After a while, the elevator doors opened.Ainsley wasn’t surprised when Eric stepped out, dragging another boy along with him. It was typical for Eric to invite others into their business, but this time, something felt off. Ainsley’s eyes narrowed as he looked over at Jacob, who appeared nervous. Ainsley held his gaze as Eric gestured for him to move forward.“Ainsley,” Eric greeted him, his voice casual, but there was something in his eyes that suggested a deeper curiosity.Jacob who was standing next Eric looked around, his eyes flitting between Ainsley and the woman on the bed, he seemed to be trying to process the situation, though it was clear he wasn’t prepared for what he was about to witness.“Where is the woman?” Jacob asked, his voice wavering as he stepped further into the room. His eyes scanned the surroundings, his discomfort obvious.Ainsley didn’t react immediately. He simply gave a soft, cold smile. “This is Club Scarlet Heart, and there are plenty of women downstairs.
Eloise was disturbed by Ainsley's presence. She didn’t understand how he had found out about Rain, a secret she kept buried deep within her heart, something she never wanted to share with anyone, especially not Ainsley. Rain represented a part of her life that she preferred to keep hidden, even from those who were close to her. But now, Ainsley's gaze revealed that he knew more than he should, which increased Eloise's anxiety. She felt exposed, vulnerable, and terribly small under his knowing eyes.As Ainsley seemed to lose control, his words echoed in Eloise's mind: “Eloise, take care of yourself and remember who you are.”His voice was calm yet dangerous, and Eloise’s face paled at the intensity of the situation. She had never seen Ainsley like this before. His words had a profound impact on her, more overwhelming than any previous insult or threat. They weren’t just words, they felt like a command, as if he were reminding her of something she had forgotten, something painful, somet
Rachel couldn’t explain why she was so drawn to Eloise. There was something about the girl that stirred emotions Rachel had long buried, emotions that felt both foreign and familiar at the same time. Eloise appeared to have nothing, a girl with no real future, no home to call her own, and yet Rachel’s concern for her was overwhelming.Deep down, Rachel understood why. It was the kind of understanding that echoed in the deepest part of her soul, but it was too painful to admit. Eloise reminded Rachel of the girl she once was, young, vulnerable, and lost. A part of her wanted to protect Eloise, to shield her from the same struggles Rachel had faced in her youth. Perhaps in some strange, unexplainable way, Eloise offered Rachel a chance to rewrite her own past, to undo the mistakes, the pain, and the loneliness."No need. I’ll eat at the club cafeteria," Eloise said, her voice calm yet distant. Her attempt to dismiss the offer was clear, but Rachel could see through it. There was a kind
Lucian slowly turned his head, his sharp gaze following the path Eloise had taken. As his eyes shifted to the stairs, they landed on Mavis, who had been watching him intently.Lucian didn’t need to rely on his werewolf abilities to sense the feelings of those around him. It was clear from the subtle shift in Mavis’s expression, her eyes narrowed with a mixture of jealousy and disdain towards Eloise. Lucian paused for a moment, considering the girl before him. Mavis, like many others he had encountered, seemed to be a product of arrogance and ignorance, traits he was all too familiar with.Yet as he looked at her more closely, he couldn’t ignore the youthful energy she exuded. Her long brown hair cascaded over her shoulders, and her fair skin had a glow to it that would make any man take notice. She was undeniably attractive, but to Lucian’s trained eye, she seemed like a shallow reflection compared to the depth he saw in Eloise.Lucian's thoughts briefly returned to the two kisses he'
In the afternoon, as the workday came to a close, a light drizzle began to fall over Metrocity. Eloise, carrying the weight of exhaustion in her bones, walked slowly in the rain, her movements sluggish as the pain in her waist intensified with each step. She passed by the towering buildings of the city, the cool rain against her skin doing little to alleviate the aching in her body.Eloise reached a convenience store near Club Scarlet Heart, its bright lights a welcome contrast to the overcast sky. She stepped inside, the warmth of the store wrapping around her like a blanket. The employee at the counter greeted her with a polite smile."Miss, that's six dollars and forty cents total," the employee said as Eloise placed the cheap, flimsy umbrella on the counter.Eloise glanced at the umbrella, noting how it was the least expensive option in the store. Her fingers lingered on the handle for a moment, as if the weight of the decision to buy it were too much to bear. She looked at her pu
Mavis’s voice sliced through the silence, sharp and impatient, as she interrupted Eloise’s thoughts.“I told you, I closed the door by accident. It wasn’t on purpose! What do you want from me?”Her words were laced with anger, a hint of defiance that Eloise could feel deep in her chest. Mavis was certain Eloise was accusing her of something she had not done. Ever since Mavis had witnessed the kiss between Eloise and Lucian on the staircase, she had harbored a simmering resentment towards her. But despite that, Mavis believed she had done everything right. She had explained herself, hadn’t she? Eloise should be grateful, not playing the weak victim.Mavis glanced at Eloise, who stood with a pale face, her shoulders tense and her body rigid. At that moment, the sight of her made Mavis feel an uncomfortable tightening in her chest. The memory of Lucian coming to her aid when she had been humiliated by Ainsley at the Scarlet Heart Club surfaced again. She could never forget how Lucian had
Eloise was lost in her own thoughts, her mind floating in an endless fog. She didn’t hear Mavis’s sharp voice cutting through the silence, demanding a response."Eloise, you scolded me for being rude just now, and now you're pretending you don’t know what’s happening?"Mavis’s words struck the air like a whip, but Eloise couldn’t focus. She felt detached, as if her mind was too far gone to engage in the reality unfolding around her. But Mavis’s high-pitched voice grew louder, mixing with the frantic panic that bubbled inside Eloise, pulling her back to the moment.A loud bang echoed through the room, the noise so jarring that it caused Eloise to flinch. Her body collided with the doorknob, and a searing pain shot through her forehead, blurring her vision. She crumpled to the ground, disoriented and stunned, unable to make sense of what had just happened.Blood trickled down her forehead, staining her skin, her world becoming a haze of red. She gasped, trying to regain her bearings, bu
Rachel’s smile faded as the manager’s words hit her like a slap. The warmth in her eyes disappeared, and a chill settled on her expression. She stood there, silently processing the gravity of the situation, her mind racing back to the past.She stared intently at the manager, her thoughts drifting to a time long ago. Rachel had once been a rebellious young woman, lost and reckless in her own world. It was Ainsley who had pulled her from the brink, offering her a lifeline when she had nothing left. He had taken her in and introduced her to the Litha Night Walker Pack, a world she’d never imagined she could be a part of.When Ainsley discovered the Alpha blood flowing through her veins, he had welcomed her into a new chapter of her life. He had even invited her to help manage the Scarlet Heart Club, a place that now felt like home. But the manager of the Public Relations Department, while still part of the Litha Night Walker Pack, lacked the Alpha blood. And it was that very blood, that
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