Ava’s POV I felt a sharp pain stabbed through my head the moment my eyes floated open. A groan slipped from my lips, my vision swimming in the haze of darkness, shifting between shadows. My body felt heavier than usual, and I fell asleep, extremely weak like I had been drained of all my energy. For a moment, everything was a blur. My mind struggled to process what happened. And then it hit me hard. The moment I was grabbed, the sound of footsteps, and then after that, I saw nothing. It was blank. A chill ran down my spine as I tried to move, only to feel resistance. My wrists were bound tightly behind me, the rough rope cutting into my skin. I twisted my hand, whizzing at the friction bound against my flesh. My heart quickened against my ribs, my breath coming out in short gaps. The room felt cold. I shifted slightly, feeling the hard, gritty floor under me, dirty and stone-scrambled against my leg. And the uncomfortable pleasure of the floor told me I had been here for a while.
Steve’s POV I walked into the mart, my hands shoved deep into my pockets. The bright fluorescent lights sting my eyes, but I barely notice. My mind is too preoccupied, replaying the way Ava stormed off earlier.She’s been avoiding us. After school, Irish, Zayne, and I tried to find her, but she was nowhere to be seen. It’s driving me crazy. Ever since I found out she’s my mate, it’s been hell trying to control myself. My wolf wants her, wants to claim her, mark her. But I can’t.I grab a random snack off the shelf, not because I need it but because I need something to do. Something to pull my mind away from the burning frustration clawing at me. But it doesn’t help. Nothing does.The cashier barely glances at me at first, scanning the item like she does with every other customer. But then, recognition flashes across her face. Her eyes widened, and before I could stop her, she bowed her head.“Alpha’ Steve,” she whispers, her voice filled with respect.I clench my jaw.The movement ca
Ava’s POV A pounding headache greets me as I slowly blink my eyes open. A sharp throbbing pulse at the back of my head, making me wince as I sit up. My body feels strange, heavy yet light at the same time, as if I’ve been floating in and out of consciousness for hours.I tried to remember what happened, but then everything hit hard. How I got kidnapped and the gunshot.My breathing quickens, my chest rising and falling in uneven gasps. I pressed my hand to my knees, expecting to feel the wound, but I felt nothing. My brows furrow as I run my fingers over the spot where the bullet should have torn through my skin. It’s smooth. Unscarred. As if nothing ever happened.Before I could process what was happening, the door creaked open, and Steve stepped inside. His tall frame moves with ease, and his green eyes lock onto mine. The moment our gazes meet, I forget how to breathe. His presence is overpowering; something about the way he looks at me makes my stomach twist.I try to stand, but
Ava’s POVSteve doesn’t move away.Instead, he presses his lips harder against mine, deepening the kiss. His lips move slowly, carefully, like he’s savoring the moment. His hands explore my body, trailing along my waist, my sides, and my back. The heat of his touch seeps through the thin fabric of my clothes, sending shivers down my spine.I don’t stop him.I can’t even think of doing that. Something inside me crumbles, breaking apart under the weight of his warmth. I feel powerless, completely lost in the way his mouth moves against mine, the way his fingers glide over my skin like he’s memorizing every inch of me. My body betrays me, melting into his, surrendering without resistance.But Steve suddenly pulls away, his body jerking back like he just snapped out of a daze. He takes a shaky breath, his hands curling into fists at his sides. His green eyes flicker with something unreadable, regret, maybe? Guilt?“I’m sorry,” he mutters, his voice rough, strained. “I shouldn’t have done
Ava’s POVI don’t flinch. I don’t even blink. Sarah’s reaction didn’t surprise me, I expected it.“If you are not somewhere spreading your legs, then where?” She takes a step closer, and I move back.She raised her hands for another slap but she held it back into a fist, her sharp gaze locked onto mine, filled with suspicion and something else I can’t quite place. “Where the hell have you been then?” she demands, crossing her arms over her chest. “You disappeared for an entire day. Do you think this house is a hotel?”I open my mouth, but nothing comes out. If I tell her the truth, will she believe me? Will it even matter?
Ava’s POVThe morning sun filters through the window and I blink a few times before opening my eyes, my body still aching from yesterday’s ordeal. My face stings where Sarah slapped me. I push myself out of bed, my legs feeling heavier than usual. I don’t want to go to school, but I have no choice. If I skip, it’ll only give Sarah more reason to torment me. She’ll call me lazy, useless, a disgrace to the family. Dragging myself to the bathroom, I stare at my reflection. My eyes are slightly swollen from all the crying. My lower lip looks red where I bit it too hard last night. I look miserable. I feel miserable. But I don’t really have time to dwell on it, I’m used to it. After a quick shower, I slip into my uniform. The fabric is a little worn-out, the edges fraying from too many washes. I don’t care. It’s not like I have another option. I grab my bag, take a deep breath, and step out of my room.The house is quiet. Sarah is probably still asleep. Good. I don’t need her ruining my
Ava’s POVI feel like my body isn’t mine anymore. My heart beats fast, and my breathing is shallow. Irish’s grip on my wrist is strong but not painful, but enough to remind me that I can’t escape. His fingers press into my skin, his touch warm and firm.I hate how my body reacts to him. I hate how his presence makes everything feel confusing.“Stop looking at me like that,” he murmurs, his voice low and unreadable.“Like what?” I swallow hard. His grip on my wrist tightens slightly, pulling me a fraction closer. My breath hitches. His gaze dips to my lips for a second, so fast I might’ve imagined it. But then, before I can process what’s happening, his lips are on mine.The kiss is brief, just a few seconds, but it steals the air from my lungs. His lips are warm, firm, pressing against mine with a confidence that makes my stomach flip. He doesn’t rush, doesn’t force it’s just enough to make me forget everything else.Then, just as suddenly, he pulls away.I barely get a chance to rea
Zayne’s POVThe moment I step inside the house, I know something is wrong, It’s too quiet, too empty for Ava to be inside. My footsteps echo through the wide space as I stride forward, my pulse hammering so loudly that I could hear the sound.I push open the first door on my right, my grip tight around the handle. Nothing. I check the next one empty. My movements grow rougher, more frantic, as I storm down the hall, yanking doors open, scanning every corner.Still nothing.Where the hell is she?My jaw clenches. She should be here. I left her here.I curse under my breath, frustration burning through me like wildfire. My body feels hot with irritation as I stand in the middle of the steps, my breathing harsh.I pull out my phone, dialing Steve’s number, but before the call can connect, I stop.No.I exhale sharply and shove the phone back into my pocket. I need to calm down. I’m not going to act like some restless, desperate fool.I turn on my heel, heading toward my room. I need a s
Zayne’s POVGetting ready for the Alpha’s birthday party wasn’t anything new. We’d been to countless events like this before, and they always felt the same. Crowds of people, fake smiles, and endless bows and praise that didn’t mean much to us. But this felt different because it is our father’s birthday.Irish tightened his cufflinks while Steve adjusted his tie, grumbling under his breath.“Do we really have to wear these?” Steve asked, tugging at the collar of his shirt.“It’s not like we have a choice,” I replied, slipping on my jacket. “Let’s just go, get it over with, and leave.”
AVA’S POVAs we arrived at the pack, I could tell right away that something big was happening. Even before we stepped inside, the energy was different, louder, more chaotic. People were everywhere, rushing from one side to the other as though they were all on some kind of important mission. The place was crowded, packed with cars and unfamiliar faces, and from the way people were dressed, it was obvious they were prominent.Before we could even enter the hall, two guards stepped in front of us, blocking our way.“Invitation letter,” one of them said, his deep voice making it clear that no one was getting in without it.Sarah quickly pulled hers out from her purse and handed it to them with a brig
Ava’s POV I wake up feeling strangely unsettled.Today is the Alpha’s birthday, but honestly, I don’t care. I wouldn’t even be going to school if not for the stupid assignment I need to submit. It’s a waste of time. Everyone is focused on preparing for the Alpha’s birthday party anyway, so no real lessons will happen. Two hours, maybe less, and we’ll be sent home.That’s the only reason I’m dragging myself to school today.I stared at my reflection in the mirror, my red skin is now going back to normal, thanks to the three brothers; if not for the medicine they bought for me, I’d still be as red as tomatoes. I get dressed quickly, not putting too much effort into my appearance. My plan is simple: submit my assignment and leave. That’s it.I get dressed and rush out of the house. I’m not sure if Vanessa would be going to school but I don’t really care if she does. The walk to school was exhausting, and immediately I got inside the school gate, everything didn’t seem normal, and stud
Ava’s POVAfter asking them the same question for what felt like eternity and they refused to answer me, I turned on my heel and walked away, my thoughts beeping with why Vanessa had come to our house. I’m halfway up my room when my stepmom suddenly calls my name. “Ava.” My stepmom’s tone isn’t sharp, but something about it makes me stop. There’s a false sweetness in her voice, like honey masking poison. I hesitate, gripping the hem of my school uniform tightly before turning to face her.Her lips curve into a small smile, but her eyes… her eyes tell a different story.“Yes?” I say, keeping my voice neutral. I thought for a while if they wanted to answer my question, but with her facial expression, I know she’s not about to talk about it. My stepmom stood up and stepped forward slowly. I watch her carefully, wondering what she’s up to this time.“Do you still remember the Alpha’s birthday?” she asks.The question catches me off guard. I blink, confused. Why is she bringing that up
Ava’s POVI don’t wait for my stepmother to finish talking. Instead, I pull the invitation letter from my bag and hand it straight to her “I stayed longer outside because I helped Sarah collect this,” I say quickly, watching her expression.I know how much Sarah wants to go, especially since it’s an invitation from Steve.As soon as I say that, my stepmother’s expression changes. Her smile fades, her eyes darken, and she looks anything but happy. Without warning, she snatches the invitation letter from my hand, her fingers gripping it so tightly that it crumples slightly.“Sarah!” she calls out, her voice sharp and urgent.
Ava’s POVThe sun filters through the curtains, and my eyes flutter open slowly. It takes me a few seconds to realize where I am. This isn’t my room. The bed is too soft, the sheets smell different, and everything feels… unfamiliar. Then it hits me, I’m in Steve’s room.Memories from last night rush back. After everything that happened, Steve had left me here to sleep while he took the guest room. I let out a small sigh and sat up, rubbing my eyes. I feel tired, not just physically, but emotionally.I get out of bed and stretch a little before heading to the bathroom. I splash water on my face, hoping it will wake me up and make me feel a bit better. When I look in the mirr
Ava’s POVI stare at Steve, watching his face twist in confusion. He’s standing there, frozen, trying to wrap his head around what I just said.“Vanessa gave you the invitation?” he asks again, his voice slow, like he’s trying to make sure he heard me right.“Yes,” I say softly. “She even sent it to my house.”His frown deepens, and I see his jaw clench. He’s not just confused — he’s angry.“She sent it to your house?” He repeats it like he’s trying to convince himself that it’s real. His brows pull together, and I can practically see the wheels turning in his
Steve’s POVI was walking back from the pack, my fists clenched, my jaw tight. The Alpha had said something that really got under my skin, and I couldn’t shake off the anger. My mind was spinning with thoughts, and all I wanted was to get home, take a cold shower, and try to calm down. But that plan changed the moment I reached the front gate.There she was. Ava.She was sitting on the ground, huddled against the gate, crying. Her clothes were torn, her shoulders shaking, and she looked completely broken. My heart twisted in my chest, and all the anger I had been feeling vanished in an instant.I was surprised to see he
Ava’s POV“Let go of me, Zach!” I screamed, thrashing as hard as I could.His grip on my wrist tightened. “Stop fighting me, Ava. You’re my mate, and you belong to me.”“No! I don’t belong to you!” I yelled, shoving at his chest, but he didn’t budge. His strength was overwhelming, and the fear in my chest tightened like a steel grip.“Stop acting like this,” he growled, his voice low and dangerous. “I’m not going to hurt you.”“You already are!” I snapped, tears stinging my eyes as I tried to yank my wrist out of his grip again. “You tore my clothes, Zach! You’re hurting me right now!”He paused, his eyes flickering as if my words hit him somewhere deep, but it only lasted for a second. His jaw clenched, and his face hardened again.“You’re mine, Ava,” he said through gritted teeth. “You can’t keep running from me.”“I’m not yours! You rejected me, remember?” My voice broke as the memories flooded back. I could still hear his cruel words ringing in my ears. I could still feel the pain