LOGINTheo’s POVI stood in front of the mirror, staring at my reflection, water still clinging to my skin from the shower, droplets trailing down my chest in slow, uneven paths. The bathroom was quiet except for the faint hum of the extractor fan and the soft drip of water from my hair hitting the tiled floor but inside my head, there was nothing quiet about it.Michael's name alone was enough to tighten something in my chest, not in the way it had before.“If you’re connected to them…” I muttered under my breath, my gaze hardening as I leaned slightly closer to the mirror.My jaw clenched and my hands curled slightly against the edge of the sink as every thought about Michael and the Ramirez family led back to my dead fiancé.His face flashed in my mind, alive with a smile and then he was gone because of Don Fernando’s husband, the man I had been chasing for years, the man who had taken everything from me.And now Michael who was living right across from me, looking at me, talking to me,
Every eye in the arena fixed on the entrance of Alpha Leonard, every breath slowed, every heartbeat seemed to echo louder in the chest and then the soldiers walked in.Rows upon rows of soliders marched in perfect formation, their armor gleamed under the fading light, their movements synchronized, disciplined and deadly. Each step landed with a quiet thud that rippled through the ground, a reminder of their sheer number and unity.They were not like ordinary pack warriors, they were trained and they carried his presence with them.The murmurs in the crowd began instantly.Max’s jaw tightened as he watched.“They came ready for war,” he muttered.Eugene didn’t respond, his eyes remained fixed forward because behind the soldiers came someone far more imposing.Alpha Leonard didn’t rush as he walked forward.Every step he took carried weight, authority radiating from him like an invisible force that pressed against the chest of everyone watching. His eyes swept across the grounds once
Michael’s POVMorning didn’t feel like morning anymore, not the kind that came with peace or ease or even something as simple as routine.No, this morning came with tension, ssilence that felt too loud and eyes that never stopped watching.I stood by the window, the curtain barely drawn aside, my gaze fixed on the street outside as cars passed, one after another.My fingers tightened slightly against the fabric.“Anything?” Nick’s voice came from behind me.I didn’t turn.“Nothing yet,” I replied quietly.Ashley sighed from across the room, where she stood near the couch, her arms folded tightly over her chest.“You’ve said that ten times already,” she muttered.“And I’ll say it ten more if I have to,” I said, finally glancing back at her.Her eyes met mine, frustrated and tired but underneath all that was worry.We all were.“I don’t like this,” she added.“I know.”Nick moved closer to the window, peering past me.“They’re not here,” he said.“That doesn’t mean they won’t come,” I r
Theo’s POVI moved to grab her phone but Kim shot her arm in front of me, telling me not to come any closer.She stood in the kitchen, arms crossed now, her phone still in her hand, her eyes locked on mine with a stubbornness that felt far too familiar.“You’re not calling Henry,” I said, my voice lower now.She tilted her head slightly.“And you’re not telling me the truth,” she shot back.I exhaled slowly, forcing my hands to relax at my sides.“Kim—”“No, you don’t get to brush this off” she interrupted, her tone sharper now.I clenched my jaw slightly.“I’m not brushing anything off.”“You are, you’ve been acting strange for days” she insisted. “That’s your imagination.”“It’s not. You’re asking questions about Michael, Henry and things that don’t concern you” she said firmly. “This does concern me,” I said.“How?” she demanded.I hesitated just for a fraction of a second but she saw it.Her eyes narrowed slightly.“See? You can’t even answer” she said. “I don’t need to explain
Theo’s POVI leaned back slightly in my chair, letting my fingers rest loosely against the stem of my glass.“And that’s everything?” I asked casually.She hesitated just briefly then nodded.“Yes… I believe so.”I held her gaze for a moment longer then I gave a small nod.“Thank you for tonight,” I said.She smiled again, clearly pleased with herself.“Well, you've been a great host” she said.We sat in a brief silence after that. I needed to end this without raising suspicion or making it obvious that this entire evening had been… intentional.She tilted her head slightly, studying me.“You’re very interested in them,” she said.I didn’t react immediately, just took a slow sip of my wine, letting the pause stretch naturally.“Am I?” I asked lightly.She smiled, but there was curiosity behind it now.“Yes, more than most neighbors would be” she said.I let out a quiet chuckle.“Maybe I’m just trying to understand them better.”“Why?”I met her gaze. Answering that question wrong woul
Theo’s POVI stood in front of the mirror, adjusting the cuff of my sleeve with deliberate precision. The fabric of my suit sat perfectly against my body, expensive without being loud.My reflection stared back at me, composed and calm but beneath it, I could feel the tension still lingering.I exhaled slowly, rolling my shoulders once before straightening.“No emotions, just answers” I muttered under my breath. The doorbell rang and a faint smirk touched my lips.“Perfect.”I made my way through the house, my footsteps slow, unhurried. Every movement intentional. By the time I reached the door, the mask was already in place.“Mrs. Hansley,” I greeted warmly when I opened the door.She stood there in a modest but carefully chosen outfit, her smile bright, almost eager.“Oh, Theo, you look… wonderful” she said, her voice laced with excitement. I let my smile widen just slightly.“And you look lovely as always.”Her cheeks flushed faintly.“Well, thank you.”I stepped aside, gesturing
Fernando's POVI left Michael’s room with a ridiculous smile on my face.It was much more than the usual one I had whenever I left him.Not the controlled, calculated smile I wore in meetings. Not the cold curve of my mouth that made men lower their eyes and women stiffen with fear.This one was re
Fernando’s POVThe door closed behind Mortis with a dull, final sound.It wasn’t loud, yet it echoed heavily. Across from me, Emilio sat perfectly still, his fingers laced together, his gaze sharp and assessing. Marlo leaned back in his chair, one ankle resting on his knee.“We need to assume Sant
Ashley's POV The moment I opened my eyes, I realized I wasn’t supposed to be awake. Darkness pressed against me like a heavy cloak. My head throbbed, and panic clawed at my chest. I couldn’t see anything because my vision was stopped by the rough, suffocating bag over my head. I tried to move my
Fernando’s POVI stood exactly where Michael had left me.The door was still swinging slightly when it finally stilled, like it too needed a moment to accept what had just happened. I watched it as if it might reopen, as if Michael might come back with fire in his eyes and finally demand the answe







