CHAPTER SIXTEEN

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• A Single Night, A Lasting Claim   CHAPTER TWENTY

  Flora’s POV"You’re the only one who will recognize your fated mate."I wanted to ask Eleanor so many things, to demand answers that would explain the weight of what she had just revealed, but before I could even part my lips, she had already gathered her things and left."I’ll see you soon," she said, her voice eerily calm.I was too stunned to move until I felt a firm grip on my wrist. It was Jennet."Flora, let’s go. That’s enough," she urged, her voice laced with concern. "We will find a way."I swallowed hard and gave her a weak nod. Returning to my office, I forced myself into the routine of the day, hoping that the distraction would ease my nerves. But the moment I stepped inside, my entire body stiffened.There, sitting at my desk as if he owned the place, was someone I never expected to see again.Alaric Blackwood."What are you doing here?!" I demanded, my voice sharper than I intended.He sat in my chair, exuding an air of dominance as he lazily glanced up, completely unaff

• A Single Night, A Lasting Claim   CHAPTER NINETEEN

  Flora’s POVThe old woman nodded at me, a knowing glint in her eyes. Before I could respond, her frail but steady fingers reached out and touched the curse mark on my face. A strange sensation rushed through me, a mix of warmth and an unsettling chill. "Removing this curse won’t be easy," she murmured, her expression growing serious. "It requires immense energy, and it will not be a painless process. You would suffer greatly."For a brief moment, a wave of fear gripped me, but I swallowed it down. Before I could dwell on it, I caught the way she studied me, as if debating how much truth she should reveal."Do you… know who I am?" My voice wavered despite my efforts to keep it steady.Eleanor’s gaze softened as she met my eyes. There was a flicker of sorrow in them. "Of course, child."She exhaled, her face carrying the weight of a past I knew nothing about. "Your mother died giving birth to you. And your father… he broke the pack’s rules, trying to abandon you. He left you defensele

• A Single Night, A Lasting Claim   CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

  Flora’s POV"Everything is going to be alright, okay? Just breathe, Flora."I held my breath as Jennet spoke. Even in times like this—when everything felt like it was falling apart—at least I had her. A friend who stayed, a friend who reassured me even when the situation seemed hopeless. We grabbed a taxi, heading towards Eleanor’s residence. I clutched my hands tightly on my lap, feeling my fingers tremble slightly. Fear coiled tightly around me, a suffocating weight I couldn’t shake.The taxi came to a stop in front of a modest yet elegant house. Jennet, without hesitation, stepped out and rang the doorbell. I remained frozen, my palms growing clammy as my mind raced with thoughts of what might happen.A few moments passed before the door finally opened. A woman, likely one of the household servants, stepped out. Her eyes scanned us cautiously."Who are you?" she asked, her tone polite but guarded.Jennet cleared her throat. "We're here to see Healer Eleanor. Is she available?"The

• A Single Night, A Lasting Claim   CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

  Flora’s POVI needed to calm myself. I didn’t want any distractions, and most of all, I didn’t want to think about Alaric. Not right now.I had something more important to focus on—I was preparing to leave for my interview with Klaus this morning.I stood in front of the mirror, carefully applying my makeup. I needed to look presentable. I chose an outfit that exuded confidence—a skirt that stopped just above my knees, a tailored coat over a sleeved blouse, and a pair of heels that added a touch of elegance. To complete the look, I dabbed on a bit of perfume, ensuring I smelled as polished as I looked.I was enjoying the process, taking my time, when suddenly, something terrifying happened.“W-What the?-”The familiar mark on my cheek reappeared, glowing red with that cursed energy I had come to fear.My heart pounded. N-Not now. Please, not now!But it wasn’t just the mark—my eyes, those strange, unnatural eyes, flickered in the mirror. One of them shifted colors, turning from black

• A Single Night, A Lasting Claim   CHAPTER SIXTEEN

  Flora’s POV"No."I jerked my hand out of his grasp, "Even if you’re the Alpha of a pack, it doesn’t change a thing!"There was no mistaking the finality in my voice. I made sure he understood—no matter how much power he held, I was not someone to be controlled. Not by him. Not by anyone!But Alaric wasn’t the type to back down. His expression hardened, his eyes darkening like a storm rolling in. Suddenly, his presence seemed to expand, filling the room with a weight so heavy it was almost suffocating.Before I could even gather myself, he reached out, his fingers curling around my wrist with a force that made my breath hitch. He yanked me toward him, pulling me closer until I was almost chest-to-chest with him. My pulse raced, my heart pounding against my ribs in a wild rhythm. The scent of him—an intoxicating mix of mint and musk—invaded my senses.It had been shocking when he called me earlier. But now? Now, he was standing here, in my home, uninvited and unannounced. And for what?

• A Single Night, A Lasting Claim   CHAPTER FIFTEEN

  Alaric’s POV"Mother!"I stormed into the mansion, my steps heavy with urgency. The moment I crossed the threshold, a group of maids nearly jumped at my sudden entrance."Alpha Alaric!" one of them stammered.I didn’t have the patience for hesitation. "Where is mother?" I demanded, my voice clipped and sharp."She’s at the veranda, Alpha. H-Having tea with some afternoon snacks," she finally managed.I didn’t respond. I merely turned on my heel and strode toward the veranda.When I stepped outside, I found my mother seated gracefully, the picture of elegance and composure. The calmness in her demeanor was a stark contrast to the storm brewing inside me. My teeth clenched."Mother." My voice was harsher than intended, but I made no effort to soften it."Why did you meet Flora in private?" I asked, my tone laced with restrained anger.She didn't flinch, nor didn't waver. Instead, she simply exhaled, as if dealing with a petulant child. "You made me have no choice Alaric," she said matt