Eve’s POV:I woke up to the enticing aroma of food wafting through the room. My senses slowly came alive as I blinked my eyes open, trying to make sense of my surroundings. Ryan stood by the bedside, a tray of food in his hands. His eyes met mine, and a mixture of emotions flickered across his face – concern, determination, and something else that I couldn't quite put my finger on."Morning," he said softly, his voice a blend of warmth and uncertainty. "I hope you're feeling better."I tried to sit up, only to feel a twinge of pain shoot through my face. Yesterday I didn't realize how deep the wounds were on my face. I hissed in discomfort, my hand instinctively going on my face covering the cuts from the recent attack."Careful," he cautioned, moving closer to me. "You're still healing. Let me help you."Before I could protest, he placed the tray of food on the nightstand and reached out to gently lift me into a sitting position. I felt his hand against my back, his touch sending s
Eve's POV: I sat in the room, feeling trapped like a caged animal. I paced back and forth, frustration gnawing at me. Every attempt I made to escape was thwarted by my vigilant guards, dragging me back to the confinements of the room. Ryan's phone remained stubbornly silent, my numerous angry messages hanging in the air, unanswered. My rage surged within me, pushing me to the brink. I was so furious that at times I wondered if I should trash my room to teach him a lesson. Then I gave up, I remembered how he looked at me when he explained that he was genuinely worried about me. I believed him, from our years together I learned that his eyes never lie. What bothered me was when he said the words "mine". Sometimes even I believed him and was horrified. A twisted masochistic side of me just wanted to give in to it. I wanted to hear it for the rest of my life. I wanted him to say it over and over, I wanted to be able to put the past behind me. I shake my head, it's unthinkable, horr
Ryan's POV:Eve was perched on the edge of the doorway, a clear internal struggle playing across her features. I couldn't help but question whether she would reconsider her decision. My proclamation about failing the competition was more a bluff than anything. I'd never want to be the cause of her downfall.The twinge in my chest, stemming from her abrupt exit after I confess my feelngs , still stung. Did she not love me? While I understood her hesitations given my past mistakes, I had hoped she still harbored some sentiment for me."You're free to leave if you want," I said, attempting to keep my tone measured.She slams the door shut with a hint of anger and strides toward me, her expression fierce."Alright, I'm staying," she retorted. "But just so you know, you're acting like a real asshole.""I'm painfully aware," I muttered, locking eyes with her. My own inner conflict mirrored the intensity of her gaze."Then why do you do it?""I honestly don't know, Eve. Maybe because it feel
Ryan's POV:I returned to the room, a subtle sense of relief washing over me when I saw that Eve hadn't seized the opportunity to escape. There was still a palpable tension between us, but I hoped that the conversation we'd had earlier had at least opened a door for communication."Guess you decided to stick around," I quipped, attempting to infuse a touch of humor into the moment.Eve's eyes met mine briefly before she looked away, a faint smile tugging at the corner of her lips. "Looks like it."The small exchange felt like progress, a tiny step forward in this complex dance we were engaged in. As I closed the distance between us, I couldn't help the urge to wrap my arms around her in a hug. She stiffened at first, her body tense, but she didn't pull away. Maybe she was starting to soften towards me, even if just a little."I want to make a deal with you," I said, my tone serious as I released her from the embrace.She raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued yet wary. "A deal?"I nodd
Eve's POV:I sat in the bathroom, the water flowing over me, and my mind was a mess. Why did Ryan have this effect on me? Every time I saw him, it was like a storm inside me.I knew what he had done, the pain he had caused, but there was this strange pull whenever he was near. The clash of past hurt and present reality left me torn, unsure of what to do.One moment I wanted to confront him, let out all my anger, and the next, I felt this strange connection that was almost irresistible. It frustrated me to no end – how could I be so mad at him and yet also drawn to him?My anger wasn't just directed at him anymore; it was aimed at myself. How could I even consider the idea of a future with someone who hurt me so deeply? How could I think about letting down my guard for a man who shattered my trust?But as I thought, I realized that Ryan wasn't the same person anymore. The weight of being an Alpha had changed him, shaped him into something different. He wasn't the boy I used to know, an
Raven’s POV:My attention was fixed on my phone as it continued to ring, each passing second amplifying the tension in the room. Amy stood by my side as she nervously chewed on her lip. Ryan didn't pick up the phone."Damn it," I muttered under my breath, my annoyance mingling with Amy's sigh of exasperation. "What do we do now?" Amy's voice wavered.Just then, a beep from Amy's phone pierced the air, and we both froze. A spark of hope flickered in her eyes as she checked the notification."It’s Eve!"Amy exclaimed."Put her on speaker," I instructed, and without hesitation, Amy activated the speaker phone function, allowing us both to hear what Eve had to say."Eve? Oh my god, Eve, is that you?"The tension in the room ratcheted up another notch as Eve's voice finally reached our ears, a lifeline amidst the uncertainty."Amy," says Eve.Both of us sighed in unison, our relief palpable."I'm safe. I'm with Ryan," she added, and my heart seemed to stutter for a moment. The room grew st
Eve’s POV:Ryan suddenly rises from his seat, his energy crackling with impatience."We've hashed out the details. Let's not waste these seven days cooped up in this room," he declares.I raise an eyebrow. "Weren't you planning on taking me out to dinner?"He laughs. "Love, that doesn't mean I can't take you out in the afternoon, I want every second of you."I smirk. "With me." I corrected him."I know what I said," he says, winking at me.Damn him and his charm. With a playful roll of my eyes, I take his outstretched hand, allowing him to lead me wherever he has in mind.We step out in front of the hotel, and there it is – a sleek speedboat, waiting for us."Did I mention how much I adore Venice?" I muse, my excitement was uncontainable."Just wait and see what I've planned."As we settle into the boat, I press my face against the window like an excited child. Venice is a dream, its beauty beyond words. I want to soak in every sight, every sound, and etch them into my memory forever.
Eve’s POV:As I arrived at the agreed meeting place, a surge of nerves washed over me. Stepping off the boat, my heart still pounding, I heard the boatman calling after me. Panic hit me as I realized I had no money to pay him. I turned to face him, trying to come up with a solution."Madam, you haven't paid your bill," he said sternly."Put them on my account," I replied, my voice wobbling a little."That's not how we work here. This is not America for you, pay now.""Enough, mate, we'll figure something out. I don't have any money on me right now," I say."Pay or I'll call the police," the boatman threatened, grabbing my arm."What do you think you're doing? Let me go now!" I shouted, my frustration boiling over. "I already explained...""Let her go now," Ryan's voice growled, and both the boatman and I turned in surprise.Great, just great. Could this situation get any worse? I watched as Ryan paid the boatman and gave him a dismissive wave. He then took my arm, pulling me away from
Weeks passed in a whirlwind of preparation. The decision by Raven and Trina to fully embrace their bond brought an air of joy and contentment that resonated throughout the pack. Witnessing their newfound happiness was a source of warmth, a testament to the transformative power of love.Raven immersed himself in assisting Ryan with war training. His expertise introduced innovative tactics and methods of intimidation that the soldiers eagerly adopted. The training sessions became a dynamic collaboration, enhancing the pack's capabilities in anticipation of potential challenges.Simultaneously, I dedicated myself to organizing the grand ball, marking my official announcement as Luna to the pack. The passing of the Women's law, supported by nearly one hundred percent of the votes, signified a significant stride toward equality within the pack.As the truth about my past gradually unfolded to the pack, their responses were overwhelmingly positive. The conversations were filled with underst
Raven didn't immediately answer the question. He looked embarrassed and broken. Ryan invited him into the dining room and offered him coffee. As we settled around the table, several Omegas bustled around, their movements careful and purposeful. They poured coffee with a silent efficiency, arranging an array of sweets that adorned the tabletop. A silent acknowledgment lingered in the air as they tactfully avoided meeting Raven's eyes. "What happened?" I asked again, my voice soft, the room now hushed with the anticipation of Raven's response. "I didn't come for sympathy, but I had nowhere else to go," Raven began, his eyes downcast, avoiding the weight of our gazes. Ryan, sensing Raven's vulnerability, gestured towards the chair, silently offering a seat. "When I got home from Italy, my father was very angry that I hadn't been able to get Ryan to sign the peace treaty," Raven continued. “Did he do this to you?” Ryan's question cut through the air, his eyes ablaze with restrained a
Ryan's eyes darkened with a primal intensity, a spark of possession that thrilled and comforted simultaneously. Then he pulled away from me."If we keep going, I won't be able to stop, love," he tells me.I can feel his body tense in an attempt to hold back his desire."I don't want you to stop, Ryan," I whisper to him."Are you sure, Eve? I've been through a lot today," he begins carefully.I can see him not getting close to me because if he did, he would lose control. But I've never been more ready."Ryan, I know what I want. I want you now, to be yours in every sense of the word, and I want you to mark me." I say and get up from the bed.I take a step towards him, and he has undressed me completely and is now looking at my body. Then his eyes return to mine, obviously seeing my determination because he crosses the distance between us and sinks his lips into mine.Our kiss is a mixture of passion, need, and the unspoken connection that binds us. It's not just a physical act; it's a
As we pulled into the packhouse driveway, the weight of the recent events pressed down on my shoulders. The familiar surroundings, usually buzzing with lively energy, now stood in solemn contrast to the somber reality we faced. "Eve, love, I'm going to go talk to some members of the pack. I must inform them of the events. Do you mind if I leave you for a while?" Ryan asked gently. "Not at all. Go and do your job, Ray." I replied. "If there's anything, call me." "Of course," I responded, sealing our brief conversation with a kiss. It was a kiss that held both desperation and reassurance, an anchor in the storm that had swept through our lives. The door closed behind Ryan as he left to address the pack, and I found myself standing in the quiet hallway, the echoes of recent events reverberating in my mind. Seeking solace, I retreated to the kitchen. Mechanically, I poured myself a cup of coffee, the familiar routine offering a semblance of normalcy amid the chaos. The warmth of the
Eve's POV: We dressed quickly, the weight of the situation hanging in the air. The revelation of Cari's suicide attempt shook me to the core. Her confessions from yesterday had been a storm, but this... this was a hurricane of despair. "You don't have to come if you don't want to," Ryan said, concern etched on his face. "No, I will come. We're together now, Ryan, and we'll get through this together." He nodded, and his hand found mine. The silent support was enough to bolster my courage. The corridors of the hospital blurred as we hurried to Cari's room, the tension thick between us. Outside the room, the muffled voices of Cari's father and brother reached us. I knocked on the door, and the old Gamma, worn and sleep-deprived, opened it for us, a mixture of exhaustion and worry etched on his face. "Alpha," he greeted, nodding respectfully. "Luna." We entered, and I stood by Cari's bed. Her gaze flickered to me briefly before returning to her brother. "Cari, this must not happen
Eve's POV My mind was a whirlwind of confusion and suspicion as we grappled with the aftermath of Cari's betrayal. The room echoed with the weight of unanswered questions, and I couldn't shake off the gnawing uncertainty that lingered in the air. "So, who the hell was the perpetrator?" I wondered aloud, my voice laced with frustration. "Someone infiltrated our pack, gave poison to Cari, wiped away the real evidence, and planted that damn wolfsbane in my jewelry box." Ryan's expression mirrored my unease, his eyes narrowing as he processed the intricacies of the situation. "We need to find the person who gave Cari the wolfsbane. That stranger is the key to unraveling this mess. He is the one who orchestrated everything." I nodded, the gravity of the situation sinking in. The betrayal ran deeper than we initially thought, and the pieces of this sinister puzzle were scattered, waiting to be put together. "Cari, are you sure you d
Eve’s POV The room fell into an eerie silence, with only the sound of Cari's muffled sobs breaking the tension. Her eyes were filled with remorse as she looked at Ryan, desperately seeking forgiveness. "How exactly did you do it, Cari?" Ryan asked thoughtfully, his brows furrowed with suspicion. "Something doesn't add up." Cari blinked at him in confusion, her eyes searching for a way to deflect the intensity of Ryan's gaze. She glared at him, a defensive shield against the probing questions. "I don't understand the question," she said. "I want to know everything. How did you get the wolfbane, where did you sprinkle it in an attempt to poison Eve, everything? I want to know everything," growled Ryan, the authority in his voice cutting through the room. I walked over to Ryan, sensing the escalating tension, and I put my hand on him, attempting to calm him down. His grip tightens, a silent acknowledgment of my presence. "Did you steal it?" I asked in turn, my voice steady. "No,
Eve’s POV After the interrogation, a contemplative hush settled in the room as everyone processed the unexpected twist in the tale. Seeking comfort, I nestled on Ryan's lap, finding solace in his reassuring embrace amid the disquieting revelations. Cari's admission that she had planned to poison me to remove me from Ryan's life hung in the air. It was a revelation that sent a shiver down my spine, as I hadn't fathomed the depth of Cari's resentment. Memories of our shared high school history, marked by occasional clashes, suddenly took on a darker hue. I always tried to be nice to her, I never reacted harshly even to her snarky remarks when I was Luna. I couldn't believe she despised me enough to want to kill me. I rose from my seat with determination, making my way decisively towards the interrogation room. "Where are you going?" Ryan asked, confusion etched on his face. "I have more questions for her. That can't be the whole story," I explained. Ryan followed me, signaling fo
In the morning, I intentionally skipped breakfast, opting to avoid the company of other werewolves. My focus was solely on the impending day and the crucial tasks ahead. Despite a few friends attempting to engage in conversation, I swiftly ended any interaction. Nervous energy coursed through me, urging me to distance myself from everyone, ensuring no one would suspect that something was amiss. Obsessively checking my watch, I peered out of my window, eagerly anticipating Eve's departure for the mall, where our supposed date was scheduled. I had fed her a fabricated story about needing to go to work early in town, setting the stage for the deceit to come. With the knowledge that Ryan's flight had already landed, and he was far from our location, I calculated that the most important warriors would accompany him. This meant minimal security around the Alpha and Luna's room in the house. The moment I spotted Eve's car pulling away from the driveway, I seized the hidden jar containing