ISABELLA'S POV ~As Ryan opened his mouth to respond, I watched in horror as a sudden fit of coughing overwhelmed him, wracking his body with ragged gasps for breath. My heart racing, I leapt from my chair, dashing to the stool in his room where a jug of water sat. With no time to spare, I brought it back to his bedside and poured the water straight into his mouth, disregarding any need for a glass.My hands patting his back in a desperate attempt to soothe him, my brow furrowed deeply as I watched, willing him to breathe normally once again.Finally, the coughing subsided and Ryan let out a heavy, relieved sigh. I slumped back against the headboard, the tension slowly seeping from my body as I leaned over to gently take the glass jug from Ryan’s hands, placing it gently on the floor beside the bed.I pursed my lips, feeling a growing sense of frustration as I realized that Ryan was still evading my question. Yet, a part of me wanted to let it go, to just stop pressing him for answers
ISABELLA'S POV~My blood turned to fire, coursing through my veins like liquid rage. "Make it stop! MAKE IT FUCKING STOP!!!" I bellowed, my voice raw with emotion, my eyes glued to the sight of my mother, her body writhing in agony. I collapsed to the ground, every muscle in my body straining against Ryan's grasp as he held me back. "Let me go!" I shrieked, thrashing wildly, desperate to reach my mother's side. "Let me fucking go!" Tears streamed down my face, the pain of watching my mother suffer almost too much to bear.Ryan's voice was soft, soothing, but it only served to fuel my fury. "Isabella... Please wait." His hands tightened around me, holding me in place as I kicked and screamed. "Isabella, I know this is hard, but you have to trust Alice. She knows what she's doing." But his words fell on deaf ears."Stop it! Alice, stop it!" I screamed, ignoring Ryan, my body trembling with rage. But Alice just stared at me, her expression blank, her eyes cold and unyielding. She said no
RYAN'S POV~“Isn't she out yet?" I asked my grandmother who was busy with her iPad. She only threw me a fleeting glance before resuming whatever activity she was carrying out on her device. My grandmother's nails clicked against the screen of her iPad in a steady rhythm, a counterpoint to the impatient tapping of my foot on the linoleum floor. My eyes were fixed on the door of the hospital ward, willing it to open, willing Isabella to emerge. But the door remained stubbornly closed, taunting me with its silence."Oh, you poor dear " my grandmother remarked, her tone as dry as the desert sand. “I’m afraid patience isn't a virtue you inherited from the side of my family.”I shot her a withering look immediately but said nothing. I knew better than to engage with her when she was in this mood.Minutes ticked by like hours, each one dragging more slowly than the last. The silence in the hallway was oppressive, broken only by the occasional squeak of a nurse's shoe or the muted beeping of
RYAN'S POV~I flashed her a gentle smile, my gaze never leaving her face. “Of course, sweet girl. You don’t even need to ask.” My voice was soft, but behind the smile, my mind was racing with wild, dirty thoughts. I could see in her eyes the desire that mirrored my own, and I longed to devour her whole, to make her mine. I could feel the growl in my chest, a deep, primal sound that threatened to escape my lips.I turned away, gritting my teeth, barely keeping my hunger at bay. I could feel Braxton within me roaring in my mind, desperate to pounce on my mate. Our mate. “We need her." Braxton told me, but my jaw locked even harder, my veins protruding through my forehead, and I fought to keep an expressionless face despite how much my heart had begun to race. Isabella’s scent drifted to my nostrils and I swallowed hard, trying to keep control. My Adams apple bobbed as I fought the urge to take her then and there. “Fucking stay down, Braxton…” I warned my wolf in my head. I'm not goin
RYAN'S POV~"Fuck!" I gritted my teeth, barely able to stifle a curse as Old Nonna roughly removed the soiled bandage from my wound. Her rough, calloused hands felt like sandpaper against my skin as she yanked the cloth away, ignoring my sharp intake of breath.I stared straight ahead, eyes narrowed, the air practically crackling when I resisted the urge to snap at her. A thin trickle of blood stained my skin, the sting of the fresh air on the wound a welcome relief from the pain.Old Nonna was unfazed, her movements methodical as she worked."There, that's better," she muttered to herself, her voice gruff as she dabbed at the wound with a damp cloth. The faint humming that had once been soothing now felt like nails on a chalkboard.Once she leaned back, her eyes met mine for a brief moment, I couldn't help but let out a long, exasperated sigh. "Good," she said, seeming satisfied with her work. "Your wounds are healing fast. The poison is no longer a threat."I said nothing, my gaze f
ISABELLA'S POV ~The moment I stepped into the room, toweling my damp hair, Ryan turned his attention away from the television and fixed his gaze on me. "You done?" I flashed him a grin, the corners of my lips curling up mischievously. In response, he switched off the TV and swiveled the chair to face me, his eyes never leaving my face."So, you're still here," I remarked, teasing him as I tossed the towel onto the nearby chair. "Guarding me, are you?" Ryan's expression was impassive, but a twinkle of humor danced in his eyes. "Oh, no, not at all," he replied. "It's just that I'm terrified that another man might sneak in through the window and steal you away with your blinding beauty."I couldn't help but laugh, my cheeks burning as I sashayed to the bed, playfully batting my eyelashes at him. Ryan chuckled, a low and throaty sound, as he watched me settle onto the bed. His gaze roamed over my nightwear, a slow smile spreading across his face as he whistled in appreciation."Damn,
ISABELLA'S POV ~"Ryan?!" I shrieked, my voice cracking as I leapt from my chair. My hand flew to my mouth in shock, my eyes wide and glued to the screen before me. "Oh my God, oh my God!" I muttered in disbelief, unable to form a coherent thought.Ryan rushed into the room, a look of concern etched on his face. "What's wrong? What happened?" he asked, his voice edged with panic. He strode over to the laptop, his eyes flitting between the screen and my face, trying to piece together the puzzle of my frantic outburst."Oh my God, Ryan, it's true!" I cried, my hands trembling as I gripped his face. My voice was tinged with disbelief, my eyes glistening with unshed tears. "I got selected, just like that! Just like that, Ryan!" I repeated, my words escalating into a near-yell as I grappled with the sudden, overwhelming reality of my success.Ryan placed his hands on my shoulders, gently but firmly, in an effort to steady me. "Hey, calm down. What's wrong? You're crying.”"I'm just so happ
ISABELLA'S POV ~Cindy's grin sent a shiver down my spine as she twirled a lock of hair around her finger. Her lips curled into a serpentine smile, revealing a hint of malice. My stomach knotted as I caught sight of Noah's expressionless face, his icy gaze fixed on me as if he could see right through me."Hello there," she purred, her long painted fingernails waggling in a mocking wave. With a flick of her fingers, she motioned for me to step back. "Take two steps backwards for us, would you?"The room seemed to shrink around me as all eyes turned in my direction. My cheeks flushed hot with humiliation as I realized that my enemies had the upper hand. Oh goodness!I could feel Cindy's eyes burning into me like a predator stalking its prey. Every muscle in my body tensed as I fought to keep my fear in check, afraid that any sign of weakness would only fuel her amusement."Good," she purred, her fingers dropping to her side as she shot me a condescending sneer. I felt my jaw clench as s
RYAN'S POV~There was something wrong. Deep in the pit of my stomach, I could feel it like a thousand needles prickling against my skin. Something was not right with Isabella, but she had been so happy to go back to work that I hadn't had the heart to stop her.Damn it, I cursed inwardly as I sat behind the wheel, my knuckles white as I gripped the steering wheel. Why hadn't I insisted that she stay home? That I would provide everything she needed? I could afford it, hell, I could buy her the damn company if I wanted to.Isabella was a force to be reckoned with, and I respected the hell out of her for it. She wanted to make it to the top on her own merits, not because of who she was with or who she knew. And as much as I wished she would lean on me, I knew that wasn't who she was.But as I watched her disappear from sight, my heart clenched in my chest, a feeling of dread washing over me.Shit! I should have stayed longer.And yet I didn't.I had waited outside the building for an hou
ISABELLA'S POV ~"Do you have her?" a voice hissed, its familiarity sending a chill down my spine.“Yes we do, sir." Another replied.My head pounded like a war drum, each thud sending a wave of nausea through my body. I tried to open my eyes, but the world was a blur of spinning shapes and colors. Through the haze, I caught glimpses of faces - sinister, leering faces that seemed to loom over me like vultures.My throat felt extremely parched, I opened my mouth to utter just a word when a command followed next, “Knock her unconscious, we're almost at the venue."My heart dropped and yet I couldn't even protest or try to move. Before I could think of reacting, a hard surface landed once again at the side of my head, where a throbbing pain was occuring. Everywhere turned entirely black once more.~ ~ ~The more I tried to sit up, the more my head throbbed, sending spikes of pain through my skull. But as I glanced down at my hands, I froze in h
ISABELLA'S POV~"Please, everyone, be still," the man commanded, his voice carrying across the room. "I am Leo, as you know, the investor in charge of this project. I assure you, there will be no interruption to the progress of the pack. However, we have become aware of a serious incident, and we are taking all necessary steps to ensure that it does not happen again." He paused, his eyes momentarily locking with mine before sliding away. My heart skipped a beat.Why did it feel as though he was speaking directly to me?“In conclusion of what's been said, it means there would be a fair competition, with the winner becoming the new chief designer," he said, his voice carrying a hint of finality. "That's fair." A small smile played across his lips as he addressed the group.I found myself unable to look away from his face, my eyes locked intently on his features. What was it that I was searching for? My heart pounded with a growing sense of unease as I tried to place the source of my dis
RYAN'S POV~My gaze immediately snapped to the door as the sound of bare feet padding away resonated through the room. I caught the shadow of Isabella gliding away, and a small, involuntary smile curved my lips.Quickly, I shook my head and shifted my focus back to the stove, tasting the dish and ensuring it was perfect for my beloved wife. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine cooking for a woman, let alone with such tenderness and love that she’d savor every bite.I turned off the stove, fishing for my cell phone in my apron. After several rings, my brother's slurred voice echoed through the line. “Shit! Always ruining my morning with your calls. Can’t I get any rest from you?”I rolled my eyes, not in the mood for his games."I called you to inform you that George must be dismissed immediately, while you give an adequate replacement of Cindy as the chief designer." I ordered. "You’re aware of what happened with my wife. I won’t tolerate a repeat of that. You are the primary inve
ISABELLA'S POV ~I held my breath as a wave crashed over me. Hot spasms rolled through me as I climaxed."Good girl," he praised as my orgasm subsided, my muscles clenching around him. After a few moments, I opened my eyes blearily, realizing that he'd pulled his pants off. A pleased, knowing look crossed his face.“You're mine now.”Our mouths collided together, tongues immediately tangling with each others as the hunger grew stronger, fiercer.I pushed my pussy harder against his hand. "Please," I begged. "I want...""Huh?" He asked, clearly enjoying my torment. "Tell me exactly what you want.""Fuck me, please," I sobbed desperately.Finally, he bent down, licking my ear lobe. "Soon, baby" .Moments later, he was kneeling above me, his cock thick and veiny. He stared hungrily at the outline of my tits which bounced invitingly in their bindings. Taking my ankles in his hands, Ryan placed them behind my ears. If I hadn't been already soaking wet, having both of my knees drawn back to
ISABELLA'S POV ~I tremble as I cling to Ryan, my heart racing and my mind reeling. I can still feel the lingering touch of Alex, the memory of his leering gaze and the threat of violence still fresh in my mind. But Ryan's presence is a balm to my battered soul.He holds me like I'm a fragile piece of glass, his arms cradling me as if I'm the most precious thing in the world. He holds me so close that I can feel his heartbeat against my chest, a steady rhythm that calms me and reminds me that I'm safe.As the Uber pulls up to our home, Ryan doesn't let go of me. He carries me to the bedroom, my arms wrapped around his neck, my face buried in his shoulder. I feel protected, sheltered, as if the world can't touch me when I'm in his arms.Ryan carefully lays me down on the bed, his face a mask of concern and love. Despite the blood that stains his clothes, he doesn't let go of me. He knows that I need him, that I need his strength and his love to chase away the darkness that still linger
ISABELLA'S POV ~And then, something changed. The evil grin on his face vanished, replaced by a look of shock. He took a step back, pointing at me in disbelief."You're… Oh shit! You're Isabella?" he stammered, his voice betraying his surprise.But I couldn't respond. My lips, like the rest of me, were paralyzed. I could only watch, my terror mounting, as Alex straightened, his shock giving way to a calculating gaze.Alex suddenly threw his head back, his wicked laughter filling the room. He clapped his hands together in glee, shaking his head in disbelief."I must say, I didn't expect to find you here," he said, his voice dripping with dark humor. "You've proven to be quite the slippery prey, but it seems fate has brought you back into my grasp. And this time, I won't let you escape unscathed.”Tears streamed down my face, their salty warmth mingling with the dread coiling through my body. I could only watch, paralyzed, as Alex gloated over my fate.“I'll admit, I was disappointed wh
ISABELLA'S POV ~"Shut the fuck up, you bitch!" Alex snarled, flinging me into the room. My heels, already shaky, betrayed me, and I hit the ground with a hard thud, my face smashing against the ground and bruising my nose. I broke into sobs, crawling away, my body trembling with fear and pain.Memories of the past, dark and twisted, rose up in my mind, threatening to overwhelm me. I shook my head, trying to push them away, but they wouldn't be silenced. For goodness sake, they just wouldn't be silenced!"No, no, no," I whispered, my voice barely a whisper as the sobs wracked my body. I knew I couldn't break down, not now, not here, but my mind was spiraling into darkness.I had to fight, had to get away, but the terror was suffocating, overwhelming."Fuck!" Alex spat, his blood spraying the tiles. I watched the droplet fall, my body tensing as he growled, his eyes full of murderous rage. He wiped the blood from his lip with his sleeve, his gaze settling on me, sending a chill down my
ISABELLA'S POV ~The van ride seemed to drag on for an eternity, each bump in the road jostling my already frayed nerves. Finally, we arrived at our destination and George stepped out first, barking orders to the driver before shooting us a withering look."We're made to go on a dinner with some of these investors," Susan, who has remained stiff since we began the journey, suddenly spoke up. I bit back a retort, my jaw clenching in anger. But what could I say? We were trapped in this nightmare, at the mercy of George and his nefarious plans.The van door swung open and Susan and I stepped out into the fading light of day, walking towards the luxurious entrance of the five-star hotel. In my hands was a small card, indicating the table where we were expected to dine with our assigned investors. I gripped it tightly, my knuckles whitening as fear and dread raced through my veins.I tried to convince myself that I wasn't terrified, that my nerves weren't screaming with panic. But deep do