thank you dearest readers
Daniella’s POV I had been working non-stop since morning, drowning myself in paperwork, determined to keep my mind focused on business.And yet, my thoughts kept drifting back to yesterday’s lunch with Dalton.It had been… unexpected. Not just the meeting itself, but the warmth of it. The normalcy of it.I had laughed without forcing it, spoken without hesitation, and—most dangerous of all—felt comfortable in someone’s presence.But I had promised myself not to overthink it. Dalton was my friend, nothing more. He had been there when I needed someone, and that was all it was.Just as I started signing off on a document, my phone buzzed beside me. I glanced at the screen.Grace.A tired smile crossed my lips as I picked up the call. “Hey, Grace.”“Dani! Are you busy?”I leaned back in my chair. “Drowning in paperwork, but what’s new?”She chuckled. “Figures. Anyway, have you seen today’s papers?”I frowned at her tone. There was something there—concern? Amusement? I couldn’t tell.“No,”
Daniella’s POVA smile played on my lips as I leaned back in my chair, twirling a pen between my fingers while holding my phone to my ear. Talking to Dalton had become… easy. Effortless. I hadn’t realized how much I missed having genuine conversations—ones that weren’t filled with hidden barbs or underlying pain.“I really should get back to work,” I said, though I made no effort to end the call.Dalton let out an exaggerated sigh. “You haven’t responded to my request.”I frowned slightly. “Request?”A deep chuckle rumbled through the line, and I could almost picture the smirk on his face. “Yes, my request for another lunch date. Have you already forgotten? I thought we had something special.”I giggled, shaking my head. “Oh please, Dalton. You’re acting as if I just broke your heart.”“You did,” he said instantly. “Completely shattered. It’s going to take weeks to recover from this kind of rejection.”I laughed, genuinely amused. “You’re so dramatic.”“I like to think I’m expressive,”
Dalton’s POVI leaned back in my office chair, a small, satisfied smile playing on my lips. Dinner with Daniella.Not just dinner—at her place, she also wanted to introduce me to her daughter.That meant something.I turned my chair slightly, staring out the wide glass window of my office, watching the city skyline stretch out before me. Daniella’s child. A little girl, no doubt beautiful like her mother. I wondered what she liked, what would make her happy. A stuffed animal? A doll? A book? I wanted to bring her something thoughtful that would make her feel comfortable around me.But as my mind wandered down that path, my thoughts inevitably shifted to Liam.A deep sigh escaped my lips as I ran my hand through my hair. How the hell did Liam mess up so badly? He had a woman like Daniella—loyal, kind, strong—and he threw her away like she was nothing. Now, Liam didn’t even know he had a child—a whole daughter out there, growing up without a father.I clenched his jaw, frustration simmer
Daniella’s POVAt exactly 7 PM, my doorbell rang.I steadied my breath before opening the door, my fingers lightly gripping the handle. The moment I swung it open, there he was.Dalton stood there, looking effortlessly charming in a dark button-down shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows and a pair of well-fitted jeans. His presence always carried an air of warmth, and ease, that made you comfortable in his presence.“Right on time,” I teased, stepping aside to let him in.“I wouldn’t dare be late,” he said smoothly, a slow smile tugging at his lips. He reached forward and handed me a single rose. “For you.”I blinked in surprise, my fingers brushing against his as I took it. I felt a flutter in my stomach which I quickly dismissed as nothing.“Thank you,” I said softly, inhaling its delicate scent. “You didn’t have to.”Dalton tilted his head, his eyes glinting with delight. “I wanted to.”I glanced down at myself, suddenly self-conscious of my loose jeans and oversized sweate
Liam’s POVI left Dalton’s office in a blind fury, my pulse pounding so violently that I could hear it in my ears. My hands clenched at my sides, itching to hit something—anything—to release the unbearable pressure building inside my chest.That smug bastard. That condescending, self-righteous son of a bitch."She’s done with you, Liam."Dalton’s words echoed in my mind like a relentless taunt. My breath came out ragged as I stalked down the street, ignoring the few people who cast wary glances in my direction."She’s moving on, Liam. Let her. And seriously speaking, she deserves better."I gritted my teeth. Moving on? With him? Was that what this was? Daniella, laughing, smiling, looking at another man the way she used to look at me? The thought made my stomach churn. I let out a bitter laugh, one that tasted of venom and self-loathing. Better? As if he was better. As if anyone could love her the way I did.Love.I halted mid-step, the realization slamming into me like a gut punch.I
Liam’s POVThe pounding in my head was relentless, a dull, persistent ache that refused to let me breathe without pain. My mouth was dry, my body sluggish. Hangover. A cruel, deserved punishment for the mess I had made the night before.The first thing I did after dragging myself out of bed was head to the kitchen, as soon as I walked in, my chef placed a strong, bitter cup of coffee in front of me without a word. He didn’t need to ask why I looked like hell. he never did and even if he did ask I never answered.I gulped down the first cup and asked for a refill which I took to my office. I sat in my office, staring at my phone, my grip tightening around the device as I debated making the call. This is pathetic. I shouldn’t be doing this. I shouldn’t care.But I did.The image of Dalton with Daniella had burned into my mind like a fresh wound, raw and throbbing. Every time I closed my eyes, I saw them—him smiling at her, her laughing, it drove me crazy.Without much pondering, I scroll
Liam’s POVThe restless fury in my heart refused to settle. No matter how many times I told myself I was being irrational, I couldn’t stop. I had made up my mind—Dalton would never have Daniella.The thought of them together burned like acid in my veins. I could see it so clearly—her laughter, soft and warm, directed at him, the way she once used to smile at me. The thought made my stomach churn.I leaned back in my chair, running a hand down my face as I exhaled sharply. I had already set things in motion. Patrick was on the job, and soon enough, I would know exactly what was going on in Daniella’s life. It wasn’t enough, though. I needed to do more.The contract with Riverdale Pack was dead. Terminating the agreement was reckless—I knew that. But the satisfaction I felt at knowing Dalton would suffer the consequences was worth it. He thought he could take what was mine? That he could parade Daniella around, as if she had never belonged to me first?He was wrong.My phone buzzed on t
NARRATORS POVThe air inside the Hollow Pack’s grand council hall was suffocating. Tension clung to the walls like a thick fog, a storm brewing beneath the heavy chandeliers that cast a dim glow over the long oak table. At the head of the table sat Liam Garvalle, his posture one of arrogance, his expression void of remorse. He leaned back in his chair, fingers drumming against the polished wood, as if this entire meeting was nothing more than a minor inconvenience.Across from him, Dalton sat trying to remain calm as Alpha of the Riverdale Pack he had to keep his emotion in check and not act on impulse like Liam was doing, but the way his fingers curled into his palm betrayed his growing frustration. He had known Liam for years—fought beside him, defended his decisions even when they were reckless—but today, he saw nothing but a man consumed by pride and something far more dangerous—obsession.The two councils, both from Hollow Pack and Riverdale Pack, were gathered, their expressions
The ceremony had reached its climax. The sacred vows had been spoken, and Matilda now stood beside Liam as the official Luna of the Hollow Pack. A hush had settled over the congregation as they waited fr their alpha to speak.Alpha Liam, stoic as ever, took a step forward and addressed the gathered pack. His voice, deep and authoritative, carried over the sea of faces, each member standing in respectful formation before the Moon Goddess Shrine.“I want to thank you all for your loyalty and dedication to our pack,” Liam said, his gaze sweeping across the crowd. “It is through your hard work, resilience, and unity that we have remained strong. The Hollow Pack has thrived because of its people, and I expect that strength to continue.”A roar of approval erupted from the crowd, chants of “Alpha Liam” ringing through the night as the pack clapped and howled in solidarity. The moment was powerful, a show of devotion to their leader, their alpha. But then, Liam turned to Matilda and gestured
The day of the Luna ceremony arrived with the first golden rays of the morning sun stretching across the Hollow Pack’s vast lands. It was a day steeped in history, one that had been celebrated for centuries in honor of the mate chosen to stand beside the Alpha, to bring unity, strength, and prosperity to the pack.The venue had been prepared days in advance, set before the sacred Moon Goddess Shrine, a towering marble structure veined with silver, standing proudly in the heart of the pack's sacred grounds. The shrine was built centuries ago by the ancestors, honoring the divine spirit that guided their kind. It was a place of reverence, surrounded by towering oak trees, their gnarled roots pushing through the earth like the veins of time itself. A river ran nearby, its waters glistening like liquid silver under the light of the sun. Ancient symbols, carved deep into the shrine's stone walls, whispered of prosperity, fertility, and the unbreakable bond between mates.For generations, t
The low hum of the pilot’s voice crackled through the cabin speakers."Ladies and gentlemen, we are beginning our descent into New York. Please fasten your seatbelts and prepare for landing."Matilda stirred from her slumber, groggy from the indulgences of the previous night. Her temples pulsed with the dull ache of too much champagne, too little sleep, and an overdose of self-satisfaction.Jane, ever the dutiful maid, hovered close, waiting for instructions."We’ll be landing soon, Ms Matilda," she said softly.Matilda let out a sigh, stretching before running her fingers through her slightly tousled golden curls."I need to change," she muttered, rubbing her tired eyes. "I refuse to step foot in New York looking anything less than spectacular.""Fetch my gold sequin dress. The one with the slit," she ordered, her voice slightly hoarse from the night of partying in Paris. Jane scrambled to retrieve the garment from the carry-on.Matilda’s movements were meticulous as she reapplied he
Matilda sat across from Liam in his study, her manicured nails tapping rhythmically against the polished oak desk. She was dressed immaculately, as always, her emerald-green dress hugging her curves, her blonde hair cascading in perfect waves. A woman who knew the power of appearances."I’m going to Paris," she announced, a satisfied smirk playing on her lips.Liam, who had been reading over some pack documents, barely glanced up. "For what?"Matilda’s smirk deepened. "To get my Luna gown, of course. And the jewelry to match. I will not be wearing anything less than perfection for my ceremony."Liam exhaled, setting down the paper in his hand. "You could find a dress here. We have designers—"She scoffed. "In this town? Please. The future Luna of the Hollow Pack deserves the best. And that means the fashion houses of Paris, not some local seamstress who stitches prom dresses."Liam studied her for a moment. He was a man of few words, but Matilda could see the irritation flickering in
After Mrs Garvalles's speech, Alpha liam addressed his subordinates again.“Thank you all for being here,” he said, his voice carrying over the sea of faces. “I know these past few weeks have been trying, but I want you all to know that as your Alpha, my top priority is the safety and well-being of this pack. Tonight, we have taken an important step forward, and I trust that we will continue to stand together. Now, I invite you all to head to the field for a light refreshment.”A roar of excitement erupted from the pack, the tension that had filled the air dissipating into laughter and chatter. The crowd slowly began to disperse, heading towards the open field where tables had been set up with food and drinks under the soft glow of overhead lights.As Liam turned to step down from the stage, the elders of the pack approached Mrs. Garvalle, their expressions a mixture of solemnity and gratitude.“Queen Mother,” Elder Harris began, his voice warm and filled with gratitude, “we thank you
The grand Hall of the Garvalle Pack was almost filled to the brim, the murmuring of voices of pack members echoed off the high wooden beams. Wolves of all ranks including the warriors, healers, scouts, elders, and even the civilians, all stood together, waiting with bated breath. It was rare for Alpha Liam to call for a full pack gathering, and even rarer that it was held under such tense circumstances. The scent of burning wood from the distant farmland still lingered in the air, a stark reminder of the chaos that had erupted not long ago.Liam stood on the elevated stage, his commanding presence highlighted by the bright overhead lights illuminating the hall. His sharp blue eyes swept over the pack, noting the wary expressions, the unspoken fears, and the silent accusations simmering beneath the surface. He knew there were whispers—rumors of internal discord, of power struggles, of betrayals lurking in the dark corners of their home. It was time to put an end to it.Clearing his thr
As the night stretched in the Alphas’ mansion. Liam stood in his office, his fingers pressing into the cool wood of his desk as he tried to organize his thoughts. Midnight was approaching, and with it, a conversation he had dreaded but could no longer avoid. He had sent a mind link to his mother earlier, requesting a private meeting. She had not questioned it, but he knew she had sensed the gravity of the matter. She was too seasoned, too intelligent not to recognize when something was deeply amiss.At precisely midnight, Liam made his way to her chambers. Liam inhaled deeply and made his way down the dimly lit corridor. His footsteps echoed slightly against the marble floors. He entered without knocking, knowing she would be waiting.His mother’s room was warm and elegant, the soft glow of the bedside lamp casting a golden hue across the polished furniture. Mrs. Garvalle sat on a velvet chair near the fireplace, a book resting open in her lap, though it was clear she had not been rea
Murmurs passed through the elders. One of them, Elder Reginald, leaned forward. “This urgency better be justified, Alpha,” he said. “This better not be another political affair concerning—”“This is far beyond politics,” Liam cut in sharply, his patience thinning. “This is a direct attack on our pack.”A hush fell over the room.Liam took a breath, steadying himself before he spoke the words that would change everything. “The explosion today at the farmland was no accident. It was orchestrated by Alpha Seth.”Gasps rippled through the room. Some warriors exchanged alarmed glances, while others clenched their fists. The elders, however, remained still, their expressions darkening. They were wise enough to know that Seth had always been a dangerous man, but this was outright provocation.Elder Vaughn narrowed his eyes. “You are certain of this?”Liam nodded grimly. “He told me himself.”More murmurs. A few of the warriors visibly stiffened. Vaughn exhaled through his nose, his fingers t
The phone rang twice before Beta Adam picked up, his voice sharp and alert. “Alpha, I was just about to call you. There’s a situation at the farmland—an explosion. I’m overseeing it now.”“I know,” Liam said, his voice tight. “Leave it and come to my office. Now.”There was a brief pause, the sounds of shouting and urgency in the background. “Alpha, with all due respect, this is serious. We need to assess the damage and—”“I said now, Adam,” Liam cut him off, his tone brooking no argument. “Hand it over to someone else. I need you here immediately.”His Beta hesitated for a second before exhaling sharply. “Understood. I’ll have Gamma Lucas take over.”Liam could hear Adam turning away from the chaos, issuing rapid orders. “Lucas, you’re in charge. Secure the perimeter, report any unusual findings, and make sure the fire doesn’t spread. Keep the warriors on high alert until I return.”Gamma Lucas’s voice crackled faintly over the line. “Understood. I’ll handle it.”Liam ended the call,