The Alpha's Regret
He called me "little sister." I called him my forever.I've loved Skyler Voss since I was sixteen—my brother's best friend, my pack's most feared enforcer, and the man who looked right through me like I was invisible. For years, I watched him from the shadows, memorizing the way he laughed, the way he rode, the way he commanded every room he entered.Then came the night of my twenty-first birthday. The night the mate bond snapped into place.The night he looked at me with horror in his eyes and said the words that shattered me: "You're like a sister to me, Wren. You'll only ever be a sister."So I ran. I buried myself in my art, in a new city, in a life where Skyler Voss was nothing but a ghost I refused to let haunt me.Five years later, I'm not the same girl who cried herself to sleep over a man who didn't want her. I'm successful. I'm strong. I'm done.But when a family emergency drags me back to Ironvale, I discover that Skyler isn't done with me. The rejection that once broke me is now breaking him—slowly, painfully, driving him to the edge of madness. His wolf is feral. His control is slipping. And he's looking at me like I'm the only thing standing between him and the abyss.He wants a second chance. He wants forgiveness. He wants me.But I've spent five years learning to live without him. And I'm not sure I remember how to love someone who once made me feel so utterly worthless.
Baca
Chapter: CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED - ForeverPresent Day - Six Years After the Mating CeremonyI woke to chaos, as usual.Luna was jumping on our bed, singing a song she'd invented about pancakes. Asher was arguing with Skyler about whether six-year-olds could have coffee. And from my very pregnant belly, baby number three was doing what felt like gymnastics."This is your life now," I told the baby. "Loud, chaotic, and completely insane. Welcome to the family."A kick in response. This one was already opinionated.Due in two months, and I still couldn't believe we were doing this again. Three kids. A full house. Constant noise.I'd never been happier.---"Mama, tell Dad I'm old enough for coffee," Asher demanded."You're six. You're not old enough for coffee.""But Dad drinks it!""Dad is thirty-two. When you're thirty-two, you can have all the coffee you want.""That's forever from now!""Exactly. Now go brush your teeth."He stomped off, muttering about unfair parents. Luna immediately took his place in the argument."I want
Terakhir Diperbarui: 2026-02-19
Chapter: CHAPTER NINETY-NINE - Five Years ForwardFive Years Later"Asher James Mercer-Voss, if you don't get down from that tree right now—""I'm fine, Mom!" my six-year-old son shouted from a branch that was definitely too high. "Dad lets me climb higher than this!""Your father has terrible judgment," I called back, but I was already moving to spot him.From the porch, Skyler laughed. "He's a wolf pup. Let him climb.""He's six. And that branch looks questionable."Our daughter, three-year-old Luna, tugged on my shirt. "I climb too?""Absolutely not.""But Asher—""Asher is older and has a death wish. You're staying on the ground."She pouted, bottom lip jutting out in a perfect replica of Skyler's stubborn expression.---Five years since our mating ceremony. Five years of chaos, growth, and love that kept expanding in ways I hadn't known were possible.The cottage had been renovated twice to accommodate our growing family. The nursery was now Asher's room, filled with books and drawings and rocks he insisted were "special." Luna
Terakhir Diperbarui: 2026-02-18
Chapter: CHAPTER NINETY-EIGHT - Passing It ForwardThe young couple stood in Marcus's office, practically vibrating with nervous energy.I recognized the look. I'd worn it myself once."This is Liam," Marcus introduced the male wolf. "And his mate, Sophie. They just completed their bonding ceremony last week."Sophie's mating mark was fresh, still slightly red against her collarbone. She kept touching it unconsciously, the way I had for months after my own ceremony."Congratulations," I said warmly. "How are you adjusting?""It's overwhelming," Sophie admitted. "The bond is so much more intense than I expected. I can feel everything he feels and it's just... a lot."Liam nodded. "We were hoping you could give us some advice. Marcus said you and Skyler might be willing to talk to us about the adjustment period."Skyler and I exchanged glances. When had we become the couple others looked to for guidance?"Of course," Skyler said. "What do you want to know?"---We met them at the cottage that weekend. Asher was napping, giving us time t
Terakhir Diperbarui: 2026-02-18
Chapter: CHAPTER NINETY-SEVEN - Full CircleI found myself at the clearing without consciously deciding to go there.The place where everything had started. Where Skyler had rejected me, destroying my world before slowly rebuilding it into something better.Two years ago. It felt like a lifetime.Asher was with my parents for the afternoon—his first solo visit without me hovering nearby. At fourteen months old, he was walking confidently now, chattering in his own language, getting into everything."You need a break," Mom had insisted. "Go do something for yourself."So I'd driven. And somehow ended up here.The clearing looked the same. Trees forming a natural cathedral, sunlight filtering through leaves, the stream bubbling nearby.But everything was different.I was different.---"Thought I might find you here."I turned to see Skyler emerging from the tree line."How did you know?""Bond. And logic. You've been thinking about this place lately."He was right. As Asher's first birthday had approached, I'd found my thoughts
Terakhir Diperbarui: 2026-02-18
Chapter: CHAPTER NINETY-SIX - One YearAsher's first birthday party was pack tradition meets Pinterest chaos.My mother had made a smash cake shaped like a wolf. Sarah had decorated with way too many balloons. The entire pack had shown up, along with half the human community."This is insane," I told Skyler, watching toddlers run wild through our yard. "He's one. He won't even remember this.""But we will. And the pack expects it.""The pack expects a lot of things."But watching Asher in his high chair, cake smeared across his face as he demolished the wolf-shaped dessert with pure joy, I had to admit—this was perfect."He's having the time of his life," Vera said, snapping photos. "Look at that face."Asher grabbed another handful of cake, squishing it between his fingers before shoving it in his mouth. Blue frosting covered everything—his face, his hair, his new birthday outfit."Bath time is going to be fun," Skyler muttered."Worth it for these photos."---One year. Twelve months. Three hundred sixty-five days since
Terakhir Diperbarui: 2026-02-17
Chapter: CHAPTER NINETY-FIVE - Six MonthsAsher's half-birthday arrived with chaos.He'd learned to sit up unassisted, which meant everything within reach went straight into his mouth. He babbled constantly—"ba ba ba" and "da da da" that Skyler insisted meant "dada.""He's just making sounds," I said."He's clearly saying dada. Listen.""Confirmation bias.""Denial."And then, just to spite me, Asher looked right at Skyler and said, "Da!"Skyler's triumphant grin was unbearable."Fine. You win. His first word was dada.""I'll add it to the baby book."---The six-month checkup brought good news."He's in the ninety-fifth percentile for height and weight," Dr. Rivera said. "Definitely got his father's genes.""Great. I'm growing a giant.""A healthy giant. Everything looks perfect. You can start solid foods now if you want."Solid foods. Another milestone."Rice cereal first," she instructed. "Then gradually introduce vegetables and fruits. Watch for allergies."That night, we attempted Asher's first meal.He grabbed the spoon
Terakhir Diperbarui: 2026-02-17
Billionaire Contract Marriage: Her Quest
**They wanted to choose my husband. So I bought one instead.**
---
"You'll be meeting your soon-to-be husband at the next family dinner."
Aunt Melissa's words hit like poison. I choked, shock stealing my breath. Family dinners at my grandparents' estate were already hell—arguments shattering crystal, curses wrapped in concern, smiles hiding knives. But this? This crossed every line.
Who the hell did they think they were, choosing my husband like I was some pawn in their twisted game?
*That's never happening.*
I built Phias Empire from the wreckage of my inheritance, clawed my way up from the car crash that killed my parents twenty years ago. I survived being trapped underwater, survived my family's hatred, survived my cousin Sophie's lifetime of cruelty—always my shadow, desperate to eclipse me.
I didn't survive all that to let them control who I marry.
Then I saw him.
David Kane. Six-foot-three of devastating perfection, commanding my manufacturing floor like he was born for it. Dark hair, ice-blue eyes, a body that made me forget how to breathe. A contractor. The branch manager's son.
Nobody important.
*Perfect.*
My family wanted to force a husband on me? Fine. I'd bring them one—on my terms. A contract so airtight no one could question it.
And God, I wanted him.
I couldn't wait to see Sophie's face. Couldn't wait to watch their plans crumble.
They forgot who I am.
I'm Sophia Ashford. I don't play by their rules.
And I'm about to make the most dangerous deal of my life.
Baca
Chapter: CHAPTER 95: EMMA'S ENGAGEMENT PARTYSophia's POVThe engagement party was supposed to be small.Emma had promised. Forty people maximum. Intimate. Family-focused.I arrived at the venue—a private room at a restaurant downtown—to find at least seventy people."This is not forty people," I said to Emma."It's forty-ish.""It's seventy.""Some people brought plus-ones. I couldn't say no.""You absolutely could have said no.""Where's the fun in that?" She adjusted her dress—pale blue, elegant, very bride-to-be. "Come on. Help me greet people before I panic."Jake stood near the entrance, looking overwhelmed but happy. His parents were there—nice people, slightly intimidated by our family's intensity.My grandparents held court near the bar. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas were introducing themselves to Jake's extended family. David had Isabella, who was dressed in a small party dress and already trying to escape his arms."Bella down!" she demanded."Not yet. Too many people.""Down! Down!""She's very assertive," Jake's mother observ
Terakhir Diperbarui: 2026-03-06
Chapter: CHAPTER 94: ISABELLA AT EIGHTEEN MONTHSSophia's POVIsabella turned eighteen months old on a Friday.Not a milestone anyone celebrated officially. No party. No cake. Just another month in the steady march toward two.But eighteen months felt significant.She was talking now. Real sentences. "Mama, juice please." "Dada, read book." "No want nap."That last one was her favorite."She's so verbal," Maria observed, watching Isabella lecture her stuffed elephant about proper sitting behavior. "Most eighteen-month-olds have maybe twenty words. She has at least fifty.""She gets that from Sophia," David said. "Never stops talking.""I'm selectively verbal.""You talk constantly. To me, to Isabella, to yourself when you're working—""That's different. That's processing out loud.""That's talking to yourself."Isabella looked up from her elephant lecture. "Dada silly.""See?" David said. "She agrees with me.""She called you silly. That's not agreement.""It's toddler agreement."---That afternoon, Dr. Patterson called.Isabella's
Terakhir Diperbarui: 2026-03-06
Chapter: CHAPTER 93: ANNIVERSARYSophia's POVOur fourth anniversary arrived on a Tuesday.Four years since the contract. Not the real wedding—that was three years ago. But four years since David signed the papers that started everything.I woke up to find him already gone. Note on the pillow.Had to run to the site early. Emergency. Sorry. I love you. —DI tried not to be disappointed.It was just a date. The contract anniversary didn't even matter anymore. We'd amended it. Made it permanent. The original date was just trivia.Still.I'd hoped.---Work consumed the morning. Video calls with the Asia division. Contract reviews. Emma calling to finalize engagement party details because apparently we were throwing an engagement party now."Small gathering," Emma insisted. "Just family. Nothing excessive.""Your definition of small and mine are different.""Forty people is small.""Forty people is a wedding.""Forty people is intimate. Trust me on this."I didn't trust her on this. But I agreed anyway because saying no
Terakhir Diperbarui: 2026-03-05
Chapter: CHAPTER 92: EMMA'S PROPOSALSophia's POVMonday morning, Emma called."I need to ask you something. In person. Can I come by?""Of course. Everything okay?""Yes. No. Maybe. I need advice."She arrived an hour later, looking nervous in a way I'd never seen her.We sat in the living room. Isabella was with Maria in the nursery. David was at a site visit."What's wrong?" I asked."Nothing's wrong. Something's... happening. And I don't know how to handle it.""Emma. You're spiraling. Just tell me."She took a breath. "Jake proposed."I blinked. "Jake? Your boyfriend Jake?""That's the one.""You've been dating for... six months?""Eight months. But yes. It's fast. I know it's fast. That's why I'm here."She looked at me with wide, uncertain eyes."Do you love him?" I asked."Yes. Completely. Ridiculously. He's smart and kind and makes me laugh and supports my career ambitions and genuinely likes that I'm smarter than him.""Okay. So what's the problem?""I'm twenty. Twenty, Sophia. People don't get married at twent
Terakhir Diperbarui: 2026-03-05
Chapter: CHAPTER 91: VISITORSSophia's POVMy grandparents called on a Wednesday."We'd like to visit this weekend," my grandmother said. "If that's convenient.""Of course. You're always welcome.""Actually, we'd like to stay. Overnight. Spend real time with Isabella. With all of you."I hesitated. They'd visited plenty. But staying overnight was different. More intimate. More involved."That would be great," I said, meaning it."Wonderful. We'll arrive Friday evening."After we hung up, I realized what I'd agreed to.My grandparents. In the penthouse. Overnight. Observing our lives up close."You're panicking," David observed from the couch where he was helping Isabella stack blocks."I'm not panicking.""You're doing that thing where you organize things that are already organized. That's panic."I looked at the perfectly arranged bookshelf I was rearranging. "I'm just... preparing.""They're your grandparents. They've been here before.""Not overnight. Not observing everything.""What's there to observe? We're
Terakhir Diperbarui: 2026-03-04
Chapter: CHAPTER 90: DATE NIGHT EVOLUTIONSophia's POVSix weeks of intentional reconnection, and date night had become sacred.Every Saturday. No exceptions. No excuses.Maria or Emma watched Isabella. Sometimes Mr. and Mrs. Thomas took her overnight. Sometimes my grandparents drove into the city specifically to spend time with their great-granddaughter.We had an army of support. No reason not to go.This Saturday, David planned something different."Wear comfortable shoes," he said Friday night."Why?""It's a surprise.""I don't like surprises.""You love surprises. You just pretend not to because it fits your control narrative."He wasn't entirely wrong.---Saturday afternoon, Emma arrived to take Isabella."Where's David taking you?" she asked, settling on the floor with her niece."Won't tell me. Says it's a surprise.""Ooh, mysterious. I like it.""You would."Isabella crawled into Emma's lap. "Emmy!""Close enough," Emma said, delighted. "We're working on the 'A' sound but Emmy is acceptable.""She calls you Emmy?"
Terakhir Diperbarui: 2026-03-04
Masuk
