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 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)I gripped the wedding bands so hard they left indents in my palms, watching my fated mate Mason exchange vows with Princess Abigail of the Oakshadow Pack. The massive altar in our pack’s great hall where they stood was covered with a red carpet, so lavish it felt like it was mocking my pain.My wolf Ariel howled in anguish inside me, a sound that rang through my soul. Two years of secret meetings, stolen kisses in darkened corridors, whispered promises of forever—all thrown away for political ambition.“You have to understand,” Mason had told me in his office last week, not even looking at me as he dropped the bomb. “The pack needs this alliance with Oakshadow. I need this to become Chairman. Your background…it would only hold us back.”I nodded like the good Beta I was, swallowing my protests even as Ariel thrashed against our bond. He was right—my common birth would’ve ruined his campaign. The daughter of a lowly omega could never be Luna of the mighty Sapphire Sky Pack.
(Layla)Mason threw open his office door so hard it slammed against the wall. “Get in here. Now.”I stepped inside, my neck throbbing where Samuel had marked me last night. The memories flashed through my mind—his hands on my skin, his teeth sinking into my flesh.“Who was it?” Mason demanded, pacing behind his desk. His wolf’s golden eyes flickered through, dangerous and wild. “Which wolf dared to mark you?”I crossed my arms. “That’s none of your business.”“None of my—” Mason’s fist crashed down on his desk. “You’re my Beta! Everything you do reflects on this pack!”“Funny how you care now,” I spat. “Where was all this concern yesterday when you were exchanging vows with Abigail?”His nostrils flared as he stalked toward me. “Don’t change the subject. I can smell another wolf all over you.”“Back off,” I growled, baring my teeth. “You lost any right to question my personal life when you rejected our mate bond.”“I did what was necessary for the pack!”“No, you did what was necessa
(Layla)I clutched my necklace tighter. Abigail’s gaze locked onto it, her thin, dark eyebrows rising.“That pattern…” She stepped closer, releasing Mason’s hand. “Those markings look exactly like the ceremonial pieces in my pack’s vault.”Mason glanced at it dismissively. “Must be a cheap copy.”“But look at those engravings,” Abigail insisted. “The craftsmanship is similar to—”“Abigail, dear,” Mason cut in. “Why don’t you browse the displays? I need to speak with Layla privately.”He gripped my arm, pulling me toward a small office at the back. The clerk opened his mouth to protest but Mason silenced him with a glare.“Let go of me,” I snapped, yanking free once we were inside.Mason pulled an envelope from his jacket. “Your resignation is approved.”“Give it to me.”“Not so fast.” He dangled it just out of reach. “I have a proposition first.”I crossed my arms. “Not interested.”“Your mother’s treatments.” Mason stepped closer. “I could take care of everything. The bills, the spe
(Layla)I turned Samuel’s card over in my hands like I had been doing for the last hour. I sat on my bed, staring at the elegant black lettering until it blurred.Call if you need anything. Money, protection—whatever.The implications made my stomach knot. One night of angry, drunken revenge was one thing, but this…this would be calculated. Deliberate.My phone screen lit up: HOSPITAL BILLING.I ignored it and walked to my closet. If I was going to do this, I’d do it right. The red dress hung at the very back, tags still attached. I’d bought it months ago for a pack formal that I’d never been able to attend, before Mason had crushed my heart.Tears spilled down my cheeks as I yanked it off the hanger. How has my life come to this? From respected Beta to potential mistress in less than a week.“I am sorry, Mom,” I whispered, unzipping the dress. “I never wanted this.”The silk slid cool against my skin. Perfect fit. The neckline dipped low, the hemline rode high. Exactly what you’d expe
(Layla)“My daughter Annie needs full-time care,” Samuel explained, tapping his fingers on the diner table. “She accidentally ingested wolfsbane and the accident left her legs paralyzed.”I stared at him across the booth, my red dress feeling ridiculous again as I remembered her.“Your daughter…”“Yes, my daughter.” His eyes narrowed. “Surprising?”“I just…” I shifted in my seat. “I didn’t know you had one.”I had never known him to have a public Luna, yet he had a daughter. Maybe I could be his Luna too…Ridiculous, I chided myself. You’re being ridiculous.“There’s a lot you don’t know about me.” Samuel motioned to the waitress. “Coffee, black.”“Same,” I muttered, needing something stronger than water.“Three weeks ago,” he continued once the waitress left, “Annie got into the wolfsbane garden. Doctors say the paralysis should be temporary, but she needs constant supervision until she recovers.”“And you want me to…”“Be her nanny. Five days a week, live-in position.” He pulled out
(Layla)“She’s mine.” Samuel’s declaration rang in my ears.Just minutes ago at our table, he’d insisted we were nothing but employer and employee. The contradiction made my head spin. One moment he acted like our night together meant nothing, the next he claimed me in front of Mason. What game was he playing?“Let’s talk outside,” Mason snarled, reaching for my arm.I twisted away. “Don’t touch me.”“Sorry Uncle,” Mason said through gritted teeth, “but I need to borrow her for a minute.” His fingers dug into my bicep as he yanked me toward the door.“Mason, stop!” I planted my feet. “Let go!”I stumbled in my heels, the concrete scraping my feet. He dragged me into the parking lot anyway, grip tightening when I tried to yank free. The asphalt scraped my heels as I stumbled.“How dare you, Mason! Take your hands off me!”“How could you get involved with him?” Mason demanded, spinning me around to face him. “My uncle? Really?”“You’re hurting me!”“He’s just a playboy who sees you as a
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