JESSICA'S POV~
As I slept, a strange sensation crept over me, unlike anything I had felt in a long time. A terrifying discomfort coursed through my body, and I struggled to open my eyes, but they remained sealed shut. No matter how much I willed my body to awaken, I could only toss and turn helplessly in bed, lost in the throes of this strange, unsettling feeling.
Fear gripped me as I began to wonder if I was dying. My heart raced, and the sense of dread grew stronger with each passing moment. Lying there, feeling utterly helpless and terrified, I desperately tried to break free from the clutches of this nightmare.
After what felt like an eternity, my eyes finally fluttered open. I lay in my bed, panting and drenched in sweat. What was going on?
Relieved to be free from the nightmarish experience, I slowly turned to find the other side of the bed empty and cold.
Has Kaegan been gone for long?
Disappointment gnawed at my soul, but I was used to it. He usually woke me up to make his meals, but this time he went away quietly.
I swallowed the bitter taste forming in my mouth, slowly got out of bed, put on my robe, and left the room.
Upon reaching the living room, I paused in my tracks when I found him sitting on one of the sofas, focused on his laptop. He was dressed in casual wear which made my eyes slightly widen.
"Good morning," I greeted him, only to see him swiftly snap his gaze toward me, which was... odd.
His expression tightened, and I wondered if something had gone wrong.
When he didn't answer for a few seconds, simply staring at me as if I were an alien, I gulped in unease, preparing to disappear.
But then, Keagan suddenly spoke. "Good morning. Did you sleep well?" he asked stiffly. For a moment, I was at a loss for words.
I blinked at him repeatedly, unsure if my ears and eyes were deceiving me. I couldn't remember the last time Keagan had asked me about my well-being or even looked at me with such intensity.
My heart fluttered, and I bit the inside of my cheek to restrain the wide smile threatening to break forth on my lips.
"Yes, I slept well," I answered softly, feeling a mixture of surprise and cautiousness, pulling the strands of my flowing hair strands behind my ear.
Keagan didn't bother to say anything more. He hummed before returning his gaze to his laptop. "Go ahead and cook for me, then."
My smile faltered slightly at his aloofness, but I reminded myself that this was progress—Keagan was slowly warming up to me again.
With newfound energy, I eagerly went to the kitchen to prepare an appetizing breakfast for him. I tasted and re-tasted the dishes, ensuring that every flavor was perfect. I longed for Keagan to hum in satisfaction, perhaps even praise me, although I knew it was impossible for him to compliment me.
I made a delectable breakfast consisting of creamy scrambled eggs garnished with chives, crispy bacon, savory sausages, buttered toast, and perfectly seasoned potatoes. I carefully set the dish on the dining table where he patiently waited.
"Are you going to the office later in the day?" I asked, gently placing the meal before him.
"No," came his only response. I simply nodded.
Stepping away to let him eat, he began to dig in without a word. Still, I felt immensely happy knowing he would stay home with me today. At least I would get to spend an entire day with him without him disappearing on me.
I nearly giggled in excitement at the prospect of having Keagan's company for the day.
"Oh, here you guys are!"
My gaze shifted to the doorway, where Emma stood with a growing smile on her lips as she approached the table.
I had no idea if it was an illusion, but I thought I saw Keagan instantly go tense at her arrival.
"I could smell that wonderful breakfast all the way from the hall! Girl, I moaned," she exclaimed, clapping her hands in delight. I didn't know how to respond, so I simply smiled at her words.
"Good morning, Alpha Keagan," she greeted before joining Keagan at the table.
I helped scoop some food onto her plate as well, not wanting Emma to suspect our strained relationship.
We continued to eat quietly, no one volunteering to break the silence.
"So, Jessie..." Emma suddenly spoke up when she was halfway through her meal. "I was wondering if we could go on any fun outings. A girl's day out. It's been so long since I've left the country. Pretty please? I know it might be bothersome, but I'm so bored."
My heart skipped a beat. How long had it been since Keagan and I had gone on a date or a casual outing together? My face flushed with shame as I noticed Keagan had stopped eating, his silence only fueling my anxiety. I was scared that Keagan might say something that would trigger Emma's suspicion.
I felt sweat beading on my brow, my grip tightening around the cutlery.
"Emma..." I started to speak, but Keagan interrupted me by clearing his throat. My chest tightened with unease.
"Of course. In fact, why don't we all go out together? Yes?" he suggested, much to my surprise.
My mouth fell open slightly in shock. I couldn't believe Keagan had so readily agreed to her request—just like that?
I remained silent, focusing on the food on my plate as Emma chattered excitedly, thanking Keagan for his generosity.
I couldn't even process what was happening.
A few hours after breakfast, Keagan was already dressed and ready to drive us to wherever Emma deemed a 'fun' place. I felt uncertain about my appearance since I hadn't felt like myself lately. I put on a simple black dress, applied some nude lipstick, and added a bit of concealer under my eyes to cover the dark circles.
"Where are we going?" I whispered to Keagan, noticing his gaze on my outfit. He didn't complain or compliment me; instead, he turned and started down the stairs, and I followed.
"To the park. We can enjoy some rides; I'm sure Emma will like it," he said before descending the last stairs.
My steps faltered as I considered his words. He was thinking about Emma and her preferences. What about me?
I descended the stairs and headed straight for the garage, only to find Keagan helping Emma into the front passenger seat—the seat I should have been sitting in. My heart instantly felt heavy.
What on earth was going on?
I approached the car, drawing their attention. Emma turned to face me, while Keagan was busy typing away on his phone, probably informing his men or his cruel mother about our plans.
"Hey," Emma called out. "Do you mind if I sit here for a while, please? Just for today? I've been dealing with motion sickness lately, and I don't want to feel cold or clammy, or nausea hitting me. Please, best friend?" She made that puppy-eyed expression that always melted my heart.
My mouth opened to refuse her, but I stopped myself, not wanting to hurt her feelings. The idea of another woman sitting close to my husband while I sat far away, watching them, made me incredibly uncomfortable.
I mean, who the heck would be okay with that?
I felt like I was spiraling into turmoil, and Keagan seemed entirely unconcerned. He spared me a bored glance, waiting for my decision, before starting the car.
Recognizing that Keagan's patience was wearing thin and not wanting him to snap, I nodded reluctantly, like a drenched puppy, and slid into the back seat of the Range Rover SUV.
We began our journey, with Keagan blasting music according to Emma's wishes. I watched with growing discomfort as Emma continuously chatted with Keagan, who never seemed to be tired of their conversation. I couldn't help but feel bitter.
I knew how nervous and scared I became when attempting to converse with Keagan. His mood was always foul around me; he detested my presence and only sought me out when he desired sex. My eyes stung with a painful intensity.
Keep those emotions in, Jessica!
Your best friend is here!
I hated how I was too emotional.
I observed Emma as she continued asking questions, while Keagan patiently answered each one. To an outsider, it would seem that Keagan was deeply in love with Emma, and I couldn't help but question my own sanity. Was it true?
No! I was overthinking way too much.
I watched as Emma turned to look at me through the rearview mirror. As our eyes met, the smile on her face vanished. Emma glanced back at me from her seat, concern etched on her features.
"Are you alright, Jess?" she asked, sensing my unease with the nickname she had given me. "Are you good?"
What was I supposed to say? Lie by saying Yes? And tell her I was happy to see her steal my husband's attention away from me? Or tell her the truth by saying No—that I wanted her ass kicked out of this car right this instant?
I didn't give her an immediate answer; instead, I fixed her with a hard stare and watched as her features grew uncomfortable. Memories began to flood my mind, reminding me of how Emma had taken special care of me on numerous occasions. I recalled Emma's kindness, and how she had saved me several times. I let out a sigh, frustrated at myself for feeling so angry at her.
I didn't know what would have happened to me if Emma hadn't been there to save me from bullies during our high school days. If Emma hadn't confronted those kids at school, the bullying would have only gotten worse, but Emma put a stop to it.
Even in college, Emma had been there, always having my back. I felt indebted to her. My identity as an Omega had made the bullying even more intense. I couldn't breathe without feeling anxious; I couldn't feel at peace around anyone at school. They were either taunting me or planning to beat me up. I felt utterly pathetic. That had been my experience until my junior year.
In my senior year of high school, I met Emma, who didn't mind having lunch with me—a first for me. No one had ever bothered to get close to me before.
And since then, no one has dared to bully me. She had been my only true friend in school. In an effort to return her kind gestures, I made sure to buy her favorite cake whenever I could, even if it was the last of my money.
So I quickly shook my head with a small smile. "I'm good, Emma. Just a little discomfort in my stomach, that's all."
She scrutinized me for a moment before nodding slowly, turning her gaze away from me and back to the road. She resumed her conversation with Keagan.
"You know, Alpha Keagan, I need to tell you a lot about Jessica and me..." Emma started, making me feel uneasy.
She began to share stories of our adventures in school with Keagan. She talked about how she had been scared of spiders and fallen into a large hole filled with thousands of them, and how I had hurriedly saved her.
She continued chattering about the time we had sneaked out of school at her request and enjoyed the most delicious ice cream ever.
I stared at Keagan through the rearview mirror and noticed him give a small smile and occasionally nod. I didn't want to see any more of his reactions, so I looked out the window, focusing on the passing scenery.
"So I'm curious," Keagan said, causing me to snap my gaze back to him. "How come you're an Alpha's daughter and still made friends with an Omega?"
My jaw clenched at his question.
Emma laughed before shrugging. "I think I fell in love with the cakes Jessica would give me," she teased.
I didn't know whether to smile at that or not.
"So how come you chose Jessica out of all the women in your league?" Emma shot back a question, and I shifted uncomfortably in my seat.
Keagan tapped the steering wheel before responding. "Jessica and I are mates."
Emma gasped in shock before glancing at me and then turning to Keagan.
"I'm sorry, but I can't believe an Omega can be mates with an Alpha," she said.
I should have been angry at her words, but I knew she was right. Deep down, I had no mate sense or pull towards Keagan. We were in this mess of a mate situation because I had drugged him.
But for how long could things continue like this before everything changed?
JESSICA'S POV~Ever since we returned from the ride, I couldn't find peace within myself anymore. Emma's words continued echoing in my mind, despite my attempts to push them away.I paced back and forth, accidentally dropping things and creating a mess in the room as I was lost in my troubling thoughts.What if Keagan discovered that I had drugged him and induced the mating sense? What if he found out that all the attraction he felt towards me was fake and caused by the love drugs? What on earth was I supposed to do?I no longer had access to those drugs because they were banned, and I had only obtained them through my mother. Now that she had been dead for two years, after my marriage to Keagan, which had helped me become a Luna despite my Omega identity, I felt even more terrible.I had thought our relationship would be filled with games, but I never anticipated that I would fall deeply in love with Keagan.My eyes welled up, and my heart clenched painfully, causing me to almost whe
JESSICA'S POV/~After our long, sensual night, I felt really relaxed and happy when Keagan came inside me. My sadness and problems seemed to go away and I slept very well, better than I had in two years.Morning quickly approached and I wished I could stop it from approaching too fast. I woke up and yawned, turning to the other side of the bed to find Keagan. But the bed was empty and cold, which told me that Keagan had left a long time ago. My heart dipped into my stomach, making the sleep in my eyes disappear instantly. My face fell, and I could feel my eyes lose their shine. I pressed my lips together and closed my eyes, trying to keep the painful feelings in my heart under control. What was I thinking? Was I expecting Keagan to be the caring husband he had been two years ago when I clearly knew what I had done to make him love me?I quickly opened my eyes again and let out a sigh. Climbing out of bed, I slipped on my flip-flops just as the bedroom door opened once more, reveali
JESSICA'S POV ~I felt like I was slowly dying. My respiratory system was failing me; all I could do was sag against the wall and stare at the people who were staring at me as if they had seen a ghost. My vision slowly turned blurry. I could barely see them anymore, but the pain in my heart told me this was all real. It was clearly happening!All my life, all I wanted was to have Keagan all to myself. I had done the abominable, drugged him, and suffered for years just to make sure he was mine. And yet... And yet... I broke into a sob, and then another. More followed. I cupped my mouth with both hands, feeling my body furiously shake.What was going on?My world was shattering right in front of my eyes, and I was so helpless to even stop it. Keagan quickly pushed away from Emma, his face pale. Emma yipped before sliding down the desk, perhaps to cover up her nakedness. I watched Keagan slowly pick up his pants and begin to buckle up, and I just stood there like an idiot, watching.E
KEAGAN'S POV ~I walked with heavy strides, my hand encircling Emma's wrist as we made our way out of my office. My employees, who had been casually chatting, scattered upon seeing me, hastily returning to their posts and duties. I paid no attention to any of them, my sole focus on getting away from Jessica and the burning sensation in my heart.I led Emma, who had remained silent, to the Range Rover's passenger seat. After shutting her door, I prepared to slide into the driver's seat when I paused.Images of Jessica sprawled on the cold tiles crept back into my memory. My breath hitched as I recalled the broken expression on her face. She had been a completely unrecognizable person at that moment. I attempted to soothe my aching heart, to convince myself that my Alpha duties took precedence over our relationship. I pushed the image of Jessica from my mind and slid into the car, driving away from the company."Are you okay, Keagan?" Emma's voice broke the silence in the car.I said
A few days laterJESSICA'S POV ~The deafening sound of the alarm jolted me awake, causing me to groan in utter fury and frustration. With my eyes still shut, my hands fumbled to locate the source of the noise but couldn't find it."Ugh!" I groaned, crawling out of bed to silence the alarm. My hand slammed down on it, and the device crashed to the floor.My head throbbed as if it were made of lead. It felt like a thousand hammers were pounding against my skull, and the pain only intensified with each passing moment. I grimaced, clenching my teeth in agony."Shit!" I cursed, placing my head between my thighs. My gaze landed on the endless empty cans of alcohol scattered around me, and I grimaced again.It was then that I realized I hadn't showered since the day I locked myself in here. I looked like a homeless beggar. I raised my head and caught sight of my reflection in the guest room mirror—where I had locked up myself and cringed badly. My eyes were puffy, and the mascara smeared a
EMMA'S POV~"I've always dreamed of my son getting married in Paris," Sofia mused as she munched on the cookies I had baked. "Once you've chosen a date, I'd love to make that happen for you two."We were watching my favorite modeling show, and I had just expressed my long-term dream of becoming an actress. I was overjoyed when Sofia, Keagan's mother, promised to support me in pursuing my dream career.However, hearing her talk about my marriage to Keagan instantly dampened my mood. The truth was, that Keagan had planned for me to be the mother of his children, but he had never mentioned making me his Luna. It frustrated me to no end.I gave her a stiff nod, my appetite for the cookies and interest in the show dissipating."Are you alright, dear?" Sofia asked, a concerned expression on her face. "You're biting your lips." Her brow rose, and I quickly forced a smile."Yes, Mum. I'm fine." She hummed and looked away, and as soon as she did, my forced smile vanished."This bitch has been
JESSICA'S POV ~I stared at my reflection in the mirror, shocked by the swelling on my face, as though I had been beaten mercilessly. My lips curled into a self-loathing sneer as I picked up the heating pad beside me and began dabbing it on the spot where Sofia had slapped me twice.I despised being a lowly omega despite my years of effort to elevate my rank and appear strong; still, my build remained the same. My body functions continued to act like an omega, and couldn't quickly heal, I was almost a human and it was utterly disgusting to me. I longed for a moment when I could tear my skin off, hoping my omega traits would disappear, even if only temporarily.I never expected the shock I received today. No, it wasn't the slap that shocked me but Emma revealing my long-hidden secret to Keagan and his family. I thought I would die on the spot. I remembered how my heart had lurched into my throat, my stomach had knotted, and how I wished to vanish into thin air at that moment.I recalle
EMMA'S POV~Nothing was more humiliating than your nemesis, seeing you at your weakest. That Bitch! She heard the doctor tell the family that I was now barren. It felt like I had taken over her curse. Even watching Keagan’s mother beat her up after dragging her out from behind the curtain by her hair did nothing to take the pain in my heart away. Now, I was all alone in this hospital room, stuck in my bed with no idea if Keagan and Jessica were making up. I was under no illusion that Keagan wanted nothing more than an heir from me. His heart belonged to Jessica. I was just a means to an end for him. My eyes burned with unshed tears.There was nothing I could feel but utter numbness and bitterness. I stared at the I.V. strings connected to my veins with a needle, and all I could feel was loathing—a pure loathing not directed at me but at Jessica. It was her fucking fault. What if Sofia was right, and Jessica had cast a spell on me or tampered with my car to get back at me? Common sens
Hi guys! I'm so sorry! I was checking the book file on G****e doc and realized I skipped a chapter between chapter ninety seven and ninety eight! ༼;´༎ຶ ༎ຶ༽ Because of how crazy the deletion would be, I decided to upload the missing chapter in this note (I.e for free.) It would mean the world if you could go back to read chapter ninety seven for a quick refresh and then read the original chapter ninety eight in this note so the progression of events won't be confusing. I'm so sorry!ಥ_ಥ MISSED CHAPTER Jessica’s P.O.V –I am leaving Rosario for a week. Sry for making you wait last night. I read that text for what seemed to be hundredth time, the familiar knot in my stomach tightening. That same one that had been there since he stood me up at dinner three nights ago. It made zero sense. How he just up and left. Ryder hadn’t even shown up for his shoots, according to his manager. But in the grand scheme of things, I probably shouldn’t be worried. Ryder was fine or he wou
Keagan’s P.O.VA mistake but a necessary one. I gave you want in return for you to find Ryder. So you will find him for me…The words would be stuck in my head for days and I really wasn’t concerned about it. What bugged me was how they coiled tight around my heart, choking me of my next breath until it hurt to take in oxygen. Of course, she thought I was a mistake. It was expected. I’ve only caused her hurt. I knew all of this yet those words rattled in my chest like poison. Fuck, today just like the night of my children’s party was one of the times I should have kept my mouth shut. But when she fucking taunted me like that…saying that I wasn’t a nice guy…and I never did anything nice for anyone except it benefitted me. She wasn’t wrong…nor was she fucking right. It’s just…I hated that tone…and it fed the dark monster in me until I gave in to that hunger that had been clawing under my skin since she parked in front of my gate. Besides, she’d smelt of that fucker. His fucking scent
Jessica’s P.O.VI whimpered at the implications of his words. “No,” I said, but my hands were pulling Keagan closer, tighter against my neck. He’d just asked to fuck me and then seal it with a mating mark. Even if we no longer had a bond… sex that ended with a mating mark was just as potent.The world was spinning, and my mind, and my inhibitions were quickly draining away. No. no. no. my body shivered with pleasure. Fuck, Keagan’s stubble felt heavenly against my neck.The alpha sucked hard on the mark on my neck, soaking me deep in his own scent so that not even a single whiff of Ryder was left on me. “Push me away.” Keagan gritted against me. “Push me away, damn you Jess. I want to be a better man. I promised. I wanna fucking stay away from you!”But I didn’t….couldn’t. My hands moved down to fumble with Keagan’s zipper and the next thing I knew, I had hard, hot flesh in my hand. Keagan’s cock. My husband’s cock. Fuck. a voice in my head screamed at me to stop, but I couldn’t.I st
Jessica’s P.O.VI stepped into the dark study, my eyes struggling to adjust to the odd dim light. I wanted to ask why it was so black in here but I was a stranger in Keagan’s space. After everything that had happened between us, I’d best not push it.As my vision adjusted to the darkness, I finally saw Keagan. He was sprawled in his chair behind the massive mahogany desk, a cigarette dangling from his lips as his eyes closed in concentration. Keagan looked absolutely delicious in his black shirt and tailored pants, his tanned throat bobbing sexily as he inhaled. But I couldn’t shake the feeling of irritation that he didn’t even stir when I entered the room. I knew he fucking knew I was here. After the way he’d shamelessly chased after me, well I didn’t expect to be on the receiving end of his icy attitude.I stopped in front of him and the asshole didn’t even move. He only continued smoking, his thick honey-blonde lashes slowly lifting and fixing stunning obsidian eyes on me. They we
Jessica’s P.O.VThere was only one explanation but I refused to believe it, to even consider it for a moment. Yet as another day went by with a few posts from Ryder, his signature mystery mask worn in a luxurious room, location undecipherable, I started to consider it.Ryder stole. Ryder was a thief. He absconded with the money from Elsa and her boyfriend John, whom I met this morning. John was…very plain-looking and pretty unremarkable. He had a face I could come across on a run and never remember. Not that it was bad…it was just my observation. Usually, I wouldn’t have given him a second glance, but for one, he was my boyfriend’s agent. Secondly, Elsa really seemed to love him. She kept clinging to him and bursting into tears until he left her alone with me in my hotel suite, saying he had a few errands to run.I felt awful and incredibly sorry for her. She didn’t deserve this.‘And neither do you.’ a voice whispered in my head, making me shiver. It was crazy how disconnected I felt
Jessica’s P.O.V I woke up to the warm rays of sunlight peeking through the curtains, stretching my arms above my head. A soft yawn escaped my lips as I arched my back, biting back a smile when I felt a slight soreness between my legs. Wow. I did it. I allowed Sylvia to consummate her mating bond with Ryder. It was like their bodies were made for each other…and last night I had felt like a third party, having an out-of-body experience as I watched Sylvia sleep with her mate. I really feel like I did the right thing so what is this odd feeling of wrongness that won’t stop clinging to me? As I sat up, the sheets slid off, and I felt a gentle breeze caress my bare skin. I shivered instantly, pulling the sheets back up. Where did I put my clothes? I wondered. Then realized that the space next to me was empty. Where was Ryder? Swinging my legs over the side of the bed, I planted my feet firmly on the ground. Could he be in the kitchen? Well, there was only one way to find out. I stood
Keagan’s P.O.VMy blood ran cold and I gripped the steering wheel so tightly, my knuckles turning white. Shit. oh fuck. I almost swerved off the road, the car fishtailing dangerously as I fought to regain control.“Is…is she okay?” I demanded as my voice grew strained, cold sweat appearing on my brows.“She’s being treated by the school’s nurse, but we think she might need stitches. The bleeding just won’t stop. We’ve already called an ambulance and it’s best if you meet us at the hospital.”Then she hung up.I slammed on the brakes, the tires screeching against the pavement. My heart pounded in my ears as I turned the car around, ignoring the swears and curses from the drivers I almost collided head-on into. I had to get to her now. Jessica, my half-assed plan —all of it faded into insignificance, Mina was my fucking priority now.When I arrived at the hospital, I was met by Mina’s class teacher. She looked pale and fearful, making the knots in my stomach tighten even harder. I grabb
Keagan’s P.O.VThe sun cast long, dancing shadows across the manicured lawn as my children chased each other, their laughter echoing through the air. A pang of hurt shot through me, that familiar ache in my chest that I’d grown accustomed to over. I yearned to join my children, rebond with them after I’d abruptly yelled at them over dinner last night. But they might request me to shift so I could play chase with them where the beast in my wolf form would chase them around. They were very attached to my wolf and whilst most men shook in fear at its sight, Mina always giggled and poked at his fur, saying he looked like a big puppy. That was the only reason Mina and Liam didn’t ask for a pet while growing up. I, in my wolf form, was their pet.A sad smile curled my lips downward as I continued to watch them. This was all my fault.My gaze soon drifted to the sprawling gardens and the sparkling pool at the back that was currently covered with an automatic pool lid to make it kid-safe. I d
Jessica’s P.O.VThe knock on the door shattered the cozy atmosphere, making me pause my show with my brows pulling into a slight knot. Glancing up at the door, I tossed the remote in my hand away and called out, “Ryder, did you order something?”Ryder’s voice floated from the bathroom. “No, I didn’t?”A sigh rose to my lips and I stood up, wrapping myself in a robe to cover my thin nightgown. As I approached the door, the knock sounded again, more insistent this time. I peered through the keyhole, but the fish-eye lens revealed only an empty hallway. What the…?I turned to leave but the knock echoed again.My irritation grew and I yanked the door open, ready to rip into the pesky room service person.But it wasn’t a uniformed hotel attendant by my door.Keagan stood in the doorway, his ruggedly handsome face scowling at me, like it had since morning. I swallowed hard, my heart skipping a beat when our eyes locked.“What are you doing here?” I forced out through suddenly dried lips. I