“I deserve this punishment,” Eloise said calmly.Her voice, low and unwavering, cut through the heavy silence that filled the room. It was not the voice of a woman pleading for mercy, but one who had surrendered herself entirely to her fate.Eric didn’t doubt her words. He had known Eloise since they were children, and even now, there was a bitter truth in her resignation that stung him deeper than he could have imagined. She had always been strong, confident, and unyielding, but now, she was nothing but a shadow of her former self.The night air was still, and the Litha Night Walker Pack’s lands stretched dark and endless around them. The Golden Moon Pack, a force to be reckoned with, bordered their territory. Eloise, as the daughter of the Alpha, had once been a woman with every reason to stand tall and proud. She had been a symbol of power, of grace.Eric remembered her from when they were younger, a fierce, untamed beauty. She had completed her transformation at fifteen, the wolf
Ainsley stood in front of the couch, his gaze fixed on nothing in particular, yet his mind was consumed by thoughts of Eloise. Why does she always make me feel this way? His heart twisted with frustration. The very idea of her, trembling, submissive, and fearful, made his blood boil.Suddenly, the soft, almost imperceptible sound of footsteps reached his ears. Ainsley’s senses sharpened, instinctively recognizing her presence. His sharp wolf senses could pick up her scent; hear the quiet shift of her movements, even the slight hesitation in her steps.Eloise.He turned to face her, his heart thudding in his chest as he saw the hesitant look in her eyes. His anger flared, and he couldn't hide it. Why is she always so uncertain? He thought bitterly. Why does she never stand tall?"Stop right there. Where are you going?" Ainsley’s voice was harsh, filled with a command that left no room for disobedience.Eloise stood frozen, her eyes wide with caution. "I’m going to work, Alpha Williams,
Rachael immediately sensed something in Elijah's words. After all, she had managed to secure a place in the Scarlet Heart Club for years, navigating the club’s inner workings with precision and caution. She could read people well, and Elijah’s tone was off, there was a tension in the air, a sense of urgency she couldn't ignore.Her delicate eyebrows furrowed as she asked, “Wait. A dangerous job, you say?”What does he mean by a dangerous job? Rachael thought, feeling her gut tighten with unease. What’s going on that I don’t know?Rachael, always one to stay composed, couldn’t help but wonder. Eloise must have lost her mind. She hasn’t fully recovered yet, and she’s already back here, asking me for a job. How reckless is she?She steadied her voice and said seriously, “I’m not that ruthless, okay? She came back before she recovered, but I never gave her any work to do. Well, the only exception was that unknown guest a few days ago. But he didn’t give her a hard time.” Rachael’s eyes na
Rachael walked briskly, her footsteps echoing as she moved quickly through the hallways of the Scarlet Heart Club. Her heels clicked against the marble tiles, a sound that resonated with authority and purpose. Her face was set in an expression of anger, her jaw clenched tightly as she navigated the club with determination. Each step was filled with purpose as her body language radiated a sense of urgency.Flora, you’ve really done it this time, Rachael thought to herself, her mind already racing ahead to the confrontation she was about to have. What were you thinking, sending Eloise to Oliver’s room?As she neared the Public Relations Department, Rachael's fury only grew. The staff, who were working quietly at their desks, immediately sensed her presence and grew still, their nervous glances following her every move. They had seen Rachael in many moods, but this one was different. The fear was palpable in the air, and the staff instinctively stepped aside as Rachael walked past them,
Flora felt her heart race as she paced through the halls of the Scarlet Heart Club, panic clinging to her every step. The tense silence that had followed Rachael’s commanding voice only deepened her dread. Rachael had been furious, and now, as Flora rushed to find Eloise, she could already sense that something terrible was about to unfold.She had no time to consider the murmurs of her colleagues. The escort girls in the Public Relations Department lounge were whispering behind her back, but Flora didn’t care to listen.“What did Eloise do this time?” one of them whispered, their eyes flicking nervously between Flora and Rachael.“I don’t know, but whatever it is, it’s bad,” another voice whispered back.Flora felt her pulse quicken, she pushed open the door to the public hall with a sharp motion, her shoes clicking sharply on the marble floor. She could feel the eyes of her colleagues on her, but they were of no concern. The only thing that mattered now was finding Eloise.When she s
Elijah's brow furrowed as he absorbed Rachael's words. His heart pounded in his chest, not from surprise, but from frustration. He didn’t agree with her, not one bit. Rachael had only recently joined the Litha Night Walker Pack, while Elijah had been steadfastly by Ainsley’s side for years, serving as his protector and confidant. There was a bond between them that ran deep, one Rachael could never understand.In Elijah’s mind, Alex’s sister, Aura, was the love of Ainsley’s life.“There are things you don’t know,” Elijah snapped, his voice edged with irritation. “Don’t speak of what you don’t understand.”Rachael’s lips curved into a subtle, knowing smile. She found Elijah’s conviction almost laughable. He thinks he knows it all. That he has everything figured out. How wrong is he?“Call her,” Elijah commanded abruptly, his finger pointing at the photo of Mavis on the desk, his voice stern.Rachael’s expression hardened as she stared at the photo, her distaste for Mavis seeping through
The air between them crackled with tension as Rachael’s voice shattered the silence. "Mavis, I told you the last time I spoke to you to be nice. Obviously, you didn’t take my words seriously at all. You brought this on yourself," she said, her eyes glinting with contempt as she locked eyes with Mavis. The hatred in her gaze was unmistakable, sharp enough to wound.Mavis trembled under the weight of Rachael’s gaze. The bravado she once wore like armor was gone, replaced by raw vulnerability. But before she could defend herself, Rachael turned to Eloise. "Eloise, you don’t need to help her. She deserved this," she added, her tone dripping with disdain.Mavis’s sobs filled the air, a gut-wrenching sound that seemed to shake the very walls. She wasn’t the proud, arrogant woman anymore. She crumpled, a shadow of her former self, and grabbed onto Eloise’s clothes, her grip tight, desperate. "Eloise, please! Help me. This is the first time I’ve asked you for something."Eloise stood motionle
Ainsley’s eyes narrowed, and in his mind, a sharp thought cut through the tense silence: Do as I say? Is this truly you, Eloise Anthony? I don’t think so.He didn’t say it out loud, but his gaze alone was enough to pierce through her, a forceful reminder that Ainsley Williams never let anything go unnoticed. His arm rested on the armrest of the couch, his fingers gently caressing his chin as he watched her. The dim light cast shadows over his face, hiding the emotions he was battling to suppress.Eloise sat across from him, her heart pounding in her chest. The silence stretched between them, thick and suffocating. Time seemed to crawl, and with every second, she felt more exposed under his unyielding gaze. She glanced up at him, only to meet the coldness in his eyes, and each time, her heart trembled. Why am I here? Is this really worth it? Her thoughts raced, but she couldn't find the strength to look away.Minutes passed, and the unease began to gnaw at her. Ainsley never blinked, n
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’
Ainsley’s eyes were filled with pride. Seeing Eloise like this made his heart beat faster. It was as if he was seeing the Eloise from three years ago, the strong & confident woman who never backed down. He had never realized how much he missed that version of her until now.Nightfall Rachael’s Office at Club Scarlet Heart.Rachael had just finished giving a report to Ainsley when a knock on the door interrupted them.Ainsley barely looked up as he said, “Come in.”The door swung open, and Elijah stepped inside, his posture straight, his expression unreadable. "Alpha Ainsley, you want to see me?"Ainsley leaned back in his chair and studied Elijah for a moment before speaking. "I want you to find out if there’s anything we missed about what happened three years ago."Elijah’s brows furrowed in confusion. "You mean about Aura?" His voice wavered slightly as if he wasn’t sure he had heard correctly. "Alpha, I thought that matter was resolved already. Why reopen old wounds?"Ainsley’s ga
Eloise spoke very slowly. Then, she turned firmly and walked toward Ainsley.She looked at Ainsley standing in front of her. From the moment she knew he was her mate, they were destined to be entangled for life.No one else could interfere in what was going on between her and Ainsley."Alpha Williams, let’s go to the Moonlight Group," Eloise lowered her head and whispered.She felt a hand on her shoulder, and the next second, the world turned upside down. By the time she could see her surroundings again, she found herself being carried by Ainsley. Bowing her head, she didn’t resist and let him pull her out without a fight.Lucian stood there stiffly. After Ainsley and Eloise disappeared, he suddenly staggered and leaned against the wall behind him.He couldn't stop thinking about Eloise’s words. What did she mean? Why didn’t she fight back after I insulted her? Why doesn’t she hate me?“She said I was her light! How ridiculous!” Lucian said to himself, his voice choking. Tears spilled
"Lucian, you said I lied to you. "That I hid my past from you," Eloise’s voice wavered, rough from unshed tears. "I’ll say it one last time; I never meant to hurt Aura. I never asked anyone to ra*e her. Her death was self-inflicted, it wasn’t my fault."Her throat burned, her chest tightened, but she held his gaze, she had to.Lucian stood like a statue, the dim lighting of the café casting jagged shadows over his sharp features. His expression was unreadable, but the storm in his eyes told her everything: rage, disbelief, betrayal.Eloise swallowed back the lump in her throat. "Believe it or not, that’s the truth. And now…" her voice steadied, cold and final, "I don’t owe you anything."She didn’t wait for a reaction. She shoved him, her hands trembling against his solid chest.Lucian barely staggered, but it wasn’t the force of her push that knocked the air out of him, it was her words.No. She rejected me.The thought struck like lightning, searing through his veins. She’s okay wit