Jessica stretched lazily, letting out a yawn as she placed her phone down. “Matilda, darling, let’s have a late breakfast,” she said. “I am famished, and i missed breakfast as I was in a hurry to get here before my brother left for work.”Matilda smirked. “Of course. I always have time for family.” She picked up her keys, twirling them between her fingers. “Let’s take my car. I feel like driving today.”Jessica nodded approvingly as they stepped out. Matilda’s sleek black car sat waiting in the driveway, polished to perfection. She slipped into the driver’s seat effortlessly, revving the engine as Jessica settled in beside her.As they cruised down the road, they remained in comfortable silence. That was, until they passed a particular store. Matilda slowed the car, a twisted smile creeping onto her lips. “Look, Jessica,” she drawled, tilting her head towards the elegant storefront. “Daniella’s precious little dream. The place she thought would solidify her pathetic independence.”Jes
The atmosphere inside Joshhill stores had come back to normalcy, a stark contrast to the earlier chaos stirred by Matilda and Jessica. The store employees, though initially shaken, had resumed their tasks with quiet diligence, assisting customers with the precision and warmth that Daniella demanded of her staff. Business was thriving despite the uninvited spectacle from earlier, and for a brief moment, Daniella allowed herself to believe that the day could end without further incident.Then, the doors swung open, and a group of men entered, clad in stiff suits with badges pinned to their lapels. Their expressions were as rigid as their posture. The room quieted as the staff and customers turned to observe the newcomers. One of the senior staff members, noticing them first, exchanged a wary glance with another employee before stepping forward.“Can I help you?” the store manager Gregory asked, his voice measured.They produced an identification badge. “We’re from the State Quality Con
Daniella stormed through the grand entrance of Garvalle Enterprises, her heels clicking sharply against the marble floors. Heads turned, and hushed whispers rippled through the office as employees, both new and old, recognized her. She didn’t pause to acknowledge them. She had no time for pleasantries or awkward reunions. There was only one thing on her mind—Liam.Liam’s assistant, Anna, rose abruptly from her desk, eyes widening in alarm. “Miss Thornhill—”“Move,” Daniella ordered, not even breaking her stride.Anna hesitated, but before she could protest, Daniella had already pushed open the heavy mahogany doors to Liam’s office.The force of her entrance sent a stack of neatly arranged documents fluttering to the ground.Liam looked up, startled. For a fleeting moment, shock flickered in his piercing eyes, but it was gone just as quickly, masked by a slow, knowing smirk. He leaned back in his chair, fingers steepled under his chin, exuding the infuriating arrogance that made Danie
The shrill ring of Daniella’s phone sliced through the quiet of her car as she drove back from Garvalle Enterprises, her hands tightened against the steering wheel. She barely glanced at the screen before answering."Dalton," she greeted, her voice taut.“Hey, just calling to remind you about tomorrow.” He kept his tone light, casual. “I hope you haven’t forgotten our date.”There was a brief pause, and Dalton sat up straighter.“I just got back from Liam’s office,” Daniella admitted, her voice carrying a tight edge. “I… I don’t know if I’ll be able to make it.”Dalton felt the sharp prick of jealousy before he could suppress it. “Liam’s office?” He kept his tone neutral, but something in his voice must have given him away. “What were you doing there?”She knew that tone. Dalton was trying not to sound affected, but the jealousy was there, simmering just beneath the surface.She hesitated. She hadn’t even planned on telling him. Not because she wanted to keep it from him, but because
As soon as Daniella stormed out of his office, Liam stood frozen, his body rigid with an anger so volatile it clawed its way up his throat. The door slammed shut behind her, the force of it rattling the glass panel, but he barely registered the sound. His fists clenched at his sides, his nails biting into his palms. His breathing was ragged, uneven, a battle between fury and restraint.Then, without warning, he exploded.A snarl tore from his throat as he swept an expensive glass paperweight off his shelf. It shattered against the wall, shards flying in every direction. The rage inside him was uncontrollable, a wildfire burning through his veins. His office—a pristine, commanding space—became a war zone in a matter of seconds. A lamp crashed to the floor, and books were yanked from their shelves and hurled across the room. His desk chair toppled over as he kicked it, sending it rolling into the corner.His security team, seasoned as they were, exchanged wary glances but made no move t
The grand hall of the Hollow Pack was adorned with towering silver candelabras, their flickering flames casting elongated shadows upon the polished marble floors. The scent of fresh roses, imported orchids, and ceremonial incense lingered in the air, mingling with the hushed conversations of the distinguished guests who had gathered for the long-awaited union of Liam Garvalle and Matilda Everstone.Alphas from allied packs sat in their designated places, their expressions varying from curiosity to cold calculation. The alliance between the Hollow pack and the Range pack was one of great strategic importance, and every leader present knew that this was more than a mere wedding—it was a binding contract of power and influence.Matilda stood at the threshold, her slender fingers gripping the arm of her father, Alpha Seth. She was the picture of grace, her sapphire-blue gown cascading down her form like flowing water, each intricate detail of the embroidery catching the candlelight. The d
The reception was grand, befitting the union of two powerful packs. The sprawling field had been transformed into a lavish banquet hall under the open sky, illuminated by golden lanterns that flickered like trapped fireflies. The scent of roasted meats, exotic spices, and freshly baked bread filled the air, while a live band played soft, elegant melodies in the corner, adding to the atmosphere of celebration. Tables were adorned with silk runners and golden cutlery, while an elaborate banquet of exquisitely selected meals lay spread across long serving tables. Uniformed ushers moved gracefully between the guests, ensuring that no one’s cup ran empty and that every plate was generously filled.However, despite the grandeur and wedding fever, the absence of Alpha Dalton had not gone unnoticed. “Strange that Alpha Dalton didn’t attend,” one of the older Alphas murmured, stroking his silver beard thoughtfully. “Liam and he were like brothers once. Their fathers built an alliance that mad
NEXT DAYThe dining hall of the Garvalle estate was bathed in the soft golden glow of the morning sun, its long mahogany table adorned with silverware and porcelain plates. The faint clinking of cutlery against fine china was the only sound disrupting the silence that hung over the room.Liam sat at the head of the table, his jaw tense, eyes shadowed with exhaustion. His mother, Mrs. Garvalle, sat primly on his right, dressed impeccably in a lavender silk dress, her every movement exuding quiet authority. On his left, Jessica, his sister, picked at a plate of berries, her expression smug.“So many dignitaries came,” Jessica mused, slicing into a fresh berry. “I heard Alpha Seth’s joke about tearing you apart if you hurt Matilda. It wasn’t funny, but I don’t think he meant it as a joke.”Liam barely reacted, staring at the steaming cup of coffee before him. He could still hear Seth’s words ringing in his ears, the warning layered beneath that dry humor. Something in his chest tightened
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,