The oppressive weight of the man’s Alpha aura pressed down on Eloise like a physical force. It made her chest tighten, her heart beat a little faster, and she couldn’t shake the uneasy feeling crawling up her spine. It wasn’t just the man’s presence, but the sheer power that radiated from him, unmistakable and all-encompassing. He was a werewolf! An Alpha, and his energy felt like a storm about to break.
Eloise did her best to avoid making eye contact, but she failed. Her gaze flickered toward him, drawn in despite her best intentions. She quickly regretted it. His eyes, golden and fierce, glimmered with amusement as he caught her glance.His lips curled into a smug smile, and without any shame, he kissed the woman in his arms even more passionately, as if he was daring her to watch.
The woman tall, poised, and glamorous was a familiar face. Eloise had seen her around Scarlet Heart. Amelia Javis, though that likely wasn’t her real name, was one of the escort girls. There was a certain coldness to Amelia’s beauty, a distance that Eloise couldn’t quite put her finger on. But it was easy to see why men like this Alpha were so drawn to her. Eloise quickly looked away, her face burning, heart racing. She took a small step backward, willing herself to focus on the elevator doors, which had already begun to close. But then the man’s voice sliced through the tension. "Stop." Eloise froze. She had no intention of disturbing the Alpha and his companion, but there was no ignoring him now. She exhaled softly, trying to keep her composure. “I.....” She swallowed hard, and in a voice that was almost a whisper, she said, “I’m sorry, sir. I didn’t mean to interrupt. I’m just a cleaner here. I was on my way to the private room. I...” Her voice faltered, and she quickly finished, “I hope I didn’t cause any trouble.” Her words sounded rough and hoarse in her own ears, and she cursed herself internally. She was never good at speaking to people in positions of power. It wasn’t just the man’s rank that intimidated her. It was the weight of his presence the aura of danger he exuded. The Alpha didn’t respond immediately, and Eloise’s heart sank. She lowered her gaze and prepared for the reprimand that would surely come. But when the man spoke, his voice was smooth, laced with curiosity. “A cleaner?” he asked, his tone almost amused. “ And so young, too?” Eloise nodded without looking up. There was nothing more to say. She was worried that he could detect her wolf her true nature. She’d worked at Scarlet Heart for long enough that no one had ever suspected her. Not Racheal, not anyone else. Her life as a lowly cleaner was her shield, the mask she wore to keep herself hidden. The man seemed to study her for a moment longer, and Eloise could feel his eyes on her, sharp and unrelenting. She was sure he saw something about her, something she had hoped to keep buried but whatever it was, he didn’t mention it. Instead, he gestured toward the elevator’s control panel. “Which floor are you headed to?” The question was simple enough, but Eloise hesitated. She hadn’t expected this. Part of her wanted to refuse, to stay out of his path, but she had already been caught in his gaze. She had no choice now. “I… I’m going to the fifth floor,” she said quietly. Her voice was steady, despite the rush of nerves in her chest. “Go ahead,” he said, stepping back to give her space. “I’ll ride with you.” Confusion flickered in Eloise’s mind, but she nodded, stepping into the elevator and pressing the button. The doors slid shut with a soft “chime” as they began their ascent. The woman in his arms, Amelia, turned to look at Eloise just before the elevator doors closed. The recognition in Amelia’s eyes was brief but unmistakable. Amelia’s beauty was not something Eloise could compete with. She was tall, graceful, and effortlessly seductive in a way Eloise could never hope to be. It was clear that Amelia didn’t view Eloise as a threat, she had no reason to. There was no rivalry between them, just a quiet acknowledgment that they both lived in different worlds. But just before the elevator doors were about to close, Lucian, pressed the button to open them again. Amelia glanced at him, her lips curling in a playful pout. “Mr.Astra, don’t leave so soon,” she said, her voice light, teasing. “I had such a good time with you. Why don’t we go together?” But Lucian didn’t seem interested in indulging her. He smiled, but it was cool, dismissive. “You go ahead. I have business to attend to. You can shop. Spend as much as you like,” he said, pulling a black bank card from his pocket. “Just sign my name on the receipts.” Amelia’s face lit up with surprise and delight. “Thank you, Mr.Astra,” she said, her voice sincere as she took the card. Without another word, she stepped out of the elevator, her heels clicking sharply on the polished floor as the doors slid shut behind her. For a moment, Eloise and Lucian stood in silence. Eloise tried not to look at him, tried to keep her gaze fixed on the floor, but she could feel his eyes on her. It was almost as if he was studying her, trying to figure out something she couldn’t understand. Lucian smirked as he crossed his arms over his chest. “What’s this?” he asked, a teasing glint in his golden eyes. “Don’t tell me you’re not after the money too.” Eloise stiffened at the suggestion, but she shook her head quickly. “No, Mr.Astra. I… I’m not.” She lowered her voice, hoping it would hide the tremble in it. “I have no interest in anything you can offer.” His smile widened, though it was hard to tell if it was in amusement or something else. He took a step closer, his presence making her feel even smaller. His muscular frame towered over her, and for a moment, Eloise thought he might touch her again. The heat of his Alpha aura was like a blanket, suffocating and relentless. “You don’t have to act so modest,” he said, his voice low, almost a purr. “Everyone at Scarlet Heart wants something. Why not join the others? If you act like Amelia, you can have everything I can give you.” Eloise’s frowned, her breath caught in her throat. She knew what he meant, but she didn’t know how to respond. His proximity was making her heart race. There was something in his eyes something dangerous and magnetic that made her feel both drawn to him and terrified at the same time. She took a step back. “Please, let me go.” The words were out before she could stop them, and she hated herself for showing fear. But it was impossible to remain calm when he was so close, when she could feel the heat of his body, the raw power that hummed just beneath his skin. Lucian didn’t immediately release her, and instead, he leaned in closer. Eloise’s breath hitched as his lips brushed against her ear, his voice a warm whisper. “You don’t scream like the others. Why?” She could feel her face flushing, and for the first time in a long time, she felt vulnerable and exposed. “I… I don’t scream.” He pulled back slightly, studying her face with a mixture of intrigue and amusement. "I see." He seemed genuinely puzzled. "You’re different, aren’t you?" For a moment, Eloise didn’t know what to say. She could feel the intensity of his gaze on her, as if he were trying to peel away the layers of her facade, to see her for what she really was. Suddenly, his hand slid down to her waist, his fingers brushing lightly against the fabric of her clothes. His touch was casual at first, but then it lingered, and Eloise felt a jolt of discomfort. His fingers slipped under her shirt, touching the skin of her waist. She gasped and quickly pushed him away, her heart racing in panic. “What are you d....?” she started, but he stopped her with a sharp look. His expression shifted from amusement to something more confused, almost stunned. “Your waist,” he said softly, his voice edged with disbelief. “What is this? It feels... different.” Eloise froze, the tension in the air thickening. She wanted to push him away, to flee the situation entirely, but something kept her rooted in place. She had never expected a man like him to notice, or care. “You’re…” Lucian hesitated, his gaze still locked on her waist. “What are you hiding under all these clothes?” Eloise could feel his eyes on her body, and it made her want to shrink into herself. The secret she had kept hidden for so long, the one she hadn’t even fully acknowledged herself was now exposed. And for the first time, she felt afraid. She took a deep breath, steadying herself. “It’s nothing,” she said quietly, looking away. The elevator chimed again, and the doors slid open. Lucian stood there for a moment, as if reluctant to leave, before he pushed through and stepped out. Eloise watched him go, her heart still pounding in her chest. The man had seen something in her, something she hadn’t even fully understood. She didn’t know what to make of it. She didn’t know what he wanted. But one thing was certain: her quiet life at Scarlet Heart had just been shaken, and there was no going back.Eloise stepped into the dimly lit room, her heartbeat quickening the moment the door clicked shut behind her.The air felt thick, almost suffocating, and the hairs on the back of her neck prickled with unease. She hesitated for just a moment, taking in the scene before her. A handful of guests lounged casually on the sofas, their eyes glazed with boredom, while several escort girls flitted about, their fake smiles barely hiding the tension in the air. But it wasn’t the guests that held her attention, it was Mavis. Mavis stood in the centre of the room, her body stiff, her face twisted in quiet desperation. As soon as their eyes met, the younger girl’s lips parted, and she took a shaky step forward. “Eloise, help me!” she cried out, her voice breaking through the thick silence of the room. Eloise’s heart lurched at the sound of Mavis’s plea. The moment Mavis spoke, the entire room seemed to shift. The guests she had learned to fear in silence turned their eyes toward Eloise,
Eloise’s breath hitched in her throat as she raised her head, her eyes locking onto the man sitting across from her. His words hung in the air like a thick fog, suffocating her.“How could I ask her to kiss another man?” Ainsley’s voice was low, controlled, yet there was a cruel edge to it that made Eloise’s heart beat painfully in her chest. She stared at him, her mind racing to process what he had just said. She could hardly believe it, but it was real.Ainsley, her fated mate. The man she had loved once with all her heart. The one who had rejected her all those years ago.And now, after all this time, here they were again, locked in a dance of power and pain. Only this time, it wasn’t love that hung between them. No. It was anger and betrayal. A debt that had never been repaid, a wound that had never healed.How could he ask me to do this?Eloise’s stomach churned as she tried to steady herself. The room felt like it was closing in around her, and the wine glass in front of her the
Lucian stood at the entrance of the hotel room, his eyes moving between Ainsley and the woman standing behind him.Both led powerful packs in Metrocity, and as rivals? Yes, but there was an unspoken bond between them as well. They were enemies, and yet, at times, they were also reluctant allies.His gaze shifted to Eloise, standing stiffly behind Ainsley. To his surprise, her ears were bright red, a clear sign of embarrassment.So, it’s her first kiss, Lucian thought with a sly grin. Interesting.“Hey,” Lucian teased, breaking the silence, “was that your first kiss?”Eloise’s face flushed a deeper shade of crimson. She didn’t answer, but her downcast eyes and the way she nervously shifted her feet were enough to confirm his guess.Lucian couldn’t help but smile, feeling a small, satisfied thrill. There was something amusing about catching her in such an awkward moment, but before he could continue his teasing, he turned his attention back to Ainsley.Ainsley’s cold gaze lingered on Luc
For a moment, Eloise thought she was already dead. The world around her was a blur, the air thick with the scent of earth and blood.Her body felt weightless, like it wasn’t her own. And then, the grief hit her a sharp, suffocating wave that made her chest tighten, her throat close. She couldn’t even pinpoint why she felt this way, but it was overwhelming.Maybe it was the loss of her wolf. Maybe it was the years of running, always running. Maybe it was the realization that there was no place in the world for someone like her.She tried to shake it off, but the heaviness lingered.Slowly, Eloise opened her eyes. The ground beneath her felt cool and soft grass.It took a few moments to register where she was. The sharp pain shooting through her body quickly brought her back to reality. Her ankle throbbed, and the blood soaking into her shirt made her stomach turn.You’re alive girl. That’s what matters.She took a deep breath, trying to clear her mind. Her wolf was gone. But somehow, it
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 gaze
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 of
Everything Ainsley did seemed to push Eloise closer to her breaking point. He hasn'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 mate, 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 bitte
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, mont
Regret clawed at his chest. He couldn't even blame Eloise's flawless act, it was his own fault for being blind. He should have known better.He hadn’t forgotten the way she had looked at him that night. She was full of hatred, her blade was against his throat.He had thought that if they had a child together, it would be enough to make her stay.But Eloise had never given up on escaping.Ainsley’s eyes snapped open, burning with desperate determination. He roared, “Go after her!”If he had to chase her to the ends of the earth, he would. If she was destined to leave, then he would rather die at her hands than let her slip away.Eloise was just as determined as him. This was her only chance, and she wouldn’t trade it for anything.She paid the driver extra to speed up, arriving at the airport within an hour and a half. While still in the taxi, she bought a ticket to Las Vegas.With Ainsley’s skill, he'll track this taxi soon. He’ll know where I went. She thought and she was damm right.
Ellison and Ainsley lay on the ground, panting, their bodies covered in wounds. The fight had left them exhausted, but neither had backed down.When Elijah arrived with a group of warriors, he found the two still locked in their brutal struggle.Ellison's subordinates stood back, no movement, their eyes locked on the scene. Elijah understood immediately, this was a one-on-one battle. Interfering would be an insult to Ainsley as an Alpha.The tension in the air was suffocating. Both sides stood their ground, their muscles coiled, ready for action, yet no one moved. This was Ellison and Ainsley’s fight.Then suddenly, the sharp ring of a phone cut through the silence. Ellison, breathing heavily, reached into his pocket, pressed the answer button, and listened. A slow, satisfied smirk curled across his lips.He struggled to his feet, his steps unsteady. Standing over Ainsley, who was still on the ground, he sneered, “I had fun, but I’m done with you today. Goodbye.”Ainsley narrowed his
Suddenly, Rachael realized something. She slowly stretched out her arms and hugged Eloise. Then, reluctantly, she asked, "Have you made up your mind yet?""Yes… And I’m sorry," Eloise said guiltily."You don’t have to apologize. You’ve already figured out what really happened back then, and there’s no more misunderstanding between you and Alpha Ainsley. "But why do you still want to leave?" Rachael was puzzled.Eloise shook her head and smiled bitterly. "The grudge between him and me will forever be there. Since he rejected me and mercilessly sent me to the werewolf prison, we can no longer reconcile.""But the misunderstanding has been resolved!" Rachael emphasized again."Sometimes, we women are foolish. I want to deceive myself too, but I can't. Every day and night, the wounds on my body continue to hurt constantly. They reminded me of what happened in the past. "I can't deceive myself into thinking it's all over." Eloise's tone was sad but firm.Besides… he doesn’t trust me. Just
Although they were prepared, Eloise and Rachael were scared and closed their eyes unconsciously.Time seemed to stand still. Eloise felt no pain. She felt something warm dripping on her face, and she opened her eyes in confusion.The next second, her eyes widened in horror.“The dagger is made of silver. "Don’t you feel pain?” Eloise stared at the hand blocking Alex’s dagger. Ainsley’s blood dripped down her face.Ainsley's face was ashen. He pursed his lips tightly and stared at Eloise for a long moment. Only when he confirmed that she was safe did he feel his heart start beating again.Ainsley held back Adrian, who was about to go crazy.She turned around and glared at Alex, whose face was pale. Before she could say anything, Alex had fallen to the ground.Alex's lips were bloodless. He said quietly, "I want to avenge Aura! Aura died because of you. Why is Eloise still alive?"Alex's voice grew louder as he stared at Eloise, who was lying on the ground with hatred in her eyes.Racha
Eloise had grown up with her grandfather, while Harry preferred to stay with his parents.Once, her grandfather gave her a ruby. She was delighted, she loved shiny things. Holding the gem up to the sunlight, she admired the way it glowed. But before she could fully enjoy it, Harry tried to snatch it away. Reflexively, she pushed him back. She hadn’t used much force, yet he still fell to the ground.A maid witnessed the scene and immediately scolded her.“You spoiled little girl with no parents! How could you push Harry like that?”Eloise was stunned. The words stung, but more than that, she didn’t understand.She looked up at the maid and asked, “I have a father and a mother. Why would you say that?”The maid seemed just as startled by her own words. She pursed her lips before hurriedly responding, “You’ve always been with your grandfather. You’re not close to Alpha Gary and Luna Pamela. I was just worried when I saw Harry fall and said something foolish. Eloise, don’t tell your grand
Eloise thought nothing could shock her anymore. But she was wrong. Today, Alex stood before her, his eyes dark with cruelty, and said without a trace of remorse.“I killed my sister and then framed you.”The words hit her like a blade to the chest.Three years of suffering. Three years of being accused, imprisoned, hated. She had endured it all, but now, now she needed to know why.Alex wouldn’t have done this just to frame her. That made no sense.“Why?” she repeated, searching his face.Alex smirked, a wicked, soulless grin. “Ask the Moon Goddess after you die.”Eloise’s stomach twisted. That look in his eyes, he was going to kill her.“Wait!” she shouted, her voice rough, edged with desperation. “Alex, whatever you want to do, wait a moment." I’ll tell you Aura’s secret. In exchange, tell me why you killed her.”Her mind was racing. She knew she wouldn't leave this place alive. But she refuses to die without knowing the truth.Alex paused. His expression flickered with interest.He
While Ainsley confronted Gary, Eloise was jolted awake by a sudden, biting splash of cold water. The shock sent shivers down her spine, her body convulsing against the freezing sensation.A dim, flickering lamp swung overhead, its weak light casting distorted shadows on the cracked concrete walls. The air smelled of damp wood, rust, and rotten.Eloise's vision blurred as she blinked away, the water stinging her eyes. She instinctively tried to lift her hand to shield herself from the harsh light, but the sharp pull of ropes biting into her wrists stopped her. Her hands were bound tightly behind her back, her ankles secured to the legs of a wooden chair.A slow, mocking voice cut through the silence.“You’ve finally woken up.”Eloise turned her head and met a pair of furious eyes. Then, she laughed.It wasn’t a soft chuckle or an amused giggle. It was hollow. Cold. Almost cruel.Alex’s expression darkened instantly. “How the fuck are you still laughing?!” he snapped, his voice filled w
Ainsley's eyes grew colder. "I don't have time to waste with you. Listen! Eloise is my mate. As long as I'm Alpha, she's the only Luna in the Litha Night Walker Pack! If I ever hear you not call her Luna again, I'll have you thrown out of this house, no matter what my grandfather says!"Without another word, he took a step forward, his aura suffocating.“Tell me, where is Eloise now?” Ainsley demanded, his voice laced with fury.Since the day Rachael joined the Litha Night Walker Pack, she had never lost her mind link with him. Yet now, nothing but silence.And Eloise. Eloise hadn't called to tell him she was going to the Golden Moon Pack today. She went behind his back. Not only that, but she and Rachael had both gone completely off the grid.If Old Williams hadn't suddenly collapsed and been rushed to the emergency room… If Ainsley hadn’t caught on to his grandfather’s fake illness… He might never have put two and two together.Now, it was too much of a coincidence to ignore.Eloise
Pamela trembled, her fingers tightening around Gary’s wrist, the veins on the back of her pale hand visibly strained. Her eyes held a flicker of reluctance. In a trembling voice, she whispered, "Gary, are we really going to do this? Eloise is our daughter!""Do you think I want to do this?" Gary raked his fingers through his hair in frustration, his voice rising in an impatient roar. "What else can I do, Pamela? Eloise is my daughter too! But if I had any other choice, do you think I’d be this ruthless?""But..." Pamela's hesitation lingered."Pamela, remember, everything we do is for the Golden Moon Pack!" Gary's voice turned cold, his jaw tightening."People might see us as strong, but you know our real situation. Do you want to watch our pack decline? I refuse to let Richard inherit a ruined Golden Moon Pack! And Eloise… what kind of life does she even have? She doesn’t have a wolf. What future is there for her? In a way, we’re helping her end her suffering."Meanwhile, Ethan led R