Without listening to me, Noel focused on defusing the bomb. A sickening screech echoed through the room as a wooden board from the ceiling started its descent. My blood ran cold when I noticed the wooden board getting closer and closer to us."Noel!" I screamed. "Listen to me! You can still get out of here! You have a pack to look after. Your people need you. Don’t risk your life because of me. Please leave."He didn't even look at me. "Shut up!" he barked, his jaw clenched as he fumbled with the ropes binding my wrists. "I won't leave you."“Noel!” I shrieked as I saw the board getting even closer.“Hold on. I don’t know which wire to cut. It’s too risky. First of all, I need to free you from the ropes.” Noel struggled to untie me.The time was slipping away. The incessant ticking of the bomb was a relentless counterpoint to the pounding in my chest. Each creak of the falling board sent shivers down my spine. As I looked at the pointed spikes inching toward us, I trembled. My breathi

Noel’s POV…Consciousness crept back in slow waves. I wrestled my eyelids open, greeted by a sterile expanse of white walls. My vision swam, blurry, and indistinct. Blinking away the remnants of sleep, a torrent of memories rushed back.I remembered leaving that abandoned building with Adelynn and Tina, but I couldn’t recall what happened after that. Shifting my gaze, I spotted Adelynn dozing beside me. Her head rested on the starched white sheets, one hand intertwined with mine.A warmth bloomed in my chest. She stayed here by my side. A surge of joy, a deep sense of contentment, washed over me. A smile, involuntary and genuine, spread across my face. Adelynn’s presence was what I needed the most. My hand reached out and gently stroked her hair. I couldn’t deny it any longer—I was deeply in love with her.Slowly, Adelynn stirred, lifting her head to meet my gaze with those beautiful eyes of hers.“Hey, beautiful,” I rasped, a smile still lingering. “Good morning.”“Noel! You’re awake

Two days later…We stepped into the Mayor's office, the atmosphere tense with anticipation. My hand found its way to Noel's arm as I took in the surroundings. My gaze swept the room, landing on three men, all older than Noel by a good decade.“Good morning, gentlemen,” Noel greeted them with a cordial smile. “I am Noel Wilkinson and this is my wife, Adelynn.”“Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Wilkinson,” the mayor greeted us back. “We appreciate you coming, Mr. and Mrs. Wilkinson. Please take a seat.”We settled into the plush armchairs, and the mayor introduced the two other men to us. “This is Mr. Simon, and this is Mr. Dawn. They want to talk about several concerns before we renew our cooperative agreement and peace treaty.”“Sure, I am open to any discussion,” Noel said.Mr. Dawn, a man with eyes like flint, spoke first. "Mr. Wilkinson," he began, his voice low and gravelly, "we have concerns about the recent increase of missing persons in town, and we suspect that the werewolves are involved

I tried to stop Adelynn, but she had already hurried into the house. Whipping around, I found myself face-to-face with Ivy, a fresh wave of irritation crashing over me. "I don't know what game you're playing, showing up here unannounced, but don't even think about causing trouble for my wife. Or else, I’ll not spare you.”“Noel!” Ivy held my hand before I could enter the house. She looked at me with her teary eyes. "I had no idea you were married. If I had, I never would have come. I… Give me some time. I’ll soon find a house and move out. I promise to not trouble you and your wife.”"Spare me the crocodile tears," I countered, my gaze cold. Although her words seemed genuine, I couldn’t shake off the feeling that she had some ulterior motives for coming back all of a sudden.Ivy had been abroad all those years, but she had returned right after I announced Adelynn as Luna of my pack. This couldn’t be just a coincidence.I couldn’t trust her, but I didn’t drive her away either because I

I arrived at the upscale restaurant where Ivy had invited me. Before coming here, I had shot a quick message to Noel, keeping him informed of my location. However, he did not reply to me.Upon entering the establishment, I immediately spotted Ivy situated at a secluded corner table, engrossed in her phone. Dressed in an alluring off-shoulder silver gown, she appeared every bit the renowned supermodel she was. A flawless application of makeup adorned her face while her lustrous locks were expertly coiffed. The very air around her seemed charged with self-assurance.For a brief instant, I hesitated, transfixed by her stunning appearance. Undeniably, Ivy possessed a beauty that could captivate anyone. It was no surprise that she held the title as the reigning queen of the modeling industry.Compared to her polished appearance, I felt underdressed and plain. I was wearing a loose-fitting sweater coupled with a pleated skirt. I had merely applied some mascara and swiped on a touch of lipst