_Chase’s POV_I stepped out of the hotel room, my mind reeling with Elodie's words. "What are we, Chase?" she'd asked, her voice barely above a whisper.I couldn't answer her. Not yet. Not when my own emotions were still untangled. Not when Laila thought Elodie was a threat and posed a danger to us.As I walked through the hotel corridors, I felt like I was losing my grip on Elodie. She was slipping away, and I didn't know how to stop it.I'd told her I loved her, but it wasn't enough. She wanted more. She deserved more.I stopped in front of the elevator, my eyes fixed on the Acropolis's majestic silhouette.What was I afraid of?Commitment?No, it was more than that.It was the danger that came with loving me. The werewolf world was treacherous, and Elodie was already a target.But I couldn't deny my feelings anymore.I needed to find a way to reassure her, to make her understand that I was in this for the long haul, but how?My phone buzzed, breaking my thoughts. A text from Gideon
As I stepped out of the bar, the cool evening scent enveloped me, and I took a deep breath. My mind stil reeled from Alexander’ enigmatic words, and I kept wondering who he really was.I made my way back to the room, my heels clicking on the marble floor. The grand chandeliers in the hallway cast a warm glow, illuminating the lavish decor.As I approached the room, I noticed the door was slightly ajar. I pushed it open and a wave of tension hit me.Chase's urgent voice hit me like a wave. He paced the room, phone pressed to his ear as he barked orders into the speaker.“….find him no matter what it takes. I want updates every fucking hour….” He stopped mid-sentence, his eyes locking onto mine, and for a moment, we just stared at each other.His shoulder visibly relaxed, and his face transformed, relief washing over his features. He rushed towards me, phone still in hand, his face etched with worry. "Where were you?" he demanded, wrapping me in a tight hug.I pushed against his chest,
_Chase’s POV_As we walked to the dinner hall, Elodie's hand rested on my arm, her touch sending waves of calm through me, and my wolf purred in delight. Our earlier argument forgotten, I focused on the woman beside me.Her midnight blue gown shimmered under the chandeliers, drawing admiring glances from passersby. I couldn't help but feel proud to have her by my side.We entered the grand hall, filled with influential figures from the werewolf world. The air was thick with power and wealth.Elodie's grip on my arm tightened, her tension thick as a fog."Hey," I whispered, leaning in. "You're the most beautiful woman in this room. Don't let anyone make you feel otherwise."Truly, I wasn’t lying or just saying it to make her feel better. She truly was easily the most beautiful woman present, and it made her more beautiful that she didn’t realize it.Elodie's eyes met mine, a hint of uncertainty lingering. "I'm fine," she said, forcing a smile.But I knew better. I recognized the doubt
Alexander's skilled hands guided me across the dance floor, our steps fluid. His charming smile and effortless conversation put me at ease, and for a moment, I forgot all the eyes that were on me.I could especially feel Chase’s eyes on me, but I didn’t turn to look."You're quite the mystery, Elodie," Alexander said, his eyes sparkling as he placed his hand on the small of my back. "A human amidst werewolves. How do you find it?"I laughed, feeling a sense of liberation. "Overwhelming, but intriguing," I replied.Alexander chuckled. "I bet," he said. "Chase doesn't usually bring dates to these events. You must be special."I raised an eyebrow. "Or maybe he just wanted to shake things up," I said, even though my face was already flushed red.Alexander's grin grew. "Possible," he said. "Chase always was one for surprises. But I think there's more to it."I tilted my head. "Oh? Do tell."Alexander leaned in like he was about to reveal a huge secret."Let's just say Chase has reputation
The rest of the evening blurred together in a haze of music, laughter, and Alexander's charming company. Chase remained nowhere to be found, and Vivian's words continued to sting. I tried to push them aside, focusing on the distraction Alexander provided.As the night wore on, Alexander and I danced, our steps fluid, our conversation effortless. He spun me around, and I giggled, feeling carefree for the first time that evening."Another drink?" Alexander asked, his eyes sparkling.I nodded, and he handed me a glass of champagne. I sipped, feeling the bubbles tickle my nose."Alexander, you're a lifesaver," I said, smiling.Alexander chuckled. "Anytime, Elodie. You deserve a night to forget."And I did. I forgot about Chase, Vivian, and the tension between us. I forgot about the werewolf world and its complexities. I forgot, and I let go.But as the night wore on, my drinks added up, and my senses began to blur. Alexander excused himself for a moment, leaving me alone near the bar.Tha
_Chase’s POV_I stormed out of the hotel room, slamming the door behind me. The cool night air did little to calm my rage. I paced the parking lot, my mind reeling.How could she be so reckless? So stubborn?Elodie's drunk and vulnerable face haunted me, fueling my anger.Reginald's leering face flashed in my mind, and my fists clenched.Thoughts of what he could have done to her if I hadn’t reached there on time, flashed my mind, and it took everything to keep my wolf in.I should have killed him when I had the chance.The night blurred together in a haze of anger and frustration. I eventually found myself in the hotel’s lobby.“I need a room,” I slammed my first down on the counter. The receptionist from the first day we’d come, but jumped at my abruptness, but her fear was soon replaced with lust, and she fluttered her lashes in a way that made her look like something got in her eye.“Alpha Chase,” she purred like a cat.“A room,” I raised a brow.I wasn’t in the mood for all of t
I adjusted my mask, the velvet soft against my skin. Chase stood beside me, his eyes hidden behind his own mask. The tension between us was palpable."Ready?" he asked, his voice detached.I nodded, my heart heavy.As we descended into the night, I slid my hand into his. It was a facade, a show for the other Alphas.Chase's fingers didn't intertwine with mine, but he didn't pull away either.The grand ballroom was a sea of masked faces. I recognized some of the Alphas, but their mates were unknown.We mingled, Chase conversing with ease. I kept my responses curt and polite.Alpha Ryder's mate, a tall blonde, approached me."You're quite... fragile for an Alpha's partner," she said scornfully, her voice dripping with condescension.I smiled sweetly."Thank you for noticing. I've been working on my delicate features."Chase's lips twitched, but he said nothing.Another Alpha's mate, a petite brunette, tried to intimidate me."I see you're human. How quaint.""My humanity is what makes m
I slowly opened my eyes, grogginess clouding my mind. Chase's face hovered above me, concern etched on his features."Elodie, can you hear me?" he asked, his voice soft.As our gazes met, his expression shifted. The concern melted away, replaced by indifference.I tried to sit up, but a wave of dizziness washed over me. Chase's hands grasped my shoulders, steadying me.I also noticed in was in a fresh pair of clothes, but that was the least of my problems at that moment."Easy," he said, his voice detached.My mind began to clear, memories of the previous night trickling back.The masquerade ball, Vivian's venom, the mysterious power surge... and that voice.I shook my head, dispelling the thoughts."Chase, what happened?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper."You fainted," he replied, his expression neutral."Alexander brought you back here."I tried to swing my legs over the side of the bed, but Chase's grip tightened."Where are you going?" he asked."I need to thank Alexander
I stood in front of the mirror, staring at my reflection. My 21st birthday, and I felt like a whale. Seven months pregnant, and I was huge. I puffed out a sigh, running my hands over my swollen belly, as I was told to expect popping soon since my babies had Alpha growth.Pups, they called them."I look like a hippopotamus," I muttered, feeling tears prick at the corners of my eyes.Chase appeared behind me, his arms wrapping around my waist. "You're the most beautiful woman in the world," he whispered, his lips brushing against my ear.I rolled my eyes. "You're biased."Chase chuckled. "Maybe, but it's true. You're glowing, Elodie. You're perfect."I turned to face him, my eyes searching his. "You really think so?" I sniffed my tears back.Chase nodded with a boyish grin. "I do. You're carrying our child, and that makes you even more beautiful to me."I felt a lump form in my throat. Chase had been my anchor throughout this pregnancy. He'd moved his work home, spending every day with
_Chase’s POV_I sat beside Elodie's hospital bed, my eyes fixed on her pale face. It had been a week since she'd been admitted, and still, she lay unconscious, her body hooked up to machines and oxygen tubes. The beeping of the monitors and the hiss of the ventilator were the only sounds that broke the silence. My heart ached with every beat, my soul torn apart by the sight of her fragile form.I reached out, taking her hand in mine, feeling the warmth of her skin, but it was a faint warmth. I’d tried to reach her wolf a number of times, but she too was very weak.It was like grasping at smoke. She was there, somewhere, deep within her, but she was weak, so weak. I poured all my energy into the connection, willing her to respond, to stir, to come back to me. But there was only silence.The hospital had provided a bed for me beside hers, and I'd spent every waking moment by her side. I woke up every morning with her hand in mine, and slept every night with her fingers intertwined with
Chapter 162_Chase’s POV_I paced back and forth in front of the barrier, my mind racing with every possible scenario, most of which I’d rather not recount lest they became real. Elodie had been in there for what felt like an eternity, and I was starting to lose my mind. I tried crossing the barrier again, but it was like running into a brick wall. I was pushed back, my body slamming against a nearby tree."Dammit!" I cursed, my fists clenched in frustration.Laila approached me. I’d seen more empathy in her eyes in the last few minutes than I’d done in my entire life, and if it were under any other circumstances, I would have laughed and asked her if she was losing her touch."Chase, calm down. You're going to hurt yourself,” she placed her hand on my shoulder, and from her misty eyes, I could tell how hard she was trying to control her tears.I turned to her, my eyes blazing with anger. "Calm down? You want me to calm down? Elodie's in there with a man who’s capable of doing……God k
My mind was a jumble of emotions as I stood there, frozen in shock. But as I gazed into the face of the man before me, a memory long buried rose to the surface. I was a child again, sitting on my father's lap, listening to his deep, rumbling voice as he read me a bedtime story. His eyes sparkled with amusement, his hands making animations, and his smile was warm and gentle. I felt safe, loved, and cherished."Elodie, my little star," he whispered, his breath tickling my ear.His voice cut through the daze, and I felt like I was dreaming. I wanted to believe I was dreaming. But as I looked into his eyes, I knew it was real. He was really there, standing in front of me, unchanged since the day he...since the day he died.I stumbled backward, my mind reeling. It couldn't be. My father was dead. I had mourned him, blamed myself for his death. The pain and guilt had haunted me for years.But there he was, not a day older, not a single strand of gray hair. His eyes, his smile, everything wa
Chase's face contorted in rage, his eyes blazing with fury. "I'll never let you go in there alone!" he thundered, his voice echoing through the night. My heart broke at the desperation in his eyes, and I rushed back to him, wrapping my arms around his waist."Chase, please," I whispered, burying my face in his chest. "I'll be fine. I promise."But he was beyond reason, and his body trembled with anger. "You're not going in there!" he shouted, his voice hoarse. "I won't let you!"He lightly pushed me away, his eyes scanning the warehouse as if daring the lone wolf to come out. "You want her?" he yelled, his voice carrying across the distance. "You want my mate? Come out and face me, you coward! If you think you're man enough!"The others tried to calm him down, but Chase was unstoppable. He paced back and forth, his eyes blazing with fury, the veins on his neck and forehead pulsing so hard I feared they would erupt. I tried to reason with him, but he wasn't listening."Chase, please,"
As we stepped out of the office, the crisp night air enveloped us, carrying the scent of damp earth and the distant howl of feral wolves that made my heart squeeze painfully. "We'll need to be discreet," Chase said, his voice low. "Let's shift."I nodded, the pain momentarily giving way to a thrill of excitement. My wolf stirred within me, eager to be free. I closed my eyes, focusing on the transformation. My body began to shift, my bones snapping, my muscles stretching. My senses heightened, and my skin itched as my fur grew.But as I opened my eyes, I realized everyone was staring at me. Laila's eyes were wide with wonder, and even Gideon's gruff expression softened. I felt a flush rise to my cheeks, but Chase's gaze was the only one that mattered. His eyes shone with pride, his face radiant with awe."Elodie," he whispered, his voice husky. "You're...breathtaking."My wolf, pure white and majestic, stood tall, her fur glistening in the moonlight. I felt a surge of power, of freedo
_Chase's POV_I stared at Elodie, my jaw clenched, and I felt myself about to snap in half with frustration. How could she be so stubborn? Didn't she understand the danger?But as I looked into her eyes, I saw something that made me pause. A fierce intensity burned within them, a determination that told me she would do this with or without my permission.I recalled my conversation with Laila earlier that evening, her words echoing in my mind."Chase, we've tried everything. We've lost so many pack members. This is the only way to stop the lone wolf," she'd said, her eyes solemn."I won't risk Elodie's life," I'd growled.Laila's expression had been somber. "I understand your concerns, but we can't keep running. We need to take a stand. And Elodie...she's the key. I don’t know how, but she is."I'd rejected the idea, but now, looking at Elodie, I realized that Laila might be right.The past 24 hours had seen more pack members go feral. The lone wolf's poison was spreading, and I knew w
I woke to darkness, the silence a heavy blanket that wrapped around me. My eyes adjusted slowly, and I made out the familiar contours of our bedroom. But it was the figure sitting beside me that made my heart skip a beat.Chase.His eyes, piercing in the dim light, locked onto mine. My panic, residual from the day's events, dissipated under his gaze."Hey," I whispered softly as if speaking too loud would break whatever spell his eyes had put me under.A soft smile creased Chase's face, but his eyes told a different story. They were dark, troubled.I pushed myself up, my movements cautious, my wolf senses on high alert. Chase's gaze never wavered, his focus solely on me."Hey," he replied, his voice low, husky.I reached out, my hand brushing against his jaw. His stubble prickled my fingertips, sending shivers down my spine."Couldn't sleep?" I asked, my brow furrowing.Chase shook his head, his eyes evading mine. "Just watching you."My smile faltered, sensing something was off. "Cha
_Chase’s POV_I held Elodie tight, her body trembling against mine. The room's stunned silence was a distant hum, my focus solely on my fragile mate.As the reality of what had just happened sunk in, Elodie's strength began to wane. Her legs buckled, and I swept her into my arms, cradling her like a child."Elodie, love, stay with me," I whispered, alarm coursing through my veins as her wolf grew weaker by the second.Her eyelids fluttered, her gaze unfocused. "Chase...""I'm here, baby," I replied, my voice shaking.Laila approached, her brows pinched together in concern, and her lips curled downward. "Chase, we need to—""Not now, Laila," I growled in a double voice, my wolf rising to protect our mate.Laila squinted her eyes at my tone, and I could almost hear the retort at the tip of her tongue, but she said instead, "Take care of her. We'll discuss the details later."I nodded, the pulse in my neck straining to burst, already striding out of the conference room.Elodie's head lol