Nora, Ethan's only elder sister entered Layla's suite with an overwhelming smile. She rushed to hug Layla immediately her eyes landed on her. With a curious voice, she asked
"Oh, darling! I heard about what happened, did that witch hurt you? Layla smiled seeing how furious Nora was. The look on Nora's face gave her confidence that someone was ready to back her up. "Of course not, my brave, strong Ethan saved me.” Her eyes glittered, a mix of glee and triumph. Layla smiled up at Nora, her hand resting gently on her swelling stomach. “It won't be long now before I take my rightful place as Luna and Hazel… well, she can stay out of the way for all I care.” Nora smiled her expression a mirror of Layla’s own. “You’re so close to achieving everything you’ve ever wanted, darling. And with a child on the way?” “You’re the best sister in law ever” Layla smiled and Nora smiled “I want you for my brother..not a barren who couldn’t give him a child for the past three years,” Nora said Layla laughed, a genuine warmth suffusing her face. “You’re so right, Nora. I’m exactly what Ethan needs.” The two women shared a conspiratorial smile, their heads tilted close together in the dim light. “And with the pack’s support firmly behind me, there’s nothing Hazel can do to stop me. Soon enough, I’ll be the rightful Luna, with a child of the alpha to solidify my position.” Nora nodded, her thoughts turning to Hazel. “Ethan is going to cut off their mate bond tonight and make you his mate and Luna..and she will be out of this pack” “Tonight is surely a great night” Nora smiled “Yes, tonight is indeed a great night.” Layla’s grin widened, a cruel light dancing in her eyes. “Hazel will be nothing but a forgotten memory by sunrise.” Nora gave Layla's shoulder a gentle squeeze, her voice low and fervent. “And once you're Luna, the packs will finally be united under our rule. No more waiting. No more hiding. We will be family.” The room crackled with anticipation, the two women's breaths coming a little faster, a little hotter. ** Hazel came out of her bathroom, her maid Lia didn’t come to her so she had to get dressed herself It’s time for the urgent meeting, Ethan called Hazel stood in the flickering light of the bedroom, a portrait of defiance despite the torment raging within her. She refused to give up, to surrender without a fight. Her hand trembled as she gathered her tresses into a braid, a silver-white streak running through the black strands. As she fastened the clasp of her cloak, Hazel caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror. The face that looked back at her was changed, shadows beneath her eyes, her lips pressed into a thin, determined line. “Everyone is waiting for you Luna Hazel,” A guard said and walked away Hazel got out of her room and headed to the hall The castle’s walls seemed to crowd in on her as she made her way through the winding corridors. The gathered pack members fell silent as she entered the hall, their eyes flitting between her and the raised platform where Ethan and Layla stood. The air was heavy with tension, pregnant with possibility. Hazel’s feet felt like lead as she approached the Alpha, her mate, his face unreadable, guarded. She knew this moment would change everything. Ethan cleared his throat, his voice booming through the hall. “I've called this meeting tonight because there's news that can no longer be ignored,” Ethan spoke with a gravity that made Hazel’s heart race, her ears straining to pick up every word. “It is time that our packs joined forces. Our lands, our resources, our people. And to ensure this unity, my mate will bear my child.” Ethan’s arm snaked around Layla’s waist, pulling her closer, his eyes never leaving Hazel. The hall erupted into a cacophony of cheers and whispers, the pack members’ Hazel saw her parent sitting..and she wanted to rush to them and let them know everything Layla said to them was a lie But the looks on their face are sending her to hell already Every eye in the hall was on Hazel, the air thick with judgment and triumph. Ethan’s gaze was a spear through her heart, the Alpha’s betrayal a searing brand on her soul. But it was her parents’ expressions that truly twisted the knife. Her father’s disappointment was palpable, a silent accusation that she wasn’t good enough, that she’d let him down. And her mother’s face was a study in denial, a stiff smile stretched across her lips like a funeral shroud. Every ounce of Hazel’s control was fraying, her heart a fiery knot in her chest. The silence in the hall was deafening, but she could still hear the echo of Ethan’s words, Layla’s laughter, and her parents’ silence. Ethan stepped forward and everyone turned to him I Alpha Ethan Wellington, hereby reject you, Hazel Wynn and accept your sister Layla Wynn, as my mate. A smile made its way to Layla’s face as she turned to hug Ethan. Hazel felt pain sift through her body as the mating bond that connect her and the Ethan was severed. She gasped as she fell to the floor clutching her chest with her hand and watched as her sister and mate hugged each other. The words fell like hammers, one blow after another, crushing what little remained of Hazel’s spirit. Her world tilted, the hall becoming a blur of colors and sounds. Darkness crept into the corners of her vision, her knees barely holding her weight. But there was a single shred of defiance left in her, a spark of rage that refused to die. She looked up, her gaze latching onto Ethan, onto Layla, their hands intertwined in triumph. There was a broken sob, followed by a vicious snarl. “I will never forgive you for this Layla” Hazel cried and darkness overshadowed her She fainted and no one left their spot as they watched the lifeless Hazel on the floor “Carry her out of my castle and make sure she never returns here” Ethan commanded The silence in the hall was deafening as the wolves exchanged wary glances, the air thick with unease. No one dared move, the weight of the moment heavy on their shoulders. Ethan stared down at Hazel, her body limp on the cold stone floor. The Alpha’s expression was unreadable, the shadow of doubt creeping into his eyes. “Someone,” he said, his voice heavy with command. “Fulfill my order. Now.” Two pack members stepped forward, their reluctance clear in their steps. “I said, now.” Ethan’s voice was iron, his tone leaving no room for disobedience. The pack members, their heads bowed in submission, approached Hazel’s lifeless body With a gentle yet firm touch, they lifted her, carrying her towards the doors of the hall. As they passed Layla, her eyes locked with Hazel’s closed ones, a satisfied smirk curling her lips. The doors opened, the guards carrying Hazel out into the cold night air, the pack and their Alpha watching as the castle gates were slammed shut behind them.Hazel woke up and found herself in the street, her body was full of dirtHazel blinked, the world coming into focus as she stirred awake. The cobbled streets of the town were cold and unforgiving beneath her, the flickering streetlights illuminating the dirt that coated her fur.The night was quiet, the only sound the distant murmur of revelry from the castle, the wind rustling the trees. The smell of the forest filled Hazel’s nose, a haunting reminder of what she’d lost. “No,” she growled, the fire of defiance flaring in her chest. “I won’t let them do this to me.She stood up and headed back to the castle, who knows if Ethan might change his mind and accept her back again She got to the castle door and thankfully, no guard was around there Just as she made to start going inside, a voice stopped her “Are you so desperate to be our Luna again” Hazel turned to see Nora, she didn’t know why but Nora hated her for no reason “Nora.” Hazel’s voice was flat, unyielding. “What do you wa
Hazel entered the hotel room she lodged inside, it was small but comfortable at least for the night The door shut behind her with a soft click, the silence of the room enveloping Hazel in its stillness. She moved around the space in a daze, as if in a dream, her steps muted and slow.The bed was small, the walls bare, but Hazel found herself not caring. For the first time in as long as she could remember, she was truly alone, free from the expectations and constraints of pack life. And yet, the loneliness ached like a phantom limb.*Now we are going to be here, you can’t even fight for yourself* Mia said *I’m not ready to talk to you* Hazel muttered *you think I want to talk to you too* Mia spat and cut off the mild link Hazel sighed and lay down on the bedThe silence in the room seemed to magnify Hazel’s loneliness, the air thick with the absence of pack, of family, of the mate she’d once thought would be hers. She closed her eyes, trying to silence the whispering, the stab of b
Next Morning~Layla’s suiteLayla paced the room, her bare feet padding against the thick carpet as she listened to the voice on the other end of the phone. Her voice was low and harsh, her tone brooking no argument. "Listen to me," she hissed, her nails digging into her palm. "I'm not paying you to hem and haw. I'm paying you to do a job. And if you can't handle that, I'll find someone who can."She paused, letting her words sink in, her eyes fixed on the muted TV. "This isn't negotiable."I want confirmation before sundown," Layla snapped, her patience wearing thin. "If you can't deliver, I'll find someone who can."She paused again, taking a deep breath to calm her racing heart. "And don't forget, you'll be handsomely rewarded if you do this right. I have my own another person waiting and I won't hesitate to replace you if you disappoint me."She hung up the phone without waiting for a response, her fingers trembling with rage. “I have to do this if I want to enjoy my marriage wit
Hazel could be seen sleeping peacefully,her wounds have been treated and her dress has been changed The daylight poured in through the windows, banishing the shadows from the room. Hazel stirred, her eyes fluttering open to the unfamiliar surroundings.She sat up slowly, her body aching from the exertion of the day before. The cabin was silent, the air still and heavy with the scent of pine.Hazel's mind raced as she struggled to make sense of the situation. She was safe, for now. But what would happen when the Alpha sent more men to find her?And then there was the matter of the driver. Who was he? Why had he helped her?“Oh you’re awake” A lady entered the roomHazel scrambled back against the sofa, her hands digging into the fabric as she tried to put distance between herself and the stranger.But the lady’s expression was not hostile. His eyes were warm, his smile gentle. "I'm sorry," She said, holding up his hands in a gesture of peace. "I didn't mean to startle you."Hazel sw
Noah rose from his chair, his movements graceful and deliberate. He was tall, his body lean and muscular, his eyes a striking shade of blue that seemed to see straight through Hazel. "So," he said, his voice low and commanding. "You're the one who's been causing all the trouble."Hazel swallowed hard, her eyes searching his face for any hint of aggression. But she saw none. Only a cool, calculating intelligence that made her uneasy."I'm...I'm sorry," she stammered, her voice trembling.“Come on brother,don’t be so harsh on her” Maya pouts and hold Hazel’s hand “After eating,leave and don’t ever come back” Noah said Hazel stared at Noah in shock, her hand trembling in Maya's grasp. "Leave?" she repeated, her voice breaking. "But...but I don't understand. Why would you help me if you want me to leave?"Maya's grip tightened, her face pleading with Hazel. "Brother, please," she begged, her eyes wide with fear. "Can't we just let her stay for a little while longer?"But Noah's expr
Stone perfume company~ Noah’s Office Noah was working on a file when his two friends. Alex and Damien entered his office "Well, well, look who decided to grace us with their presence," Noah said, his eyes fixed on the documents in front of him. "What brings you two here?"Alex and Damien exchanged a look, their expressions inscrutable. "We thought you might be missing us," Alex said, leaning against the doorframe with a cocky grin.Noah scoffed, his pen scratching across the paper. "Miss who," he said, his tone dismissive. "I've been handling things just fine on my own."Damien's eyes narrowed his expression hardening."You can't hide from us forever, Noah," Damien said, his voice low and dangerous. "We're your friends, remember? And friends don't keep secrets from each other."Noah's hand stilled, his pen poised over the paper. His eyes flicked up, meeting Damien's gaze head-on. "What are you talking about?" he asked, his tone hard and suspicious."Oh, please," Alex drawled, rolli
Hazel walked with Maya, taking in the sights and sounds of the castle. She had to admit, it was a beautiful place. But even with Maya's cheerful chatter and the bustle of activity around her, Hazel couldn't quite shake the feeling of unease that had settled in her gut."You seem distracted," Maya said, giving Hazel a curious look.Hazel forced a smile, trying to push aside the worry that threatened to overwhelm her. "I'm just trying to take it all in," she said, her gaze taking in the lavish decor and ornate tapestries that lined the hallways.“So what do you do, I’m still in college and I modeled too,” Maya said Hazel smiled, impressed by Maya's energy and ambition. Maya's eyes widened, her jaw dropping in surprise. "A fashion designer? And you owned your own company?" she said, her voice filled with awe.“Your sister must be a very heartless person,” Maya said Hazel sighed, her shoulders slumping as she relived the betrayal.“It’s okay, we shouldn’t talk about her again,” Maya s
Next Morning ~Alpha’s chamber Alpha Noah opened his eyes gently and groaned before standing up “Oh jeez” he groaned, remembering how he got drunk with Alex and Damien “I’ll kill those two” He muttered Noah staggered to the bathroom, his head pounding like a drum and his mouth tasting like a dried-up well. He winced as he turned on the light, squinting against the harsh glow. He groaned again, this time out of self-loathing."Stupid, stupid, stupid," he muttered to himself. "How could I have let them talk me into drinking like that? I'm the Alpha, for crying out loud! I'm supposed to be setting an example, not getting wasted like a frat boy."“Oh jeez” He whined “Oh now you’re awake” Naya entered the room with Maya “You got drunk again” Maya questioned Noah shrank back against the bathroom counter, shielding his eyes from the bright light streaming in from the open door. "Yeah, yeah, I know," he mumbled, his voice laced with shame. "I'm sorry, guys. I didn't mean to get so wast