Keagan’s P.O.V“How does one ‘mistakenly’ slash oneself with a knife five times, Keagan?” Emma mused softly as she removed the gauze on my shoulder. I flinched slightly as the cool air from the air conditioning hit the aggravated spot. “It's almost as if you…wanted to die.”“Shut up and just change the damned bandages Emma, or you can leave.” I snapped, closing my eyes with a soft hiss when she wiped the wounds with antiseptic cotton wool. “For once keagan, you need my help, it wouldn’t kill you to be polite.” Emma’s finger suddenly slipped into my badly healing wound, making my eyes snap back open as white-hot pain exploded behind my lids. “Shit, I’m so sorry, babe, my hands slipped,” she explained, wide-eyed as blood began spilling again from the gash.I just batted her hands away with clenched teeth and began cleaning up myself. “Get out.” I bit at her when she stood uselessly at the edge of my bed. Thank fuck she obeyed this time and left. I could finally breathe as the door qui
Keagan’s P.O.VI sat at the head of the conference table, my face impassive and cold, betraying nothing of the frustration brimming under my skin.Few could probably guess that I wasn’t paying any attention to the meeting but it was a small comfort.“...as you see, Mr. Hall, everything is in order. The ad campaign truly was the most impressive decision you ever made. The sales are outrageous….”The manager of the perfume factory was still saying something, but I could barely hear what the man was saying, the persistent, maddening itch in my brain making it difficult to focus.Fuck, have you ever had a feeling that there was something crucial you needed to remember but it just remained fucking blank. It was like a memory out of reach, tantalizingly close yet maddeningly elusive.I tried to focus on the PowerPoint presentation projected onto the screen but my thoughts kept returning to the night before. Ryder’s house, the taste of liquor burning my throat. But everything beyond waking u
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
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
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
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
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.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
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