CADENWhat the hell has come over her?I found my way to the window after she left. I helped myself into a chair, staring out at nothing in particular as Lila’s words played over and over in my head. Just a few years ago, she was Ronan’s little sister, the kid who followed us around everywhere. Now she was standing in front of me, offering something that could make her brother send me straight to an early grave if he ever found out.But, God. I could not deny my need for her.My fingers tapped restlessly against the window frame. Desire, guilt, confusion—all of it hit me at once. I wanted her. That much I couldn’t deny. But it wasn’t that simple. It could never be that simple.“No strings attached…” She made it sound so damn easy, like we could go on with this secret without consequence. But I knew better. I’d lived long enough to know nothing was ever without strings, especially something like this.Shit. I ran a hand through my hair, trying to shake off the growing temptation. If
LILA“Heaven help me!" I muttered to myself as I entered my room.With Ronan and Joan gone to who knows where, I couldn’t stop pacing in my room. He was off limits, but he was who I wanted to father any child I would ever have. Caden is smart, and has strong wolf traits. He was drop dead handsome and intelligent.I hope I didn’t get addicted. He's staying with us, making it easier for me to access him. It’s not like he didn’t have the money for a penthouse, or even a freaking mansion of his own. But no, my brother insisted that he stay here for the time he would be in town. And now, it felt like the walls of this house were closing in on me. No matter how big it was, it wasn’t big enough to escape the heat I felt whenever Caden was nearby.I leaned against my vanity, staring at my reflection. My heart was still racing from the conversation we had earlier. A knock on the door broke through my thoughts, and I jerked upright. Without thinking, I quickly smoothed down my clothes, glan
CADENI am a well sought after model in New York for fuck’s sake! Few minutes ago, I couldn’t help but feel ridiculous as I stood outside Ronan’s room, knocking like a fool. When Lady Rose appeared behind me, her eyes narrowed in curiosity, I quickly realized my mistake.“Mr. Caden, is everything alright?” she asked, her voice filled with the kind of concern only someone who’s been a matron for years could manage.I forced a smile, running a hand through my hair. “Yeah, everything’s fine. I just… I thought this was uhh… This was Miss Lila’s room.”Lady Rose arched an eyebrow, clearly amused by my confusion. “And what would you need with Miss Lila?” Her tone was playful, but there was an edge to it.I chuckled dryly, feeling like an idiot. “I just needed to relay some information to her. It’s not urgent.”She wasn’t buying it, though. Her eyes twinkled with that knowing look older women always seemed to have. “If it’s important, you could always tell me. I’ll make sure she gets the me
LILAThe moment I saw Caden standing at my door, I felt my heart leap into my throat and all I wanted to do then was jump into his arms and plant hot kisses over his face. I knew I wasn’t thinking straight, not with him so close, not with those piercing blue eyes staring at me like I was the only thing that mattered. But then again, I never could think straight when he was around.And now, here I was, my back pressed against the wall, his lips on mine, and all thoughts of reason, all the carefully constructed walls I’d built, crumbled beneath the weight of his kiss.I hadn’t expected the Joan story to work, honestly. It just popped into my head as a way to distract my brother. He was always so protective, hovering like a hawk over everything I did. Joan, though, she was the perfect bait. She knew how to keep Ronan busy with her witty comebacks and endless charm. But that was a thought for another time. Right now, Caden’s hands slid down to my waist, his fingers pressing into my skin
CadenI can’t believe I didn’t listen to my own mind. I should’ve turned around and walked out the door. Thankfully, I didn’t.The way she looked at me, the way her lips tasted—sweet, intoxicating—I couldn’t stop myself. I kissed her like I had no other choice. Like she was the only thing keeping me sane at this moment.Her lips parted beneath mine, and I groaned softly, pulling her closer until there wasn’t an inch of space between us. My hands moved over her body, fingers trailing along the curve of her waist, down to her hips. She felt perfect in my arms, like she belonged there..I’d never been like this with any other woman. Not even close.Sure, I’d had flings. Quick, meaningless nights that ended with me feeling hollow the next morning. But Lila… Lila was different. The way my body reacted to hers, the fire that coursed through me every time we touched, it was like nothing I’d ever felt before.Except once.Fiona.The thought of her hit me like a cold wave. I hadn’t thought abo
LilaLying there in Caden’s arms, his warmth enveloping me, I felt like the world outside didn’t exist. The way his fingers absentmindedly traced small patterns on my bare skin made me feel so alive, so connected to him in a way I hadn’t expected. I shifted slightly, pressing my cheek against his chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. We didn’t need to say anything; the silence between us was comfortable, peaceful even. Ringggg…. Not so peaceful after all. I rolled my eyes as Caden rolled out to pick his phone. I noticed his body tense up, and I felt him shift beneath me. I couldn’t help but watch his face, searching for some hint of what had changed in that moment. He let out a quiet sigh before dropping the phone back down. “I’ve got somewhere to be,” he murmured, his voice low and regretful.I frowned slightly, propping myself up on my elbow to look at him. “Where are you going?”He glanced at me but quickly looked away, a soft smile tugging at the corners of
LilaAs the waiter approached our table, carrying two steaming plates, I took a deep breath, feeling the tension in my chest subside just a little. The aroma of fresh herbs, garlic, and butter wafted up, momentarily distracting me from my thoughts. He placed the plates in front of us with a practiced grace, offering a warm smile before retreating quietly.“Bon appetite” He smiled with his thick french accent betraying his nice english tie.We returned his smile as he walked away. The food was beautiful, almost too beautiful to eat. Emily’s dish, a delicate plate of ratatouille, shimmered under the soft light. Thin slices of zucchini, eggplant, and tomato were artfully arranged in a spiral, all resting in a pool of vibrant tomato sauce. My own plate held a simple but elegant coq au vin. The chicken was slow-cooked in a rich red wine sauce, the tender meat falling off the bone, served alongside buttery mashed potatoes and crisp green beans.Emily picked up her fork, her eyes lighting u
CadenAs I left the Frost mansion, my phone vibrated in my pocket. I already knew who it was. Peru.I answered the call, and his voice was formal and straightforward as usual. "Caden, the ladies you requested are ready. They’ve been selected carefully—none of them want marriage or commitment. Some are in it for the money, others for the thrill. Twelve, in total."I sighed, running a hand through my hair. Twelve women, all chosen for one purpose—bearing my child. None of them had any emotional ties, none of them wanted love. It was a plan I’d set in motion to avoid falling into the complications of relationships. The irony wasn’t lost on me, considering where I’d just come from."I’m on my way," I muttered, ending the call.As I drove towards the designated meeting place, my thoughts wandered back to Lila. The warmth of her body still lingered in my memory, the way she fit perfectly against me. It was reckless, what we were doing. But it was also the best thing I’d felt in a long tim
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