Ryan’s POV: My initial intent in coming to Eve's office was simply to taunt Raven. I wanted to remind him that he was encroaching on my territory by converting his property into a mall. However, as I watched the dynamics between Eve and Raven, a different kind of rage began to build within me. It was no longer just about territory; it was about the woman I considered mine. Raven, the son of the Alpha of the Grim Claw Pack, wasn't just taking over my territory; it seemed he had laid claim to my mate. The mere thought of it infuriated me, shit, I can't let this pass without a confrontation. I couldn't help but notice the sneaky eye contact between Eve and Raven when she gave him the heads-up about me trying to hinder the mall's opening. Their eyes were having a whole conversation that I couldn't freaking get. It kept bugging the hell out of me. My anger grew stronger as I recalled seeing Eve in Raven's building the previous day. She insisted it was all work-related, but if that were
Eve’s POV: I'm leaving the office immediately. It's a total disaster. I want to calm my nerves and talk to Amy. I'm sure she still will be at the cozy bakery down the street. When we started working, we intentionally arranged our offices next to each other. Amy is an extraordinary chef who crafts the most unique and delectable desserts for our customers. Her culinary expertise has played a significant role in the success of our business. I'm almost at the door, feeling the weight of the chaotic day when someone firmly grasps my arm. "Eve, we need to talk," Ryan says with urgency. "What do you want now?" I respond gruffly, attempting to conceal the flood of emotions surging through me. "I want you to come back," he says breathlessly, his words catching me off guard. "What?" I almost squealed in amazement, unable to process his sudden confession. "Hear me out. I want you to come back to me, to our pack. I'm ready to forgive you for everything," he pleads. "Forgive me?" I erupt wi
Ryan’s POV: I watched her as she walked away, taking in every detail of her beautiful body. Her taste still lingers on my lips, sweet and mesmerizing. The memory of her presence captivates me, leaving me longing for more. She could talk all she wanted, but I could feel the way her body responded to my touch. She still belongs to me. My inner wolf persistently fought to connect with me, its howls echoing in my mind. "Go after her. Don't let her slip away," it urged, yelling at me the moment I let it take control. "Patience, my friend," I tried to calm it down. "Don't let her leave us again." "Stop trying to control me," I snapped back, growing angry. "And for the record, it was you who compelled me to kiss her, wasn't it?" "If I relied on you and your pride, you wouldn't even speak to her," he retorted. "I miss her wolf, and deep down, you miss her too, no matter how much you deny it." "Enough with the games," I scolded. "You're only confusing things. I've been acting foolishly
Eve’s POV: Two hours earlier: Amy arrived home earlier than usual, providing us with an opportunity to discuss our work situation. I reassured her of my unwavering belief in her abilities, and we decided to participate in the upcoming competition. We agreed that I would inform Raven about my decision to decline the job later in the evening. As Amy headed into the kitchen to prepare dinner, I reached out to Raven, dialing his number. He answered on the first ring, his voice filled with charm. "Well, if it isn't the most beautiful woman in the world," he greeted playfully. I chuckled at his remark, but quickly shifted the tone of our conversation. "Raven, we need to have a serious discussion," I stated firmly. "Sure, what's on your mind?" he replied. "I'll be direct. I've made the decision to decline the opportunity to work for the event organization," I announced. "What?!" he exclaimed, his voice raising in disbelief, and in the background, I could hear the screeching of tires
Ryan’s POV: I look at her phone, trying to maintain a facade of calm, but inside, I'm seething with anger and frustration. "Look at your little crush, Ryan," Cari says smugly. "If you've been looking for answers, there you have it." "Why are you showing me this? I don't care at all," I lie through gritted teeth. "If I were Luna, I would never do this to you," she declares with a self-righteous tone. "Cari, for the last time, you and I will never be together," I state firmly, my patience wearing thin. "Good," she frowns. "But I hope you don't get together with that creature because she doesn't deserve to be forgiven." "Why do you keep talking about her?" I question, my frustration growing. "You know very well that she poisoned me and then hid the evidence in her sweatshirt. This is bothering me, Ryan!" Cari insists. I'm taken aback by her claim. How does Cari know where Eve hid the evidence? She was in a coma at the time, and I doubt I shared this information with anyone else.
Eve’s POV: In the morning, Amy and I gathered in the cozy kitchen. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air as we prepared ourselves for an important discussion. I held a notebook ready to jot down the details we'd need. "Tell me now, what will we need for the competition?" I asked her, eager to dive into the preparations. "The first stage will take place in our city, so that's a relief. We won't have to carry anything with us. But I'm a bit concerned because the competition is of a very high level," Amy replied with a hint of worry. "Amy, I've seen the incredible cakes you've made, and I have no doubt you'll smash the competition," I reassured her with a smile. "It's not just about taste. These competitions also heavily focus on presentation," she explained. "Alright, what do we need to step up our presentation game?" I inquired, determined to help her with whatever she needed. Amy hesitated for a moment before continuing, "Elaborate stands are built, all designed arou
Ryan’s POV: I'm sitting in my office, engrossed in paperwork, when the door opens, and James walks in. "I have news about Eve," he tells me, and I immediately drop everything. "What's happening? Is she okay?" I ask as if I were a teenager in love. He smiles at my reaction, and I quickly realize I need to tighten up my emotions. "There was trouble at the bakery store," he says, waiting for me to ask for more. I raise an eyebrow, knowing that Jaime is aware of my distaste for having to pry information out of someone. "They had invested all their money in shopping for the contest I mentioned earlier," he continued, sensing my impatience. I remain silent and he continues. "Someone stole their supplies, and we couldn't track down the thief because we were focused on following Eve and Amy." "You must keep track of everything," I scold him, and he looks down, acknowledging his mistake. "I bought the store on your behalf so they can use whatever they need from inside, and the probl
Eve’s POV The studio had never been so crowded with bags, and Amy was finally able to calm down a bit and stop hugging Raven, who seemed slightly uncomfortable with all the attention on him. I couldn't blame him; Amy's enthusiasm could be a bit overwhelming at times. As we chatted, I noticed Raven stealing glances at me when he thought I wasn't looking. "Do you want coffee?" I ask Raven. "Yes, thank you," he replies, offering a warm smile. As I walk over to the coffee machine in our studio, I can hear Amy gushing and thanking Raven for what feels like a millionth time. I can't help but laugh as I watch him blush and try to handle her enthusiasm again. "Amy, let Raven breathe," I playfully scold her. I make three cups of coffee - one for me, one for Raven, and one with lots of sugar and milk for Amy. Now I'm thinking maybe I shouldn't give her so much sugar. "Would you like something with your coffee?" I ask Raven as I approach with the drinks. "No, I drink it black," he says, t
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