Leena's PovI was shocked to my very core, my thoughts spiraling in chaos as Sarah’s words echoed in my head. Could it be true? Could Alpha Avin—the man I was meant to marry—truly have been the one who murdered my parents in cold blood? I paced back and forth in my room, my fingers tangling nervously in my hair. It didn’t make sense. Avin was always kind, always the perfect picture of a noble Alpha. His eyes, dark and captivating, had always held a warmth that made me feel safe. But Sarah had been so convincing. The way she revealed the sealed document, the signature, the king’s ink—it all seemed so real. I sank onto the edge of my bed, my legs trembling beneath me. My reflection in the mirror caught my eye, and I was startled by what I saw. My usually bright, confident gaze was now dulled with confusion and fear. My cheeks were tear-streaked, my lips trembling. How could I face him after this? How could I marry someone who might have torn my family apart?A knock on my door startle
Leena's PovThe day had finally arrived—the day I was supposed to seal my fate. My wedding day. I sat in my room, staring at the lavish gown hanging on the wall. The intricate lacework shimmered as the sunlight poured through the window, illuminating its every detail. It was beautiful, perfect even. Yet, it felt like a prison sentence rather than a symbol of love and unity. My chest tightened as the weight of my decision bore down on me. How had it come to this? A wedding that held no joy, no love—only duty and sacrifice.Miriam, my ever-loyal companion and assistant, stood by my side, brushing strands of my dark hair into an elegant updo. Her hands moved deftly, but her eyes betrayed her concern. “Leena, are you alright?” she asked softly, her voice laced with worry.I forced a smile, though it felt like a mask. “I’m fine, Miriam. Just... nervous.”Her brows furrowed as she leaned closer, lowering her voice. “You don’t have to go through with this if you’re unsure. You’ve been so qui
Leena's PovI stood frozen in place, my heart pounding relentlessly as the events of the day spiraled further out of my control. My wedding day, the day I had dreaded yet resigned myself to, had suddenly turned into a spectacle—a battleground for the two men I loathed in equal measure. It was as if fate had decided to mock me, trapping me in a cruel game between the cousins who were both vying for me, not out of love, but for power, pride, and vengeance.As the announcement was made—The wedding between Alpha Kevin and Miss Leena is postponed. Alpha Alvin and Alpha Kevin will duel for Leena’s hand in marriage—I could feel the energy in the air shift. The pack roared their approval, their cheers echoing in the grand hall. I wanted to scream, to protest, but my words died in my throat.My body trembled as Miriam, my ever-loyal friend, placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder. “Leena,” she whispered softly, her voice laced with concern. “Are you alright?”I wasn’t. How could I be? “Miriam,
Leena's POVThe elder’s voice rang through the air like a death sentence. “Congratulations to Alpha Alvin. He has won, and therefore, Ms. Leena is his to take.”His to take? My breath hitched. My fists clenched at my sides as the words sank in, but not without resistance. This couldn’t be real. Not Alvin. Not the man who supposedly murdered my father.“This is bullshit! I was supposed to be the rightful alpha supreme and the heir of this pack!” Kevin roared, his voice laced with rage and betrayal.“Sorry, brother. Thank you for giving me back my bride,” Alvin said with a calm yet smug grin. His voice carried a dangerous edge that sent shivers down my spine.“You barely laid a hand on your cousin, which proves you’re not strong enough to be the alpha supreme,” the elders added, dismissing Kevin’s outburst with a finality that left no room for argument.Kevin stormed off, his steps echoing with frustration, and I noticed Ciara trailing behind him like an obedient lapdog. The sight of he
Leena’s POVThe battlefield was silent except for the soft rustle of the wind. I stood in the center, my fists clenched so tightly that my nails bit into my palms. My body ached from the earlier fight, a dull pain radiating from my ribs, but I couldn’t afford to falter. Across from me stood Alpha Alvin, his sharp features carved with confidence, his posture relaxed as though this was nothing but a game to him. He circled me like a predator, his smirk sending chills down my spine.“Why don’t you just give up, Leena?” he taunted, his voice smooth yet laced with arrogance. “You know I’ll win. Don’t make me hurt you more than I already have to.”I glared at him, my breathing labored but my resolve unbroken. “Don’t be so cocky, Alvin,” I spat, wiping the sweat from my brow. “I might be smaller than you, but that doesn’t mean I’m weaker. And I’ll never submit to this marriage!”His smirk deepened, and in an instant, he lunged forward. I barely had time to dodge, his fist grazing past my arm
Leena’s POVThe aftermath of the fight with Alpha Alvin felt surreal, as if I had woken up in someone else’s nightmare. My cheeks still stung from the tears I had shed, and the bitter reality of my impending marriage weighed heavily on me. The elders had decided, and the verdict was final—I was to marry the man who killed my father. It didn’t matter what I wanted. It didn’t matter how much I hated him. It was for the "good of the pack," or so they said.Miriam appeared by my side, her expression a mix of concern and guilt. She knelt beside me, gently helping me off the cold, hard ground where I had collapsed after the fight. “Come on, Leena,” she said softly, her voice almost soothing. “Let me help you to the courtroom.”My legs felt like jelly, but I leaned on Miriam for support. Her touch was firm yet comforting. As we walked, a nagging thought scratched at the back of my mind. Something wasn’t right. Something about the fight… about Miriam… but I couldn’t piece it together. The mem
Leena’s POV My anger was at its peak, a raging storm inside me that refused to calm, the moment Sarah stormed toward me. The nerve! If not for the lingering weakness I felt after my fight, I swear I’d have shown her exactly why I am not to be trifled with. Yes, I might not be the strongest Luna, but I am the daughter of an Alpha—a title that holds weight, power, and dignity, whether she likes it or not. Her audacity to call me names, to belittle me in front of others, was an insult I could barely stomach. I could feel my fists clench tightly at my sides as she spewed venom, accusing me of stealing Alvin, the man she claimed to be her fated mate. For a brief moment, her words echoed in my mind, whispering doubts. What if Alvin truly did kill my father? What if she’s telling the truth? But then the reality of my situation slammed into me—this wasn’t a matter of choice. I was being forced into this marriage for the sake of unity, a decision made by the council and not my heart. Her
Leena's PovI stood there like a statue, frozen in place. My eyes locked with his, and it felt as though the room itself had stopped breathing. My chest tightened, my pulse racing. It wasn’t just his piercing gaze that unsettled me—it was the smirk playing at the corner of his lips, like he was amused by my helplessness. He sipped his wine with a deliberate calmness that only made my unease grow. His half-open shirt revealed a toned chest adorned with intricate tattoos, each one seeming to tell a story of battle and bloodshed. His muscles flexed subtly as he leaned back, every movement calculated and unnervingly perfect.I swallowed hard, hating the way my throat tightened. My heart betrayed me, pounding louder with every second. Why am I noticing this? I reminded myself, furiously. He’s my enemy. He’s the man who destroyed everything I loved.I clenched my fists at my sides, forcing my thoughts back to why I had come. My eyes fluttered shut for a brief second, and when I reopened the
Kira arrived at her bakery that morning, determined to open early. She had received multiple orders from clients who wanted cakes and other baked goods, and she needed to get started right away. Recently, she had bought an ice cream machine, something she had been excited to introduce to her shop. The moment she posted about it online, the demand for ice cream cups skyrocketed, and now she had to meet her customers' expectations. As she approached the entrance, she shifted her bag onto her shoulder and reached into her pocket for the keys. But just as she was about to unlock the door, she felt it—a distinct tap on her shoulder. Her breath hitched, and she spun around so fast that her long, dark curls bounced over her shoulder. Her heart pounded. Someone had definitely touched her. But when she turned, there was no one there. The street was empty except for a few distant passersby who were too far away to have been the culprit. A chill ran down her spine. *Was I hallucinating?*
Cooper stepped into his penthouse, his muscles aching from exhaustion. The day had been long and grueling, his mind burdened with the weight of everything that had happened. His jaw clenched as he shrugged off his suit jacket, tossing it onto the couch. His thoughts swirled like a violent storm, refusing to settle. Eva’s behavior had been… odd. The moment Kira mentioned the card, Eva had reacted too quickly—too sharply. Why? Why had she been so eager to steer the conversation in a different direction? It didn’t sit right with him. Cooper knew the restaurant was something he wanted to invest in, yet Eva seemed far from pleased about it. It was as if she had some hidden agenda, something tied to the bakery, and maybe even something personal against its owner. But what? He exhaled deeply, rubbing his temple as he loosened his tie. That wasn’t even the worst of it. What truly unsettled him was Diego’s men. The sight of them hovering around Kira like vultures had sent a wave of ang
Kira woke up to the soft golden sunlight streaming through her small apartment window, the rays illuminating the delicate necklace Cooper McDonald had gifted her. She had placed it on her nightstand, where she could admire its intricate beauty each morning. Her fingers lightly traced the pendant, a bittersweet smile forming on her lips. “It’s time to move on, Kira,” she whispered to herself. “He has a girlfriend. I need to stop dreaming.” She shook off the pang of longing and rose from bed, stretching her arms as she gathered her strength for the day ahead. After freshening up and throwing on her favorite apron over a plain pastel dress, Kira headed to her tiny kitchen. Breakfast was a quick affair—a slice of toast and coffee—her thoughts already drifting to the bakery she had poured her heart into. As Kira unlocked the door to her bakery, the familiar scent of flour, vanilla, and hope filled the air. She smiled, glancing around at the little shop s
After her dinner date with Cooper, Eva stormed into her apartment, her face flushed with a mix of anger and unease. Her thoughts swirled as she paced the small living room, her heels clicking against the wooden floor. "What does Cooper even want?" she muttered under her breath, her brows knitting together. She clenched her fists, frustration bubbling up inside her. Yet, beneath the irritation, there was something else—an undeniable pull toward him. Eva flopped onto the couch, her head falling back against the cushions. "I need Cooper," she whispered, her voice trembling with determination. "He's handsome, rich, tall... those gorgeous eyes and those lips..." She trailed off, biting her lip as a faint smile crept onto her face. The thought of Kira suddenly intruded, making her expression darken. "I don't want Kira to ruin my moment with the love of my life," she spat, her voice sharp and bitter. When Cooper dropped her off earlier, she'd lied about wher
Eva couldn’t hide her emotions as she stepped out of the taxi in front of the restaurant. The plan was simple: meet Cooper, the man she had been dreaming of since the day they met, for a date that she hoped would solidify their connection. But fate had other plans. Her heart froze when her eyes caught sight of something—or rather, someone—she hadn’t anticipated.There they were, standing just outside the restaurant, in front of the shopping mall next door—Kira, her childhood best friend, and Cooper, the man she wanted for herself. Eva took a step back, her body trembling with disbelief as she watched Kira wrap her arms around him in a warm embrace. Cooper didn’t resist; in fact, he smiled at Kira as though she was the only person in the world. Eva’s stomach churned, a bitter taste rising in her mouth. A wave of anger mixed with jealousy surged through her, leaving her momentarily unable to breathe. Her chest tightened, and tears threatened to spill, but she blinked them back. **"How
Kira looked up from the pastry counter, her brows furrowed in confusion as the man who just walked in addressed Cooper as "Mr. Delarosa." The name rolled off the stranger’s tongue like he’d practiced it, but it was wrong. She tilted her head slightly, her lips parting to say something, but Cooper beat her to it. “Ah, you must be new here,” Cooper said with a relaxed chuckle, his sharp suit somehow making the moment feel less awkward. He clasped a hand on the man’s shoulder, his charming grin never faltering. “It’s Cooper. Always Cooper.” Kira’s gaze flickered between the two men, trying to piece together the odd exchange. Her stomach twisted uneasily, a quiet warning she couldn’t ignore. She wiped her flour-dusted hands on her apron, her voice wavering as she interrupted their conversation. “Um, excuse me. I think I need to close up the shop for the day. My partner isn’t here, and, well, with all the commotion earlier…” Her voice trailed off, and she glanced at Cooper nervously.
Kira was still talking with Cooper when he offered to help her. His voice was calm, but there was an unmistakable firmness in his tone when he said, “I’d like to invest in your bakery.” Kira hesitated, a flicker of surprise crossing her face. Her lips parted as though to respond, but she closed them again, frowning slightly. “I appreciate the offer, but… I can’t accept it,” she said, her voice soft yet resolute. “Why not?” Cooper asked, tilting his head slightly, his piercing gaze fixed on her. “It’s not because I disregard your kindness,” she said quickly, her hands fidgeting with the hem of her apron. “But my shop—it’s not worth it. I can’t let you waste your money on something so… small.” Her voice cracked slightly, betraying the vulnerability she was trying to hide. Cooper smiled faintly, leaning forward. “Small? Kira, your bakery is more than just a shop. It’s a reflection of your hard work and passion. That makes it more than worth it.” Kira’s eyes softened, and for a
Kira’s mind was still spinning from the revelation that this man, Cooper McDonald, was willing to invest such a large sum in her struggling bakery. He had insisted on helping her, pushing a check for $100,000 into her hands, but she had rejected it. She couldn’t bring herself to accept something so overwhelming, especially from a man she didn’t know well enough to trust.“Please, you don’t have to do this,” she had said, her voice a mix of gratitude and discomfort. “I’m sure if I sold everything in my shop right now, it wouldn’t even come close to half of this amount. I can’t—”Cooper had interrupted her, smiling that confident, reassuring smile of his. “I’m an investor. And I’m officially investing in your business.”She had hesitated for a moment, trying to find some logic in his offer. But there was something unsettling about him. The way he spoke about it, as if it was the most natural thing in the world to hand over such a sum of money to a
Kira’s mind spun as she watched the man standing before her. His movements were fluid, his strikes precise, yet there was something unsettlingly ruthless about the way he fought. Every punch, every calculated step, exuded raw power. Yet his voice... it carried a soothing warmth that made her question everything she thought she knew about him. He adjusted his glasses as if shielding something, but Kira couldn’t shake the feeling that behind those lenses lay secrets—ones she desperately wanted to uncover. She stood frozen, clutching the edge of the counter at her small bakery, her heart thudding against her ribcage. For the first time in years, someone had fought for her. Her mind drifted back to Eva, her only friend, who had abandoned her months ago. Their broken friendship left Kira lonelier than ever, her introverted nature making it hard to form new connections. And yet, this man—a stranger—had stepped in, defending her with a ferocity that took her breath away. When the fight