ANDREA’S POVFIVE YEARS LATER“I'll call you when I get to the hotel. Be good to grandma, okay? I love you.”I ended the call with my twin boys, grinning as I boarded my flight. I was glad I hadn't gone through with the abortion five years ago.I could still remember that day as clearly as I could remember having had quinoa for breakfast.I didn't get to finish the call with Dad because my cell phone ran out of battery. Too much crashing news in one day to consume, I started wandering the streets aimlessly. I was taken aback when my feet led me to the door of a hospital.My heart was numb when I waited outside the operating room. My life was like a joke as it was full of betrayal and lies. But the moment I was about to step into the operating room, I felt a slight kick from my belly. Realizing it was my baby, I burst into sobs. I finally gave up on the surgery. No matter what a mess between Kade and I, the baby was innocent.Zayne and my parents ended up finding me in a park and takin
KADE’S POVFive years.For five years, I’d searched for her. Andrea. My mate. My torment.I could never forget that day, the pain of that day was enough to kill me. I was confident Andrea would come back to me precisely because I knew she would be in heat in a month. After all, we had sealed the bond. She's mine. I already claimed that.However, I didn't expect Andrea would dare to cut off our bond.It hurt like a bitch. I had fought many men, but nothing had ever come as close to the level of hurt I was feeling at that moment.As soon as I recovered my power, I rushed out to look for her. However, I ended up at a hospital with an abortion register of Andrea in my hand. It was a pain and anger more intense than I felt the bond break.She was pregnant with my baby yet chose to abort it. That woman really got guts, didn't she?I almost turned New York City upside down but every trace of her had been wiped clean, and every lead was a dead end. It drove me mad.And now, she was standing b
ANDREA'S POV“ You were pregnant with my baby!”My heart stopped as the words came out of his mouth. I felt a wave of nausea. I could feel the beginnings of a panic attack; my lungs started to constrict, and my vision started to narrow.How had he known? I had done my best to keep my boys hidden away from the spotlight. Nobody alive but my parents and Zayne knew who their father was. How could he have—"And you killed it with no mercy!"The panic deflated, replaced by confusion. What was he talking about when he said I killed the baby? My knees threatened to give out. I leaned against a nearby tree, wishing there was a bench I could sit on.“Do you know what kind of feelings I was harboring when I built this place?” His voice was low and hoarse, as if it came from the depths of hell. He approached step by step, his eyes burned with an almost insane rage.I didn't understand, not at all. Why was he acting so dramatically? Like an absurd monologue, and I was forced to be the audience.“
KADE'S POV“Mommy?”I couldn't describe my feelings when I heard that childish voice. It was like a hand plucking away the gloom inside me.I turned around almost instinctively, however, Andrea was faster than me, and like a mother animal protecting her cubs, she rushed toward the voice, rightly blocking my sight.“Hi, sweetheart. What are you two doing here?” Her voice was cheerful mixed with a kind of worry.You two? I frowned and then I saw two little heads leaning over her side to look at me. Those faces, were clearly a replica of mine!My blood was boiling, and an almost frantic certainty welled up in me: those were my pups, and Andrea had hidden them!“Who is he, mommy?” The taller of the two kids asked and my heart handed over the air.“Nobody, darling.” Her voice was unruffled, fueling the anger inside me again. How dare she call me Nobody before our kids?I approached her angrily but soon I sniffed the air. My feet stopped as my puzzled eyes fell on the two kids. Why did they
ANDREA'S POVThe twins were supposed to meet me after the Hunting Festival, as I didn’t want them caught up in the heat of the arrangements. But somehow, they were here. “A surprise,” Matteo had said so excitedly I couldn’t find it in me to be angry.Now, due to the excitement of their journey, they were exhausted. I carried both of them in my arms as we entered the hotel and lay them on the bed in my room.Even though Zayne had checked them thoroughly on the way over and assured me nothing was wrong, I couldn’t help but watch them carefully and assess for myself.I couldn’t stand the idea of anything bad happening to my babies, especially not from their hateful paternal side. I pushed the sudden ire that rose at the thought of Kade and his family down and pulled the blanket over Matteo and Luca, kissing their foreheads, one after the other.“I love you,” I whispered.A fierce surge of protectiveness and possessiveness washed over me as I remembered Kade looking down at them. They wer
KADE’S POVI was having another erotic dream about a woman I was supposed to hate.I dragged her across my body, relishing in the feel of her warm, supple skin in my arms till she was planted firmly on my thighs, her center aligning perfectly with my dick.She leaned down and kissed me, her hair tickling my face. I groaned in her mouth as she moved against me, my hands roaming every inch of exposed flesh.I moved my hand along her thighs to her waist, inhaling the scent of her vanilla perfume—Andrea didn't wear perfume or smell like vanilla. The feel of her body was ingrained in my mind. But now, the weight on me, the scent filtering into my nostrils, and the way her skin felt under my hands was all wrong. My eyes snapped open.Natasha.Her face was inches from mine, her hands on my chest, and her lips parted to kiss me. I growled, flipping her over.In one move, I had her pinned to the bed with her hands behind her. I turned on the lamp to see her wide-eyed and flushed.“Wow, you're
ANDREA'S POVThe wind blew past my hair and on my skin, giving me goosebumps and chills. I looked around to see if anyone else was around, but I could barely see. There was smoke everywhere, and my eyes were starting to water.I was standing on a mountaintop, and just as I realized that, the ground beneath my feet shook. As I struggled to find my footing on the shifting rocks, a strong wind blew, pushing me forward, and I felt myself start to fall.That’s when I felt it—someone grabbed my waist, pulling me to a strong, warm body.“I won’t let you go,” a deep voice murmured close to my ears.It was familiar—Kade’s.Instantly, all my fears washed away, and I was calm.His arms around me tightened. “I won’t let you go,” he repeated.“I know,” I whispered.“I’m never letting you go.” His voice grew harder as his arms around me grew tighter, so tight, I couldn’t breathe anymore.“Kade,” I forced out. “You’re hurting me.”His arms only tightened even further, and I gasped in pain. “You’re m
ANDREA'S POVI will never forget that voice and that scent. I turned slowly and as I expected, it was Easton Nightshade.It suddenly felt like I was transported back to that moment five years ago when, with his words and sneers, he reduced me to about two inches tall.He chuckled darkly, resting both hands on the head of his cane. “You really are back.”I squared my shoulders. “Can I help you?”He sniffed, and his face contorted to that familiar disdainful look.“What’s an Omega like you doing going around smelling like an Alpha?” he asked scornfully.I clenched my jaw and said nothing as Emrae bristled.He rolled his eyes. “Clearly, you’ve moved on and are sinking your pathetic little claws into other Alphas.”‘I’d like to sink my claws into something,’ Emrae growled, but I kept her on a firm leash.I hated Kade, and I loathed Easton even more. However, I had to avoid confrontation with them until my mission in New York succeeded. I hadn't forgotten that they were still the most powe
ANDREA’S POV“Please excuse me, Mayor Blackstone.” I forced a smile I didn’t feel to the wide-eyed mayor. I was leaning around Kade to talk to him.The insufferable Alpha was standing between me and the mayor like a wall and had even completely ignored the poor guy, who looked awestruck, probably from being in the presence of the most powerful Alpha in New York.‘And the most powerful Alpha in Italy,’ Emrae added. ‘Never forget.’“O-of course,” Blackstone stuttered. “We can pick this up later.”I nodded. We’d been talking about the potion, and I’m sure he was upset to stop here, but he had no choice. The mayor bowed to me and then to Kade, who didn’t even bother to turn in his direction.I glared up at him. “What the hell is wrong with you?”A muscle ticked in his jaw. “Let’s go.” His voice was so low, it sounded like he was barely restraining himself.I rolled my eyes. Now that he knew what I truly was—that I wasn’t some simpering Omega still pining after him, was he so eager to comp
KADE’S POVI stood frozen to my spot by the dining area as Andrea bowed slightly to the applause that erupted from her ascension to the stage.I wasn’t the only one who was shocked by the recent revelation. Several of the wolves in attendance had their mouths open and their brows raised.We’d all heard of the famous Alpha of Red Water, who’d risen to power five years ago in Italy and had transformed the pack into a force to be reckoned with.I hadn’t paid much attention since it was news of a pack on the other side of the world.I never in a million years would have guessed that the woman who’d tormented me with her absence for five years was that same Alpha.I couldn’t understand it. She was an Omega when we met; there was no disputing that. Just as right now, as her voice boomed across the hall authoritatively, welcoming all the packs in attendance, there was no disputing that she was indeed an Alpha.Curiosity burned through me, even as a sharp wave of desire overcame me.I’d never
ANDREA'S POVI had barely taken two steps before I realized that something was wrong. Cool air brushed the back of my legs, raising goosebumps on my skin. I turned slightly to see four claw-shaped gashes in the train of my dress—or what was left of it, anyway.Natasha walked towards the guards so fast that she almost tripped on her six-inch stilettos.“Hi…um, George,” she said, pinching his name tag between two fingers. “Doesn't this event have a very strict dress code?”“Yes, ma'am,” he replied, nodding stiffly.“Good. Look at that woman.” She pointed at me. “What is that horridly ripped dress? She’s dressed like a tramp at a high-class event. You would offend the guests if you let her in looking like that.”A few people turned to look, hushed whispers carrying over the wind to my ears. My neck burned with embarrassment and anger. I had chosen the back entrance specifically because I didn't want drama and paparazzi surrounding me at the entrance.I said a prayer for Julia at that mom
ANDREA'S POVI was going to have a stroke. I had never had such a strong desire to run away from a place in years. The venue was crawling with people. I hated it.I sat in the car, watching the red carpet livestream on my phone, wincing every time another guest showed up. One of my team members was broadcasting from the venue. I could recognize Alphas and Betas from every corner of the world strolling on and off the red carpet.“I’ve seen photographs and videos from the last five Hunting Festivals,” I said. “Only half of this crowd was in attendance. Do we even have enough seats?”“Thankfully, someone brilliant decided to rent a full-capacity venue along with various seating arrangements representing each pack,” Zayne said, grinning. “Relax, you did a brilliant job, and they’re waiting for you out there.”I shook my head. “They don’t even know me.”“Well, they are here to get to do that,” he replied, leaning back casually. He spread his hands, moving them apart as he spoke, “Picture i
ANDREA'S POV“Another dress, Julia? You spoil me.” I was holding my phone to my ear with my shoulder as I held my magnificent new dress up, admiring it through the plastic.I kicked the door of the car shut with my leg and headed towards the elevator.“Was it delivered like I asked?!” she squealed. I winced, smiling at her delight but wishing I could move the phone a few meters away from my ear. Julia Rossi was my best friend back in Italy and one of the best designers in Europe.“Yep,” I said, chuckling as I stepped into the elevator.“Why did you have the manager lie about where it came from, Julia? You make the best dresses the whole of Europe has ever seen.”Julia laughed. “Well, yes, but aren't you waiting till your big opening night to show yourself at the Hunting Festival? Wearing an exclusive custom-made Julia Rossi on that side of the world would raise eyebrows and set a whole kennel of private investigators on your tail.” she paused, getting distracted for a bit. “Wearing Av
NATASHA’S POVJustin's hands gripped my thighs, kneading them as I moved on top of him. His hands roamed over my body, his lips hot against my skin. I closed my eyes, imagining they were Kade’s hands, Kade’s lips.It got easier to dive deeper into the fantasy with every thrust. They were roughly the same height; Justin had shaved his beard and was wearing the cologne I'd gotten him. I could pretend that the biceps under my arms were Kade’s."Natasha," he groaned. My eyes flew open. Blonde hair, blue eyes. Not the man I wanted.The fantasy crumbled to pieces. I rolled off Justin and sat up. His face fell, confusion clouding his expression."What's wrong? Did I do something wrong?" he asked.“Put on your clothes and get out.”He stood, reaching for the boxers he had discarded on the nightstand.I lit a cigarette, adjusting the strap of the black negligee I was wearing. "Don’t call my name when we’re together."He blinked. “What? Why?”“Get out,” I snapped, climbing off the bed and throw
ANDREA'S POVI will never forget that voice and that scent. I turned slowly and as I expected, it was Easton Nightshade.It suddenly felt like I was transported back to that moment five years ago when, with his words and sneers, he reduced me to about two inches tall.He chuckled darkly, resting both hands on the head of his cane. “You really are back.”I squared my shoulders. “Can I help you?”He sniffed, and his face contorted to that familiar disdainful look.“What’s an Omega like you doing going around smelling like an Alpha?” he asked scornfully.I clenched my jaw and said nothing as Emrae bristled.He rolled his eyes. “Clearly, you’ve moved on and are sinking your pathetic little claws into other Alphas.”‘I’d like to sink my claws into something,’ Emrae growled, but I kept her on a firm leash.I hated Kade, and I loathed Easton even more. However, I had to avoid confrontation with them until my mission in New York succeeded. I hadn't forgotten that they were still the most powe
ANDREA'S POVThe wind blew past my hair and on my skin, giving me goosebumps and chills. I looked around to see if anyone else was around, but I could barely see. There was smoke everywhere, and my eyes were starting to water.I was standing on a mountaintop, and just as I realized that, the ground beneath my feet shook. As I struggled to find my footing on the shifting rocks, a strong wind blew, pushing me forward, and I felt myself start to fall.That’s when I felt it—someone grabbed my waist, pulling me to a strong, warm body.“I won’t let you go,” a deep voice murmured close to my ears.It was familiar—Kade’s.Instantly, all my fears washed away, and I was calm.His arms around me tightened. “I won’t let you go,” he repeated.“I know,” I whispered.“I’m never letting you go.” His voice grew harder as his arms around me grew tighter, so tight, I couldn’t breathe anymore.“Kade,” I forced out. “You’re hurting me.”His arms only tightened even further, and I gasped in pain. “You’re m
KADE’S POVI was having another erotic dream about a woman I was supposed to hate.I dragged her across my body, relishing in the feel of her warm, supple skin in my arms till she was planted firmly on my thighs, her center aligning perfectly with my dick.She leaned down and kissed me, her hair tickling my face. I groaned in her mouth as she moved against me, my hands roaming every inch of exposed flesh.I moved my hand along her thighs to her waist, inhaling the scent of her vanilla perfume—Andrea didn't wear perfume or smell like vanilla. The feel of her body was ingrained in my mind. But now, the weight on me, the scent filtering into my nostrils, and the way her skin felt under my hands was all wrong. My eyes snapped open.Natasha.Her face was inches from mine, her hands on my chest, and her lips parted to kiss me. I growled, flipping her over.In one move, I had her pinned to the bed with her hands behind her. I turned on the lamp to see her wide-eyed and flushed.“Wow, you're