Alexis The crowd buzzed with excitement as Alex stood at the center of it all, crowned Alpha. People were rushing up to him, offering genuine congratulations, while Byron’s supporters stayed back, hesitant. My heart swelled as I saw him standing there, looking strong and resolute despite the weariness etched into his face. His posture screamed Alpha, but I could see the exhaustion he tried to mask. I couldn’t hold back any longer. I didn’t care about the public eye, the people watching, or my own humiliations. None of it mattered.Weaving through the throng of people, I ran to him, ignoring the stares and whispers. When I reached him, his tired eyes brightened, and warmth broke through the fatigue. “Baby,” he said softly, opening his arms. His voice was hoarse, almost a whisper, but it was enough to make my heart leap. I threw myself into his arms and held him as tightly as I could.His body was feverish, and I could feel the tremble in his limbs. He was burning up. Tears spilled fr
AlexI woke up to find Alexis curled up at the far edge of the bed, as if the mattress itself had offended her. She was clinging to the very edge, one leg practically dangling off. If she moved an inch further, she’d end up on the floor. I sighed and reached over, pulling her closer before she could complete her escape attempt. She stirred a little but didn’t wake, her face still etched with an uneasy expression even in sleep.I adjusted the duvet over her and stared at her face. She looked so peaceful, yet haunted at the same time. Her brows furrowed slightly, as though she were battling something in her dreams. This past month had been a living nightmare for both of us, and I was relieved that, for now, we had a moment of calm. She deserved this break, even if her subconscious didn’t seem to agree.Then she mumbled something incoherent, her lips barely moving. It made me smile, but when her eyes fluttered open and she yawned, my grin widened. I leaned over her, half-serious, half-te
Four months later Alexis I had known something was up the moment Gianna asked for permission to take the day off and Alex suddenly became the busiest man alive. I couldn’t pinpoint what was going on, but my hunch whispered that a surprise was brewing. I never imagined it would be this kind of surprise.A ring.A big-ass ring.My heart nearly leapt out of my chest when Alex dropped to one knee in front of me, his hazel eyes locked on mine with all the devotion in the world. The intensity of his gaze made my knees weak. My breath caught in my throat, and I swore I felt the earth tilt beneath me.“Oh my God, no,” I blurted out, taking a step back, my voice high-pitched with shock. “Alex, not a proposal!”Behind him, Gianna—that traitor—stood grinning like a Cheshire cat. Her expression screamed, Gotcha!Alex, unbothered by my outburst, stayed on one knee, holding out the velvet box like it was the most natural thing in the world. “Marry me, Alexis,” he said with a tone laced with so m
Alexis Another thing I wished I could avoid aside from the ghost of Byron was my pre-installment as Luna. The thought of it made my stomach churn. Despite Alex bringing morality and justice to the pack, some people still saw me as nothing more than a gold digger, a woman who had used two brothers to claw her way into the Campbell name.I didn’t need anyone to spell it out for me. The disdain was like an unshakable stench that followed me wherever I went. They saw me as the bad apple who'd driven a wedge between Byron and Alex. And if that wasn’t enough, they twisted the story further, questioning how I could have confused the two brothers. I could live with their lies, but what mattered most was protecting my son and keeping him far from their toxicity.This became obvious as I addressed a gathering of my age grade—future council members who would soon be formally installed. The room was a mix of men and women. The men reeked of arrogance and misogyny, while the women picked apart m
GiannaThe psychiatric hospital was a one-hour, forty-five-minute drive from the fashion house. Alexis drove while I sat silently, feeling a heaviness I couldn’t explain. My head pounded, and no matter how much I tried to blink back my tears, my eyes stayed wet.It was cruel irony—December used to be my favorite time of year. Memories of Sharon and I eagerly anticipating Christmas filled my mind, knowing Mom and Dad would surprise us with thoughtful gifts. My childhood and a chunk of my teenage years had been filled with love and happiness, with parents who adored each other and a sister who’d have done anything for me.Now, all I had left were the crumbled remains of my life: my father, an empty shell of the man he once was, and my mom, who'd lost her mind. How much more could one person bear?When we arrived at the hospital, the air itself felt suffocating. A wave of dread wrapped around me the moment I stepped out, tightening its grip with every step. Inside, the atmosphere was ste
Alexis The light from the nightstand lamp felt like a personal attack. I squinted against the brightness and groaned as a dull, pounding ache throbbed in my temples. My head was a battlefield, and my body felt like it had been dragged through a marathon—sluggish and heavy.My mouth was so dry it felt like I’d been chewing cotton all night. The realization hit me: I’d drunk way too much last night.Turning slowly, I spotted Alex sprawled beside me, half-buried under the covers. His arm draped lazily across his chest, his face soft in sleep. But let’s be honest—his peaceful state wouldn’t spare him. If I was suffering, there was no way I was doing it alone.“Wake up,” I muttered, reaching out to nudge his shoulder. “Come on.”I pushed harder when that didn’t work. A muffled grunt escaped his lips as he shifted under the blanket. His red-rimmed eyes fluttered open, and he looked at me like I’d just dragged him out of a nightmare.“What is it?” he grumbled, his voice rough with sleep.I
Alexis Days later, I drove to the airport to pick up Peter and his mom, Patricia, who had flown in from the island for the wedding. Excitement bubbled inside me as I scanned the arrivals area. My heart leaped when I spotted them rolling their suitcases, and their faces lit up as they saw me.“Peter! Patricia!” I called, waving like a maniac.Peter spotted me first and waved back. His mom quickly caught up. The moment they reached me, I threw my arms around them, pulling them into a tight hug.“Finally, I get to host you!” I exclaimed, bouncing on my feet.Patricia stepped back, her warm smile radiating motherly pride. “Look at you. You’re glowing!” she said, patting my cheek affectionately.I twirled playfully, soaking in the compliment. “I’ve missed you both so much! It’s been, what, five months?”“We’ve missed you too,” Peter said, glancing around. “Where’s my little champ?”“He’s home,” I said, smiling at the thought of Valen. “And he’s been waiting for you.”My attention shifted
Gianna My breath grew raspy, and I almost let out a primal scream as the vial shattered on the floor. Glass glinted on the stone path, and whispers rippled through the crowd. I wasn't terrified because the vial had broken. That was a costly mistake that had earned me whispers and eyes that screamed an irritating chorus. I caught the narrowed eyes of a few guests staring at me for my clumsiness. But that wasn't what made my pulse race. It was him.The stranger.I'd seen him moments before the vial slipped from my hands. His eyes locked with mine, and it caused me to feel so dizzy that I saw black spots. I felt a tether snapping into place deep inside my soul—another mating bond. Somebody muttered something snide in the background about this being a bad sign, and when I turned around, I saw it was Meredith, Alexis’s mother. I stole a glance at the stranger again. This could not be happening. I could not understand. I hadn't gotten rid of the shackles of my bond with Byron, so who the f
Gianna Peter and I sat across from each other in the quiet room. The only sound between us was the rustle of tissue in my hands. I sniffed, wiping my nose and feeling the remnants of my earlier breakdown.Peter crouched in front of me with a smirk creeping onto his face.“Look at you,” he said softly. “I never pictured you to be so emotional.”“Oh, shut up,” I muttered playfully, tossing the crumpled tissue into a nearby trash can.“Come on, big girl, hug it out,” Peter said, spreading his arms wide. Unable to resist, I chuckled and closed the gap between us. His arms wrapped around me, warm and secure, pulling me into a hug that felt like home.I let myself melt into him, breathing his scent and relishing the quiet strength of his embrace. His hands cradled my face, and his lips were on mine before I could say anything.The kiss was soft and unhurried, carrying a passion that made my knees weak. His eyes were filled with sincerity when he pulled back.“I’m falling in love with you,
GiannaMy chest caved, and I couldn't maintain eye contact with Alexis and Alex after Peter had dropped that bombshell about us being mates.The tent felt suffocating, and his words kept ringing in my ears: Gianna and I are fated mates.The silence in the room was so thick, like the awkward cousin at a family reunion—uncomfortable and making everyone wonder who would break the silence first.My eyes darted to everyone's reactions. Alexis stood still, her eyes dimmed with shock. Alex looked utterly perplexed, his gaze bouncing between Peter and me as if waiting for someone to yell, Gotcha!Lisa's shock was the loudest. Her face paled, and her lips parted as though she were going to scream, but instead, she let out a low gasp followed by a horrified look. Peter's mom stared at her son, her face slack with shock.And then there was Peter. His eyes burned with the fire of someone ready to fight for what he believed was his, and he held my hand, ready to shield me from whatever backlash mi
Peter My nostrils flared with anger, and my heartbeat pounded. Lisa screamed trouble ever since the moment she stormed toward us. It was one thing for her to feel the silent talk of abandonment ever since I met Gianna, but this was an explosion I hadn't seen coming.Her voice, like nails on a chalkboard, grated on my ears. I'd never seen her like this—loud, volatile, and uncouth. She was a far cry from the sweet girlfriend I knew her to be—or maybe I hadn't known her as well as I thought.My anger wasn't from the embarrassment, for I didn't give two flying fucks about these people here except for Alexis. My rage was because Lisa made Gianna appalled. She looked away and rubbed her hands against her clothing as if trying to rid them of something. She would have done that if she had the power to melt into the shadows and disappear. Anger bubbled under my skin at how mortified she looked."Why would a high-class lady like her want anything to do with you?" Lisa asked. "What could you po
Gianna The reception hall buzzed with life. Laughter, cheers, and the over-enthusiastic guests filled the space. The older ones munched on their food while the younger ones danced on the floor, gyrating to some recent hit from the live band.Leaning against one of the columns, I sipped on a glass of sparkling water. Alexis didn’t need me anymore, and my legs almost gave way from standing in my ridiculous heels for hours. I had since changed into flats and let my poor toes breathe.A smile crept onto my lips when my gaze landed on Alex and Valen dancing together. The sight of father and son tugged at my heart, and I was genuinely happy for Alex. The little one had been giving him such a hard time for months.Watching them now, with pure and cheerful laughter ringing out and the pride on his father’s face, made me smile. Alexis had found her happiness, and she so deserved this perfect moment.“What’s a beautiful woman like you doing standing by herself?”I turned my head to find Louis,
AlexisThe morning of day seven arrived like a whirlwind, filled with nerves that hung heavy in every cell of my body. My room was a chaos of curling irons, foundation brushes, and bridesmaids humming around me like bees.Despite my usual nonchalant attitude, I couldn't deny how anxious I was. It tightened around my chest and shocked me. For someone who had always claimed she wouldn't be bothered by society's expectations, today felt different, and I wanted everything to go right.Already feeling cranky because I had been awake since 4:00 AM, I was mentally ticking off every item on my checklist while the hairdressers and makeup artists were doing their thing. Gianna was helping some of the maids steam the bridal gown and the bridesmaids' dresses.“You look like a queen already,” Gianna said as she walked past me. She perched on the edge of the bed with a grin, trying to distract me. Then she leaned closer and whispered, “What’s the first thing you’re doing after this whole circus is
Lying in Peter's arms felt like I had just entered heaven. His heartbeat thumped steadily beneath my ear, and I rested my head on his chest. His fingers traced lazy circles on my back, lulling me into a sense of peace I hadn’t felt in years. For once, my worries seemed like distant shadows, temporarily banished by his warmth.“Is this what you were trying to give up? This bliss?” Peter teased, breaking the comfortable silence.I sighed and tilted my head to look up at him. His eyes sparkled with mischief, but I could see the sincerity beneath. He pleaded with me, silently asking me to see the world as he did.“As much as I enjoyed our little…session,” I began with a teasing lilt, “things aren’t as straightforward as you think. There are stakes we need to overcome.”“Like what?” he challenged, raising an eyebrow. “Because right now, I can’t think of a single thing worth ruining this for.”“For starters, your girlfriend,” I said, sitting up and pulling the blanket closer around me.Pete
GiannaPeter kissed me and lifted me into his arms when we entered my room. It was a kiss to end all kisses, a soft press of lips to lips. I melted instantly, wrapping my arms around his neck and pressing myself as close to him as possible. He held me tight against his body, and his lips moved gently against mine, tasting each dip and curve. A moan escaped my lips as his hands trailed down to rest at the waistband of my dress. His fingers slid under the hem and slipped along the smooth skin of my thigh, causing my knees to buckle."Fuck, Gianna. You're perfect. No wonder everyone wants to be in bed with you," he murmured, his breath hot as it brushed against my cheeks and neck before burying his head between my breasts.I ran my hands down his chest until I reached the buttons of his shirt and unbuttoned them before sliding the garment from his shoulders. The cool air hit my heated skin, causing goose bumps to rise. I wrapped my arms around Peter's waist and pressed my mouth eagerly
Gianna The party was in full swing, and I tried to blend into the background. The room was lively and filled with laughter, and I did my best to stay out of the spotlight. My eyes wandered to the far side of the room, where Oscar was talking animatedly to a girl. He was leaning far too close, flirting with her in his typical style. I rolled my eyes. The spoiled brat didn't deserve an ounce of my energy, and the only person I felt pity for was the girl who must be thinking she had hit the jackpot.Alex's boisterous voice cut through the crowd and pulled my attention. He was standing beside his bride and gesturing dramatically. "Seriously, look at her. She's the most beautiful woman in this room," he declared, earning a round of applause, chuckles, and whistles from his friends."Alex, you are super hyper and happy. Can't you see how Alexis is subtle because she knows your flattery is not a big deal to her?" one of the guys said, but Alex waved him off."You better not be fooled by tha
GiannaThe wildlife reserve stretched out in front of us. It was an endless expanse of greenery dotted with open fields and enclosures for animals. I loved the smell of fresh grass, but initially, when we got here, I was skeptical. Peter forced me to stay. I wasn’t much of a wildlife enthusiast, and the idea of spending my day surrounded by animals wasn’t exactly thrilling."Trust me, you will have fun," Peter had said, and I rolled my eyes.But as we ventured deeper into the reserve, his infectious excitement began to chip away at my reluctance. I gasped when I saw zebras lying lazily in the distance. A few giraffes towered over the bushes, stretching their necks gracefully to nibble on the leaves of acacia trees."Look at that one," Peter said, pointing at a particularly playful baby giraffe galloping awkwardly beside its mother. "Reminds me of how I was as a kid."I suppressed a small laugh. We moved to an enclosure where a family of meerkats stood upright, peering cautiously at us