Connor’s POV I sat in the dimly lit room, staring at the empty bed Aria was lying on hours earlier. The tension in my muscles refused to ease, even as I rolled my shoulders. My neck still stung from where her fiance had gripped me earlier, but it wasn’t the physical pain gnawing at me—it was something deeper. Something I didn’t understand. My wolf had been restless ever since we first met him. Every time I caught a whiff of him, my wolf would growl low and whimper in frustration. It made no sense. Why would his presence agitate me so much? I clenched my fists, trying to keep calm. Who is he, really? How did he even find my pack’s location? I doubt he’s been here before—I would have remembered him. And yet, there was something unsettlingly familiar about him, something I couldn’t quite place. Then there was her—Aria. Or Ivy, as she now called herself. She lay peacefully on my bed earlier, completely unaware of the storm she had brought with her. Seeing her again after all these ye
Ivy's POV Night had fallen by the time we reached the outskirts of Leo’s territory. The cool breeze whispered through the trees, carrying the scent of pine and earth. I dismounted from his back, my mind still swirling with the events of the day. Everything had been tense, but manageable—until now.The air around me seemed to shift, growing heavier, pressing down on my chest. Then, without warning, a sharp pain shot through me, knocking me to my knees. It wasn’t the kind of pain I’d expect from exhaustion or injury—it felt primal, ancient, as though something within me was being pulled apart and reassembled.Leo was at my side instantly, his warm hand on my shoulder. “What’s wrong?” His voice held a rare note of fear.“I—I don’t know,” I gasped, clutching my chest. It felt like my heart was trying to burst out of my ribcage, but there was something more—something strange. As though my body remembered a transformation I’d never undergone, some power that had stirred only once before an
Ivy’s POVThe soft, distant howl broke through the night again, this time sharper and more insistent. It lingered in the still air, wrapping itself around me like icy tendrils. My breath caught, and a shiver ran down my spine despite the lingering warmth from the shower. I turned off the water abruptly, my heartbeat quickening. Wrapping myself in a bathrobe, I tried to push away the unease clawing at the edges of my mind. But that sound—wild, raw, filled with anger and something primal—refused to be silenced. It wasn’t an ordinary wolf’s call. Something was wrong. I dressed quickly, my movements hurried and jerky as I tried to focus. My senses felt sharper, as though my body was reacting to something before my mind could process it. The howl replayed in my memory, over and over, each note stirring a deeper sense of dread. When I stepped out of the bathroom, the room was empty. Leo was gone, the door leading to the hallway slightly ajar. Faint voices floated in, one of them sha
Ivy’s POVThe morning sun spilled through the sheer curtains, painting the room in soft gold. Yet, the warmth did little to chase away the unease curling in my chest. I hadn’t slept, not really. My mind replayed the events of the night before—the distant howls, Leo’s sharp commands, the tension in the air that had felt like it might snap at any moment. And yet… nothing had happened. At least, nothing I knew of.I had slept off on the couch downstairs last night while waiting for Leo. He must have carried me up here. I didn’t even hear him leave this morning.What did he find? Was it something serious? Why are all these things happening now? Why is the life I left behind forcing itself back into my carefully crafted world?I slipped out of bed and padded to the balcony, the city stretching out before me in sleek glass and steel. It was a stark contrast to the forest beyond the mansion’s borders, where danger had prowled under the cover of night. The view here should have calmed me, rem
Ivy’s POVThe boardroom was sleek and modern, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering a panoramic view of the city. But the tension in the air was suffocating as my assistant and I entered. The representatives from the family-owned company sat on the other side of the table, their expressions guarded.Introductions were made, pleasantries exchanged, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was… off. The patriarch of the family, a stern man with graying hair, barely spoke. His son did most of the talking, his words smooth but hollow, as if he were reading from a script. I studied them, letting their words wash over me as I focused on their body language. The father’s hands were clenched tightly on the table, his knuckles white. The son avoided eye contact, his gaze darting to the door more than once.And then it hit me—their fear. It wasn’t just discomfort or hesitation. They were afraid. “Why sell now?” I asked, cutting into the conversation. My voice was calm, but the directn
Ivy’s POV Another past is back to haunt me, wrapped in an immaculate suit and a twisted sense of vengeance.George Albert. His name alone brought a storm of memories crashing down, memories I had tried so hard to bury. From the moment we crossed paths in business school, he had made it his mission to snuff out my ambition. I had been the bright-eyed idealist then, eager to carve my own path in a world dominated by men like him. But George? He thrived on destruction, wearing it like a badge of honor.Meeting him made me feel the pain of not having a wolf even after I had told myself not to. If I did have a wolf, I would have taught him a lesson he won’t forget in a hurry. One that will have him crawling away in shame whenever he sets his eyes on me.We had started as rivals in the lecture halls, both of us sharp, relentless, and hungry for success. But it didn’t take long for our competition to spiral into something darker. George wasn’t just content with winning; he wanted to see me
Ivy’s POVThe adrenaline still pumped through my veins as I watched the family representatives exchange nervous glances, their relief palpable yet tinged with unease. They weren’t used to this kind of warfare—the sharp-edged dance of power and intimidation that came with dealing with men like George Albert. I had been forged in it, tempered by the heat of betrayal and the cold steel of resolve.“Thank you, Ms. Blackwood,” the elder representative, Mr. Whitman, finally said, his voice shaky but sincere. His hands trembled as he adjusted his glasses, and I could see the weight of their decision etched into his tired eyes. “We don’t know what we would have done without you.”I offered a curt nod, keeping my expression composed, even though my mind was already racing through the next steps. “This deal is secure now, but you need to prepare for what’s coming. George doesn’t take kindly to losing, and he’ll find a way to retaliate. Be ready.”The younger man, Aaron Whitman, shifted uncomfor
Ivy's hands trembled as she called to the guard to retrieve the envelope, her gut screaming at her to burn it, to let it remain unread. Yet, she couldn't. Whatever this was, it was meant for her. The ominous gesture wasn’t something she could ignore. Minutes later, the head guard entered the room, the envelope resting on a tray, as though its contents might bite. He placed it on the desk before stepping back, awaiting her orders. "Open it," Ivy said, her voice steady despite the icy fear gripping her chest. The guard hesitated for a moment before nodding. He donned gloves, carefully unsealing the envelope and pulling out the thick, black-edged card within. He glanced at her briefly, his face tightening, before clearing his throat and reading aloud. “To the Queen who defies the tides of power, Do you really think you’re untouchable? You’ve made your move. Now, it’s my turn. Every rose has its thorns, Ivy. And I promise you, they’ll find their way to your skin.” The room fe
Leo’s POVMy hand shot out, grabbing Dante by the throat again —but this time, I didn’t squeeze. I leaned in, my golden eyes burning with a primal, ancient rage. Does the name Blackwood ring a bell?" I growled, my face mere inches from his. I watched his features quiver, the slight tremor betraying the fear he was too proud to voice.He didn’t answer. Didn’t even blink.Rage ignited in my veins. My fist slammed into his face—once, twice, again and again—until the wet crunch of bone and flesh filled the air. Blood sprayed across my shirt, warm and slick, but I didn’t stop. Not until his head lolled and his breath came in ragged, shuddering gasps.“Ivy Blackwood,” I murmured, my voice like a death sentence. “The woman you kidnapped weeks ago. The one whose life you almost ruined. The one you would have killed if she hadn’t escaped you.” Dante's body jerked violently beneath my grip, his muscles spasming as I held him in place. I struck his face—once, twice—the sharp crack echoin
Leo's patience snapped.The power in his voice sent a tremor through the air. “You have no idea who you’re speaking to! I am the Alpha King. She is my mate. How dare you harbor feelings for the Queen of our realm?” Connor’s expression faltered, his eyes flickering with something unreadable. Then— Leo’s golden irises darkened, flashing with raw power. Connor’s wolf recognized it.A shudder rippled through him. His wolf whimpered, instinctively bowing its head. Leo stepped closer, his voice a deadly whisper. Realization struck him like a bolt of lightning. This was it.This was why his wolf instinctively bowed whenever Leo spoke. This was why his body yielded despite the Alpha blood running through his veins. The truth settled in his bones, heavy and unshakable. ‘So this is the invisible king of our realm…’The man who ruled from the shadows. The one who never showed his face, yet his presence alone commanded submission. The ruthless, unchallenged ruler every pack whispere
Alpha Raul’s growl ripped through the chamber, primal and raw, shaking the very walls. His claws unsheathed in an instant, his chest rising and falling with ragged fury. But Ivy? She only smiled.“Like I said,” he murmured, ignoring Ivy's taunts, his grip tightening on her jaw. “I’ll do what I didn’t do last time. I’ll mark you as mine.” He leaned closer, his breath hot on her face. “Only then will you know your place. Only then will you learn total submission.”The words sent ice plunging through my veins. Ivy's eyes widened. “No. No, you can’t fucking do that.” She fought, jerking her head away, but his grip was iron. “Hold her down!” His men obeyed instantly. She screamed as they pinned her down, their hands like shackles against her arms and legs. Her body shook violently, every instinct inside her roaring in defiance. The king’s fangs elongated, his pupils dilating as his gaze locked onto her neck. His breath was warm against her skin, and she knew what was coming
Ivy’s POVMy eyes snapped open, my chest rising and falling frantically. The moment I woke, I felt the cold bite of metal against my wrists and ankles. Chains. Again. My body ached, my head swam, but it was the collar around my neck that burned the most. A cruel reminder that my wolf was trapped, silenced. I rattled the chains, yanking at them as fury flooded through me. My voice came out raw, shaking with rage. “You killed her!” I screamed, my body jerking against the restraints. The memory of the vision burned behind my eyes, searing itself into my soul. Nyxara. Her pain. Her death. I had seen it. I had felt it. And the monster who had done it was standing right in front of me. The king. He was here. Watching me with a dark, satisfied smirk. Beside him stood the man who had sprinkled something on me before I passed out—his sorcerer, no doubt. Three other men lingered in the room, their presence nothing more than shadows at the edges of my vision. “Let me go and watch m
Ivy’s POVMy eyes snapped open, my chest rising and falling frantically. A dim glow flickered above me, casting shadows along the stone walls. My breath hitched as I realized I couldn’t move. Cold metal encased my wrists, the chains rattling softly as I struggled. The ridiculous outfit I had been forced into still clung to my skin like an insult. Panic gripped me, but before I could fully process my situation, the door creaked open. A woman stepped inside. My breath caught in my throat almost immediately.She was stunning—otherworldly. Curls of pure white cascaded down her shoulders, glowing in the faint light. Her eyes, a vibrant shade of green, gleamed like a forest after a fresh rain. Every part of her radiated an ethereal beauty, but there was something else—something almost… sorrowful. I swallowed hard. “Excuse me?” I rasped. “Can you help me out of this?” The woman didn’t react. She wasn’t even looking at me. Instead, her gaze was fixed on a small wooden table besi
Lila’s POVDarkness swallowed me whole.The wind howled in my ears as I fell, my body twisting, weightless in the abyss. My screams were silent, lost in the void. I reached out, desperate for something—anything—to grab onto, but there was nothing. Just the endless fall, the cold air biting into my skin.Then—I hit the ground.Pain exploded through my body, my bones rattling from the impact. But the surface beneath me wasn’t solid—it was wet. Warm.I gasped, my hands sinking into a thick, viscous liquid. My breath hitched. The scent hit me first. Metallic. Sharp.Blood.It was everywhere.I scrambled up, my fingers coated in red, my gown soaked through. The entire floor—no, the entire room—was drenched in it, seeping from the walls, pooling in the corners, dripping from the ceiling in slow, deliberate drops.Drip. Drip. Drip.I trembled, my heart pounding against my ribs as I staggered backward. My breath came in sharp, panicked gasps. This couldn’t be real. It wasn’t real.A hallucin
Lila’s POVThe night air was crisp, the city stretching out beneath me in a sea of golden lights. Colorado had been a good choice. No responsibilities, no stress—just endless luxury. Exactly what I deserved. It was so easy to become Aria. To take her place. My mind suddenly raced to that morning when I was supposed to travel. The night before, my father and uncle had stormed into my room. Leo had discovered that I wasn’t Ivy, and I had to think fast. I made up a lie. I told them that Leo had cheated on me with someone named Isabella, that he was furious because I had found out and was threatening to ruin me if I didn’t come back to him. I made myself sound terrified, my voice breaking as I clutched my throat. It helped that his imprints were still there, dark bruises forming along my skin. Richard and Marcus were beyond furious and vowed that they would have him arrested for trespassing and assaulting me.I painted him as an obsessive psychopath. And of course, they belie
Ivy’s POVPain.It was the first thing I felt as I slipped back into consciousness, my body aching from head to toe. The weight around my throat burned, the collar digging into my skin like a brand of ownership. I didn’t want to be owned. I didn’t want to be anyone’s.My head pounded, my limbs heavy and unresponsive. Darkness still surrounded me, but I could sense the presence of others. Watching. Waiting.I forced my eyes open.A dimly lit chamber greeted me—stone walls, damp and cold. A throne sat at the far end of the room, and on it, the king lounged, golden eyes gleaming with satisfaction.He was waiting for me.I clenched my jaw. My wolf stirred faintly inside me, weak, barely there. Whatever magic that bound me was suffocating her.I looked down. I was wearing a flowing black garment that draped around me, the dark fabric swaying with every subtle movement. Real flowers adorned the fabric—delicate yet striking black roses, their petals velvety and deep as the night. The sight
Ivy's POV Nyxara?Who the hell is that? And why is he so sure I was her?The name sent a shudder through my very bones. It felt foreign yet familiar, like a song I had once known but long forgotten. The king chuckled, as if he could sense the shift inside me. “Ah… you don’t remember, do you?” He brushed a strand of silver fur from my face, his grip tightening for just a moment. “But your blood does. Your soul does.” His grin was sharp, victorious. “And soon, I will make you remember everything.”I whimpered, desperately willing my wolf to rise, to fight, or at the very least, to shift back into my human form. But my body refused to obey. I was trapped—helpless within my own skin. He watched me tremble, amusement flickering in his golden eyes. With a slow, mocking tsk, he shook his head.“Did you really think I wasn’t prepared for something like this?” His voice was soft, dangerous. "That collar around your neck—oh, you didn’t notice?" Collar? I tried to shift, to shake, b