Ainsley’s gaze remained fixed on Eloise, who was struggling weakly against his grip. Her trembling form, once filled with strength and defiance, now appeared fragile, shattered in a way that made his heart twist with something he couldn’t quite name. Satisfaction? Resentment? A mix of both, maybe."That’s right," Ainsley murmured with a cold smile, his voice laced with mockery. "A toy should act like one."He stepped closer, his hand tightening around her wrist as he pulled her toward him, feeling her stiffen beneath his touch. He exhaled a final puff of smoke from his cigarette, flicking it to the ground without sparing a glance. One of his men quickly took the cigarette from his hand, wordlessly.Eloise winced as Ainsley’s other hand moved to her chin, his fingers sharp as they tilted her face upward. She felt a jolt of pain as he moved her head back and forth, studying her expression. The cruel amusement in his eyes made her want to look away, but she forced herself to meet his gaz
Eloise could feel the weight of Ainsley’s words crushing her. "Do you still remember that you're a werewolf?" The cruel question hung in the air, a stark reminder of everything she had lost. "You looked so cowardly when you were begging for mercy, which disgusts me." His voice was colder than she remembered, every syllable laced with contempt.She could barely breathe, let alone speak. His words cut deeper than any physical wound ever could. “If the members of the Golden Moon Pack knew that their Alpha’s daughter was so weak and incompetent, what would they think?” The disgust in his voice was palpable, and Eloise felt the sting of it settle deep in her chest.Her body swayed on its own, barely able to hold itself up. Her mind swirled in confusion and shame. She had hoped, in some corner of her heart, that Ainsley might show her some kindness. Some recognition of what they had once shared, but that hope was now shattered.The Golden Moon Pack. She could barely bring herself to think o
Everything Ainsley did seemed to push Eloise closer to her breaking point. He didn’t yet realize it, but buried deep inside him, despite the anger, despite the cruelty, he loved the proud, defiant Eloise.Once, when his bond with Aura had been a promise, she had warned him, “If Aura becomes your partner, I’ll abandon you!” But now, Eloise was a shadow of that woman, broken, humiliated, and desperate. She begged for mercy even when she had done nothing wrong.Ainsley, blinded by his emotions, didn’t understand the truth: he was the one who had changed her. He was the one who had broken her spirit, and yet, he wasn’t ready to face that reality. Not yet.In his mind, the humiliation was justified. He had every right to torment her. She had killed Aura. That was the reason. He could convince himself of that, at least. It made the darkness inside him easier to handle. But somewhere deep inside, another, more dangerous truth gnawed at him.What if it wasn’t just about revenge? What if the b
Eloise PovI winced as I tugged my shirt down, trying to hide the deep, jagged wound on my waist. It looked as if something or someone had savaged me, leaving a mark that resembled the bite of a wild beast. The wound was large and raw, a constant reminder of my tortured past.Racheal, who had seen her share of wounds as a fellow werewolf, immediately understood what this meant. The shape, the severity, it wasn’t just a normal injury.“You’re a werewolf?” Racheal asked, her voice filled with confusion and surprise. “Why can’t I sense it?”I didn’t flinch at her question, my eyes distant, lost in a place darker than any of them could imagine. I had been bitten by a wolf, and while werewolves had incredible healing abilities, able to heal from broken bones or nearly any wound we were also tied to our wolf counterparts. A werewolf’s healing was as much about the bond with their wolf as it was about the strength of their body.But my wound wasn’t healing as it should. Weeks had passed, mon
Racheal stepped out of her office; her eyes quickly falling on Eloise, who was standing at the doorway, her posture slumped from exhaustion. The sight of her made Racheal’s heart tighten. There was something about Eloise’s defeated demeanor that made Racheal want to reach out and comfort her."Come in, Eloise," Racheal said gently, her voice softer than usual. "Change into something more comfortable. There's a private bathroom here. You should shower and rest.""Thank you, Racheal," Eloise whispered, her voice tired. She didn’t refuse. She needed rest more than anything else. Her body ached from the constant pressure and humiliation she’d endured. Without another word, she entered the office, and Racheal turned to head back to the private room where Ainsley and Felix were.As she walked down the hallway, she could already hear the raised voices of Felix and the members of the Purple moon Pack. The tension in the room was palpable, and Racheal felt a knot form in her stomach.She pushe
Ainsley moved closer to Eloise, his imposing presence filling the small space between them. “Oh, Eloise, there are so many things I want from you. But for now, I simply want you to remember who is in charge here.”Eloise swallowed, feeling the pressure of Ainsley's proximity. She knew he was in control, and she also knew she couldn't let Ainsley see her give in to him.Eloise's body stiffened at his words, her mind filling with panic.Suddenly, she felt a warm body pressing against her back, and her heart began to pound in her chest. Ainsley's firm hand closed around her waist, sending a shiver down her spine.Eloise squeezed her eyes shut, feeling Ainsley's breath on her neck as she fought to contain the fear that washed over her.Meanwhile, Ainsley struggled internally with the fight between his human and wolf selves, each fighting to take control. Eloise's closeness intoxicated him with her scent, confusing him even further.His hands, guided by a desire he couldn't control, began
Eloise felt the weight of a thought settle into her mind a thought as cold and suffocating as a fog rolling in. Death. It loomed over her, a shadow that threatened to swallow her whole. For a moment, she almost gave in, letting it embrace her. But then, as if a light cut through the darkness, a name appeared. Rain.Rain, the girl who had been a flicker of hope in the bleakness of Eloise's life. The girl who had cared for her, who had shown her that kindness was still possible. The thought of Rain pierced through the haze, and in that moment, Eloise’s mind snapped back to consciousness.She couldn’t die like this. Not yet. Not when there was still a promise she hadn’t kept. Rain’s wish, she had to fulfill it. Eloise took a slow breath, and with all the energy she could muster, she opened her eyes.The room around her was as harsh and bright as it always was. The sterile walls, the harsh lighting everything about the place was unwelcoming. She slowly lifted her head, the ache in her bod
“Racheal, we were just joking around while we were resting,” Gold said, her tone casual, as if nothing had happened. “Why make such a big deal out of it?”Racheal’s eyes flashed with anger, and she took a step forward, her voice cold and menacing. “Is this how you entertain yourselves? By bullying someone weaker than you?”The other girls who had been standing nearby looked uncertain, exchanging quick glances. They had never seen Racheal this angry. One of them, a taller girl who had been standing too close to Gold, tugged at her arm, a silent plea to calm down.But Gold wasn’t done. She looked down at Eloise, her eyes narrowed with disdain.“Are you talking about her?” Gold scoffed, her lips curling into a sneer. “She’s just a useless little bitch, isn’t she? She doesn’t even know her place.”Before anyone could react, Racheal moved faster than anyone could have anticipated. She raised her hand, and with one swift motion, slapped Gold hard across the face. The sound of the slap echoe
Eloise’s breath hitched as she crawled, pain biting into every inch of her skin. She stopped, looking up at George, her voice trembling as she begged him, “Please… stop. This… this isn’t necessary.”But George didn’t even flinch. His eyes, cold and unfeeling, met hers. “It’s too late for that, Eloise,” he sneered. “You should’ve thought about that before you crossed me.”Every time she moved, the glass shards embedded in her skin dug deeper. Eloise’s body shook with the agony of it, but she knew there was no way out.From the corner, Rachael felt a stab of helplessness. She wanted to rush forward, to stop it all, but her body was frozen. Her heart pounded in her chest, and her breath was shallow. She couldn’t move.A voice cut through her thoughts. It was the Rider’s Pack Gamma, standing tall and unmoving, his expression stone-cold. "Rachael, stay still. Don't make a sound. If you upset Alpha Alva, Eloise will suffer even more."Rachael’s eyes widened, panic spreading through her. She
The Riders Pack, to which George belonged, had always shared a close bond with the Golden Moon Pack. Eloise and George were the best of friends. They attended the same werewolf school, and spent long afternoons together. But that was before the world crumbled. Before Aura’s death.Watching George humiliate Rachael, the woman who had been nothing but kind to Eloise suffer at his hands, tore her apart.She didn’t respond when George insulted her. She didn’t even flinch. Her gaze remained locked on him, her voice barely above a whisper as she said, "Don’t hit her.""Do you want me to forgive Rachael?" George’s voice dripped with malice, his grin wide and cruel. Okay, then beg me."Eloise could feel her fists clenching at her sides, but she didn’t say another word. She simply watched, helpless, as George continued his torment of Rachael. There was no point in speaking, no one would listen to her anyway.Rachael, ever the resilient one, tried to put on a brave face. "Don’t worry about me,"
"Alpha Alva, I’ll save you the trouble," Eloise murmured, the words tasting bitter as they left her lips. She pried his hand from her hair, trying to ignore the way her body trembled as she straightened herself. Slowly, deliberately, she walked into the room, forcing herself to appear strong, even though every step felt like an eternity. Her chest was tight, her throat dry, but she could not show weakness.Rachael, standing behind her, hesitated for a moment, before following Eloise in, her eyes filled with concern. The room felt suffocating, the air thick with tension. Eloise could feel the stares of the surrounding men, their gazes cold and judgmental. It was as if they were sizing her up, determining how far they could push her before she broke.George grinned, his eyes lighting up with malicious pleasure. "Gentlemen, meet Eloise," he said, motioning toward her like a prize. "This is the infamous daughter of the Golden Moon Pack."The words stung like a slap. Infamous. The woman wh
Eloise’s shoulders trembled, her fists clenched tight as Richard’s unexpected appearance sent a wave of shock through her body. The urge to scream, to lash out, clawed at her throat, but she forced it back. The anger boiled inside her, fierce and raw.How dare he? What could he possibly know about her struggles? He was the son of the Alpha of the Golden Moon Pack, born into privilege, surrounded by wealth and the pack’s protection. He had everything he could want.And here she was.Alone.A few crumpled bills in her pocket. The thought of going anywhere but Club Scarlet Heart made her heart sink. The other packs in Metrocity wouldn’t take her in, not after everything. She wasn’t a wolf, not really. She was an ex-convict, a rogue without a pack, without purpose. She didn’t belong anywhere. The Forest of Shadows would chew her up and spit her out before she could even take a step inside.What choice do I have?Her hands trembled as she fumbled for her phone, trying to steady the shaking
Eloise looked at Richard in disbelief, her mind trying to process the words that had just left his lips. The betrayal stung more than she thought it would. For a moment, her eyes fluttered, and she tried to make sense of what was happening. But all she could feel was the numbness creeping in. She forced herself to lower her gaze, her heart heavy and expressionless. "Alpha. Anthony, then I won’t make things difficult for you," she said softly, the words feeling foreign as they left her mouth.Richard’s face twisted with guilt. "Eloise, don’t be like that. I have no choice. Don’t blame me." He reached into his wallet and pulled out a wad of cash, shoving it into her hand. "Take this. Buy food, clothes... just take it. Please."But Eloise didn’t budge. She just stood there, her body stiff, as if she couldn’t bear to touch the money. Her eyes remained unfocused, looking at nothing in particular. I don’t want your pity money, Richard. I don’t need it. Not from you. Not from anyone.Richard
Eloise felt hopeless as she thought about Ainsley’s visit tomorrow. She had no idea where to get the rest of the money.As Jack left her dorm building, she couldn’t shake the emptiness he left behind. She could feel the weight of her situation crushing her, the uncertainty gnawing at her. I need that money. But where?As Jack drove away, his departure stole away all the hope she'd briefly managed to find. I thought I could change. I thought there was a way out. But now? Now I’m stuck.The next day at Club Scarlet Heart, Eloise entered Rachael’s office, her steps heavy with anxiety."Did you get the money?" Rachael asked, her voice laced with expectation.Eloise shook her head slowly, eyes cast down.Rachael raised an eyebrow. "You didn’t ask Jack?"Eloise stayed silent.Rachael sighed, her tone a mix of frustration and concern. "So, what now?"“I don’t know,” Eloise muttered. “I’m stuck.”“Eloise, you don’t have much time,” Rachael said, her voice suddenly sharper. "Alpha Williams is
Eloise stood frozen, her mind racing as Rachael’s words hit her like a slap in the face. She could feel her pulse throb in her temples, and her stomach churned with confusion. She couldn’t believe what she was hearing."I haven't changed," Eloise muttered, her voice low and tight, though she wasn’t sure if she was trying to convince Rachael, or herself.“Eloise, can’t you see?” Rachael’s voice softened. "Your face used to be so stiff. All I saw in it was emptiness, like it didn’t belong to a living person. But now… now, I see something different. I see a spark." Her words hung heavy in the air. "I think you’re starting to feel again."Eloise opened her mouth, but the words tangled in her throat. She had wanted to protest, to say something that would make Rachael stop looking at her like that. But Rachael wasn’t finished.“Is it Jack, Eloise?” Rachael’s eyes narrowed, her voice suddenly darkening with anger. “Is that who’s making you change? Because if it is… you should know better. He
Jack stood up, turned his head to look at the watchful woman and asked, "Aren't you going to accompany me?""No, Alpha. Jack, close the door when you leave," Eloise said."Isn't it a basic requirement of your job to escort people? Or, Ms. Anthony, do you think I'm no longer a guest to you since you're off duty and in your dorm now? Ms. Anthony, perhaps I should go to Club Scarlet Heart, the place where you work, to see you tomorrow. What do you think?" Jack said casually.Eloise thought. Seriously? Are you threatening me again? How despicable!Eloise gritted her teeth. Every time, Jack always managed to make her gnash her teeth in hatred.She said, "Alpha. Jack, you are right. I should not neglect my guests, just because I am off duty. Alpha. Jack, let me accompany you."As she spoke, she walked forward, looking at the man beside her even more vigilantly.Who knows what's wrong with him? He likes to kiss my wound so much, and he has the nerve to claim that it's healing.Thinking about
Pa!The sound of a loud slap echoed through the quiet hallway, its sharpness breaking the stillness of the night.Eloise stood there, her hand still trembling after delivering the blow. Jack’s face turned to the side from the force of the slap. After a long pause, he slowly raised his hand to touch his cheek, his fingers tracing the spot where the sting still lingered."That was a good slap," Jack remarked, his voice surprisingly calm, though his eyes sparkled with something darker, something that looked like both anger and intrigue. Eloise could feel her own heart racing with a mix of adrenaline and satisfaction. There was a strange, twisted pleasure in delivering the slap, something that made her feel empowered.She stared at him, her eyes burning with a quiet fury. "Alpha. Jack, you so enjoy rubbing salt on other people's wounds. Now you know. It hurts," she said, her voice low and steady.Turning on her heel, she walked away, her back straight and her steps firm, as if nothing had