Cecilia POVJulian and I made our way back to the shore, relishing the sunlight as we lay on the grass. It had been ages since I had enjoyed such simple pleasures. Once our underwear had dried enough, we dressed and strolled back to the hotel under the setting sun. It was the kind of evening that whispered promises of a good night's sleep without the need for pills."What are you planning to do with that manor? If you're set against living there, I can have it demolished. We could find a new spot and build something fresh," Julian inquired as we walked back."I want to keep it," I responded. "I'll have someone tidy it up tomorrow before I move in.""I'm just concerned that you and Pearly might find it upsetting to live there.""It'll be fine. That place is my childhood home. I have many beautiful memories there. The door frame in my room still has the marks of my height measured each year up until I turned 18. If that manor goes, I'd truly be without a home."The following mornin
Freeda POVI sat in the makeup room, adorned in my wedding dress, as the makeup artist meticulously worked on my hair. I unlocked my phone, only to be greeted by a sea of gray across all werewolf websites and apps. Every feed was flooded with news of the Lotus Pack's funeral.The photos showcased Hogan and Julian flanking Cecilia, framing her like a princess with her guards. The comment sections brimmed with sympathy for her. Some were even berating me and Vahn.'Poor girl! She just got divorced and now this tragedy.' 'Her ex-husband didn't even show up. What a cold bastard!' 'What the fuck? She's holding a funeral, and her ex is getting married?'I had to scroll for a long time before I saw an article about my wedding with Vahn. A sparse few shared their joy for us, overshadowed by a chorus of disapproval. Frustration overwhelmed me, and in a fit of anger, I threw my phone onto the table. The sharp tug at my scalp was immediate. "You pulled my hair, you idiot!" I snapped
Cecilia POVThe day after the funeral, Hogan suggested we hold my Alpha Female crowning ceremony as soon as possible.At the same event, a grim spectacle awaited—publicly beheading Lance for his illegal sedative sales and Leanna for lacing the food with those drugs, aiming to restore peace to the bereaved families of the 14 workers who perished at the manor.That night, sleep eluded me.Lance's impending execution left me unfazed, but I questioned whether Leanna really deserved to die.My thoughts lingered on Alisha, who had planned to gift Leanna a cake that evening. How could I possibly convey such dire news to her? Secluding her from the execution would be futile; the truth would reach her through the internet regardless.A 14-year-old girl should not be subjected to such a harrowing ordeal.Restless, I rose from my bed, wandered into the kitchen, and retrieved a beer from the fridge. Suddenly, the lights snapped on, revealing Julian in the doorway."Can't sleep? Worried abo
Cecilia POVI recognized him immediately. It was Jordan, the son of Norman's Beta.Only a few days earlier, he had clashed with the royal special forces outside the manor. His skin was sun-kissed, his black hair cropped close to the scalp, and his build even more formidable than his father's—likely a gift from his warrior mother."What exactly is she going to teach us? How to dance, or perhaps prepare a delightful meal?" he scoffed, his voice dripping with derision.The crowd erupted into laughter, spurring him on.Emboldened by their laughter, he sprang onto the stage, his gaze fixed on me.He issued his challenge boldly. "Do you have the courage to fight me? I'll never submit to a loser as the Alpha of our pack.""Stand down!" Julian intervened, stepping in front of him and trying to push him back."This isn't your decision," Hogan's authoritative voice rang out. He reached for Jordan, poised to assert control, but I caught his hand, shaking my head."I accept your challenge
Cecilia POVAfter the crowning ceremony, a helicopter touched down in the square, seemingly there to pick up Hogan.In that instant, I felt a sharp pang in my chest, and I tugged at the hem of my shirt—Julian was leaving.Over the past few days, Julian had hardly left my side. From autopsies to funerals to managing pack affairs, he had been my steadfast support, helping me with almost everything.During the first two days after returning to the Thorn Pack, I was overwhelmed with grief. I had secluded myself in Aria's room, trapped in a void where I felt and heard nothing. It was Julian who drew me out of that deep sorrow.Yet, I knew I had to walk my path alone. However…"Don't forget that you're still just on probation. I'm looking forward to your performance," Hogan said, clapping me on the shoulder and pulling me back to reality. Meanwhile, Ben, standing behind him, subtly gave me a thumbs-up."Thank you all for your help!" I said, my eyes lingering on Julian for a brief mome
Cecilia POVThe next morning, Pearly had already prepared breakfast when I woke up. Julian had already arrived in the dining room when I entered, and he courteously pulled out a chair for me to sit beside him."I should hire a chef. I used to cook just for the two of us, but now it feels like I'm feeding a whole cow," Pearly grumbled as she brought in a laden tray."Are you talking about me?" Jordan chimed in, stuffing a piece of bacon into his mouth."Who else? Your appetite is bigger than Cecilia's and mine combined," Pearly retorted with an eye roll."Doesn't that mean I'm in great shape? A real man needs to eat meat and drink wine!" Jordan boasted, then suddenly yelped, "Ah!""What are you screaming about now? Are you saying my cooking isn't good?""I bit my tongue."Their bickering made me smile. It reminded me of how my brothers used to argue at meals, and how my father would flick their foreheads to quell the noise."Looks like you won't feel lonely anymore," Julian m
Julian POVAs I drove, I caught glimpses of Cecilia and Alisha chatting through the rearview mirror. Gradually, Alisha began to engage more, moving beyond simple nods and shakes of her head to full sentences. Seeing Cecilia regain some of her usual vitality, even if just in fleeting moments of busyness, was reassuring.'You look like a peeping tom right now,' Zevin teased me."Shut up."'How long do you plan on sticking around? I've told you a hundred times she's not our mate,' Zevin grumbled, persistent as ever."What's the rush? Even if we are just friends, we should still help each other out."'Friends? What kind of friend gets jealous just because another man touches her?'"I wasn't jealous."'Yeah, right. Just keep lying to yourself.'Distracted by Zevin's comments, my focus wavered, and I accidentally scraped a parked car. Irritated, I blocked him out of my mind.Upon reaching the manor, Jordan burst out of the house. "Something big has happened!" he exclaimed."Sl
Julian POV I called Hogan and requested a helicopter to transport the Shadow to Black Stone.Since he refused to speak, I wanted the doctors to examine him to uncover the secrets of his remarkable strength and vulnerabilities. Merely killing him would be far too lenient."Is he the one we almost hit on the mountain road last week?" Cecilia inquired after I ended the call."Yes, I sensed something was amiss then, so I had him followed. If he hadn't been critically injured at the time, we might not have captured him now." I patted Cecilia on the shoulder, offering reassurance. "Your uncle fought to the end to leave us this clue.""The Shadow won't escape again," Jordan declared as he stepped out of the dungeon, his clothes smeared with blood.I handed the car keys to Jordan and guided Cecilia into the backseat with me. As Jordan settled into the driver's seat, a foul odor permeated the car."Take off your clothes. They reek," Cecilia said, covering her nose.Jordan removed his b