It's nice to see that Arianna has goals even though she goes out of her way to belittle others to get there. Let's see if Mila can take the spotlight.
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
ARII was able to laugh off that first moan but the others after it was almost involuntary. My mind raced as I tried to keep my composure. What the hell is wrong with me?! A subtle warmth crept through my body, starting in my chest and spreading like a wildfire. I wasn’t sure how many times I blinked, trying to shake off the sudden wave of heat. Then my pulse quickened, my palms grew clammy as the room seemed to grow warmer. Gabe appeared by my side with a glass of water, his concerned gaze locking onto mine. “Do you need to leave?” he asked, his voice laced with worry.“No, I’m fine,” I lied, my voice barely steady. He knew I was, but didn’t push it. It’s almost over anyway. Go away before people say something.”He squeezed my hand, and I offered him a weak smile, trying to focus on the runway. Just that simple touch from him made me cream my panties. This was insane. Come on, Ari. Just get through one more and then you can leave. I told myself, clinging my thighs together so hard th
ARIsexual scene aheadAs much as I wanted to go back and take control, I felt myself go slack in Gabe’s arms as we rushed into the first open room we could find. It was a little bathroom for women with babies. My clothes were on the floor the moment the door closed and I was on Gabe like white on rice.“I want you now,” I whispered in his ear, helping him out of his clothes. The urgency of my need was intoxicating, in an almost painful and scary way. I was so fucking wet, I could feel it flowing down my legs. I couldn’t get him to undress fast enough. Underneath, his cock was hard and ready, and I wrapped my hand around him, feeling his blood leap beneath my fingers.“Fuck, you’re burning up, Arianna,” he growled, his leaning back as I stroked him, getting pleasure from just his monas.He looked at me, his golden eyes staring down at me with an animalistic desire. I was glad his wolf was at the surface. Gabe was a great lover, but at times like this, I wanted it rough and hard, which
MILAThis went better than I expected. The sight of Ari struggling to keep her composure was both amusing and satisfying, considering the many times she tormented and embarrassed me. The plus was being able to showcase my collection and watching Mister Deveaux’s amused face. I was definitely going to get his collaboration. The only question now was who was going to back me? Frances Deveaux might have been impressed but I was still new to the scene and a powerhouse like Aliz or Mora would be perfect.During the show, my eyes met Amber who was smiling. She tipped her glass to me and I returned the motion. I mean give a girl an inch and she would take a mile, Amber performed perfectly and the reaction was more than I could ask for. Thank you, Amber. You might be a bit of a mess, but you’re a useful mess.By the time the final model made her way down the runway, the audience was on their feet, clapping and cheering louder than they had all night. I stepped forward, taking my bow, basking i
MILAPanic started to claw at the edge of my mind. I had to get out of here–now. Luna Emily’s voice pulled me back, her tone dripping with condescension.“Don’t let this petty jealousy you have over your brother cloud your judgment, dear.”“Alpha Tyler’s right.” I interjected quickly, trying to maintain some semblance of control. “I simply saved the show when Arianna–unfortunately–couldn’t continue. You should be thanking me, yet, here you are insulting me, Luna Emily. So, how about I do us both a favor and leave?”“No!” Tyler’s voice was firm, with a note of authority that I hadn’t expected.“Fine by me,” Luna Emily said at the same time.Tyler’s grip tightened around my waist just as another wave of heat rolled through me, this one more intense than the last. Pleasure, sharp and unwelcome, shot through my body, and I had to bite down on my lip to stifle a moan. Oh fuck! I looked in my purse for the suppressor pills and found nothing but my scent spray. Double fuck! I felt Rayne movi
MILA ***sex scene marked ahead >>>I barely registered the sound of Tyler’s frustrated growl as I sprinted away. I practically fell into the hallway, looking around for the exit but all I saw were windows and every door led to some stupid room.wasn’t as fast as I thought as the moment I got into the hallway, Tyler had me pinned against the wall. Well that was fast.“Mila!” His canines were extended, eyes burning that bright golden color I was familiar with. His wolf was on the surface. Not good. I placed my hands against his chest to keep him from squishing me.“Declan,” I muttered. “Nice of you to join the show. Now let me go.” He growled again, sniffing the side of my neck, taking in my scent. “You smell… so sweet, Mila.”The way his guttural voice rumbled when he said my nameHis guttural voice rumbled in his chest, doing things I didn’t want to think of.“Declan…” His eyes snapped to mine, his body grinding against me, pressing me flat against the wall. “As much as my body would l
GABEThe scent of blood filled my nose as Spencer growled low, his presence pressing against my mind. We moved forward, eyes scanning the women’s torn attire, and the red streaks on the floor. Mila.She’s hurt. The realization hit hard, the pull to her undeniable. She must’ve seen it in my face because she shook her head slowly, her eyes a silent plea. I couldn’t move to her anyway as Arianna practically flung herself into my arms.“That beast attacked me,” she cried, her arms wrapped around my neck, face buried into my chest. Even as she did this, my eyes were on Mila. The need to comfort so strong, I felt myself pulling Arianna’s arms off of me. That didn’t stop her from clinging on as her hands gripped my arm. She continued. “She has to be banned from this pack immediately.”“Banned?” That word felt heavy in my mouth. “Really, Ari?” I looked at Arianna as if she was crazy and she almost took a step back. She recovered and a hateful look spread across her face when she looked at M
ARIThe gala was dead, my parents left with no word, Julia was found beaten in the women’s restroom, and Gabe was still a no-show. I called the packhouse and everyone kept saying he was in the office. So I decided to check myself. When I opened the door to his office, I was surprised to see so much had changed and Mila was standing near the desk. Of course it was her. That huge silhouette was unmistakable in the low light.“Oh,” she said, her lips curving into a smile that made my stomach churn. “Luna Arianna. Fancy seeing you here.”“Really?” I asked coolly, stepping fully into the room. “I would think out of the two of us, I would make more sense. What are you doing here?”She leaned against the desk with her arms crossed. “Not that it’s any of your business, but this is my office now. This is what happens when you’re a success, ya know.”This girl was starting to become a real headache. “You can’t be serious? Gabe wouldn’t just give you his office.”“More like he decorated it himse
MILAThe moment I kicked them out, I took a tour of my new office, feeling a sense of belonging. I won’t lie and say the personal touches were amazing, but the fact that Gabe was the one who did it made everything a bit complicated. What’s so complicated? He’s an asshole just like the rest of them. I thought, staring at the colored pencils on my desk and the treadmill tucked underneath it. Seriously, Camila must’ve had something to do with this. No one and I mean no one knew about the treadmill.I shook my head not wanting to delve into it deeper. I had to stay focused on the plan. The night was still young and there was still some damage I could do. I texted Camila to deliver the little gift I had for Luna Emily and Alpha Troy, while I tried to stir up some drama on the news. I pulled out my phone and called Laura.“Hey, I think it’s time to leak some information?”“Already ahead of you,” Laura answered happily. “Looks like our little hacker already did it. The news should be reporti
GABEI stepped away from the window in my old office after watching the flashing lights of the van taking Leo away. “Guess the party’s over.”I closed my laptop, taking a look at the redesign I did for Mila’s office. I tried to make it as personable as I could. Granted she had changed much, so hopefully I remembered enough to get her going.“We should tell her who she is to us,” Spencer urged.He’s been bugging me to tell ever since he found out. Wolves were so one-track minded. Let’s not worry about the fact that we were still mated to Arianna, right? None of this made sense.“Do you remember what she said to us the first time we saw her?” I reminded him. “I broke her heart, Spencer. I can’t just expect her to forgive us because there’s a possibility she’s our mate.”Even saying it sounded strange. I continued to decorate the room, carefully placing pictures of her older designs and textiles on the wall. Suddenly the door opened and Tyler rushed in like he was running from someone.
MILAJulia watched me with a confident look on her face, but I could smell the fear coming off her skin. She tried to laugh it off. “What is this? Some kind of fantasy of yours? A little girl on girl action?” I moved to block the door when I saw her eyeing it. “Not quite,” I smiled. “But it will be.”Before Julia could say another word, I lunged for her, grabbing her head and bringing it down into my knee. She stumbled back, holding her nose and looking at me with a shocked expression.“What the fuck!”“That’s for Jenna.”Julia distanced herself from me as I slowly approached. Surprisingly, she stood her ground when she noticed I wasn’t going to let her escape.Good girl. Julia grabbed her broken nose, and popped it back in place, her hand trembling as she wiped the blood from her lip.“Jenna? How is little ol’ Jenna doing?” she asked with a bloody grin. “Heard she lost a piece of herself. Maybe I should send her a ‘Get Well’ card.”I stalked forward, the edge of my vision blurring
MILA“Alpha Tyler! I’ve been trying to get your attention all night.” Mirabella practically squeezed between us, making a point to size me up, which I didn’t mind. I had to keep Tyler at a distance for Rayne’s horny sake.“As you can see, I’m a bit preoccupied,” Tyler began. “So…”“Yeah, I can tell,” Mirabella interrupted, her voice carrying the kind of sweetness that could make my teeth ache. “Someone’s been monopolizing all your time.”She shot a glance in my direction.“It’s not monopolizing when they’re here willingly,” I said, matching her fake sweetness. “But I can understand why that concept might be… unfamiliar to you.”Mirabella faked a laugh before grabbing onto Tyler’s arm. “Ty, would you give me a moment please? Girl talk and all. Maybe a few drinks?”Tyler looked at me as if he wanted confirmation. I didn’t want to waste my time with her but whatever. She was on my shit list anyway. I gave him a subtle nod and we both watched him disappear into the crowd before Mirabella
MILAOne thing I could say about the rich: they knew how to throw a party. If this was a typical night, I might have been content sipping champagne, nibbling on canapes, and pretending not to eavesdrop on the secretive whispers of the elites.But tonight wasn’t about enjoying myself. At least not in the normal way. I had too much to do and people to fuck with. The moment I saw Arianna and her entourage, I pushed the button in my purse and just waited.And waited.I started to excuse myself, but Tyler had other plans. He practically dragged me around the party introducing me to people in the industry, his charm on full display. Every conversation turned into some wild story about him that, without fail, ended with him in his boxers–or less.“I can’t help that fact that I have a natural affinity for being naked,” he laughed, drawing a few chuckles from the crowd. Then he leaned in close, his voice dropping to a whisper. “Want me to prove it?”I narrowed my eyes at him, fighting the smil
MILAI walked down the stairs at the orphanage, impressed by the progress of the construction team. This place was finally coming together, feeling like the sanctuary I remembered. All except for the garden on the roof. I made a mental note to hire a professional to breathe some life into it.“Well, hot damn,” Camila said the moment I walked into the living room. “You and red are made for each other.”Laura glanced up from her laptop, her eyebrows shooting up. “Whoa, Mila. That’s… different. In a good way,” she quickly added, as if I’d take it the wrong way.I smoothed the fabric of my gown, glancing down at the deep crimson silk. The dress hugged my curves, the high slit exposing just enough leg to make me feel… powerful, daring anyone to challenge me. “Well, I wanted to be sure to wear something in case it gets bloody tonight,” I smiled. “You don’t think I’ll stand out too much, do you?”Camila snorted. “Girl, you’ll be the talk of the night. Not because of blood–hopefully–but beca
MILACamila was not lying about the line of people waiting to get their clothes. Some had already pushed past the receptionist area, arguing loudly with the store attendants, some glaring at the empty racks, while others had their phones out, no doubt taking pictures.I looked down at my phones at the numerous calls I made to Tyler and Gabe. Of course, now they didn’t pick up their phone.“There she is!” someone yelled as all eyes fell on me the moment I stepped out from the back room. A swarm of disgruntled customers rush toward me. Zeke and Tom immediately intercepted the mob.“Let’s keep it civil here, folks,” Zeke stated, raising his hands like a traffic cop. “No need to turn this into a Black Friday stampede.”“Or a mosh pit,” Tom muttered.“Civil?” A woman’s voice rose above the chaos. “I pre-ordered one of Emilia’s signature cocktail dresses weeks ago, and was told it will be here today.”Another customer waved her phone in the air. “Same here! I have an event tonight, and I’m