DariusAnd I can’t help what Dr. Oliver was trying to tell me… but he was cut off.Because of Vivienne.Because the moment she stepped into the room, everything else blurred out. Even truth. Even clarity.But I didn’t chase after the doctor.Because I didn’t want to be someone who looks desperate. Not even when my world’s unraveling and every damn breath feels heavier than the last.She’s gone now.Vanished the way only Vivienne knows how to—no message, no goodbye, just empty echoes and the scent of her shampoo still clinging to my damn pillow.I told myself I wouldn’t look for her.Told myself I’d be fine.Told myself this kind of love was beneath me.But then why the fuck does every night feel like war?Why do I check my phone, like a fool, knowing there’s nothing there?Why do I walk into rooms half-expecting her to be sitting on the window ledge, bare feet tucked under her, rambling about stars or some stupid dream she had?I catch myself talking to her ghost sometimes.Not her re
VivienneDr. Oliver stood there like a man walking on shards of glass, his hands tucked into his coat pockets, eyes refusing to meet mine. His regret was written in the lines of his face, but regret wasn’t going to save him.Or me.Behind me, the door creaked open and heavy footsteps echoed on the porch.“Vivienne,” Darius’s voice came low and sharp, cold enough to make my skin tighten. “Why won’t you stay inside like I told you?”That damn tone. Commanding. Distant. Like I was nothing but a disobedient pup to him.I turned slowly, facing him with a tight smile, voice silky and sharp. “Tell me, why the hell would I ever do that?”I ran a hand through my hair and looked him dead in the eyes. His jaw flexed. But he didn’t answer. He never did when the truth was ugly.Dr. Oliver cleared his throat, trying to mediate. “I—I’m only here to help your son. His symptoms mirror the Alpha’s history and... Darius is willing to support the healing.”He said it like a rehearsed excuse, like he’d ch
Vivienne“What’s wrong with him?” I ask, feigning innocence while swirling the wine in my glass. My voice is all airy confusion, but my eyes? Sharp as glass.Celestria doesn’t skip a beat. She grins like she’s holding a secret weapon.“Well, don’t mind him,” she says with a laugh, sitting back like she’s hosting a show. “After all, he’s not into double dates. He wants it to be just the two of us.”She lifts her brows, lips curling in a wicked smile. Like she just dropped a bomb and expects me to flinch.As if I care.I give a little shrug, all nonchalance. “Then maybe he should’ve stayed home and played with his ego.”Azaic nearly chokes on his drink, grinning as he sets the glass down. “Ouch. Savage.”“You have to follow…” Shelby is suddenly signaling me from across the room, her face pale and urgent, eyes flicking toward the hallway like she just saw a ghost.My brows knit. I don’t know what’s going on, but Shelby never looks like that. Not unless it’s serious.“I’m sorry, I have to
Darius“I can’t wait to see them,” Celestria laughs while retouching her lip gloss, eyes flicking toward the door like she’s rehearsing a line for a performance she’s dying to nail.I just nodded, arms folded, jaw tight. “Why are we even doing this?”“Because I wanna know her better,” she replies casually, dragging the gloss across her bottom lip. “And he just happens to be a bonus.”She meant Azaic. Of course. Everyone always means Azaic.But the moment I scent her—coconut and something dangerously sweet—I already knew. They’re here.Then I see them.Vivienne walks in like she owns the air we breathe. Wearing something black, backless, and devastatingly unfair. And Azaic? He’s right beside her, hand on her lower back like it belonged there.They’re laughing. Loud. Carefree. Close.Celestria jumps up. “You made it, guys!”“That was unexpected. I didn’t even prepare well,” Vivienne says, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear with a soft laugh.Unprepared? She looks like a goddamn si
VivienneI woke up in my own bed, the cotton sheets tangled around my legs, sunlight slicing through the curtains like judgment. My arms instinctively reached to my side—and there he was. My son. Peacefully asleep, his lashes casting faint shadows on his cheeks, lips parted slightly as if dreaming of something innocent.I exhaled slowly, tension melting just a bit. At least we’re home. At least I got him out of there. The party last night was a goddamn circus—no, worse. A trap dressed in champagne and silk. And I had no idea how I left or who brought me home. Just a blur. A headache. And flashes of me arguing with Darius.God, Darius.I leaned over and kissed Ace’s forehead. He stirred slightly but didn’t wake. Good. He deserved rest—hell, I needed it too, but guilt was louder than exhaustion.Bits and pieces were floating around in my head. I remember yelling. I remember his eyes—dark, burning, accusing. I remember saying things I’d bottled up for too long. I think I might’ve called
DARIUSI scanned the crowd with practiced ease, keeping my expression unreadable even as my thoughts stormed beneath the surface. The kids were already escorted to the side venue Celestria had prepared—full of balloons and distractions—so the adults could toast and dance and pretend we weren’t all wearing masks.My gaze moved over the glittering guests, the clinking glasses, the smiling liars—And then it landed.On her.Vivienne.Dancing.With Azaic.Celestria’s cousin—the arrogant bastard who walked like the world owed him something and smiled like he’d already taken it. His reputation? Dirty. Ruthless. Dangerous in the way only another Alpha could be. And she was in his arms.Smiling.Her head tilted toward him like she was letting herself enjoy it. That black dress hugging every curve. That laugh that used to be mine.My jaw clenched, something primal twisting in my chest.“That’s…” Jace growled low in my mind, the beast in me straining at the sight. “I don’t like that.”“So what?