Raisel – POVLenny and Lora were both off today because we were heading to Soren’s grandfather’s for lunch and dinner. I sat at the table, unable to take my eyes off the view before me—Soren, shirtless, his broad back flexing as he moved in nothing but sweatpants. He was making pancakes and brewing coffee, insisting I sit and wait. I’d protested, saying I’d cook, but he never listened. Now, I was glad I hadn’t pushed harder. His muscles rippled under his skin as he worked, and I couldn’t tear my gaze away.I wished, for a fleeting moment, that he was still the nerd with braces and glasses—the one with a lean body that had somehow transformed into this athletic figure standing in front of me. Shaking off the thought, I forced my attention back to my phone, feeling like a voyeur. I was sure he felt my stare. And when I felt his gaze return, it was like a jolt to my system. Heat rose to my cheeks, and I pretended to focus on an article about Davina and Alaric’s disastrous wedding. Pictur
Raisel – POVSoren’s grip tightened around my hand, silencing me with nothing more than pressure. His voice cut through the room, low and edged. “Grandpa, I told you to play nice—for once.” His eyes, narrowed to dangerous slits, flicked over to me. I dared a glance at Mr. Beau, but his face remained emotionless, utterly indifferent to the warning hanging thick in the air.“Calm down, Soren,” I whispered, though he didn’t turn to me. His gaze remained fixed on his grandfather, who watched us both like we were subjects under a microscope. “I’m not with Soren for his money,” I blurted, desperate to end the silent war already brewing between them.Mr. Beau’s voice was steady, cold. “Do you work?” The question slithered out as I gripped Soren’s arm, holding him back. To my surprise, he remained silent, his eyes lingering on where my fingers clung to him.“No,” I replied, my voice barely audible.“Hard to believe you’re not after his money, then.” His tone dripped with accusation, making So
Soren – POVThe new office is finally ready—a business I’ve built without a single cent of Dalton family money. Now, the task is to make it succeed. I glance over the files in front of me, filled with the specs for a new automobile—one that will give my competitors no room to breathe. My gaze briefly shifts to Gwen, my secretary, as she arranges the paperwork.Raisel is seated next to me, holding her composure though I can sense the tension she hides. Across the table, the other designers and engineers are present, waiting for direction. As I discuss the vision for the car, I make it clear: the model needs to be revolutionary, something that not only stands out but crushes the competition. The files contain every detail, the contracts have been signed, and I’ve ensured no one will leak or steal my ideas.I check my watch—two hours of discussion. It’s time to end this.“Meeting adjourned. I need the prototype ready in a month.”“A month is a tight deadline, Mr. Dalton,” one of the desi
Raisel – POVAfter a suffocating session with the counselor, I spot Soren in the waiting room. He sits there, oblivious to the hungry gazes of the women around him, his attention buried in his phone. I stride toward him, and when our eyes meet, he greets me with a smile that feels almost too innocent. “Here’s your Americano,” he says, handing me the coffee. I take it, forcing a grateful smile as he guides me out of the counselor’s office. I can feel eyes on us—phones pointed, pictures snapped, their interest feeding off the spectacle of our every move. But none of it bothers me. Not when I’m with him.We head to the car, ready to sell the apartment Alaric and I had once called home. A few potential buyers are lined up, and Soren insists on accompanying me. As the clients filter through, I go through the motions, showing them the penthouse that once held so many memories. A few offer to buy, but their offers fall short.“The house will be sold for no less than ten billion,” Soren decla
Soren – POV Raisel’s been giving me the cold shoulder ever since our fight last night. It wasn’t the first time we argued, but that doesn’t make it any easier. I hate seeing her upset, even if—strangely—she looks kind of cute when she’s mad. The way she glares at me, subtle but sharp… I hate it, but at the same time, I’m drawn to it. I sighed and glanced at my phone. Davina had sent another one of her threat messages. Apparently, she’s going to blow up some scandal about Dalton firm that could ruin me. She’s delusional if she thinks it’s that simple. My deal with her was clear: I’d give her dirt on Alaric, the guy she’s been obsessed with since college. She’s still stuck on him, even though her bad habits are the reason Alaric left her for Raisel. And I hate him for taking Raisel away from me. Davina and Alaric still kept in touch, even if it was all just dirty messages at this point. I heard about it from her best friend—who, coincidentally, I was sleeping with at the time. Yeah, s
Soren’s POVA constant beeping pierced through the haze, tugging me back to consciousness. I squinted, my eyes struggling to adjust to the bright light overhead. Slowly, the blur around me sharpened. White ceiling. The sterile smell of antiseptic. A sharp, throbbing headache reminded me of where I was.I glanced down to see an IV needle buried in my hand, tubes connecting me to the machine that was keeping me alive. My grandfather sat in the chair beside me, his expression unreadable.I reached for the oxygen mask, pulling it off as I tried to find my voice.“You barely survived,” he said, his tone flat, offering no comfort.The memories of what had happened came flooding back all at once. Panic surged through me, and I shoved the blanket aside, swinging my legs over the edge of the bed.“Where are you going?” my grandfather asked, his voice sharp with warning.“Raisel... where is she?” I rasped, my throat burning with every word.A nurse hurried over, trying to stop me. “She’s in the
Raisel’s POVI fell silent after his confession. The room seemed to hold its breath, and a sigh escaped his lips as the silence stretched, becoming unbearably awkward. I didn’t know what to say. Soren studied me for a second longer, then excused himself and left the room.After being discharged from the hospital, we returned to the penthouse. My body still felt weak, but Soren moved around as if nothing had happened, back to his usual self.“Take this,” he said, handing me a small bottle of strange-looking liquid.“What is it?” I asked, eyeing it suspiciously.“An antidote,” he said, breaking the silence. I hesitated. “Raisel, it’s not the first time I’ve been poisoned,” he added with a faint smile, as if the idea didn’t shock him at all. “I’ve built up immunity, so I’m fine now. You can take this—it’ll help you recover.”“Who tried to kill you this time?” I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.“I have enemies everywhere,” he said calmly, showing no fear of another attack. “I don’t
Raisel – POVSoren was asleep on the couch when I left. I couldn’t bear to face him, not today. The office felt hollow, the empty corridors stretching out in eerie silence. Only Gwen was there, huddled in her cabin, her eyes flicking between me and the clock. “You should be resting,” she said softly.“I’ve rested enough,” I muttered, brushing past her. “I’m falling behind.” I motioned for her to follow me to the pantry, where I fumbled for the coffee machine, trying to steady my trembling hands.“I don’t want to... gossip,” Gwen whispered, her voice cutting off as if the words were dangerous to say aloud.I gave a bitter smile. “Gossip? Nobody talks to me. They just give me polite smiles, pretend nothing’s wrong, and walk away.” My voice dropped. “But you, Gwen... you can tell me anything. I don’t mind.”She took a slow sip of her coffee, her eyes clouded with concern. “You’re not... scared? After everything that’s happened?”“I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t,” I sighed, the weight of
Raisel - POVBack to Iowa. I hadn’t slept a wink. As soon as the car rolled to a stop in front of my mother’s house, my eyes locked onto the sleek, expensive car parked in the driveway. Something about it sent a shiver down my spine. Next to me, I felt Soren tense.“What now?” I muttered under my breath.“Problem,” Jace whispered. His tone was sharp, and when I turned, I saw my friends exchange uneasy glances.We stepped inside, and there they were—Rocher and a man in a navy suit, sitting at the table, sipping coffee like they had all the time in the world.“Hey, birthday girl! Many happy returns of the day.” Rocher greeted me with his usual beaming smile, but my attention was locked on the man beside him. He was older, near my mother’s age, with an unreadable expression. When I pulled away from Rocher’s hug, the man’s cold, calculating eyes met mine.“Who is he?” I asked, my voice steady despite the unease curling in my stomach.“Your uncle—Johnathan.”I blinked, studying him again.
Soren’s POVMy heart pounded in my chest. A man from the Reaper gang—so close to Raisel. What if something happens to her? What if something happens to me?I gripped the wheel tighter and sped through the streets, driving like a madman. Jace sat beside me, calm and collected, his eyes steady. I wished I could say the same for myself. The moment the hotel came into view, my anxiety only grew sharper, digging into my ribs like a blade.As soon as I reached the door, I didn’t hesitate."Raisel!" I called, my voice edged with panic.She turned at the sound of my voice, whispering my name. “Soren.”Relief crashed over me as I pulled her into my arms, holding her against me. I inhaled her scent, grounding myself in her presence.My mind steadied, but my hands refused to stop shaking. Only then did I finally take notice of the man seated in front of us—too composed, too patient."Seems you were worried." His voice was unsettlingly calm."Killian Morozov."He gave a slow nod. "So you know my
Raisel - POV“Who sent this?” I asked the room service guy, holding up the card.“I… I don’t know, Miss,” he stammered. “I was just delivering the food, and—”“What’s going on?” Soren’s voice cut through the tension, sharp and commanding.I turned to him, holding up the card. His eyes darkened as he shifted his gaze to the room service attendant, who visibly tensed under the weight of Soren’s scrutiny.“Tell me the truth.” His voice was cold, unwavering.The guy swallowed hard, his Adam’s apple bobbing. “S-Someone paid me in the elevator to bring it to your room,” he admitted.Soren’s expression didn’t change, but the air around us felt heavier. “Did you recognize them? Describe this person.”The man hesitated. “He was wearing a black suit,” he said cautiously. “He’s a regular guest.”Soren’s eyes narrowed. “What’s his name?”“I… I don’t recall. But I can check with the front desk and let you know.”“I’ll come with you,” Soren said, his tone leaving no room for argument.I reached for
Raisel’s POVSoren stepped in, a warm smile on his lips, holding a cake with candles flickering on top. “Happy Birthday, Raisel,” he said smoothly.I blinked.“Happy Birthday!” everyone cheered in unison. My eyes flicked toward the clock—12:00 AM. Right on time.“Come on, cut the cake,” Hazel urged.I smiled, blowing out the candles as a round of claps and cheers filled the rooftop. I sliced the first piece, feeding it to Soren, then my friends, who playfully stuffed bites into my mouth in return. Grinning from ear to ear, I exhaled in relief—I had been nervous for nothing.Glasses clinked as expensive wine flowed freely, poured by the staff. The rooftop breeze was cool and calming, mixing with the sound of laughter. The night was alive, food being ordered, conversations blending into music.I sighed, sinking into my seat, only to catch Soren’s gaze. He was right next to me, watching me too closely.Leaning in, he lowered his voice. “You forgot your birthday, didn’t you?”“No,” I mumb
Raisel - POVSoren stood before me, devastatingly handsome in a black tux. His wavy black hair was slicked back neatly, and his sharp jaw—accentuated by a bit of stubble—made him look even more alluring. I couldn’t help but stare, my eyes tracing every detail of his face. His gaze roamed over me with an intensity that sent heat coursing through my veins."Such a love spell," Hazel whispered to Fiora and Gwen, awe coloring her tone. Her words pulled me out of the trance—or whatever spell Soren had me under. I turned to my friends, desperately trying to hide my blush, but their teasing grins only made it worse.“What’s the surprise?” I asked, my voice coming out breathier than I intended.“Not yet.” Soren's deep voice was warm, a promise hidden in his tone.“Come on,” I urged, the suspense making my pulse race.“Patience, Raisins,” he chuckled, wrapping his arms around my waist. The heat of his body pressed against mine sent my heart into overdrive.“Let’s go; the arrangements are ready
Raisel - POVThe sound of chatter pulled me from sleep. I rolled out of bed, eyes heavy, and opened the door. Hazel, Fiora, and Gwen stood there, their faces lighting up as they rushed in, wrapping me in a group hug. The sudden weight made me stumble, but I caught myself, managing a small smile.“Sorry you went through so much,” Hazel muttered, stepping back. Her eyes were soft with sympathy. My gaze flicked to Soren, who lingered a few steps behind. His eyes said enough—he’d told them everything. Well, maybe not everything. Definitely not his own sins. Gwen’s tear-streaked cheeks said enough about the parts she did know.Soren approached, his expression calm but intent.“Guys, can you give us a minute?” he asked, his voice gentle but firm. He took my hand, leading me back into the room we shared.“Hey! Not fair, hogging all the time!” Hazel called out, mock-annoyed. I chuckled despite everything, the sound brittle and raw.The door clicked shut behind us, and the space between us fel
Raisel - POVI came back to Iowa because Susan’s health is getting worse. They’re keeping her under observation in the basement infirmary. Honestly, I just want to be with her. I lost my father—who was never much of a father at all—but deep down, I’ve always craved that kind of affection. Spending these weeks with Susan, all I can think about is her warm smile and the way she used to embrace me.I sighed, the steady beeping of the machines and the sharp smell of antiseptics only making my headache worse.“You should go rest. I’ll keep an eye on Susan,” Rocher said, sipping her coffee.“I’ll be fine,” I insisted.“Soren, Jace, Hazel, and Fiora are on their way.” The relief that washed over me at the thought of them coming to Iowa was almostoverwhelming. I’d missed them—missed Soren—so much. At least I wouldn’t have to face the nightmares alone.“How are you holding up?”“Me?” I blinked, surprised. She nodded.“Yeah, do you see anyone else here?” She pulled up a chair and sat down, her
Soren - POVThe gun felt heavy in my hand as I moved through the rooms, eyes sharp, finger light on the trigger. No sign of the Reaper men. But they knew we were here. I could feel it. Jace approached, his face dark and bruised.“They’re gone,” he said, voice grim.“They figured out you’re the mole,” I muttered.“Yeah, too late,” he replied with a smirk that didn’t reach his eyes. “Managed to break out.” He shrugged, but I saw how his hands trembled.Susan stumbled in, breathless and pale. “Did you find Raisel?” she asked, voice cracked with worry.“She’s with Viktor,” Jace answered. “Heard it over a dead guard’s walkie.”“Fuck!” I hissed, the word seething through clenched teeth. “Where the hell is the rest of the team? Why are they so damn slow?”Susan’s squad was finally regrouping with Rocher, their faces drawn and bloody.“One of them slapped a tracker on Viktor’s car,” Rocher said, tossing me the keys. But Susan crumpled to the ground, barely holding on. The fight in the basemen
Raisel - POVIt’s been two days. I’ve been training like a maniac, chasing ghosts, and getting nothing but silence from Jace. He’s barely said a word, just pushed me harder, kept me quiet, and filled the gaps with bruises and exhaustion. Now, I’m standing in Viktor’s office again, my choice this time.“You should be sleeping,” he says as Viktor strides in, eyes sharp and cold.“I need to see Soren and Susan,” I reply, voice steadier than I feel.“Gunther, take her to them.”I flinch, surprised he agreed so easily, but I swallow it down and follow the man. The basement stairs groan beneath us, each step slower than the last. My pulse is a wild drumbeat in my ears.“Stop,” Gunther snaps, pulling a gun free. My body locks tight, instincts flaring.“What the hell—” The words barely leave me before Gunther's already barking into a walkie-talkie, voice clipped and panicked.“Code Red! I repeat, Code Red! Make sure Sire is secured in a safe house.”His eyes are frantic when they cut back to