Alpha James’s POVA persistent voice calling my name slowly dragged me from the hazy depths of sleep. As my eyes fluttered open, I was met with the familiar sight of Emily's door, my back resting uncomfortably against the hard floor."Alpha? What are you doing here?"Glancing up, I found Nicholas looking down at me, his brow furrowed in concern. "You could catch a cold sleeping out here, why didn’t you go to your room? If your mother finds out about this, she will blame me for not taking proper care of you."He extended a hand, and I accepted it gratefully, grunting as I pulled myself to my feet. My body ached from the hard surface, a proof of how deeply I must have been lost in my thoughts to have fallen asleep in such an exposed place."According to your schedules, you have a meeting with the elders this morning," Nicholas continued, "To discuss the result of the security project you suggested."I frowned, waving a dismissive hand. "Tell them it can wait. I need to speak with Braveh
Emily’s POV"I'm your daughter, for goodness sake!" I cried, standing outside the gigantic gates of my father's mansion, because his stupid guards had refused to let me in.The thudding sound of my luggage hitting the ground drew my gaze upwards, where my father now stood. A look of pure hatred spread across his face. With no remorse, he sent my belongings falling onto the dirt at my feet, the clothes scattering all over the place.Tears streamed down my face as I stared up at him, my heart clenching. This was the last place I had left to turn, and he was casting me out just like the last time. "I know you don’t like me, but don't you care that I have nowhere else to go?" I pleaded.My father's lips curled into a scoff. "Shit, you can’t possibly be thinking that you have a right to live here, right?" he inquired. "The rumors of my father's will leaving half his wealth to you are just groundless rumors. And because of you, something terrible happened to Jessica, just because you were
Alpha Michael’s POVFive years, had passed. That was how long it had been since Emily had vanished from our lives, leaving a gaping void that nothing could fill. My brother had become a mere ghost inside his pack, existing only in the confines of his room, unable to face the world that had taken her from us.While I obediently ruled in his position, I wallowed in my self-imposed exile. My wolf's constant lamentations echo in my mind. I wish Emily was also my mate. But today, as my mother approached me, I forced myself to straighten to meet her gaze. In her hands, she held a decorative golden mask adorned with delicate feathers."My son," she murmured, leaning in to secure the mask over my face. "I have prayed for days and fasted, hoping you would find your mate soon. I'm tired of seeing you and your brother hurt over that... that heartless bitch who dared abandon you."A laugh escaped my lips, and I watched as she adjusted the mask, a dry smile playing on my lips. "Don't worry, Mother
Alpha Michael's POVWhen my mate refused to reveal the identity of her captor, I shook my head, shifting my grip on her so that I could better see her face."Since you don't want to talk to me, may I at least know your name?" I asked gently, eager to establish some form of connection."Um, Jasmine," she murmured, her words barely audible."Jasmine," I repeated, testing the name on my tongue. "What a beautiful name, it really suits you, you have the face and everything." Slowly, I reached up to brush another stray lock of hair from her delicate face, but she flinched away, her entire body trembling in fear.My heart clenched—clearly, she was terrified, and I cursed myself for moving too quickly. As her mate, I should be a source of comfort, not fear. Carefully, I took hold of her wrist, tugging her towards the entrance of the garage. "Come, let's go inside," I urged, my tone soft. "You don't have to tell me who did this, if you don't want to, all you have to do is point them out witho
Alpha Michael’s POVI stood in the family garden, Jasmine's delicate hand clasped in my own. The gentle breeze played with her chestnut locks, and I marveled at her ethereal beauty, my heart swelling with the knowledge that she was mine.But the joy I felt was short-lived, for she turned to me, tears streaming down her flawless face. "Alpha Michael, I told you, didn’t I? We can't be together, you should have just left me in the trunk where you found me," she whispered, pain slicing her face.I tightened my grip on her hand, unwilling to let her go. "I don't care," I insisted. "I will buy you back from that bastard or throw him in the dungeon myself. I will do anything, Jaz. You are mine."She shook her head slowly, her hair falling over her face. "It doesn't matter. We can't be together, I’m sorry…" Her voice trailed off, and her body began to disappear, scattering like mist before my eyes."No!" I cried, desperately reaching for her hand. "Jaz, don't leave me!" But she was gone, vani
Emily’s POVTaking a deep breath, I adjusted my crispy white lab coat, the familiar weight and fabric a comforting reminder of how far I had come. Five years had passed since I had fled the Demontail Pack, and now I stood before the office of Dr. Karl, the man I counted as both my closest ally and greatest enemy.Toughening my resolve, I pushed open the door, my gaze sweeping the spacious, well-appointed room. This would be my first time setting foot in Karl's office, and I couldn't help the wave of distaste that crashed over me. We might have a begrudging respect for one another's medical skills, but that was where our friendship ended.Approaching his tidy desk, I reached into the pocket of my coat, removing a familiar pair of purple panties. With a frown, I placed the panties in the top drawer, quickly shutting it before I could dwell on the dishonesty of my actions.Just as I turned to leave, the sound of the office door swinging open drew my attention. A tall, curvy she-wolf stro
Alpha Michael’s POVI watched in horror as James turned to face me, his eyes wild and red. He raked his gaze slowly up and down my body, a deep growl rumbling in his chest. I instinctively stepped back, my heart pounding in my ears, as I saw the wolf just beneath the surface of my brother's skin."James..." I breathed, my voice cracking ever so slightly. "It's me, Michael, your brother. Don't you remember me?" I hesitantly reached out a hand, praying I could break through the madness consuming him.The moment my fingers touched his shoulder, James lashed out. Sharp claws scraped across my face again, drawing thick blood that trickled down my cheek. I cried out in pain and shock, my eyes soaking with tears. "Brother, what happened to you? Talk to me!" I pleaded. "This is not you, snap out of it!"James answered with another savage snarl, then pounced. He crashed into me, knocking me to the floor. The foul stench of his breath made me gag as he sat over me, animalistic sounds spilling f
Emily’s POVMy gaze was fixed on the ultrasound screen as I guided the transducer across the expectant mother's swollen belly. The baby, now fully grown, moved with a healthy energy that filled me with a sense of quiet wonder."Everything looks good, there is nothing unusual," I murmured, offering the woman a reassuring smile. "Just as I told you before, there is no need to come in every day, if you pretend to be feeling pain again just to see me, I will pass you on to another doctor."The she-wolf let out an exasperated groan, but I ignored it, removing the transducer and helping her rearrange her dress to cover her bump. Putting the instrument back in the drawer, I powered down the monitor, turning to face my troublesome patient."What is it this time?" I asked, annoyance creeping into my tone as I braced my hands on my hips.Hot tears welled in the woman's eyes as she clasped my hands in her own. "Please, Dr. Emily," she pleaded. "Why won't you help me abort the baby? My mate doesn