Staring at Alex, I'm rocked to the core by the revelation that Poppy has just voiced. His recent rejection of Alice leaves only one conclusion: I am his second mate. The weight of that realization settles over me like a heavy shroud. Me? His second chance, mate. It's a concept I struggle to wrap my mind around, disbelief mingling with the years of longing for the day I would finally meet my mate. And yet, here he stands before me, the very man I've yearned for. But amidst the whirlwind of emotions, Poppy tells me she can still sense the raw pain of his recent rejection. My heart aches for him, empathy flooding my being.In that fleeting moment, Alex slowly unwraps his arms from around my waist, creating a physical distance between us. I maintain my gaze, my eyes betraying the pity and compassion swirling within me.Running my eyes over his form, I take in the sight of the white vest he wears, its fabric clinging to his muscular arms and offering a tantalizing glimpse of what lies bene
I lock eyes with Alex, feeling the slow burn of lust igniting within me as his hands rest on my waist. My heart races with anticipation, wondering what will unfold next. But just as I'm lost in the moment, Poppy, in control of my body, moves slowly and deliberately, guiding Alex's hand to my breast.A shiver runs down my spine as a soft moan escapes my lips. My eyes widen in shock at my own behavior, the realization of what's happening sinking in with each passing second."Poppy, stop this instant," I whisper-yell, my voice trembling with a mix of arousal and apprehension as I struggle against the overpowering urge to surrender to Alex's touch. The fire he ignites within me is undeniable, and I'm torn between the intoxicating pleasure and the need to resist.But Poppy refuses to relent, her voice echoing in my mind with persistence."No, Hannah. You have longed for this day for so long," she insists, her words a reminder of the desires that have simmered beneath the surface for far to
Awakening in the late afternoon, I find myself bathed in the soft, golden light filtering through the curtains. I reach out for Alex, expecting to feel his warmth beside me, but my hand meets empty air. Opening my eyes, I sit up and scan the room, my heart sinking as I realize he's gone. There's no trace of him, not even a lingering scent. I run my hand through my hair with a sigh, a pang of hurt gnawing at me despite my efforts to brush it aside. After all, I know we are mates, but not a couple.Throwing the covers off my body, I make my way to the bathroom, eager to freshen up before I leave. With each step, I feel an ache between my legs, and a blush creeps up my cheeks as memories of this morning flood my mind. Alex had surprised me with his skills. I hadn't anticipated his roughness, nor did I expect to enjoy it as much as I did. But in that moment of shared intimacy, I discovered a new aspect of myself, a side that craved the intensity and passion he offered. With Alex, it seems
“You thought this is what I wanted?” Alex barks, his voice slicing through the tense silence like a blade.“Yes. I tried to tell you the dress wasn’t appropriate, but you threatened to come in and put it on for me, so I had to wear it,” I explain, hoping that he sees I didn’t choose this dress on purpose.Alex releases a dark chuckle that sends shivers down my spine before he speaks again. “So, you're telling me my pack arranged for you to wear this fucking excuse of a dress?” His voice takes on a different tone, filled with a mix of frustration and curiosity.I nod, too frightened to utter a word, my heart pounding in my chest as I navigate the unpredictable shifts in his demeanor."Maybe the clerk made a mistake. I don’t know," I add after a pregnant pause, hoping to diffuse the tension. Alex lifts a brow, tilting his head slightly as he stares at me intently. I nod once again, silently pleading for him to believe me and let me go. As much as I enjoy our closeness, his shifting mood
ALEX“Stay here,” I instruct Haisley before stepping out to meet the person who knocked.“I’m so sorry, sir. I just realized we asked Miss Haisley to go into the wrong dressing room,” the clerk explains apologetically.“What do you mean?” I ask, feeling confused.“Miss Haisley’s dress is actually in fitting room 5, not 1,” she clarifies.“Oh,” I respond, understanding the situation. Does that mean I was wrong in my assumption?“Yes, you were,” Eden interjects in my mind. “The poor girl was innocent, and you punished her.”“Getting face-fucked isn’t really a punishment, in my defense,” I retort.“Because she was trembling with need?” Eden counters, his tone tinged with sarcasm.“Yes,” I admit.Eden rolls his eyes in response.“What do you think about her?” I ask, changing the subject.“I feel the connection, but it was a lot to take after just losing one mate,” Eden responds.“Same way I feel,” I agree.“I doubt. Your dick has been in her pussy and mouth in the last hours,” Eden counte
My hand trembles slightly, the grip on my fork loosening as I digest Luna Marley's words. I had always imagined if I ever moved out of the pack house and get myself place in the human world, I would be on my own, not with a husband. I am not saying I wasn’t expecting I would move in with Alex, but not before we get married. "I know it might be a lot, but we thought to give you guys a real chance to know one another before you get married," Luna Marley explains, her words pulling me from my thoughts. "I see," I murmur, offering her a tight-lipped smile as I turn my gaze towards Alex once more. I expect him to object, but he remains silent, his attention fixed on his plate as though everything is alright. Releasing a deep sigh, I return my focus to my meal, the food suddenly tasting bland and unappetizing. I will speak to him later about talking to his parents. I am not ready to live with him yet. I have accepted to marry him but not live with him yet. I continue to eat in silence, m
The following morning, I make my way to M Corp, a company I've long dreamed of working for. Renowned as the most prestigious financial group on downtown Seattle, landing a job here would be a dream come true. As I approach the skyscraper that houses M Corp, I'm immediately struck by its grandeur. The towering structure looms overhead, its sleek glass facade reflecting the morning sunlight. The entrance is adorned with polished marble, and the revolving doors beckon me inside with a sense of anticipation. As I step through the entrance, I'm greeted by the hustle and bustle of the lobby, where professionals in sharp suits and bustling interns mingle amidst the impressive architecture. The atmosphere is charged with energy, and I can't help but feel a surge of excitement as I envision myself working in such a prestigious environment.I walk over to the receptionist and inquire which room the interview is holding. She directs me to the 10th floor, and I step out of the elevator once I rea
The car comes to a sudden halt, and I peer out the window, my eyes widening in surprise as I take in the imposing structure of The Rainier Square Tower Residences. What are we doing at one of the top apartment buildings in downtown Seattle?Before the marriage alliance altered the course of my life, I had dreams and aspirations. One of them involved moving into this very apartment complex in the future. I had meticulously crafted a ten-year plan, mapping out every step to climb the ladder of success and afford a place in this prestigious residence. I wonder what we were doing here.I spin around to ask Alex but notice him stepping out of the car. Confusion and curiosity swirl in my mind as I quickly follow him, my steps echoing in the quiet air of the luxurious building. As I catch up to him, I can't help but notice the scowl etched on his face as his eyes scan over me. Why is he looking at me like that?"What are we doing here?" I blurt out.He meets my gaze with an intense stare bef