LOGINElena's POV
When I woke up again, I was lying in a hospital bed. The harsh smell of antiseptic covered my wolf's scent. Lyra was curled up inside, clearly uncomfortable with the environment.
A doctor spoke softly. "You have a mild concussion. You need to be here for two more days."
I nodded.
"The CEO of Nightshade Group will cover all medical expenses for the injured. That includes yours."
I managed a bitter smile. He would do anything for Selene.
Aft
Third Person's POVSeeing the look of deep misery on his face, Elena felt a wave of shame wash over her.It was obvious that having physical contact with her was a total nightmare for him.Why else would he look like he was in agony every time after they touched?He probably hated the very idea of anything happening between them down to his bones.It was just the poison making him lose control over and over. He must find the whole thing incredibly humiliating.Since he clearly couldn't stand being near her, she decided right then that she had to move out of the packhouse the second the bond was dissolved.She couldn't let her presence keep him in this constant state of pain.She pulled the blanket tighter and spoke as calmly as she could."Don't worry, I'm not backing out of the divorce. We'll do the ceremony exactly as planned."She paused, then added softly, "Once the bond is cut, I'll move out. I won't stay her
Third Person's POVThe photo was a close-up of a pair of lips. Both the upper and lower lips were clearly swollen and raw, covered in unmistakable bite marks from a heavy make-out session.Zander felt like a werewolf's claws had just ripped through his chest. The pain was so sharp he could barely breathe.The air in his study suddenly felt suffocating; even after pushing the window wide open, the crushing pressure wouldn't let up.He headed downstairs, needing the garden air to clear his head.But the moment he opened the front door, he ran straight into Elena, who had just arrived home.He looked down at her lips, his mind spiraling.She kissed Doran that hard tonight? She bit him?Just how intense was it to leave marks like that?A wave of bitter jealousy surged up, eroding every last bit of Zander's logic.He couldn't stay calm. He couldn't play it cool. He couldn't stop what he did next.Before he even
Third Person's POV"Ahem—"Elena's face turned bright red from coughing.She hacked away awkwardly, her mind racing with confusion.Doran was just a young wolf she'd hired to play a part—where the hell did this "villa" come from?Even if he actually had one, there was no reason to bring it up for a performance.It looked like her lecture this morning had gone in one ear and out the other; his acting was still as over-the-top and showy as ever.Out of the corner of her eye, she spotted Zander's rigid silhouette standing below the stage, and it suddenly clicked.Doran was putting on this elaborate show specifically because Zander was watching. He wanted to look like he was absolutely head-over-heels for her.She forced herself to speak."Luna Hannah messaged me earlier. She wants me back at the packhouse tonight."Doran hadn't actually expected to take her away tonight.But with Zander stan
Third Person's POV"So... if we go somewhere private later, I finally get that kiss?""I'm picking you up tonight. You owe me a French kiss, and since you're making me wait, you're paying double. No backing out."Zander's hands were already balled into fists, his knuckles popping with a lethal rhythm.Elena couldn't help but marvel at how dedicated Doran was to the role. To keep up appearances, she had to play along, ducking her head with a shy nod."We'll talk about tonight... tonight.""I knew you were the best, Elena."Seeing her agree, Doran's grin turned even more reckless."It's a date, then. I'll pick you up, we'll find a quiet spot, and you can show me how much you missed me."Zander squeezed his eyes shut in pain, telling himself this had nothing to do with him.He and Elena had to respect their boundaries. If she was happy, he was supposed to be glad for her. That was the "brotherly" thing to do.He pulled his gaze away from Doran and walked toward his car without looking ba
Third Person's POVZander's jaw tightened, a vein pulsing at his temple.The heir to the Starfalls was many things, but a "harmless little pup" wasn't one of them.He knew exactly what Doran was doing, but he wasn't about to call him out in front of Elena. He just shot the younger Alpha a freezing look that made his point crystal clear: Knock it off.Doran felt the weight of that gaze, and his brow twitched.Inside, he was grumbling. Zander's "Alpha stare" felt exactly like getting a lecture from his own father back at the Starfall estate.A shiver ran down Doran's spine, and the hair on his arms stood up. He subtly reined in his aura.He wasn't stupid—he knew Zander's combat reputation was top-tier in the werewolf world.In a real fight, Zander would flatten him.But Elena was right there. Zander wouldn't actually start a brawl in front of her.Emboldened by that thought, Doran leaned half his body weight o
Third Person's POVThe car glided smoothly down the road. Zander caught her sitting stiffly in the rearview mirror and finally broke the silence."Elena. You don't have to be like this around me.""From now on, think of me as your older brother. We're family."He knew that saying this right after the "mess" they made last night made him sound exactly like that prick Pheisar.But Alpha Alexander and Gaylord had given him clear orders: protect her as a sister.He didn't want last night to become a lifelong shadow over her, so he was trying to clear the air.Elena knew that ever since she moved into that guest room, the elders had truly accepted her.She also knew Zander meant well—he wanted to take the pressure off.But she was madly in love with him, and after a night like that, "brother" was the last thing on her mind.Still, if she didn't play along, he'd think she was trying to use the night to trap him.
Third Person's POVLuck was actually on her side for once. The frosted glass window on the third floor was cracked open just enough.Elena felt a surge of relief. She shoved the window open and slipped inside with the agility of a cat.But the second her feet hit the floor, she smelled it—a thick,
Third Person's POVSelene couldn't believe her ears. Pheisar had actually claimed Elena as his own in front of all these high-ranking Alphas.It felt like a physical slap. Her vision blurred, and her knees buckled, nearly sending her to the floor. But Pheisar was seeing red. His fangs were out, and
Third Person's POVFinally, the room went quiet.Hannah had caught that strange vibe from Zander earlier when he stepped up for Elena.Smirking to herself, she shot Jasper a quick look."Oh! I just remembered, Jasper and I have something super important to take care of! Zander, stay here and keep a
Third Person's POVZander squeezed his eyes shut, trying to block out the memory of losing control.But Elena was quick; she caught that flash of pain and pure disgust in his eyes."He must really hate me right now," she thought. "The very thought of touching me makes him sic







