(Layla’s POV)Red wine soaked through my blouse, the cold liquid sending a shock down my spine. Droplets splattered onto the marble floor, looking disturbingly like blood on the white stone. Conversation around us faltered as nearby wolves turned to watch the unfolding drama.Amanda’s lips curled into a triumphant smile that didn’t touch her eyes. This was no accident—her aim had been too perfect, her timing too calculated.I assessed my options within seconds. I could walk away gracefully, showing Amanda that her childish tactics were beneath me. I could report her to Raymond, letting official channels handle her misconduct.Or I could retaliate in kind.My decision was formed instantly.I looked down at my full plate, considering each item carefully. Then, slowly, I picked up a strip of crispy bacon and pressed it firmly against Amanda’s chest, dragging it downward to leave a greasy streak across her pristine white dress.Her mouth fell open in shock, eyes widening comically. Before
(Layla’s POV)I scrubbed viciously at the red wine stains blooming across my white blouse, cursing under my breath as the cheap break room hand soap did absolutely nothing against the stubborn discoloration.The Council Hall break room smelled of burnt coffee and microwave popcorn, ugly ceiling bulbs rattling noisily from the ceiling. My blazer hung over a nearby chair, saved from Amanda’s petty attack.“Stupid wine. Stupid Amanda. Stupid formal event requiring white clothing,” I muttered, dabbing ineffectually at the largest stain with a wet paper towel.The door squeaked open behind me. In the mirror above the sink, I caught Samuel’s reflection as he entered. His formal robes remained immaculate despite the wound on his arm, which looked angrier under the harsh lighting.“Having any luck?” he asked, nodding toward my blouse.“About as much luck as trying to train a fish to climb trees,” I sighed, tossing another ruined paper towel into the overflowing trash can. “This is probably a l
(Layla’s POV)I stared down the empty hallway, goosebumps rising on my arms despite the building’s warmth. Something about that shadow had seemed familiar, stirring an uneasy feeling in my gut.“Layla?” Samuel appeared on my shoulder. “What is it?”I stepped back into the break room, letting the door swing shut. “I thought I saw someone in the hallway. A shadow moving past the door.”“Probably just another Council member,” Samuel suggested, though his posture had become more alert, his senses clearly scanning for potential threats.“Maybe,” I agreed, not entirely convinced. The shadow had moved with a furtive quality that struck me as suspicious rather than casual.Samuel studied my face. “You seem disturbed by it.”“Just jumpy, I guess.” I returned to the sink, gathering my damp blazer and resuming my battle with the wine stains. “Between Amanda’s stunts and everything else that’s happened lately, I’m seeing threats in every shadow.”Samuel leaned against the counter, his bandaged arm
(Layla’s POV)Frank didn’t look good. His once-handsome face had grown gaunt, cheeks hollowed and eyes sunken into dark sockets. The expensive clothes he’d once favored had been replaced by a stained T-shirt and wrinkled jeans that hung off his frame. The reek of alcohol and unwashed body odor knocked the breath from my lungs.“What are you doing here, Frank?” I demanded, gripping my keys tighter, the metal digging into my palm. “Mom has a restraining order against you.”He flicked ash onto the sidewalk, lips curling into a sneer. “That piece of paper? Meaningless. This is still my territory too, princess.”“You abandoned any claim to territory when you gambled away our savings and beat my mother,” I shot back, my voice steady despite the anger bubbling beneath. “You need to leave. Now.”“So fierce,” Frank laughed, pushing himself off the wall. “But I’m not going anywhere until I get what I came for.”“The money and jewelry weren’t enough? What more could you possibly take from us?”“M
(Layla’s POV)The alarm clock’s shrill beeping jolted me from sleep, dreams of Frank’s threats still clinging to my consciousness.I opened my eyes to a room still in disarray from Frank’s break-in—drawers half-emptied, belongings scattered across surfaces.I’d been too exhausted last night to continue cleaning up.After a quick shower and breakfast with Mom, I gathered my things for Annie’s session, mind still roiling over Frank’s ultimatum.Ten thousand might as well be a million—impossible to produce on my current income. Even with the Chairman election pending, Samuel would notice such a large sum missing from pack accounts. And Mason…No. I wouldn’t involve either of them in this mess. Frank was my problem to solve.As I opened the front door, a metallic clink caught my attention. I looked down to find a set of car keys lying on the welcome mat, a small silver wolf charm dangling from the keyring.“What the…?” I murmured, bending to pick them up.I stepped outside, scanning the p
(Layla’s POV)I stared at the woman standing beside Samuel, momentarily frozen in place by her unexpected presence. She looked to be in her early thirties, perhaps five years older than me.The room suddenly felt smaller, the air heavier. I became acutely aware of my simple jeans and t-shirt, of my hair pulled back in a practical ponytail, of the dust and sweat from massaging Annie’s legs. Next to this woman, I felt like a grubby child.Those calculating green eyes swept over me, assessing and dismissing me in seconds. Her high and thin eyebrows arched questioningly as she turned to Samuel.“And who might this be?” she asked, her voice cultured but cold, like expensive champagne served over ice.“This is Layla Wilkes,” Samuel replied, gesturing toward me. “She’s Annie’s nanny and tutor. Layla has been instrumental in Annie’s rehabilitation.”I forced a polite smile, trying not to fidget under her scrutiny. “Nice to meet you.”The woman’s ruby lips curved in a smile that never reached h
(Layla’s POV)Annie’s bedroom looked like it had been hit by a small, controlled tornado. Books and papers littered her desk, colored pencils rolled across the floor, and her tablet balanced precariously on the edge of her bed.She’d been in the middle of several projects before my arrival, and then Barbara’s, had distracted her.“Let me guess,” I said, surveying the chaos as I maneuvered her wheelchair to the desk. “You started homework, got bored, switched to drawing, got bored again, and moved on to your tablet?”Annie grinned sheepishly. “I was waiting for you. Math is more fun when you explain it.”“Nice save,” I chuckled, gathering up the scattered papers. “But flattery won’t get you out of fractions today.”I found her math workbook beneath a pile of sketches—surprisingly good drawings of wolves running through forests. Annie had talent beyond her years, capturing movement and emotion in just a few pencil strokes.“These are really good,” I told her, setting aside the artwork ca
(Layla’s POV)The burning water trickled down my wrist as Barbara and I stared at each other, neither of us moving. Her green eyes glittered dangerously, her red painted lips pressed into a thin line of displeasure. Behind her, Samuel rose from his desk, his face giving nothing away.“Well, well,” Barbara said coldly. “Eavesdropping on private conversations now? Is that part of your nanny duties?”My cheeks blazed with heat, but I forced myself to meet her gaze. “I was getting water for Annie.” I held up the glass as evidence, water still dripping from my fingers.“Right outside our door? How convenient.” Barbara stepped into the hallway, her arms crossing over her chest. “And how much did you hear?”“Nothing,” I lied, wiping my wet hand on my jeans. “I was just passing by.”“With your ear pressed to the door?” Barbara asked skeptically. “Do you think I’m stupid, girl?”“Barbara,” Samuel warned, appearing behind her in the doorway.She ignored him, moving closer to me. “You know what I
Layla’s POVJust as Samuel stepped through the front door, Barbara rushed over in high heels, her face flushed with anger. Her expensive silk dress swished dramatically around her long legs as she stormed toward us.“Where have you been?” she demanded shrilly. “Why didn’t you come home last night? Annie was asking for you!”Samuel’s cold gaze swept over her, making her take an involuntary step back. “Aren’t you aware why?” he asked icily. “Your little drugged dessert made that impossible.”Barbara’s face paled visibly, but she recovered quickly. “I apologized for that misunderstanding—”“Misunderstanding?” Samuel repeated incredulously. “You deliberately drugged food in my home, near my child. There was nothing to misunderstand.”“It wasn’t meant for her,” Barbara protested, shooting me a venomous glance.“That makes it worse, not better,” Samuel replied sharply. “You put everyone at risk with your childish scheme.”Barbara flinched at his tone but rallied defiantly. “I was only trying
Layla’s POVThere wasn’t much to do at the council today. The usual mountain of paperwork had mysteriously shrunk to a manageable pile, and I finished organizing the materials in the archives by early afternoon. “Ready to go?” Cora asked, poking her head around a bookshelf. “I’m finished cataloging the new acquisitions.”I nodded, tucking a thick rehabilitation therapy book under my arm. I’d discovered it in the medical section yesterday and signed it out, hoping it might help Annie’s recovery.We pushed open the heavy oak doors together, stepping into the bright afternoon. I paused on the top step, momentarily blinded after hours in the dimly lit archives.“Oh my,” Cora whispered, nudging me sharply. “Look who’s waiting for you.”I blinked, my vision adjusting to see Samuel standing next to his car in the parking lot. His hands rested in his pockets as he paced back and forth, clearly waiting for someone. The suit outlined his broad shoulders and straight posture. I admired his chis
Layla’s POVElder Raymond’s office fell silent as the grandfather clock in the corner ticked loudly. He glared at Samuel for several long seconds, fury and fear battling across his face. Finally, he exhaled sharply through his nose.“Fine,” he growled reluctantly. “You may view the footage, but this stays between us—no reports, no formal inquiries.”“Agreed,” Samuel replied immediately.Raymond heaved himself from his chair and led us down a narrow hallway to a small room filled with electronic equipment. Monitors lined one wall, displaying different areas of the archives in real-time. Raymond typed a series of passwords into a computer terminal, bringing up a calendar interface.“What date exactly?” he asked tersely.“Umm, four weeks ago?” I guessed.Raymond inputted the dates, pulling up archived footage from multiple camera angles. He stepped back from the console, arms crossed.“Thirty minutes. No more,” he declared firmly before exiting the room, the door clicking shut behind him.
Layla’s POVI stood in front of Samuel, my fingers unconsciously twisting the hem of my skirt. In the auto shop around us, mechanics worked on Samuel’s newly installed tires.“I explained my relationship with Barbara because Annie likes you,” Samuel stated firmly, his face stern as a judge delivering a verdict. “Changing nannies would affect her rehabilitation progress significantly. That’s all.”Heat rushed to my cheeks. Of course. He hadn’t been clarifying for my benefit—it was always about Annie. I’d been stupid to think otherwise, to imagine his explanation held any personal significance.“You’re right,” I replied, dropping my hands from my skirt. “Annie’s recovery comes first. She needs consistency in her care.”Samuel nodded, relief flickering across his face. “Good. I’m glad we’re clear on this matter.”“I guess I overthink things sometimes,” I admitted, forcing a smile to hide my disappointment.“You should worry more about Frank’s threats than these misunderstandings,” Samuel
Layla’s POV“It seems inappropriate for you to keep pursuing your ex-girlfriend’s belongings,” Samuel said pointedly. “What would Abigail think about your fixation on Layla’s necklace?”Mason slammed his car door, face flushing. “Don’t lecture me about my marriage, Samuel. You have no right.”“And you have no right to pressure Layla about her personal possessions,” Samuel countered.Their argument escalated. Each barb was sharper than the last. I sat awkwardly behind them in the car, watching as they snarled at each other like wolves establishing dominance.“At least I have a mate,” Mason sneered. “Unlike you, still pining after a woman who clearly didn’t want you enough to stay.”Samuel’s expression darkened dangerously. “My relationship with Elise is none of your concern.”“Isn’t it? Your emotional unavailability affects everyone around you, especially your daughter. Annie deserves better than half a father.”“Don’t you dare bring Annie into this,” Samuel growled.Their argument grew
Layla’s POVI looked down at the moon necklace nestled against my chest again. The silver felt warm under my fingers. I’d worn it every day of my life, the metal absorbing my body heat until it seemed part of me.“Sell it, Layla.”I jerked my head up at Mom’s unexpected voice. She stood in the doorway watching us with a strangely intense look on his face. When had she followed us outside?“This way you wouldn’t have to work so hard as a nanny,” she continued, not meeting my eyes. “You could find something…safer.”I unconsciously glanced at Samuel. The thought of leaving his household made my stomach twist. Being with Annie had become healing for me, and if I was honest with myself, being near Samuel was equally important, despite the complications.“I don’t want to sell it,” I said firmly. “It’s not for sale at any price.”Mason stepped closer, lowering his voice. “Be reasonable, Layla. This necklace is worth far more than you realize. I could pay enough for you and your mother to live
Layla’s POVI lunged for Mason’s phone, but he jerked it away, still recording. “Give me that!” I snapped, furious at his implications.Samuel rose from the table and approached the door. “Let’s take this outside,” he said coldly.Mason backed onto the front lawn, his camera never wavering. I followed them both, acutely aware of my ridiculous pajamas but too angry to care. The morning air chilled my skin through the thin fabric and raised goosebumps along my arms.Once outside, Samuel silently pointed toward his car. Mason’s camera swung to follow his gesture, capturing the luxury vehicle sitting on bare rims, all four tires conspicuously absent.“What is this?” Mason asked, genuine surprise in his voice.“This,” Samuel replied calmly, “is what happens when an Alpha fails to maintain proper security in his territory. My tires were stolen last night, leaving me stranded.”Mason lowered his phone slightly as Samuel continued.“The theft of my tires is a small matter,” Samuel said. “But s
Layla’s POVHis head turned slowly at the sound of my voice.Sprawled across our secondhand couch that was at least two sizes too small for his frame, his usually impeccable dress shirt rumpled, the top buttons undone to reveal a tantalizing glimpse of a toned chest. "Did you change my clothes?" I asked again, my voice embarrassingly thin.One dark brow arched. "Do I strike you as the type?" His voice was dry as desert wind. "Your mother handled it. Though I did have to veto the bunny slippers."My face burned. "They’re wolves, not bunnies.""Ah." He tilted his head, studying my pajamas with exaggerated scrutiny. "My mistake. The ferocious wolves with... pink bows on their ears?"I crossed my arms. "It was a gift.""From a five-year-old?"I threw a couch pillow at him.Samuel caught it effortlessly, but not before I saw the smirk tugging at his lips. “I’m someone with strong boundaries, Layla. Besides our one night stand, I have never done anything so out of line.”Relief flooded thro
Samuel’s POVClaire cowered behind me in panic as the man swaggered into the apartment. The stench of cheap liquor and his body odor filled the small space, making my nose wrinkle in disgust."Frank." Her voice trembled, fingers digging into my arm. "What are you doing here? How many times do I have to tell you—stay away from us!"Frank staggered past us, his boots kicking aside broken glass as he collapsed onto the couch."Aw, sweetheart," he drawled, the words thick with alcohol and malice. "This how you welcome your husband home?" His yellowed teeth gleamed in the dim light as he patted the stained cushion beside him. “Need money,” he announced bluntly, swaying slightly on his feet. “Got collectors breathing down my neck, nowhere to run.”Claire trembled visibly. “The money at home, you took it all already. There’s nothing left.”Frank's bloodshot eyes locked onto me with sudden, predatory interest. A slow, greasy smile spread across his unshaven face as he leaned forward on the