I stealthily made my way to the grand staircase, ensuring no one was in sight. Reaching the top floor, I glanced around and noticed the only other door adjacent to Nicholas's bedroom. Pausing briefly, I checked once more for any signs of surveillance, specifically a CCTV camera, but found none. "Phew" With cautious steps, I approached the door, turning the handle slowly. I took a moment to scan the room and quickly stepped inside. I didn't waste time rifling through the drawers, searching for any documents related to myself—Makayla Ellis. Despite my efforts, I couldn't find any substantial information, leaving me increasingly frustrated. “Where did he hide my files?” Just as I began to lose hope, my gaze fell upon a black envelope tucked away in one of the drawers. Raising a brow, I picked it up and cautiously tore it open. Inside lay a collection of papers, my heart pounding as I recognized my picture — black hair with intense blue eyes. Half of my face was covered with b
I slowly walked towards it, recognizing the young girl from earlier. She stood poised with a bow in hand, her intent focus fixed on a circular target on the trunk of a nearby tree. The marked lines on the trunk show the girl had been practicing her archery for quite some time. Quietly leaning against a nearby garden fixture, I watched her. Her small face contorted in a deep frown as if she was going to throw a hand to the tree. With each attempted shot at the target, her arrows repeatedly missed the mark, and she would let out a deep sigh. "Hey, your arms seem a bit shaky," I commented as I approached the young girl, noticing her tensed posture and unsteady grip. Startled by my sudden appearance, the girl looked at me in shock, took a step back, and bowed nervously. I chuckled softly, "Oh, no need for that. I am just a guest here." The girl hesitantly raised her head, looking at me. “No, you're not a guest. You're the Alpha’s Mistress.” “And you think that's an importa
Noticing the basket he carried, I couldn't help but ask, "What brings you here?" He frowned, "You told me to have lunch with you." I laughed, somewhat surprised that he had taken my words seriously. “I didn't know you would take that seriously. So, that basket is for me?” "Nope, it's all mine" Nicholas turned towards the young girl, tossing an apple her way. The girl skillfully caught it with a practiced ease. He then directed his attention back to me. "Is she a good mentor?" Lisa beamed, "She's the best!" "Really? It's hard to believe, given her demeanor." Wait, what did he just say? Oh, this guy just cast doubt on me! Feeling a bit offended, I retorted, "Oh, really? Then try tossing something in the air for me to hit." With an amused gaze, he shrugged, "Alright." Turning to Lisa, I inquired, "Can I borrow your bow?" Accepting the bow from the girl, I cast a glance at Nicholas with a raised brow. "Ready?" I prompted, gesturing for him to toss somethin
Nicholas insisted on tidying up, brushing off my offer to help. He was just simply stubborn. So, I decided to roam around as he cleaned up our little mess. It is also to make the food go down. I wandered among the shelves, trailing my fingers over the spines of the books. The piles of books are fascinating since they all look classic and just ancient. While looking, my gaze landed on one of the books where a piece of paper slipped out. I grabbed the book, saw the title as Forbidden Devotion, and found a nearby table. Perched on the edge of the table, I eagerly flipped through the pages. But instead of a story, I stumbled upon a stash of folded papers nestled within the book's pages. “Woah” I blurted, carefully putting the papers back in place. I carefully unfolded the letter on the top. My eyes widened as I delved into the letter. My brows furrowed intensely as I read its intense words that seemed like a passionate love confession. I could feel the flush creeping up my
“Read, Florence,” he said, grabbing my attention. I pushed those thoughts to the back of my mind and continued reading. “I would have my mouth at your throat, my lips and tongue lashing at your flesh. I know you would taste as sweet as you are, the flavor of your skin exploding on my tongue…” I glanced at him, only to find him watching me so intently that I unknowingly bit my lip before continuing. “While savoring your pleasure-hazed expression, I would grip your ankles and place your feet on the edge of the table. And I’d tear your thin dress away like it was tissue.” He gripped my chin and made me look into his eyes, asking, "Do you want that?” I stared at him, breathing heavily as he intensely looked at me and licked my lips, nodding. “Yeah, I want that, Nicholas.” He smirked, “That’s music to my ears, baby,” then leaned down, starting to kiss my neck. He feathered kisses down my throat, sucking hard and then slowly, driving me insane. "Hmmm,” I hummed in pleasure,
He pushed two fingers past my entrance, and my hands lowered to tug at his hair. “You like that, huh?” he laughed. His husky laugh filled the room, and the burst of his hot air hit my tender nub. I squirmed, attempting to increase the pressure. The wet sound of his fingers stroking in and out drove me higher in intense pleasure. “Come for me, baby.” Promise shimmered in his words. I sucked in a hoarse breath, and when his mouth closed over my clitoral area and I sucked, I released it in a scream. Pleasure ripped through me, darting down my legs as he continued to drink it. I was in a haze and too occupied with his tongue in my center to think about anything else. After my thighs relaxed for a moment, Nicholas removed his fingers and swiftly pulled me towards him, spreading my legs urgently. His hands went to his shirt, and without taking his gaze off me, he started undoing the buttons and throwing it away along with his tie, letting me have my fill of his gorgeous an
As soon as we reached Nicholas’s bedroom I was instantly pressed against the wall after he slammed the door shut. I think his patience snapped when I started to suck on his neck while he walked us here in his room. He suddenly walked faster as we went up the stairs, and I could feel his cock getting hard against my buttocks. I moan with a smile on my lips as he grinds against me, maneuvering one of my legs around his hip. His mouth meets my jaw and neck again in a frenzy. “Your arousal was driving me mad,” he groaned against my skin. I pressed myself towards him when suddenly as if someone blew the sexual fog in my brain, a loud knock registered in my mind, and the urgent voice of Clifford echoed behind the door. “Alpha, I apologize for the intrusion, but we need to show you something important.” My heart hammered in worry, so I tapped Nihcolas’ shoulder and wriggled out of his grasp, but he didn't budge and continued sucking now on my breasts. “Nicholas, you need t
The next morning…. Layla’s POV The day hung thick with tension as we awaited the impending arrival of the werewolf council. The atmosphere, as usual, was heavy, and our warriors stood on high alert, guarding the pack’s premises. The mindlink was open, ready for any potential breach on our territory—a necessity when dealing with half of the council members, trust being a rare commodity. Positioned at the castle entrance with Isaac by my side, our task was to lead the council members to the meeting hall. Adorned in a dark violet long-sleeved dress that gracefully reached my ankles and paired with killer black heels, I exuded a royal aura—well, duh, I am. My hair was neatly arranged in a bun, and I tried to maintain a bright smile, despite the somber occasion. The distant hum of nearly 30 SUVs approaching reached my ears, and I watched them park with a keen eye, mentally preparing myself. Nicholas was fortunate to have someone as sociable as me. Speaking of our Alpha, he and Cl
Nicholas’s POV The air crackled with energy that buzzed right through me. It wasn't my own, though. Mine simmered low, a slow burn fueled by nervous excitement and a simmering pride. No, the nervous energy radiating like heat waves originated from the room itself, a collective held their breath as the music swelled and the double doors at the far end of the aisle creaked open. There she was. Lily. No, Florence. Not quite. Today, she was a vision in white, a goddess emerging from the sunlight streaming through the stained-glass windows. The years hadn't touched her, not a single cruel line etched onto that face that had haunted my dreams for so long. She is still that beautiful being in my eyes with her dark blonde hair and hazel eyes that were sparkling brightly at the moment. She was wearing a white gown and a white veil on her head while her hand was clasped on a bouquet made of Lily of the Valleys. I noticed a nervous tremor in the hand that gripped Percival's arm as his, a
The salty breeze ruffled the pages of my book as I leaned back in the wicker chair, the sun already hidden, painting the sky with a darkness filled with stars. A contented sigh escaped my lips. It’s already been six months since Nicholas and I started over again which means dating for real like a normal couple. Both of us pushed our work stuff and it was one of the best decisions I made. Six months of travel, dates, adventures, and laughter-filled days. We'd tried everything from visiting ancient ruins in Greece to white-water rafting in New Zealand. Right now, we are in one of Nicholas's owned islands, perched beside me on the balcony of his secluded beach house, absorbed in his own book, a glass of amber whiskey swirling in his hand. I set my book down with a soft thud, the sound breaking the comfortable silence. "So, Nicholas," I began, his blue eyes locking onto mine as he glanced up. I directly asked the question that popped into my head, "Why are we still mates?" Surpris
Soon after, the night had fallen, painting the sky a canvas of inky blue dotted with a million shimmering stars. Dressed in a stylish, midnight-hued dress that clung to my curves in all the right places, I emerged from the bathroom. A gasp escaped Charlotte's lips, and even Sara, usually so composed, let out a surprised whistle. "Wow, Lils," Charlotte breathed, her eyes wide with admiration. "You look incredible!" Sara, her phone clutched in her hand, held it up to my face. On the screen, a video call connected me to the familiar faces of Percival, Quinn, and his husband. "Hey guys!" I greeted them, my voice filled with a genuine smile. "There she is!” Quinn exclaimed, his booming laugh filling the room. “Hey, kiddo" boomed Percival's voice, "Our own famous artist" Quinn chimed in, "You look stunning, honey! We can't wait to see you smash this exhibition!" His husband, a kind-looking man with warm brown eyes, offered a shy smile and a wave. "Good luck," he mouthed si
6 years later….. My fingers traced the worn frame of the photograph hanging on the plain white wall. A simple black-and-white capture: a lone tree silhouetted against a fiery sunset, its branches reaching out like gnarled fingers. It evoked emotions that felt like a lifetime ago, not the picture itself. "Just making sure, Lily," a soft voice broke through my reverie. "Tomorrow's the big day, you know. Your fifth exhibition and your first appearance." I chuckled, glancing to my left. A beautiful woman stood beside me. Her closely cropped hair, a riot of ebony curls, framed a face that, though small, held a radiant warmth. Her skin, a rich, warm brown, seemed to glow with an inner light. "Tenth time this week, wouldn't you say?" I asked. She grinned, a flash of white against her warm brown skin. "Maybe. But this is different. People are buzzing about you, Lily. The mysterious artist finally makes an appearance after four years." My gaze swept across the gallery, taking in
Keith let out a cruel laugh. "I used all my strongest rogues to deal with the Lycans," he said, his voice dripping with satisfaction. "And your dear Nicholas... Well, let's just say he put up a good fight. The man was a monster indeed. His regenerating ability was remarkable" My gaze fell upon the jacket he wore, a small device embedded in one of the pockets like a dark eye staring back at me. "Is that the button?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper. My eyes seem lifeless. Keith raised an eyebrow, a knowing smirk playing on his lips. He nodded curtly. "The button for the chips in the rogues? Yes. One press, and they all die a quick, painless death. Useful to threaten them to do something" My face was cold and unreadable as I turned to him, watching him light his cigarette. “Want some?” he offered. I reached for the cigarette he offered, lighting it. As I inhaled, a single thought echoed in my mind: everything had to end. “You know you need to cooperate with t
Seizing the opportunity, I turned and ran, deeper into the dense darkness of the forest to the clearing. I can see it. I had made a choice, a terrible one that left me torn between self-preservation and the agonizing cost it had come at. But as I ran, I couldn't shake the image of Nicholas, wounded, facing the wrath of the rogues because of me. The burden of that decision would be a heavy one to bear, one that I knew I would bring to my death. Suddenly, a blur of fur shot out from my peripheral vision. I snapped my head around just in time to see another rogue, its red eyes zeroing in on me. I reached for the gun. But my hand met only empty air. “Huh, of course it is gone” I scoffed in annoyance. I flung myself aside, barely avoiding the snapping jaws of the beast. But the momentum of my dodge carried me off balance, sending me tumbling to the ground. As I lay there, sprawled, the rogue loomed above, its fetid breath washing over me. An instinct older than thought, deepe
A glance in the rearview mirror confirmed five wolves, their sleek fur gleaming in the daylight, chased after me, led by the imposing figure of the black wolf. He was larger and faster than the rest, impossibly so, but I couldn't stop. They were so fast that our distance was just so small. “What the f*ck?”I cursed. Suddenly, the walkie-talkie crackled inside the car came to life, a very familiar voice cutting through the sound of the engine. I know it belongs to Keith Caldwell. "Hurry! Meet me at the cliff. I've set the GPS coordinates. I know you can hear me Florence. Hurry, if you want to finally escape and save your pack. It's just right as you are their Luna” I gritted my teeth. I am not surprised he already knew that Nicholas and I were mates. Taking deep breaths to regulate my emotions, I glanced at the GPS, memorizing the route, then opened the glove compartment seeing a grenade and a tear gas grenade. Without hesitation, I grabbed the tear gas grenade. “We should
With a shriek of pain, my mother staggered back, releasing her hold. I gasped for air, collapsing onto the forest floor. As my vision cleared, I saw my mother clutching her face, a crimson stain blooming across her fingers. "How… How did you find me?" I rasped, my voice hoarse from lack of oxygen. "Olga," she spat, her voice laced with venom. "Keith and I made a deal. I’ll help him get the rogues in the borders in exchange for… getting rid of you." The revelation made my stomach churn. My mother had orchestrated my capture, colluding with the very threat she swore to protect the pack from. "I even gave her guard schedules," my mother continued, her voice dripping with vindictive satisfaction, "making sure the rogues wouldn't be stopped at the borders long enough… for you to be… eliminated. But I hate their plan. Keith wanted you alive but I wanted you gone so the attack was merely an excuse for me to kill you" My mind reeled. The woman who had birthed me, the woman who had
I was shaking in anger as I asked, “Why are you doing this?” Olga just shrugged and a sadistic gaze glowed in her black and gold eyes, “Simply because I wanted for the line of the Lycans to end. We are living too long” I hold myself back from killing her. I still need her to find the way out. No matter how I wanted to help up there, I could only be of help to them if I killed Keith and got out of their lives. After all, everything happened because of me. “Enough chit-chat. Let's move now” Olga said. The urgency tightened its grip on my heart. I followed her silently, my steps light and quick trying my hardest to ignore the loud footsteps above and screams. After countless turns and twists, the staircase ended in a narrow tunnel. Without hesitation, we crawled through the cramped passage, the damp earth brushing against my skin. I was a little frustrated since Olga moved a little slower and honestly I am more concerned with how she was short of breath. Finally, after what