CLARAโS POV "I think you should get the pharmacist fired," Lydia said as we climbed into the backseat of the car. My mind whirled with thoughts as I tossed my options around in my head. I hadn't forgotten the role that pharmacist played in my misfortune all those weeks ago. But, was getting her fired enough punishment for that? The woman had blatantly refused to help me before I miscarried, and that was something I would never forget. Even though it might have been too late to save my baby, her help would have stopped me from crying and bleeding out on the street. I could have gotten some decency instead of the stares and disgrace I'd endured on the street. And to think that she was a woman. My fists clenched. I couldn't let that slide. After a few minutes of driving, we arrived at the pharmacy. I exited the car with my bodyguards and Lydia in tow. We walked into the pharmacy, and just like I prayed, the person at the counter was the same lady who had ignored me. A fla
NATEโS POV "Let's toast to the downfall of that bitch!" I laughed raising my glass to clink Isla's. Isla laughed as we sipped on our wine. We were seated in my office celebrating the success of our plan. I was confident it was going to go accordingly, but I hadn't anticipated just how well it would play out. It was even better than I expected. I'd heard from my sources that the news affected Clara so much that she went missing for hours. It had left her a mess, to say the least. Laughter bubbled in my throat as I imagined her crying and walking through the forest, trying to take her life. I almost wished I'd been there to watch, but it was satisfying nonetheless. "That bitch had no idea who she's dealing with. She must have thought her petty quality inspection would hurt me, but oh, she had no idea how far I could take it. Now she's the one crying," I laughed. "Even with all the money and power she has attained, she's still so dull and stupid. She couldn't even think of a g
CLARA'S POV I could see the anger flashing in Nate's eyes as I called the director of health. Mr. Gregory was the director of health for the territory, meaning that he could overrule an Alpha's orders regarding health matters. The only person he was inferior to was the Alpha the territory, Edward, my husband. And it was clear by the look on Nate's face that he knew this. I put the phone on loud speaker so the entire room could hear the conversation I was about to have with Mr Gregory loud and clear. "What can I do for you today, Luna Clara?" He asked. "I need you to file for the suspension of licence of a certain Mr Albert who owns a pharmacy in Breakstone Pack. I also want his pharmacy shut down due to his inability to render unbiased health care and services." I demanded. "Alright, Luna Clara. As long as you are the one asking me to do it, I will get it done immediately without further questions." Mr. Gregory responded. With a smile, I ended the call. Albert's smi
NATE'S POV "How could she do that? How could she fucking do that?!!" I screamed, flinging the glass cup in front of me so hard that it smashed against the wall and shattered into pieces. I landed a violent kick to my desk, sending it tumbling down to the ground. There was so much pent up rage in me, I had to let it out somehow. That fucking bitch. Oh, how I wanted Clara's head on a platter. I couldn't believe she did that to me. I couldn't let her get away with it. I just wouldn't. "Nateโฆ" Isla called out to me, her voice shaky. She was standing at a corner of my office, trying to calm me down. But it proved usesless because I was irritated by the sight of her face. I wasn't in the mood to see anyone around me right now, least of all, Isla. She took a timid step toward me. "Nate, please just try to caโ" "Don't fucking tell me to calm down!! How do you expect me to calm down when that low life bitch is trying to humiliate me in front of the entire pack?! That bitch has g
CLARA โI heard you visited Breakstone Pack today.โ I was leaning against the counter in the kitchen, sipping from a cup of chamomile tea and watching Edward quietly from over the rim of the ceramic. โAnd you also purchased the Al Blue News building?โ Edward pressed on, his expression stoic and unreadable as always, the last words coming out as a question. Why couldnโt he just act human, even once? Would it actually kill him to show a bit of emotion? โAre you stalking me now?โ I returned, wrapping my palms around the warm ceramic cup. He sighed, threading his fingers through his hair. โStalking you?โ He queried, his brows raised in incredulous curiosity. โIโm only looking out for you, Clara. And besides, weโre married to each other, so there shouldnโt be secrets between us.โ At his words, I scoffed, setting down the cup on the countertop. โSecrets?โ I asked, raising a brow, โThatโs rich coming from someone who has his emotions bottled up and has refused to let me in on
EDWARDโS POV I lifted the wine glass to my lips and took a sip, letting out a tired groan. Jaxon, who was seated opposite me on the rooftop of the penthouse, cocked an eyebrow. โIs everything okay?โ He asked, โYouโve sighed at least twenty times since weโve been here.โ I sighed again, looking away. โIโm fine, Jaxon.โ The wind blew against my face, ruffling my hair, and I wasnโt comforted by it, as I usually would be. I was restless and troubled about this new development. And I just couldnโt understand why Clara had seemed slightly offended, disgusted and uncomfortable at the idea of intimacy. What was so wrong about it? Moreover, we used to like each other. Wasnโt that right? So, what was the problem? โI donโt think youโre fine,โ Jaxon argued staring at me. โBecause itโs been a while we sat together like this to have a drink, and we both know you mostly drink when youโreโโ โI said nothingโs wrong,โ I interrupted abruptly, and Arthur, who stood beside me with a b
CLARA I stepped into Edwardโs room and shut the door behind me, the cold wind biting at my skin through the light red lingerie I wore. My legs and cleavage were on full display, and a wave of doubt crept in. What was I thinking, wearing this? Edward turned, a glass of wine in his hand, and my gaze instantly locked onto the undone buttons of his shirt. The sight of him like that, effortlessly handsome, sent my heart into a wild rhythm. My breath hitched as his eyes slowly traveled over my body. But just as our gazes met, he looked away. We were both nervous. I could feel the energy hanging very low in this room, and there was a good reason for it. This was the night weโd agreed on, for the natural conception. Weโd have sex tonight. I couldnโt believe this was about to happen, because if anyone had told me back in high school that I would eventually have sex with Edward Sterling, and like this, Iโd have called them mad. But here I was now, standing in his room, showered and per
CLARA I woke up the next morning, feeling completely exhausted, but for some reason, it was in a good way. Just as I noticed the throbbing ache between my legs, I realized I was lying on something hard andโฆcomfortable. It was at that moment I realized I was still wrapped in Edwardโs arms. I jolted up from his chest with my heart beating loudly, pushing him up in the process. He sat up on the bed, concern marring his beautiful features. โHey,โ He said softly, โAre you okay? Did something happen?โ He looked around in slight panic, trying to find a reason for my sudden reaction. I grabbed the sheets, pulling them up to cover my nakedness as I suddenly realized I was fully exposed. โNothing,โ I mumbled, feeling heat rush to my face. I had slept off in his arms. Of course, it was unrealistic for me to have returned to my room last night. But waking up to him felt awkward. He sighed, pushing his fingers through his hair. โI thought something happened,โ He exhaled in relief as he
Nateโs POV I glanced over at the ginger-haired woman with an average bump, my jaw ticking as I contemplated if she was the right fit for the job. Noโif she could execute the plan the way to my satisfaction. I cleared my throat loudly, drawing her attention. โSo,โ I started, โletโs go over the plan one more time.โ She nodded, turning to me. โFirst off,โ I pulled up my sleeves, counting off on my fingers, โyou barge into any news network and demand to have an interview. Now, why do we need an interview?โ I spread my palms, โto expose me,โ I added almost immediately, in response to my question, as I pointed at my chest. She nodded, following closely. โWhen an interview is granted,โ I continued, โyouโll claim to be carrying my child, and Iโve been sending just $10,000 monthly, for support.โ โObviously,โ I scoffed, โthe amount is outrageous already, and people would think youโre just being selfish, but thatโs not the point here.โ โThe point is,โ I drew closer, โto show that I have
Nateโs POVI glanced over at the ginger-haired woman with an average bump, my jaw ticking as I contemplated if she was the right fit for the job.Noโif she could execute the plan the way to my satisfaction.I cleared my throat loudly, drawing her attention.โSo,โ I started, โletโs go over the plan one more time.โShe nodded, turning to me.โFirst off,โ I pulled up my sleeves, counting off on my fingers, โyou barge into any news network and demand to have an interview. Now, why do we need an interview?โ I spread my palms, โto expose me,โ I added almost immediately, in response to my question, as I pointed at my chest.She nodded, following closely.โWhen an interview is granted,โ I continued, โyouโll claim to be carrying my child, and Iโve been sending just $10,000 monthly, for support.โโObviously,โ I scoffed, โthe amount is outrageous already, and people would think youโre just being selfish, but thatโs not the point here.โ โThe point is,โ I drew closer, โto show that I have a baby o
Claraโs POV Henry and I stared at each other for what felt like forever, my eyes burning with anger, his full of something else. Maybe surprise that I wanted to see him. Finally, he sighed, leaning back with a shrug. โFine. Iโll tell you, since youโre so desperate to know.โ I couldnโt help the small sigh of satisfaction that slipped from me as I leaned back in my seat, folding my arms. โIโm all ears.โ โBut first,โ he said, smiling, โWhy are you so covered up?โ He raised an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. โLet me guess, you donโt want to be seen with me?โ I shot him a glare, my lips pressing into a tight line. โThatโs not important right now.โ He shrugged again, biting back a laugh. He signaled the waitress, ordering an iced coffee and a bagel, then leaned forward, clasping his hands on the desk. I watched him, trying to decide if I could trust anything that came from the mouth of someone soโฆ off. There was something unsettling about him with each se
CLARAโS POV A rush of adrenaline coursed through my veins. My eyes flew open, and I could feel something stirring deep inside me: a soft, steady thumping. Was thatโฆ my wolf? Lying against Edwardโs chest, I lifted my fingers to my neck, gently caressing the bite mark. Then my hand drifted to my chest, pausing over my heart, feeling the pulse beneath my skin. Yesโฆ that was truly my wolf. โClaraโฆโ A faint, almost whispering voice called to me, and I jolted upright, clutching my chest as my heart hammered wildly. Was that her voice? Edward stirred beside me, his gaze sharp and cautious as he watched me. โIs everything okay?โ I nodded shakily, rubbing my palms against my chest to steady myself. โYeah, Iโฆ I think I just heard my wolfโs voice.โ My words were breathless, disbelief still clinging to them. Edwardโs eyes widened, and he quickly propped himself up. His hand gently covered mine, his touch warm and comforting. โAnd I think I can feel her too,โ I added, my voice barely a
CLARAโS POV I leaned against the balcony railing, looking down at the patio below. For a brunch weโd thrown together just days ago, the turnout was incredible. Like Lydia suggested, I had to put myself out there before launching my company and the first step was this brunch for women in business. Lydia had sent out invitations and theyโd shown up in numbers. More than I expected. More than I could have hoped for. I was impressed and grateful. And, if I was being honest, a little on edge. The patio was packed with at least two hundred women, maybe more, each one a business owner from different packs. Soft music drifted from the speakers, mingling with the low hum of conversation. On one side, rows of neatly arranged tables stretched out, white cloths draped over them, wine glasses catching the sunlight. The whole setup lookedโฆ perfect. I ran a hand over my dress, taking in the scene when Lydiaโs voice suddenly cut through my thoughts. โLuna,โ she said from behind me,
CLARAโS POV I leaned against the balcony railing, looking down at the patio below. For a brunch weโd thrown together just days ago, the turnout was incredible. Like Lydia suggested, I had to put myself out there before launching my company and the first step was this brunch for women in business. Lydia had sent out invitations and theyโd shown up in numbers. More than I expected. More than I could have hoped for. I was impressed and grateful. And, if I was being honest, a little on edge. The patio was packed with at least two hundred women, maybe more, each one a business owner from different packs. Soft music drifted from the speakers, mingling with the low hum of conversation. On one side, rows of neatly arranged tables stretched out, white cloths draped over them, wine glasses catching the sunlight. The whole setup lookedโฆ perfect. I ran a hand over my dress, taking in the scene when Lydiaโs voice suddenly cut through my thoughts. โLuna,โ she said from behind me,
NATEโS POV I got home late, the weight of the day still hanging off my shoulders. Amandaโs arrival had gone smoother than I expected, and now it was time to deal with the loose ends. One, in particular, had overstayed her welcome. Isla. She was on the couch, curled up like she owned the place, watching TV and eating grapes. As if she wasnโt the biggest disappointment of the year. I didnโt wait for her to notice I was home. โYouโre done,โ I said flatly as soon as I entered. She looked up at me, confused for half a second. โWhat?โ And then, like she suddenly remembered I was just coming back, she stood up, drawing close to me. โYouโre late today. Work must have been stressful.โ She moved to touch my face but I hit her hand away. โYouโre leaving tonight.โ I told her firmly, trying not to sound irritated as I felt. โYou failed to do the one thing I kept you here for. Youโre useless now.โ She paused, as if trying to make sense of what I said. โExcuse me?โ โYou couldnโt
EDWARDโS POV Just as more emergency vehicles were pulling into the hospital wing of the Estate, I rushed in through the main entrance, feeling even more frustrated. I hurried into the wing, my eyes quickly catching the panic in the air. I looked around the hallways, filled with people groaning on both my left and right. Most of them were throwing up badly, dropping to their knees. It was complete chaos in here. I saw some doctors and nurses helping the poisoned victims who were too weak to move, guiding them into the wards. As I moved quickly through the hallways, I noticed almost every ward was packed full of sick people. This was horrible. What made it even more disturbing and upsetting was that most of the people vomiting so terribly were important figures in the territoryโAlphas and Lunas of high ranks. I shook my head at the sight, my fingers curling into fists at my sides, wanting nothing more than to catch whoever was behind this. Even while I was worried ab
Nateโs POV โHenry Sterling, cousin to Edward Sterling, the Alpha of the territory, has just been arrested as the culprit behind the kidnap of Luna Clara, and the sabotaging events that had taken place these past few weeks.โ I stared at the T.V screen, rage and agitation coursing through me, my eyes burning. โThis happened earlier today,โ the broadcaster continued, โafter the culprit had moved into the estate and harassed the Luna, threatening to killโโ I switched off the television, not wanting to hear any more of that. I let out a huge sigh, tapping my feet against the floor. What the hell was going on? I mean, generally, and with meโฆ I couldnโt deny that I was scared, really scared, especially after this news Iโd just seen. How come things kept going well for Edward and Clara? They had somehow discovered the person behind her kidnap, and I was scared now that they might catch up to me soon enough. My mind was not at ease, at all. Henry Sterlingโฆso it had been him