“*Dominic's POV*I’m a hypocrite.That’s what I am—a lying, pretentious son of a bitch who hurt the only woman I’ve ever truly loved. But, it’s not my fault, you see... She provoked me. She screamed all those horrible things, looking me dead in the eyes as if I wouldn’t literally kill for her. As if she doesn’t know that I already have.The memory of her words stings, and my chest tightens. I shake it off, unwilling to dwell on what had come over me that made me push her. That impulse—whatever the hell it was—must never be revived. Ever. But how am I going to handle this now? How can I fix something so broken?I check my watch for what feels like the hundredth time tonight. It’s 2 AM, and still nothing from the doctors. The empty, eerie silence of the waiting room presses in on me. What a way to end an engagement party. For a split second, I almost chuckle at the absurdity of it all, but then I remember that I have company.Cassie walks into the room, her heels clicking against the co
I ran down the hospital hall, my heart thundering violently in my chest. It couldn't be true. It just couldn't be.My feet pounded against the white tiles, each step a reckless echo of my desperation. My legs threatened to give out beneath me, weak from exhaustion, malnourishment, and an unhealthy dose of grief. I had barely eaten the day before. I had survived on even less sleep. None of it mattered now.I stopped abruptly in front of the glass door. My breath caught in my throat. Inside, Yolanda was standing with her arms crossed, watching the doctor with unnerving intensity. Her face was unreadable, trapped in one of those poker-faced seasons where it was impossible to tell if she wanted to cry in joy or despair.I swallowed hard and pushed open the door—gently, out of habit, as if politeness could soften the blow of whatever awaited me.Noelle sat in the corner, her hands folded in her lap, but when she saw me, her expression crumbled into something close to pity. I ignored it. I
“So you are saying you didn't push her–your story here is,you met her in the pool and tried to save her.” My frown remained. “Should I repeat myself?” “Don't you think it's coincidental that you of all people were the only one near the premises.” My eyes glanced at my watch for the hundredth time since this ordeal of an interview began. “I didn't do it.” “But the evidences suggests–” “The evidence in question is an assumption.” The investigator had a smug smirk. “It's easier to just confess,maybe you could even get a plea deal.”“I said I didn't do it!” My fist slams into the table before I can control my temper. The man before me stares from me at the dented table and gently scribbles something down in his notebook. I thought of yanking it out of his hands and slapping his damn face with it,but by some miracle thought better of it and pulled my hands to my sides. “Selene sent a note through Cassie–she will confirm this,and so I went to the pool house to meet her and saw he
*Selene's POV* “We might have to change rooms soon.”I said lazily,peeking out the curtains of the room,bemused by the sight of fans littered on the street,with balloons,flowers and all sorts of gifts I wouldn't even accept. The ones that reached here had already packed the room so much that one would think that I was admitted to a flower shop instead of a hospital. Either way,it was good to know that some things never change,I still had a strong enough hold on my fans. “I think it's adorable how loyal they are.”Dominic said beside me and I almost jumped out of my skin. I didn't notice his approach,I don't notice him alot,(that might be highly because I don't even want to)he walks suspiciously tender for someone with that height. I was partially convinced he enjoyed jumping up on me like that. “They are.”I replied,glancing at the diamond ring planted on my finger. “The doctors said you might still feel dizzy,”his hand rested on my waist. “I think it's wiser you stay in your bed
*Dominic's POV* “And what about the video tapes sir?”one of my Men whispered beside me. I watched Selene explore the house cautiously,beautiful as she always is. She ran her finger over the coffee table but said nothing of it.She looked like an unimpressed buyer,nevertheless,she was still beautiful. “Sir?” I jolted from my trance. “What?” “The video tapes sir–of Selene and–) “Keep it,”I said,my eyes fixated on her,every movement sensually graceful.“Everything else,I want it gone.” He nodded and walked away,I thought feverently about my decision. I had several copies of them And keeping them was risky on its own. What if Selene snoops around–or worse,what if the detectives snoop around and find it. That wouldn't happen anyway,there was no apparent reason for detectives to raid my house. I glanced at the grandpa clock in the living room,the detectives will be here soon,I had to get all negative thoughts out of my mind. And besides,what will I use when Selene gains her full
*Noelle’s POV* “I have a confession.”I spat out before my brain had a chance to stop me. Ares looked up from the dinner he was more skewering than eating and glanced at Cassie and Elias at the other side of the table. He wasn't still trusting me yet,and judging by the glare he was giving Cassie and Elais,he was still sitting beside me for their sake. He rubbed his temples and stared at me,raising one eyebrow,wordlessly telling me to continue. I stared at Elias across the table and desperately wanted to hold his hand for comfort. He has been standing by me since,the one with open arms,begging me to just be honest and everything would be okay after that. I wondered if he still thought it was a bright idea. “I–uh–”I got up and began to pace around,pulling with my cufflinks. “I'm sorry,I'm just a bit nervous.” Ares’s eyebrows jumped in an “Oh,well” and he returned to his meal. “Elais is my mate.” The news seemed to fall on deaf ears.Cassie quietly picked up her glass and dr
*Selene's POV* Something wasn't right. I could tell Something had gone horribly wrong by the way he looked at me tonight,by the way everyone looked at me tonight. My eyes grazed over the attendants of tonight's claiming ceremony,brushing over the entitled faces of the packs elite,trying to discern their gazes. It didn't help. I steadied my breath and try not to fidget,I only did that when I was nervous,and I refuse to allow this little inconvenience to make me nervous. I was here to by Luna,that's all that mattered. “Selene Fortlyn."Alpha Ares said,his tone commanding the attention of everyone in the room. I glanced up at him as he made his way down the stairs. “Alpha Ares.”I replied confidently as I bowed gracefully before him.Confidence wasn't something I had always had always displayed so boldly,but there was something about watching my mate before me that gave me the audacity. The lingering noise of gentle whispers was sucked dry out of the room,gently replaced by the m
[Four Years later] *Ares POV* “Did you watch her last night?”I heard my sister ask as she sits beside me. I had. I watch Selene's interviews religiously,I don't know what would have kept me sane if she hadn't become a movie star. “No.”I lie without remorse,chewing hard on my food as if it was the cause of my problems.I dread these types of questions. “Why not?”she asked knowingly. Part of Me knows she knows I watch Selene,but I rather choke on my meal right this instant than to actually admit it out loud. “Any way,”Athena continued,cutting herself some lemon cake. “She said she has no intention of being Luna,and her visit is strictly professional.” “I'm not looking for yet another wife.”I say immediately. “I know.”she chuckles,picking strategically through the bowl of fruits for the most perfect pieces of strawberries. “I just want you to keep it in the back of your mind that if you choose to chase her,you will be crawling on Your hands and knees…and she would still
*Noelle’s POV* “I have a confession.”I spat out before my brain had a chance to stop me. Ares looked up from the dinner he was more skewering than eating and glanced at Cassie and Elias at the other side of the table. He wasn't still trusting me yet,and judging by the glare he was giving Cassie and Elais,he was still sitting beside me for their sake. He rubbed his temples and stared at me,raising one eyebrow,wordlessly telling me to continue. I stared at Elias across the table and desperately wanted to hold his hand for comfort. He has been standing by me since,the one with open arms,begging me to just be honest and everything would be okay after that. I wondered if he still thought it was a bright idea. “I–uh–”I got up and began to pace around,pulling with my cufflinks. “I'm sorry,I'm just a bit nervous.” Ares’s eyebrows jumped in an “Oh,well” and he returned to his meal. “Elais is my mate.” The news seemed to fall on deaf ears.Cassie quietly picked up her glass and dr
*Dominic's POV* “And what about the video tapes sir?”one of my Men whispered beside me. I watched Selene explore the house cautiously,beautiful as she always is. She ran her finger over the coffee table but said nothing of it.She looked like an unimpressed buyer,nevertheless,she was still beautiful. “Sir?” I jolted from my trance. “What?” “The video tapes sir–of Selene and–) “Keep it,”I said,my eyes fixated on her,every movement sensually graceful.“Everything else,I want it gone.” He nodded and walked away,I thought feverently about my decision. I had several copies of them And keeping them was risky on its own. What if Selene snoops around–or worse,what if the detectives snoop around and find it. That wouldn't happen anyway,there was no apparent reason for detectives to raid my house. I glanced at the grandpa clock in the living room,the detectives will be here soon,I had to get all negative thoughts out of my mind. And besides,what will I use when Selene gains her full
*Selene's POV* “We might have to change rooms soon.”I said lazily,peeking out the curtains of the room,bemused by the sight of fans littered on the street,with balloons,flowers and all sorts of gifts I wouldn't even accept. The ones that reached here had already packed the room so much that one would think that I was admitted to a flower shop instead of a hospital. Either way,it was good to know that some things never change,I still had a strong enough hold on my fans. “I think it's adorable how loyal they are.”Dominic said beside me and I almost jumped out of my skin. I didn't notice his approach,I don't notice him alot,(that might be highly because I don't even want to)he walks suspiciously tender for someone with that height. I was partially convinced he enjoyed jumping up on me like that. “They are.”I replied,glancing at the diamond ring planted on my finger. “The doctors said you might still feel dizzy,”his hand rested on my waist. “I think it's wiser you stay in your bed
“So you are saying you didn't push her–your story here is,you met her in the pool and tried to save her.” My frown remained. “Should I repeat myself?” “Don't you think it's coincidental that you of all people were the only one near the premises.” My eyes glanced at my watch for the hundredth time since this ordeal of an interview began. “I didn't do it.” “But the evidences suggests–” “The evidence in question is an assumption.” The investigator had a smug smirk. “It's easier to just confess,maybe you could even get a plea deal.”“I said I didn't do it!” My fist slams into the table before I can control my temper. The man before me stares from me at the dented table and gently scribbles something down in his notebook. I thought of yanking it out of his hands and slapping his damn face with it,but by some miracle thought better of it and pulled my hands to my sides. “Selene sent a note through Cassie–she will confirm this,and so I went to the pool house to meet her and saw he
I ran down the hospital hall, my heart thundering violently in my chest. It couldn't be true. It just couldn't be.My feet pounded against the white tiles, each step a reckless echo of my desperation. My legs threatened to give out beneath me, weak from exhaustion, malnourishment, and an unhealthy dose of grief. I had barely eaten the day before. I had survived on even less sleep. None of it mattered now.I stopped abruptly in front of the glass door. My breath caught in my throat. Inside, Yolanda was standing with her arms crossed, watching the doctor with unnerving intensity. Her face was unreadable, trapped in one of those poker-faced seasons where it was impossible to tell if she wanted to cry in joy or despair.I swallowed hard and pushed open the door—gently, out of habit, as if politeness could soften the blow of whatever awaited me.Noelle sat in the corner, her hands folded in her lap, but when she saw me, her expression crumbled into something close to pity. I ignored it. I
“*Dominic's POV*I’m a hypocrite.That’s what I am—a lying, pretentious son of a bitch who hurt the only woman I’ve ever truly loved. But, it’s not my fault, you see... She provoked me. She screamed all those horrible things, looking me dead in the eyes as if I wouldn’t literally kill for her. As if she doesn’t know that I already have.The memory of her words stings, and my chest tightens. I shake it off, unwilling to dwell on what had come over me that made me push her. That impulse—whatever the hell it was—must never be revived. Ever. But how am I going to handle this now? How can I fix something so broken?I check my watch for what feels like the hundredth time tonight. It’s 2 AM, and still nothing from the doctors. The empty, eerie silence of the waiting room presses in on me. What a way to end an engagement party. For a split second, I almost chuckle at the absurdity of it all, but then I remember that I have company.Cassie walks into the room, her heels clicking against the co
Noelle's POV“How do you know?” Yolanda asked, panic heavy in her eyes. “How long have you known?”Her breath hitched, and she frowned at me, turning serious as she grabbed my arm. “Have you told anyone?”“I've known for quite a while.” I pull my hand away from her grip. “And no, I haven't told anyone.”Yet.Victor posed the question this time.“How did you find out?”“After asking several times for answers, I took my time to glare at Yolanda. “I got some maids to do a little snooping, and they came back with the news.”“So you were spying on me?” Yolanda asked, offended. “We are sorry we kept it from you all this while.” Victor apologised anyway. “I tried to tell you several times, but… He sent an eye gesture Yolanda's way, and she scoffed.“Yes, yes, make me your villain.”“The least you can do is apologise.” He mumbled under his breath.“What was that?”“I said.” Victor began turning to face her. “The least you can do in this situation is apologise!”“Right.” She nodded. “As thoug
*Ares POV*I walked to the pool house in a hurry, my heart beating frantically at the thought of talking to Selene in private, even if it meant acting like I was on some secret mission. After what I witnessed at the party, I’ll take what I can get. Honestly, a pool house meeting is far more than I expected.My footsteps echoed in the large swimming hall, but there was no sound. No, Selene… nothing. I groaned internally and clung to what Cassie told me for hope."She desperately wants to see you," she'd said. "All of it was pretend. I think something’s wrong—far more than we thought."I looked around in disappointment, realising I couldn’t keep playing these games anymore. But as I took another step, I froze, a dark sensation settling over me. My skin prickled, a jolt of electricity rushing through me—just like when she was in the room. But this was different… weak, fading."Selene?"I looked down, and my heart shattered when I saw the floating figure in the water, her dress billowing
Selene's POVI really need to talk to Ares alone.But in between the judgemental glares I'm getting and Ares refusing to at least look my way, I'm certain that it would be easier to pass a camel through the eye of a needle than to get my wish.But what about our mindlink? Does that still work – how does it even work?I find him busy in conversation in the crowd and smile faintly; his nonchalance at the whole situation is partly soothing but also concerning. The last thing we need is a scene, but I still feel so lonely being completely ignored by him.Dominic's hands tug at my waist, and I mentally jolt back my table.“I asked if you liked the escargot.” Dominic grinned, a hint of annoyance still in his tone. I imagine he had asked me several times, but I was too busy to hear.“I'm enjoying myself.” I replied softly, and the people around the table eased up.They looked like they were waiting on a suicide time bomb, and Dominic and I were holding the grenade. I leaned back and brought