"Rachael, I'm fine. I'm just a little tired. Can I take the day off?" Eloise said, her voice sounding unusually content.Rachael's tone softened, a hint of concern mixed with relief. "Sure. I’m glad you’re finally listening to your body. Take the day off, Eloise. You deserve it. Don’t worry about a thing here." With that, the line went quiet as Rachael hung up.Eloise stared at the phone for a moment, a slight smile tugging at her lips. She had made it through the morning without a major crisis, and now she had an entire day to herself. Her thoughts felt unusually clear as she stood up, stretching her stiff limbs. She wandered over to the small wooden table by the bedroom window, sat down, and opened the drawer, retrieving her well-worn notebook.It had become her one true companion over the years, the place where her thoughts roamed freely.I should write. I always feel better when I write.The last time she wrote anything was years ago. Her fingers flicked through the pages until sh
After Lucian finished speaking, he took a sharp turn on his motorcycle and pulled up in front of a towering wall of blooming roses. Eloise blinked, momentarily disoriented by the beauty of the scene. Without waiting for her to speak, Lucian nimbly dismounted from the motorcycle, his movements fluid and effortless.“We’re here,” he said, gesturing to the entrance with a subtle smirk. “This is the back door. Normally, I enter through the front.”Eloise hesitated. Something about the hidden entrance made her feel uneasy. A back door? What kind of place is this?Lucian raised an eyebrow, catching her reluctance. “Get off. Staying on the bike won’t change anything.”Eloise crossed her arms, defiantly refusing to move. “No,” she said with a stubborn little blink. Her grip tightened on the seat beneath her.Lucian smirked, clearly amused by her childish resistance. “Are you sure about that?”“I’m not hungry,” Eloise replied quickly, her mind racing for any excuse to avoid going inside.“But
Eloise practically ran home. She slammed the door to her dorm room behind her and leaned against it, trying to steady her breath. Her heart was hammering in her chest, a fierce ache in the pit of her stomach.Her face had been pale, like a ghost. Lucian had heard Serah's words, his expression unreadable, but the look in his eyes... That look still lingers. She'd thought she could ignore the pain. I’m stronger than this, she had told herself. But now, it all felt like a tidal wave crashing over her.Her thoughts spiraled. No. No, I can’t do this.There was a huge line between her and Lucian. In the eyes of the world, she was nothing more than a prostitute, a product to be bought and sold. Lucian was a successful CEO, a man with power and respect. In the eyes of the werewolves, she was a wolfless rouge, an outcast. Lucian was the powerful Alpha of the Blood Moon Pack.She tried to push the thoughts away, but the reality of it all dug deep into her heart, making her chest feel tight. He
"Alpha Astra," Eloise said, trying her hardest to keep a straight face, "I think you should stop watching romantic movies."Lucian, without missing a beat, glanced at her and raised an eyebrow. "You think so? Well, I don’t agree with you," he said casually, as if discussing the weather. "In fact, I think you should look at me like I’m the leading man in one of those movies. I mean, I am your client, right? You have to do what I say. All of it."Eloise narrowed her eyes at him, her arms crossed defensively. "Oh no, don’t even start," she said, shaking her head. "I’m not playing along with whatever game you’re trying to pull here."Lucian smirked, completely unfazed. "Eloise, do I need to remind you who I am? I'm your client. So if you don’t do what I say, I might just have to have a word with Flora."The name Flora was enough to make Eloise’s heart skip a beat. Not Flora. Anyone but Flora. "Fine. Fine, I’ll do it," she blurted, quickly adding, "But you have to promise you won’t bother
Since that amusement park trip, Lucian had become a constant presence in Eloise’s life. Every evening after her shift at Club Scarlet Heart, he'd be there, waiting for her, leaning casually against his sleek car. It was like clockwork, one day after another, and each time, he’d manage to convince her to spend time with him.Some nights he’d drag her to dinner at Ray’s restaurant, and others, they’d go for a walk. But if Eloise ever said no, Lucian wouldn’t take no for an answer. He’d just gently but firmly pull her along.Eloise, exhausted from trying to find a way to dodge him, found herself questioning, How long before he gets bored with me? When will he stop pestering me?But every time she asked herself that, Lucian was there again the next day, smiling and persistent. Maybe he’ll never stop, she thought as she left work today and spotted him again, standing by his car, as always.“Come on, what took you so long?” Lucian grinned, making his way over to her as she stepped out of th
Lucian hadn’t planned on spending the evening admiring the moonlight with Eloise. But there she was, her hair tousled by the wind, looking effortlessly beautiful, and before he could stop himself, he reached out to tuck a stray lock behind her ear.It had become a routine lately, these quiet moments with Eloise, he would wrap his arm around her shoulders, absently stroke her hair, and she’d no longer pull away. It was as though the distance between them had begun to disappear, piece by piece, without either of them noticing.“Good night, Eloise,” Lucian said, his voice softer than usual, almost reluctant to break the spell of the moment.Eloise gave him a small smile, her eyes reflecting something far more complicated than just a simple goodbye. “Good night,” she replied, but the word felt heavier than it should have.She turned and made her way toward the stairs, her silhouette vanishing into the shadows. Lucian watched her go, a pang of something he wasn’t ready to name stirring in
Ainsley’s lips quirked into a smile, but there was something darker about it, a sharpness that made Lucian’s instincts prick up.“Why are you so sure?” Ainsley drawled, his voice dripping with a mix of curiosity and mockery. “What if Eloise isn’t exactly the sweet little thing you think she is?”Lucian raised an eyebrow, unfazed. “Then I’ll still choose her. Pretty simple, really.”Ainsley’s eyes gleamed. “Oh, really? So, you’re telling me no matter what happens, no matter what comes to light, you’re going to keep chasing after her? Even if she’s... less than perfect?”Lucian leaned back in his seat, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. “Let’s put it this way: I’m in it for the long haul. You know, like a committed person who actually knows what they want.”Ainsley laughed, though it was far from amused. “Wow, Lucian. The great playboy, actually going soft on a woman? I didn’t see that coming. You sure you’re not just another fool in love?”Lucian tilted his head, sizing Ainsley
Eloise looked at Ainsley with a mixture of disbelief and cold amusement. "So, Alpha Williams, you want to sleep with me too?"Ainsley's expression faltered for a split second before his lips curled into a tight, mocking smile. "Oh, of course, Miss Anthony," he sneered, "Why not? After all, I can just add you to the list of ‘clients’ whom I pay for their services. Seems fair, right?"Eloise raised an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at her lips. "Money," she said, extending her hand towards him. "I’m just like any other business, Alpha. You want my time? You’ll have to pay for it."Ainsley blinked, taken aback. His gaze dropped on the hand she offered, and a strange wave of frustration washed over him. She was playing him, she was playing all of them. But, God, it stung more than he expected. His chest tightened, and for a moment, he just stood there, feeling like a fool.He shook his head, trying to laugh it off. "So now you’re a businesswoman? Miss Anthony, I’m impressed. You’ve really grown
Ainsley felt physically satisfied. At that moment, they both reached a climax at the same time.As they panted, experiencing the pleasure of their bodies, their hearts broke."Ainsley, I hate you," Eloise said hoarsely.Ainsley's fingers trembled, but he still managed to wipe the beads of sweat from her forehead.There was something inexplicable hidden behind his deep eyes, something that confused Eloise. However, the moment she looked into them, the familiar pain resurfaced from her numb heart, piercing her with sharp clarity.Three years ago, just a single glance from him could make her heart race. She had naively believed he was the mate chosen for her by the Moon Goddess, that their love was destined. She never imagined he would be the one to bring her such endless pain.Ainsley ran a hand over her forehead, wiping away the sweat."Don’t touch me," Eloise snapped, pushing his hand away. She glared at him coldly, even as he hovered over her. "Alpha Williams, I hate you. And I will
Ainsley stared in disbelief at Eloise, who at that moment was so lovely, yet so strange to him. His eyes were full of pity.Eloise gritted her teeth. She was a sensitive and delicate person, able to sense the emotions in Ainsley’s eyes. However, she couldn't believe that she was the reason for such changes.After all, it was Ainsley who had pushed her step by step into the miserable state she was in today. He was the main culprit in everything.“Alpha Williams.” She approached him again, her movements slow, deliberate, each step a silent promise of something forbidden. She wrapped her arms seductively around his neck. At this point, she was half-kneeling on the bed, her hands tangled behind his neck, her head slightly bowed, her lips barely inches from his skin.“You are my sugar daddy. I still owe you a lot of money, Alpha Williams, you are just lying down on my bed like this… isn’t that a sign that you want me?” she murmured, her voice dropping into a husky whisper.She tried to ign
At that moment, the sound of the hairdryer still buzzed in Eloise’s ears. It was a dull, mechanical hum, one that had accompanied her every night, just like the heavy weight in her chest.Like always, she sat on the edge of the bed, her damp hair clinging to her skin. She lowered her gaze, staring at the delicate fabric of her nightgown. The new nightgown… Ainsley bought for her.Behind her, he held the hairdryer, its warmth brushing against her scalp. The fabric in her lap was soft, expensive & exquisitely made.But why does he think I like pink?A bitter smile tugged at her lips.It’s funny how I don’t even have the right to choose what I wear, let alone the color I prefer.The warm air ghosted over her shoulders, but it did nothing to chase away the chill beneath her skin. The hum of the hairdryer filled the silence between them, stretching, suffocating.Her fingers clenched around the silky fabric.Then suddenly, a silent, lifeless smile appeared on her lips. Tears glistened in he
With a heavy heart, Alex walked silently over to the sleeping woman and stood by the bench, his resentful eyes fixed on Eloise’s face.After staring at her for a long time, he finally spoke. “Wake up.”Eloise stirred at the sound, pulled from the depths of her sleep.As soon as she opened her eyes, she saw Alex standing beside her. Instantly, her drowsiness vanished.She opened her mouth but hesitated. What could she even say to Aura’s brother?Apologize? But why should she? She was the one who had been deceived. Why should she bear the weight of someone else’s sins?Slowly, Eloise lowered her head and remained silent.Alex’s sharp gaze bore into her. He had waited three years for this moment, for whatever excuse she might give him.“Miss Anthony, don’t you have anything to tell me?”Eloise parted her lips, but no words came out.She could easily offer a meaningless “I’m sorry” to anyone, to ease their anger, to lessen her burden. But Alex… Alex was different. He was Aura’s brother. A
The car drove toward the Iron Gate, and the Alpha’s villa of the Litha Night Walker Pack stood as organized and pristine as Eloise remembered it.She couldn’t help but glance over her shoulder. Through the back window, she watched the black Iron Gate slowly close behind her.From today on, I'm just a caged bird.She closed her eyes, forcing back the tears that threatened to spill. When she opened them again, she was obedient Eloise once more.Ainsley caught every flicker of emotion on her face, and for a fleeting moment, guilt flashed through his eyes.I'm sorry, Eloise, but I just don't know how to keep you around. I want you to love me like you did three years ago.“Our mate is suffering. Why can’t you make her happy?” Adrian's voice thundered in Ainsley’s mind.Ainsley clenched his jaw. Because I love her. I'll never let her go.His grip on the steering wheel tightened, his knuckles whitening. He felt himself slipping; drowning in an obsession he could no longer control.“Alpha Ain
Their lips fused together. Eloise couldn't move her jaw at all, so she could only let saliva drip from the corner of her mouth.This wasn’t a kiss. It was punishment.Torture.Eloise shut her eyes, forcing herself not to shed a single tear. She had long since realized her pain meant nothing to the man in front of her. Or rather, the beast in front of her.Inside Ainsley, Adrian stirred.She’s trembling! She’s afraid of us.Ainsley could feel his wolf’s anguish twist through his mind like a blade. Adrian ached for Eloise in a way that Ainsley didn’t fully understand.Why does she always flinch away? Adrian’s voice was pained. Why does she fear me when all I want is to protect her?Ainsley’s grip on Eloise tightened. His lips pressed against hers, not just with punishment, but desperation, possession, obsession.Eloise, don’t do this. Don’t make us villains.Adrian’s pain merged with Ainsley’s fury. He had gone mad the moment he found out that she had gotten a new driver’s license. She
Ainsley yanked the car door open, slid into the driver’s seat, and sped off without a second glance.“Fuck” Hank cursed under his breath, jumping into another car to follow.But Ainsley was driving like a madman, his rage fueling his speed. Hank could barely keep up.Then, suddenly… screech!Ainsley slammed on the brakes in front of a building, tires screeching against the pavement.Hank watched as he stormed inside.“Miss Anthony, here is your new driver’s license.”“Thank you…”Before Eloise could finish speaking, a strong hand snatched the license away.She turned sharply, ready to protest… then froze.Ainsley Williams!Her lips turned deathly pale.“Why are you here?” she whispered, her voice barely audible.His icy gaze locked onto hers. “Are you trying to run away from me?”“No, I’m not,” she denied, but her voice wavered.“No?”Ainsley lifted the license between his fingers, his smirk razor-sharp. “Then tell me, Eloise… what’s this for?”Eloise’s stomach dropped.He wasn’t stup
Ellison smirked and thought, Ainsley, it turns out you can't say no to the Moon Goddess' arrangements either. If you had known this was going to happen, would you have been so cruel?Ellison was very shrewd. He had deduced from Elijah's behavior that Ainsley had changed his attitude toward Eloise.He muttered to himself, “I was wrong to think that Aura was Ainsley’s weak point. Behind her angelic face, she was actually an evil woman. No wonder Ainsley didn’t do anything about Aura’s terrible death." His eyes were shining with excitement, and he was eager for the next challenge.Ellison dialed a number immediately. With a sly grin on his face, he told Alex, “Got it, Ainsley has already accepted Eloise as his mate.”As soon as he finished speaking, he heard the sound of something falling to the ground through the phone.Alex, who was on the other end of the line, lost his grip on his phone, and it fell to the ground.After a while, he trembled, bent down to pick up his phone, and said,
Alex walked into his room and locked the door behind him. His hands were clenched into fists, and his mind raced with unease. Elijah searching the warehouse and taking Aura’s address book wasn’t just unusual, it was suspicious. Something was happening behind the scenes, and he had no intention of sitting back and waiting to find out secondhand.After a moment’s hesitation, Alex pulled out his phone and scrolled through his contacts. His thumb hovered over a name he hadn’t called in years. With a deep breath, he pressed dial.The line rang twice before a voice dripping with sarcasm answered. “Well, well, Beta Alex. It’s been a long time since we last spoke.”Alex’s frown deepened, but he ignored the other man’s mocking tone. He didn’t have time for games. “Elijah just searched the warehouse and took Aura’s address book. That was strange. Do me a favor and find out what he’s up to.”A low chuckle echoed through the phone. “Beta Alex, you know better than anyone who Elijah works for. He’