Harley’s P.O.V. Ava strolled into the break room just as Lena was whispering about free meals, catching her off guard. Her heels clicked softly against the tile, and her expressions were equal parts amused and mischievous. She smirked and leaned forward, her voice lowering theatrically. “You seemed like a smart one, Lena. And last time I checked, girls like you are on the top of the hunting list.” Lena froze, eyes going saucer wide. “H-Hunting list?” Ava nodded, speaking solemnly. “First to realize the plan, first to be hunted.” Before I could open my mouth to stop her, Lena jumped from her chair like someone lit a fire under it. “I, uh, need more chicken. Yup, totally famished.” She was gone in a flash, her tray clattering against the trash bin as she sped out. Ava laughed and sank into Lena’s now empty seat, looking smug and amused. “She’s going to avoid me for the rest of her life.” “That was terrible.” I muttered, shaking my head, though I couldn’t hel
Harley’s P.O.V. “Don’t call me that!” I scowled, shoving against his chest. “I am not a walking disaster.” It was like pushing against a wall, warm, solid and infuriatingly unmoved. But Carlos stepped back, laughing, the sound smooth like velvet wrapping around steel. “Alright, alright,” he said, shaking his head with a crooked grin. “Point taken, Princess. Now do me a favor and go to the manager’s office on the fifth floor. It’s time to start work.” I huffed and turned on my heel, clutching the folder like a lifeline. “Bossy!” I grumbled under my breath and stormed outside without saying goodbye. The fifth floor had a different feel from the top floor’s executive coolness, more energy, more movement, open-concept studios with racks of costumes, lighted mirrors, and creative chaos everywhere. I found the door of the creative department manager and stepped inside, bracing myself. However, another surprise was waiting for me there! The manager was none other than Ava I had seen
Harley’s P.O.V.“SilverEye Entertainment Studios.”The name glinted boldly in elegant silver scrip beneath the company’s insignia, an open eye with a crescent moon nestled inside. I forgot to breathe for a moment as the tornado of realization struck me with full force.SilverEye!One of the most prestigious entertainment companies in the world. They produced chart-topping dramas, award-winning films, and held exclusive contracts with some of the biggest names in the industry. I’d grown up watching their stories, fantasy, romance, and even historical epics that made the world stop for an hour.And Carlos brought me here?Why?My heart stumbled over my rhythm as an astonished whisper escaped my lips. “Lena, it can’t be real.”My bestie looked as stunned as me, her eyes widened. “Holy crap. This place is legit, Harley.You didn’t tell me that your new man ran Hollywood North.”“I didn’t know that!” I hissed back at her. But even as I panicked, Lena grabbed my hand, determination in her
Harley’s P.O.V.Carlos’s breath caught as our lips met, surprised, still, just for a second. Then he responded, slowly, deliberately, his lips moving against mine with the gentleness that made my heart ache for more.His hand slid to my back, holding me close like I was precious, fragile … cherished. The kind of kiss that didn’t demand anything, but giving all the affection.When we finally pulled away, breath mingling in the sliver of space between us, I was dizzy. My heart thudded in my ears, cheeks burning like wildfire.And then …A chorus of barks echoed in the room as Star yapped happily from the table, her stubby tail wagging like mad. And Spike added his own deep, rumbling bark, as if they were cheering for us. I laughed nervously, burying my face in Carlos’s shoulder, while he looked at them like they’d just blown his cover.He turned his gaze to me with a slow, devilish smirk. “I am not the Moon Goddess from any angle, Princess.” He said, his voice, low, teasing. “If anythin
Harley’s P.O.V.Carlos’s brows pulled together slightly, as if my question surprised him. He didn’t answer immediately. The silence stretched, filled only with the soft hum of the car and the beat of my own heart.Then he finally spoke, voice low. “I was surviving, Harley. Learning how to live in the shadows that weren’t mine. Hiding the parts of me others wanted to erase.”Alpha glanced at me. “But I may have meant to walk in late, so I could help you when you needed me the most.”The honesty of his tone warmed my heart as I wanted to ask more, to get lost in whatever this thing was blooming between us. But a sudden thought hit me, snapping me out of the haze of his charisma.“Wait!” I turned to him, suspicious now, narrowing my eyes. “How did you even get there? At the exact right moment? Were you ... stalking me?”Carlos’s lips twitched mischievously. “If I am stalking you, do you think I’d be stupid enough to show up in the bar like a hero in a tailored suit?”“Not convincing!” I
Harley’s P.O.V.“Who are you to decide our fates?You are just a mistake of a vampire whore, not a noble Alpha.”My heart did a somersault in my chest as that was Carlos’s red line. The one he hated, the one that had followed him like a shadow, the one that whispered behind his back by those too cowardly to say it to the face. My eyes darted to Carlos instinctively, heart thudding for him, not for myself anymore. Would he break now? Would he lash out? These were the only worries in my mind. However, Carlos’s response took me by surprise, just like others. Alpha faced Ella confidently, his jaw tightened and eyes were calm, too calm. Like that eerie stillness before a storm!But this time, that storm didn’t explode. He was composed, steel forged in fire. “Well, I may be a hybrid!”He said evenly, his voice was low, but commanding hum.“And if you don’t forget, I am Xander’s uncle by blood. So, technically, a Ledger by name and contributions, not convenience.”Carlos clicked his tong