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
Emily The moment Ethan and Caden stepped back into the room, I could feel the shift in the air. My heart stuttered for a second as I took in the sight of my husband, his expression softer but still lined with the weight of everything that had just happened. Caden, on the other hand, looked like a man who just put out a fire, calm and assured. He caught Lila’s eye and gave her a subtle nod, a silent message passing between them.Lila turned to me and smiled. “Emily, Caden and I need to grab some groceries. We’ll pick up the kids on our way back.”I knew exactly what she was doing. She was giving us privacy, a chance to talk. A warm appreciation swelled in my chest, and I nodded, smiling back at her. “Thank you.”She waved me off as she grabbed her purse, and with a final knowing glance, she and Caden stepped out of the house, leaving Ethan and me alone.The silence stretched between us, heavy and uncertain. Ethan shifted his weight, rubbing a hand over the back of his neck. I stayed
EthanI slammed my fists into the steering wheel, the sharp sting running up my arms doing little to curb the frustration boiling inside me. I shouldn’t have let my temper get the best of me. I shouldn’t have snapped at Emily. But goddamn it, everything is falling apart, and I feel like I’m drowning with no way to get my head above water.I wasn’t supposed to make mistakes. I was supposed to take care of her, protect her, build a future where she’d never have to worry. Instead, I got swindled like a fool.Reuben. That bastard. He’d played me like a puppet, and I had danced to his tune, convinced that the deal would put us ahead. My financial advisor had warned me.“Ethan, this is too risky,” He said, but I had been arrogant, thinking I could handle it. Reuben must have been laughing behind my back, knowing full well what he was doing. And now? Now I was standing in the ruins of that stupidity, watching everything I worked for crumble.I rear back and punch the dashboard again.
Emily I knew something was wrong with Ethan before he even opened his mouth. The way his shoulders tensed when he thought no one was looking, the dark circles under his eyes from sleepless nights he never spoke about, the way he ran his hand through his hair when he thought too hard about something these were the little signs that only someone who truly knew him could catch.And I knew him. Knew him well enough to understand that he was keeping a secret. A big one.Lila and I stepped back into the living room, balancing the glasses of pineapple juice in our hands. I handed Ethan his glass, offering a soft smile. “Here you go, love.”He accepted it without looking at me. “Thanks.”Lila, ever the smooth one, slid onto the couch beside Caden and passed him his drink, shooting me a quick glance, almost as if to ask, Are you ready for this?I wasn’t. But I had no choice.I cleared my throat. “Ethan.”He sipped his juice. “Yeah?”I hesitated for a moment, gathering my thoughts, and then
LilaThe mood in the living room had shifted. The tension was palpable, as though the walls themselves were closing in on us. Ethan was unusually quiet, staring into his drink as if it held the answers to questions he wasn’t ready to ask, let alone answer. Caden and I exchanged looks, but neither of us dared to speak up. It had been a while since we’d all been together, and I could sense the heaviness that hung in the air, especially around Ethan.But it wasn’t until I caught Emily’s face, suddenly drained of color, that I felt a shiver of unease. She had been laughing just a minute ago, her usual lighthearted self, but now she sat there, a shadow of herself, her eyes flickering nervously. She was hiding something. I knew her too well.I didn’t want to push her in front of everyone, but I also couldn’t let it slide. I stood up, my feet carrying me toward her. "Emily," I called gently, "You good?"She froze for a moment, then forced a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. "Yeah,
EmilyTen years had passed and for two weeks now the rain had not let up. It was as if the clouds themselves were mourning, drenching everything in their sorrow. The funeral was anything but ordinary. Reuben had taken his own life, leaving behind a legacy as dark as the storm above. Pack traditions dictated that the body should be cremated, the ashes scattered to allow the soul to roam free. But for me, it wasn’t so simple. I’d known Reuben, and although his narcissistic and manipulative lifestyle had led to us going our separate ways and ultimately his sentence to the prison, I could not deny that I had once loved him and that he was also Ethan’s relative. “Ethan,” I whispered, my voice barely audible over the howling winds, “Are you sure about this?”He didn’t answer immediately, his eyes fixed on the freshly dug grave. His jaw clenched, his brow furrowed. I could tell he was fighting with himself—struggling with a decision that felt so wrong but so necessary. Finally, he turne
Emily's POV Two years had passed since that life-changing day when everything seemed to fall into place. I stood at the kitchen counter, gazing out the window at the garden beyond. The sun was shining, a golden light spilling across the earth, painting everything in soft hues of warmth. The twins were playing outside, laughing as they chased each other around, their tiny feet kicking up little clouds of dust. Joan's son, almost two years old, was toddling along beside them, his innocent grin lighting up his entire face as he followed the twins’ every move. Lila’s baby, just a year old, was content in her arms, the tiny bundle snuggled against her chest, peacefully asleep.And then there was mine. My son. Our son. He had just turned one, and his bright eyes followed the others, his small hands reaching out to touch the world around him. I couldn’t help but smile as I watched him, my heart swelling with a love that felt boundless. He was the perfect combination of Ethan and me, with
Emily’s POVThe morning was crisp, the air just chilly enough to make me wish I had a scarf but not so cold that it drove me inside. I had grabbed my camera before heading out, planning on capturing the beauty of the city and the world around me for my blog. It wasn’t the most glamorous job, but I loved it—those quiet moments, the things most people overlooked, caught forever through the lens of my camera. I had started blogging as a way to reclaim some of my life after everything that had happened with Reuben, and over the past two months, it had been an escape. But now, it felt like something more—a way to share what I had found in the quiet spaces between moments, my own healing journey.I’d never been much of a morning person, but I had to admit, there was something beautiful about the way the world woke up. The soft golden hue of the rising sun filtering through the trees, the chirping of the birds, and the occasional rustle of leaves as a gentle breeze blew through the streets.
Ethan’s POVThe tension in the air was thick with the weight of what had just transpired. My wolf, still surging with adrenaline, felt like it was still in the thick of the fight, the echo of my claws scraping against Reuben’s skin. But the battle was over. Reuben had been captured, and now all that remained was to ensure that the twins were safe and that justice was done.I couldn’t help but glance over at the twins as I carried them, still unconscious but alive—thank the gods. The small bodies of the children felt impossibly light in my arms, but the fear gnawing at me wasn’t going away anytime soon. I could already imagine the damage done to them—mentally and physically. The kind of trauma they would have to overcome.As I moved through the woods, my thoughts kept drifting back to Emily. Her tear-streaked face haunted me. She’d been through too much—more than anyone should have to endure. I hated that Reuben had forced her to go through all this, but at least, for now, we had saved
Ethan’s POVThe forest was eerily quiet, the air thick with tension. My pulse pounded in my ears as I led the way through the thick trees. Every step felt heavier than the last, each footfall a reminder of what we were about to face. The twins were close. Too close. I could almost taste the fear in the air, the bitter tang of it sinking into my chest.The plan had been simple: get in, get them out, and deal with whatever came next. But there was no plan for what was about to happen. The forest was quiet now, too quiet, like the calm before a storm, and I could feel it deep in my bones.As we moved deeper, I could sense them—Reuben and his men—waiting. Their presence, looming in the shadows, thickened the air. The anger was palpable, like a storm cloud ready to burst. I didn’t know what to expect, but I knew one thing for sure: we were walking into a confrontation that could change everything.When we finally reached the clearing, there they were. Reuben stood at the edge of the trees,