This was an intense confrontation but the foundation of class divide and societal expectations has been cemented. Still it is good to know that when something is about to go down my boy Gabriel saves the day. And who do you think Mila is?
MILADear, Mila Davis,We want to congratulate you on being selected as one of the three designers for the Aliz Women in Arts Scholarship.Every word after that fell to the back of mind as I screamed and jumped around at my locker. The halls of the school seemed to blur around me as my joy bubbled over uncontrollably. I didn’t care about the curious and startled looks from the students passing by; this was a dream come true. Dean Forrester told me earlier that F.I.T and Parsons would accept me for earlier admission this spring, since after this semester I would have all the credits needed to start. The only thing left was funding. I needed to win the scholarship.I reread the letter way too many times, the paper crinkling slightly under my trembling fingers. I had to create three signature looks to be modeled at the Winter Fashion Show. Piece of cake. I thought, though my heart was pounding with both excitement and nerves. I noticed a note on the back of the envelope. I will protect yo
I was a fool in love. I told myself to stay away from the Aliz brothers but Gabe was persistent. When he saved me from Ari the other day, we practically spent the whole day together.We can save ourselves! Rayne said. We just need to get stronger. We need our mate.Rayne, my wolf, finally made an appearance. Well, I couldn’t see her but I felt and heard her and boy was she a talker. She didn’t like how people treated us and wanted to fight everyone who spoke down to her. Unfortunately, I wasn’t a fighter and luckily she wasn’t strong enough to take over.For now. Rayne reminded me repeatedly.I sat up from the bench, looking out at the sunset on the horizon. I hated every time she brought up Tyler. We didn’t need someone like him. He was nothing but a bully. Just like Ari. The thought of standing up to either of them was terrifying. Either way I was glad to have someone other than Gabe taking it for me. I wish I was strong enough to–You are! Rayne interrupted. You just have to believe
MILA**Foreplay ahead**The moment Gabe pulled me inside, he placed an eye mask over my face. He sat me down on the couch and started moving them around the room. He wanted to set the mood, saying he wanted it to be special. Honestly, I wasn’t into the whole romance surrounding the first time. That was for the movies. Besides, every girl that talked about it made it seem like the place didn’t matter as much as the person, and Gabe was that person for me. A crash and a few curse words took my attention.“Gabe?”“Don’t,” he said when he noticed me touching the eye mask. “I’m almost done.”Mate, Rayne said softly before an image of Tyler flashed in my mind. A part of me wanted to find him instead of staying here with Gabe. I kept thinking about Tyler and what he would do in this situation. If it was anything like that kiss in my room, I knew I would lo– Fuck, stop thinking about Tyler.Why? Rayne asked. He is our mate. We should be with him.No, he’s an asshole. So just shut up and enjoy
MILA**Sexual Intimacy Ahead**What the fuck Rayne? It was more like an impulse than a reaction, and the fact that I pushed him that far away surprised me. I spent half the time being present in the now and keeping Rayne from replaying memories of Tyler in my head that I was sure it was all her. I got no response from Rayne but I felt her irritation. Laughter took my attention as I looked over the edge of the bed to see Gabe smiling up at me.“Gabe, I’m so sorry,” I said, helping him back to the bed. “I don’t know why I did that. You kissed my neck… I don’t know… there was a shock and…”Gabe gently grabbed my hands. “Hey, it’s okay. Maybe I was going a bit too fast, yeah?”He wasn’t about being too fast. Actually it wasn’t fast enough. My body felt like it was burning with desire, so I needed–no–wanted him. Mate, Rayne said repeatedly in my head. I grabbed my hair in frustration, trying to silence her. Gabe touched my arm, bringing my focus back to him.“Mila, are you okay?” Gabe as
ARI“That fucking low-class bitch!” I seethed, trying to hold on to my composure as I replayed the hallway showdown between Luna Emily, Mila, Gabe and Tyler in my mind. Seeing Gabe, my mate, protect Mila was a travesty. I had to cover my mouth to keep from growling out loud. Serena was just as pissed, but there was nothing we could do right now. I had to find a way to get rid of Mila for good. Gabe would completely see me with her out of the way, and he was mine. Hell, I was feeling selfish; I wouldn’t mind having Tyler too.For now, I had to watch Gabe hovering around Mila like a moth to a flame. I wondered if he knew how painful it was to watch him with her. To feel pain whenever he touched her in an intimate way. I knew the moment they were together I was in the worst pain. It felt like there were knives twisting in my heart. Even the thought of it had me subconsciously touching the mark on my neck.The only thing keeping me from going insane were the inhibitor pills I had stolen fr
TYLERI stood in front of the mirror, adjusting the green and gold ceremonial attire that has been passed down generations. The Alpha markings on the sleeves represented our pack’s heritage. The Alpha’s Ceremony came faster than I thought, and I could only think of what Ari told me. I couldn’t help but feel a bit guilty for her. She was my brother’s mate but he wanted Mila, who was intended for me but all I could think of was Mila. Rejecting Mila had been the hardest thing I’d ever done. Just thinking about the pain I woke up to the day after gave me chills. Yet, the bond between us refused to let go, making it impossible to stay away from her too long. Seeing her with Gabe was like a punch to the stomach every time. Now knowing Ari felt the same thing, I knew she had her sights on making things worse for Mila.When Ari brought up Mila being my mate, it hit me like a ton of bricks. Of course, she would figure it out, but now I was wondering who else could see it. If my mom found out,
ARII stood in front of the full-length mirror while my makeup artist put on the finishing touches. Yesterday was a celebration for Tyler finally becoming the Alpha. The ceremony was huge and, quite frankly, very boring and formal. Luna Emily suggested a party just for the “young folks” today. I couldn’t wait to get away from my parents and actually have a good time. “Now, make sure a lot of your friends see what you’re wearing,” my stepmom said, moving around me. “The more exposure for your brand, the more exposure…“...for my father’s line,” I finished for her, rolling my eyes. “Your line,” she corrected, her voice dripping with forced sweetness. Bullshit. My father always used me to promote his brand, disguising it as mine. I heard the music blasting from the party outside and I was ready to go.“Come on, Francesca. I know the deal. I can sell this in my sleep.”My stepmom floated around me, making sure everything was in place, while I noticed Amber sulking in the corner. Jealousy
MILAIt was amazing how people were crammed into this house. I figured it would be like this after witnessing a parade of fancy cars dropping people off. I could barely get through the halls without bumping into someone. Halfway through the night, I felt eyes on me, heard whispers and saw people pointing at me. My stomach twisted with unease until I caught a scent of him. Tyler. Rayne moved through me every time I felt him near. She kept urging me to find him to be near his presence, but I had other plans. I pulled out my phone and sent Gabe another text, wishing he was here.Gabe: Getting the ole “responsibility of a Beta” talk. I’d rather be with you.I sighed, longing for his presence to drown out the judgemental stares from everyone at the party.Mila: At least you get to travel. How’s the White Fangs Pack? Any cute boys looking for a mate?Gabe: As a matter of fact, there’s one and he can’t stop thinking of you. Mila: Oh really? Well tell him I’m taken, but he can be my second
GABEThe door to my office swung open, hitting the stack of boxes I’d neatly lined up along the wall. A couple toppled over, spilling the contents onto the floor.“What’s with all these boxes?” Arianna complained as she stepped inside. She didn’t so much as glance at the mess she’d just created. “Are you moving to a bigger office or something?”“Why hello to you too, babe,” I said, not bothering to look up from the paperwork spread across my desk.Noah, sitting in his play area, looked up at the sound of her voice. His face lit up, and he scrambled to his feet, his toy truck clutched in his hand as he ran toward her.“Mommy!” he exclaimed, throwing his arms wide to hug her. But Arianna took a graceful step back, halting him mid-stride. Her perfectly manicured hands smoothed the front of her designer dress as if his touch would leave a permanent mark.“Noah, sweetie,” she cooed. “What did Mommy say about touching her clothes, huh?”“Don’t get Mommy’s clothes dirty,” Noah answered obedi
MILAI felt his presence before I could fully register Tyler standing next to Leo. He gripped the wrist that held the knife with an iron grip. The tension in his muscles was visible, flexing beneath the tight fabric of his black button-down shirt. The sleeves rolled up just enough to reveal forearms corded with strength, and the shirt hugged his broad chest. His black pants and suede shoes completed the ensemble, along with a suit jacket draped casually over the other arm.The look was casual, but there was something very dominant about it. His jawline was shadowed with a light stubble, and the sharp cut of his golden eyes sent a shiver down my spine as they flicked to me for just a moment before returning to Leo. My legs seemed to wobble from the weight of his commanding presence.“Hot, holy hell,” Rayne purred her approval. I slapped a hand over my mouth to keep from vocalizing a similar sentiment, but damn, she was right.“Control yourself, Rayne.”“You first,” she retorted.Tyler
MILABack at the hideout, we poured over all the data we had on everyone.“I still don’t get why Gregory would have Arianna send someone to attack Jenna if he wanted to abortion from the start,” I wondered out loud.“Maybe he didn’t believe her,” Camila guessed. “Or he wanted to get rid of her too?”“This is all too frustrating,” Laura complained. “Can we just take them down already?!”Alex exited one of the rooms where Jenna was resting. We decided to move her here to keep her safe and keep any eye on her.“I’m with crazy eyes over here. What’s the move?” Camila asked, staring at the screen on the table.“I want to hit them from all sides,” I said, holding
MILAMy stomach twisted in knots as I stood at the foot of the bed, watching Jenna’s chest rising and falling in a shallow rhythm. I tried to heal her bruises, but they wouldn’t. Alex told me we had to wait until the blood transfusion pumps out all the Wolfsbane in her system before I could heal her.A whimpering sound caught my attention as I turned to see Laura fighting sleep. Poor thing was the first one to get to Jenna. Even I couldn’t forget the scene I came upon when I got that night from our mystery hacker.***Unknown: Jenna. Orphanage. Hurt.I raced back, dodging Gabe and the security tail. By the time I arrived, Laura and Camila were already there, holding an almost unconscious Jenna.“Mila, please,” Laura cried. “Heal her, please!”Blood was pooling beneath her from cuts too deep to be accidental. She blacked out with a ring falling from her hand. At the moment I didn’t know if it was important but I picked it up anyway. Maybe there was a reason she was safeguarding it. **
GABEI froze mid-jab, my eyes locking with Mila’s smiling face. Sparring with Mila was… complicated, and far from stress-relieving. Trading blows, getting in close would stir something I’d rather keep buried. Though Spencer didn’t seem to mind the offer.“We could test if she feels the bond too,” Spencer suggested, a little too eager.I chuckled, taking a step back from her. “You sure you’re up for that?”Mila tilted her head, smirked. “I’m the one offering. Unless you’re worried I’ll knock you on your ass.”Challenge accepted. I stripped off my gloves, gesturing to the open mat. “You asked for it.”“Just remember, Gabe,” she teased, her stance loose but ready. ”I don't pull punches for anyone.”Mila moved first–a quick jab to test me. I deflected easily, stepping back to gauge her. Her eyes gleamed with the thrill of the fight.“Come on, Alpha Gabe,” she taunted, circling me. “You’re not just here to dance, are you?”“Dancing burns calories,” I shot back, feinting left and aiming for
GABEAlpha Gregory rose from the table, flanked by his Beta on one side and Alpha Frank on the other, their movements calculated as though this meeting were a choreographed play. When Beta Brian and I approached, Gregory gestured for us to take our seats, his smile wide but hollow.“Alpha Gabe,” he said smoothly, “thank you for coming on such short notice. I know this little meeting was impromptu, but the matter requires immediate attention.” He paused, a practiced grin spreading across his face. “But before we get into it–let’s eat. My father always said, ‘Never make decisions on an empty stomach.’.”The feast materialized as the waitstaff set plates of roasted meats, steaming veggies, and desserts before us. Conversation flowed, but my focus wasn’t on the meal–or the company. I glanced at my watch for the third time, debating an excuse to leave. The truth? I didn’t want to be here, playing nice with Gregory or Brian. One man held Arianna’s career in the palm of his hand, while the o
TYLERDammit! I couldn’t get her out of my head. Everytime I close my eyes, I think of her. Mila. Those sharp brown eyes cutting through me without a word, the way she moved around effortlessly like she owned the place, and the way she looked at me, even anger, like I was… nothing.Her silence after the debacle at her last fashion show was louder than anything she could have said to me. I had failed her, again, and she wasn’t letting me forget it. Not with her avoidance, her cold glances, and her deliberate absence from every meeting I’d arranged.Now, I was walking down the hall, heading towards her office to demand her attention, and froze. Voices carried from behind a partially open door.“...you thought you could keep this a secret, Troy,” said Alpha Gregory, his voice low, but seething with menace.I held my breath, moving closer to eavesdrop. My father’s response was even quieter. “I’ll say this one more time, Gregory,” my father said. “I didn’t tell anyone about your dealings.”
MILASuddenly, a crash could be heard from the front and Leo’s dad screamed to the back. “Leo! We’ve got a problem out here!”Leo stiffened, his hand freezing on the rack before turning around, placing the bags nearby and heading out to the front. I let out a slow breath, silently thanking Laura and her goofy antics. I didn’t have much time, so I moved quickly. I carefully unzipped one of the velvet bags again and pressed a small tracking.“Down with your communist agendas!” I hear Laura scream before slipping out the back door. This whole thing was turning into something bigger than I expected, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that we were deep in dangerous territory. My phone buzzed with a text.Laura: That was fun!Me: Communist agendas?Laura: I didn’t know what to say, but it worked. Told you I’m good.Me: I’m heading back to office. You both good?Camila: Yeah and by the way you have some sexy company.I looked up to see Zeke leaning on the front of the car, his arms crossed an
ARITRIGGER: self harm ahead“What are you doing in here?”I froze mid-step, my voice trembling more than I wanted. My father didn’t even glance up. Instead, he continued flipping through my portfolio, each page tossed to the floor with deliberate disdain. His silence was louder than any insult, and I could feel the familiar lump rising in my throat.Francesca stood perfectly poised by the window, hands crossed in front of her, avoiding eye contact as if her presence here was merely incidental. And Amber lounged on the couch with a stupid smirk on her face.“Well,” I said, forcing my voice to be steady, “I didn’t ask for this little family reunion. So what can I do to get you all to leave?”My father finally looked up, his sharp eyes cutting into me. He didn’t respond right away but stood, holding several magazines. He dropped them one by one at my feet. I didn’t need to look to know what they were. The covers had become all too familiar—Mila’s glowing face and headlines touting her l