A week had passed since the incident, and Zenab was finally back home. Today, she was set to meet Emerald at last. It was also the day Sander planned to announce their upcoming wedding. They had postponed the announcement the previous week until Zenab had fully recovered, knowing she couldn't handle the media frenzy that would surely follow.Sander had visited Zenab daily while she was in the hospital, and they had finally signed their contract. The terms he proposed were fair, so Zenab had signed it without hesitation.'We're here.'Zenab read the text just as she heard a car pull into her driveway. Nervousness crept in about seeing Emerald. She had no idea what to expect. Would Emerald still resent her? Was she upset that Dave had compelled her to visit?The car door slammed, prompting Zenab to move. Grabbing her bag and keys, she opened her front door, locking it behind her. Turning around, she saw Dave striding toward her with palpable anger. Emerald remained in the car, absorbed
A surge of nervousness gripped her, worrying that Emerald might say no. The girl looked at her thoughtfully before breaking into a smile and nodding. Zenab exhaled a relieved sigh, releasing the breath she didn't realize she had been holding.Their food arrived, and they dug in. While the awkwardness lingered, it felt a bit more bearable. Zenab tried to convince herself that it would take time to restore their previous dynamic.Once they finished their meal, they prepared to leave after receiving a text from Jaymie saying she was waiting outside for them. Upon stepping outside, Zenab silently thanked the moon goddess that the paparazzi had dispersed.They made their way to the parking lot, but as they searched for Jaymie, Zenab turned around and bumped into a man."Sorry, I didn't see you..."Zenab couldn't finish her sentence before a man seized her by the neck, squeezing with a brutal grip. His fingers dug into her skin, cutting off her air supply. Emerald screamed, but Zenab doubte
A surge of nervousness gripped her, worrying that Emerald might say no. The girl looked at her thoughtfully before breaking into a smile and nodding. Zenab exhaled a relieved sigh, releasing the breath she didn't realize she had been holding.Their food arrived, and they dug in. While the awkwardness lingered, it felt a bit more bearable. Zenab tried to convince herself that it would take time to restore their previous dynamic.Once they finished their meal, they prepared to leave after receiving a text from Jaymie saying she was waiting outside for them. Upon stepping outside, Zenab silently thanked the moon goddess that the paparazzi had dispersed.They made their way to the parking lot, but as they searched for Jaymie, Zenab turned around and bumped into a man."Sorry, I didn't see you..."Zenab couldn't finish her sentence before a man seized her by the neck, squeezing with a brutal grip. His fingers dug into her skin, cutting off her air supply. Emerald screamed, but Zenab doubte
A surge of nervousness gripped her, worrying that Emerald might say no. The girl looked at her thoughtfully before breaking into a smile and nodding. Zenab exhaled a relieved sigh, releasing the breath she didn't realize she had been holding.Their food arrived, and they dug in. While the awkwardness lingered, it felt a bit more bearable. Zenab tried to convince herself that it would take time to restore their previous dynamic.Once they finished their meal, they prepared to leave after receiving a text from Jaymie saying she was waiting outside for them. Upon stepping outside, Zenab silently thanked the moon goddess that the paparazzi had dispersed.They made their way to the parking lot, but as they searched for Jaymie, Zenab turned around and bumped into a man."Sorry, I didn't see you..."Zenab couldn't finish her sentence before a man seized her by the neck, squeezing with a brutal grip. His fingers dug into her skin, cutting off her air supply. Emerald screamed, but Zenab doubte
The attack, combined with dealing with the paparazzi earlier and confronting Miles, had left her utterly drained. Exhaustion washed over her; she just wanted to close her eyes and sleep.Jaymie shook her head sympathetically. "I'm sorry for what happened today. Don't worry—we'll find out who's behind the attacks, and when we do, they'll wish they had never crossed you."Sometimes Zenab forgot that Jaymie was the female beta, and she often underestimated just how intimidating Jaymie could be.Offering a small smile, Zenab hugged Jaymie and thanked her for saving them. They exchanged goodbyes after promising that Zenab would call once she was home.After getting into her car with Emerald, they drove off in silence, both lost in their thoughts. Though it had ended poorly, it felt like a victory because Emerald hadn't pushed her away as Zenab had feared.They soon arrived at Dave's pack, and driving through the familiar streets stirred up unwanted memories—memories Zenab had tried hard to
"Would you please hold still?" Jaymie muttered, struggling to tie the laces of Zenab's wedding gown.Zenab's frustration erupted. "I can't!" she exclaimed. The day of her wedding had arrived, and she was a bundle of nerves, fidgeting uncontrollably, plagued by anxieties.The preceding week had flown by in a blur. Following the mall incident, she'd decided to design her own wedding gown, unwilling to risk another potentially dangerous shopping trip. Her company specialized in design; it was a logical solution to utilize her own employees' skills.Examining her reflection, Zenab was delighted with the result. She'd chosen a princess-style gown: a long-sleeved, high-necked illusion dress, adorned with rhinestones and delicately hand-sewn flowers."You look absolutely stunning," Jaymie whispered, her gaze reflecting Zenab's beauty. "Sander won't be able to take his eyes off you."Zenab grasped Jaymie's hand, squeezing it firmly. "Thank you, Jaymie."Indeed, she looked breathtaking. The dr
"You may now kiss the bride," hung in the air—a dread Sander had carried since the day began. He didn't do kisses. Never had, never would. He wasn't a virgin; he had sexual encounters, but that was the extent of it. His lips never touched a woman's body, a peck on Miles' cheek being the closest he'd come.The joyous guests erupted in cheers, eager for a display of affection—a display that wasn't going to happen. Sander stared at Zenab; her eyes were wide with panic, her mouth agape, like a deer caught in headlights. She was clearly unsure what to do, waiting for his cue.He wrapped an arm around her waist, his other hand cupping the back of her head. He smoothly swung her around, shielding them from the guests' view. This suited him perfectly.Instead of kissing her lips, he kissed her neck. Given their height difference, the guests wouldn't notice the deviation from a proper kiss. Their enthusiastic cheers confirmed their belief in the charade.A tremor ran through Zenab's body, caus
Zenab stared at Miles, a woman who'd been a constant irritant since her return. Her hatred burned fiercely, especially now, so close to restoring her and Red's normalcy, only to have Miles ruin it. Fury consumed her; "angry" was a vast understatement."You can't mark her. I won't allow it," Miles insisted."Where do you get off thinking you can allow me to do anything?" Sander retorted coldly, causing Miles to flinch, her bravado dissolving.They were surrounded by Sander's pack, none of whom seemed to welcome Miles. Growls and menacing stares indicated a readiness to attack. Miles must have been truly reprehensible to inspire such animosity.Sander stood beside Zenab, unfazed, his gaze cool and calculating. While outwardly calm, Zenab knew the beast within—a predator poised to strike unexpectedly."Zenab!"Dave's voice cut through the night. He looked like a charging bull, having likely shifted to reach them so quickly—or perhaps he'd been nearby.He joined them, protectively envelop
Meanwhile, Dave remained in Sander's territory, staring into the void. The incident—Zenab's outburst and attack on Miles—had concluded. Zenab had been sedated and taken to their room, while Miles had been consigned to the pack dungeon. A profound coldness enveloped him. He felt utterly lost. How had things reached this point? He'd believed he possessed everything—his mate and daughter—only to discover it was a cruel deception. How could Miles betray him like this? He'd trusted her, given her a second chance after she'd chosen Sander a decade ago. Yet she cheated on him. How could everything unravel so completely? He heard footsteps, but remained leaning against the balcony, staring into the endless night. "You alright, Dave?" Brennan, his beta and Jaymie's mate, asked. How could he answer? He was adrift, unable to define his emotions. Was this normal—this emotional paralysis after such a devastating event? He felt numb yet raw with pain. "I don't know, man...I just don'
Zenab stared at Miles, a woman who'd been a constant irritant since her return. Her hatred burned fiercely, especially now, so close to restoring her and Red's normalcy, only to have Miles ruin it. Fury consumed her; "angry" was a vast understatement."You can't mark her. I won't allow it," Miles insisted."Where do you get off thinking you can allow me to do anything?" Sander retorted coldly, causing Miles to flinch, her bravado dissolving.They were surrounded by Sander's pack, none of whom seemed to welcome Miles. Growls and menacing stares indicated a readiness to attack. Miles must have been truly reprehensible to inspire such animosity.Sander stood beside Zenab, unfazed, his gaze cool and calculating. While outwardly calm, Zenab knew the beast within—a predator poised to strike unexpectedly."Zenab!"Dave's voice cut through the night. He looked like a charging bull, having likely shifted to reach them so quickly—or perhaps he'd been nearby.He joined them, protectively envelop
"You may now kiss the bride," hung in the air—a dread Sander had carried since the day began. He didn't do kisses. Never had, never would. He wasn't a virgin; he had sexual encounters, but that was the extent of it. His lips never touched a woman's body, a peck on Miles' cheek being the closest he'd come.The joyous guests erupted in cheers, eager for a display of affection—a display that wasn't going to happen. Sander stared at Zenab; her eyes were wide with panic, her mouth agape, like a deer caught in headlights. She was clearly unsure what to do, waiting for his cue.He wrapped an arm around her waist, his other hand cupping the back of her head. He smoothly swung her around, shielding them from the guests' view. This suited him perfectly.Instead of kissing her lips, he kissed her neck. Given their height difference, the guests wouldn't notice the deviation from a proper kiss. Their enthusiastic cheers confirmed their belief in the charade.A tremor ran through Zenab's body, caus
"Would you please hold still?" Jaymie muttered, struggling to tie the laces of Zenab's wedding gown.Zenab's frustration erupted. "I can't!" she exclaimed. The day of her wedding had arrived, and she was a bundle of nerves, fidgeting uncontrollably, plagued by anxieties.The preceding week had flown by in a blur. Following the mall incident, she'd decided to design her own wedding gown, unwilling to risk another potentially dangerous shopping trip. Her company specialized in design; it was a logical solution to utilize her own employees' skills.Examining her reflection, Zenab was delighted with the result. She'd chosen a princess-style gown: a long-sleeved, high-necked illusion dress, adorned with rhinestones and delicately hand-sewn flowers."You look absolutely stunning," Jaymie whispered, her gaze reflecting Zenab's beauty. "Sander won't be able to take his eyes off you."Zenab grasped Jaymie's hand, squeezing it firmly. "Thank you, Jaymie."Indeed, she looked breathtaking. The dr
The attack, combined with dealing with the paparazzi earlier and confronting Miles, had left her utterly drained. Exhaustion washed over her; she just wanted to close her eyes and sleep.Jaymie shook her head sympathetically. "I'm sorry for what happened today. Don't worry—we'll find out who's behind the attacks, and when we do, they'll wish they had never crossed you."Sometimes Zenab forgot that Jaymie was the female beta, and she often underestimated just how intimidating Jaymie could be.Offering a small smile, Zenab hugged Jaymie and thanked her for saving them. They exchanged goodbyes after promising that Zenab would call once she was home.After getting into her car with Emerald, they drove off in silence, both lost in their thoughts. Though it had ended poorly, it felt like a victory because Emerald hadn't pushed her away as Zenab had feared.They soon arrived at Dave's pack, and driving through the familiar streets stirred up unwanted memories—memories Zenab had tried hard to
A surge of nervousness gripped her, worrying that Emerald might say no. The girl looked at her thoughtfully before breaking into a smile and nodding. Zenab exhaled a relieved sigh, releasing the breath she didn't realize she had been holding.Their food arrived, and they dug in. While the awkwardness lingered, it felt a bit more bearable. Zenab tried to convince herself that it would take time to restore their previous dynamic.Once they finished their meal, they prepared to leave after receiving a text from Jaymie saying she was waiting outside for them. Upon stepping outside, Zenab silently thanked the moon goddess that the paparazzi had dispersed.They made their way to the parking lot, but as they searched for Jaymie, Zenab turned around and bumped into a man."Sorry, I didn't see you..."Zenab couldn't finish her sentence before a man seized her by the neck, squeezing with a brutal grip. His fingers dug into her skin, cutting off her air supply. Emerald screamed, but Zenab doubte
A surge of nervousness gripped her, worrying that Emerald might say no. The girl looked at her thoughtfully before breaking into a smile and nodding. Zenab exhaled a relieved sigh, releasing the breath she didn't realize she had been holding.Their food arrived, and they dug in. While the awkwardness lingered, it felt a bit more bearable. Zenab tried to convince herself that it would take time to restore their previous dynamic.Once they finished their meal, they prepared to leave after receiving a text from Jaymie saying she was waiting outside for them. Upon stepping outside, Zenab silently thanked the moon goddess that the paparazzi had dispersed.They made their way to the parking lot, but as they searched for Jaymie, Zenab turned around and bumped into a man."Sorry, I didn't see you..."Zenab couldn't finish her sentence before a man seized her by the neck, squeezing with a brutal grip. His fingers dug into her skin, cutting off her air supply. Emerald screamed, but Zenab doubte
A surge of nervousness gripped her, worrying that Emerald might say no. The girl looked at her thoughtfully before breaking into a smile and nodding. Zenab exhaled a relieved sigh, releasing the breath she didn't realize she had been holding.Their food arrived, and they dug in. While the awkwardness lingered, it felt a bit more bearable. Zenab tried to convince herself that it would take time to restore their previous dynamic.Once they finished their meal, they prepared to leave after receiving a text from Jaymie saying she was waiting outside for them. Upon stepping outside, Zenab silently thanked the moon goddess that the paparazzi had dispersed.They made their way to the parking lot, but as they searched for Jaymie, Zenab turned around and bumped into a man."Sorry, I didn't see you..."Zenab couldn't finish her sentence before a man seized her by the neck, squeezing with a brutal grip. His fingers dug into her skin, cutting off her air supply. Emerald screamed, but Zenab doubte
A week had passed since the incident, and Zenab was finally back home. Today, she was set to meet Emerald at last. It was also the day Sander planned to announce their upcoming wedding. They had postponed the announcement the previous week until Zenab had fully recovered, knowing she couldn't handle the media frenzy that would surely follow.Sander had visited Zenab daily while she was in the hospital, and they had finally signed their contract. The terms he proposed were fair, so Zenab had signed it without hesitation.'We're here.'Zenab read the text just as she heard a car pull into her driveway. Nervousness crept in about seeing Emerald. She had no idea what to expect. Would Emerald still resent her? Was she upset that Dave had compelled her to visit?The car door slammed, prompting Zenab to move. Grabbing her bag and keys, she opened her front door, locking it behind her. Turning around, she saw Dave striding toward her with palpable anger. Emerald remained in the car, absorbed