Eloise became quieter as Mavis’s words continued to echo in her mind. She didn’t dwell on the apology; she just wanted to be respected, something she had almost forgotten how to expect from others.Ainsley, the powerful Alpha, had destroyed everything. He destroyed Eloise.Pain and regret twisted inside her as she recalled the past. She had once believed she could rise, that she could demand respect. But those hopes had been shattered long ago. She had learned that it was foolish to expect too much from anyone, foolish to expect respect when she was treated as little more than a stepping stone.The harsh words from Mavis stung deeply. Eloise could feel the weight of the cruel accusation: "You crawled on the ground and barked like a dog for money."She clenched her fists, trying to suppress the burning ache in her chest. Mavis’s words reverberated in her mind as she lay still in the sterile hospital room.Mavis had followed her tirade with a cruel smirk. "If you want to tell others tha
With Eloise's words, Mavis became even more frightened. The tension in her chest tightened as her anxiety grew. Mavis was afraid of Rachel, Eloise's association with her, her connection to that powerful figure was something Mavis had no interest in challenging. Yet, as Eloise walked away, her resolve hardened, and Mavis's hatred simmered beneath the surface.Little by little, Eloise began to change. What had once been a humiliated, submissive woman, now displayed a quiet strength. With each step, Eloise moved further from the fragility that had once defined her. Mavis, too consumed by her own bitterness, failed to notice. She remained blind to the subtle shift in Eloise's demeanor, to the newfound poise that radiated from her.Unaware of the transformation, Mavis failed to see the man who stood in the hallway, leaning lazily against the door frame. His eyes briefly met Eloise's, and for a fleeting moment, their gazes locked before she disappeared into the elevator. The man, who had be
In the Public Relations Department lounge, the escort girls were deep in conversation, their voices rising as they discussed the latest happenings. Whispers echoed through the room, as their eyes occasionally flicked toward Eloise, who sat quietly in the corner.Despite Amelia and Gold's lessons on how to behave, no one took Eloise seriously. It wasn’t just the new girls; even the more experienced workers gave her dismissive glances. There was something about her that didn't fit the glamorous image they all tried so hard to project. Her past as a cleaner in the club's toilets still lingered in the minds of many, making her presence here, in this department, feel out of place.They couldn’t understand how someone like Eloise had suddenly risen to be one of them, and the awkwardness hung in the air like an unspoken truth.Eloise followed Flora as she walked down the corridor towards the VIP lounge on the fifth floor. Flora’s face was unreadable, but Eloise could sense her impatience. Sh
As Eloise stood there, staring at the cheque in her hand, her face gradually grew paler. The weight of the situation began to sink in. She had been through countless humiliations before clients who treated her like a disposable object, who took from her what they wanted without regard for her feelings. Yet, she had always kept a part of herself intact. This time, though, something felt different. The sum on the cheque was more than she'd ever been given for so little.Why me? She thought bitterly. What did I do to deserve this money?She had understood when Micheal had given her $100,000 before, it had been because he thought she resembled the woman he loved. A twisted sympathy, maybe. But today, she hadn’t done anything to deserve this amount. She hadn't even gone through the usual humiliation, yet here she was holding the cheque.Jack was standing in front of her, a little taller than she was, watching her with eyes that seemed to dissect her every move. His gaze was unwavering, stu
Rachel blinked, stunned by the simplicity of the answer. “A kiss?” she repeated, her voice rising in disbelief. “That’s it? Just a kiss?” But before Eloise could respond, Rachel fell silent, her thoughts running a mile a minute.Rachel's voice trembled slightly as she asked the question that had been weighing on her mind. "Eloise, are you sure it was just a kiss?" Her eyes searched Eloise’s face for any sign that she was lying, but all she saw was sincerity, though tinged with a vulnerability that only made Rachel's worries deepen.Eloise’s heart warmed at the concern in Rachel's voice. She could see the worry etched across her friend’s face. She didn’t want to make Rachel anxious, so she answered as calmly as she could, "Yes, Rachel. He only asked for a kiss."It couldn’t have been that simple.Rachel knew the world they lived in. the world of men who had money, power, and twisted desires. She had seen enough to know that when a man of that stature made an offer, there were always st
Rachel couldn’t quite grasp why Ainsley seemed so obsessed with Eloise. But there was one thing she did know: Ainsley despised Eloise. He hated her with a passion that Rachel couldn’t entirely understand. The way he treated Eloise was harsh, even cruel. Ainsley’s disdain was clear in every action, every look.After a few seconds of deliberation, Rachel decided to downplay the situation, speaking with a calm tone. “Nothing out of the ordinary,” she said, her voice light, as though brushing it off. “The guest simply asked Eloise for a kiss.”She didn’t think Ainsley would care. After all, in the world of Club Scarlet Heart, such requests weren’t unusual. Guests often asked for kisses from the escorts, and sometimes even left generous tips in exchange. The women at the club didn’t mind. It was just part of the job, something that kept the customers satisfied and the money flowing. But Rachel didn’t anticipate what would happen next.The moment Rachel finished speaking, Ainsley, who was i
Eloise stood there, her eyes fixed on Mavis. There was a calm, unwavering intensity in her gaze, but Mavis didn’t acknowledge it. She was too focused on her own thoughts, the weight of her words. Eloise could feel the tension in the air between them. Mavis wasn’t talking to her.Eloise wasn’t one to be easily deceived, and she could sense there was something off about the situation. Her mind raced as she tried to make sense of Mavis’s actions. She wasn’t used to being lied to so blatantly, and there was an unsettling feeling that gnawed at her from within.Mavis continued to speak, her voice still controlled. “I left my things in the bedroom that day,” Mavis said, her eyes not meeting Eloise’s. “So, I went back to retrieve them. That’s when I found you lying unconscious on the floor. I didn’t think twice; I took you straight to the hospital. I can’t even imagine what would’ve happened if I hadn’t returned when I did.”Eloise’s frown deepened as she processed Mavis’s words. Something d
Charles Oliver, the Alpha of the Blue Moon Pack, stood still, his brow furrowed in confusion. He stared at the door Lucian had pointed to, the door to Room 3. There was nothing extraordinary about it. It was just a simple wooden door, no different from the others at Scarlet Heart Club.Lucian’s voice broke through his thoughts. “A beautiful woman will walk through this door shortly. She’s someone special, a sweetheart. Alpha Oliver, I’m just being a friend here, giving you a little advice.”Lucian smiled knowingly, and the look in his eyes was one that made every man in the room feel like they were part of a secret, unspoken bond. He tapped Charles on the arm, the gesture filled with more meaning than words could express. “You know what I’m saying, don’t you, Alpha. Oliver?”Charles, despite his initial confusion, understood all too well. He wasn’t some naive fool. He was the Alpha, respected and admired, and he knew what Lucian was implying. His expression softened, and a knowing smi
Mavis felt Ainsley’s disdain like a cold blade slicing through her heart. His voice, dripping with venom towards Lucian, made her stomach churn. Every insult, every cruel word about the man she loved, felt like a personal wound. But she couldn’t speak, couldn’t defend him. Fear held her tongue in place.How dare he say that about Lucian? Her mind screamed, but the words couldn’t escape her lips. Her gaze flitted between Ainsley’s cold face and the floor beneath her, desperate for the strength to speak, to challenge him, but the courage failed to materialize. She knew the danger of antagonizing him, the fear of what he could do. He wasn’t just any man; Ainsley was the Alpha of the Litha Night Walker Pack, ruthless, calculating, and untouchable.Her heart ached for Lucian, the man she admired with every fiber of her being. Lucian deserves more than this. He deserves respect, she thought bitterly. But there was nothing she could do at that moment. Her hands, clenched into fists by her si
After the cloth was removed, Mavis immediately relaxed. She had been gagged for so long that she couldn't help but cough, her face turning red from the strain. Her vision blurred for a moment, but when it cleared, Ainsley's feet appeared in her line of sight. For a brief second, Mavis paused, the overwhelming emotions of fear and frustration almost drowning her. Suddenly, she felt a harsh grip on her chin, pulling her head up sharply. The force was enough to make her eyes widen in shock. She saw Ainsley's eyes dangerous and full of malice."I'm in a bad mood right now. I don't have much patience. You better answer whatever I ask you..." His voice was cold, each word dripping with icy authority.Mavis's heart skipped a beat, and a chill ran down her spine. Ainsley's grip tightened, and she felt the pressure digging into her jaw. It hurt, and tears welled up in her eyes, but she dared not show weakness. The pain was overwhelming, but she fought to stay composed. Ainsley's hand, gloved i
When Eric heard Ainsley's words, he was filled with a mix of frustration and disbelief. Typically, tasks like this were left to the pack’s doctors, but now he found himself being summoned to take on a job that seemed beneath him. He couldn’t help but feel resentful as he moved forward, preparing the IV.“Eric, wait a second, do you know how to do this?” Ainsley’s voice cut through the air, dripping with doubt.Eric’s hand trembled as he tried to find the right vein, but in his haste, he struck the wrong one. Ainsley’s expression soured immediately, his gaze growing colder with each failed attempt. “If you can’t, I’ll get someone else to do the job. Don’t force yourself.”Eric, who had always prided himself on his skills, clenched his jaw. His face tightened in determination. “Keep still,” he snapped. “If I don’t get her on a drip, I’ll write you a letter of resignation tomorrow and go home to help my father gather herbs.”Ainsley’s jaw tightened. He didn’t have time for games, but Eri
“Well, since you love your job so much, work hard for it.” Ainsley’s voice was cold, his eyes hard as stone. “In one month, transfer a million dollars to my card, and I’ll let you go. Otherwise, it won’t matter where you run. You’ll never be free.”Eloise felt the blood drain from her face, but she didn’t flinch. She couldn’t. She had no choice but to accept it. A million dollars in a month? Her mind raced, trying to find a way out, but she knew there was none. Not now.“Alpha Williams, you’re right,” she said, her voice steady, though her heart was a chaotic mess inside her. “I still owe you a million dollars. You ordered me to pay it back within a month.”She didn’t fight him. She couldn’t afford to. She had nothing left. Eloise had long ago learned to swallow her pride and accept whatever came her way. She had no other option. Her debts, emotional and financial, were far too great.“Very well,” she continued, taking a slow, controlled breath. “I’ll be going to work now.”Ainsley’s
“What’s wrong?” Ainsley asked, setting aside the document he had been studying. His gaze shifted to Eloise, a subtle arch in his brow that spoke volumes of his curiosity.Eloise hesitated before asking, her voice laced with a quiet concern, “Is Mavis okay?”At the sound of her question, a sharp edge darkened Ainsley’s mood. The gentleness that had once lingered around him evaporated in an instant.Eloise, how dare you ask about her? Ainsley thought bitterly. How can you even pretend to care about someone else, when you’re drowning in your own mess?Eloise’s lips tightened, but she didn’t falter. She pressed on, her tone unwavering. “Alpha Williams, you were wrong to do what you did to her. I want to beg you to spare her life. As for the rest, you can do whatever you want…”Ainsley scoffed, his face twisting in disbelief. “I didn’t know you were such a hypocrite,” he sneered, his voice dripping with mockery. “You can be friends with people who’ve hurt you so deeply?”Eloise, despite th
Ainsley watched Eloise with a strange, almost obsessive gaze. His thoughts, tangled in a web of confusion, betrayed the feelings he couldn’t quite understand. How had it come to this? She was just a woman, an important one, yes, but nothing out of the ordinary. Yet, the more time passed, the deeper the pull grew, and he couldn’t shake the feeling that something in him had awakened.What the hell is going on? Ainsley demanded, his voice sharp and uncertain, spoken not aloud but in the privacy of his mind.His wolf, Adrian, answered instantly, his tone firm and unyielding. She’s our mate.Ainsley’s heart thundered in his chest as the word echoed in his thoughts. Mate. The concept had always been something distant for him, something he hadn’t truly believed in. But Adrian was insistent. We werewolves need to be with our mates. That bond... it’s what keeps us whole. It’s what keeps us happy.Ainsley said nothing in response. The silence between them hung heavy, thick with confusion. He tr
Suddenly, Eric recalled what he had said to Eloise earlier. He had told her she had disappointed him, blamed her for changing. Now, as he thought about it, he was filled with regret. It wasn’t him who had been suffering all these years.Eric continued, “When I checked on her earlier, she wasn’t in a serious condition. I don’t know why she fainted again, but I suggest you take her to the hospital now. She’s been through a lot, drowning, running a fever, and fainting. Even healthy werewolves couldn’t handle that, let alone her. Werewolf herbs might alleviate the symptoms, but it’s our strong resistance that helps us recover. Eloise doesn’t have her wolf anymore. She may be more vulnerable than humans.”“Okay. I’ll take her to the hospital now,” Ainsley responded.“Okay. See you there,” Eric replied before hanging up.Ainsley stood by the bed, looking down at Eloise. Eric’s words echoed in his mind: “Don’t you know that your attitude towards Eloise and the disposition you show have deter
Ainsley stood over Eloise’s unconscious form, his eyes scanning her prone body. His mind was in turmoil, but his focus was sharp. He didn’t break the mental link. His gaze was locked on Eloise as she lay motionless on the bed.He moved closer, his hands trembling with a mixture of frustration and confusion. He pushed her aside gently and, with a steady breath, lifted her shirt.As her shirt slowly moved upward, his eyes fell on her waist.What he saw stopped him cold.A gruesome, jagged scar marred the skin on her left side. Ainsley’s pupils constricted, his heart thundering painfully in his chest. The breath caught in his throat.Our mate... Adrian’s voice was pained, distant. I can’t feel her... not properly. The words cut through Ainsley’s mind like ice. There was only the faintest breath, the shallow pulse beneath her skin, and that was all that marked her as his mate.“Who did this?” Ainsley’s voice was icy, his tone as cold as a blizzard, his words sharp with the promise of wrat
Eloise’s thoughts were heavy, weighing down her every step. I know what it is to owe someone your life, and it’s a debt I can never repay. No matter how hard I work, no matter how many hours I toil away, Rain will never see my efforts. She paused for a moment, letting the sting of truth settle in. But I don’t care about Mavis. She felt an odd indifference towards the woman. It’s not that I hate her, nor that I like her. She’s selfish, and often insolent, crossing boundaries without a second thought. But I don’t care enough to involve myself in her matters. I didn’t come here to beg for her.Her breath caught as the weight of her decision sank deeper. I just... I just don’t want to owe anyone anything. Not a single person. Whether they’re kind or cruel, whether they matter to me or not, it’s the principle. I don’t want to owe anyone, not again. She exhaled sharply. That's why I came here, despite every ounce of resistance in my body. I can’t stand this feeling of indebtedness.Ainsley