Charles smiled at Eloise’s words, clearly intrigued. She’s more interesting than Mavis, he thought. There was a dark curiosity in his eyes as he observed her.“I heard you love money very much,” Charles said, his voice smooth.Eloise, not one to engage in such conversations, lowered her head, a knowing silence hanging between them. Everyone knew that she had a deep love for money, it was practically a trademark.She pursed her lips into an inscrutable smile before she finally spoke, her voice steady. “Yes, and that’s why I agreed to risk my life to do it.”Charles chuckled, his grin widening. “Alright! Four hundred thousand dollars. Deal!”He seemed genuinely amused, though Eloise knew it was merely a transaction to him. The deal was made, but the stakes were terrifyingly high.Eloise, while not outwardly graceful, had something more visceral, a certain edge that Charles found intriguing, even though she was far from the typical beauty. She wasn’t the type to shy away from risk, and f
Mavis stood frozen, her eyes wide in terror, her body stiff with shock as she witnessed the horror unfolding before her. Every muscle in her body screamed for her to run, but her legs wouldn’t move. The scene before her seemed like a nightmare, surreal and impossible. The container holding Eloise was filled with water, and Mavis couldn’t tell if Eloise was alive or unconscious, or if she had even made it through the torment. The water sloshed around, threatening to engulf her, and Mavis’s heart thundered in her chest. This can’t be happening. It can’t be real, she thought, barely able to comprehend what she was seeing.Mavis’s eyes remained locked on Eloise, her thoughts a jumbled mess. The overwhelming fear of the moment caused her breath to become shallow and uneven. Is she alive? Is she breathing? The questions bounced in her mind, but no answers came, only fear. She knew time was running out. And then, a name echoed in her head. Ainsley.Ainsley. The man she had only heard whisper
Ainsley held Eloise’s hand, his grip strong, but the anger that had consumed him was slowly fading. As his fingers interlocked with hers, a strange warmth spread through him. His rage, his fear, the desperation to save her, everything calmed as though the touch itself was grounding him. Why does this feel so… right? His mind raced, unable to process the unexpected tranquility.For what seemed like an eternity, time stood still. Eloise coughed, water spewing from her mouth as she struggled to breathe. Each rasping breath felt like a battle, but slowly, with a strained gasp, she opened her eyes. They were swollen and irritated, her vision blurry. She could barely make out the figure in front of her, but there was something about his presence that comforted her.Ainsley watched her with a mix of relief and uncertainty. He could see her lips move, faint and trembling. Her voice, hoarse and weak, reached his ears. “Money,” she whispered.The word hit Ainsley like a slap in the face. The su
The scene continued to unfold with intense emotion, as Ainsley’s words hit Eloise like a bitter storm. When he spoke of her life being worthless, it felt as though a dagger had pierced her heart, leaving her breathless. The words felt like poison, seeping deep into her soul. Her chest tightened painfully, and for a moment, she instinctively placed a hand over her heart, trying to shield herself from the sharp sting of truth.His hand had raised, as though he might reach for her, but then it dropped, his expression unreadable. His composure, however, was a facade. “Alpha Williams, you are right. My life is worthless,” Eloise repeated, each word carrying a sense of finality.But when she repeated his own cruel words back to him, something shifted in Ainsley. A deep irritation, for no clear reason, bubbled within him. It wasn’t that he thought she was wrong, it was that hearing those words from her made his chest constrict. He couldn’t understand it. It was as if her repetition somehow m
The tension in the room thickened, suffocating both Ainsley and Eloise. Ainsley’s grip around Eloise’s neck tightened, and her lifeless expression only seemed to fuel his frustration. The woman beneath him showed no resistance, her body limp, her eyes dull. It was as though she had resigned herself to her fate, her soul already distant, leaving Ainsley struggling with his own emotions. Beneath the anger, there was a gnawing pain in his chest, one he couldn't fully understand or control.Adrian, unable to tolerate the torment that was escalating within Ainsley, began to fight for control. The battle for dominance inside Ainsley's mind intensified as Adrian pushed harder, desperate to protect his mate from Ainsley’s destructive path. Yet, Ainsley resisted, his own will overriding the turmoil within. His mind, overwhelmed by the jealousy and rage, could no longer comprehend the depth of his actions."Why don’t you fight back?!" Ainsley yelled, his voice raw with frustration. "Why?!" His
“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
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’
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