HugoFrederick’s usual composure was absent, and his downcast expression struck me deeply. I had never seen him so disheartened, not even after all the years we had worked together. It was clear how much he cared about my sister. His actions, his words, every move he made showed it.“Same here,” I said, taking a casual sip from my own beer. “Hopefully, she can convince him sooner rather than later.” Music from outside filtered in, creating an echoing backdrop. Eros and Jericho were throwing a birthday bash tonight, but I wasn’t in the mood for celebration. Frederick’s birthday was approaching in a matter of days, but he never made a big deal about it. I never understood why.“What if I popped the question to her?” Frederick’s voice was heavy with doubt. “Doesn’t everything just become meaningless?”“My dad’s gotta sign the papers, you know? Until she’s twenty-one, he has complete control.” I took another sip, trying to steady my nerves. “The mate bond doesn’t matter since she’s human.
Anastasia He slammed his hand down on the desk, mimicking a judge’s gavel. His stance was commanding, his tie swaying over the scattered papers. His eyes flickered between their usual color and a vivid sea green. “So, Gray said, ‘Yo, I saw this dude straight up attacking you at the baseball game!’ And Frederick was all like, ‘Oh no you didn’t!’ and went after him.” He shrugged, recounting Frederick’s injuries with a dismissive wave. “He came back home with cuts and bruises, just like his buddies. He’s just a loyal fighter for Hugo, nothing more!”“Gray is totally lying!” I snapped, frustration bubbling over as I confronted my dad.“Or are you trying to cover something up?” he shot back, his voice tinged with suspicion. “After I brought your mother home, she was dead set on returning to Xandriel. I won’t let you go through that again!” His finger waggled in the air, a stern reminder of his authority, his gaze unyielding. “Why won’t you believe me? I’m your father!”“I’m telling you th
Anastasia I walked out of the room, a heavy regret settling over me for even trying to reason with him. The hallway stretched on endlessly, and I absentmindedly ran my hand along the wall, seeking some semblance of stability. A wave of nausea hit me, and sweat slicked my skin, making me feel faint.When I hopped off the front steps of the estate, I sat down on the last one, letting the cool rain drench me. It was a small, soothing relief from the whirlwind of emotions inside. Maybe coming back here was a mistake. My dad’s stance on Frederick was clear—he’d never accept him."Hey, you’re back?" Gray’s voice broke through my thoughts. I looked down, unable to meet his eyes. For a moment, dealing with my father seemed like a lesser evil compared to the tension with Gray.Before I could react, Gray’s strong hands grabbed me and pulled me away from the steps. He held me close, tucking a damp strand of hair behind my ear with a tenderness that contrasted sharply with his firm grip."Sorry,
Anastasia Without warning, Gray tore my shirt right down the middle, the fabric ripping apart in two separate halves. The sudden violence of it left me in shock."So, what's the reason behind your interest in this?" I shouted, my voice echoing with frustration. "What's the point of pursuing someone who isn't interested in you?" The words were out before I could stop them, and I immediately regretted my outburst."Well, it looks like you don’t really have any other options!" Gray’s voice was icy, filled with a cold satisfaction. "I won’t let you be taken by some entitled jock who relies on his brother’s status!" His fingers extended like claws, playfully waving them in front of my face. I watched him, his breathing slow and measured, each exhale a reminder of his dominance."Please, don’t," I whispered, my voice trembling. "I'll let my dad know; I'll fill him in on everything." I tried to move away, my heart pounding as I struggled to distance myself from him. Gray’s hands were relent
Anastasia “I’ve been trying to convince Dad it’s not Frederick,” I said, my voice devoid of emotion. I was exhausted from the constant fighting, the struggle to be heard, and the ache of missing Frederick. I just wanted some peace.“Oh, so you never told Dad about Gray’s actions?” Mom asked, appearing behind me and checking for any additional injuries. They were all visible, and I hadn’t bothered to hide them.“I wonder if he’d actually believe me,” I said, staring blankly into the mirror, waiting for whatever my dad had planned for me next."I noticed how you two were acting earlier today, but I didn’t want to accept it," Mom said, her gaze dropping to the floor. "You've never brought him around before, and I should have wondered about that.""Why didn’t you speak up?" I asked, my frustration showing. Maybe more people were starting to see things than they’d originally thought."If I’ve learned anything from my time with Xandriel, it’s that guys like him need to be dealt with quickl
Anastasia Jamie waved at me from across the room, looking sharp in a burgundy tuxedo with gold pins on his lapel. His tattoos peeked out from his sleeves and neckline, a constant reminder of Frederick and the intense longing I felt when he was away. I gave him a half-hearted smile, my unease growing. Tonight’s outcome felt like it would shape my entire future. I just wanted it to be over.“Hey, just wanted to say sorry,” Darius said, catching me off guard. He stood right in front of me, his black tuxedo gleaming with gold medals and colorful ribbons. His hair was styled with loose curls held in place by a touch of gel.“Hey, Darius,” I greeted him with a nod, my hands folding together instinctively. He seemed more gentle and kind than hostile or aggressive.“Hey, mind if I join you for this first dance?” He leaned in close, his warm breath tickling my ear as he spoke. I tilted my head slightly towards my shoulder, feeling his proximity.“No way,” I replied coolly.“Hey Anastasia, can
Anastasia “Darius, huh?” Frederick’s tone held a note of annoyance, though it was clear he wouldn’t act on it. He was cautious, just as I was about my father.“Oh, come on,” I said, trying to diffuse the tension. “He just wanted to say sorry. Can’t really blame him for that.” Despite the negative feelings and insults, Frederick’s jealousy was palpable. Many were interested in me for all the wrong reasons. I wasn’t exactly a catch, but being the alpha’s daughter gave me a certain allure.“Well, he’s not one to shy away from admitting when he’s wrong to you.” Frederick’s cheeks flushed slightly, his desire for a kiss evident. The music around us softened, setting a tender mood for our waltz. I stayed quiet, acutely aware that all eyes were on us.“Hey, what’s on your mind?” Frederick’s eyes were locked on mine, filled with longing that made my heart ache. How could I have this incredible man all to myself? The truth was, he wasn’t really mine yet—not entirely.“I’m a bit worried; it’s
Anastasia He traced my fingers lightly, and his eyes darkened with desire. "Then, your pretty mouth might let my name slip out.""And then?" I murmured, my voice barely above a whisper."And then, Ms. Gomez, I’d have you begging me for more." His fingers trailed from my lips to my neck, lightly pressing beneath my jaw. I leaned closer, feeling the intensity of his gaze."And, like, if I do beg you," I said hesitantly, gripping his arms as the snow fell heavily around us. The garden lights barely illuminated the scene."I’d move your legs apart and position myself between them," he said, his voice a low murmur. "I’d savor every moment of our connection, continuing to pleasure you until you were trembling with desire. Even then, I might not want to stop." His words made me shiver, and I struggled to remember how to breathe."I love you," I whispered, my voice trembling as the snow blanketed us in a quiet, intimate cocoon."I really, really love you, more than anything in this world. It
As Frederick closed in on Zion, his eyes burned with a fierce desire for revenge. The effects of the sickness still lingered, fueling his rage. “I’ll get you, you traitor!” Frederick roared, his voice echoing with anger.Zion, though fully aware of the gravity of the situation, fought not just for his own survival but for the peace they all desperately sought. “Anastasia only needs you, Frederick!” he pleaded. “Don’t let your anger destroy everything we’ve worked for!”Just as Frederick was about to strike, a voice cut through the chaos. “Hey, hold up!”Anastasia stepped between them, her eyes a mixture of sadness and resolve. “Frederick, come on!” she called out, her voice trembling with a blend of fear and determination. “We need to find another way.”But Frederick, driven by rage, didn’t even glance her way. His focus remained fixed on Zion, and he ignored her plea.Desperate to reach Frederick, Anastasia called out again. “Frederick, it’s me! It’s Anastasia!” Her voice was laced w
“She’s with Zion,” I said casually, watching his face change as fear and anger flashed across his features.“Who is Zion?” His confusion was clear, and I could see that talking about my sister was only making things worse. My hesitation to be completely honest had led us here, but I had to face the consequences.“Xandriel’s kid,” I explained. The fear in Frederick’s eyes was unmistakable. The gravity of the situation was sinking in.Frederick’s frustration flared again. “Are you serious?” he demanded, his voice rising. “Where are they?”“Hey, Frederick, let’s just hang tight,” I said, trying to calm him. “We’ve got a plan, and I’m confident it’s going to work. You’ve got to trust me on this one.” To be honest, I wasn’t sure if I believed myself, but Victor was our last hope. If this plan failed, it would be the end of the line.“I’m here to lend a hand and sort this out,” Frederick pleaded as I removed the final sensors from him, triggering the beeping monitors once more. Despite his
“You’re not feeling well,” I said nonchalantly, not even bothering to look at him. It was like fate had led us to this moment. It was wild to think we’d end up here, but it felt like it was meant to be.Frederick let out an exasperated sigh, clearly uncomfortable. “I’ve never been sick,” he said, sounding both frustrated and bewildered. The bed creaked as he shifted, and the sheets rustled around him.“Hey, there’s a first time for everything. Just chill,” I advised, watching as he struggled to sit up. To my surprise, he actually listened, though it was clear the pain was taking its toll. “You’re not the strongest, but that’s totally fine.”“I can’t be weak,” he muttered, his voice barely above a whisper, as he noticed the IV tubes snaking into his arms. The sight of him, once a formidable Warrior, now so vulnerable, was unsettling.I was still angry as he said, “You would either be this way or dead.” The room fell into a heavy silence as he stared at me, his expression one of confusi
When Darius mentioned dinner plans, Zion grabbed my arm and pulled me away, his urgency almost making me forget we were pretending. As we walked down the hallway, Darius called out, “This party is going to be one for the books!” I clung to Zion, gripping his wrists for support. My mind raced, trying to take in my surroundings in case things went wrong. Zion guided me into a bedroom and closed the door behind us, marking the end of what felt like an interminable journey.“Hugo,” I breathed, my anxiety spiking as I turned to face Zion. Hugo seemed like a real threat to our plans. “Nah, Zion, I just can’t—I really can’t.”Darius’s voice was reassuring as he said, “I won’t let him lay a finger on you, Anastasia. You just have to trust me.” He mentioned a dinner with friends to celebrate Victor, just as Zion had said. “Just gotta get through dinner, and our armies will be here.”I shook my head slightly, grabbing Zion by the shirt. “Can’t stop him. He’s a force to be reckoned with.” Hugo
“Oh, it’s for Frederick,” I said casually. His name stumbled awkwardly off my tongue. I couldn’t stop thinking about him. I wished we could just be together as we should be—he was the only one I truly loved. We started this journey together. When Frederick wakes up, I’ll be gone, and I have no clue how he’ll handle that.Zion’s curiosity piqued, “How do you do this? Despite everything that’s happened, you still think it’ll get better?” He seemed to have his own scars, a hint of betrayal in his voice.“One day, there’s gotta be a light in the dark,” I replied, trying to stay hopeful. “I didn’t come all this way just to stop now.”Zion placed his hand over mine on the middle console, a casual gesture but one that held a lot of weight. “You good to go? Can you trust me?”“Yeah, I don’t,” I admitted. Looking back, trusting him seemed like my only option. Tomorrow could be a game-changer for Frederick. It’s funny—never thought I’d be the one to take down Winona. Many had tried before me an
“I’ve got a couple of things to mention,” I said, trying to keep my voice calm. “My aunt Margo gets away with it. Frederick keeps his distance. I don’t want him anywhere near them.” I gave a nod to indicate that was settled.“Yeah, I agree,” Zion said, casually crossing his arms and leaning back in his chair. “He won’t be waking up for a few days. Diego has enough power to keep him out for a while. Can we wrap this up?” His casual demeanor masked the gravity of the situation as I paced back and forth in front of Nereus, discussing our sneaky plan.“I can work as quickly as you need me to, sweetheart,” Zion assured, though the term of endearment stung. I felt a pang of guilt for going behind Frederick’s back while he lay unconscious, the weight of my actions heavy on my conscience. “This is our only chance. If we mess this up, we’re all going to end up six feet under on that Winona farm. This is our one shot, so we’d better not blow it.”“So, what’s the game plan?” I asked, trying to f
Curiosity nudged me as I trailed behind Diego and the others. “Do you think he’ll remember anything he did while the wolf was in control?” I asked casually, my voice barely above a whisper.“No way,” Jamie replied. That was the answer I’d hoped for. The thought that he wouldn’t remember my lies or the sting of the needle brought a small, bitter relief. Still, the guilt gnawed at me for causing him pain. Cassius stayed close, a quiet presence as we watched Frederick being carried down the hallway.“You did the right thing,” Cassius said softly, as if sensing my turmoil. But something felt off. The pain of betrayal cut deep, a raw ache I had never experienced before. The treachery felt like a knife twisting inside me.“I wish it didn’t hurt so much,” I whispered, trying to shove the painful memory aside. Suddenly, Nereus burst back up the stairs, blocking our path.“Hey, Anastasia, you might want to come downstairs,” Nereus said, his voice tinged with unease. I shot a look at Cassius, w
Eventually, footsteps roused me from my restless sleep, guiding me to the other side of the bedroom door. When Frederick walked in, I let out a sigh of relief. The deep concern I felt for him was overwhelming, and I could barely stand it."I swung by Diego's office first, but you weren’t there," Frederick said casually, loosening his tie. I closed my eyes, trying to ignore the nagging thought of that ring sitting untouched in the desk drawer."I'm feeling much better," I said, forcing a smile. If he’d been paying attention, he’d have seen through the lie."I noticed that," he remarked, unbuttoning his shirt with a relaxed air. I shifted restlessly on the bed, trying to play it cool and hoping he wouldn’t catch on."Where have you been?" Frederick chuckled as if it was the most ridiculous question. "I got a bit concerned when you weren’t around when I woke up.""I left Rollo to take care of you," I said, watching as he turned away. He placed his rings on the desk and reached for two ne
I tread carefully, trying to avoid rushing and risk encountering more trouble at the cellar stairs. The silence around me was eerie, and I kept my eyes sharp, scanning for any sign of danger. My mind flitted to the idea of calling my dad, but I hesitated. I didn’t want him dragged into this mess, fearing he might try to drag me back home. Maybe it was pride, or maybe it was the fear of his interference.Then there was Estelle. I thought about her growing up, reaching her prime, and hoped she’d never have to rely on her body like I had. It was comforting, though, to see her following in her father’s footsteps in her own way, even if it wasn’t ideal."Anastasia?" I heard Nereus’s faint voice. I picked up the pace, jogging towards the sound. As I rounded the corner, I saw the boys restrained in separate corners, but Nereus was the only one awake."Nereus?" I knelt beside him and quickly worked on untying the ropes burning his wrists. They smelled strongly of wolfsbane. "What did those pe