NATE’S POV The air in the room felt suffocating, sweat forming beads on my forehead despite the air conditioning. My heart was racing and several questions flitted into my head. Unable to answer them and knowing they couldn’t help me either, I turned to Serena. “I’m sorry, but our partnership has come to an end,” I said, standing off to the side with my hands shoved into my pockets. She straightened from where she’d been leaning against the wall, confusion flashing across her face. “What?” She took a step closer. “I’m not moving forward with our deal.” I repeated, my tone clipped. She blinked, looking stunned. “B-but why?” she stammered. “Edward will be captured soon. Everything we planned is falling into place. So why—” “It doesn’t matter why,” I cut her off. “What matters is that it’s over. Do you understand?” Her gaze narrowed suspiciously as she shook her head. “Something doesn’t feel right,” she muttered. “Do you know something I don’t?” I exhaled sharpl
CLARA’S POV “Before the startup, I need to put myself out there.” Seated behind my desk in the office Edward had provided, I studied the list in my hands while Lydia typed furiously on her laptop from the couch. “It’s important to set things in motion before we officially launch,” I continued. “We need to attract investors, both foreign and domestic.” “I have a few ideas,” Lydia said, glancing up from her screen. “Let’s hear them.” I leaned forward, resting my elbows on the desk. She picked up her laptop and walked over, turning the screen toward me. “Since your goal is to promote women in business, you should start showing support before the official launch. It’ll help establish credibility and build trust.” I pulled the laptop closer, nodding as I considered her words. “That’s a great idea. It’ll make the transition feel more organic when the company goes live.” Encouraged, Lydia placed her hands on the desk, leaning in. “You could also offer loans and business gra
EDWARD’S POV I tilted my neck from side to side, feeling the stiffness and ache from yesterday’s fight. Damn… I should have listened to Clara when she told me not to come to work today. But I couldn’t just sit at home trying to heal when there was so much to handle, so much to figure out. Like Serena. I was still trying to understand why she had sent those men after me—why she’d tried to have me captured. I didn’t want to believe it was because of Clara or my rejection. Could she really go that far? Still lost in thoughts, the phone on my desk vibrated, and I glanced down, looking at the caller. Jaxon. “Jaxon,” I answered. “Any news?” “Serena has been arrested,” he reported. “She’s in pack enforcement custody.” “Good.” I rose to my feet. “I’ll head over now.” I strode out of the office, taking long, quick strides toward the parking lot. The moment my driver spotted me, I snapped my fingers. “Get the car running. We’re heading to the pack enforcement office.
EDWARD’S POV I strode into my office, my head throbbing. No matter how hard I thought about it, I couldn’t put my finger on who had helped Serena. I knew she got help from someone but figuring out that person was turning into a big, distressing task. The usual enemies came to my mind, but something gnawed at me. I couldn’t help but wonder if there was someone new in the picture. Someone I didn’t know about? What would their motive be? What did they want from me? I lowered in my seat, still thinking. Then the intercom buzzed, pulling me from my thoughts. I pressed the button, listening as my secretary’s voice filtered through the speaker. “Alpha, there’s a guest asking to see you.” He said. “Does he have an appointment?” I asked. There was some brief hesitation from him. “No, Alpha,” he admitted. “It’s Alpha Carter. He seems… agitated.” Alpha Carter. As expected. “Send him in,” I ordered. Moments later, the doors burst open, and Alpha Carter stormed in, his fa
CLARA’S POV I gazed up at the night sky, mesmerized by the stars scattered across the midnight blue. “It’s a beautiful night,” I said, drinking in the sight. Beside me, Edward sat quietly, his gaze fixed upward as well. I glanced at him from the corner of my eye and smiled at the satisfied grin on his lips. He had been reluctant when I’d asked him to step outside with me after dinner, but now he looked utterly at peace. Silence stretched between us for some minutes until I cleared my throat. “I can’t keep myself locked away,” I said, and Edward turned his head sharply toward me. “I know what happened was traumatic, but I can’t just stay in here, hoping the shooter vanishes into thin air. I need to work.” I spread my hands for emphasis. “I need to accomplish the things I want in life.” He let out a weary sigh, and I braced myself for his refusal. “I understand, Clara,” he said, and my eyes widened in surprise. “You do?” “Obviously.” He cocked a brow. “I can’t keep you
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 Her last words made one thing clear: she knew me. From school? I stepped closer, studying her face, searching for any trace of familiarity. She looked like she was in her late twenties. She had freckles, pale skin and doe eyes with brown hair. But nothing about her features struck me as familiar. So who was she? Regaining my composure, I straightened my shoulders and met her gaze with confidence, forcing a polite smile despite the irritation I felt. “I see you might know me better than I recall,” I said. “But does that really matter? Does that make this whole affair ridiculous?” She threw her head back with a dramatic roll of her eyes. Then she shook her head. “Do you know what I told my maid when she came running to me yesterday, saying, ‘Luna Valerie, you’ve received a brunch invitation from Luna Clara’?” She mimicked the woman’s voice in a casual, mocking tone. “I told her to discard it.” She finished. I stiffened slightly. Luna Valerie. No wonder s
CLARA’S POV I pressed a hand against my stomach, exhaling slowly. Why was this ache in my lower belly so persistent? Clicking the button on the car door, I rolled the window down slightly and leaned toward the cool air. “Luna Clara, are you okay?” Lydia asked beside me, her voice laced with concern. “Yes,” I nodded, forcing a tight smile. “Just a mild stomach ache, nothing serious.” “No, Luna, it could be more than that,” She insisted. “We can still turn back to the pack if you’re in pain. Mr. Walter’s arrest can wait.” “Mr. Walter?” I scoffed, raising a brow. “That animal doesn’t deserve an ounce of respect. Just call him Walter. And I’m fine.” She hesitated before nodding, though she looked uncertain as she turned away. I winced silently, masking my discomfort from the stomach ache. The pain wasn’t letting up, it was getting worse. But turning back now wasn’t an option. Not when I was this close to bringing down one of the men on my wanted list. Just like
Clara’s POVI let out a deep sigh, placing both hands on my waist in a tired stance.I was taking a walk with Edward, and as much as I used to enjoy doing this with him, I honestly couldn’t say the same now.I was completely exhausted. But he couldn’t even tell…“Come on,” he urged, trying to take the hand on my waist.I sighed again, reaching up to push back my hair. “I’m pregnant, Edward,” I rasped out, spreading my palms, “unlike you. So I don’t expect you to understand what it's like walking miles, whilst having a baby in your womb. It’s not freaking easy.”“You’re right,” he replied, a small smile staining his lips. “That’s why you have me, to help you.”He reached down again and gently took my hand in his, guiding me forward. “We still have to get to that hill, remember?”Sighing, I let him guide me, taking slow, painstaking steps towards the direction he guided me, until the hill came into sight.Finally, we got to the hill, and I let out a deep breath, appreciating the feel of
Nate’s 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. No—if she could execute the plan the way to my satisfaction. I cleared my throat loudly, drawing her attention. “So,” I started, “let’s go over the plan one more time.” She nodded, turning to me. “First off,” I pulled up my sleeves, counting off on my fingers, “you barge into any news network and demand to have an interview. Now, why do we need an interview?” I spread my palms, “to expose me,” I added almost immediately, in response to my question, as I pointed at my chest. She nodded, following closely. “When an interview is granted,” I continued, “you’ll claim to be carrying my child, and I’ve been sending just $10,000 monthly, for support.” “Obviously,” I scoffed, “the amount is outrageous already, and people would think you’re just being selfish, but that’s not the point here.” “The point is,” I drew closer, “to show that I have
Nate’s 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.No—if she could execute the plan the way to my satisfaction.I cleared my throat loudly, drawing her attention.“So,” I started, “let’s go over the plan one more time.”She nodded, turning to me.“First off,” I pulled up my sleeves, counting off on my fingers, “you barge into any news network and demand to have an interview. Now, why do we need an interview?” I spread my palms, “to expose me,” I added almost immediately, in response to my question, as I pointed at my chest.She nodded, following closely.“When an interview is granted,” I continued, “you’ll claim to be carrying my child, and I’ve been sending just $10,000 monthly, for support.”“Obviously,” I scoffed, “the amount is outrageous already, and people would think you’re just being selfish, but that’s not the point here.” “The point is,” I drew closer, “to show that I have a baby o
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