I screamed at the top of my lungs, the sound echoing off the walls of my room. Lily was the first to rush in, her expression a mix of concern and urgency.
“What happened? Are you okay?” she asked, her voice laced with anxiety. “Nothing, just a nightmare. I just… I just thought about how…” Tears streamed down my cheeks, hot and relentless. “About how Lorenzo killed that man at the restaurant.” “I’m sure whatever reason he had for killing was to assert his dominance. He has to ensure everyone respects him,” she replied, her tone attempting to reassure me. “I’m so scared, Lily.” I hugged her tightly, burying my head in her chest, seeking comfort in her warmth. “He’s going to kill me.” “Lorenzo is not going to kill you unless… you betray him. You wouldn’t betray him, though.” “Yes, I would.” Lily’s body went tense, her eyes widening in disbelief. “What do you mean?” “I’m going to betray him, Lily. He’s a monster. He kills without even blinking!” “Please, stop shouting. Lorenzo might hear you.” “I don’t care anymore! Why do I have to live with this?” My voice cracked, the weight of my fear and despair crashing down on me. Just then, the chiming of my phone distracted us both. I grabbed it, and as I read the message, my face brightened with unexpected joy. “What’s that?” Lily asked, curiosity piqued. “Help me choose formal wear. I’m going for an interview.” “Interview?” Lily’s eyes widened in surprise. “Your wedding is in two days. We have to go shopping today. Does Lorenzo know about this?” “He doesn’t have the right to stop me, and yes, we’ll still be shopping today. It’s 6 a.m.; I have to be there before 7.” “I’m just looking out for you,” Lily said, exhaling deeply. “Please be safe.” She stood, concern etched on her face, and I nodded in agreement. Lily helped me choose a form-fitting dark sheath dress that clung to my body like a second skin, accentuating my hourglass figure without any visible seams. As I stepped into the shower, the warm water cascaded over me, washing away the remnants of my fear. It didn’t take long before I was fully dressed, my heart racing at the thought of the interview at Berg Oil, where I had submitted my résumé some time ago. I shut the door behind me and stepped into the hallway, feeling a mix of excitement and dread. “Where are you going?” Lorenzo’s deep voice boomed from the end of the corridor. I spun around to find him standing there, arms crossed, his expression unreadable. Lily bowed her head and slipped away. “I’m going for an interview at Berg Oil. I submitted my application some time ago.” Anger surged within me; I hated having to explain myself to him. “And you didn’t think to tell me?” He scoffed, his gaze raking over my dress. “Dressed like that?” I glanced down, bewildered. “What’s wrong with my dress?” I asked, my voice sharp. “Everything, Amelia. You belong to me now, and I will make decisions for you. My decision now is—you are going nowhere.” “You promised…” I swallowed hard, struggling to keep my composure. “You promised not to protest while I pursue my dreams.” “A promise with a condition that you are not compromised.” He strode toward me, closing the distance between us. “Am I? Do I look compromised?” I shot back defiantly. “You are not going for that interview dressed like a cheap slut.” Before I could react, he pulled me back to my room, rummaging through my wardrobe with an urgency that sent my heart racing. “What are you doing?” I demanded, a mix of confusion and anger bubbling inside me. “Finding a better dress for you.” “There is nothing wrong with my dress!” I protested. He tossed a long cream jacket to me. “I won’t let someone else point out your curves. It’s either you wear that jacket or change the dress entirely—or forget the interview. I can take care of us. I have the money.” “Fine!” I snapped, sliding the jacket over my shoulders and turning to leave. “Leo will go with you, too.” “What? I’m going for an interview, not a club. Why is he going with me?” “I won’t repeat myself, Amelia. Don’t force me to, and be back before 9 a.m. for the shopping, or you’ll lose all chances of stepping out of this house.” He turned on his heel and walked out. I sighed, a tear slipping down my cheek. Stop it, I told myself. You’ll ruin your makeup. I quickly wiped away the tear, steeling myself for what lay ahead. As I walked out of the room, a wave of anger washed over me when I noticed Leo following closely behind. “Why don’t you find something else to do instead of trailing me like a lost puppy?” “It’s my duty to the boss,” Leo replied, his tone flat. “I’m only being a gentleman because we are not legally married yet. I’ll cease to be a gentleman after our wedding night. So you better watch out.” I heard Lorenzo’s voice drifting down the stairs, a low rumble that sent a shiver down my spine. I took that as a threat—something I knew I couldn’t avoid.Leo halted the car in the company's garage, and I quickly stepped down. I watched him adjust his suit while waiting for me to lead the way. “Keep your distance,” I warned as I took one last look at my outfit. The idea of putting on such a long jacket over a pretty dress just to obey Lorenzo made my fists clench. I stepped into the large lobby with white marble flooring and approached a brunette on the other side. “Hi, welcome to Berg Oil Company. How may I help you?” the brunette asked with a smile. “I'm here for an interview. I received an email this morning,” I said hesitantly. “Your name, please.” “Amelia Clayton.” The brunette punched some keys on the keyboard and looked up after a few seconds. “Take the elevator to floor sixteen, room ten. The CEO is already there.” CEO? I almost asked but bit back the question. “And good luck, Ms. Amelia.” I smiled at her, then noticed her ogling Leo. I wanted to stay quiet to see if Leo would be thrown out, but it was of no use. I would
Mate? My wolf perked up with great interest as soon as the lady stepped into my office. It was the first time I felt that way after two whole years. After facing crude rejection two years ago, I lost all hope of finding another mate, as none had come forth. I had focused entirely on my oil business. I was just a weak omega, considered incapable of protecting a mate when the time came. Mate? My wolf called again, and just then, I looked up to find a gorgeous blonde walking into my office. My eyes scanned her from legs to head, and I couldn't stop staring, admiring the elegance the moon had decided to bring to me. I felt my wolf, Sphinx, look through my eyes to stare at the lady. Sphinx had taken to the name when we went on a tourist vacation in Egypt and had decided to go by that name. My eyes met the lady's, which were sexily greenish-brown. Those hazel eyes made me go numb for what felt like hours. I need my mate, Sphinx growled. I suppressed him. She was going to be my employee,
I knew Leo must have seen and misinterpreted the complicated position I had been in with Neil, and he was definitely going to tell Lorenzo. That would put me in trouble. I might not secure this job if that happened. I walked behind Leo, lost in thought. He held the car door open for me, and I slipped in, making sure to glance at his impassive face. I swallowed hard. How could I start to explain things to him? He slid into the car and started the engine. After a few minutes of driving, I cleared my throat. It was better to say whatever I had to say before we got home. “Look, Leo, I almost fell to the floor...” He jerked the car to a stop in the middle of the road and sharply turned to me. My heart began to pound against my chest. “Did he push you?” “No... I mean, I tripped and almost fell, but he— the CEO— saved me.” “I thought as much. You’d never cheat on Lorenzo unless you wanted to die,” Leo said as he steered the car. I exhaled partly in relief and partly due to nervousness an
I clenched my teeth in anger and folded my fingers to form a fist. I was sure I must have ceased the free passage of blood to my fingers with such tightness. I looked away from her. This was no time to reunite with someone as shrewd as she was. "I came to see you," Mirabel said. Her cynical voice set Sphinx snarling. I tried to suppress him as he made attempts to push out. "Why do you want to see me? Does your mate know about this?" I tried to remain calm. Hit the bitch already. Stop talking to her! Sphinx growled, seeing the mark still visible on her nape, something that infuriated him even more. "He died..." So? Sphinx flared, barking dangerously, almost tampering with my own voice. "So?" I asked. "In a pack war. The alpha of the Bezos pack killed him and took the weak wolves of the pack as his work slaves. I barely escaped. It was a friend who saved me from the pack." How is that our business? Sphinx growled. "How is that our..." I gulped. Ah! I wouldn't repeat what this wo
"Watch where you're going," the man shouted as he continued on his way. Lily helped me up, and in an instant, I saw Leo grab the man by his jacket, shoving him against the wall of the nearest building. "Who sent you?" he asked through gritted teeth. The man's eyes widened, his chest rising and falling in fear and shock. "Do you have any idea who you just knocked to the ground?" "N-n-no," the man stuttered, his ragged breaths audible. I felt a pang of sympathy; he looked like he might wet his pants. "I'm so sorry. I should have watched where I was going. It's my fault," he pleaded. "You just disrespected the capo of Chicago." Leo tightened his grip. "What’s your name?" The man began to sweat, and I felt for him. He hadn’t committed a serious crime—he had simply bumped into me. "G-Gaith Keller," the frightened man stuttered. "Where do you live?" "Thompson Street, a few blocks away." Leo released Gaith, and he ran off so quickly that he vanished within seconds. "Are you alrig
I knew Amelia was going to do something silly after I overheard her conversation with her mum. I wrapped my arms around her and turned her back to the stairs. She kicked. She screamed. But I was too strong for her. "Let me go!" I ignored her and took her back to her room. I pushed her onto the bed and crouched over her. My hands pinned her arms to the bed while my legs held hers firmly as I forced her to look at me. Her lips quivered as she tried to fight back tears. "Cry all you want, Amelia. This is your life now. Don't try to escape it. I won't be merciful the next time." "You can do whatever you want! I am not afraid of you!" "You will be when I give you a taste of who I truly am." I gulped when my eyes moved to the bulge on her chest. I would wait. I slowly got down from her and took one more look at her. She was even more beautiful with her disheveled hair. "I have to take care of the Gaith who dares disrespect my property." "Let him be. Don't be a bloody killer," she beg
Thoughts flooded my mind as I drove home late that night. My heart felt heavy, and my throat seemed to constrict around a huge, spiky lump, trying to choke me. Was this truly how I would lose my second chance mate and remain mateless? Was I fated to be alone forever? How could I possibly get my mate, who was soon to be lawfully wedded to the most dangerous mafia leader in Chicago?If we can't get her peacefully, we'll get her forcefully, Sphinx grumbled.How do we get her forcefully? Can't you see she's someone's wife?Don't tell me you're cowering from a mere human! I won't lose my mate again! You have to fight for what belongs to you! I blamed the moon for placing me in such a complicated position. Even Amelia was scared. She couldn't even stand up to Lorenzo, let alone confront someone like me, who had no relationship with him whatsoever. How could I convince Amelia that she was my mate? Humans didn't understand what it meant to have a mate.Then convince her. Get her to love you.
Just jump! Jump down the cliff! I yelled at Sphinx, who was still trying to figure out a plan. I’d rather face the feral alpha than jump down the cliff. We don’t even know if there are other dangerous rogues down there! The rustling of leaves became much louder, forcing Sphinx to stay alert. The wolf's barking growls came even closer as he appeared from the thick covering of leaves. Then the alpha growled, loudly at first, until he began to whimper. Then I realized it. He was hurt. It was a painful growl. I looked down at his paw and noticed he was bleeding profusely, a strong iron trap embedded in his right paw. He had just stepped into a trap. Was it there when Sphinx passed? How had Sphinx managed to avoid it? I saw the trap, if that’s what you were thinking. He was just desperate and didn’t watch his step, Sphinx said. I sensed his pride as we watched the alpha struggle with the trap. The traps in the woods were set by wolf hunters—Operation Wipe Out Wolves. The alpha wolf whi
Neil's POVIt's almost a week now and I've been mourning him, loathing myself for his demise.I felt empty, weak and powerless as he was cremated six feet into the ground. I will bear this scar, this burden all my life, as the one who killed his brother. I can't come to accept any other truth, knowing this would not have happened if I had given thought to what mother said few weeks ago about my brother's disappearance. I should have gone in search of my brother and maybe I would have saved him earlier.But now, there seems to be more to this than just losing him to the monster I am yet to know. A monster that operates with shadow and is as dangerous as hell, capable of possessing the soul of a werewolf.I have to dig into this.Who are the 'they' that are coming? And why do they want to wipe all werewolves? His voice is still in my head.A thin line of tear rushed down my face as I stared at his grave; every werewolf in Castros pack had come to pay him their last respects, including m
Neil's POV"Scythe!!!" I screamed in fury with everything in me. The hairs on my body rose in anger. My blood was boiling and the only way to stop this is to have Scythe down and have him pay for everything he put the werewolves of Castros pack through."Scythe!!" I roared again. Heira was pacing angrily within me and any moment from now, he will push out.The air suddenly went still and an ominous silence fell among the ruins of the pack. Cold air suddenly rushed in from all sides and strange shadows began to take shape all around me. Scythe's power has increased judging from the last time. There are more larger and thicker lumps of shadow penetrating the air now. It was cloning itself... more than one Scythe stood before me, ready to attack."You called me." His voice was unusually deep and menacing, resounding like thunder in the environment. But I cared less, he can display an array of powers as much as he wants, but he is going down today.With gritted teeth, I pounced forward on
Neil's POVOne blissful, amazing night with my mate and we are both crawled into each other's arms. Her head rested on my chest while she slept. She is my mate, my Luna with a wolf spirit; a healer. Not only is she a werewolf now, she is also a healer. At once, I wished I had turned her earlier and Cole wouldn't have had to go through all of those things in Europe to save me from silver.I am proud of her; first she awakened her wolf successfully after one bite which was very rare, she was also blessed by the moon with such rare power. And I think that is only a tip of the power of blue wolves.As I mesmerized myself with the thought of what it would feel like finally presenting my mate to Castros pack, a voice suddenly screams into my head through the mind-link.Alpha! Where are you? The pack is in chaos! It was my beta, beta Damien.What's wrong? What's happening?It's the shadow assassin! The pack members are disbanding in fear. So many werewolves have been killed. We only managed
Amelia's POVShe was very focused and carefully navigated the woods like she had been here before. Also, she is very fast, I could tell by the amount of wind brushing past her fur. Neil was behind us... wait, not Neil. It's his wolf!I chuckled in excitement. It's getting interesting.Lydia is beautiful, I heard Neil in my head as our wolves sprinted through the wood's undergrowth.She's charming and very interesting. I love her already, I reply as I laughed. We were beating Neil and his wolf in the race. They can't keep up with us; Lydia is extremely fast.And she's unusually fast! Damn! Heira is struggling to match up to her speed! Neil complained and I took the honor to be proud. I heard his wolf purr as he increased his speed.Catch me if you can, Lydia screamed in excitement.We pounced ahead. But Lydia suddenly paused and turned to Heira.Ok, I think we have arrived the end of the game.I stretched my eyes and saw it's a dead end - a cliff. Heira swiftly transformed back to Neil
Amelia's POVMy whole body quaked even while Neil was licking the wound. His hot tongue flapped the bite marks but that didn't stop the storm I felt within. He pulled away and looked into my face. I thought he was going to let go, because he doesn't know when my wolf will arrive but instead his lips found mine.My lips quivered in his mouth as he kissed me, lips first until our tongues were almost set on fire. I could feel my thigh getting slicker as our mouths continued dancing with each other. Yet, my whole body was on fire; starting from the mark Neil has just placed on my neck to the very pit of my stomach. I began to feel so strange, so alien to my body. I gasped into Neil's mouth while he kissed me because the pains were almost choking me, but Neil's powerful arms held me steadily against his chest as he tried to ease the pains.My fingers dug into his back as it felt as if I could merge in with his body. The pains were throbbing my head and pounding in my chest, like my body wo
Amelia's POVI know my name is Amelia. I remember that face; the face I wake up with every morning, right on my mind. I remember his name; he is Neil Morreti. All the memories we ever shared all rushed into my mind; including the sex in the pool at Arkans. I remember he had saved me but I can't remember what happened that he needed to save me in Arkans. I remember that monster, Logan; he cut off my pinky and promised he would send it to Neil, which he did.One distinct thing I also remember is that Neil is not an ordinary human. He has a wolf; a dark haired wolf that is so strong.I couldn't stop myself from imagining what it felt like having a wolf that you could call on, even when you are in danger. I would speak to her, hear her thoughts and opinions and not a soul will know what we are discussing. I would make her my gist mate. I would smell things from afar, hear any little sound like I wish to, become terribly fast and my punch will be strong enough to break enough bones.That f
Amelia's POVI know my name is Amelia. I remember that face; the face I wake up with every morning, right on my mind. I remember his name; he is Neil Morreti. All the memories we ever shared all rushed into my mind; including the sex in the pool at Arkans. I remember he had saved me but I can't remember what happened that he needed to save me in Arkans. I remember that monster, Logan; he cut off my pinky and promised he would send it to Neil, which he did.One distinct thing I also remember is that Neil is not an ordinary human. He has a wolf; a dark haired wolf that is so strong.I couldn't stop myself from imagining what it felt like having a wolf that you could call on, even when you are in danger. I would speak to her, hear her thoughts and opinions and not a soul will know what we are discussing. I would make her my gist mate. I would smell things from afar, hear any little sound like I wish to, become terribly fast and my punch will be strong enough to break enough bones.That f
Neil's POVI was shocked to the bone marrow. Not once did Amelia stir as her eyes continued piercing mine inquisitively."Is he the bad guy who cut my finger with a knife and laughed while I cried?" She raised her stubby pinky to me and pouted her lips, ready to tear up.I was short of words. She remembered Logan, Karl, me and every other thing except Lorenzo. She doesn't remember the man who was ruthless and cruel to her in the name of marriage. She doesn't remember how he killed her parents or how he led her to the altar and proceeded with the marriage vows with her. She doesn't remember the mafia boss of Chicago, the one who married her for an heir and made life hard for her. She doesn't remember any of it.But seeing this situation, I am going to seize it. I will make sure she never remembers those horrible nightmares with Lorenzo. She will never remember that Lorenzo ever existed, that he ever lived in her life. And that he was her husband. I will make sure those nightmares are f
Neil's POVThe first thing I did was to get Amelia out of that hospital and take her with me back to America. Cole booked us a room in a hotel to stay and watch out for the time being. The situation in America about being the miscreant who took the lives of hundreds of workers in a refinery explosion hasn't been laid to rest yet. But I am not that bothered about it; now I have all that I want, an undisturbed life with my mate.It was late by the time we arrived America. Amelia was sleeping on my shoulder all through the flight. And she looked so weak and sick. The kind that moves me to pity, but it's not pity speaking. I am not pitying my mate. I am deeply concerned about her condition and if Neil Morreti will survive if he loses her. I'll become a shadow of myself and I may not be what you expect me to be anymore but; a loner who has lost control of his emotions and his whole self. I let her freshen up alone and treat herself to a nice meal.I took Amelia to watch the view around the