"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 recognized the familiar citrus scent when she heard the door open, a clear sign that Dave had arrived home. She remained seated, not bothering to stand. What was the point? She was well aware that he wouldn't appreciate the gesture or even desire it.Zenab was taken aback by Dave's return. She seldom saw him these days and when their paths crossed, he often ignored, avoided, or lashed out at her. His absences grew so frequent that Zenab sometimes forgot she had a husband. Only the constant ache in her heart reminded her that she shared her life with someone—a mate who no longer desired her.Dave's footsteps approached the dining room. Zenab sat at the table, cradling a cup in her hands. She didn't look up as he got closer, nor when he stopped nearby. He tossed some documents onto the table, prompting Zenab to finally raise her eyes."What are these?" she asked cautiously, meeting his dark, cold gaze. His expression was one of indifference, a stark contrast to the man who had env
It shattered Zenab's heart to think that her own daughter no longer referred to her as "Mommy." These days, she was merely known as "her," as if reduced to the status of a servant in her own family.Dave's eyes softened as he looked at their daughter, Emerald. "Go to my room, honey. I'll be there soon, and then we can leave," he said tenderly.Their shared love for Emerald was the only common ground left between Zenab and Dave. Emerald was the perfect blend of both parents, with her reddish-brown hair—a heritage of Zenab's red locks mixed with Dave's brown—and his deep, obsidian eyes."Are we going to Mommy Miles? I love staying with her," Emerald said, her voice bubbling with excitement. Each mention of Miles as "mommy" pierced Zenab's heart a little deeper.Emerald hadn't referred to Zenab as her mother for months. She hadn't spoken to her or allowed Zenab near. Zenab's own daughter now favored another woman over her. Just like Dave, Emerald seemed to want nothing to do with Zenab.
"You don't mean that, Emerald. I'm your mommy," Zenab cried out, her tears flowing uncontrollably.Why did it feel like her heart was being torn to shreds, like it was being turned into minced meat?"You are no longer my mommy. I only have one mother, and that is Mommy Miles!" Emerald declared firmly, then turned her back on Zenab and ran to Miles.Miles enveloped Emerald in her arms, glaring at Zenab while whispering soothing words as if she were the biological mother, leaving Zenab feeling like an outsider, the woman who had ruined their happy occasion.Zenab couldn't believe Emerald had just denounced her in front of guests. How could her daughter do this to her? And how could Dave allow it? How could they choose Miles over her? The remaining fragments of her heart crumbled even further; she doubted anything could ever mend it.Before Zenab had a chance to collect her dignity, Dave was suddenly at her side. He seized her arm in a painful grip, dragging her away."Please, Dave..." s
He didn't respond right away, simply staring at Zenab with his forest-green eyes, as if he could see the pain wreaking havoc within her. He was tall—around six feet, perhaps taller—his midnight black hair thick and striking. Even in a suit, it was clear that he was fit, exuding an undeniable allure.If only her heart could still be whole. It was irreparably shattered, never to beat for another. She had sworn off men for good."My son won't stop talking about you. I had to come see what all the fuss was about," he said, his voice deep and husky.Zenab found herself speechless, simply staring at him, unsure of how to respond."I want to know your intentions toward him," he continued, stepping closer until she could feel his body heat radiating toward her. Red stirred momentarily before settling back into a restful slumber."Nothing bad. He's a good kid, and he comforted me when I was at my lowest," she murmured, tilting her head back to meet his gaze."That better be all, Red. If I find
Year LaterIt has been a year since Zenab fled from her pain. She had hoped that her wounds would heal, but she was wrong. Healing had eluded her, and closure was nowhere to be found. Instead, something darker had taken root inside her.As the Uber driver navigated the familiar streets, she was reminded of the reasons she had escaped this forsaken country in the first place. Memories of the pain and humiliation she endured a year ago flooded back, particularly the sting of Dave's betrayal."I hate this city," Red murmured in disgust, voicing Zenab's own sentiments.Within minutes, they arrived at the hospital. Zenab paid the driver and stepped out, taking a moment to steady herself as she gazed at the towering building.The hospital served only werewolves and was hidden away in a secluded area, protected by werewolf government officials who helped keep it off the radar. If she were honest, Zenab hadn't intended to return. Yet when her godson was diagnosed with a tumor, she couldn't
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