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
Unlike Eloise, who was stiff with worry throughout the movie, Lucian was practically radiating cheer. His energy was infectious as he took Eloise’s hand, leading her to the parking lot. His grip was warm and reassuring, and he opened the door for her with a grin.Once Eloise had settled into the passenger seat, Lucian closed the door and walked around to the driver’s side. He slid in, ready to hit the road, when Eloise suddenly spoke."Wait a minute," she said her voice a mix of hesitation and quiet concern.Lucian paused, looking over at her. "What’s up? Do you want to go shopping?" His mind immediately flicked to all sorts of potential shopping trips. Maybe a new dress, or some shoes? He felt like he might’ve just unlocked the door to a great opportunity.Eloise’s brow furrowed slightly as she met his gaze. "No," she said, almost too quickly. "Alpha Astra, we…"Lucian raised an eyebrow. "Do you have somewhere else you need to go?" He thought about it for a second, then quickly added
"If I had known you would put the Blood Moon Pack's safety at risk for a woman," Gray snapped, his eyes blazing, "I would never have let you become an Alpha! You're just as much of a disappointment as your brother!"Lucian’s spine stiffened, his fists clenching at his sides. His gaze shot up to meet Gray’s sharp, fiery, and full of a rage that made the air between them crackle. His eyes were bloodshot, but there was something darker brewing beneath them. "Gray," he growled, each word coming through gritted teeth, "my brother is dead."Gray faltered for just a second, but the venom in his words didn’t loosen. Very few knew about Lucian’s brother, and even fewer understood the depth of Lucian’s grief over his loss. That pain, that grief, was an open wound that never healed. And here was Gray, twisting it into something sharper.The butler, standing off to the side, shifted, his expression strained as he moved to intervene. "Alpha Astra," he said cautiously, ", calm down."Lucian’s fury
Lucian’s smile froze as the words left his mouth. There was a sharpness to his voice, and a slight bitterness beneath his usual calm. "Alpha Williams, you've been emphasizing that you no longer care for some things. But tell me, why do I feel like you're just jealous? Jealous because you never really owned those things to begin with?"Ainsley’s eyes narrowed, his expression turning as cold as a glacier. He looked at Lucian, the contempt rolling off him like an invisible wave. "It’s none of your business, Alpha Astra," Ainsley hissed, his words clipped. "You'd be better off worrying about your own mess instead of poking your nose into mine."Without another word, Ainsley brushed past Lucian and walked into the ballroom, his broad shoulders tense with restrained fury. The silence between them was palpable, but neither man raised their voices, they didn’t need to. The tension was enough to electrify the space around them.Lucian’s lips thinned as he watched Ainsley disappear into the cro
"I might be busy these days, Eloise. Take care of yourself. Don’t hurt yourself," Lucian said softly, his eyes filled with sincerity as they locked with hers.Eloise blinked, a little caught off guard by the tenderness in his voice. Okay, that’s way more concerned than I was expecting. But she couldn’t help it, his eyes, the way he spoke, it was so... raw. She felt a knot form in her stomach.Focus, Eloise. Don’t get distracted by the kind of kindness that’s going to make you do something stupid.“I... I should tell him the truth,” she thought. She swallowed and took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. "Alpha Astra, my name is Eloise Anthony," she said, her voice a bit shaky as she started, unsure of how much to say. “I used to…”Lucian raised an eyebrow, interrupting her with a playful grin. “Miss Anthony, of course, I know what your name is.” He leaned forward and pressed a quick, soft kiss to her lips, catching her completely off guard. “In my eyes, you’ll always be Eloise. Yo
The words had barely left Eloise’s lips when Lucian opened the door.Lucian, eager to play the gracious host, chimed in, “Eloise, let me introduce you to my friends. We grew up together. They are the Alpha and Beta of the Sea Moon pack, Michael and Jack.”As the door swung open, the room seemed to freeze. The tension was palpable. Eloise blinked, her face paling as she looked at the two men. Her heart rate spiked, this was not what she had expected.The silence stretched out uncomfortably until Jack’s voice broke the stillness, dripping with sarcasm. “Ah, so it’s Miss Anthony,” he said, his words hanging in the air like a threat wrapped in a polite bow.Eloise’s breath caught in her throat. She didn’t need to look at Michael to know he was just as surprised. His voice cut through the tension, his expression one of genuine confusion. “Eloise?”Lucian’s confusion mirrored hers. He looked between Jack and Michael, completely thrown. He hadn’t expected this. He didn’t like it. How do they
Suddenly, Ellison stood up and pushed Ainsley hard. He said, “Let her go. You’re so selfish! Didn’t you hear her? Eloise has no intention of going with you!”Ainsley, caught off guard, stumbled backward. His usually fierce and commanding presence, like a true Alpha, was broken at an unexpected moment. He collapsed to the ground with a heavy thud.Gasps echoed through the crowd, the people’s eyes widened in shock. Even the air seemed to stand still.Jacob’s face darkened. Without hesitation, he rushed forward and knelt beside Ainsley. “Ainsley, are you okay?” His voice cracked with concern as he reached to cradle his head. But his palm came out wet. Jacob looked down and froze. His fingers were stained red.“What is this?” he whispered, stunned.Blood!A sharp silence followed. Ellison, noticing the shift, stepped forward instinctively, but Hank had already rushed past him, panic flashing in his eyes. “Alpha Ainsley?”Eloise’s eyes widened. Her body stiffened, and for a moment, she see
Ellison stood frozen on the stairs, halfway down, his hands clenched tightly on the railing. He’d come down to stop Ainsley, to intervene, but when he saw the fire in Eloise’s eyes, the way she held herself back from launching another object, he couldn't move. Not yet.Ainsley’s cold voice echoed through the tension-filled room. “What else do you want to throw at me? I’ll get it for you.”Ellison stepped forward, breaking the thick silence. “No need to bother you, Ainsley. I’m free right now, and I’ll help her.”Hank took a step, ready to intervene, but Kelly subtly blocked him with a glance.As Ellison reached the floor, he picked up a broom lying nearby. The scrape of the handle against the tiled floor felt too loud in the quiet. He offered it to her with a calm face, but sarcasm glinted in his eyes.“Ma’am, here you go.”Eloise looked at the broom, then at him, her brows furrowed in confusion. “A broom?”He nodded once, the corner of his lips lifting in a crooked smile.“Ma'am, flu
Lucian, unfazed, threw his jacket to the ground in front of Ainsley. “Fine. Let’s see what happens,” he said before he turned and left.Ainsley stayed where he was, watching Lucian’s departure with steely eyes. The tension still hung in the air, thick and unresolved.“We’re going to Waikiki Beach this afternoon,” Ainsley said after a long pause. “I’m sure she’s there. I need to find her.”Meanwhile, on the other side of the island, Eloise paced restlessly in her room, her nerves fraying with each passing moment. Her thoughts spiraled. She had been hiding, but it was all falling apart now. Ainsley was coming for her.No, she told herself. I can’t let him find me. Not again.Then, just as the wind picked up, a familiar warmth brushed against her.Her body stiffened, her breath caught in her throat. She didn’t have to turn to know he was there. The scent of him, so unmistakable, overwhelmed her senses.Ainsley stood behind her, his presence enveloping her. His arms wrapped around her alm
In the car, Ainsley gripped the steering wheel, his knuckles white as he sped toward the airport. His mind was spinning. Without thinking, he reached out to Jacob through their mind link. His voice was sharp, his words clipped with urgency.“Do you know Remmy?” Ainsley asked, his tone barely contained as anxiety surged through him.Jacob’s voice crackled through the link, his confusion evident. “Why are you looking for her?” He didn’t fully understand the gravity of the situation.Ainsley’s voice hardened, desperation creeping into his words. “She knows where Eloise is.”Jacob didn’t hesitate. “Understood,” he said, his voice steady despite the tense situation. “I’ll handle it. Do you need me to book you a flight?”“No need,” Ainsley replied immediately, his tone resolute. “I’m heading to the airport now.”As Ainsley disconnected the link, he pushed the accelerator harder, the engine roaring as he raced back home to grab his ID. Every second felt like an eternity, the pressure mountin
“Ellison! "I don’t want to bet anymore!” Eloise shouted at the stage, her voice rough and hoarse, like a desperate cry.“It’s too late,” Ellison’s lips moved, his words like ice. He’d made a decision. Instead of leaving, he wanted to win the bet. More than that, he wanted her.Memories flooded Eloise’s mind, sharp and vivid. In her eyes, Ellison at that moment seemed just like her in the past, lost, defiant, and broken.But Ellison didn’t deserve it! Not after everything.She walked toward the center of the stage, her steps deliberate, her heart pounding with emotion. She bent down and picked up the white shirt from the floor. Her fingers brushed against the fabric, and then she reached for Ellison’s hand, which rested on the zipper of his suit pants. Her voice was low but commanding, “Come with me.”Ellison stood frozen, stunned by the sudden seriousness of her expression. His heart skipped a beat.The audience below the stage began to murmur, their annoyance growing louder. “Who are
In the stillness of the night, Eloise made her way to the most secluded house on the property. Her face was cold, but her eyes portrayed a deep simmering sadness.“I’ve come to see you,” she whispered hoarsely, though the house was empty except for her.The room was cloaked in darkness, but she knew every inch of it as if it were part of her. She navigated through the familiar surroundings with ease, her hands brushing over the table until they found a candle. With a flick of her fingers, the small flame sputtered to life, casting a warm glow over the photo resting on the table.It was a portrait of a young girl, smiling brightly. Eloise stared at it, a lump forming in her throat. "Rain, I miss you so much," she murmured, her voice barely audible.The portrait was a gift from a traveling artist she had met on Waikiki Beach, who had captured Rain’s likeness based on Eloise's memory. She didn’t own any other pictures of Rain; this was all she had left.Her fists clenched as nausea rose
After driving for a while, Ellison stopped at a remote store.“Look around. "If you can’t find your favorite mug here, we’ll go to another store.” Then Eloise sat down in a recliner.Ellison pretended to concentrate on choosing a cup, but he kept glancing at Eloise, unable to stop himself. She looked so relaxed, almost untouchable, yet that sarcastic edge in her voice lingered in his mind.“Do you like something?” Eloise noticed Ellison looking at her, raising an eyebrow as her lips curled into a half-smile.“Yes,” Ellison pointed and said, “I want this game.” His voice was a little too quick, a little too loud, clearly a deflection. But it made her snort.After leaving the store, Ellison discovered that the red marks on the back of his hand had disappeared. He rubbed that area vigorously with his back to Eloise. He looked at the bruise and felt much more satisfied, as if something had been lifted off of him.Eloise walked ahead. She asked, “What kind of recliner do you want?”“I thin
Eric copied the video clips from the USB drive to his laptop. Just as Eric was about to open it, Jacob touched the back of Eric's hand and gave him a warning."It might be hard to see, so be prepared," Jacob said, his voice low and grim, a shadow clouding his face.Eric didn’t take it seriously at first. His lips curled slightly in mild skepticism. But then, his eyes widened. He jerked back, his mouth falling open as the first frame of the video flashed across the screen.“What the hell!” he exclaimed, his voice shaking with disbelief.He pointed to the video that was playing, unable to tear his eyes away from the disturbing scene unfolding.“This is just the beginning,” Jacob said nonchalantly, almost too casually, as if he had already grown numb from seeing it over and over again. But there was a bitterness to his tone, a fury buried deep beneath his calm.Eric fell silent. The room seemed consumed by silence, thick and suffocating like a dense fog. Time passed slowly, agonizingly s
Eloise mocked herself in her heart. Maybe my life has become too simple… so my mind has become slower. Maybe I’ve become numb. Maybe too much silence turns even the sharpest mind dull.Ellison looked at Eloise's faded face with a kind of quiet appreciation, his eyes tracing the faint outlines of what was once a bright, wild smile from a distant childhood memory. His gaze lingered, as if hoping to pull her past self into the present. But the longer he looked, the more his eyes flickered with regret. It was as though the smiling Eloise, the girl full of spark and mischief, had been buried beneath years of pain and dust. And now, she was gone.What did they do to you…? What kind of monster do you have to become to survive what you went through? Ellison’s chest tightened with an emotion he couldn’t name. He wanted to blame Ainsley, he wanted to blame the system. But the truth was, he had his chances. He could’ve helped her back then. But he didn’t.“The coffee tastes superb,” Ellison said