CadenI laid there for a moment, staring at the ceiling, the reality of what I had just done crashing over me. I’d slept with Lila.. No, Ronan’s sister again. The kitchen, then the room. Not just any room, but the room Ronan had given me. What the hell is wrong with me?I ran a hand through my hair, my body still buzzing from the intimacy, but my mind was a complete mess. I couldn’t seem to pull myself together, not after how everything unfolded tonight. I had talked to Ronan earlier. There was no way in hell I should’ve ended up tangled in the sheets with Lila. Yet, here I was, with her soft body nestled against mine, her breathing slow and steady as she began to doze off.This is reckless and dangerous.I turned to her, watching her chest rise and fall beneath the covers, her auburn hair cascading over the pillow in a messy wave. She looked peaceful. My feelings for her were more than just a passing fling, but I couldn’t acknowledge that. It was too risky.“Lila,” I whispered, nud
LilaI was halfway through my breakfast when Ronan’s question made me choke on my food. I coughed, grabbing a napkin as I tried to compose myself, my eyes watering. Did he catch Caden last night? Did he see us? My heart raced as I shot a quick glance at Caden, who was seated across from me, his expression unreadable. There was something in the way Ronan looked at him, a knowing glint in his eyes that made my stomach twist in panic.“Something on your mind, brother?” I asked, my voice wavering slightly.“Nothing Lila.” Ronan turned to Caden with a raised eyebrow. “Didn’t find someone you liked last night?” he asked casually, though the underlying edge in his tone didn’t go unnoticed.I froze, gripping my fork a little too tightly, my pulse quickening as I waited for Caden’s response. My heart leapt into my throat. What if he let something slip?Caden’s lips curled into a confident smirk, and he shrugged, leaning back in his chair. “Nope,” he said smoothly, his voice carrying an easy ca
CadenWhat the hell was Lila thinking?As soon as the words left her mouth, I felt my entire body stiffen. She wants me to be her guardian? I shot a quick glance in her direction, hoping she’d catch the warning in my eyes. Did she really want Ronan to figure us out? Or was she just toying with me, testing how far she could push?I could feel Ronan’s gaze shift to me, his brow furrowed in confusion. “Caden?” he asked, his voice tinged with curiosity. “Is there a problem with looking after my sister? You’ve never had an issue with keeping an eye on her before.”I swallowed hard, trying to think of something to say. There was no way in hell I could spend the weekend at some party, shadowing Lila, not after what had happened last night. If Ronan caught even the slightest hint of what was going on between us, it would be over.“I just…" I began, my voice more tense than I wanted it to be. “I have other plans.”Ronan raised an eyebrow, crossing his arms over his chest. “Other plans?” His to
LilaBreakfast had passed in a blur after Caden’s departure, leaving me feeling oddly empty. I watched him walk out, that tense set of his shoulders sending a thrill of excitement through me. I knew I’d gotten under his skin, and there was something undeniably satisfying about it. But as much as I wanted to bask in the success of my little game, I couldn’t help but feel uneasy about what was to come. Joan and Ronan had already disappeared into the garden, leaving me alone at the table with my thoughts swirling around. A part of me knew I should feel guilty for roping Caden into this, but another part of me, the reckless, impulsive part was thrilled. I grabbed my phone, needing a distraction, and dialed Emily’s number.She picked up after a few rings, her voice bright and chipper. “Hey, girl! What’s up?”“Hey, Em,” I said, leaning back in my chair, twirling a strand of hair around my finger. “Are you free this weekend?”There was a short pause on her end before she practically squeale
CadenI had just hung up the phone after a frustrating conversation with Peru. We were finalizing details for getting me a surrogate —a temporary solution to my pack’s demands. The idea of it sat bitterly in my gut, and I wasn’t sure if it was the plan itself or the fact that it felt too much like settling. Finding Lila snooping outside my door was the least thing I expected. I kissed her again. I am beginning to get too familiar with her scent. She smiled like vanilla and lilies. That was how I knew she was outside my door. When I finally pulled back, breathless, I let my hands roam her sides, feeling the heat radiating off her skin. “But what exactly are your plans for the weekend, Lila?” I asked, my voice low and rough with desire.She smirked up at me, eyes glinting with mischief. “You’ll find out soon enough, Caden,” she teased, her fingers trailing dangerously close to my waistband. “It’s in two days after all.”I scoffed, but before I could respond, she kissed me again, and a
LilaThe moment Caden came into my mouth, I felt a surge of satisfaction. I had gotten him, made him lose control, and the way his body had trembled against mine was intoxicating. But now, I was paying the price. And I knew Caden too well, he wouldn’t make it easy for me.I could already feel my wetness pooling between my legs, desperate for him. But Caden, with that devilish smirk of his, chose to tease me instead. His erection, still hard and throbbing, was pressed right against my entrance, but he didn’t push in. He just hovered there, letting the anticipation build, and it was driving me insane.I whimpered, my hips pushing up toward him, begging for more. “Please, Caden… I need you,” I whispered, my voice thick with desire.He chuckled darkly, brushing a stray lock of hair from my face. “You don’t get to make that call, Lila,” he said, his voice low and commanding. “I do.”My heart raced as he pulled me closer, positioning my thighs over his shoulders. His eyes never left mine as
EthanThe weekend had arrived, and I couldn’t shake the anticipation coursing through me. All I wanted was to take Lila out, spend some time with her away from the constant watchful eyes of her protective brother. Ronan had always been like that; guarding her like she was a precious gem, which she was, but it made things harder for me. Still, I had managed to carve out time with her before, and this weekend, I planned to do the same. But there was something nagging at the back of my mind.I had just gotten off the phone with Reuben, my cousin. Well, distant relative to be exact. The guy was a complete spendthrift, always throwing these extravagant parties at his crib even though he never made a dime on his own. His girlfriend’s fortune kept him afloat, and Reuben lived like he was a king. But despite all of that, I couldn’t help but love him. He had that laid-back, fun personality that made everyone around him feel at ease. I had called him to check in about tonight’s party and to s
LilaThe bass echoed through the club, each beat vibrating through my chest as we finally arrived in the VIP area. Caden and I had left a little bit later than we expected to leave, because Ronan was somewhat insistent I stayed home for the weekend.“I know you need some fun, but you should sit this one out Lila." Ronan argued.“Let her be Honey," Joan had cut in. “She just wants to have a nice time and Caden will be there by the way." She added.Hell yeah, he fucking has to be there!As the thought ran through my mind, I tightened my grip around his arms as we moved through the quiet VIP entrance. I raised my head to look at him. He wore a guarded look, as if he belonged more in a dark forest than a neon-lit club. Caden fucking Walker!Hot, brooding, and completely out of his element. A smirk curved on my lips. Maybe tonight was going to be even better than I thought.When he finally turned his gaze to me, I met his stare head-on, lifting my head properly to him with a slow, teasi
EthanThe hot spray of the shower drummed against my shoulders, doing little to ease the restless tension coiling in my body. Steam billowed around me, cloaking the bathroom in a thick mist that mirrored my thoughts which was both clouded and churning. I am supposed to head to the Frost Mansion this morning. My official excuse was a meeting with Alpha Ronan to discuss Lila, but the real reason simmered beneath that façade. I wanted to know and understand what the fuck that Felix guy was blabbing about. Felix's remarks from yesterday haunted me like a song stuck on repeat. What the hell was he getting at? What did he know that I didn’t? I turned off the shower abruptly, the water’s hiss replaced by the hollow patter of droplets hitting the tiles. The sharp chill of the air bit at my damp skin as I stepped out, grabbing a towel and rubbing it through my hair with more force than necessary. Catching my reflection in the fogged mirror, I paused. My face stared back, jaw taut, e
LilaSettling into my seat, I picked up my fork. The scent of rosemary and thyme tickled my nose, the familiar aroma of Joan’s roasted chicken filling the room. Yet, my appetite was as temperamental as a spoiled car wheel, sputtering and stalling with each passing moment. The lively chatter around the dining table. Joan’s soft laugh, Ronan’s booming voice, and the occasional clink of utensils should have been comforting.Should have been. I released a heavy breath. As I stared at the carrot, Caden’s dismissive tone echoed in my ears, his stony expression vivid in my mind. The cold knot of anger twisted deeper with every replay.I stabbed a piece of carrot with unnecessary force, letting out a sharp exhale as the memory nagged at me like a persistent thorn.“Are you okay, Lila?” Joan’s voice was gentle, her head tilted slightly as she studied me from across the table. Her blonde curls framed her soft face, concern flickering in her blue eyes.I forced a tight smile, not trusting my
ETHANI glanced at my phone again, hoping to make sense of what I’d just heard, but the caller's warning replayed in my head like an echo. All day, I’d barely managed to concentrate on anything else, trying to push the annoying caller’s voice aside, but it refused to be silenced. My mind kept returning to it, to the urgency in the caller’s tone, and more importantly, to the warning about Alpha Ronan.I exhaled sharply, rubbing a hand over my face. “What could he even mean?” I muttered, shaking my head. Alpha Ronan already knew I was interested in Lila—I’d been upfront about that. He’d given me his permission. Or at least, I thought he had. The more I thought about it, the less certain I felt. What was Ronan capable of, really? And who was this guy to come to me with warnings, words about...what, exactly?Finally, I tapped the screen, dialing the number from the call log. He picked up on the second ring, his voice rough and low.“Meet me at the old bar downtown,” he said, before I c
Caden“I said you should strip.” I said, my tone was void of any excitement or whatsoever.I watched her from across the room, forcing myself to see her not as an obstacle or even a woman, but as a means to an end. She was here for one purpose, yet my mind kept straying back to Lila, refusing to accept the reality in front of me. Lila had imprinted herself in my thoughts, making every interaction feel pointless, like an illusion I couldn’t hold onto.She moved toward me, slowly, her expression deliberately seductive. As her fingers drifted over her shirt, loosening each button one by one, her gaze stayed on me. I waited for the usual spark of interest, some hint of desire, but there was…nothing. Only the cold logic that this was what I had to do, and the frustration that it felt impossible.With each piece of clothing she removed, I couldn’t stop myself from comparing every inch of her to Lila. Lila, with her wry smile and her effortlessly captivating allure. This woman before me
Lila After Caden left, I took a moment to compose myself, feeling the weight of the world pressing down on my shoulders. I headed upstairs to my room and changed into something more comfortable: a soft pair of sweatpants and a loose-fitting t-shirt. Comfort was what I needed right now, and I hoped it would help ease the tightening knot of anxiety in my chest. As I made my way out of my room, I spotted Lady Rose in the hallway. I forced a polite smile as I approached her. “Good morning, Lady Rose.”“Good morning, Lila,” she replied warmly, her eyes searching my face. “Are you alright? You look a bit… unsettled.”I hesitated, unsure of how much I wanted to share. “Yeah, I guess so,” I said, offering a half-hearted smile. It felt like a mask, a facade I wore to hide the storm brewing inside.She tilted her head slightly, her concern was evident. “You know, I’ve found that ginger tea can do wonders for calming nerves. It might help you feel better.”I suddenly remembered that I had inte
CadenAs I stepped out of the living room, a storm of emotions swirled in my chest. The hurt that danced in Lila's eyes when I brushed past her like she was nothing but a ghost felt like a knife twisting deeper into my heart. I hated that I had to be the one to cause her pain, but I kept telling myself this was for the best. I had my own demons to face, and getting involved with Lila would only complicate things further.With a deep breath, I pulled out my phone and dialed Peru’s number. The line rang only once before he picked up. “Caden, my man! What’s up?” His voice was light, full of that usual energy that reminded me why I kept him around. He was a good guy, a loyal friend, and I needed him now more than ever.“Peru, I need you to do something for me,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady despite the turmoil inside. “Sure thing. What do you need?” “I need you to contact the first lady we interviewed. The one we talked about as a potential surrogate. Send her the contract and
EthanI turned in bed, holding my throbbing head. It took a few seconds to clear the fog and remember that I was back in my apartment, sprawled out on my bed, the memory of the last drink a blur. I dragged myself up, rubbing my temples, and made my way to the bathroom. The hot shower helped ease the headache, but it didn’t take away the feeling that I’d overstepped last night.After dressing, I headed to the kitchen for breakfast. My apartment wasn’t much — a one-bedroom with minimalistic decor, just the essentials. I’d never needed anything extravagant. I valued my space, so my cook and cleaner came and went, respecting the boundaries I’d set. I didn’t mind living alone. There was a certain peace that came with it.I found Amelia, the cook, setting the table. She was in her fifties, with a no-nonsense attitude that somehow always made me feel like a kid in trouble.“Good morning, Mr. Ethan,” she greeted, eyeing me knowingly as I settled into my seat.“Morning, Amelia,” I muttered, ea
LilaI excused myself out of the dining room, the anger simmering in my chest nearly overwhelming me.The memory of Caden’s dismissive smile, his casual tone, kept replaying in my mind. It hurt more than I wanted to admit. I’d been so sure everything was going well, that we were growing closer, and that this weekend together had meant something. I hadn't even entertained the possibility of something deeper, except getting pregnant with his baby.But his indifference? Hell, it stung.“No strings attached, remember?” I muttered to myself as I collapsed onto the couch, my head sinking into my hands. No strings attached. The rules had been clear from the beginning, hadn’t they? He could have as many women as he wanted. And I was supposed to be okay with that. I reminded myself that I’d agreed to this. But damn it, knowing and feeling were two different things, and right now, my feelings were a mess.A soft knock interrupted my brooding. “Lila?” Ronan’s voice came through the door. I stra
CadenThe night had felt endlessly long, and sleep refused to come. I’d done everything I could to settle Lila, dressing her up to finally coaxing her into bed, wrapping her snugly in a blanket to ward off the chill. But for reasons I couldn’t explain, a restless energy kept me awake, my thoughts a tangled mess as I paced back and forth. I’d barely sat down on the couch when a knock sounded at the door, sending a jolt through me.I knew who it would be even before I opened the door. Ronan. His strong sandalwood scent could be perceived from miles away. When I opened it, there he stood, his expression as steely as ever, with his beta, Federick, right behind him. Federick barely paused before moving past me, lifting Lila from the bed as if she weighed nothing.Thank heavens she was already dressed. Even so, her head lolled gently against Federick’s shoulder, her breathing steady and calm, oblivious to the storm brewing in her brother’s eyes.Ronan looked me up and down, his jaw clenche