AnyaI wake up to the ring of an alarm, a jarring sound that shatters the remnants of a restless sleep. For a second, I forget—forget where I am, why I’m here, and the cage I’ve locked myself into. But reality rushes back in like a flood, washing away the ignorance of sleep with a slap of cold truth. Today, I still have to be Anya the switchboard operator, not the fool who tried to run away.I drag myself out of bed, each movement tinged with a sense of dread. The events of the previous night loop in my mind like a reel, each moment sharp and vivid. The rush of escaping, the sudden stop of the SUV, and Bastien—his cold eyes, his cruel smirk, as if saying “Did you really think you could escape me?”I manage to dress, choosing a simple blouse and slacks. Nothing too flashy, nothing that screams ‘look at me.’ The last thing I want right now is attention, especially from Bastien.Heading to the kitchen, I try to shake off the remnants of dread that followed me into my dreams last night.
BastienI’m sitting here at my desk, staring at the screen that refuses to hold my attention. My thoughts keep drifting to her. Anya—or whatever the hell her real name is. She’s over there, plugged into that switchboard like some kind of machine, but I can see the tremble in her hands, sense the tension radiating off her. I’d have to be blind not to.She’s scared, and the dark part of me relishes it. She should be scared. She lied to me. But another part of me, a part I’m not all that fucking comfortable with, asks what I really expected. She found herself in a goddamn auction, for Christ’s sake. Lying probably seemed like the least of the evils she had to consider.I swivel my chair slightly, watching her closely as she picks up another call. Her voice shakes for a split second before she regains composure, handing the call with a professionalism that almost makes me proud. Almost.She’s efficient, I’ll give her that. The way she’s handling the calls, you’d think she’d been doing i
AnyaThe sunshine streaming through my windows hints at a world outside that I used to be a part of.But today is different. It’s my first day off, and I decide to spend it by the pool. The sun is out, the sky a crystal-clear blue as if trying to mock the murkiness clouding my thoughts. I walk out onto the penthouse deck, sliding the glass door shut behind me with a soft click.I make my way to the pool deck, ignoring the ever-watchful eyes of the guards positioned strategically around the area. They barely glance my way, their expressions unreadable but their presence as heavy as a chain. The sun beats down on the gleaming pool surface, turning the water into an inviting, shimmering blue. I lay down my towel on a chaise lounge, feeling the warm sun immediately start to sear my skin through the fabric of my swimsuit. For a moment, I close my eyes and let myself drift. The sun, the sky, the water—it’s almost enough to make me forget, almost enough to lull me into a false sense of free
BastienI walk back into the penthouse, each step heavy with the weight of unspoken tension. Fuck, why is this so damn complicated? The open sky and shimmering pool outside had presented a backdrop against which, for a fleeting moment, I felt something slip through my iron grasp. Control.Why am I rattled? I’m not a man easily disturbed, least of all by a woman. I’ve seen beauty in countless forms and faced down men who would kill without a second thought. But Anya... there’s something about her that pierces through the armor I’ve built over the years. The way she looked at me today, like she was seeing me for the first time, got under my skin in a way I didn’t expect.This isn’t my first time navigating power dynamics; I know the rules of the game. I’m the Alpha who owns this city—control is my birthright, my language.The thing about dominance is, it’s only as potent as the submission it evokes. And something about Anya calls to that part of me, resonates on a frequency I’ve never
AnyaMy fingers tremble as I push away from the table, still reeling from the tension that clung to the air like an invisible fog. “Thank you for dinner,” I manage to say, my voice betraying a vulnerability I can’t afford to show.“You’re welcome, Anya,” Bastien replies, his voice a calm counterpoint to my internal turmoil.I’m almost at the door when he adds, “Remember, tomorrow at seven.”“Yes, Alpha,” the words slip out before I can think, and I swear I feel the atmosphere in the room shift, as if something significant yet indiscernible has just occurred.Shaking off the heavy aura that surrounds me, I hurry down the corridor to my room, my steps faltering the closer I get. As soon as I cross the threshold, I shut the door behind me and press my back against it. My heart pounds in my chest like a caged bird desperate for release. I close my eyes for a moment, letting out a shaky breath.A bath, I decide, turning towards the bathroom. It’s a desperate attempt to regain some semblanc
BastienThe tension in the room is like a beast in a cage, pacing restlessly, waiting for a moment of weakness to break free.Dinner has been a battle of wits and wills, a tension I can almost taste. It’s electric, a live wire connecting Anya and me, and I’m restless, itching for something I can’t quite place. I watch her squirm in her seat, her movements betraying an internal struggle that resonates with my own unsettled state of mind. The full moon is near, its gravitational pull tugging at the very core of my being, making me feel more unhinged than usual.The restless thoughts in my mind are winning, and it’s both exhilarating and maddening. I need to push. To probe. To understand what the hell is happening here between us.She squirms in her seat again, biting her lower lip as if debating whether to flee or to stay. What the hell is it about this woman that makes me feel like I’m teetering on the edge? It’s like I’m at war with myself, torn between the urge to protect her and th
AnyaI make my way to the kitchen, my steps lighter than they’ve been in days. Despite the odd tension at last night’s dinner, I find myself strangely at ease this morning. The penthouse is silent, and for the first time since I got here, I feel like I can breathe. I scoop coffee grounds into the machine, press the button, and the aroma fills the room. Last night’s dinner plays like a surreal montage in my head, punctuated by Bastien’s penetrating gaze and that unnerving yet electrifying moment on my knees beside him. I can’t make sense of it, of him, of how he’s affecting me. A flutter of something—nervousness, excitement, or perhaps even fear—courses through me, leaving me unsettled.The phrase plays over and over in my head as the coffee brews. There was something in his tone, an unspoken weight, that I can’t shake off. I’ve never been one to seek approval, but the warmth that spread through me at his words was as disconcerting as it was pleasurable.My musings are interrupted by
BastienMy office is usually a fortress of solitude, far removed from the chaos and obligations that come with being both Alpha and Kingpin of Las Vegas. But today, the leather chair seems more like a throne of thorns, each prickle a reminder of the enigma that is Anya.I can’t even bring myself to walk into my office, can’t bear to see the questions on her face about Valeria this morning.She’s on my territory, in my home, answering my damn phones, and yet she feels miles away, unreachable. I can hear the soft clicks of her typing, the hushed conversations as she answers the switchboard. Each sound is a taunt, a dare for me to come out and face whatever the hell is happening between us.But I don’t. I fucking can’t.I replay the events of last night’s dinner, then this morning. Her squirming at the dinner table, the way her body relaxed when I stroked her hair. Christ, even the way her tongue curled around my finger, how she sucked the digit without being prompted… Fuck, I need to f
BastienI look over the estate that’s become more than just a piece of land to me. It’s a symbol of everything I’ve fought for, everything I’ve won and lost. The air’s cool and crisp, the kind that reminds you you’re alive. Standing on the balcony, I watch the night settle over the estate. The transformation of this place, of my life, still catches me off guard sometimes. It’s like the Goddess herself scripted this crazy turn of events.I can’t help but think about the twisted road that led us here. Losing my first mate, then finding Anya, it’s a hell of a story. Anya, brought onto that auction stage by her bastard of a father, in a place where she should’ve never been. I didn’t even blink before stepping in to save her. It was like some primal part of me roared to life, demanding I protect her. And now, looking back, it’s clear as day – she was meant to be in my life.Anya’s decision to become a shifter hits me again as I stand here. She’s tough, doesn’t back down from anything. Th
AnyaSeveral months have passed since the night Bastien proposed to me under the cherry tree, and our lives have been a whirlwind of change and growth. The estate has transformed into a haven of love and family. Today, as I stand on the balcony with Mia, my gaze is fixed on Bastien and Niko playing in the garden with their sons. Their laughter and joyous shouts fill the air, a testament to the new life we’ve built here.Mia, standing beside me, watches her family with a smile. “They’re like two overprotective wolves with their cubs, aren’t they?” she remarks, her tone light.I chuckle, nodding in agreement. “Absolutely. Bastien can be so brooding, but with Nero, he’s just a big, soft-hearted Alpha.”We fall into a comfortable silence, watching the idyllic scene, until a thought that’s been nagging at me finds its way into the conversation.“Mia, can I ask you something?” I begin, hesitantly. “It’s about... becoming a shifter. I’ve been thinking about it a lot.”She turns to face me,
BastienA week after the earth-shattering revelations about our family’s past, my phone rings, and I see Niko’s name on the screen. My heart tightens, anticipating more unsettling truths.As soon as I answer, Niko dives in. “I’ve been digging, questioning Dmitry’s father.” His use of ‘questioning’ is laced with a dark undertone, implying an obvious ruthless interrogation.“What did you find?” I ask, not sure I want to know the answer.Niko’s breathing is heavy, his words coming out like a torrent. “The bastard said that our mother... she was acting on her own fucking accord. All that sick shit she did, it was her, not someone else pulling her strings. She was a goddamn monster on her own, and some fucker just caught her in the act.”The revelation hits me like a punch to the gut. “So she was acting on her own? All those things she did, especially to you...”“Yeah,” Niko spits out, his voice boiling with anger. “She was a predator in her own right. And some bastard used her actions aga
BastienAs I stride away from Anya, the weight of her revelations pressing down on me, I can’t help but feel a storm brewing inside. The information she’s shared about my mother, about her connection to Anya’s father, and the blackmail, it’s a jigsaw puzzle with pieces that are too dark and complex. I need to talk to Niko, to see if he can make sense of this twisted narrative.I reach for my phone, my mind racing with questions and possibilities. As I dial Niko’s number, I can feel the familiar surge of adrenaline, the kind that’s always accompanied our family’s darkest moments. Niko picks up almost immediately. “Bastien? What’s up?”I hesitate for a moment, trying to find the right words. “Niko, I just found out something about Mother. It’s... it’s big.”There’s a pause on the other end, and I can almost feel Niko bracing himself. He’s just recently come face to face with her after what happened to him and he couldn’t even fight her back. His trauma was stronger than his resolve.“
AnyaI wake up to the soft morning light filtering through the lavish curtains, painting the room in a golden hue. Stretching out, I can’t help but smile, still in awe of the reality that Bastien bought this magnificent estate for us. It’s like waking up in a dream every day.I slip out of bed, wrapping myself in a plush robe, and make my way to the window. The view of the gardens is breathtaking, a sprawling landscape of manicured lawns, vibrant flowers, and elegant sculptures. I'm used to growing up around luxury, but this feels more like home, not superficial at all.It’s hard to believe that all of this is ours, a sanctuary created by a man who’s known more for his strength and power than for such grand, romantic gestures.Walking out of the room, I decide to explore the property. Every step I take through the grand halls of the mansion reveals another aspect of Bastien’s love and attention to detail. The artwork, the furniture, everything is chosen with such care, reflecting not
BastienNiko and I step out into the cool evening, the manicured gardens of the mansion stretching out before us. The night air is crisp, a sharp contrast to the warmth of the house we’ve just left behind.I break the silence first. “Niko, there’s something I need to tell you about Dmitry,” I say, my voice low. “He was Isla’s stepbrother.”Niko stops in his tracks, turning to face me. “Isla’s stepbrother? That’s... complicated. How do you know it’s true?”“I don't, but I'll be digging into it,” I admit. “He’s been a useful ally, but his ties to Isla... I do feel like it was a way to get me to go along with the plan. So, I can’t fully trust him.”Niko nods, his face set in a stern line. “You think he could be a problem?”“Possibly,” I reply. “We need to keep an eye on him.”“We will,” Niko assures me. “Family complications or not, we can’t afford any loose ends.”As we walk through the gardens, our conversation turns to the recent events. “With Popov out of the picture, it’s gonna stir
AnyaThe wheels of the jet touch down, the vast lights of Las Vegas sprawling before us, a sparkling beacon in the night. I gaze out the window, the city’s shimmering allure a stark contrast against our recent turmoil. Once, Vegas symbolized a world of dazzling possibilities; now, it’s a much-needed haven.I glance at Bastien, his gaze fixed out the window, a look of determination etched on his features. He’s been silent for most of the flight, lost in his thoughts, planning our future. I can’t help but wonder what’s going through his mind.“We won’t be staying in the penthouse,” he suddenly says as he turns to look at me. “I secured an estate where we can grow our family and pack; I think it’s about time we head out of the city.”The revelation startles me. We had stayed in a penthouse before, a symbol of Bastien’s power within the city’s heart. But a mansion—this was a sign of permanence, a commitment to a future together.“I … I’d like that,” I murmur, a smile tugging at my lips. “
BastienThe room falls silent, the aftermath of the chaos settling like a heavy cloak around us. I stare at my hands, Ivan Popov’s blood a stark contrast against my skin, a vivid reminder of the violence that just unfolded. My breath comes out in ragged gasps, the adrenaline still coursing through my veins.Anya comes to my side, her eyes wide. She reaches out, gently touching my arm, grounding me in the moment. “Bastien, are you okay?” Her voice is a soft whisper, almost lost in the magnitude of what’s just occurred.I nod, unable to find my voice. The reality of what I’ve done, what we’ve done, is overwhelming. Ivan Popov, the man who cast a dark shadow over my life, is gone, eliminated by my own hands.I’ve dreamt of this day since Isla was brought to me in pieces. I swore vengeance in her name, and yet even with him lying dead at my feet, I feel nothing. Just an emptiness, because he reduced me to what he is.Dmitry steps forward, his expression unreadable. “It’s done,” he says, s
AnyaAs I watch Bastien, his figure restrained yet defiant, a knot of anxiety tightens in my stomach. He’s playing his part perfectly, but the sight of him bound, a pawn in this dangerous charade we’re orchestrating, sends waves of worry coursing through me.We lead him into the room where my father waits, his presence a suffocating force. My father’s eyes light up with malicious glee as he takes in the sight of Bastien, seemingly defeated and at our mercy.I force myself to remain composed, to play the part of the dutiful daughter, even as every fiber of my being screams in revolt. “Father,” I begin, my voice steady. “We’ve brought him, as you wanted.”My father looks at me, almost proud, then he pulls me into an embrace, leaving me startled. Then he pulls back, lets me go, and walks over to Bastien on his knees.“Well, well, look at the mighty lion, now just a harmless kitten,” my father taunts, his voice a venomous hiss. “I must say, Dmitry, you have outdone yourself. Bringing me m