ISABELLA'S POV ~He’s staring at me with these dark, intense eyes that seem to be boring into my soul, and I can feel my heart start to race. I love the way he’s been so protective lately, like he can’t bear the thought of anyone else touching me. He’s standing there, so still and silent, his eyes roaming up and down my body, and I can feel the heat rising to my cheeks. I’m about to ask him what’s on his mind when he reaches out and wraps his hand around my throat.The touch is surprisingly gentle, but there’s a possessiveness to it that makes my legs turn to jelly."Isabella..." he murmurs, his voice so low and deep that I can feel it in my bones. His lips are inches from mine and I shut my eyes, waiting for the kiss that I know is coming.But instead, he speaks again. "What happened to your wolf?" The words knock the air out of my lungs, and I feel my heart sink. He knows. He knows that I’m not normal, that I’m not like other girls.I pull away from him, my heart breaking as I see t
RYAN'S POV~Leo winced, his expression one of pure disgust as he eyed me warily. "Dude, stop smiling. You look like a serial killer," he muttered, cringing away from my malevolent grin.I leaned back on the sofa, amused further by his reaction. When I remained silent, Leo sighed and slowly rose from his seat, eyeing me with suspicion."So what's your next move?" he asked. "Are you going to use your connections to get Isabella into some sort of project team, hone her abilities?"I shook my head, a look of pride crossing my face. "Isabella has enough abilities. She doesn't need testing, it's obvious," My eyes alight with certainty. "All she needs is a great opportunity. A very good opportunity, and my girl will soar."Leo watched me for a moment, his expression inscrutable, before bobbing his head up and down in agreement. "I can help my sister-in-law," he said, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "A fair chance to compete. How does that sound?"I gave him a curt nod, my response dying on my
ISABELLA'S POV ~We approached my old classroom, and the memories came flooding back. My shoulders slumped, and I felt my chest tightening as I stared at the door. I didn’t want to go in there, but I knew I had to.Ryan fell silent, his eyes trained on me, but I couldn’t meet his gaze. Instead, I focused on the wall of the classroom, my mind reeling with the painful memories that were surfacing. I could feel my throat tightening, my eyes beginning to burn.As I moved closer to the drawing on the wall, my heart sank deeper and deeper into my belly. “Echoes of the City,” read the heading, the intricate lines and shapes making up the cityscape coming into focus. I traced my gaze over the sleek lines of modern buildings and the ornate details of historical landmarks, trying to hold back the tears that threatened to spill over. It was a breathtakingly beautiful piece of art, but for me, it was a painful reminder of the past.“It’s beautiful,” Ryan murmured from behind me, and I could only
ISABELLA'S POV ~I lay in bed, the darkness thick and suffocating. Sleep remained a stubborn, elusive dream. No matter how I tossed and turned, my mind wouldn't allow me a moment's peace. It was Ryan. The very thought of his name sent my heart into a frantic rhythm, like a trapped bird fluttering wildly against its cage.I thrashed and kicked, but my sheets grew more tangled, as if they were conspiring to keep me awake.Finally, I gave up the struggle and sat up with a frustrated groan. My hand instinctively moved to my chest, as if to keep my heart from leaping out of my ribcage. I downed a glass of water in one gulp, the cool liquid doing nothing to ease the fiery emotions coursing through me."Stop thinking, Isabella!" I hissed to myself in the darkness.My heart continued to race, like a wild stallion refusing to be tamed. Try as I might, my thoughts refused to be controlled, instead galloping towards the unspoken question: Would Ryan want sex? What if he requests for it? And what
RYAN'S POV~I felt my chest tighten like a vice. Isabella’s questioning stare felt like a pair of heated irons, burning into my skin and soul. Sweat beaded down my neck, as my eyes darted around the room, desperate to find a way out of this conversation. But there was no escape, no quick-witted explanation that could smooth over this mess. I knew that if I so much as twitched, she’d see through my carefully constructed facade.Fucking hell. How the fuck did I end up in this situation?The knot in my stomach twisted tighter. I knew Isabella was no fool, and if she kept on staring at me like this, it was only a matter of time before she uncovered all my secrets. My heart thudded in my chest, and I could feel my jaw clenching to the point of pain. But I couldn't let her see my fear. Not yet.Fuck. I couldn't stand lying to her. Each lie was like a piece of shrapnel, digging deeper into my heart with every passing day.The silence stretched on, every passing second feeling like an hour. I
ISABELLA'S POV ~“Oh heavens!” I muttered to myself, my hand instinctively flying to my aching forehead as I sat up in bed. My head felt like it was throbbing in rhythm with every beat of my heart, and my throat was so parched I could practically feel the sandpaper texture of my own tongue.As I crawled across the bed to reach for the jug of water that I always kept on my nightstand, I realized something was off. This wasn't my room, and there was no jug waiting for me on the nightstand.My heart began to race as the pieces started falling into place. The unfamiliar room, the throbbing headache, the absence of my usual morning routine. I'd clearly had a few too many drinks.With a groan, I begrudgingly crawled out of the bed, making my way slowly and unsteadily towards the door. As I reached for the handle, I heard soft music playing from somewhere in the house, and my hand froze on the doorknob. Footsteps echoed from the living room.I turned on my heel and headed for the kitchen, fi
ISABELLA'S POV ~“UGH!!"Adrenaline surged through my veins as I shot up from the bedside chair, my heart racing as I turned to see my mother writhing in pain. "Mom?" I gasped, rushing to her side to help her sit up, gently propping her up against the pillow."Mama," I whispered, concern lacing my voice. "Is it the pain again?" I asked, my hands trembling as I smoothed her hair back from her face."At the hospital again?" she croaked, her voice raspy from the pain. "I'm so thirsty…Everything hurts," she groaned, rubbing her throat as she shifted uncomfortably.My hands trembled as I grabbed the cup of water from the bedside table, helping her drink, my eyes never leaving hers."Isabella, I don't like the smell of the hospital and you know. Get me out of here. Get me discharged." My heart shattered like glass as I watched her frail form hand me back the glass of water, her eyes pleading for freedom.I swallowed the lump in my throat, about to respond when the door opened, the doctor en
ISABELLA'S POV~The sun was just peeking over the horizon as I raced to the grocery store, my heart heavy. I hung the 'CLOSED' sign on the door, my fingers trembling slightly as I did so. I couldn't bear the thought of losing my mother, and I was determined to spend as much time with her as I could."You done?" Ryan's voice broke through my thoughts, and I gave him a weak nod. His hands were buried deep in his pockets, his gaze fixed on mine.I forced a smile to my lips, hoping to disguise the anguish that threatened to overtake me. I smoothed the collar of his shirt, my cheeks burning with embarrassment as I felt his eyes on me. I avoided his gaze, my fingers fiddling with the fabric as I tried to keep my emotions in check.Ryan chuckled softly, his hands moving to my hair. "Hey, tell me something," he murmured, tucking a stray strand of hair behind my ear. I leaned into his touch, a shiver running through me as he trailed his fingers along my cheek."How do you relieve yourself when
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