ADRIAN"You know, for someone who swore on the moon goddess' name, you didn't look as upset as you claimed," Reynold's voice cut through sharply as soon as we stepped out of Hunter Enterprises.I shot him a stern look, and he immediately made a gesture indicating he would keep his mouth shut.Sophia Crane. The name rang a bell. I had expected her to be annoyingly obnoxious, and I was ready to voice my objections during the meeting, perhaps even call off the collaboration to preserve our pride. But then, it didn’t go as I had assumed.She was so different. Her eye color, her hair dyed black, but then her nose... it all pointed to one person—Violet, my ex-wife.She reminded me of Violet. And for a moment, Ares seemed pleased. I could feel it too. The spark, the way she arched her brow, her smile... everything. Aside from the fact that she looked so serious.The look of exasperation on her face—something didn’t sit right. There was something amiss, and I could sense it strongly. Even Are
EMILYI may not be the Luna they want me to be, but as a top model, getting an endorsement deal with Saint Management was all I needed to keep my career alive. I mean, that's a long dream come true.The last few weeks have been busy—attending their official interview and then passing it. Today was meant to mark a new beginning with them. I couldn't wait to tell Adrian about this. He would be thrilled, even though he hates me now. But I did what I did to keep my man. He was mine from the start, before Violet stole him from me.Though I didn’t mean for her to die or to go through whatever she went through, I just couldn’t stand my best friend stealing my man in just a flash. She hurt me first by marrying Adrian even though she knew we were in love. Yes, I knew he was her mate, but she knew about how crazily in love I was with Adrian, and yet she went ahead to marry him.I was hurt and betrayed. For years, it had always been just the two of us against the world. I had no relatives, and e
AdrianThere was something inside me that kept making me smile, but I couldn't tell what it was. It felt like I'd found inner peace. Even Ares was calm."Alpha!" Reynold's annoying scream pierced through my ears. I paused eating and drank the water next to my plate."What is it, Reynold?" I gave him a questioning look, wondering why he had screamed my name out of the blue."Do you realize I've been calling your name for the umpteenth time?" He looked at me bewildered, as if something was wrong. I had been lost in my thoughts and didn't realize."You're so different since you met Sophia Crane. I really can't tell what spell she put you under. You've been acting strange," Reynold voiced out. He was always the least afraid of me, calling a spade a spade."What do you mean?" I scowled at him, my heart giving a funny leap at the mention of her name. I wouldn't lie, the effect she had on me might be true."Oh, come on! Don't deny it. You've been smiling, and you finished your entire meal. T
ADRIAN"So, it's no longer flowers? It's a date now?" Reynold narrowed his eyes at me, referring to the dinner I was going to have with Sophia Crane.I gave him a stern look. He was such a pest. "Look, it's just business. It's nothing serious," I replied, staring at my reflection in the mirror. I wasn't looking all that bad in an all-black outfit."At this point, I'm wondering if you have feelings for me. You should invest your time looking for your mate," I teased him, though I knew he was watching out for Violet.He chuckled lightly as he stood to his feet. "Even if I were gay, you'd be the last person I'd be checking out." His response got me."I'll assume you're driving there alone. I've got work to do," Reynold said, walking to the door and shutting it behind him.I grabbed the car keys, and within minutes, I was driving on the highway.Heartbeats later, I arrived at Neon Lotus. Memories flooded back, and I could only think of Violet and our last date here.Spotting Sophia Crane
Emily's POVHave you ever felt like an arrow is stabbed through your chest? That's how I feel right now, staring at the scandal on my phone."Screw her!" My jaws clenched as my eyes fell on the caption above "Sophia Crane and Adrian Wolfe..." I could feel my face slowly scrunch up as it colored. Without bothering to read further, the position they were in was annoying enough."Damn!" I spat as I stared daggers at Adrian's smiling face in the picture. He was dressed in his dark tux, his arms encircling the waist of a model-looking lady. Of course, that was Sophia Crane. The pain I was feeling was nothing compared to my actions. I didn't sidetrack my best friend to have another bitchy lady steal my man.I hissed as my eyes darted toward the lady. Peering closely, her face looked oddly familiar. There was something peculiar about the way the tip of her nose was slightly upturned and her smile—it was wide and bright. It seemed so strange yet familiar.That was the least of my problems. M
Emily's POVAfter working my way for several years into Adrian's life, the last thing I wanted was for a random woman to step in at the slightest crack, and this Sophia Crane lady seemed to have a good time playing that game. Now it all made sense; I could easily tell her motive now. It was easy—she wanted Adrian, and then she backed me off from the modeling contract. Devilish was not a word I could use to compare. It was tit for tat.My fingers tapped restlessly against the steering wheel while I watched the whole scene play out in my head. Glancing at my watch, I rolled my eyes. Why did time feel so slow?A black Bentley pulled up in front of the hotel, and that was my cue to act. Unfastening my seatbelt, I set up and waited for my prey to appear."Perfect," I sighed out as soon as I spotted Sophia Crane. My lips fell into a big pout while I watched her smile at the press, her well-manicured hands waving enthusiastically as she grinned."We'll see how long that smile lasts," I scoff
Violet's POVThe feeling you get when an old wound is uncovered was almost similar to what I was feeling, but the difference was that it was intense. Old feelings awakened, tearing me beyond repair. The sight of her made me recall ugly scenes from the past.Glaring at her, she wasn't any different from the last time I left her—still the desperate bitch that she was.After a day of answering questions from critical journalists, bright flashes from the cameras, nodding at speeches that were becoming monotonous, and pulling off the "confident businesswoman" facade, I still couldn't forget Emily's face. I hadn't seen it in a while, and I was shocked at the level of despise I held against her.Pushing away my plate, I reached for a glass of water and gulped the contents as if it would wash away the day's scenario. But it didn't. Taking a second bite of steak, I dropped my fork; my food now tasted bland.My face formed into a deep frown while my brain replayed the day's drama. I had to admi
Adrian's POV"My assistant will send the details to you. Till we next meet," Sophia said. I could hear my feet tapping restlessly against the wooden floor, my fingers scratching the arm of my swivel chair while she spoke."I'll be waiting. Goodbye, Miss Crane," I said, and the line went dead. I clicked my tongue.I don't know what seemed scarier: the next meeting or the warning she'd issued, but I knew I had to keep an eye on Emily before she caused a bigger scene."Emily," I said. Her name now tasted like slime in my mouth. "So much for being there for you.""You're lucky she hasn't called off the deal... yet." Here we go again. I groaned and rolled my eyes. It was Ares, with his pessimism, trying to overwhelm my newfound relief."The last thing I need is your negativity," I said lazily, stretching my legs on a stool as I extended my body to full length.He let out a devilish smirk, and before he could go on with one of his "I told you so" speeches, I shut the link. I'd had enough to
I chewed my lips as I stared into Adrian's inquisitive eyes, my mind racing with a quick lie. I had to say something sensible for someone like Adrian to believe me.“Harry?” I stuttered, a thoughtful attempt at buying time. Lies swirled in my head like a vortex, each one more silly than the last. How come I couldn't lie now when I'd lived five years of my life lying?Adrian pinched the bridge of his nose, his fingers tapping impatiently against the table. “Who is Harry?” The question was blunt, straightforward.My eyes widened, and I shook my head slowly, attempting nonchalance. “I don’t think I can remember anyone by that name. Why are you asking?”Adrian’s gaze didn’t waver, which meant I hadn’t fooled him...yet. “You were screaming ‘Harry’ in your dream last night.” God, was he always so adamant?That dream... Memories flooded back: the skull-lined landscape, the woman’s raspy voice, and Harry... my Harry.I felt my face pale, my palms growing sweaty. I reached for the serviette an
I still couldn't believe it had been days since I'd seen my little Harry. His bright smile and infectious laughter echoed in my mind, making my heart ache with longing. And Grandma Charlotte—her silent scolding and warm hugs were a constant source of comfort I desperately needed. I even missed the way she called me "child." A watery smile lifted my lips, and I sighed. Then there was Adrian. The thought of revealing my secret to him made my stomach twist into knots. Fear held me hostage, silencing my words every time I mustered the courage to speak. What if he got upset and wanted Harry for himself? What if I never got to see my son afterward? The pessimistic thoughts flooding my head left a sour taste in my mouth and a wary feeling in the pit of my stomach. Each time I thought of telling him, something interrupted that perfect moment; either that, or the moment just wasn’t right. Either way, I didn’t enjoy the way guilt ate at my insides. As the evening sun cast a warm glow over the
"What's going on? You’re not eating," Adrian’s voice filtered into my thoughts, and I blinked twice. I picked up my fork and stared at the spaghetti and bologna sauce in front of me. I had little appetite. The fiasco in the restaurant was a good distraction from my nightmarish thoughts, but then it was a permanent one."Nothing," I mumbled and forked a portion into my mouth. It felt like a heavy task chewing food I didn’t want, and I frowned. Unfortunately for me, I had to since Adrian had prepared it."Is it about Xavier?" Adrian tipped his chin forward, his cutlery clashing against the ceramic plate and creating a clinking sound.My response was a light shrug. "You can’t blame me; I have every right to worry," was my defensive response."Look at me." Adrian’s voice was deep and steely. My eyes drifted to his, his determined gaze pinning me still. "I’m not going to let anything happen to you again. I’ll kill Xavier with my bare hands before he even thinks of hurting you. Okay?" It fel
Violet's POVAdrian was set to ridicule me, dessert was served, the waiter carefully placed the chocolate mousse cake in front of us, and I fought to maintain my composure. My heart galloped like a wild horse, threatening to burst free from my chest. The vibrations beneath the table intensified, sending shivers up my legs, my legs were trembling... Adrian's eyes sparkled with mischief, his expression innocent, but his actions anything but."Thank you," Adrian said smoothly, picking up his spoon and dipping it into the rich, velvety chocolate."Mmmm," he nodded, enjoying the taste of the cake on his tongue as he teased me.My lips parted slightly and I managed a barely audible "thank you" myself, terrified that any sudden movement would shatter my fragile control. My thighs still trembled, my muscles clenched in a futile attempt to still the sensations coursing through me. How long was this going to last? What sort of vibrator did he hide in my panties anyway? I hadn't felt them when I
Violet's POVThroughout the drive from the police station, I remained quiet, my mind a jumbled mess of thoughts. Ryder, noticing my tension, suggested lunch at one of my favorite restaurants nearby. His idea was welcomed with open arms; it was just what I needed.I stepped into the cozy restaurant, the aroma of freshly baked bread and simmering spices—though faint—hovered in the air, and I took deep breaths. The sweet aroma already had me salivating.Adrian, being who he was, didn't need a reservation, and soon we were shown to a seat just beside the window, exactly where I liked it. We waited for our orders, our conversations consisting of a few mutters and grunts. I still couldn't push aside my encounter with Xavier. Adrian's gaze never left mine. His intensity made my pulse flutter, and I felt my cheeks begin to color.The waiter arrived with our appetizers: grilled calamari with marinara sauce for me and seared scallops for Adrian. The flavors danced on my tongue, spicy and tangy.
Violet's POVIf every day could be like this... I woke up to Adrian's gentle kisses on my forehead. A big smile turned the corners of my lips up, and my eyes blinked open to see Adrian's face only a few inches away. His eyes were filled with affection as he smiled down at me."Good morning, beautiful," he whispered close to my ear. I kissed him on the lips, a long, hard kiss."Morning," I yawned, my voice husky from over seven hours of sleep."I need to go to the police station to see Xavier." The anger in his voice lingered in the air, Xavier’s name seemed to pollute the room, leaving a foul taste in our mouths. Adrian turned away, pulling a sweatshirt over his head.My heart skipped a beat, a heavy, painful one. Xavier. The name still evoked a storm of emotions—fear, anger, and hatred all mixed together."Do you want to come with me?" Adrian asked, his eyes staring at me intently. I knew I didn’t have to go if I didn’t want to, but…Indecisive, my lips twitched as my mind whirled wi
I collapsed onto Adrian's chest, our ragged breaths syncing in perfect harmony, the aftershocks of our passionate encounter still coursing through my veins. I traced the contours of his defined abs while he gently stroked my hair."Violet," Adrian whispered into my hair, his voice low and husky.I lifted my head and our eyes met."What is it?"Adrian's lips curled into a sly smile, his hands cupping my face, his thumb caressing my cheek. "I invited your father over."My eyes fell and I moved away. My dad... A small sigh left my lips. This was new. My eyebrows shot up."Sebastian Valenwood?" I asked, my voice silky. Who else could it be? But I still found myself asking."Yes, and Reynold is bringing them soon," Adrian nodded, his eyes watching me closely.A chuckle escaped my lips. "This should be interesting.""Aren't you happy?" Adrian leaned forward to kiss my neck, and a small smile spread on my lips as I stroked his back."Happy? I'm thrilled. I'm just surprised, that's all. It's
He didn’t stop, didn’t slow, his tongue flicking over me with purpose, pushing me closer to the edge until I couldn’t hold back any longer. A cry tore from my throat, my body shuddering as the wave of pleasure crashed over me, leaving me breathless and trembling beneath him.Every nerve in my body was alive, tingling with the sensation of his touch, but I was still craving more. His presence overwhelmed me, making it impossible to think clearly, and I didn’t want to. I just wanted to feel.I was so close, teetering on the edge of release, but then he pulled back slightly, just enough to keep me in that agonizing state of wanting. My eyes flew open, a desperate moan escaping my lips. His gaze locked with mine, dark and filled with with want, desire."I want to savor every moment with you," he whispered, his breath warm against my skin. The way his lips hovered just above me sent shivers down my spine."Tell me what you need," his eyes searched mine full of intensity, want. Need. Desire
He leans in, pressing a soft kiss to my cheek, brushing away a tear that escapes. "Adrian," I whimpered, inhaling his fresh cologne, his scent was messing with my head."I can smell your arousal, Violet. It's driving me insane... I want to kiss you again, to hold you... To have our legs tangled in that bed, and fuck you, but not as Sophia Crane, as Violet. My Violet,"His words awakens every fiber of my being, and I squeezed my eyes shut. Aria, my wolf, tugged at me, urging me on. I pictured it— me lying in bed, feeling him move in and out of me. Damn it.I bit my lip, a quiet moan escaping."You’re making me lose my mind," he growled, pulling me against his warm body. I could feel his chest rise and fall, the heat between us almost unbearable."Just do it," I groaned, slipping the towel I had on to the floor.He gasp, His hands slid down my back, gripping my hips as his lips brushed my neck, setting every nerve on fire. My body reacted on its own, pressing into him as my breath came