CLARA’S POV Many years ago. I moved through Elite Mall in scrubs and an apron, mopping floors, wiping glass windows, hauling trash—anything that needed cleaning. The work was exhausting, my lower back aching with every movement, but I whistled a tune to distract myself from the pain. This was just one of the many side hustles I juggled to make ends meet and help my family. It drained me, stole my time, and pulled me away from my academics, but I did it anyway. Because I had to. My father couldn’t afford a lot of things. An extra job like this went a long way to help my parents. I was already grateful that they had the little money to put a roof over my head. This was the least I could do. As I dragged the mop across the floor, my gaze landed on a mannequin in the far corner. A beautiful dress clung to its frame, shimmering under the store lights. I stopped, staring at it for far too long, picturing how it would look on me. I’d seen that dress before, on my classmates, e
Clara’s POV I stood at the lobby with a glass of wine held loosely between my fingers, staring at Serena as she exited the building with her baggage. A mixed feeling of triumph and something else settling warm and cozy in my chest. For some reason, her arrival had sort of caused and sparked up things between Edward and I. Things that had only existed in my wild imagination, in the last. I burn for you… his words from that passionate night replayed in my head, causing a familiar stir in my chest. My gaze followed the car as it drove out of the gates, observing Serena who sat with a sullen expression at the back seat, and after a while, I shifted my gaze to Edward and a few of his men that stood to the side, watching the car leave too with peeved expressions, his fingers jammed into his pockets. To my surprise, he hadn’t let the dawn crack properly before going to the guest wing of the house and asking Serena to leave, as he was not interested in her father’s business pr
Nate’s POV I sat behind my desk, smirking as I perused the report from my latest visit to the orphanage. The smirk expanded further, my insides jumping around in a dance of victory as I saw from the report that my plans had actually worked out just perfect. The photos of me visiting those children had sold off like valued stocks, scattered across the news in praise of my good heart. I scoffed, shaking my head at just how good I’d been at acting. The way I even looked in the pictures…like I gave a damn about these children. Whereas I gaze zero. I hummed a happy tone, flipping through the pages of the report. The major thing was that I wasn’t losing investors anymore, and hopefully, I could launch my new mobile design soon. A knock sounded on the door, then, and a second later, Michael stepped into the office. “Sir, there’s a visitor out there insisting to see you without a prior appointment,” he announced, his hands crossed behind his back. An unscheduled visitor? Who
Nate’s POV I stepped into the familiar comfort of my home, Serena following closely behind me. “Welcome to my home,” I said to her, throwing my coat against the armrest of the plush sofa, and Serena smiled stiffly, looking around the house. “Thank you,” she murmured in response, and just then, Isla came flying down the stairs, her boobs dancing in the transparent robe she had on. “Nate!” She started to call, a bubbly excitement staining her features, but as her eyes rested on the sophisticated woman standing next to me, she faltered visibly, the excitement dying down. I watched with a frown, not missing the resemblance in the look, as the same one that had been on Clara’s face the first day I brought Isla home. “You’re home,” she said, eyeing Serena cautiously as she slowed to a halt in front of me. I nodded, moving past her. “This is Serena,” I introduced, nodding over at her, “and she’ll be staying over for a few days,” I added with a note of finality, turning around
Nate’s POV Many years ago. I sat behind my desk in my office, going over some files, when a knock sounded on the door. A second later, my secretary, Veronica, breezed in carrying a mug of coffee on a small tray. “Your coffee, sir,” she said, dropping it on the desk, and I nodded. “Thanks,” I muttered, “you can leave now.” As she walked away, her hips swaying from side to side, my eyes followed the jiggly movements, mesmerized by the beauty of it. My groin hardened the longer I looked, my dick starting to crawl around in my pants, and when she was almost at the door, I gave into the temptation and called out to her. “Veronica.” She turned, her brows cocked. “Sir?” “Why don’t you come a little closer?” I asked, beckoning on her with a finger, and although a fleeting look of surprise crossed her features, she came towards the desk slowly. “Come over here,” I pressed, directing her to move around the desk to where I sat, and after she obeyed a little reluctantly, I n
EDWARD’S POV I hesitated in front of the mirror, adjusting my tie as I debated whether to check on Clara before leaving for the business meeting. I glanced at my watch, my brows furrowing at the time. 7:15 A.M I wasn’t even sure she was up yet. Would going to her room make me seem too clingy? Maybe. I could just send my regards through Jaxon. I turned to leave, ready to find Jaxon and give him instructions, but I hesitated again, remembering I wouldn’t see her all day. The meeting might stretch into tomorrow, meaning she’d be alone for twenty-four hours. Could I really go that long without seeing her? I sighed, adjusting my suit, frustration settling into my bones. Agitation, confusion, desire—I couldn’t believe these were my thoughts before a business meeting. Clara had seeped into every part of me, consuming my senses completely. Before we signed the contract, I told myself I wouldn’t overwhelm her, that I’d keep my distance. Because if I gave in to how I truly fel
CLARA’S POV I stared at the list in my hands, disbelief settling deep in my chest. It contained the names of possible suspects behind the last attack on me—the shootout that had claimed the lives of my driver and bodyguard. “You really did it, huh?” I said, glancing up at Lydia. She sat across from me on the garden terrace, her hands folded on her thighs, with a satisfied smile. “Yes, ma’am,” she replied bowing slightly. Shaking my head, I couldn’t hide my admiration. “I thought you’d take some time off because of what happened and how traumatic it was. But instead, you put this together? How did you manage it so quickly?” She shrugged. “I only used a few minutes of my leisure time, Luna Clara. It wasn’t a big deal.” I gave her a pointed look, knowing better. Lydia wasn’t the type to rest when there was work to be done. She had likely lost sleep over this, refusing to stop until she had every possible lead. But I chose not to press her on it. “I’m really impressed.” I
EDWARD’S POV As the car rounded the next corner, bringing us closer to the Estate, my gaze flicked to the small bags beside me. A satisfied smile tugged at my lips as I rubbed my forehead. I’d spared no expense in choosing gifts for Clara. I couldn’t wait to give them to her, all of them, including the ones stacked in the trunk. Would she love them? And if she did, would she smile the way I hoped she would? I had wanted to see her reaction when her favorite flowers I ordered for the garden arrived, but they had been delivered while I was at work. She had called to ask why I’d bought them, and I couldn’t tell if she was impressed or not from her voice. I could have said they were for her, and I got them because she loved to spend time in the garden pavilion. But I felt it was too much, considering she was still healing from her divorce back then and had her walls up. But now, she was finally over that jerk. Other thoughts crept in as I glanced at the bags beside me agai
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