Gabe's struggle is one I feel many might relate to. Being there for the people you love and shouldering responsibilities can be difficult. Then things can get messy the more people you add to your rooster.
MILAAfter what felt like an eternity of waiting, I was finally granted access to the packgrounds and led to the packhouse. Even though I didn’t have many memories from before the accident, this place felt strangely familiar. The moment I crossed the threshold, I sensed a pull deep within me that I couldn’t quite describe. Even Rayne commented on it.“It’s not like a mate’s bond but more spiritual,” she remarked as I pulled up to the packhouse.The packhouse stood majestically at the edge of the dense forest, an imposing structure blending rustic charm with modern elegance. Its exterior was constructed from large, rough-hewn logs, giving it a sturdy, timeless appearance. Stone chimneys rose from the roof, which was a mix of wooden shingles and metal accents. The sprawling building had multiple wings, each with large, panoramic windows that offered views of the surrounding wilderness. Ivy climbed the walls, and flower boxes filled with vibrant blooms adorned the windowsills, softening t
MILA“Just act surprised.” Camila linked me, sounding calm and reassuring. That was all I needed to know to get into character.“Camila!” I gasped, allowing my voice to tremble with the right amount of shock. My eyes widened in shock, taking in the chaotic swirls of red, yellow, and blue paint that covered her from head to toe. Almost like a mad artist used her as the canvas for abstract art. It was almost comical, but the look in her eyes told me that this was all part of her plan.“I’m so glad you’re here,” Camila said, beaming as if this situation was the most normal thing in the world. “The tour was boring but the West Wing was interesting.” She gave me a pointed look, and I knew exactly what she was hinting at. That was our destination. “I wanted to add a personal touch, you know, so people could know I was here.”“Okay,” I said, looking at the behemoth that was standing behind her. His presence was commanding, and I could feel the weight of his gaze as he assessed me. There was s
MILAI barely had time to duck behind a nearby bookshelf before the door swung over. I cursed myself for not having a scent mask spray in my bag. I calmed myself, hoping my heartbeat was faint to their ears, though theirs were moving too fast for mine to matter.Where are you? He’s getting suspicious,” Camila said, her tone edged with urgency.“Just hurry up before Alpha Gregory comes back,” a woman’s voice urged, ushering a man into the room.“Why do we need all this information about MAD Stylez anyway?” the man asked, his voice carrying a note of frustration.“Who knows and who cares?” the woman snapped back, clearly eager to get out of there. I heard the sound of a drawer opening and then closing with a soft thud. “Wait, do you smell that?” The man asked, sniffing around the room. “It’s a sweet scent and the presence feels… off.”He moved towards my direction as I flattened myself against the wall. IF he got too close, I'd have to use Rayne’s power to knock him out, but the woman a
MILAI stood at the head of the table, every eye on me, waiting for my lead. I looked over the details and dossiers of my targets, feeling the pressure of this journey on my shoulders. This was my plan, my revenge, and I had to make sure it went off without a hitch. “Okay, people. Time for Operation ‘Get Daddy’!” I announced, trying to cut through the nervous tension in the room. Predictably, the room filled with groans and laughter.“No way in hell I’m calling it that,” Alex said, shaking his head.“More like Operation Zaddy,” Camila laughed, picking up Alpha Gregory’s dossier. “In another dimension, Alpha Gregory could get it.”“Hey, I still have young ears here,” Laura complained, shooting a disapproving look at Camila. “Can we not?” Jenna muttered, her face scrunching up in disgust. “I just threw up in my mouth.”“Geez, fine,” I smirked, raising my hands in mock surrender. “We’ll table the name for now.” The laughter faded, and I felt the atmosphere shift. “So, I have a meeting
ARILuna Emily truly outdone herself for the ceremony, transforming the typical sterile conference room into a curated oasis. The air was rich with the intoxicating scents of jasmine and vanilla, adding an air of sophistication to the already lavish setting. Every detail, from the sculpted hedges to the towering floral arrangements, screamed elegance and exclusivity. I moved through the crowds of industry elites, investors, and of course, the students of the school. I offered smiles and nods, basking in the admiration and subtle envy that followed me.Wearing one of my own designs, a stunning emerald-green dress that hugged me as if it were made for a goddess, I made sure every bead caught the light with each step. The diamond earrings I chose to wear were a quiet reminder to everyone present of the life I lived–the life they wished they could have.But as usual, my father’s voice cut through my moment of glory. “Make sure you’re on your best behavior at this ceremony, Arianna,” he sai
ARII stepped up blocking Mila’s view of Frances. “It is fine,” I said. “So, like I was saying Mister…”“Sorry, Arianna. I wasn’t finished with my point,” Mila said with a smile.Before I could stop her, Frances leaned in, intrigues. “It’s fine, Mrs. Aliz. I’d like to hear the young lady’s thoughts.”There was no way she knew anything about diamonds, even if she could probably afford one now. Mila’s smile deepened, her confidence probably bolstered by his attention. “Synthetic diamonds may be popular, but there will always be a market for rarity and exclusivity–things that cannot be replicated by machines.”She paused, letting her words sink in and the crowd around us was eating it up. Mr. Deveaux’s expression was neutral, but I saw a hint of approval. Again, I tried to take control.“Well, everyone knows…”“I’m still not finished,” Mila said, glancing at me before moving back to Mister Deveaux. “Since Mrs. Aliz has something important to add that just can’t wait, I’ll get to the point
MILAEarlier that dayI sat across from Tyler in his office, my fingers absentmindedly tracing the edge of the Aliz Corporation contract. Tyler was mid-sentence about something–I had no idea what–but my mind was elsewhere. Specifically, on the encrypted message on Laura’s computer. When we cracked it open, there was a message: This wasn’t an accident. There was a photo attached of my parents on the boat. A photo that I had to have taken, but one I couldn’t remember capturing.It wasn’t my parents that had my attention, though. No, the red circle around the men on the dock, the ones placing something on the boat, kept flashing in my mind. They were responsible for the accident. Neither one looked familiar but one had a very distinctive scar across his face. The ones responsible for the accident. While Laura worked on trying to get the database to ID them, I was here. Stuck in a meeting with Tyler.“You know,” Tyler’s smooth voice broke through my thoughts, “I can already see that I’m lo
MILAAt the ceremonyAfter Amber's little outburst, I couldn’t help but trail her and Luna Franesca into the ladies’ room. Near the door, Luna Franesca’s voice cut through the silence like a knife. In the mirror, I could see Amber standing with her head down, while her mother’s biting words seemed to hit her like a physical blow. “Goddess, why can’t you be more like your sister?” Luna Franesca hissed through clenched teeth. “Arianna wouldn’t show up to an event and embarrass herself like this. She knows how to carry herself.And why are you not with Declan? I picked him out for you and you show up with a low-class fool!”“Leo is a friend, mother,” Amber said meekly. “He wanted to…”A slap across Amber’s face stopped her from talking. “I don’t care if he saved your life, Amber. He is a low-class leech and you deserve better.” Luna Francesca let go a breath, shaking her head. “You…. you’re a constant disappointment. Pull yourself together, Amber.”Amber’s shoulders slumped further, her b
ARI“Arianna!” I blinked, noticing my stepmother looking at me with confusion. “Snap out of it. People are always watching us, and I can’t have both you and your sister looking like asylum escapees.”I looked around, briefly remembering where I was–another charity event for a cause she neither knew nor cared about.“That would be an upgrade,” Gregory scoffed, his glass of whiskey swirling with a slow, measured agitation. The man was just never happy. Even after I’ve done everything he asked me to, somehow he was still disappointed. I glanced over at Amber, who was sitting, staring blankly into the distance. She hadn’t been the same since Frank’s sudden departure. Even her husband, Harry, called it quits. Apparently someone leaked the photos of her affair and he had divorce papers wired to her the next day. Francesca had all but drugged Amber into compliance, upping her meds until she was little more than a shadow of herself. I watched as her fingers toyed with the edge of her napkin
ARIThe tires of my car crunched over the loose gravel as my driver pulled over to the desolate warehouse. My father’s voice over the phone echoed in my mind–cold, clipped, and commanding. Get here. Now.He offered no details, but he didn’t have to. I knew that tone. The same tone he used whenever I stepped out of line, but for the life of me, I couldn’t think of what I did this time. I absentmindedly touched the diamond necklace Gabe gifted me as an early birthday present, though it wasn’t until next month, but at least it was calming. At least I had him in my corner. I got out of the car and walked through the heavily guarded door. My stomach was in knots when I entered the open space and the echoing sound of fists meeting flesh guided my gaze.Father stood in the center of the warehouse, his knuckles stained red as he drove another blow into the face of a man bound to a chair. I stopped walking when I realized it was Alpha Frank. He was barely recognizable.Blood streamed from his
MILAI stepped inside the abandoned warehouse. The heavy thuds from my combat boots echoed against the bare walls purposefully. I wanted him to know I was coming. Frank, Mirabella’s father, sat shackled tightly to the steel chair. He corrected his posture when he heard me, but the once ‘not-so-powerful’ Alpha couldn’t intimidate me.The cut and bruises on his body were turned into scabs.I pulled another chair across from him, letting the legs screeched against the floor. He flinched at the sound, but quickly tried to compose himself, the tremor in his hands gave him away. Behind me, Camila stifled a laugh before walking over to a table to set up the projector with Jenna. I waited for their signal before sitting down.“Alpha Frank,” I started, my voice altered. “You seemed to have healed quite well over the past few days. We might need to change that.”“I don’t know who you think you are,” Frank spat. “But you’re making a big mistake.”I leaned back letting the silence stretch before
MILAI stepped into the dimly lit interrogation room where Leo, shackled at the wrists, leaned back in a chair, smirking as if he was expecting me. I took the seat across from him before he leaned forward.“Well this is a surprise,” Leo smiled. “Finally ready to admit you got the hots for me.”“Please.” I placed a hand over my lips. “ I just had lunch, Leo. Let me keep the contents in my stomach and not on this table.”Leo laughed. “So why are you here?”“I thought you might need the company,” I said smoothly. “Seeing as your visitor’s log is empty. Didn’t want people to think you were all alone.”His jaw tightened. “I don’t need you here!” Leo growled, yanking against the restraints as the guards stepped forward. I raised my hand. Stopping them. Leo was about as intimidating as a fly. “Fine, I just thought we could relate to each other.”Leo scoffed. “How’s that?”“Wow, you’re that dense, huh?” I shook my head, clicking my tongue. “All this time, and you still don’t see it.”“See wh
ARII heard a commotion outside my office door and barely had time to process it before my door opened. Amber stormed in with my temporary assistant stumbling in behind her with flushed cheeks and hair askew.“You jealous little bitch! How could you?!” Amber shrieked.I dodged the phone being thrown at my head before looking at Amber as if she lost her mind.“I’m so sorry, Luna Arianna,” my assistant whimpered. “She.. she hit me and…”I held up my hand, cutting her off. “I don’t care for your excuses, whatever your name is. Since you can’t seem to do a simple job like not letting crazy people in my office, why don’t you go home for the day?”She didn’t wait for me to change my mind, bolting from the room as if Amber’s rage might consume her next. Amber stormed up to my desk, her arms crossed so tight, I thought she might snap in half.Julia, sprawled lazily in the chair by the window, didn’t even flinch at the commotion. She was probably as high as I was. She sat up with a smirk.“Gee
GABEThe words cemented themselves in my brain as the thud of fists meeting leather echoed in the gym, accompanied by grunts and rhythmic feet on the mat.“I, Mila Davis, reject you, Alpha Gabe, as my mate.”No matter how many times I replayed them, the ache didn’t lessen. The rejection should have freed me, should have severed the bond. But Spencer still howled for her in the depths of my mind, clawing against the walls I built to keep him restrained. She wasn’t ours anymore. She made that clear.And yet, it changed nothing.With a roar, I unleashed a brutal combo–jab, hook, uppercut–forcing my sparring partner back until he staggered back, trying to regain his footing, but I couldn’t stop. If I did, I’d feel the emptiness settling in my chest, the gaping hole she left behind.“Alpha, please ease up!” I heard someone say, but I couldn’t ease up. The next hit connected squarely with the sparring partner’s jaw, sending him flying into the corner before he crumbled to the mat. Silence f
MILAThe sound of plates clinking woke me. I blinked against the sunlight coming through the windows, my body slow to stir after another restless night. “Morning,” Tyler’s voice broke through my haze. I sat up, the blanket slipping off my naked body. I internally groaned at the fact I allowed myself to stay here another day.“Though, this image of you is making this one of the best mornings I’ve ever had,” he added teasingly.I looked up at him holding a tray loaded with food–scrambled eggs, bacon, bread, jam, fruit, and a steaming cup of coffee. A soft and unassuming smile tugged at his lips.“Breakfast… in bed?” I asked, raising an eyebrow. “I bet all the women go crazy for this service.”He laughed, a deep, throaty sound that sent a shiver down my spine. Placing the tray on the nightstand beside the bed, he sat down next to me. “Only the ones that intrigue me.”“Oh,” I said coyly, leaning over him to pick up a piece of fruit from the tray. “And do I still intrigue you, Tyler?”Hi
MILAI woke up to a sharp ache that radiated through my body. I was surprised it was still there. I tried to sit up when I noticed the weight on my mid-section. Tyler was fast asleep, arms wrapped around my waist and drool pooling from his mouth. It took me a minute to get him off of me and to the other side of the bed. His features were relaxed and I envied his peace, the way he seemed untouched by the weight bearing down on me. Hours ago had been a blur of heat and desperation, a reckless attempt to drown out the pain. I thought Tyler’s touch, his closeness, would be enough to numb what Gabe had created.But it wasn’t.The ache lingered, sharper now, like a knife twisting deeper with every beat of my heart.We had to do it.“It was sudden, but we had no choice,” Rayne said softly, but I could feel the sorrow in her voice as she paced, restless and wounded in my mind.I swallowed hard, my throat tight. No choice. I hated those words. They made me feel like a puppet, dancing on string
TYLERHoly shit! Fuck! What the hell was I thinking bringing her here? I rarely brought women to the packhouse. Hotel rooms were my domain for this kind of thing. A quick getaway if needed. But now? Now I was making an exception for her. Mila. Damn it, why was resisting her so damn impossible? Everything about her, from the way she looked at me to the way she moved, shredded whatever resolve I had left. And then there was Gabe. Something had happened back there, I could feel it. But the moment the elevator doors closed, and her lips crushed against mine with that fiery urgency, I knew. I knew exactly where this was going. Gabe? Fuck him. He had a mate already. He wasn’t here. I didn’t care what he’d do if he was. I cared about her.By the time we reached the front door, our clothes were practically gone. She pulled me in with a hunger that matched my own, and her kiss–it was everything. The heat radiating off her skin seemed to burn through me, leaving me aching in ways I didn’t unde