FAZER LOGINRoccoI had spent my entire life fighting to rise above the circumstances into which I had been thrown. Yet now that I had been offered something I once would have considered impossible, my first thought wasn't about the position or the respect it would bring.My first thought went to Avaline. She was in Mammoth Springs, and going back meant I would see her again. How would I face her disappointment in me? I had sworn to protect her, and I had failed her miserably. What if she hated me? What if she wouldn’t let me see her?But I couldn’t defy Alpha Jason. I had to return home.The journey back to Mammoth Springs took longer than I had anticipated.I spent most of it staring through the window, watching the snow-covered wilderness gradually give way to familiar landscapes. Every mile brought me closer to the pack, and every mile made me increasingly restless.I had imagined this moment countless times during the months I had been away. In some versions, Avaline barely noticed my return
RoccoI stared at the vast expanse of snow-covered terrain stretched for miles before me, disappearing into the horizon afar. This desolate camp in the far north has been my home for the last few months. Yet not once did it feel like home. I had been hiding here like a coward, drowning myself in rigorous rescue operations to forget her.Yet it only exhausted me physically. Despite being drained, Avaline’s sweet lips, her soft breath, and her addictive scent left me longing for her. I was doomed for life. I couldn’t erase her from my soul even if I died.I knew I didn’t deserve someone like her. She was the sun - radiant, intelligent, and successful because of her sheer determination and hard work. Compared to her, I was just an asteroid: worthless, dull, and unimportant. I never expected her to choose me. I was content to see her every day, help her, and protect her with everything I had. But I messed up. Now I was afraid to face her. What if she hated me? What if I couldn’t hold it i
AvalineWhile Rocco’s absence left a painful void in my life, Jaxon’s persistent existence was an irritating stain that refused to wash away.My sudden rise to fame and constant appearance in business news had clearly caught the attention of my former mate and his pack. Jaxon had never expected me to survive without him, let alone thrive. When I had walked away from his betrayal, he had assumed I would come crawling back, begging for his love and protection.Seeing my name plastered across newsstands as a wealthy, independent, and celebrated woman had shattered his fragile ego and sparked a desperate, obsessive desire to reclaim what he had lost.Jaxon was strictly banned from setting foot in Mammoth Springs after the massive scene he had caused months ago. Therefore, he couldn't confront me in person. But that didn't stop him from trying every cowardly trick in the book to reach me.It started with letters. Every few days, a thick envelope sealed with his pack's crest would arrive at
AvalineThe morning sun crept softly through the enormous bay glass windows of the living room, painting the hardwood floor in shades of warm gold. I woke up earlier than usual, feeling a light, fluttering energy in my chest that I hadn't felt in years. For the first time in a very long time, I woke up with a smile on my face. I was waiting to erase Rocco’s fears and kiss him again. I couldn’t understand this inexplicable need to feel his lips on mine again.I stretched, threw on a comfortable sweater, and walked down the quiet hallway toward the living room. My mind was already playing out the conversation we were going to have. I wanted to see Rocco’s face when I told him that he hadn't crossed any line. I wanted to reassure him that his kiss hadn't frightened me or ruined our trust. In fact, it had woken up a part of my heart that I thought Jaxon had killed forever. I wanted to tell him that for the first time, I wasn't just surviving. I was ready to give us a chance,"Rocco?" I ca
AvalineA soft, genuine smile broke across my face. I stepped out from behind the counter and walked straight up to Rocco."You're back," I said softly, my voice filled with relief. The flutter in my heart was back, and so was the warmth surrounding me. It was still a mystery to me. How could Rocco’s presence have the power to make me feel this way when my heart was dead already? After Jaxon’s repeated betrayal, I had lost faith in the mate bond. I knew I couldn’t trust another mate in this life. Then what was this strange feeling I had for Rocco?Rocco looked around the bustling, elegant store, then back down at me, a low, proud laugh escaping his lips. "I leave for a bit, and you go ahead and conquer the state, Ava. Look at what you've done.""I told you I was going to build something of my own," I replied, meeting his gaze. "Welcome home, Rocco."He set his heavy bag down and stepped closer, his eyes scanning my face with deep affection. "I'm glad to be back, Ava. There was nowhere
AvalineTears pooled in my eyes the moment I stepped into the three-bedroom house Rocco brought me to. “This will be our home, Ava. As long as I’m alive and even when I’m gone, there’ll always be room in my home for you.” It was the most touching thing anyone had ever said to me. After my mother’s death, Lucienne had been the only one to offer me a home. But she had changed. With her alpha status, she had become untouchable, unreachable. I expected nothing from her. It was time to build an empire from nothing. I wanted to rise from the ashes like a phoenix, just as she had.I breathed the invigorating air all around me, the aroma of fresh flowers tingling my nose. I could see a glass vase filled with assorted flowers on the coffee table right before me. Rocco gave me a nervous look, as if he were holding his breath.“Thank you, Rocco. I love my new home.” I walked around excitedly, taking in the effort he had put in, transforming the house into a welcoming home for me. There were soft







