Lila’s POV
An hour later, I was in Emily’s car, the music blasting as we sped toward the club. The sun had set by now, and the night was alive with the sounds of crickets and the occasional howl in the distance. “This is going to be so fun!” Emily shouted over the music, her eyes wide with appreciation as she glanced at me from the driver’s seat. “I’m so glad you agreed to come out tonight. It’s going to be epic, I promise!” I laughed, feeling a little of my earlier tension slip away. “You always say that, Em.” “And I’m always right, aren’t I?” I couldn’t argue with that. Emily had a knack for making even the most mundane outings feel like an adventure, and tonight was shaping up to be no different. The club was already packed when we arrived, the line stretching out the door and around the corner. But Emily, being the social butterfly she was, managed to get us in without a hitch. As soon as we stepped inside, the music hit me like a physical force, the bass reverberating through my chest. The dance floor was a sea of bodies, moving in time with the beat, and the air was thick with the scent of sweat, alcohol, and something else—something wild and primal that made my wolf stir restlessly inside me. I hadn’t shifted in weeks, too caught up in my studies to give in to the call of the wild, but now, something, or maybe someone was stirring my wolf up. I took an immediate glance around the people in the room. I had not had a chance to find who or what caused the stirring when Emily grabbed my hand and pulled me toward the bar. “Let’s get drinks first, then we can dance!” I nodded, letting her lead the way. I wasn’t much of a drinker, but tonight, I figured I could make an exception. After all, I was here to unwind, and a little alcohol might help me do just that. We squeezed our way through the crowd, finally reaching the bar where Emily ordered us a pair of cocktails—something fruity and sweet that went down easy but packed a punch. I took a sip, savoring the burst of flavor on my tongue. “Better?” Emily asked, raising her glass in a toast. “Better,” I agreed, clinking my glass against hers. We downed our drinks and made our way to the dance floor, the music pulling us in like a magnet. Emily was right beside me, her laughter ringing out as we danced together, our movements fluid and carefree. I don’t know how long we danced, but eventually, I needed a break. I made my way out of the dance floor to get more drinks. I drowned more shots of tequila till I became tipsy. I glanced at my phone and the time stared back, leaving me in utter shock. It was almost midnight! “We should get going,” I shouted to Emily over the music. She frowned, but made her way back to me. “Oh Lila, don’t be such a killjoy,” I picked up my phone and shoved it to her face. “Blame that,” “Oh fuck me!” She exclaimed. “We need to get you back,” I nodded. “Exactly,” She fumbled with her purse and paid the bartender with her credit card. Then we made our way through the crowd, heading for the exit. The club was situated on the edge of town, and beyond the parking lot, I could see the dark silhouette of the forest, its trees swaying gently in the breeze. But looking at Emily resting her petite body on the car in exhaustion, I knew we would probably die before we arrived at Frost Mansion. “We can’t go anywhere like this Em,” I said to her, making staggering steps towards her. “I only realized that Lila. I have called Reuben,” She replied. I rolled my eyes at the mention of Reuben. He's her boyfriend and a shithole. He was leeching off her and she knows but lets him because of love. Fuck that. “What for?” I asked her. “Except you want to lodge in the hotel here, he is our ticket out of here,” She replied. “Damn it Em, my brother also hates the sight of Reuben,” I said. Her mouth twitched a bit. “I’m sorry Lila,” I glanced at her and sighed. “Alright little bunny. You can go off with your prince charming, but I would stay the night here instead,” I replied. Her eyes immediately brightened up and she sprang towards me. “I love you so much,” She squealed. I chuckled because I knew that her excitement was over the fact that we would not be going home. Not long after, her boyfriend arrived and since I couldn’t stand his presence, I decided to retire first. I made my way groggily to the reception where I would get lodged in the hotel. “Ronan would be so mad when he realizes where I went,” I muttered as I handed the lady at the reception, Ronan’s gold card. The lady’s eyes brightened and she gave me the keys to one of the vip rooms. “Last floor. Third room to the left, Miss Frost,” She smiled. “Thank you,” I replied and grabbed my keys and card. “Third room to the left.” I said in hushed tones trying to mimic the way the lady said it. I laughed at my silliness and continued my journey to my room. When I arrived at the last floor, I was too wasted to comprehend anything else but my steps. I stared blankly at the rooms to my left and to my right. “Right it is,” I smiled and made my way to the third room. I raised the key to the door, but it was already open. I frowned and stepped inside the room. “Hello?” I called out. I heard no response. I sighed and fell exhaustedly to the bed. Before I could have the chance to shut my eyes, I felt my wolf suddenly awaken again. This time even more intense than the last time. I raised my head, just in time to see the most handsome man on earth, walk out of the bathroom with a white towel tied loosely on his waist, just below his belly button. His dark hair is wet and needs the attention of something hot. Me. His abs look more alluring than the way those ads make him look. He has a tall and muscular build that makes me water even without him saying a word. “Caden Walker,” I whispered with a raspy breath. I was certain I was finally losing it. Few shots of tequila has gotten me to the point of hallucinating Caden Walker’s presence. He was the most high priced model on earth. A badass playboy and the man I have always dreamed of fathering my child. If I ever have one that is. “Strip,” He said in the most seductive baritone voice I have ever heard. If I was hallucinating, then I would gladly stay here for a while. I immediately rose from the bed and began to undo my dress.Caden’s POV I stared at the beautiful woman sprawled across my bed, feeling a sudden surge of heat I hadn’t experienced in a long time. Her auburn hair fanned out across my pillows, and even in the dim light of the hotel room, her features were striking. Her skin was smooth and pale, with a faint blush hinting at her tipsiness.Her lips, full and slightly parted, seemed to beg to be kissed, and her eyes—brown with flecks of gold—were wide open, staring back at me with a mix of surprise and something else I couldn’t quite place.My wolf stirred, the beast within me that I had managed to keep at bay during my years in the States. There, I blended in, lived among humans, and kept my true nature hidden.I couldn’t shake the strange sense of familiarity about her. She had to be around the same age as Ronan’s sister, maybe a little older, but not by much. I chuckled softly, the sound low and almost inaudible in the quiet room. The idea of Ronan’s sister being a stripper was laughable. Ron
Lila’s POV I woke up with a throbbing headache, my temples pounding in time with my heartbeat. The sun peeked through the curtains, casting a golden glow across the room. I groaned, pulling the covers over my head. My brain was foggy, slow to piece together the previous night.What happened?I strained to remember but it was a blur. I vaguely recalled getting to my hotel room, but after that, everything went dark. Except for one thing—a dream, the most beautiful dream I’d ever had. It involved the most exciting, mind-blowing sex of my life. A smile tugged at my lips, tinged with sadness. If only it had been real.The bed shifted beside me, and I froze. Someone was there. My heart leaped into my throat. I slowly lowered the covers, eyes wide with panic. I wasn’t alone. I threw off the blanket and sat up, staring in disbelief.Caden Walker.My heart pounded as I stared at him. He was here, lying right beside me. I cursed, mind racing to make sense of it. How did he get into my room?I
Caden’s POV I woke up with a groggy head and an empty bed. The faint scent of perfume lingered on the sheets. I stirred, reaching out to touch her, but she was gone. Sitting up, I called out towards the bathroom—silence. No trace of the woman who had turned my night upside down. I cursed under my breath. Whoever she was, she was different, and I wasn’t letting this go.My phone buzzed on the nightstand. It was Ronan. I groaned and swiped to answer.“Yeah?” I muttered, running a hand through my hair.“Did you make it to town?” Ronan’s voice was calm but curious.“Got in late. Decided to crash somewhere first.”“Crash somewhere, huh? Another one of Peru’s strippers catch your eye?”“Not this time,” I said flatly. “This lady was different.”Ronan chuckled but then grew serious. “Speaking of finding people, Lila’s missing this morning. But—”I heard Joan’s voice in the background. “Ronan?” I pressed.“Yeah, it’s Lila. I’ve got to go, but I need you back for breakfast. Be here in an hour.
LILAFew minutes after my brother and Joan left, the silence that fell on the massive estate felt louder than Ronan's laughter that still echoed faintly at the back of my mind, his trust in Caden unwavering. It made what I had just said felt heavier than it was supposed to. Caden has always been my choice, but for the very oddest of reasons, he was always out of reach. He turned around, his dark, piercing blue eyes locking onto mine immediately. That intense gaze he wore so easily seemed to strip away the thin veil of composure I was trying to keep. I could feel my pulse quicken.His eyebrows furrowed slightly as he moved toward me, his footsteps slow and deliberate, like a predator assessing its prey. "Do you know the implications of what you just said?" His voice was low, smooth, and far too calm for what I was feeling.“Trust me, it is not as hard as it sounds.” I managed to say, trying to keep my eyes at his level.His expression didn’t change. He remained still, waiting for me
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
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