Through the crack in the door, Lucian saw the woman inside. It was Eloise, the person he had been looking for. He couldn't believe what he was seeing. He blinked a few times, almost as if his eyes were playing tricks on him.Richard walked over and asked, “Alpha Astra, why don’t you come in?”Suddenly, Lucian used his hand to cover Richard's mouth with great force. Richard looked up and saw Lucian's bloodshot eyes filled with murderous intent.The next second, he followed Lucian's gaze and looked inside as well. Richard's eyes instantly widened. He was stunned.Lucia thought, Eloise? What is she doing here? "What is she doing?" Richard felt so humiliated and angry! That he can barely lift his head!“Eloise! How can you be so cheap?” someone in the room said, her voice laced with disgust.Through the crack in the door, both Lucian and Richard saw the familiar figure. She was kneeling humbly on the floor giving a foot massage to a middle-aged man.Lucian saw the others inside. Their fac
Gloria’s voice echoed through the tense room, her words filled with a sense of harsh finality. “Alpha Astra, you know who Ainsley is, right? He was the one who sent Eloise to the werewolf prison. You should know that. If you don’t believe me, you can ask Alpha Anthony, he’s standing right next to you. Ask him if the Golden Moon Pack still considers Eloise one of their own.”Gloria's eyes narrowed, and she focused on Richard for a moment. “I remember Alpha Gary telling our Alpha that he didn’t consider Eloise a member of the Golden Moon Pack anymore. That’s the truth. You can ask anyone, but that’s what was said.” She paused, then added, “Of course, we’re outsiders, so you might not believe us. But what about her family members? Alpha Astra.”Lucian’s heart began to race as Gloria’s words hit him like a wave. He stared at Richard, searching for some kind of reassurance, but Richard didn’t meet his eyes. He turned his gaze to the ground, as if ashamed. The silence between them spoke vol
Richard didn’t notice the frosty vibe radiating off Eloise. He was too busy feeling embarrassed about the scene he’d just walked into. His face was turning redder than a tomato in a blender, and he couldn’t get out of there fast enough. Without a second thought, he turned on his heel and scurried out of the room, practically tripping over his own feet.Gloria, however, was in a much better mood.Oh, Eloise. Looks like your reign of “I’m way cooler than everyone” is finally over. I’m going to leave you here to rot. Don't even think about escaping not with your dramatic, aristocratic ways!With an air of superiority, she kicked the box of money at Eloise’s feet. "It’s yours now. Enjoy it," she said with a wicked grin.Eloise didn’t even flinch. Her eyes barely flickered toward the money as she reached down, grabbing the box with a kind of indifference that only people who have had their fair share of drama can pull off."Backup," Eloise said; cool as a cucumber, her voice thick with the
Rachael was worried about Eloise, so she went out to look for her.However, Eloise was nowhere to be found. She bit her lip nervously, staring into the empty space of the street. How could she disappear so quickly?She thought. Maybe she went back to the dorm. After all, Eloise had no friends, maybe she just needed some time alone. That made sense, right?She ran to Eloise’s dorm, her spare key trembling in her hand. Inside, the room was empty. She had to be here, Rachael thought, waiting for what felt like forever. But no one came.Frustrated, she dashed back to the café. She asked everyone, but no one had seen her. What if she went to the Scarlet Heart Club? She dialed Flora’s number, but there was no answer.Time slipped away, an hour and a half had passed since Eloise left.Rachael’s thoughts spiraled. What if she’s hurt? What if she’s... She couldn’t finish the thought. Panic took over. Has she gone to the Scarlet Heart Club? Rachael wondered, her mind jumping to that possibilit
Behind the wheel, Ainsley’s knuckles were white, gripping the steering wheel like it was the only thing keeping him grounded. His mind was a whirlwind of thoughts, each one sharp and cutting deeper into his chest. The coldness that gripped him wasn’t from the winter air, it was something more. It was anxiety, panic, and fear that Eloise might be slipping away from him forever.Why does it hurt so much? He wondered. Why is it that when I found out she was missing, it felt like my entire world was falling apart?Rachael’s words echoed in his mind: “She might harm herself, Alpha Williams. You need to find her. Now.” The sheer weight of those words made his heart stop, and yet, here he was, racing against time, unable to make sense of his own emotions. All he knew was that he had to find her.“Adrian, can you sense where Eloise is?” Ainsley’s voice was hoarse, barely a whisper as he spoke aloud, seeking some connection to his wolf.Adrian’s reply was strained. “I can only feel that she’s
As the car moved forward, Eloise let go of the hand covering her lips. She tasted rust, and knew it was blood. She leaned back in her seat and thought, Whatever he wants to do, just let him be. Anyway, no matter how hard I struggled, it would be useless.In the car, Ainsley called out to his guards through the mind connection, "Everyone return to Club Scarlet Heart."When the car stopped outside the club, Ainsley didn't say anything else. He leaned over, picked up Eloise, and walked towards the club."Don't move. If you don't want me to repeat what I did to you in the car in front of everyone, you had better behave yourself. Don't make me angry. It won't do you any good." Ainsley sensed Eloise's struggle and stopped her with an indifferent expression.Eloise was furious. Was Ainsley always ignoring her wishes?However, after taking a look around, she closed her eyes. She had no right to choose.Elijah and the others had arrived at the club. Meanwhile, Ainsley was leading Eloise to the
Lucian had always been known for his kindness. A man who spoke with respect, never raising his voice, never letting anger control him. He was composed, polite, someone who could always be counted on. But now, he stood before Ainsley, shouting as if his entire world was crumbling.He was in agony, but there was a bitter laugh on his lips."Ainsley, that's ridiculous!" Lucian's voice cracked. "What makes you think you can ask me to do something you can't even bring yourself to do?" His gaze was filled with disbelief as he locked eyes with Ainsley. "I will never admit that I could fall for a woman like her!"Ainsley remained calm. "In that case," Ainsley said, his voice low but steady, "stay away from her. Maybe you're right, but I'll find my own way to say those things you can't."Lucian's laugh was hollow, almost maniacal as he eyed Ainsley like he was the greatest fool in the room."Ainsley, you're ridiculous," Lucian scoffed. "I’ll watch you... But as for Eloise? I’m done. I’ve alread
“First, take a shower and go to sleep. Second, I’ll help you wash up and share the bed with you. If you refuse to choose the first option, then I think you’re choosing the second. You stay up so late. I think you must be waiting for me and showing your affection for me. In that case, just tell me directly. It will satisfy you.” Ainsley looked at Eloise and said slowly.At first, Eloise stood motionless, her heart skipping a beat. Ainsley’s words stung like a cold wind, but it was the way he said them that left her breathless. What does he mean?Eloise was stunned. When she heard his words, her cheeks flushed a deep red, and before she knew it she suddenly looked up and shouted hoarsely, "I'm going to take a shower!" Afterward, Eloise entered the bathroom under Ainsley's complacent gaze.The hot water came out of the shower and fell on Eloise's body. She closed her eyes and immersed herself in a whirlwind of thoughts.At that time, she had no idea what her future would hold.Giving up
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