TANIAI blushed at the sweet word, my heart skipping a beat. โAdorableโ - it was the first time he'd ever called me that, and I felt like a fluttering butterfly had taken up residence in my chest. โHmmm, should I be annoyed or flattered?โ I teased, my grin spreading from ear to ear. โI think I'll choose flattered since you called me adorable!โZarek's chuckle was music to my ears, his smile making my heart skip another beat. โGlad we cleared that up!โ He switched off the hair dryer, and my heart sank, realizing he'd leave the room soon since my hair was dry. But I didn't want him to go.โI'll let you get settled in now,โ he whispered, his eyes sparkling but with a tired look. โGood night, sweet dreams!โI nodded, my smile still plastered on my face, as I watched him slip out of the room. With a happy sigh, I snuggled into bed, feeling all warm and fuzzy inside.***I woke up to the gentle buzz of my alarm and reached over to switch it off. I checked my phone for any missed calls f
TANIAI turned to head out of the kitchen, but Zarek's tone froze me in track. โNow, you are trying to run off because you know you're not telling the truth.โโI'm not running off.โ I sighed, feeling cornered. โYou have an interview, don't you?โ I asked, checking my phone for the time. โYou're running late.โZarek's expression turned warm as I said that. He bit into his toast and said, โYeah, I should get going.โHe was heading out the door when I heard him say, โTake care and don't get into too much trouble with your boss.โ โI'll be an angel,โ I responded, but my relief was short-lived, as I remembered I had to get to work. I hurried out of the kitchen, my pace quickening as I made my way to the bar. I wanted to make a good impression on my first day, and arriving early was a must.I reached the bar and took a moment to familiarize myself with the premises. As I looked around, I introduced myself to the staff, and they all greeted me with friendly smiles. One person stood out in
TANIAZarek shook his head, chuckling. His gentle laughter sent a flutter through my chest. โThat's not what I was writing down,โ he said, his brown eyes shining bright.I raised an eyebrow, trying to sound stern. โThen, what were you writing down?โ But my voice came out softer than I intended, betraying my curiosity.He took a step closer, his eyes locked onto mine. โJust some thoughts,โ Zarek said, his voice low.โWhat kind of thoughts?โ He smiled, his eyes gleaming with excitement. โThoughts about how beautiful you look when you're focused,โ he said, his voice dropping to a whisper. โHow your eyes light up when you smile.โHe reached up and gently pulled a strand of my hair behind my ear. โI was too busy noticing you,โ Zarek whispered, his eyes never leaving mine. I felt my face flush slightly. โAnd now?โ I asked, my voice barely above a whisper. โYou smell like heaven,โ he whispered, looking deeply at me.His intimate tone sent my heart racing, and my face reddened with excit
TANIAThe short drive flew by, and soon we arrived at the apartment. We took turns getting ready in the room, our excitement building as we prepared for our date.When it was my turn to get ready, I slipped into my favourite silk dress, the soft fabric hugging my curves in all the right places. The emerald green colour made my eyes sparkle, and I felt a sense of elegance wash over me. My hair fell in loose waves down my back, and I kept my makeup natural, wanting to look radiant but still like myself. I couldn't wait to see the way Zarek would look at me.I stepped out of the room, expecting to see Zarek still getting ready, but instead, I was surprised to find the dining room all set, with candles lit, flowers arranged, and the table beautifully laid out. The living room, where we would later watch our movie, was also prepared, with blankets and pillows neatly arranged. The atmosphere was inviting and romantic, exceeding my expectations. It was as if Zarek had gone all out to
ZAREKWe wrapped up our conversation, but Tania was still pondering a suitable punishment for cheating - something I didn't worry about, knowing I'd been faithful in my past relationship with Amelia.As the night wore on, we shifted to the living room, settling into the couch together. Our eyes were glued to the TV, with Tania fiercely guarding the bowl of popcorn she'd made herself. I suspected she was protective of it because she'd popped it all by herself, without my help.Her grip was tight, even as her gaze remained fixed on the movie. I tried to sneak a handful, but she quickly smacked my hand away.โDon't,โ she muttered, her eyes darting back to the screen. I had chosen her favourite movie, a historical vampire romance that wasn't quite my cup of tea, but it was surprisingly engaging. As we sat together, watching the movie, I noticed Tania's eyelids drooping. She fought to stay awake, but her head began to nod forward, her grip on the popcorn bowl loosening. I smiled, and
ZAREKI strolled alongside Tania, enjoying our carefree evening at the mall. She was in high spirits, eager to splurge on a shopping spree after receiving her three months' salary as a bar manager at Red Sox bar.โI deserve to treat myself,โ she said, having abstained from shopping for quite some time. I playfully agreed, and we set off browsing the stores together. However, I had an ulterior motive in mind. Tania busied herself selecting clothes, her eyes scanning the racks with excitement. I casually mentioned, โI need to grab something from another store.โ She looked up at me with a gentle smile, her eyes showing a hint of concern. โOkay, be quick, I don't want to be here too long.โ She paused, then added, โAnd don't forget to come back to me!โI chuckled, feeling a warmth in my chest, and replied, โDon't worry, I'll be back before you can even miss me.โ With a playful wink, I added a flirtatious touch, and she rolled her eyes, laughing.As her laughter trailed off, I turned
ZAREKI walked back to where Tania was, the ring box securely tucked in my pocket, my heart racing with excitement to propose. However, my joy was short-lived, as I noticed a man lingering nearby, his eyes fixed on Tania. At first, I thought nothing of it, but then I saw him raise a camera, as it seemed like he was angling for a shot.My instincts kicked in. I subtly shifted my gaze, keeping an eye on the man without alerting Tania. He snapped a photo, and I knew something was off.He was taking her pictures secretly. I kept a close eye on him, pretending to browse shelves while tracking his movements. When he made a move to leave, I followed him. Outside the mall, I accelerated my pace, closing in on him. He sensed my presence and took off in a sprint. I chased after him, navigating through the crowded parking lot with ease, dodging cars and pedestrians as he continued to run.As I drew close, I seized his arm, twisting it behind his back. A groan escaped his lips just before I
ZAREKI approached Tania, feeling a sense of ease. โYeah, I guess I've got a soft spot for kids,โ I replied, shrugging slightly. My gaze drifted down to her hands, and I noticed that she was holding only one shopping bag.โWhat's with the solitary bag? Are the clothes stuffed inside?โ I asked, curiosity tinting my voice as we walked out of the mall.Tania's face fell, her lips pressing into a slight frown. โNo, they're not,โ she said, her voice laced with a hint of disappointment. โI was going to buy a lot, but I think these clothes are fine. I don't want to go broke buying luxurious clothes.โJust then, a woman in a crisp uniform approached us, a friendly smile on her face. โHere you go, ma'am,โ she said, handing Tania a few shopping bags adorned with the logo of an upscale brand.Tania's expression transformed in an instant, her smile radiant as she took the bags. โThank you so much!โ Tania exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with excitement.The woman smiled and nodded. โHave a great
ZAREK The hall had emptied, leaving behind a quiet that felt almost sacred. The day had been full of energy and celebration, but now, with everyone gone, it was just Tania and me. The air was calm, and I could feel the weight of the moment settling in. I turned to her, my heart steady. This wasnโt going to be a surpriseโafter all, her mother had practically announced my intentions earlier. But that didnโt matter. What mattered was what I had to say, and how much I wanted to share this with her.โLetโs take a walk,โ I suggested, squeezing her hand gently.She looked at me, her eyes warm and trusting, and nodded. We made our way up the grand staircase to the top floor, where the large windows offered a clear view of the night sky. The moon hung low, casting its soft light across the polished floors, creating an intimate, almost magical atmosphere.Tania turned to me, curiosity in her gaze. โWhat are you up to, Zarek?โI chuckled softly. โI know your mother already spilt the beans
ZAREK โMum, whatโs going on here?โ Tania asked, her brows furrowing in concern.Taniaโs mother looked up, a touch of defensiveness in her tone. โI was just discussing your engagement plans with Zarek. Donโt I have the right to know?โTania opened her mouth to protest, but I stepped in to diffuse the situation. โItโs fine, Tania. Thereโs nothing wrong with discussing it. And yes, I do have plans to propose.โTaniaโs eyes widened slightly with surprise, then softened as she looked at me. Her mother let out a sigh of relief. โAlright then,โ she said, giving a small nod before walking away, leaving us in the midst of the bustling crowd.Tania tugged gently at my hand, guiding me towards the photo op area. As we walked, I couldnโt help but ask, โYouโre not worried about the delay in the proposal, are you?โShe shook her head, a light smile on her lips. โNo, not at all. A normal relationship takes about two years before a proposal is made, so this is pretty standard. Besides, youโve been
ZAREKTime passed, and the weight of justice finally settled.With Boss and Alpha Barral behind bars, the world felt a little safer, a little lighter.Then, a loud, booming voice echoed through the hall: โAlpha Zarek!โThe words reverberated off the high ceilings and marble floors, sending a shiver down my spine.In an instant, the hall erupted into thunderous applause, a sound filled with appreciation and respect. I let the waves of applause wash over me, taking a moment to soak it all in.This moment felt surreal, almost like a dream, yet the warmth of the applause and the shining eyes of Xander and his Luna, Ziva, reassured me that it was real. The pride that radiated from them confirmed everything I had fought for.I took a deep breath, savouring the moment, then began my walk to the stage.The crowd parted, clearing a path for me, their eyes full of admiration and respect. As I climbed the steps, the weight of responsibility settled on my shoulders, but it was a burden I was re
ZAREK I held my breath. Alpha Rowan? I had heard of himโa powerful Alpha who was supposed to have been killed along with his wife. But this? It didnโt make any sense.โThatโs impossible. He and his wife were killed,โ I said, my voice barely audible.โThey were,โ Lizzy confirmed, her eyes darkening with the weight of the truth. โNikolasโs father and boss conspired to kill Alpha Rowan and his wife as part of a twisted plan to seize power. When the plan went south and Boss was discarded, he hid the truth from you to protect his own agenda.โThe room felt like it was spinning, with the walls closing in as the reality of her words sank in. I felt like I was falling, unable to grasp anything solid. The man who raised me, who trained me, who I trustedโheโd kept this from me my entire life. I had lived in the shadow of a lie. โSo, everything I thought I knew... was a lie?โLizzy nodded; her expression pained. โHe kept you in the dark because he didnโt want you to know where you really
ZAREK Taniaโs breath hitched, her eyes searching mine for any hint of a joke. But this was no time for jokes, no room for lies.โAssassins?โ she whispered, her voice trembling with disbelief.โYes,โ I confirmed, leaning in closer, my tone even. โWeโre trained, skilled, and we do whatever it takesโrobbing, stealing, destroying.โโThe man Lizzy killed was sent to take us out. He murdered Ramirez and Bruce, and he wouldnโt have stopped until he succeeded.โAs I spoke, I watched as Taniaโs expression shiftโa collision of shock and confusion. I could see her trying to piece it all together with the revelation I had just dropped. โWhat? This whole time?โ She asked.I nodded, feeling the weight of my own words. I never wanted her to find out like this. Not like this. But there was no going back now. โI never wanted you to find out this way, but itโs the truth. Thereโs more, though, Tania.โ I paused, grappling with the right words. How do you explain the darkest parts of yourself to so
ZAREK We stood there for a long moment, wrapped in each other's arms, the tension and fear melting away.The tremble in Tania's shoulders stilled, and when she finally pulled back, her eyes, once clouded with tears, had cleared.โI met Lizzy recently,โ she whispered. The words startled me, and I felt my pulse quicken.โLizzy? Is she alright?โ I asked, searching her face for answers.The thought of anything happening to Lizzy sent a jolt of panic through me. I needed to know if she was okay.Tania nodded, โYes, she came here with me.โAs she spoke, the tightness in my chest eased, replaced by a wave of relief. If Lizzy was with Tania, then she had to be safe.Afterwards, I noticed that she shifted her gaze to what was behind me. Her expression shifted to a mix of relief and something else.Concerned, I followed her line of sight, and turned to see Lizzy.She stood in the doorway, her eyes locked on me. She didn't seem hurt or weary. She seemed rather strong. Stronger than I remembered
ZAREK The memory of the man on the phone lingered. Whoever he was, he felt more like a conspirator.And then there was Dr. Everett, standing before me with that unnerving calm, as if everything was perfectly under control.Something didnโt add up.โAre you even a specialist?โ The question slipped out before I could stop myself.Dr. Everettโs expression turned mocking. โThatโs a good question.โ He leaned in, his eyes glinting with amusement. โIs the Medical Arts Building even real? Am I the real Dr. Everett?โMy mind raced. The Medical Arts Building isnโt real?Confusion clouded my thoughts. โWhat are you talking about?โโThis is all just a game,โ he said with a casual shrug.โWhat?โ I said, bewildered.Dr. Everettโs back was now turned to me as he moved towards a distant table.โWait a minute,โ I said slowly, dread creeping in. โYouโre not Dr. Everett, are you?โHe didnโt respond; his focus absorbed in whatever he was searching for. The metallic clinks filled the silence.Then, his l
ZAREK The pungent smell of blood jolted me awake, making my stomach turn. I immediately started coughing uncontrollably, and blood spilt out of my mouth with each rasp.Even when I tried to push myself up, my arms barely responded, quivering under the strain.I felt weakโfar weaker than usual. Had I injured myself during the transformation?I shook my head slightly, trying to recall. But the memories were hazy, blurred by pain.The only clear memory was how I had hurt Taniaโor, worse, maybe even killed her.The thought hit me like a sledgehammer: my claws slicing through the air... her lifeless form.I squeezed my eyes shut, trying to block out the images, but they burned behind my eyelids, searing into my mind.I forced myself to focus, to push past the rising wave of guilt. I had to find out where I was and what had happened. But as I shifted, pain flared in my wrists, snapping me back to the present.I looked down and saw silver cuffs clamped tightly around them.Why am I cuff
TANIA I slowly opened my eyes, only to be stabbed by a bright light that made me wince. For a moment, I lay there, trying to let my senses adjust.Taking a deep breath, I raised my head and attempted to sit up, but the effort sent the room into a dizzying swirl of colours and shapes. My strength faltered, and I fell back against the pillow, my head sinking into its softness.As I lay there, my hand instinctively moved to my cheek, where a dull ache pulsed beneath the surface. I traced the tender skin, feeling the faint ridges where claws had raked across it.The memory of that searing pain was still vivid, as was the look on Zarek's faceโhis eyes wild and uncontrolled, filled with a terror I had never seen before.A shudder ran through me at the thought, and my heart began to race. Despite the dizziness, I forced myself to sit up again, driven by my concern for Zarek.I needed to see him.I sat up, and slowly, the room gradually came into focus. I took in the sterile white walls