfor another woman. But now, he understood. After everything he had learned about mate bonds, about the way the world worked⊠he could see it clearly. His father had left for his mate. The hatred he had buried for so long surfaced, but now, a question clawed at him. âCan I even hate him?â Maybe for killing his Angel parents, yes. But what about the miserable childhood he endured? The broken family he grew up in? Move on? His mother wanted him to move on? *Can I?* âLet me ask you⊠did you ever move on, Mom?â Alice asked, his voice thick with emotion. He let his tears fall freely, feeling the warmth of his mother