(Layla’s POV)The burning water trickled down my wrist as Barbara and I stared at each other, neither of us moving. Her green eyes glittered dangerously, her red painted lips pressed into a thin line of displeasure. Behind her, Samuel rose from his desk, his face giving nothing away.“Well, well,” Barbara said coldly. “Eavesdropping on private conversations now? Is that part of your nanny duties?”My cheeks blazed with heat, but I forced myself to meet her gaze. “I was getting water for Annie.” I held up the glass as evidence, water still dripping from my fingers.“Right outside our door? How convenient.” Barbara stepped into the hallway, her arms crossing over her chest. “And how much did you hear?”“Nothing,” I lied, wiping my wet hand on my jeans. “I was just passing by.”“With your ear pressed to the door?” Barbara asked skeptically. “Do you think I’m stupid, girl?”“Barbara,” Samuel warned, appearing behind her in the doorway.She ignored him, moving closer to me. “You know what I
(Layla’s POV)Annie stared at me suspiciously, her small nose wrinkling. “Why is your face all red?”“Is it?” I touched my cheek self-consciously. “I just walked quickly, that’s all.”“You look mad,” Annie observed, closing her math workbook. “Did Auntie Barbara say something mean? She can be mean sometimes.”“Everything’s fine,” I assured her, pulling out her spelling list. “Let’s focus on these words for your test tomorrow.”Annie wasn’t fooled. “I heard Auntie Barbara and Dad yelling. Were they fighting about you?”I sighed, deciding a partial truth might satisfy her curiosity. “Your aunt is protective of you and your dad. That’s natural for a family.”“She doesn’t like other women around Dad,” Annie confided, taking a sip of her water. “She got mad at the grocery store lady once just for helping him find pasta sauce.”Despite everything, I couldn’t help but laugh at this image. “That’s a bit extreme.”“Auntie Barbara says she and Dad belong together because Mom’s gone,” Annie conti
(Layla’s POV)I glanced at my watch as I gathered Annie’s completed worksheets from her table. Six o’clock already—time had slipped away during our extended therapy session.Annie had progressed to wiggling not just her toes but parts of her foot, small movements that represented huge neurological victories. Each twitch brought a fierce grin to her face that made the hours of repetitive exercises worthwhile.“You’re getting better every day,” I told her as I packed the worksheets into my bag. “If you keep working this hard, you’ll be taking steps before you know it.”Annie beamed from her wheelchair, tiny dimples appearing in her cheeks. “Dad says I’m tough.”“The toughest,” I agreed, zipping my bag and slinging it over my shoulder. “Same time tomorrow?”“You’re leaving already?” Samuel’s deep voice came from the doorway. He’d changed from his formal business attire into dark jeans and a charcoal henley that somehow made him look even more imposing than his suits.I nodded, picking up
(Layla’s POV)I’d never eaten somewhere that required three different forks before. The table looked ready for a magazine photoshoot, not actual humans eating food. Barbara had clearly pulled out all the stops, arranging fresh flowers in a low centerpiece and lighting tapered candles at each end of the table.“Sit here,” Barbara directed, pointing to a chair across from Annie’s specialized seat. “Samuel always takes the head of the table.”I followed her instruction, watching as she bustled around, straightening already-perfect place settings. She moved like she belonged here, like this was a routine she performed regularly. Her territorial behavior couldn’t have been more obvious if she’d peed on the furniture to mark it.Samuel wheeled Annie in, helping her transfer to her adapted chair. The little girl’s eyes went wide at the elaborate table setting.“Wow! It looks like Christmas!” she exclaimed, running her fingers along the edge of her fancy plate.Barbara beamed at the praise, ta
(Layla’s POV)The declaration landed like a bomb at the dinner table. Barbara’s face froze in a rictus of a smile, her knuckles white around her wine glass.Samuel went completely still, his fork suspended halfway to his mouth.I stared fixedly at my plate, heat blazing across my face and neck in embarrassment.Nobody spoke, nobody moved. The only sound was the gentle ticking of the grandfather clock in the corner, marking each excruciating second of silence.My chest tightened with mortification at being put on the spot, as well as strange pleasure at Annie’s preference, and acute discomfort at Barbara’s obvious dismay.I couldn’t bring myself to look at Samuel, afraid of what I might see in his expression.Barbara recovered first, forcing a brittle laugh. “Children say the most outlandish things, don’t they?” She patted Annie’s hand condescendingly. “Sweetie, Layla is your nanny. That’s a very different relationship.”“So?” Annie challenged, stubbornly crossing her arms. “Dad can mar
(Layla’s POV)As we ate the dessert, Barbara dabbed her lips with a napkin and rose from her chair, smoothing her dress.“I think I’ll retire to my room now,” she announced, directing a meaningful look at Samuel. “It’s been such a long day of travel. Annie, darling, don’t stay up too late. Samuel…” Her gaze lingered on him, and she blinked slowly. “I’ll see you later this evening, perhaps?”She glanced at me briefly, a small, triumphant smile playing at the corners of her mouth before she turned away. “Goodnight, everyone. Enjoy the rest of your cake.”As Barbara’s footsteps faded down the hallway, Annie rolled her eyes dramatically. “She always does that. Acts like she and Dad have secret plans.”“Annie,” Samuel warned, though he looked more tired than angry.I took another bite of strawberry cake, savoring the sweet-tart flavor, but as I swallowed, a strange sensation swept through me—a light-headedness that seemed to come from nowhere. I blinked rapidly, trying to clear my suddenly
Samuel’s POVThe car swerved violently as I slammed the brakes, tires screeching against asphalt. Layla's body lurched forward, the seatbelt snapping tight across her chest—but it did nothing to stop her hand from sliding up my thigh."Samuel..." Her voice was a breathy whisper, lips brushing my ear as she leaned closer. "My strong, stubborn Alpha..."Every muscle in my body tensed. Her fingers traced circles on my leg. I caught her wrist, but she just sighed and pressed closer, her warm breath fanning across my neck."I've watched you," she murmured, her fingers tracing idle patterns on my forearm. "The way your jaw clenches when you're annoyed... how you rub your temples when Annie tests your patience..." A soft laugh escaped her. "You're always thinking, always protecting... but in my dreams..."Her hand slid up to cup my cheek, her thumb brushing the corner of my mouth. "...in my dreams, you let go."Her words sent a jolt straight to my core. I swallowed hard, gripping the steerin
Samuel’s POVClaire cowered behind me in panic as the man swaggered into the apartment. The stench of cheap liquor and his body odor filled the small space, making my nose wrinkle in disgust."Frank." Her voice trembled, fingers digging into my arm. "What are you doing here? How many times do I have to tell you—stay away from us!"Frank staggered past us, his boots kicking aside broken glass as he collapsed onto the couch."Aw, sweetheart," he drawled, the words thick with alcohol and malice. "This how you welcome your husband home?" His yellowed teeth gleamed in the dim light as he patted the stained cushion beside him. “Need money,” he announced bluntly, swaying slightly on his feet. “Got collectors breathing down my neck, nowhere to run.”Claire trembled visibly. “The money at home, you took it all already. There’s nothing left.”Frank's bloodshot eyes locked onto me with sudden, predatory interest. A slow, greasy smile spread across his unshaven face as he leaned forward on the
Layla’s POVI woke up slowly, my body feeling like it weighed a thousand pounds. Sunlight streamed through unfamiliar curtains, momentarily confusing me until I remembered—I was in Samuel’s house, in the guest room.Images from the previous night flooded back: Barbara’s betrayal, the wolfsbane poison, Samuel’s burned hands.Pushing myself to a sitting position took more effort than it should have. The lingering effects of the poison made every muscle ache.As my vision cleared fully, I noticed I wasn’t alone in the room.Annie sat quietly in her wheelchair beside my bed, her small hands folded in her lap. Her big, round eyes never left my face, watching with an intensity that surprised me.“Annie?” I croaked, my voice still rough.Her face lit up instantly. She wheeled closer, then practically launched herself from the chair onto the bed beside me. Her thin arms wrapped around my neck as she buried her face against my shoulder, her body shaking with sobs.“I thought you were gonna die!
Samuel’s POVI burst through the mansion doors, Moonvine clutched in my bloody hands. Dr. Mercer jumped up from beside Layla’s bed when I entered her room, his eyes widening at my appearance.“You actually got it,” he said disbelievingly, taking the plants from my grasp.I didn’t waste time responding, moving instead to Layla’s side. Her condition had deteriorated—her breathing now came in short, irregular gasps, and the black blood had spread to stain her pillow.Dr. Mercer worked quickly, crushing the Moonvine into a small mortar. The purple leaves released a thick, luminescent juice that he collected in a small glass vial. He added several drops from other bottles, swirling the mixture until it turned a bright silver color.“Hold her head up,” he instructed.I slid my arm beneath Layla’s neck, gently lifting her. Dr. Mercer carefully parted her lips and let the silver liquid drip into her mouth. For several seconds, nothing happened.Then her body stiffened violently. Her back arche
Samuel’s POVMy car skidded to a halt at the edge of the forest clearing. I jumped out, not bothering to close the door behind me. The Moonlight Well stood in the center of the clearing, moonlight reflecting off its ancient stone rim.No fence surrounded it—no wolf would willingly approach the silver-lined depths.The forest around me remained eerily silent, as if holding its breath. I approached the well, my footsteps crunching on fallen leaves. Looking down, I saw nothing but darkness. The depths seemed to go on endlessly, swallowing even my enhanced vision.A thick rope hung from a rusted metal hook—left by humans who occasionally came to make wishes or drop coins. I tested it, yanking hard. It held firm.Taking a deep breath, I removed my shirt and shoes, keeping only my pants. The fewer clothes to restrict movement, the better. I wrapped my hands in thin strips torn from my shirt—pathetic protection against silver, but better than nothing.I grabbed the rope and swung my legs over
Samuel’s POVI ran toward Layla’s room, my lungs burning from exertion. The hallway seemed endless as my feet pounded against the marble floor. When I reached her door, I didn’t bother knocking—I pushed it open with enough force to make it crash against the wall.“Layla!” I called out, rushing to her bedside.The sight froze my blood. Layla lay motionless on the bed, her skin ghostly white against the dark sheets. Thin trails of blackened blood leaked from the corners of her mouth, unmistakable signs of wolfsbane poisoning. Her chest barely moved with shallow breaths.“Jack!” I roared, my voice shaking the walls. “Get in here now!”My Beta appeared at the doorway seconds later, his eyes widening at the scene before him.“Barbara poisoned her,” I snarled, checking Layla’s pulse. It fluttered weakly beneath my fingers. “She’s escaping as we speak. Find her. Bring her back.”Jack’s face hardened. “Yes, Alpha.”“And send for Dr. Mercer,” I ordered sharply. “Tell him it’s wolfsbane poisonin
Samuel’s POV“Dad?” Annie asked after a moment of silence. “I’m thirsty.”I nodded, grateful for the simple request after our heavy conversation. “I’ll get you some water.”“Thanks,” she mumbled, already looking sleepy again.I stood up from beside her bed and walked toward the kitchen, my mind still processing Annie’s surprising maturity about her mother’s absence. The hallway stretched dark and silent before me, the mansion quiet at this late hour.The kitchen was empty when I entered it. I flipped on a small light over the sink, keeping it dim to avoid disturbing anyone nearby. As I reached for a glass from the cabinet, something unusual in the trash can beside the counter caught my eye.Dark, strange-looking food remains drew my attention immediately.I filled Annie’s water glass first, placing it on a small tray, then looked closer at the trash. What appeared to be leftover soup—Annie’s dinner from earlier—had oddly blackened edges around the bowl that didn’t look like normal food
Samuel’s POVI carefully pushed open Layla’s door with my foot, entering the darkened room. I gently laid Layla down on the bed, taking care not to wake her as I removed her shoes and pulled a light blanket over her sleeping form.She stirred slightly, murmuring something unintelligible before settling deeper into the pillows. I stood watching her for a moment longer than necessary, struck by a strange reluctance to leave.With effort, I turned away, closing her door silently behind me. Annie waited in the hallway, making no attempt to hide her presence now.“You carried her,” she stated simply.“She fell asleep watching over you,” I explained, keeping my voice neutral. “She needed proper rest.”Annie’s expression remained skeptical. “You could have woken her up.”“She was exhausted.”“Mmhmm,” Annie hummed, clearly unconvinced by my practical explanation.I crouched down, bringing myself to her eye level.“You’re supposed to be sleeping,” I whispered.Annie shrugged. “Couldn’t sleep. M
Samuel’s POVI watched Layla refuse to leave Annie’s side despite Barbara’s vicious accusations. The determined set of her jaw told me everything about her character. Even with Barbara claiming her therapy had caused this mysterious pain, Layla insisted on staying to help.“I’ll monitor her through the night,” Layla told me quietly. “If anything changes, I’ll wake you immediately.”Barbara scoffed loudly. “Haven’t you done enough damage? The girl needs family, not more amateur meddling.”“Barbara,” I said sharply, “enough.”She opened her mouth to argue, but something in my expression made her reconsider. With a final dirty look at Layla, she stormed out of the room, her angry footsteps echoing down the hallway.Annie’s pain seemed to subside gradually after Barbara’s “remedy,” though I remained skeptical of its actual effectiveness. More likely the pain was simply running its natural course.“You should get some rest,” Layla urged me around midnight. “I’ll stay with her.”I hesitated,
Barbara’s POVI slipped through the shadows of the hallway, the small glass vial cold against my palm. My heart raced as I paused outside the kitchen, listening for any movement inside. Silence.Perfect.The kitchen lay dark and empty when I entered, moonlight spilling through the windows to illuminate the neat counters. Chef Marco had prepared Annie’s dinner earlier—a special vegetable soup she loved. I located the covered pot easily, still warm on the stove for her evening meal.I uncorked the vial, the bitter smell of Witherbone Powder making my nose wrinkle. Ancient werewolf poison—not enough to kill, just enough to cause temporary pain and muscle spasms. Untraceable in food unless specifically tested for.The powder dissolved instantly in the hot soup, leaving no visible trace. I stirred it thoroughly, making sure no telltale residue remained along the edges of the pot.“What are you doing?”I nearly dropped the empty vial as I whirled around. Mrs. Hayes stood in the doorway, her
Layla’s POVI couldn’t believe my eyes. Annie stood there, wobbling but definitely upright, her small hands gripping the edge of her bed frame. Her legs trembled with effort, but they held her weight. My heart soared at this miraculous sight—all our hard work was finally paying off.Before I could speak, strong arms suddenly wrapped around me, yanking me backward. Samuel pulled me against his chest so forcefully that air rushed from my lungs. His arms crushed me tight, my back pressed firmly against his front. The cologne he wore filled my senses—cedar and something spicy I couldn’t name. His heart pounded against my shoulder blade, rapid and powerful.For a moment, I forgot to breathe. Not because he squeezed me too tight—though he definitely did—but because the physical contact shocked me. Samuel never touched anyone casually. This sudden embrace felt like being caught in a storm—unexpected, powerful, overwhelming.Just as abruptly, Samuel released me and stepped back. I gasped, f