STACY. Hours before the gala… I stand in front of the mirror, my hands shaking as I try to pin back a stray lock of hair. Tonight is the Alpha’s gala, and Daniel has practically begged—me to be his date without fail. The very thought sends my anxiety spiraling. Jason and Nicole might be there. H
Minutes later, we arrive at the mansion, and as soon as we step out, my heart nearly stops. Jason's here! His scent hits me like a punch to the gut. It’s unmistakable and still intoxicating after so many years. I must have gone pale because Daniel leans in, whispering, “Don’t worry. I won’t lea
STACY. Breath, Stacy, he can't scent you with the potion on... I freeze under Jason’s stare, my heart pounding in my chest. His eyes lock onto mine, unrelenting, and I mentally curse myself for thinking a mask would be enough to hide from him. “I don’t believe we’ve ever met,” I say, keeping my
Jason leans in closer, lowering his voice. “I think you’re hiding something.” I hold my ground, refusing to be intimidated like I used to be. I’m not that woman anymore. “ I'm sorry Alpha Barron, You don’t know me. And you never will. Now, if you’ll excuse me—” Just as I’m about to walk away, hi
JASON. I can’t take my eyes off her. There’s something about her, the way she carries herself, the way she moves, even the way she breathes—it pulls me in like a magnet. I’ve met with dozens of women at events like this, but none have made me feel like this. Not since... Stacy. I step forward,
JASON. It can't be… She is dead. I buried her remains in my pack five years ago… My heart slams my chest as memories flood back, overwhelming me… The way she used to look at me. The way she smelled when we were alone. The way she smiled and laughed. The way she cried… It all crashes into me at o
I nod, keeping my face as neutral as possible. “Yes. I’ll be back soon, but I need to focus on this deal first. It’s important for all of us.” Her shoulders slump slightly. “Fine.” She brushes past me toward the door, pausing just before stepping out. “But if I find out you’re lying, Jason…” She l
STACY. Meanwhile not so far from the square market.... I sit at my desk, but my fingers tremble over the keyboard, unable to focus on the task in front of me. No matter how hard I try, I can’t shake the image of Jason from my mind—his eyes scanning my face, his growing suspicion gnawing at my ner
He nods quickly, his smirk gone, replaced by fear. I drop him back into the chair and turn to Mark. “Get him out of my sight. I don’t want him anywhere near this pack.” Mark nods, motioning for two guards to take the man away. As they drag him out, I stand there, my fists clenched, my mind racing
DANIEL. The next morning, light filters through the curtains, bathing my bedroom in a muted golden glow while I sit on the edge of the bed, watching Hannah as she sleeps, her face pale but peaceful. She shifts slightly, her hand clutching the blanket as if it’s the only thing keeping her safe. Wor
“What is an outsider trying to do? She’s not fit to be helping here,” someone murmurs just out of earshot, though their disdain carries. “You are right. What will the Alpha's bitch do differently here?” “Nothing…” “Yes, nothing… The Alpha must be bewitched.” Their words sting, each one like
HANNAH. The nausea hits me like a tidal wave, relentless and unyielding that I barely make it to the bathroom before my stomach revolts, expelling everything I’d eaten today. My hands grip the edge of the sink as I gasp for air, my reflection in the mirror pale and clammy. How could I ruin to
I take her hand, squeezing it gently. Now is the time I show her that I will choose her over my mother if I had to. “Enough talk about my mom, come with me. I’ve got something that will cheer you up.” She raises an eyebrow but follows me downstairs and out into the garden. The space is lit with s
DANIEL. Sitting in my home office, I rub my temples as I reread the anonymous notes Hannah received earlier. The words are etched in my mind, taunting me. ‘Leave Daniel before it's too late.’ Whoever sent them isn’t just trying to scare her. They’re trying to drive a wedge between us. And that m
Her words land like a blow, but I keep my voice steady. “Every Luna brings her own strengths to the role.” “True,” Margaret says, though her tone suggests otherwise… Hannah -2, Margaret -1. After lunch, she shows me the pack nursery which is alive with the sound of giggles and playful growls as p
HANNAH. “Let me make one thing clear, Hannah,” Margaret’s voice cuts through the stillness as we step into the foyer. She turns to face me, her sharp features illuminated by the sunlight streaming through the window. “I don’t want you running to Daniel every time we have a conversation. It will o
HANNAH. Minutes later, the dining room is filled with the comforting aroma of fresh pastries and freshly brewed coffee. I savor the quiet moment with Daniel, relishing the way his gaze holds mine, as though nothing else in the world matters. “Do you think your pack will ever get used to me?” I tea