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 - 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.
Author Note: Hey readers, This book delves into the darker side of romance, featuring explicit language, scenes, and a fast pace romance intertwined with a stalker trope. Please be aware that the content is intense and may not be suitable for everyone. If you enjoy dark romance novels and want to stay updated, follow me to my F******k group, Tracy Readrats, for more insights and discussions. Happy reading! TracyRaisel - POVMy eyes fixate on the phone screen, my fingers trembling above the display, waiting—desperately hoping—for a message from Alaric. But the screen remains hauntingly silent, the absence of his name like a knife twisting deeper with every passing second. Maybe he’s just busy at work, I tell myself, my chest tightening as dread curls around my ribs like a vise. The lie barely holds together.Needing a distraction, I turn to the charity event I’m dressing for, pulling a white, sleeveless dress from the wardrobe. The cream hue feels like a bitter joke—pure, simple, l
Raisel – POV“Fine. Let’s fake date,” I whispered in response to Soren’s bold proposal. My voice wavered, but my heart betrayed me with a flutter. His braces were gone, and so was the awkward nerd I once knew. Standing before me now was a man who looked as though he’d stepped out of a European magazine—dark, brooding eyes, sharp features, and a presence that demanded attention. He was utterly unrecognizable, and it made my chest tighten.The paparazzi swarmed us like vultures, their camera flashes blinding and relentless. My head throbbed as questions were hurled at us from every direction. Before I could react, Soren’s arm wrapped around my waist, pulling me into him. His hold was firm yet protective, shielding me from the chaos.“Mr. Soren Dalton, we need to ask Mrs. Raisel Warden some questions,” one of them shouted.“You will not ask any questions of my girlfriend,” Soren stated with a calm, steely edge to his voice. The word “girlfriend” hung in the air like a firecracker, silenci
Soren’s POVThe apartment was silent now. Hazel and Raisel were asleep in the guest room after finishing off a tub of ice cream and hours of painful sobbing. Raisel’s cries had been raw and relentless, each one cutting through me like a knife. It was unbearable to hear her pain—her heartbreak—and knowing I couldn’t fix it entirely only made it worse. Hazel, thankfully, stayed by her side, offering the comfort of a sister.I stood by the window, glass in hand, staring at the city skyline. The lights of New York stretched endlessly before me, a stark contrast to the darkness stirring within. The sight offered no solace tonight. My thoughts were consumed by the image of Raisel—her tear-streaked face, her trembling voice, the shattered trust in her eyes. She looked utterly broken.She didn’t deserve this. Not Raisel. Never her.She was a kind soul, too good for the likes of Alaric. She had been my rock in college—the one who stood by me when no one else dared. Back then, I was the freak, t
Raisel’s POVThe tears never seemed to stop, as if they had carved a permanent path down my cheeks. Humiliation burned brighter with each passing day, fed by the hate-filled texts from strangers and the cruel messages from so-called friends who had turned their backs on me. It had been three months since I’d signed the divorce papers, three months of hiding in Soren’s penthouse. Hazel had been kind enough to gather my clothes from my old apartment and bring them to me, but stepping outside felt impossible.The cozy queen-sized guest room had become my cocoon. Soren had been… incredible. He brought me chocolates, ice cream, and the occasional sarcastic jab to jolt me out of my pity party. The housekeeper cooked meals so delicious I didn’t deserve them, and yet here I was, curled up, an empty shell of the woman I used to be.“Raisel,” Soren called from the living room. His voice was casual, light, like the weight of my crumbling life didn’t hang in the air between us. I glanced at the do
Raisel – POV“Why would he announce his marriage to Davina?” I asked, my voice trembling as tears welled in my eyes. My heart ached, and the betrayal stung anew, as if Alaric had twisted the knife in deeper. “What kind of man is Alaric to move on so easily? To flaunt it so publicly?” My voice cracked, and I pressed my trembling hands against my face to stop the flow of tears.“I know why,” Soren said, his voice calm and measured.I looked up, startled by his confidence. “Why?” I demanded.“We are the talk of the town,” he replied. “The internet believes I’m serious about you. That I’m in love with Raisin.”My cheeks burned at the nickname, but I ignored it. “How does that backfire on Alaric?” I asked, not understanding.Soren’s hazel eyes gleamed with something I couldn’t quite decipher. “I’ll explain later,” he said, waving off my question.I frowned, and Hazel mirrored my skepticism with a pointed glare.“Soren, I need an answer,” I pressed, my frustration building. “You asked me to
Content Warning:This chapter has a suicide attempt scene, which may be distressing for some readers. If you or someone you know is struggling, please consider reaching out to a trusted individual or professional support for help. Remember, you are not alone. **Raisel – POV**I woke up with a pounding headache, squinting against the sunlight streaming through the windows. Alaric was busy adjusting the drapes, flooding the room with blinding light. “Morning, Raisins,” he greeted me.“My head hurts,” I groan, my eyes slowly adjusting to the brightness. The aroma of coffee and breakfast filled the air, and I spotted Lora, the maid who always brought me delicious food.“You’re drooling,” Soren remarked, an amused glint in his eyes, clearly entertained by my lack of decorum. I didn’t care. Rolling my eyes, I reached for the coffee, but Soren stopped me, pointing to the ginger tea instead. He took the coffee mug for himself, and I growled in frustration.“I need coffee,” I whined.“Ginger t
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