RomanI can’t stop the smirk from forming on my face as I walk away from Aella, knowing I’ve already wormed my way into her thoughts. That look on her face when she saw me again told me everything I needed to know; just one smile from me and I had her.Ah, she’s still as feisty and cunning as the day she disappeared, and that’s what makes this whole charade thrilling. I relish in it—the chase, the hunt, the eventual capture.Reaching for my phone as soon as I step into my apartment, I dial Kaden’s number. He doesn’t take long to answer, either.“It’s me. The plan’s in motion. She’s taken the bait,” I say, and Kaden’s laughter rumbles through the speaker.“Seriously? That easily? You sure she doesn’t suspect anything?” he asks. “Relax. She has no idea. I’m Jay now, the charming neighbor. Besides, you know as well as I do, she wouldn’t recognize me. No one outside the family has ever seen my face.” I say, falling down on my bed and sighing.“Right, the mysterious Alpha, ruling from the
AellaFive days. It’s been five long days since I last saw him. I’ve been counting—counting the days, the hours, even the minutes since he last walked through the café door. Five days. How did five days without seeing him turn me into this... this ball of confusion? One minute he’s all flirt and grin, making my insides do weird somersaults. The next, he’s cold and distant, as if he’s a different guy. What’s his deal?I have to admit that it terrifies me how much I look forward to seeing him. I know I shouldn’t, right? The only thing I know about him is his name and how he likes his latte.Now I’m at the laundromat again, daydreaming about God knows what, when the door creaks open. I don’t need to look up to know it’s him; I can sense him and that rugged scent always clinging to him. But when I do look up, my face flushes. God, he looks divine. His shirt is unbuttoned, carelessly open, revealing an impeccably chiseled chest. It’s not just a chest; it’s a masterpiece, an altar of lean
AellaOkay, I finally understand what people mean when they say their stomachs get twisted in knots.The entire day felt like some weird version of emotional roulette. I dressed up, even watched a stupid makeup tutorial on how to get that ‘natural, but like, also hot’ look. I went through my closet three times, wanting to wear something nice but not too desperate-to-impress kind of nice. I was so nervous the whole day. Like, the kind of jittery that has you overthinking everything. I tried doing my laundry, but even the noise of the washing machine seemed to mock me, drowning out the tick of the clock that was going way too slow. Hell, I even scrubbed the kitchen counters like they had offended me or something.Also, I stared at my phone a bunch of times, hoping he’d text. You know, something like, “Looking forward to tonight.” But nothing. It was as if my phone was on a strike, refusing to bring me any good news.My stomach was doing flips, so eating lunch was a no-go. I just kind
AellaSo the next day was wild. Lunchtime rush, orders flying, the espresso machine whirring like a monster—that kind of wild. I was knee-deep in the chaos, and then the doorbell chimed. My heart did this stupid little leap because I didn’t even have to look up because I have his earthy forest scent memorized. Jay walks in, and he has a rose in his hand. A single red rose. Could the guy be any more cliche? But deep down, I was kind of touched.He waits in line, his eyes catching mine every now and then. I try to focus on the coffee I was making, trying to keep my hands from shaking. Finally, he was at the counter. “A latte, please,” he said, sliding the rose toward me. “And this is for you. I’m really sorry about last night.”I take a deep breath, feeling everyone’s eyes on us. “Thank you for the rose, Jay. And the apology is accepted. But I haven’t changed my mind. You had your chance.”He nods, almost like he was expecting it. “Fair enough. Can’t blame a guy for trying, though.”I
AellaIt’s 6:45 PM and I’m pacing. My date with Jay starts in fifteen minutes, and I swear I’ve changed my outfit like three times already. Goddess, it’s like déjà vu— I just hope it’s not the same film replaying.My phone buzzes on the coffee table—it’s a text from him saying he’s on his way. A weird mix of excitement and nerves bubbles up in my stomach. OH MY GOD IT’S HAPPENING, ISN’T IT?When the clock hits 7:00, there’s a knock at the door and my heart literally stops for a few seconds. Deep breath, Aella. I swing it open, and there he is, looking... damn, he’s in a three-piece suit, and he looks like he walked straight out of a magazine.“Wow, someone cleans up nice,” I say, greeting him with a smile I hope doesn't show my discomfort or nerves.For a moment, he just stands there, his green eyes widening as they sweep over me from head to toe. The corners of his mouth twitch, as if fighting the urge to break into a full-on grin, yet he somehow maintains a composed demeanor.“You..
RomanThe door clicks shut in front of me as I step away from Aella’s apartment, the soft click echoing in the quiet hallway. My lips, still tingling from our kiss, and a smile creeps onto my face before I can stop it. I touch my lips with my fingertips, almost as if confirming that the kiss really happened; the taste of her still lingers on mine.What the hell is happening to me? As I walk toward my apartment, I pull out my phone and hesitate, my thumb hovering over Kaden’s contact. Fuck it. I hit the call button.“It’s me,” I say when he picks up. “Date’s over. It went well.”Kaden chuckles. “I didn’t think you’d be the type to ‘date.’”“I’m not,” I snap. “It’s part of the plan.”“All right, easy,” Kaden says. “So, how’d it go, really?”I hesitate, my eyes drifting back to Aella’s door up the hall. “She’s... interesting.”“Just interesting?”I frown. “She’s different, okay? She doesn’t act like the others.”“Ah, our little bird has some spirit,” Kaden muses.“Yeah, well, spirit or
AellaI wake up to the soft rays of morning light filtering through the curtains and or a moment, I simply lay there, my eyes closed, a smile stretched across my face. The memories of last night’s date with Jay—our laughter, the shared glances, and especially that electrifying kiss—floated through my mind like a sweet melody.Rubbing my eyes, I sat up, swinging my legs over the side of the bed. My feet touched the cool floor, and I felt invigorated, as if I were walking on air. I padded to the bathroom and splashed cold water on my face, meeting my own reflection with a grin.“Today is going to be a good day,” I whisper to myself.After a quick shower, I threw on a simple T-shirt and jeans, my usual work attire, but today it felt different, like I was dressing for a special occasion. I braided my hair to the side and even put on a bit of mascara and lip gloss. Why not? It was a day worth celebrating, even if it was just another Wednesday.As I got my things ready to head out, my pho
AellaThe blaring of my alarm clock was so loud, it felt like it was piercing through my eardrums. I groan, my head feeling like it was stuffed with cotton balls. The hours stretched on, and with every passing moment, the haunting memories and gnawing paranoia seemed to grow stronger. I dragged myself out of bed, my body aching for the rest it couldn’t have.The shower is cold that morning, jolting me awake. I need to get my head into gear right now, I can’t afford to be distracted at work.As I made my way to the café, each step felt like a marathon. My footsteps echoed through the quiet morning streets, with the sound of my headache pulsing in time with each step.The familiar chime of the café door greeted me, but even the comforting scent of coffee couldn’t lift my spirits. I ambled to the counter, where Sam gave me a concerned look.“You alright?” he asks, his eyebrows knitting together.“Yeah, I’m fine,” I mutter. “Just a rough night.”The morning rush began, and I found myself
Kaden I’m sitting in my study, surrounded by the leather scent of old books and the muted light filtering through the heavy drapes. The room, once a sanctuary where I buried myself in work and pack matters, now feels like a cage. A trap. I flip through some documents on my desk but don’t really register what they say. My mind is a mess, a whirlwind of thoughts I can’t, and won’t, share with anyone. Especially not Roman. God, Roman. My brother, my closest friend. He seems so happy these days, so settled with Aella and their son. His life has taken a turn for the absolute best, and it stings. Not out of jealousy, I’m thrilled for him, but out of the sharp contrast it creates with my own concealed turmoil. I think about Elena, my wife. She’s beautiful, loving, and loyal to our pack. But she doesn’t know. She can’t know. The secret I’m holding is too damaging, too explosive. It would tear us apart, tear the pack apart. And so, I’ve distanced myself. Retreated into a shell to protect e
Aella As I stand by the intricately carved crib, my heart swells with a love so fierce it feels like it could consume me whole. I look down at Aaron, our son, sleeping so peacefully in a cocoon of soft, moonlit blankets. His little fists are curled beside his cheek, and he has his father’s rebellious blonde hair and the beginning of my mismatched eyes. The room is filled with the comforting scent of lavender and freshly laundered baby clothes. The light from the nursery’s lamp washes over his tiny form, casting gentle shadows on his crib. I can’t help but think how profoundly my life has shifted in just two years. Nearly two years ago, I was a ball of defiance and fear, literally running through woods and brambles to escape an engagement my Alpha father had orchestrated with Roman. The irony is palpable. Roman was everything I thought I didn’t want, but ended up being everything I didn’t know I needed. I went from clawing at the idea of a life by his side to craving his touch, hi
RomanFour words shouldn’t make me feel like an absolute king, but they do.She shimmies out of her bottoms and walks naked towards the shower to regulate the water. Gods, my cock is aching just watching her. Slipping out of my board shorts, I join her under the spray of hot water and pull her closer to me.There’s no hesitation when I lean down to kiss her. She molds into me, her body perfectly flush against mine as she moans into my mouth. It’s taking every bit of my self control to not snap and just claim her body, but Aella doesn’t need my beast right now. I walk her up against the cold wall and trail my kisses down the length of her neck. “I love your sweet scent, baby,” I murmur against her skin. “God, I could drown in you forever.”She makes a small noise when I draw a pebbled nipple into my mouth, and pushes out her chest as her hands get tangled in my hair. I cup her perfect tits in my hands, laving them with my tongue and loving the noises she makes when I nibble on them.
RomanThe goddamn sound of waves lightly bitch-slapping the shore should be soothing. It’s what people fantasize about—a secluded beach, the woman you’re batshit in love with beside you, the freedom to do nothing at all. Aella looks like she’s in fucking heaven, the sun on her skin, a gentle smile on her lips, a book lying forgotten on her lap. But me? I’m crawling out of my damn skin.And yet, I’m restless. Why the fuck can’t I just relax?Aella senses it before I even realize it myself. She opens her eyes and looks at me, her gaze soft but probing. “You’re thinking about something. Spill it.”I chuckle. “It’s nothing, really. Just getting a bit antsy, I suppose.”“Roman, we’re on vacation. You’re allowed to relax, you know?”I nod, knowing she’s right, but not feeling any less restless. “I know. It’s just not something I’m accustomed to, that’s all.”The ingrained habits of an Alpha, the constant state of alertness and readiness, they don’t just disappear overnight. They’re a part
AellaThe hum of the private jet’s engines seems to blend into the background, like white noise in a sea of my restless thoughts. Roman sits across from me, in a seat made of the finest leather money can buy, absorbed in some files on his tablet. The rich interior of the jet, with its ambient mood lighting and plush furnishings, contrasts sharply with the tension I feel in my bones.“Would you like another glass of wine, Luna?” the flight attendant offers, her voice polished as the silver tray she’s holding.I shake my head. “No, thank you.”As she retreats, Roman finally looks up, his stormy eyes meeting mine. “You’re not usually this quiet,” he observes.“Well,” I say, biting the inside of my cheek, “you’re not usually this secretive. Where are we going?”He grins, the corners of his eyes crinkling. “It’s a surprise.”“I’m not particularly fond of surprises,” I retort, although a part of me thrills at the mystery.“You’ll like this one,” he promises. His eyes darken a shade, and I
AellaWe step out of the hospital and as I spot the black SUV, it takes me back to my time spent here. More specifically, when Roman finally confessed his feelings to me. It was sort of a simpler time back then.Before Vasily, before…everything else.“What’s on your mind, little bird,” he asks as he takes my hand and draws it to his lips. “You’ve been quiet, even as I went off at the nurses.”I chuckle. “That was just me letting you have your own way after everything that happened,” I say, leaning forward and kissing his cheek. “Kaden’s message over the mind link just had me reeling.”Roman sighs, because I know he’s already so pissed off and now he has to face Diego. Alpha Javier is at the pack house with Kaden and Elena and has demanded his son answer to Roman.“Yeah, well I suppose he has to face the music sometime,” he says, sitting back and shaking his head. “As much as I just want to fucking sleep, it needs to be done.”We remain quiet for the rest of the ride, but as soon as th
RomanSitting in the hospital room, I still feel the residual ache from the fight, both physical and emotional. My mind plays back the confrontation with Vasily, a twisted dance that was always leading to this dark aftermath. What he said in Russian through clenched teeth left me shaken. Now that Aella is gone, I feel it’s time to share it with Kaden.“I never thought it would come to this, Kade,” I say, the words coming out heavier than I intend.Kaden leans back in the visitor chair, his eyes locked onto mine, searching for something—perhaps reassurance that what’s been done was necessary. “You did what you had to, Ro. If you hadn’t, more lives would have been at stake.”“Yeah, but Vasily said something,” I start, hesitating a little. “He said things about father that I think you should know.”Kaden raises an eyebrow, intrigued but also wary. “What did he say?”I take a deep breath, preparing myself for the weight of the words I’m about to unleash. “Do you remember the night Father
AellaThe sterile smell of antiseptics fills the air, mingling with the earthy scent that is uniquely Roman. Even unconscious, he smells like the forest, like the wilderness we both call home. My hand finds his, dwarfed by the size of his palm, but perfectly molded to fit. I’m holding onto him as if he’s my anchor, the one constant in a world that has spiraled so far from what I knew.I replay the night over and over again in my head. The tension in the room, the way Roman’s eyes narrowed as he exchanged words with Vasily in rapid Russian. I couldn’t understand the words, but the intent was palpable—two titans locked in a battle of wills and strength. And I’d stood there, unable to do anything but watch and hope that Roman would come out unscathed. My heart aches at the thought. What was so personal that it had to be shrouded in their mother tongue? Was it just a string of profanities or something deeper? A sharing of old wounds and familial grievances that led them to this terribl
RomanThe second Vasily had his hands on Aella, my world went red. The ground beneath my feet might as well have been ripped away, because for a brief second, I’m free-falling into a chasm of self-doubt and gut-wrenching fear.I had to keep my wits about me. I had to be smart. Because this wasn’t just about me—this was about Aella, my pack, and a future that Vasily was hell-bent on destroying.“Is this what an Alpha looks like?” I can almost hear Vasily’s voice sneering in my head. “Can’t even protect his own mate?” And for a devastating moment, I almost agree with him.I’ve spent years trying to prove that I was worthy of the Alpha title, not just to my pack, but to myself. Yet here I am, watching the woman I love being tormented by my own flesh and blood. It’s a cruel mirror, reflecting my deepest insecurities, mocking my so-called ‘strength.’Aella’s face is pale, eyes widened in terror, but even from this distance, I can see a flicker of defiance in them. It fuels me, but it also