AlexisThe scent of jasmine and burning sage wafted through the cool evening air as the elders began to chant. Our wedding was extra special, as Alex was Alpha, which was symbolic and essential for the pack. I knelt beside him on the wedding floor as the priestess stood at the head, reciting ancient blessings in a language I barely understood. Around us, the elders murmured their prayers.My dad stood behind me. For a brief moment, I glanced at him. His eyes held pride, regret, and probably relief that his daughter had found happiness despite all the obstacles I had faced. But still, I wasn't letting him off the hook so quickly. He was a weak man through and through. He let his wife dictate for him just because they were fated mates. No matter how much Alex loved me, I knew he would never let me ruin our home. Alex was a strong man, and I was glad not to have a spineless partner as my husband.I stole a glance at Alex. The candlelight caught the angles of his jawline and the softness
Alexis Peter's gaze rested on Gianna's retreating figure, and it was amusing to see how he was looking at her like a little puppy. I caught the desire in his eyes, and even though it was borderline irritating that he was looking at someone else while he had a girlfriend, I couldn't blame him.Gianna was stunningly beautiful, with long legs and an effortless grace everyone could see. But there was no question that she was out of Peter's league. I couldn't completely fault Peter. Maybe it was a male thing to have an unrelenting pull toward unattainable women. But even so, it still didn't make it right.As I suspected, Peter coaxed Valen into wearing the shirt, and I sighed in relief. “Thank goodness,” I grumbled, tugging the fabric over Valen's arms and beginning to button it up.“Alexis, can I ask you something?” Peter said, sounding unsure. I looked up. “Sure, go ahead.”“Who’s the redhead that just left?” His voice sounded casual, as though he was trying to mask the tension. But I c
Gianna My body lay stiff and restless on the bed as I stared at the ceiling. I felt knots in my stomach. It was a tough task to sleep. The silence wrapped around me like a suffocating blanket. I turned onto my side, stomach, and back again. No matter what position I tried, sleep refused to come.My thoughts kept drifting to my mate. His image echoed in my mind like a whisper I couldn't silence. Every time I closed my eyes, I saw him—his gaze on me, his passion and desire, and how he looked at me as though I was the only person in the room. It made me feel things I didn’t want to feel, like an urgent longing I couldn’t suppress.I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, willing the weight in my chest to go away. This guy was a distraction, plain and simple. My human and wolf sides were at war. My human self wanted to avoid him at all costs. I hated the idea of falling into another bond and the vulnerability that came with it. I didn’t trust myself or him, and I certainly didn’t trust t
Gianna Amid the celebration, I went to see my mom in the hospital. I parked my car outside the psychiatric hospital, clutching the paper bag filled with fruits and snacks I had picked up from the supermarket earlier. My heart was lighter than usual after the doctor's text, who had said my mom had been responding well to a new medication. And even though I was hesitant to get my hopes up, I felt relief.I made my way down the hallway to the semi-private ward where my mom had been moved. The space was quieter than the general ward, with only four patients in the room, including my mom. When I stepped inside, she was lying on the bed, fast asleep. Her chest rose and fell steadily, and her face looked free of the usual tension that pulled at her features. I was happy and placed the bag on the small side table. I was glad to see her at peace.My gaze shifted to one of the other patients, clutching a doll tightly to her chest. She was a middle-aged woman with hollow eyes filled with pain a
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
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
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
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
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