Raymond, who had been checking his phone in the corner, finally looked up. "Giana, maybe let the nurse handle that.""I've almost got it," she persisted, pressing her thumb directly against the cut.Pain lanced through my head, and I jerked away involuntarily. "Stop!"Raymond was beside us in an ins
I stared at Kane's outstretched hand, conflicted. His sudden gallantry was jarring compared to his usual playboy demeanor."I'd rather walk," I said coldly, adjusting my hospital bag on my shoulder.Kane arched an eyebrow, his smirk returning. "In your condition? Be reasonable, Aurora."I took a ste
Giana's face crumpled on cue, tears welling in her eyes. "I knew it was a mistake to ask for help," she said, her voice quivering perfectly. "I should just go. I don't want to cause problems between you and Aurora."She started to turn away, a calculated move that worked exactly as intended. Raymond
The Alpha mansion buzzed with whispers as Giana settled into the Omega quarters. I'd barely been back from the hospital for two days, but the staff's loyalty was clear in every subtle gesture—the way they conveniently "forgot" to deliver Giana's meals on time, or how the housekeeper accidentally "mi
"Friend," Raymond cut in sharply. "You're my friend, Giana, and I won't have you mistreated." He turned to his father. "She's under my protection. That should be enough."Alpha Marcus looked between Giana's tearful face and Raymond's defiant expression, then to me. I kept my expression neutral, thou
I opened my mouth to correct the boutique owner, but Kane stepped forward before I could speak. His eyes never left mine as he moved closer."Beautiful doesn't begin to cover it," he said, his voice a low rumble that sent an unexpected shiver down my spine.The shop owner clasped her hands in deligh
***Alpha Marcus's announcement at dinner a week later caught me completely off guard."We're hosting a celebration for Aurora's birthday," he declared, smiling warmly at me. "The entire pack will attend."My birthday had never been a major event. I looked to Raymond, who seemed as surprised as I wa
I switched off my phone, unable to stare at Giana's post any longer. The restaurant felt suffocating with its romantic music and sympathetic glances from staff who realized I'd been abandoned.Without thinking, I walked into a nearby bar with dim lighting and overpriced cocktails. I needed something
His touch was hesitant at first, almost tender as he gathered me against his chest. "I sent Lydia away hours ago," he said quietly. "There was never going to be anyone but you tonight."The admission surprised me, but I had no time to process it as his lips found mine, his touch finally, mercifully,
The pain intensified until I could no longer differentiate between waves—it had become a constant, searing agony consuming every fiber of my being. My wolf clawed beneath my skin, desperate to break free from the torment, instinctively seeking escape.I rolled onto my side, gasping for breath as ano
"So was your absence," I countered.Our movements were mechanical, lacking any hint of the connection that should exist between mates. I noticed several allied Alphas watching us, their expressions speculative."This isn't working," Raymond muttered."A stunning observation," I replied, unable to ke
The final hours of the Gala passed in a blur of diplomatic conversations and carefully maintained smiles. I moved through the crowd with practiced grace, ignoring the whispers that followed in my wake. If anyone noticed the brittleness of my composure, they were kind enough not to mention it."Luna
Raymond's grip on my wrist tightened as he pulled me into a secluded alcove near the back of the hall. Flickering candlelight cast harsh shadows across his face, accentuating the fury in his eyes."What the hell do you think you're doing?" he demanded, finally releasing me.I rubbed my wrist, certai
The traditional mating dance drew to a close, the final notes of primal rhythm fading as the orchestra transitioned to slower, more elegant melodies. Around me, couples began to pair up for the formal dance—the one where, according to centuries of tradition, the Alpha and Luna would lead the pack in
I rubbed my arm where his fingers had dug in. "I was networking with allied Alphas, as is my duty.""Networking?" Raymond scoffed. "You were flirting, encouraging their advances.""I was doing no such thing," I said, indignation rising. "They were being inappropriate, and I was attempting to extrica
The Great Hall had been transformed beyond recognition. Cascading lights resembling stars hung from the vaulted ceiling, while strategically placed living trees created the illusion of an enchanted forest. The soft amber glow from hundreds of floating lanterns cast everyone in their most flattering
Surprise flickered across Kane's face before he controlled it. "You were spying on us?""I was passing by," I said, the half-truth coming easily. "But her questions seemed oddly specific."Kane's expression grew thoughtful. "Yes, they did. Almost as if she had prior knowledge of Council politics.""