“Then why didn’t you contact me after you left me again?” he softly asked, but the steel in his tone and the sharp glint in his brown eyes made it clear that he wasn’t pleased. I knew he was not going to take it all well.
My mouth went dry as the last button slipped free, revealing sculpted muscle—smooth skin stretched over his broad chest and the hard ridges of his eight-pack abs, the lower abs were wrapped in gauze. But it wasn’t just his body that made my pulse race—it was the raw intensity pouring off him in waves, the barely restrained hunger in his eyes.
And when my gaze dipped lower…
Damn.
A very dangerous bulge strained against his tailored slacks—thick, proud, and
ZEUSThe Grand Wedding Boutique was filled with shimmering white gowns, delicate lace, and the hushed excitement of brides-to-be. I sat on a plush sofa, watching Lucia stand before a massive mirror, elegantly dressed in a white gown. She spoke to the assistant, adjusting the fittings, the details, every little thing.But my mind wasn’t here.My gaze had drifted to the store across from us, where two men stood side by side, trying on suits. Their easy smiles, the way they leaned into each other, the intimacy between them was undeniable. They were a couple.My gaze lowered to the mannequin behind them, draped in a deep black suit, designed specifically for a groom.
ZEUS“Hey, your breakfast is getting cold.”A gentle shake pulled me from my daze.Lucia—no longer disguised as Lucas—stood beside me, her expression soft with concern.I stared at the untouched food in front of me, then slowly put my spoon down.“I’m not hungry,” I murmured.She sighed, crossing her arms. “Zeus, why are you starving yourself over that cheating bastard? Does he really deserve this? You haven’t eaten properly in two days.”The mention of Odin sent a sharp pain through my chest.
ODIN“This realm’s reputation is at stake because of your scandal with that human, Alpha Romano. If you accept the accusation, then please sign these papers, and we will put this matter to rest.”The Elder’s voice rang through the tense room as he slid the documents toward me.With a cigarette between my lips, I exhaled a slow drag and let my gaze drop to the papers. A so-called agreement, a handshake with the hunters, a so-called alliance meant to smooth over the rising tensions between us.When in truth, this wasn’t a peace offering. It was a leash. A disguised contract that would turn werewolves into the hunters’ lapdogs, binding our kind into an existence of servitude
Nephew? My mind raced. Was she Odin’s aunt? Aunt Jane, the one he had mentioned before?Straightening my posture, I met her glare head-on. “I didn’t seduce anyone.”Her eyes burned with fury. “If you didn’t seduce him, then you intentionally did all of this to ruin his life!”I arched a brow. “How exactly did I ruin his life?”“How dare you act innocent?!” she snapped. “Odin’s name is now attached to a human. Not only that, you’re a man! His future, his reputation, his standing with the Council, everything is at risk because of you. Do you even realize what kind of trouble you’ve brought upon him? The Council is holding a final meeting with him as we speak!”
DAMONI hated the rain.But on that day, in the middle of a downpour, a boy running barefoot across the street caught my eye.My car had broken down in an area of the slums, and while the driver worked on fixing it, I sat in the backseat, watching him. He was filthy, soaked to the bone, and clearly poor. Yet, he looked as casual as if it was another normal day.Standing under a makeshift shelter, he unwrapped a cheap piece of candy and popped it into his mouth. After gathering two bamboo sticks and a few bricks, he waded into a large, filthy puddle in the middle of the road. The water was thick with mud and waste, but he didn’t hesitate. He placed the bricks down, using them as stepping stones, and created a makeshift bridge.
ZEUSThe ground beneath me felt unsteady. My worst fear had been confirmed.“You knew,” I choked out, my fists clenching at my sides. “You knew about Odin…”A slow, cruel smirk curled his lips. “Of course, I did. And so did you.” His voice lowered, venom lacing every word. “Tell me, how could you let him touch you? Didn’t your skin crawl? Didn't you feel repulsed? You were forced, right? That beast forced you into those dirty acts, right?”“Once again you call them beasts?”Rage burned hot beneath my skin. My fingers trembled as I forced myself to meet his gaze. “If you hate werewolves so much—why did you make her fall for you? Why
ZEUS"Don't tell me he saw the love bites."I ran my hand over the back of my neck with one hand, feeling the faint sting where Odin's lips had been last night, as I sped down the road.Damon’s reaction haunted me. It wasn’t just his touch on my neck, it was the way he looked at me. Something in his eyes sent a chill crawling up my spine. My heart twisted with an emotion that I couldn’t place… and I hated it.Clenching the steering wheel tighter, I forced myself to focus and press down on the accelerator harder. The city blurred past as I made my way to Lucas’ office building. Entering the parking lot, I pulled into my usual spot, my pulse drumming in my ears.“Zeus!”
ODINThe baby's sharp, heart-wrenching cries pierced through the thick walls of the meeting room, pulling my focus away from the tedious discussion with the pack’s Elders. I had been handling critical decisions—territorial expansions, rogue incursions, and strengthening our defenses—but nothing held my attention the way her cries did.Without another word, I pushed back my chair and strode toward the baby’s room. The pack members fell silent, exchanging wary glances but knowing better than to question me.The sight that met me tightened something in my chest. My little princess—face flushed, tiny fists balled up—was wailing uncontrollably in the caretaker’s arms.“What’s wrong?” My voice came out harsher than I intended.
DAMONI stepped out of the car, my polished shoes striking against the marble floor as I strode toward the penthouse. My grip on the Warpath Technologies contract tightened, the smooth paper crinkling under my fingers. My mood? Foul.“So, the President of Warpath Technologies just… sent the signed contract instead of attending the meeting?” My voice was sharp as I flicked my gaze toward Victor, who scrambled to keep pace beside me.“Yes, Mr. Damon,” he confirmed, slightly lowering his head. “His secretary delivered it personally. She mentioned the President had to leave the country due to an urgent matter, so he won’t be attending.”A bitter scowl crossed my face. This contract, the one I’d fought tooth and nail for—was finally in m