My blood runs cold. “Are you saying this wasn’t an accident?”Ezra’s expression hardens. “I’m saying it’s suspicious. Especially given the timing… with the custody battle just starting.”A murderous rage begins to build up inside of me. “Find out who did this,” I order, my voice dropping to a danger
IrisSix days after the accident, I’m packing my small bag of personal items to leave the hospital. The doctors are still shaking their heads, calling my recovery “unprecedented” and “medically inexplicable.”According to them, my injuries should have kept me bedridden for weeks, maybe even months.
Custody disputes. So this is about Arthur after all. My heart sinks, a cold feeling of betrayal washing over me. Was the hospital all just for show? All that concern, all that devotion—was it just another manipulation tactic?“May I see the rest of the apartment?” the CPS agent asks, although it’s c
IrisThe CPS agent looks between Arthur and me, clearly taken aback by his sudden appearance. Then, after a few moments of confusion, her eyes widen slightly when she registers exactly who he is. I almost want to laugh out loud at the recognition that crosses her face—the Alpha President of Ordan st
“Of course not,” Arthur says, looking genuinely hurt by the suggestion. “Iris, I would never do that to you. Or to Miles.”I sink onto the couch, suddenly exhausted. “Then who did?”“I don’t know. But I intend to find out.” He sits beside me, careful to maintain some distance. “How are you feeling?
ArthurI bolt out of Iris’s apartment, barely remembering to close the door behind me. The Mindlink from Ezra still rings through my head.“Alpha, we found the car. It’s a Lotus Eletre. Only three in all of Ordan…”“Selina,” I mutter under my breath as I slam my car door shut and turn the ignition.
She laughs. “I’m practical. I’m thinking of your future—our future. A proper Luna by your side. Strong, pureblooded children carrying on your legacy. The respect of the entire country of Ordan. The entire world.”“And all it would cost is the lives of my true mate and firstborn son. Did you really t
IrisI stare at my phone for the hundredth time, checking for messages or missed calls from Arthur. Nothing. Not a single word since he rushed out during dinner last night.So much for family time. So much for “let me prove it to you.” Just another broken promise to add to the pile.Miles finally fe
I dab at the mural, buying time to formulate a response. “Thank you, Giulia. But Arthur and I aren’t exactly a family. Not in the traditional sense.”“No? The way he looks at you says otherwise.”I shake my head, unable to explain the complicated mess that is my relationship with Arthur. How do I te
IrisArthur accepts the lemonade gratefully, and I can’t help but watch the way his throat moves as he swallows, a bead of sweat trailing down his neck and disappearing beneath his collar. I’ve never seen him like this before—dirty, sweaty, his hair mussed from work rather than styled for appearance
My throat bobs. That was… unexpected. But it’s touching, if I don’t let my mind wander into the darkness and assume he’s just doing it for brownie points. The genuine look in his eyes makes me believe he’s being serious, though.“Okay,” I say with a nod. “If anything comes up, I’ll do my best to exp
IrisArthur arrives at exactly nine o’clock the next morning, looking remarkably different from his usual polished self. Instead of his customary tailored suit, he’s wearing worn jeans, a simple gray t-shirt, and work boots. His hair isn’t perfectly styled—even that single curl is visible across his
I shake my head. “I shared this room with five other girls. We didn’t have much privacy, but we became like sisters.”“Do you still keep in touch with any of them?” Arthur asks.“No. We all scattered after aging out. Different cities, different lives.” I run my hand along the windowsill, noticing a
IrisThe Ordan Central Orphanage looks smaller than I remember, or maybe I’ve just grown since I was last here. The once-vibrant red bricks have faded to a dull rust color, and the front garden, which Headmistress Giulia used to maintain so meticulously, is now overgrown with weeds. Several of the w
His little face scrunches in thought. “Oh. That’s sad.”“It was, sometimes, but not always. But I’m thinking we could bring them some cookies and maybe some toys. Would you like to help me do that?”He nods eagerly. “Will we see your old room?”The question catches me off guard. I hadn’t thought abo
IrisI nearly choke on my coffee when the news segment begins the following morning.“Breaking news in the Willford family scandal,” announces the reporter, standing outside what looks like an enormous mansion. “DNA test results confirm that Selina Willford, the former fiancee of Alpha President Art
“Iris,” Arthur breathes, his eyes widening. “What are you doing here?”I hold up the flowers awkwardly. “I heard about Selina. I wanted to… I don’t know. Pay my respects? See if you were okay?”Caleb looks between Arthur and me, his expression darkening. “So this is the human,” he says, with a dismi