DANTE I sat alone in my office, the weight of conflicting emotions pressing upon my chest. Thoughts of Lyza consumed my mind, and I couldn't deny the truth that was slowly unraveling within me: she was now my second mate. The bond between us was undeniable, a connection I had never felt before, not even with Darlyn, my arranged marriage fiancée. But as I let my mind wander, comparing Lyza to Anna, guilt washed over me like a crashing wave. Anna, my true mate, had been taken from me many years ago, leaving behind a void that seemed impossible to fill. Her memory lingered in my every thought, her vibrant presence forever etched into my heart. Anna and Lyza shared the same vibes, the same captivating smile, and a soul that seemed to mirror one another. They even bore a striking resemblance in appearance, though Lyza had an air of socialite glamor that Anna never possessed. But despite the similarities, I couldn't help but feel torn. My heart ached as I reminisced about Anna, a woman s
As Darlyn sat at the lavish bar, her frustration grew with each passing second. She clenched her glass of whiskey tightly, her knuckles turning white from the pressure. Her socialite friends, including her supposed best friend Janine, surrounded her, their laughter and cheerful banter grating on her nerves.Unable to contain her anger any longer, Darlyn took a deep breath and turned to face Janine, her eyes burning with fury. "I can't believe you invited Lyza Pressman to that damn party," she seethed, her voice dripping with venom. "If it wasn't for you, Dante would have never met her. This is all your fault!"Janine's face contorted with surprise and anger. "Are you seriously blaming me for this? Lyza is a wonderful person, and Dante chose to pursue her. It's not my fault!"Darlyn scoffed, her jealousy and insecurity fueling her rage. "Oh, please! We all know what kind of person Lyza is. She's just a conniving snake, trying to steal Dante away from me!"Janine's eyes narrowed, her ow
While Darlyn retreated to the solace of her car in the parking lot, the rage that had been brewing inside her erupted like a volcano. She slammed the car door shut, the sound echoing through the empty space, and leaned back against the seat. Her mind raced with a mixture of frustration, humiliation, and a burning determination to reclaim what she believed was rightfully hers."Damn them all!" Darlyn muttered through clenched teeth, her voice thick with anger. She fumbled in her purse for a cigarette, her hands trembling with a potent mix of emotions. Lighting it with a shaky match, she took a long drag, letting the smoke swirl around her as she attempted to regain her composure.Her mind began to weave a web of malicious plans, fueled by her wounded pride and her relentless desire to regain control. The memory of Anna White seared through her thoughts like a dagger. Darlyn had made Anna's life a living hell before, and she was convinced she could do the same to Lyza."So, Lyza thinks
LYZADante stood waiting for me outside my hotel suite, I couldn't shake the feeling that Darlyn's eyes were upon us. My heightened sense of smell picked up a familiar scent, confirming my suspicions. Darlyn was watching, and I intended to use that to my advantage.I plastered a sweet smile on my face, leaning in closer to Dante as we began our walk through the hotel corridor. "So, Dante, where are we off tonight?" I asked, my voice filled with feigned excitement and anticipation.Dante glanced at me, his eyes sparkling with warmth. "I thought we could have a romantic dinner at that new Italian restaurant downtown," he suggested, his voice tinged with affection. "I've heard great things about it, and I thought it would be the perfect setting for us to spend some quality time together."I let out a soft laugh, intertwining my fingers with his. "That sounds absolutely wonderful," I replied, my voice dripping with affection. "I can't think of a better way to spend the evening than with y
LYZAThis is it. This is what I’ve been waiting for! Darlyn fell in my palms. I turned to face her fully, my gaze steady and unwavering. "Darlyn, I didn't steal Dante from you," I replied calmly, refusing to let her anger consume me. "He made his own choices, and his heart led him to me. You can't control his feelings or force him to be with someone he doesn't love."Darlyn's rage intensified, her claws digging deeper into her flesh. "You think you can just waltz into his life and take him away from me?" she seethed, her voice filled with a toxic mixture of desperation and resentment. "I won't let you have him. He's mine!"I met her glare with a steely resolve. "Darlyn, you're wrong," I countered, my voice firm but measured. "Love can't be forced or possessed. I told you that many times! It's a choice, a connection that two people share! Dante chose to be with me because our hearts aligned. You can't change that, no matter how hard you try."Darlyn's eyes burned with fury as she took
Darlyn stormed into her home, her mind a whirlwind of anger and disbelief. She couldn't fathom what had just transpired—the way Dante had come to Lyza's defense, disregarding her words and siding with her supposed rival. The burning jealousy and resentment within her threatened to consume her entirely."What just happened?" she seethed, her voice filled with venomous frustration. "How dare Dante protect her, believe her words more than mine! He's supposed to be mine, and yet he stands there, defending her like some knight in shining armor."Her footsteps echoed through the empty hallway, each one punctuating her mounting fury. Darlyn's thoughts raced as she replayed the scene in her mind, searching for answers that would justify Dante's betrayal. But all she found was a bitter taste of resentment, fueling her desire to take action."I won't let this stand," she muttered, her words laced with determination. "I won't let Lyza take him away from me. I'll make her regret ever crossing my
LYZAThe next day, I called Dante. He is obviously head over heels in love with me. And I like it. Everything is going according to my plan. I couldn't help but feel a mischievous spark ignite within me. Darlyn's relentless pursuit had pushed me to my limit, and it was time to turn the tables. I knew exactly what I had to do to make her mad, to give her a taste of her own medicine."Dante," I said, a playful smile tugging at the corners of my lips, "what do you think about paying a visit to Leonora and Seth Taylor? I feel like it's been a while since we've seen them."On the other line, Dante's brow furrowed in curiosity, clearly intrigued by my sudden suggestion. "Why do you want to visit them?" he asked, his tone tinged with curiosity."Oh, no particular reason," I replied, feigning innocence. "I just thought it would be nice to catch up with them, you know? I know they are important people in your life,” A mixture of surprise and amusement flickered across Dante's face. Dante coul
LYZAAs the footsteps drew closer, the dining room door swung open – it was Seth Taylor, Leonora's youngest child, who had just returned from school. Seth's eyes lit up at the sight and aroma of the food that adorned the table. "Wow, Mom! It smells amazing here. What's for lunch?"Leonora beamed with pride, her gaze shifting to me. "Seth, dear, this exquisite feast is all thanks to Lyza's cooking talents."I returned Seth's enthusiastic smile and extended an invitation. "Seth, please join us. There's plenty for everyone."Dante placed a gentle hand on Seth's shoulder and chimed in, "Come on, kiddo. I missed you! You don't want to miss out on this delectable meal prepared by Lyza."Seth eagerly took a seat at the table, his eyes filled with anticipation. With the first bite, his face lit up in pure delight. "I miss you too, big brother. Wow, Miss Lyza, this is amazing! You're a fantastic cook!"The joy that surged within me was immeasurable. To see Seth enjoying my cooking brought me i
DANTEThe weight of worry sat heavily on my shoulders as I stood there, my gaze fixed on the empty space that Lyza should have occupied. The minutes ticked by with excruciating slowness, each second intensifying my concern for her safety. It was as if the walls of the room were closing in on me, suffocating me with the uncertainty of her whereabouts.But between my frantic thoughts, a familiar voice cut through the haze of anxiety. Leonora Taylor, a respected figure within the pack, had arrived on time. Her concern was evident in the lines etched across her aged face."Dante, is it true? Lyza is missing?" Her voice held a mixture of worry and empathy, her eyes reflecting the genuine concern she felt for both Lyza and me.I offered her a tight-lipped nod, my voice carrying a heaviness that mirrored the turmoil within me. "Thanks for the concern, Leonora. But yes, she's missing. She didn't show up."The kindness in Leonora's gaze softened her features as she stepped closer. "I'll help y
LYZA “I know I owe you an explanation, my daughter, Anna,” Estella smirked at me. Daughter? What? A wave of emotions crashed over me – disbelief, anger, and a deep-seated ache that I couldn't quite place. The very core of who I believed myself to be was unraveling before my eyes. "I'm not Anna! I’m not your daughter! I'm Lyza Pressman!" I protested, my voice quivering with a mix of frustration and confusion. Estella's eyes bore into mine, an unsettling mixture of triumph and malice dancing within them. "No matter what you say, Lyza. I knew it. You can't lie to me. I know it's you, my always good daughter, Anna!" My fists clenched, nails digging into my palms as her taunts grated against my already frayed nerves. "Stop talking too much! And tell me the fuck you want!" I shouted, the words escaping my lips before I could even fully process them. She chuckled, seemingly unfazed by my outburst. "Well, you are right. But since I'm too generous, I will tell you the truth about yourself
LYZAI struggled against the restraints, my heart pounding in my chest as Estella's anger escalated. The fear and confusion were etched across my face as I desperately tried to make them understand that I had no knowledge of what they were accusing me of. But their relentless pursuit for answers pushed them further into darkness.Estella's grip tightened on my hair, yanking my head backward. The cold, hard drum pressed against the back of my skull, causing chills to run down my spine. My eyes widened in terror as I realized what they intended to do.The room fell silent, save for the sound of water dripping rhythmically onto the drum's surface. The tension in the air was suffocating, each passing second feeling like an eternity. Estella's cold eyes bore into mine, demanding a response that I couldn't provide."Speak, Lyza!" she hissed through clenched teeth, her voice dripping with venom. "Tell us what we want to know, or this drum will become your worst nightmare! Don’t make me mad,
DANTEI paced back and forth in the office, my eyes constantly glancing at the wall clock as each minute ticked by with agonizing slowness. Lyza was never late, let alone two hours late for an important meeting like this. Something wasn't right, and my worry grew with each passing moment.I tried to convince myself to stay calm, to trust that there must be a reasonable explanation for her absence. Perhaps there was an unexpected complication, a delay beyond her control. But the nagging sense of unease gnawed at me, refusing to be silenced by logic.I reached for my phone, my hands trembling slightly as I dialed Lyza's number. The sound of the dial tone seemed to mock me, a constant reminder of the unanswered call. I tried again, hoping for a different outcome, but the result remained the same—her phone was out of coverage.My mind raced with countless possibilities, each one more troubling than the last. What if something terrible had happened to her? What if she was in danger and una
LYZAThe door creaked open, revealing the silhouette of Philip, a chill ran down my spine. His face twisted into a sinister grin, his eyes gleaming with a malevolence that sent shivers through my already shaken form. He was the embodiment of a wicked antagonist, straight out of a nightmare.I strained to articulate my words, my voice trembling with a mix of anger and fear, but Philip merely chuckled, relishing in his cruel game. He taunted me, claiming he couldn't comprehend my muffled pleas. His laughter grated on my nerves, a twisted melody that underscored his malevolent intentions.With a twisted satisfaction, Philip removed the tape that had silenced me, his smirk growing wider as he allowed me to speak. I glared at him, my eyes burning with a fiery rage that demanded answers. This man, who had been a stranger just moments ago, had betrayed my kindness, exploiting my goodwill for his sinister agenda."How dare you, Philip!" I spat, my voice laced with indignation. "How could you
LYZAI made my way towards the meeting place with Dante, when a voice called out my name, causing me to turn in surprise. My eyes fell upon an elderly man standing a few feet away. His weathered appearance spoke volumes of a life filled with hardship and struggle. Yet, despite his disheveled appearance, I held no judgment, for I had learned never to judge someone based on their external circumstances.Approaching the old man with genuine curiosity, I offered a polite smile. “Hi! Is there something I could help you with, sir?” His eyes crinkled with a hint of warmth as he returned my smile. He mentioned feeling honored to see me in person and spoke of hearing favorable compliments about me within the Black Pearl Pack. “By the way, my name is Philip. I’m also a member of Black Pearl Pack. But my wife and I are just omegas,” Curiosity piqued, I couldn't help but wonder what he wanted from me. Was it merely a chance encounter, or did he harbor ulterior motives beneath his humble facade?
LYZAI am about to meet Dante today. The anticipation mingled with a deep sense of contentment within me. The smile on my face seemed to reflect the happiness that bloomed in my heart. Everything was falling into place, and I couldn't help but be grateful for the events that had unfolded."What if I tell Dante the truth?" I whispered to myself, my voice barely audible above the soft hum of the car's engine. The thought played like a gentle melody in my mind, twirling with uncertainty and hope. The mission given to me by the Moon Goddess had been accomplished, and justice had been served for Anna.But as I pondered revealing my true purpose to Dante, conflicting emotions tugged at my heart. How could I possibly leave this life, this newfound connection, behind? My heart had intertwined itself with Dante's, beating in unison, and the mere thought of walking away left an ache within me.Lost in my thoughts, the passing scenery blurred outside the car window, mirroring the whirlwind of em
Darlyn's gaze shifted from Philip to the elderly woman standing before him, and a wave of revulsion washed over her. Estella White, Anna's mother, bore a striking resemblance to a wicked stepmother straight out of a fairy tale. Her disheveled appearance and haggard expression only intensified Darlyn's disdain.Darlyn cleared her throat, preparing to introduce herself, but before she could utter a word, Estella's eyes widened with recognition. The woman's arms shot out, encircling Darlyn in a tight embrace. Darlyn recoiled, a mixture of disgust and irritation twisting her features."What are you doing, old woman?" Darlyn snapped, her voice laced with contempt. "A pathetic creature like you shouldn't dare to touch someone of my stature!”Estella's grip tightened, oblivious to Darlyn's disdain. A flicker of longing danced in her eyes, a deep-seated desire hidden behind her worn exterior. Darlyn couldn't fathom what could possibly draw such a woman to her, nor did she care to find out.Es
Darlyn stepped into the bleak streets of Ovion City, a place devoid of life and hope. The air hung heavy with the scent of despair, mingling with the lingering stench of poverty and desperation. Dilapidated buildings lined the worn-out roads, their weary facades telling stories of struggles and shattered dreams. The city seemed frozen in time, a forgotten corner where rogues and outcasts sought refuge.As she approached the White's home, the sight before her was even more dismal than she had anticipated. The house stood in disarray, its weathered walls and crumbling structure bearing witness to years of neglect. The roof sagged under the weight of time, its once vibrant color faded to a muted gray. The gate, rusted and crooked, gave an eerie impression of a barricade warding off unwanted visitors.A wave of revulsion washed over Darlyn as she stepped closer, the putrid odor assaulting her senses. She wrinkled her nose in disdain, but her determination remained unwavering. This rundown