Mila's journey reaches a pivotal moment as she prepares to leave behind the pain and heartache of her past. I think the confrontation between Luna Emily and Mila will finally start the new path for Mila's comeback. So let's do a little time skip and see how everyone is doing. The first part of this journey is finally complete. Now for Act 2: The Return Happy Reading.
MILATen Years LaterI, Mila Amelie Davis, am back at the Grandfur Mountain Pack.It took me a while to come back, but plans like these needed time, especially if I was taking on two of the most powerful families in these parts. There was no room for error or distractions.My driver pulled out in front of the orphanage and helped me out. The crisp air greeted me the same as it did when I left this place. Time had not been nice to the place that once served as my sanctuary. It looked as if one strong gust of wind could knock it down. The front had overgrown hedges, some of the windows were boarded up, and the entrance was covered with fern. The place definitely needed some fixing, but even in its dilapidated state, it looked perfect to me. As my driver gathered my things, the door to the orphanage burst open, and Laura ran out, her face lighting up at the sight of me.“Mila, you made it!” she screamed, nearly jumping into my arms. It took me by surprise since this was the first time I’
MILAIt didn’t take me long to get on to their property. The light from the moon above cast an eerie glow over the landscape, illuminating the packhouse with its manicured lawns and towering stone wall. Clearly they had a huge upgrade to the decor. Luckily, the layout hadn’t changed at all, but Jenna wasn’t kidding–the patrol was thick. Pack members, in both human and wolf forms, crisscrossed the grounds with precision. The sounds from the party inside masked my movements through the bushes.I kept to the shadows, the scent blocker spray masking my presence, hoping it wouldn’t wear off too soon. I made it to the side of the house where Gabe’s room was, relieved they hadn’t cut down the massive oak tree near it. That tree had been our secret passageway, a relic from our past when sneaking around was a thrilling game. I hid my bag in a nearby bush and started the climb, my muscles barely straining, the familiar path both a comfort and a burden.It was only a small leap from the branch to
GABEI wish this day was already over. I thought as I walked to the Alpha’s office with Tyler trailing behind me. The entire day has been a blur of business meetings and investor pitches, and the only notable moment was catching an unfamiliar yet strangely familiar scent in my room. At first, I thought it was my brother’s new conquest, but there was something about it that sparked the edge of my memory. Either way, a deep clean of my room was imminent.Opening the door to the Alpha’s office, I was met with an unexpected sight–my dad and mom wrapped in an intimate embrace.“Come on,” I groaned, shielding my eyes. “There are other rooms for this kind of display, you know.”“Geez, talk about trauma,” Tyler chimed in from behind me. “Now, I can’t work in here either.”My mom laughed, stepping around the desk. “Oh please, you act like you’ve never seen me kissing your father. I’m sure you’ve seen worse.”“And there’s nothing wrong with showing your mate some love,” my dad added. “Tyler, you
ARII moved to Gabe’s side, smoothing my dress as my father stood there with my stepmother standing slightly behind him. He was impeccably dressed as always, his dark suit and perfectly styled hair giving him an air of confidence and authority that made my blood boil. Growing up under his thumb, I learned that his appearance often masked the ruthless and manipulative person he truly was.“Alpha Gregory,” Gabe said, keeping his tone civil. “I didn’t know you were coming.” I could clearly see the tension in Gabe’s shoulders, so I stepped closer, hoping my scent would calm him.“Arianna didn’t tell you,” my father smiled, his eyes flickering between Gabe and me. “I thought you two were thick as thieves.”I started to say something, but Gabe stepped forward in a protective stance. “We are, but unlike some, I like for her to have her freedom.”If I was brave enough, I would’ve laughed in my father’s face. Instead, I placed my hand on Gabe’s arm, a gentle reminder that eyes were still on us
MILAI remembered trying to count the number of stars in the sky, listening to the water hitting the side of the boat as it swayed in the dock, and the people gathering on the dock to see the fireworks. The night felt perfect. My mom’s laughter rang out, and I turned to see my parents in a loving embrace. At that moment, I was truly happy. I sat up, quickly taking a picture of the moment.Then, the first few fireworks started, their vibrant colors illuminating the sky. The distinct smell of the water mingled with the smoky aroma of the fireworks in the air. But then, the unthinkable happened. There was an explosion, and chaos erupted. I heard my mom scream, my dad shouting for me, and then another explosion. The boat rocked and I was thrown into the cold, dark waters. I could swim, I remember trying, but something was pulling me down. I thrashed and panicked, swallowing way too much water. I was sinking, the lights from the fireworks growing dimmer. I thought I was going to die when I
GABEThe conference room seemed to be the only place for solace nowadays. I sat at the head of a long mahogany table, my laptop opened, and documents and photos spread around me in neat piles. Despite my intervention, my dad’s company was barely staying afloat. I sighed and leaned against the table. This job was as demanding as being an Alpha. Now I see why my dad was barely at home, and it sucked that I felt like I was doing the same to Noah. As I continued to review the documents, I heard the door creak open. I expected it to be my assistant, but instead I was greeted by a heavenly scent.“There you are,” Arianna said, standing in the doorway, holding our little Noah by the hand. The sight of them instantly brightened my mood. “We’ve been looking all over for you.”“Well, this is a nice surprise,” I said, walking over to them.Noah ran the rest of the way to me, jumping into my arms. “Hi, Daddy! Mommy said we needed to come and save you from the office monster,” he said, wrapping hi
TYLERI never expect to find myself in these situations as easily as this. It’s not like I ask or say anything to women nowadays. They just want to fuck me. Honestly, it’s me who’s being used like a toy. After my brother basically begged my dad to make me CEO, my dad finally settled on making me Co-CEO, which felt like a punishment. Whatever. The next opportunity was going to make things better for me. It was a busy day at the office as everyone was getting ready for the first fashion show of the season. I was engrossed in the new line, going over every detail, trying to figure out the best way to get my position back fully. The weight of my recent mistakes hung over me like a dark cloud, but I was determined to claw my way back.A soft knock at the door pulled me from my thoughts. “Come in,” I called out, not bothering to look up from my desk. The door creaked open, and I heard the sound of footsteps approaching. “Good evening, Alpha Tyler,” a woman said, her voice sweet and innocen
ARII felt a surge of excitement as I stepped out of the sleek black car with Gabe following closely behind. The velvet-roped pathway illuminated by soft, ambient lighting led to the entrance of the exclusive, private fashion show, adorned with subtle, elegant signage. We made our way through as the slew of paparazzi bunched up behind the guarded velvet ropes threw questions at us. Notably, did we know who the designer was? Why were we picked to get an invitation?I didn’t know the answers to either of these but it made the evening even more special. We moved inside where the security checked the special invitations with precision, their demeanor professional yet courteous. Gabe handed over two intricately designed invitations, embossed with gold leaf detailing, and received a warm nod of approval.The pathway leading to the reception area was lined with luminescent strips that changed colors as we walked by, creating a vibrant, ever-shifting mosaic of light. The reception area was a s
MILAThe room stilled.“What is this?” Gregory barked, looking around the room. I noticed how he subtly narrowed his eyes at Emily.Good. I wanted him to think it was her. For now. Murmurs filled the room as everyone’s attention was glued to the screen. It flickered again. Then came the audio–his voice. Clear. Calm. Cold.And damning.“The boat needed to go. Collateral damage is part of the price when you want to clean house. And the girl? She’s just like her parents–too dangerous to be left alive.”Silence swallowed the room. Then chaos.“That doesn’t prove anything,” Gregory shouted. “That could be anybody.”But the screen answered him. It split into two windows: one showed Gregory pacing in a private study, the second displayed spreadsheets, maps, and message logs–each one marked with timestamps and code names.The proof was overwhelming.Someone screamed. A councilman stood. Arianna’s mouth dropped open. Emily turned toward Gregory, the smile never leaving her face, even as she wi
MILAFrances and his assistant poured over the portfolio like it was a rare manuscript. I shifted in my seat, resisting the urge to glance at my watch again. There was too much riding on today–too much to still do.Frances finally looked up, his eyes twinkling behind those sleek, gold-framed glasses. “This is truly something special,” he said, tapping the edge of the page. “And the technology?”I straightened a bit, proud. “Smart fabric. Reactive threads that shift color based on light exposure and body temperature. The effect is subtle, elegant—like your vintage diamond collection. Sophisticated, but with presence.”Across the table, Emily’s jaw tensed. I caught the flicker of annoyance in her eyes and smiled, just a little.Frances chuckled. “Indeed, Mademoiselle. You’ve captured the season in a way that feels... alive.” He flipped another page, his gaze sharp but admiring. “I must admit, I’m surprised. After everything that’s happened lately, I expected something more... reserved.”
MILAThere was no gentle buildup this time. No teasing smile. No calculated flirtation. Gabe kissed me like he meant to ruin me–with a hunger that stole the air from my lungs. One hand tangled in my hair, tugging just enough to make my body jolt with need. I gasped, but he swallowed the sound, deepening the kiss, his tongue sliding against mine in a battle I was already losing.He lifted me effortlessly from the chair, setting me down on the desk as if he’d been waiting to do it since the moment he walked in. His body pressed against mine, all muscle and heat and quiet dominance.“See?” he murmured against my lips, voice dark and full of promise. “You like it when I take control. Don’t you?”And damn him–I did. My body answered before my mouth ever could, arching into him, fingers clawing at his shirt to pull him closer.“Answer me, Mila.”“I… do,” I breathed, the words escaping like a confession.Those words cracked something open in him. He kissed me again–deeper, rougher–his hands
MILATyler was, somehow, unexpectedly my hero.Not only did he make sure the publication printed the correct draft of the Aliz magazine–the one with my real Summer collection and not the tragic sabotage Lena tried to pass off–but he also made sure Lena got demoted. Now she was stuck shooting staged waterfalls and hotel breakfast buffets for the travel catalogue division. Honestly? Served her right for trying to cross me.Apparently, I had Amira to thank for that little coup.I still didn’t know how I felt about her. The woman switched sides like it was Fashion Week and loyalty was just another trend. But one thing I did know? She was in love with Tyler. Hopelessly, painfully in love. That might’ve made her dangerous–but it also gave me leverage. And I wasn’t above playing that card if I had to.“So… you think this will work?” Camila’s voice broke through my thoughts and I remembered what I was doing… or trying to do.“I don’t know,” I sighed, moving all the mockups for my fall collect
ARIThe diamond necklace with the crystal pendant glinted in the mirror, catching the light like it still mattered. Like it still meant something. Gabe had given it to me for a birthday present. Placed it around my neck himself. Told me I looked like someone no one would dare cross. It had to mean something, right? A gift that rare didn’t come without weight.So I wore it today–not for sentiment, but strategy.Let him see it. Let him remember. Let him regret.But he didn’t. He barely blinked. No hesitation, no flicker of guilt. Just another command over the phone and a condescending smirk on his lips.“Nothing a blow dryer can’t fix,” Gabe said, like I was already a mistake he was eager to forget.I could’ve slapped him. I should’ve. But I wouldn’t give him that satisfaction. It would’ve meant I still cared.I’d lose a hundred battles before I let him see me lose the war.When I stormed into my father’s office, he didn’t even glance up from his damned ritual–always washing his hands
GABEI barely heard the door open behind me before Arianna’s scent hit the air–a soft, artificial sweetness that never sat right. I didn’t turn around. I was on the phone, my voice quiet.“Just put on a suit. I need you to go over there and fix this. She doesn’t need to deal with this right now. So please handle it.”Arianna moved closer as I flushed the urinal and moved to the sink to wash my hands.“You know the symbols on the outside of the door are there for a reason,” I said, not glancing at her.“Were you talking about Mila just now?” she asked, arms crossing as she leaned against the door. I ignored her and walked towards the office. It's been a busy couple of days with the move back to the Mora company. “You’re really moving on that fast, huh?” Arianna asked, following me. “The ink on the divorce papers is still wet.”“Nothing a blow dryer can’t fix,” I smiled, hoping to get rid of her, but the look on her face told me otherwise. “Arianna, don’t start.”Her lip curled. “Disg
MILAI stared between the both of them before Lena spoke.Lena’s eyes widened. “You. Why–why are you here?”“Oh, relax,” I said, stepping inside and locking the door behind me. The click echoed louder than I expected. “How convenient. Two traitors. One hotel room. The universe really said, ‘Here you go, babe.’”Neither of them had time to react before I walked straight to Lena, grabbed a fistful of her hair, and slammed her face into the wall. Hard enough to sting, soft enough to not get us arrested for homicide. Balance.She gasped, tried to say something. I yanked her back, then shoved her forward again.“Don’t speak,” I hissed. “You’ve already said enough with those sabotage photos.”Behind me, I heard Amira shifting toward the door. I didn’t even turn around.“Take one more step and I will throw you out that window. I’m not saying you’ll die, but gravity’s a bitch and bones snap real easy from the ninth floor.”Amira froze.“Smart girl,” I said.Honestly from this height, it would
MILA“…just waiting for answers. Why did this have to happen? What could have prevented an incident that took two of the most important people in my life?” Alpha Gregory’s voice cracked just enough to sound human. He gripped the podium like it might run away if he let go, flashes from the cameras popping like fireworks behind a funeral. Arianna stepped up beside him, touched his arm–perfectly timed, perfectly staged. A father-daughter moment, photogenic grief included.But I didn’t care about them. My eyes drifted past them to Gabe. He stood stiffly off to the side, holding Noah like the only anchor he had left. He looked like he’d rather be anywhere else–expression blank, shoulders tight. I hadn’t seen him since he left the orphanage a couple weeks ago. No calls. No updates. We were both busy–him with God knows what, me trying to salvage my image from the dumpster fire of the fashion show. Oh, and also: still no sign of my dad. The meeting with Emily that was supposed to bring ans
MILAI stirred awake to the sound of birds and the sensation of warmth that had me feeling so good. A strong arm draped over my waist, the steady rise and fall of a familiar chest beneath my cheek. My heart stuttered as the scent of spice and dark chocolate filled my lungs–Gabe. It was oddly comforting, dangerously so. A moment of peace I had no business indulging in.Something tickled my nose. I cracked one eye open to find yellow flowers brushing against my face. That was when the realization hit.We were lying in a flowerbed.Panic jolted through me. I shot up, sending Gabe’s arm tumbling off of me. My breath came fast as I scanned our surroundings. Shit. Jenna’s going to kill me. Gabe groaned, shifting onto his back, his hand searching for mine. “Five more minutes,” he mumbled, his voice sleep-heavy, unbothered.I smacked his chest, ignoring the way my fingers tingle from the contact. “No, no, no. Get up. We fell asleep in a flowerbed. Jenna’s going to be pissed we messed up her