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
NOAH'S POV ~"What?!" I snapped, my voice ringing out like a gunshot in the silent room. I whirled around to face my assistant, who stood petrified beside me, her face a mask of fear as she cowered in my presence. I slammed my tumbler onto the desk, causing her to jump back a step."I'm... I'm so sorry, Alpha." She stammered, her eyes cast down to the ground, too scared to meet my furious gaze. "Miss Isabella has arrived."My fingers dug into the tumbler, the knuckles turning white with rage as I glared at my assistant, my eyes burning with a murderous rage. She could sense the storm brewing within me, but I didn't care. I was about to lose control, and it was all Isabella's fault.For fuck's sake! I knew she was here, I had heard her giggle, and my ears had instantly picked her voice out of the thousands of people milling around the building. Fuck! I should have called her, tried to start a conversation, but that asshole, her husband, had stopped me.That fucking husband of hers, who
ISABELLA'S POV~"You're lying, James!" I shouted, my voice trembling with rage and disbelief. "Why would you sink this low? I'm not going anywhere with you. Just leave!"My body trembled as waves of anger and heartbreak washed over me. I refused to believe that Ryan could have betrayed me like this. We had promised each other that nothing would tear us apart, that we would never let history repeat itself."Isabella..." James took a step towards me, his eyes shining with something I couldn't decipher, but I stepped back, raising my hand as if to ward him off."Just go!" I yelled at the top of my voice, my words echoing off the walls of the cell. "I'm not leaving here. Not without Ryan."James's eyes narrowed, his expression hardening. I could see the wheels turning in his mind, trying to come up with a way to convince me. But I was done listening.“Fine, I'm not going to force you to believe me or not. Why don't you come see for yourself? This is the last opportunity to flee this cell
LINDA'S POV~My legs moved swiftly as I clutched my shawl, ensuring that it remained wrapped tightly around my neck. I approached the small, hidden door in the palace walls, and took a quick glance around to ensure I hadn’t been spotted.With cautious movements, I placed my fingers on the secret fingerprint sensor that would grant me entry. The door creaked open, and I cast one final look down the shadowy hallway. Seeing that it was empty, I darted inside, my heart racing.I heard a click, and the room was illuminated by a dim light.In the center of the room stood a single pot, with images and statues of ancestral wolves and celestial bodies adorning the walls.The pot, filled with a boiling, fragrant liquid, caught my attention. As I pulled off my shawl and set it aside, I cast a sharp gaze upon my reflection in the liquid, my jaw clenching.I was here with a purpose - to deal with my son, Ryan. The thoughts of his actions kept me up at night, the weight of his shame upon our royal
RYAN'S POV~Time seemed to slow to a crawl as my brain struggled to process the events unfolding before me. My mother’s concerned gaze went ignored as my eyes remained locked on the elder priest. It was as if I was viewing the world through a haze of red mist, the only thing piercing through me, was the sight of danger that threatened my mate.Then the guards made their move, their hands reaching for their guns. In that instant, something within me snapped."What the fuck are you insinuating?!" I roared, my voice shaking the very foundations of the hall.The priest’s expression darkened, but I didn’t care. This man, who dared to accuse my mate of being a danger, would not get away with this.My mother, sensing the volatility of the situation, placed a gentle hand on my arm, but I shrugged her off with a glare that spoke volumes. I wouldn’t be silenced. Not when Isabella’s honor was at stake.“I only say what I see, son,” the priest hissed.My blood boiled at his arrogance.“My work is
IVY'S POV~I rose slowly from the bed, driven by my rage. As I walked towards the window, the soft night breeze was the only sound in the silence and in darkness. The world seemed to have stopped, but my heart was ablaze with thirst for vengeance.I wanted nothing more than to watch the world burn. Winter Fall Pack might have been at peace, but I wanted chaos. How dare Ryan humiliate me? I had seduced countless men, but when I thought I had Ryan under my spell, he slipped away, disgracing me.In my anger, I threw a flower vase to the ground, watching it shatter.Before I could process my thoughts, a dark idea crept into my mind, and I stopped, my eyes wide with excitement. Without hesitation, I picked the nearest long coat on the cloth hanger, draped it on with a shawl covering my face and then left the room, determined to carry out my diabolical plan.~ ~ ~The street was blanketed in silence. No sounds of traffic, no signs of life. Just two stray cats, their fur standing on end, da
RYAN'S POV~My steps echoed through the hallway as I approached the room. Five armed men stood in waiting as I strode past. The door was already open, courtesy of the guards.Alan and several operatives sat hunched over their devices, their intense focus broken as I entered. Their heads lifted and turned towards me, a chorus of "Alpha" greeting me in unison. I gave them a single nod, acknowledging their respect, before taking my seat next to Alan.He slid a file across the table,"The evidence is all here," Alan said. "Everything to take Ryan down. We traced his transactions, his contacts. Everything."My chest rumbled with deep satisfaction as he placed CDs and drives on the table, the knowledge that Ryan's downfall was imminent filling me with a sense of dark triumph. "Brilliant," I commended. The operatives all nodded."Where is Ross and the men now?" I asked, checking my wristwatch. Alan followed suit. "Be rest assured, Alpha. They're on the way and headed to us." Alan typed away
ROSS'S POV~The door slammed shut behind me, and there he stood…nobody. There was absolutely nobody but the door shutting on its own. But I could imagine Ryan, standing there and staring at me like he had suddenly caught me up in his trap. I could imagine his face twisted into a side grin, his eyes gleaming with an evil satisfaction. My breath caught in my throat as my world froze. My mind raced, thoughts scattering like rats as a sinking dread took hold. This was not part of my plan, not at all. How had he known? How had I failed?"Well, well, dear brother. Here you are," Ryan's smooth voice slithered through the room, sinister and mocking. But no matter where I turned, his face remained hidden. The sound of his approaching footsteps chilled me to the bone, my fists clenching tighter with each step. "Oh, you look scared, brother. So scared. Perhaps a picture or two to share with the world?" His chuckle was like a blade against my skin, but no matter how I searched, I found no tra
RYAN'S POV~I watched with chilling coldness as Ivy's body slumped over the table, her speech slurring and her head drooping. The drug she had slipped into the drink which she assumed was mine, was slowly taking effect, her body heating up, the telltale signs of her impending heat becoming more apparent with each passing second. I could already envision the wolves in here circling her like prey, ready to feast on her vulnerable state. My insides twisted with a dark, vengeful satisfaction."You think you're clever, don't you?" I muttered under my breath, glancing around the bar with a calculating glare.My anger simmered beneath the surface, as I took in the scene around me. The shifters in the bar laughed, drank, danced, and made out in corners of the bar, completely oblivious to the scheme that was unfolding right under their noses. I needed to leave, but first I contemplated texting Ross once more, pondering if my previous message was flirtatious enough.I let out a low chuckle as
ISABELLA'S POV ~In that moment, I was stripped of my armor, vulnerable and raw in front of Ryan. He had seen me through my darkest moments, but this was different; this was a deeper, more vulnerable kind of brokenness. My heart ached as I watched his own vulnerability surface, his expression a reflection of my own pain. It was as if the world had stopped spinning for a moment, and all that existed was the two of us, bound together by our shared bond. I hoped that this tender moment, this fragile peace, would never be shattered.My mind raced, trying to process the emotions swirling through me. I felt numb, as if the world had gone still and silent around me. I knew I had to say something, anything, but my voice refused to work.Instead, I pulled Ryan into a tight embrace, allowing his comforting scent to fill my senses, attempting to ease the turmoil in my mind. It was all too much; the exhaustion, the emotional upheaval, the weight of the world seemed to bear down on me.“I know…
ISABELLA'S POV ~Rage built within me like an inferno, blistering every inch of my being. My breath came in short, ragged gasps as I stared at the man who should have been on his knees begging for forgiveness. But instead, he was groveling at the feet of the strange woman he'd chosen over his own family, trying to atone for the wrongs he'd done to his daughter by sacrificing me.I felt like I was unraveling at the seams.My stepmother bled out before my eyes, her life draining away in a crimson pool. My so-called father clutched her, sobbing hysterically, his hands slick with blood as he desperately tried to save her. But I felt nothing for them. No empathy, no sympathy—only a cold, hard emptiness where my heart used to be. Perhaps I was evil for feeling this way, but in that moment, I could not bring myself to care.Ryan's arms encircled me, keeping me from collapsing to the ground like a broken doll. His voice, gentle as a summer breeze, barely registered in my mind.“Hey… are you