LIANAThe night was eerily silent as I stood outside the derelict building, the moonlight casting long, ominous shadows across the broken concrete. My heart pounded with a mix of anticipation and dread. This was the headquarters of the secret society, a place I had tracked down using the information I knew about my father's old office on the outskirts of the city. It seemed fitting that he had chosen this secluded spot for their operations, a final, twisted connection to his betrayal.The faint sound of clashing metal and guttural growls reached my ears as I approached, my pack members already engaged in battle inside. My senses were heightened, the training I had undergone sharpening every instinct and movement. I tightened my grip on the hilt of my weapon, the weight of it feeling reassuring in my hand.“Let’s move!” I called out to the pack members who were fighting their way through the chaos. Their faces were set with grim determination, reflecting the gravity of the mission.
LIANAZaylen’s gaze shifted, his eyes showing a flicker of hesitation. “About that…”I narrowed my eyes, sensing his unease. “You…” I said, disbelief creeping into my voice, “you have known about my mom’s whereabouts this whole time, haven’t you?”Zaylen’s expression was pained, his usual confidence faltering. “Liana, I—”I cut him off, my voice sharp and accusatory. “No wonder you still haven’t found her when she definitely lives in our town!”His eyes dropped to the bed, avoiding mine. “She told me not to—”I felt a cold surge of anger and confusion. “When? When did you find out about her?”Zaylen hesitated again, the silence stretching between us like a chasm. “It was shortly after finding out your identity,” he said finally, his voice barely a whisper.The anger I felt was like a storm raging inside me, and it was only intensifying with each passing second. “What?” I snapped, my voice trembling with a mix of betrayal and fury. “You knew all this time and didn’t tell me?”Zaylen’s
LIANAThe sight before me was almost too much to bear. My mother stood in the doorway, her presence as real as the pain in my chest. But the face that had once been my ideal of beauty was now marred by deep, cruel scars. They were harsh and unforgiving, stretching across her features and twisting her once-familiar visage into something almost unrecognizable.“Mom… your face…” My voice broke, tears welling up despite my efforts to stay composed. I was overwhelmed, caught between the flood of emotions and the stark reality of what stood before me.Her smile was wry, and it held a kind of resignation that made my heart ache. “This is the reason I didn’t want you to meet me.”My throat tightened, a sob rising unbidden as I choked on my tears. The image of her beautiful face from the old photos I’d seen seemed so distant now, a haunting reminder of how much had changed. “You… Why didn’t you tell me? Why did you hide from me?”Her gaze softened, and she took a step closer, gently placing
LIANAThe evening before Jordan and Sara’s wedding was supposed to be filled with excitement and anticipation, but as I sat beside Sara, I could sense the underlying tension in her. We were curled up in her cozy, dimly lit living room, the soft glow of fairy lights casting gentle shadows on the walls.Sara’s gaze was fixed on the flickering flames of the fireplace, her eyes distant. “Liana, do you think my mom will really come tomorrow?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.Her question hung in the air, heavy with the weight of hope and uncertainty. I offered her a wry smile, trying to mask my own concern. “Sara, we’ve been through this. We can only wait and see. If she doesn’t show up, we’ll deal with it together.”Sara’s shoulders slumped slightly as she took a deep breath. “I just wish she would come. It’s not like her to not be here for something like this.”I reached out and patted her hand reassuringly. “Why don’t you try to get some rest? You need to be at your best fo
LIANAThe morning of Jordan and Sara’s wedding dawned clear and bright, with the sun casting a golden glow over the venue. The garden was transformed into a fairy-tale setting, adorned with cascading white flowers, twinkling fairy lights, and rows of elegantly decorated chairs. The soft hum of activity filled the air as final touches were made—vases were being arranged, and the scent of fresh roses mingled with the anticipation of the day.As the maid of honor, my duties were endless. I darted around, ensuring every detail was perfect. I adjusted the fabric of the bridesmaids' dresses, checked the flower arrangements, and made sure the seating chart was in order. The flurry of activity was exhilarating but exhausting, and I found myself both exhilarated and overwhelmed by the sheer magnitude of the day.Sara was in her dressing room, surrounded by her closest friends and family. I could hear her laughter mingling with nervous chatter, but when I peeked inside, her face was clouded
LIANAThe morning sun cast a hazy glow over the city as Zaylen and I sped down the highway, our hearts racing faster than the car’s engine. The previous day’s celebration felt like a lifetime ago, overshadowed by the urgency of Noelle’s call.“Are you sure she sounded scared?” Zaylen asked, glancing at me with a mix of concern and determination.I nodded, gripping the edge of the seat. “Her voice was trembling. Something’s not right.”We pulled up to Trevor’s house, a quaint two-story that had recently become Noelle’s new home. The sight of it, usually so welcoming, now felt ominous. I felt a knot of anxiety tighten in my chest as I scrambled out of the car and made my way to the front door.Before I could even knock, Noelle flung the door open and practically leaped into my arms. Her embrace was frantic, as though holding onto me was the only thing keeping her grounded.“Noelle!” I exclaimed, my voice choked with concern. “What’s wrong? Why did you call us over so urgently?”Noelle’
LIANAThe night settled around us, casting a warm, golden hue through the dining room’s large windows. The table was set with a variety of dishes—roasted chicken, creamy mashed potatoes, green beans, and a homemade apple pie that promised to be the highlight of the evening. The atmosphere was cozy, filled with the clinking of cutlery and the soft hum of conversation.I looked around the table, taking in the sight of everyone gathered. Zaylen sat beside me, his usual stern expression softened by the relaxed environment. Across from us, Noelle and Trevor were seated, the latter’s hand resting on Noelle’s growing belly with a tenderness that spoke volumes.Leonel, Zaylen and Noelle’s younger brother, had just arrived. His entrance was marked by a loud, jovial laugh that filled the room. He had always been the life of the party, and tonight was no exception. As he slid into his seat, he gave everyone a broad grin. “Sorry I’m late, but I had to make sure the traffic was in my favor.”“N
LIANAThe evening wrapped itself around us like a comforting blanket. After the laughter and chatter of dinner had settled, I found a quiet corner of the living room, where the soft glow of a lamp created a serene ambiance. The sound of Noelle and Trevor discussing future plans echoed faintly from the dining area.As I sipped my coffee, my phone buzzed with a call. I glanced at the screen and saw Mr. Cole's name. With a sigh, I answered, wondering what business my family lawyer could have with me at this hour.“Good evening, Liana,” Mr. Cole’s voice came through, calm but carrying an undertone of formality. “I hope I’m not catching you at a bad time.”“Not at all,” I replied, leaning back in my chair. “What’s up?”“I have some news regarding your father’s estate,” he said, a pause stretching between us. “He has left his entire property to a charity.”The words hit me like a cold splash of water. My father’s parting words about cutting me off from his will had not been an idle threat.
LIANAThe morning sun poured through the curtains, casting a gentle light across our bedroom. I woke up to the soft, familiar hum of the world outside, the sound of birds chirping in the distance. I turned to see Zaylen sleeping beside me, his face relaxed in peaceful slumber. The sight of him always filled me with a profound sense of contentment and love.I stretched, carefully sliding out of bed to avoid waking him. Today wasn’t just any day—it was a day I had looked forward to for a long time. The house was still, the calm before the storm of our bustling family life. I tiptoed down the hallway, my heart swelling with excitement as I made my way to the nursery.Our twins had brought a new kind of joy into our lives, their arrival a culmination of love and anticipation. The nursery was painted in soft pastel colors, with a cozy crib in the corner and shelves lined with toys and books. The gentle hum of the white noise machine filled the room, blending with the soft sunlight filte
LIANA It was mid-morning, and the office was bustling with the usual activity. The gentle hum of conversation and the clacking of keyboards filled the air, but I could barely focus on anything other than the growing discomfort and irritability that had become a constant companion over the past few weeks. I sat at my desk, my fingers drumming impatiently on the surface. The pile of paperwork before me seemed to mock my inability to concentrate. I sighed heavily, feeling a wave of frustration wash over me. Zaylen, ever observant, noticed my agitation from his office. He appeared at my desk, a look of concern etched on his face. “Hey, baby. How’s it going?” I glanced up, trying to muster a polite smile. “Just peachy,” I said, though the words were more of a snarl than anything else. “If you consider battling an insurm
LIANA The next few days, I couldn’t shake a strange feeling. I was more tired than usual, and the scent of coffee, which I normally loved, was suddenly making me nauseous. Sara noticed my discomfort. “Liana, are you feeling okay?” she asked, her brow furrowed with concern. “I’m fine, just a bit tired” I replied, trying to brush it off. “Been feeling nauseous and my head is pounding these last few days.” Sara gave me a knowing look. “Maybe you should take a pregnancy test.” I blinked, surprised by her suggestion. “A pregnancy test?” She nodded. “There might be a possibility.” The idea was both thrilling and terrifying. Could it be possible? I decided to take Sara’s advice to heart. During my lunch break, I headed to the pharmacy just a few blocks away. The fluorescent lights and the hum of the store seemed unusually bright as I picked out a pregnancy test kit. My heart raced with a mix of excitement and anxiety as I made my way back to the office, clutchin
LIANAThe past few months had flown by in a blissful haze. Our honeymoon had taken us from the Maldives to the enchanting streets of Paris, and finally, to the serene countryside of Tuscany. Each day had been filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable moments. But now, it was back to reality—our reality, where Zaylen and I were not only husband and wife but also Alpha and Luna, and for the time being, colleagues.I walked into the office, the familiar scent of coffee and paper filling the air. As I made my way to my desk, I couldn’t help but feel a flutter of excitement mixed with nerves. This was our first day back after the long honeymoon, and though I was eager to dive back into work, I couldn’t ignore the butterflies in my stomach.Zaylen’s office door was slightly ajar, and as I passed by, I saw him sitting behind his desk, engrossed in a document. He looked up, catching my eye, and a slow, mischievous smile spread across his face.“Good morning, my Luna,” he called out, his
LIANAThe following morning, we decided to explore more of the city. After a quick breakfast, we set off to visit the Louvre Museum. As we walked through the grand halls, admiring the masterpieces, Zaylen kept me close, his hand never leaving mine."Look at this one," he said, pointing to a painting. "Doesn't it remind you of one of our dates?"“The one we had just before you proposed to me?” I asked to be sure. As he nodded, I laughed, remembering that endearing evening. "It does. We have come a long way, haven't we?""We have," he agreed, his eyes softening as he looked at me. "And I wouldn't change a thing."We continued our tour, losing ourselves in the beauty of the art and the history that surrounded us. As we exited the museum, we found a street vendor selling crepes. Zaylen insisted on buying one for each of us, and we sat on a nearby bench, enjoying the sweet treat."These are delicious," I said, licking a bit of Nutella from my fingers."Almost as sweet as you," Zaylen tea
LIANAThe Eiffel Tower stood tall and majestic against the twilight sky, its twinkling lights casting a romantic glow over the city of Paris. I marveled at the sight, my heart swelling with awe and excitement. Our long honeymoon had brought us from the tropical paradise of the Maldives to the enchanting streets of Paris, and I couldn't have been happier.Zaylen and I strolled hand in hand along the Seine River, the soft murmur of French conversations and the distant sound of street musicians creating a magical atmosphere. He looked dashing in a tailored suit, and I felt like a princess in my flowing dress."Isn't this beautiful?" I sighed, leaning my head on his shoulder."It is," he agreed, pressing a kiss to my temple. "But not as beautiful as you."I blushed, my heart fluttering at his words. "Always the charmer.""For you, always," he replied with a playful wink.As we walked, we passed a quaint café with outdoor seating. Zaylen tugged me toward it. "How about a little dessert?"
LIANAThe soft rustling of palm trees and the rhythmic lapping of waves greeted me as I stepped onto the sunlit balcony. The warm, salty breeze of the Maldives caressed my face, bringing with it a sense of serene contentment I hadn't felt in years. The crystal-clear waters stretched out endlessly, a shimmering expanse of turquoise that promised days of relaxation and intimate moments with Zaylen.I leaned against the railing, closing my eyes and letting the sounds of paradise envelop me. A gentle smile tugged at my lips as I thought of Zaylen still asleep in our villa, the man who had turned my world upside down in the best way possible."Liana?" Zaylen's voice, husky with sleep, reached me, making my heart flutter.I turned to see him standing in the doorway, his dark hair tousled and his eyes still heavy with sleep. He looked so different from the domineering, fierce leader I had first met. Here, he was just Zaylen, my husband, the man I loved with all my heart."Good morning, sle
LIANAToday was the day—the day Zaylen and I would finally stand before our loved ones, pledging our hearts to each other in marriage. The anticipation and excitement in the air were palpable, mingling with the fragrant scents of blooming flowers and the soft rustle of leaves. Our wedding was set against a backdrop of lush greenery, the venue a picturesque garden that seemed to be alive with joy and celebration.The sun shone brightly, casting a warm, golden glow over everything. The ceremony was to be held in a charming outdoor setting, with a floral arch adorned with cascading white roses and delicate greenery. The aisle, lined with white rose petals, led to a beautifully decorated altar where Zaylen and I would exchange our vows.I took a deep breath, feeling the flutter of nervous excitement in my stomach as I prepared to walk down the aisle. Noelle, radiating beauty even with her eight-month baby bump, adjusted her position next to me. She looked stunning in her deep emerald g
LIANAThe morning sun filtered through the canopy of trees, casting dappled light across the campsite. The soft, golden rays glinted off the sparkling surface of the waterfall, creating a mesmerizing display of light and water. The gentle roar of the falls provided a soothing soundtrack as the water cascaded into a clear, shimmering pool below.The campsite, nestled beside this natural wonder, was waking up with the day. The cool, fresh air carried the crisp scent of pine and morning dew. The grass was still damp from the night, and the tents stood slightly crumpled, evidence of a night spent in cozy slumber.Trevor, ever the early riser and mischief-maker, had a gleam in his eye as he set his plan into motion. He crept quietly towards Zaylen, who was enjoying a leisurely breakfast by the fire, unaware of the prank that was about to unfold. Trevor had filled a bucket with water and carefully rigged it to tip over when Zaylen’s chair was moved.I observed from a distance, sipping my