CLARA’S POV I took a slow sip of water, twirling my fork between my fingers. No matter how many times I picked it up, I couldn’t seem to bring myself to eat. Maybe it was because Edward sat directly across from me, his sharp green eyes stealing glances when he thought I wouldn’t notice. I wasn’t used to him staring this much especially when I didn’t know why. But what surprised me even more was that he’d insisted we have dinner together. Lately, he either wanted to have breakfast, lunch or dinner with me. It wasn’t a bad thing but being close to him made me feel things, it brought back memories I had tried so hard to forget. He cleared his throat then, drawing my attention. “So,” he began, his voice casual but probing, “what have you been up to these days?” His gaze lingered on mine. “I heard you left the pack today. What’s going on?” I straightened slightly at his words, wondering why he was asking. “How did you hear that?” A slow smirk tugged at his lips.
CLARA’S POV I stood in front of Edward’s door, trembling, debating whether to turn around and disappear. But my conscience wouldn’t let me. After my shower, I had tossed and turned for nearly an hour, unable to shake the feeling of guilt from our earlier conversation. It gnawed at me, growing stronger the more I tried to ignore it. Eventually, I gave up, climbed out of bed, and found myself here. I knew I wouldn’t be able to sleep until I said something to him for my outburst. A word of apology, maybe? Taking a deep breath, I knocked and waited. I got no response. I knocked again and still no response. I raised my hand to try again when the door suddenly swung open, Edward stepping out. He stood there in nothing but a pair of low waisted trousers, my eyes roaming his chiseled chest and defined abs before I realized I was doing that. I swallowed hard. Focus, Clara. “Can I come in for a bit?” I asked, my voice smaller than I intended. He held my gaze for a moment before si
CLARA’S POV I looked around in admiration as we breezed through the estate gates, the wind dancing in our faces and stirring a warmth in my heart. “Lydia.” She looked sideways at me, her face calmly drawn into a smile. “Yes, ma’am?” “I plan to launch my own company,” I announced, flipping my hair backwards and away from my eyes. We were walking through the estate on an evening stroll, the calm in the air just what I needed to clear my head. “Do you have anything in mind?” She asked, and I tilted my head to the side, thinking for a moment. Then I shrugged. “Well, it has to be something I’m passionate about, you know. Would make it even more fun.” “And if I may ask, ma’am, what are you passionate about? Is there anything you can think of? There must be something you like doing… something that makes your heart race,” Lydia pushed on, and I laughed, suddenly nervous, a fleeting memory of me tangled in the sheets with Edward crossing my mind. That was the new passion…
CLARA’S POV FLASHBACK—Years Ago A shove from behind sent me crashing to the floor, my head slamming into the wall. Pain shot through me and I groaned, squinting my eyes at the same time. “Why are you even here?” one of my bullies sneered as I rubbed my head. “You don’t belong here, yet I see you everyday.” “You’re just a weak, useless Omega,” another added. “You’ll never fit in. Why don’t you go back to your parents? Go find a school for people like you!” Their words tumbled out, all hitting me at the same time. I pressed against the wall, forcing myself up. My head ached, and my vision blurred with unshed tears. I fought them, tightening my hands because I didn’t want them to see me cry. That would only make it worse. As I struggled to stand, a sharp kick to my stomach knocked the breath from my lungs and I crumbled down. I gasped, a tear slipping down my cheek because the pain was too intense. “Look at her,” the one who kicked me laughed. “She can’t even cry r
CLARA’S POV “I just don’t understand him,” I muttered under my breath at the back seat of the moving car and shook my head. What is he doing to me? “What did you say, Luna Clara?” Lydia turned in her seat to glance at me, her brows raised in curiosity. Oops. I hadn’t meant to say that out loud. I flushed lightly, managing to compose myself before she noticed. I sighed, waving a dismissive hand. “It’s nothing, Lydia.” She studied me for a second, her brows knitting together in suspicion. But then she nodded, turning her attention back to the passing rows of flowers outside the window. I let out a trembling breath, my thoughts drifting back to Edward. He’d been acting so strangely lately—more affectionate, more attentive. It wasn’t like him. Not that he wasn’t kind before, but this…this was different. And I couldn’t make sense of it. Was I reading too much into it? Or was there something I missed? Or maybe I hoped he was actually paying attention to me. Was I delus
EDWARD’S POV “I think this is a wonderful proposal you have here, Alpha Edward,” one of the investors at the round table said. “My company will fully invest in this project.” I nodded in satisfaction. “Thank you so much for—” My phone on the table buzzed again, the vibration rattling against the wood near my thigh. My jaw tightened. That was the third time in just a few minutes. “That must be important,” one of the investors said, his lips tugging in amusement. “Why don’t you take it?” “I’m sure it’s nothing,” I dismissed, waving a hand as I picked up the phone. A quick glance at my call history made my stomach tighten. Lydia had called three times. I immediately felt a wave of panic shoot through me. Lydia wasn’t the type to call repeatedly unless it was something serious. Unless it was something to do with Clara. I cursed under my breath. I should have checked sooner. Just as I was contemplating calling her back, the boardroom doors burst open. Jaxon strode i
NATE’S POV I slammed my fist into the table, shooting to my feet in rage. “You what?” I bellowed, gripping the phone so tightly my knuckles turned white. “You fucking missed?” Jack, the stupid hitman I’d hired to take out Clara, stammered through the speaker. “I’m sorry, Alpha.” “You’re sorry?! How the hell could you miss?” I asked, running a hand through my hair. This was supposed to be a one time job. A one time job! “She had a driver and a bodyguard with her in the car,” Jack explained quickly. “It wasn’t easy.” I let out a sharp, bitter laugh. “Of course, she had a driver and a bodyguard! What the hell did you expect? I sent you her profile, didn’t I?” “Yes, Alpha.” “And did you even read it? No?” I slammed my fist down again. “Why the fuck not?!” “I did go through it, but—” “But what?” I cut him off, my voice sharp. “How did you miss the part where it clearly stated she’s Luna of the territory?” My anger boiled over, and I kicked the nearest table so hard it
CLARA’S POV I paused at the door of Edward’s study, raising a hand to signal the maid to stop as I pressed my ear against the tiny crack between the door and its frame. “All we need to do is catch the shooter,” a male voice said from inside. “Once we have them, they’ll lead us straight to whoever ordered the hit.” “It’s not as simple as you’re making it sound,” Edward responded, his voice low. “Catching the shooter is the hard part.” “Yes Alpha, it is hard.” the other voice agreed, “but it’s not impossible.” I knocked twice and then pushed the door open, signaling for the maid to follow me inside with the tea tray. Edward’s gaze lifted the moment he saw me, and he quickly slammed the file on his desk shut clearly trying to shield me from the conversation. “I’m sorry if I interrupted,” I said, directing the maid to set the tray down on a smaller table. “Oh, no,” he responded, waving a dismissive hand. “He was just leaving.” Taking the hint, the man stood, gave a sli
Clara’s 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. “Fine. I’ll tell you, since you’re so desperate to know.” I couldn’t help the small sigh of satisfaction that slipped from me as I leaned back in my seat, folding my arms. “I’m all ears.” “But first,” he said, smiling, “Why are you so covered up?” He raised an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. “Let me guess, you don’t want to be seen with me?” I shot him a glare, my lips pressing into a tight line. “That’s not important right now.” 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 so… off. There was something unsettling about him with each se
CLARA’S 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 that… my wolf? Lying against Edward’s 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. Yes… that was truly my wolf. “Clara…” 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. “Is everything okay?” I nodded shakily, rubbing my palms against my chest to steady myself. “Yeah, I… I think I just heard my wolf’s voice.” My words were breathless, disbelief still clinging to them. Edward’s eyes widened, and he quickly propped himself up. His hand gently covered mine, his touch warm and comforting. “And I think I can feel her too,” I added, my voice barely a
CLARA’S POV I leaned against the balcony railing, looking down at the patio below. For a brunch we’d 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 they’d 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 looked… perfect. I ran a hand over my dress, taking in the scene when Lydia’s voice suddenly cut through my thoughts. “Luna,” she said from behind me,
CLARA’S POV I leaned against the balcony railing, looking down at the patio below. For a brunch we’d 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 they’d 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 looked… perfect. I ran a hand over my dress, taking in the scene when Lydia’s voice suddenly cut through my thoughts. “Luna,” she said from behind me,
NATE’S POV I got home late, the weight of the day still hanging off my shoulders. Amanda’s 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 wasn’t the biggest disappointment of the year. I didn’t wait for her to notice I was home. “You’re done,” I said flatly as soon as I entered. She looked up at me, confused for half a second. “What?” And then, like she suddenly remembered I was just coming back, she stood up, drawing close to me. “You’re late today. Work must have been stressful.” She moved to touch my face but I hit her hand away. “You’re leaving tonight.” I told her firmly, trying not to sound irritated as I felt. “You failed to do the one thing I kept you here for. You’re useless now.” She paused, as if trying to make sense of what I said. “Excuse me?” “You couldn’t
EDWARD’S 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 territory—Alphas 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
Nate’s POV “Henry 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.” I stared at the T.V screen, rage and agitation coursing through me, my eyes burning. “This happened earlier today,” the broadcaster continued, “after the culprit had moved into the estate and harassed the Luna, threatening to kill—“ 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 me… I couldn’t deny that I was scared, really scared, especially after this news I’d 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 Sterling…so it had been him
Clara’s POV I stared down at the blood trickling down my thighs, my heart pounding. My eyes blurred, and tears began to fill them, making it hard to see. What was causing this blood? Why was I bleeding so suddenly? Where was it coming from? I slowly turned my gaze up to Edward’s face, seeing that he looked just as shocked and scared as I felt. His eyes widened as he took in the sight of my bloodied thighs and the soaked sheets beneath me. “Edward…” I whispered, my voice breaking as the weight of fear settled heavily in my chest. “Get the doctor!” Edward suddenly yelled, his voice sharp with panic. A guard rushed in, looking confused. “Alpha?” “Get the doctor, now!” Edward’s voice was desperate, and his panic spread across his face. He bolted to his feet, lifting me into his arms with a gentleness that didn’t match the urgency of the situation. Without hesitation, he carried me out of the room, half-sprinting down the hall to his own room. “Edward,” I whimpered, my ches
Clara’s POV I stretched slowly, letting my body ease into the morning. The soreness in my muscles reminded me that since I became pregnant, I barely exercised. I reached up, rolling my shoulders back, when I heard the door open behind me. “Lydia?” I called without turning. “It’s me, Luna Clara,” she answered, her voice sharper than usual. I glanced over my shoulder. She stood just inside the doorway, her face drawn tight as she bit her bottom lips. I straightened up. “What happened?” She hesitated, then walked closer, lowering her voice. “I heard something… from Jaxon.” She said, looking nervous. “He said I couldn’t tell you but…..it’s important.” My stomach tensed. What on earth would be so important that Jaxon didn’t want me to know? My heart pounded fast, my mouth dry as I tried not to think that something bad had happened to Edward. “What did he say?” I asked. “Is Edward okay?” Lydia glanced toward the hallway, like she was checking to make sure we were al