Nicolai returned to Jasmine's room, his footsteps quiet on the floor. Jasmine was fast asleep, her chest rising and falling with each gentle breath. Nicolai's gaze lingered on her peaceful face, and a small smile crept onto his lips.He first took away the chair beside her bed, then he carefully slid into bed beside her, taking care not to disturb her. As he settled in, he reached out and gently took her hand in his. Jasmine's hand was warm and soft, and Nicolai felt a surge of tenderness towards her."I'm sorry, Jasmine.'' He whispered, his voice barely audible. "I'm sorry for everything." Nicolai's eyes drifted shut, and he let out a slow breath, feeling a sense of calm wash over him.As he held Jasmine's hand, Nicolai felt his eyelids growing heavy, and he eventually drifted off to sleep.Jasmine's eyes fluttered open, her gaze locking onto Nicolai's peaceful face. She had been awake since he slipped into bed beside her, his gentle movements and soft breathing a soothing serenade.
Kent was just leaving his home when his phone rang. He quickly pulled it from his pocket and answered, his pace hastening when he saw Nicolai's name flashing on the screen."Hey, Nick," Kent said, his voice crisp and respectful. "I know I'm late, but I'm heading to the company right now, so don't..."Kent trailed off, taken aback by Nicolai's response. "That's not why I called, Kent."Kent furrowed his brow. "Really?"Nicolai's tone was firm. "Yes, I called to ask you to go check up on Jasmine and see how she is. Also... if she's up for it, bring her with you to the company."Kent's eyes widened in surprise. "Are you being serious right now? You want me to bring Jasmine to the company? Why?"Nicolai's response was cryptic. "Don't ask me any questions, just do as I say."Before Kent could press for more information, Nicolai hung up. Kent pulled the phone away from his ear, calling out in frustration. "Nick! Nick!"But the line was dead."What has gotten into him?" Kent shook his head,
''Please go in, I'll join you soon," Nicolai said to Jasmine, opening the door to his office for her. Jasmine thanked him and stepped inside, and Nicolai closed the door behind her."May I ask what Mr. Holland did to make you lose your temper like that?" Kent asked, his voice calm and measured.Nicolai's gaze narrowed, his eyes flashing with anger. Kent swallowed nervously but continued, his voice barely above a whisper. "Do you realize you could have killed that man if Jasmine hadn't intervened? You would have also risked exposing the supernatural world to humans!"Nicolai's glare made Kent's heart skip a beat, but he summoned the courage to press on. "I don't care if you're going to kill me, but I have to speak the truth."Nicolai's expression darkened, but he took a deep breath and explained, "His company is on the verge of bankruptcy, so he came to me for help, asking me to partner with him to save his company. I would have agreed if he hadn't asked me to marry his daughter as wel
''Wow." Jasmine muttered, her eyes wide with excitement. "Where's this place?" She asked, bouncing up and down.Nicolai chuckled. "It's a cinema, we're here to watch a movie."Jasmine's face lit up.''So, what kind of movie would you like to see? Romance, horror, or thriller?" Nicolai asked, his voice low and smooth.Jasmine thought for a moment, her brow furrowed in concentration. Then, her eyes sparkled, and she grinned. "Romance."Nicolai smiled, his eyes gleaming with amusement. "Alright, let's go get our tickets."As they walked to the ticket counter, Nicolai explained how the cinema worked, from choosing their seats to ordering snacks. Jasmine listened attentively, her eyes wide with excitement.They got their tickets, along with a bucket of freshly popped popcorn and two cold drinks. The smell of buttery popcorn wafted through the air, making Jasmine's stomach growl with anticipation.As they walked into the cinema, the sound of murmured conversations and the soft glow of the s
While Nicolai and Jasmine were both enjoying their meal, a lady walked up to them. Her long, curly brown hair cascaded down her back like a waterfall, and her piercing blue eyes seemed to gleam with an inner light. Her elegant black evening gown hugged her curves in all the right places, making her a stunning vision as she approached Nicolai and Jasmine's table."Nicolai Devan." She said, her husky voice confident and self-assured. "I've heard so much about you."Nicolai's eyes narrowed slightly as he looked up from his plate. "Do I know you?" He asked, his tone polite but cautious.Arianna's smile faltered for a moment before she regained her composure. "I'm Arianna Holland." She said. "My father is... acquainted with you."Nicolai's expression turned guarded, and he dropped his cutlery. "I remember your father.'' He said curtly.Arianna's eyes sparkled with a mix of curiosity and wariness. "I apologize if my presence is inconvenient.'' She said. "I wanted to acknowledge my father's.
Jasmine woke up to the sound of Clara calling her name. She slowly sat up, rubbing the sleep from her eyes. "Clara?" She asked, her voice hoarse.Clara greeted her with a warm smile. "Good morning, Jasmine.''"Good morning." Jasmine replied, she looked around the room and noticed that Nicolai wasn't there. "The Alpha has already left for work. He's arranged for the Beta, Kent, to escort you to your therapist's appointment today."''He's not taking me?" Jasmine asked, feeling a pang of disappointment.Clara's expression was sympathetic. "I'm afraid not, Jasmine. But the beta will be here shortly to take you to your appointment."Memories of the previous night's events flooded Jasmine's mind. She recalled the kiss she shared with Nicolai, and wondered if that had something to do with his sudden change of plans. She pushed the thoughts aside, assuming he must have had something important to attend to.Clara's concerned voice broke into Jasmine's thoughts. "Jasmine, are you okay?"Jasmin
"Y...you and Jasmine kissed?" Kent stuttered, unable to believe his ears. He stared at Nicolai for a while, his expression unreadable, then he burst into laughter.Nicolai looked at him, confused. "What's so funny?" He asked, a hint of annoyance in his voice."Come on." Kent said, struggling to hold back his laughter. "I thought you said you weren't going to accept the mate bond, and you two will just be good friends, so what happened?" He asked. "See, Nick. I knew you couldn't resist the mate bond, so why don't you just accept it and be with her.""Because I can't!" Nicolai replied with gritted teeth. "I already told you. What happened between us was a mistake, I...it's just the mate bond pulling us together, and that's why it happened. I never meant to kiss her."Kent heaved a deep breath, getting serious. "Are you sure about that? Are you sure that it's just the mate bond pulling you two together? Are you sure you don't—""I don't." Nicolai cut him off. "And don't you even dare com
Jasmine flinched as she sharply turned around. "Samantha!" She called, sighing in relief. "I...It's you." She stuttered. "You scared me.""I'm sorry, but what are you doing here? I'm not sure you know this, but no one is allowed to come into the Alpha's room unless you're here to clean." "I'm sorry, I was just looking for him, and when I saw the door open, I couldn't resist coming in to check if he's here.""He isn't, the Alpha already left for work.""What?" Jasmine furrowed her brow. "But that's not the time he usually leaves for work.""I know right, but maybe he's got something important to do.'' Samantha shrugged. "Really, Nick? All because of me? You're really putting so much effort into making sure we never see each other. How long will this continue, Nick? For how long will you continue to avoid me?" Jasmine thought."Come on, Jasmine. We better leave or we'll both get in trouble." Samantha gently took her arm and led her out of Nicolai's room. ***Mr. Holland was on a busi
Stephan sat in his office, the amber liquid in his glass swirling as he took a slow sip. The quiet atmosphere was disrupted by a firm knock at the door. He sighed, placing the bottle aside."Come in." He said, his voice carrying a hint of exhaustion.The door creaked open, revealing Jasmine."Jasmine?" Stephan's eyes widened in surprise. He immediately stood and met her halfway, concern flickering across his face. "How did you find me? I didn't expect to see you. Is everything alright?"Jasmine squared her shoulders, determination evident in her stance. "We need to talk, Stephan. I have this unsettling feeling that there's more to what you told me. I deserve to know everything—the truth about who I am and what my life was like before the accident. No more secrets."Stephan furrowed his brow. "I don't understand. What's wrong? And why do you think I'm keeping things from you?"She inhaled deeply before speaking. "Who is Alpha Nicolai?"Stephan's pupils dilated slightly, the name trigge
"How long will you continue like this, Nick?" Kent asked, obviously annoyed. "You've turned other neighboring packs upside down in your search for Jasmine. You've ruined so many packs even though you know she isn't there. You've caused a lot of damage to those innocent people, and you're not willing to stop.""I already told you, Kent. I'm not taking any chances. I won't stop until Jasmine is found." Nicolai replied, not taking his eyes off his laptop."It's been six months, Nick. Six good months!""And that's what makes this even more frustrating. She's been missing for six months! Do you expect me to just fold my hands and do nothing?" Nicolai replied, angrily closing his laptop. "I know she's out there and I can feel it right here." He placed a finger on his heart. "I won't stop looking until she's found.""Nick—""That's all, Kent. You should leave now, do not make me do something I'm going to regret." Kent held his gaze for a moment, seeing that Nicolai was beyond reasoning, he
A few days later...Stephan has just brought Jasmine home. As she stepped out of the car, she stared at the mansion in front of her in awe."Amazing, right?" Stephan asked when he went to her."Yes." Jasmine smiled. "It's beautiful.""I'm glad you like it because this is your home as well.""And everyone here is—""A werewolf? Yes. But like I told you before, we've got the omegas too.""I remember, those without a wolf." Jasmine repeated the words he'd told her before."Yes, and most of the helpers here are omegas. Come on, I'll show you to your room.'' He took her hand and led her inside.Laura was already waiting for them inside, she wasn't at all pleased to see Jasmine, and her facial expression says it all. She glared hatefully at Jasmine, and it made Jasmine wonder what she might have done to her."This is Laura, a friend of mine who lives here with us." Stephan introduced.Laura scoffed loudly, she eyed Jasmine, hissed and left in anger."I don't think she likes me." Jasmine sta
Three days later....The doctor was busy examining Cruella when Nicolai walked into the room. Cruella's face instantly lit up when she saw him."How's she?" He asked the doctor."She's fine now, Alpha. Her body has healed, but she still needs to get enough rest and take better care of herself." The doctor replied, and Nicolai nodded in understanding.Soon, the doctor left, and when they were finally alone, Nicolai immediately asked Cruella about the poisoning. "Any idea on who might have poisoned you? I've asked the staff and no one seems to know anything.""I don't know, Nick." Cruella replied, her expression sad. "It could have been anyone, after all not all of them like me, and you don't expect whoever did it to simply admit the truth. But it's okay, I'm better now so that's all that matters." She managed to smile. "And you don't have to worry, I'll just stay in the hospital for a while then I'll come get my things and go home."Nicolai heaved a deep breath. "You don't have to do t
A MONTH LATER...Nicolai burst into the hospital, Cruella unconscious in his arms. Nurses rushed to assist, transferring her to a stretcher and wheeling her into the ER. Nicolai followed closely behind, anxiously waiting outside until the doctor arrived."Alpha." The doctor greeted. "What's going on?""I don't know." Nicolai replied. "The maids found her unconscious in her room. I have no idea what happened."The doctor nodded. "I'll examine her and do my best to ensure she's okay."Nicolai waited for over an hour before the doctor emerged from the ER. "How is she?" He asked, standing up from his chair."She's out of danger." The doctor replied, and Nicolai exhaled in relief."Alpha, we found the cause." The doctor continued. "She was poisoned with Wolfsbane. It's fortunate you brought her here in time. We were able to flush it out, but she'll be unconscious for a few days as her body heals."Nicolai's expression darkened. "Poisoned? I...I don't know how that could have happened. She
"So, any news on Stephan?" Nicolai asked as he and Kent entered the company."Nothing yet." Kent replied. "The spies are on him 24/7, and they haven't found anything unusual. Everything seems normal, and I'm starting to think maybe he's telling the truth. I don't think he has Jasmine."Nicolai stopped walking, turning to face Kent. "Then who do you think would have her? Who else is there to suspect except Stephan? She couldn't have disappeared just like that. She would never leave us."Nicolai's frustration was palpable, his voice laced with concern. Kent shook his head. "I don't know, Nick. But if Jasmine is out there somewhere, we can only hope and pray to the goddess that she'll find her way back to us in one piece."Nicolai scoffed, his determination evident. "Sounds like you're starting to lose hope, Kent. I'm not giving up on Jasmine. I want you to keep searching, use every means possible to look for her. I'm not giving up until I find her."Kent nodded. "I'll do as you wish."A
"Alpha, Nicolai. Welcome." Stephan greeted, his lips curled into a fake smile.Nicolai's expression remained neutral as he spoke. "My men will begin the search now, and I hope you won't interfere with our efforts in any way."Stephan raised his hands in a gesture of surrender. "Be my guest. Like I said before, I have nothing to hide.""Well, if that's the case, I trust you won't mind us searching your home as well." Nicolai added, his eyes narrowing slightly.Stephan's smile never wavered. "Not at all."Nicolai turned to Kent, who stood behind him, and gave him a nod. Kent took the cue and yelled out to the men, "Let's move it!" The search began, with Nicolai joining in, frantically searching for Jasmine.Stephan remained calm and collected, his smile of victory still plastered on his face. The search continued for hours, but they couldn't find Jasmine anywhere in the pack. Nicolai's frustration grew, and he was on the verge of losing his mind."Where is she, Kent? Where is she?" He y
Kent called out as he entered the hallway, spotting Cruella ascending the stairs. "Cruella."She turned, her expression puzzled. "Kent?"Kent hastened to meet her, his footsteps echoing off the walls. "We both know we don't see eye-to-eye, so I'll get straight to the point."Cruella folded her arms across her chest, her eyes narrowing slightly as she waited for him to continue."Have you heard from Scott?" Kent asked, his tone urgent. "I know you two are close, so you must know something about him – maybe where he is?"A hint of sarcasm crept into Cruella's voice. "Having trouble in your relationship?"Kent's patience wore thin. "Just answer the question, Cruella."Cruella rolled her eyes. "No, I haven't heard from Scott, and I don't know where he is. I've been trying to reach him, but he's not responding. What's going on? Where is he?"Kent's shoulders slumped, his hopes of finding Scott's whereabouts dashed. "I don't know where he is. He left without a word, and I've been trying to
Stephan and his guards stood outside his home, waiting for Nicolai's arrival. As Nicolai's car came into view, Stephan took a deep, calming breath and steeled himself for the encounter.Kent chuckled. "Looks like he's heavily guarded. Should I call this fear?"Nicolai's expression remained grim. "He'd better be afraid. If I find out he's holding Jasmine captive, nothing will stop me from killing him – not even his guards."As Nicolai stepped out of the car, Stephan approached him, a fake smile plastered on his face. "Alpha Nicolai. I wasn't expecting you. To what do I owe this pleasure?"Nicolai's cold, dangerous gaze cut through Stephan's facade. "Spare me the small talk. I'm here for one reason; Jasmine. I know you're holding her captive, and I'm giving you a choice; let her go, or face the consequences."Stephan's expression transformed into one of genuine confusion. "Jasmine? Why would I be holding her? Isn't she supposed to be with you?"Nicolai's eyes narrowed, his gaze piercing