Gianna My steps faltered. Peter, of all people, was standing right in front of my door, leaning casually against the wall. It made my heart do a strange somersault in my chest.I stopped a few feet away, trying to steady my voice and nerves.“Are you lost or something? Why are you standing in front of my door?”He lifted his head slightly, and a devilish half-smirk tugged at the corner of his lips.“More or less.”I frowned, though I was struggling to keep my expression neutral.“Please step aside. I'm exhausted, and I want to sleep.”Liar, my mind mocked me. Despite the firmness in my voice, my insides were turning to mush. The intoxicating scent of my mate was wild and clouding my thoughts, causing desire to crawl deep inside of me, even as the bond tugged mercilessly.“It’s a wonder how you sleep at night.”I blinked, taken aback by that statement. “I do sleep. Why would you even say that?”He took a small step forward, and I stepped back.“Because I don’t,” he said, his voice dro
Watching my husband shamelessly dance with his lover in public was beyond humiliating. Byron was indirectly declaring that our marriage was over. Before we arrived at the party, he had killed me with his words. “Tonight, I will inform my dad about our divorce. It's a shame I let you carry the Campbell surname for five years. I can’t wait to stop seeing your fat, ugly face." Now, from the second-floor balcony, I watched him hold his lover's waist, locked in a passionate dance like actors in a romantic movie scene. I blinked back my tears with the back of my palm. Beyond the disrespect, Byron was going to fight dirty to take our four-year-old son from me. “You’re useless to him,” Byron had said more times than I could count, “You've got no status in the society. I’m the better parent, and when I take full custody, Valen will have a new mom who will treat him better than you ever could.” My mind raced for a way out. Running away with my son seemed like the only option, but how? I
Raw shock paralyzed me, freezing every muscle as this cruel joke hit me square in the chest. My mate—the one person the universe crafted to love me right—was none other than my husband’s brother. Could I be any more of a walking disaster? My mate's dark, intense eyes traced every inch of me, and I felt completely naked, as though he could see straight into my soul. This bond would be the death of me. Byron already hated me enough to make my life a living hell. Now, adding this bond with his brother would be a nightmare. From the scraps of information I'd overheard about the Campbell brothers, Byron would ruin me. My mate’s gaze burned into me. It was intense and shameless. He watched me like I was the only one in the room, as if every inch of my skin was on display for his inspection. It was maddening how he made me feel exposed yet desired. “What the hell are you doing here, Alexander?” Jacob, my father-in-law, barked, storming across the room toward his son. But before he cou
After stumbling back home, barefoot and drained, I could finally breathe. The five-minute walk felt like a marathon as I clutched my heels. My feet throbbed with every step on the cold pavement, but the relief of escaping that hellhole was worth the discomfort. To my surprise, the nanny had brought my son home earlier than expected, and he was fast asleep in his SpongeBob pajamas. Relief flooded over me as I stood at my son’s room door, watching the rise and fall of his chest. His face looked peaceful, and his dark curls tousled on the pillow. Valen was a smaller version of Byron, except that he had my cornflower blue eyes and the little birthmark on his nose, which was a signature of my side of the family. I stood leaning against the doorframe, wrestling with the bleak reality. Life as a rogue with a child? That was a nightmare waiting to happen. I wanted so much more for Valen than the scraps I had to offer. What kind of mother would I be to ruin his life? I couldn't give hi
Too many strange things had already unfolded that night, and I needed to be sure I’d heard Byron correctly. My gaze locked onto his, searching for any sign of a cruel joke or hidden punishment waiting for me in his room. "Go on," he said, that same cold, calculating smile creeping across his lips. A tight knot formed in my throat, and my mind spun with memories of all his betrayals. I didn’t want to go to his room. I didn’t want him near me. Only a few hours ago, this man stood towering over me, spewing hurtful words, laughing as I desperately begged him to give our marriage one last chance. "Why would I want to be with someone like you?" he had sneered. "You’re ugly, shapeless, and stupid. Your whole family sucks my generosity dry. Even you wouldn’t choose yourself to be Luna." I had sobbed at his feet, and he had pushed me away in disgust. Now, he expected me to join him in his room. Doubt washed over me. There wasn’t an ounce of sincerity in his voice or warmth in his offer.
I felt acute distress as I fiddled with one of my son's LEGOs, watching him play in his toy room. My entire body felt stiff, and a deep soreness settled into my muscles from Byron's maltreatment. This was becoming unbearable, and my mind spiraled into irrational thoughts. My heart craved a break out of this abusive hellhole I called a marriage. I needed to escape from the cycle Byron had trapped me in. I had found my mate. It was supposed to cause a lining of hope for me. My mate would never treat me like Byron did, and something in me believed he would cherish and save me from this misery. But, of course, the universe had played a cruel joke. My mate was Byron's brother. Just my rotten luck. If only Alex had more power than Byron. If only he could crush Byron under his heel and rescue me, take Valen, and give us a new life. But my hope was a mocking fantasy. Apart from Valen, my life was a miserable, twisted mess. There was nothing good or remotely interesting about it. The onl
AlexA rush of tiny footsteps echoed from the stairs, and a little boy appeared at the top, clutching the railing. His eager eyes scanned the room before calling, “Mommy, I'm coming downstairs!”He darted down, and his feet thudded against each step. He was a whirlwind of energy. A toy truck in hand, he tore down the hallway and flung himself into his mother's arms. She scooped him up effortlessly as his giggles filled the air.The sight made my heart stop. Byron and my mate had a child. I must have misheard or blocked it out when my bastard brother mentioned it last night.Seeing the boy, flesh, and blood, knowing that bastard Byron had fucked my mate, was like a punch to the gut. His dark hair and those hazel eyes were the Campbell mark. He’d be tall, no doubt, just like us.Alexis pulled him closer, and her hand gently brushed through his hair. The motherly tenderness radiating from her sent a tightness in my chest. Byron had stolen her from me. The hatred for my brother simmered b
Alex Valen liked me. The innocence in his wide eyes tugged at something in me, and transferring my hatred for Byron onto him felt downright cruel. Despite his young age, the questions he fired at me were sharp and beyond his years, piquing my fascination more with each word. Alexis watched silently until the nanny called for Valen to take a nap."I don't want to sleep. I want to stay with Uncle Alex," he whined, flashing a cheeky smile. “You have the same name as Mommy. Alex and Alexis.”My breath hitched as Alexis leaned forward for her son. Her milky boobs made my boner unbearable. "Come on, honey. You need to go," she mildly scolded her son.Valen glanced my way. His eyes pleaded for rescue and hoped I’d intervene. When I didn’t, his face fell. "Will you come visit us again?" he asked, hope lingering in his voice.I nodded with a soft grin. "Yeah, buddy. You’ll be seeing more of me."Then I saw the slight panic across his mother's face and chuckled. Married or not, she was my m
Gianna My steps faltered. Peter, of all people, was standing right in front of my door, leaning casually against the wall. It made my heart do a strange somersault in my chest.I stopped a few feet away, trying to steady my voice and nerves.“Are you lost or something? Why are you standing in front of my door?”He lifted his head slightly, and a devilish half-smirk tugged at the corner of his lips.“More or less.”I frowned, though I was struggling to keep my expression neutral.“Please step aside. I'm exhausted, and I want to sleep.”Liar, my mind mocked me. Despite the firmness in my voice, my insides were turning to mush. The intoxicating scent of my mate was wild and clouding my thoughts, causing desire to crawl deep inside of me, even as the bond tugged mercilessly.“It’s a wonder how you sleep at night.”I blinked, taken aback by that statement. “I do sleep. Why would you even say that?”He took a small step forward, and I stepped back.“Because I don’t,” he said, his voice dro
Gianna I sat at the edge of one of the canopies, with my chair tilted slightly back, as I watched a group of performers move with energetic precision and confidence, drawing gasps and cheers from the crowd. Laughter rippled through the seated guests, and hands clapped enthusiastically every few minutes as magicians, comedians, and skitmakers did their thing. It was like an overcharged carnival that refused to end. I blinked drowsily, stifling a yawn behind my hand and feeling like my brain was on sensory overload.Overstimulated. That was the word. Four days of festivities, music, and shouting were starting to grate on my nerves. Truth be told, I was tired of watching yet another group of performers flipping across the lawn. My gaze drifted lazily over the crowd, landing on the flower-covered throne-like chairs reserved for the couple. They were seated like royalty, laughing their heads off at some joke. Alexis's eyes crinkled with delight while Alex leaned towards her, struck in lov
Alexis I couldn't hold it any longer the moment Valen left the room. Laughter bubbled up from my chest and spilled uncontrollably, doubling over until tears formed at the corners of my eyes. The entire scene had been absolutely priceless, and I didn't think I would forget that image in a while.From the bathroom, I heard the sound of the shower running and Alex muttering to himself. My laughter only increased.“Really?” his voice boomed over the water. “You're still laughing?”I walked into the bathroom, giggling as I leaned against the doorway. The steam fogged the glass, but I saw his silhouette under the spray.“Now come on, honey. That was hilarious. You should have seen yourself.”The water turned off, and moments later, Alex stuck his head out, glaring at me with mock offense and water dripping from his dark hair.“You’re mean. What kind of wife doesn’t help a man out? You could have just told him I was dressing up or to come back later.”“Well, what’s the fun in that?” I said,
AlexisMy arms folded tightly across my chest, and Alex tried to separate them, looking every bit the persistent man he was. He had barged into my room like he owned the place, and now he wouldn't leave without some sugar, no matter how much I tried to shoo him away."Come on, darling. You know you're not supposed to be here," I said, frowning for emphasis. "A groom seeing the bride before the wedding is a disaster waiting to happen. The euphoria and our first night as a married couple will disappear."He groaned dramatically. "Euphoria? Come on, Lex, that's just a stupid superstition. I need you badly. I've been unable to function well, especially after that hot dress you wore earlier. A quick blowjob and I'll bounce."Wagging my eyebrows, I chuckled. "Nope. This house is swamped with people. I'll give you all the blowjob styles you can ever think of after our wedding."He groaned loudly and sat up straighter, clasping his hands like a child begging for candy. "Please, baby just once
Gianna The adrenaline of everything that had happened faded, but the throbbing in my head persisted. Peter stood near the door, fists clenched at his sides like he was auditioning for the role of brooding statue of the year. His fists looked tighter than a miser’s wallet. I was convinced the walls would start apologizing if he glared any harder.“We need to tell Alex and Alexis about the bond,” he said after a moment.My head snapped up. “What? Why would we do that?”“Why wouldn’t we? Didn’t you hear the threats Oscar just made? He’s not bluffing. He’s got money and connections and can make my life a living hell if he wants to. I’m not as rich or influential as he is. I have to protect myself.”I scoffed, taking the matter lightly. “Nothing is going to happen to you. I’ll make sure of that. But Alex and Alexis don’t need to hear about this. Especially not Alexis. Not until after the wedding. They already have enough to deal with, and I won’t add my problems to their plates.”"Why are
GiannaPeter stood with his arms crossed, fixing his gaze on me like he was trying to peel back every layer of my lies. I looked away and sat on the edge of the bed. “You’ve got scratches on your neck. What the hell are you hiding? He assaulted you, didn’t he?”I reflexively lifted a hand to touch my neck, wincing slightly at the raw sting. “He didn’t… well, he did assault me, but he did not penetrate. He was trying, but you came in before anything would happen.”Peter’s fists curled at his sides as he glanced toward Oscar, still unconscious on the floor. “So am I just supposed to sit back and let this slide? Everyone thinks the fool is some golden boy because he’s rich. The whole world will know what kind of scum he is.”A bitter chuckle escaped me as I leaned back against the wall. “You’re jealous of him, aren’t you?”The irritation on Peter’s face was immediate after I said that. “Don’t be silly. I’m not jealous of him,” he snapped. “I just want to ensure you’re not covering his si
GiannaMy body ached as though an invisible force had battered it. Pain throbbed behind my eyes and spread to my temples and neck. I lay curled in the bedroom, covered by my duvet.Although the day outside was alive with drums and chants and laughter, for day four of Alex and Alexis' wedding festivities, I couldn't bring myself to be a part of it. There was no spark of energy. Instead, I was annoyed by the noise. I turned to bury my face in the pillow, squeezing my eyes shut. But the pain ate at me. It was a fever. I could feel the clamminess on my skin and the flush of heat that came in waves. But this wasn't some random illness. It was because of my mate.My bond was turning against me. I experienced this several times when Byron was alive, and my wolf always demanded closeness and touch. But I had always fought it off with alcohol and drowned myself in wine until the world blurred into nothing. Or if I weren't in the mood to drink, I would swallow enough sleeping pills to knock my
Gianna Alone in my room, I stared blankly at the half-drunk glass of water on my nightstand. My earlier outburst on that girl was foolish, and the guilt refused to subside. I had no reason to do that. After all, none of this was the girl's fault. The cake was good, in fact, so good that it made me jealous. Now I felt bad as my mind replayed the scene from the kitchen. Lisa had stood there, trembling and looking so unsure and apologetic. The truth slashed through me like a knife, and I felt sick with myself. She had done nothing wrong. Her only crime was being Peter's girlfriend.“Gosh, I'm so childish,” I muttered. Why was I even projecting my insecurities onto others? I didn't want to think of Peter or my strange, uncontrollable pull towards him. I didn't want to admit that I hated seeing him smiling, talking, and dancing with Lisa. I didn't even want him. I couldn't want him.But you do, the treacherous voice whispered in my mind. You are lying to yourself.I got on my feet and beg
Alexis Steam rose from the shower, and my hair cascaded down my back in damp waves. Alex stood naked behind me, layering my hair with shampoo. He wasn’t massaging the base of my scalp well, and I needed the residue from the shimmery strands to be removed.“Oh, come on, Alex. Stop being distracted. You’re focusing on one spot. You need actually to wash the entire head; otherwise, I’ll send you out of here,” I said in mock annoyance.“Yes, ma’am,” he chuckled, kissing my neck. “You know, I live to serve you.”“Oh, goodness, stop flirting and get to work,” I said.He stared at me through the mirror, and I smiled, beginning to enjoy the soothing rhythm of his fingers combing through my hair, even if I wouldn’t admit it. His hands slid down, rinsing away the lather with warm water before applying conditioner.“This stuff is like glue,” he grumbled under his breath. “Why did they dunk your head in a pot of fairy dust?”After he managed to get the shimmery stuff off my hair, we sank into th