LOGINThe grand ballroom of the Brooks mansion pulsed with elegance and power. Crystal chandeliers hung from the high ceiling, casting warm golden light over the guests in their finest attire. Soft classical music played in the background as conversations flowed like fine wine. Aurelia stood near one of the marble pillars, phone in hand, scrolling absentmindedly through messages while trying to steady her racing thoughts.“I need to use the restroom. I’ll be back soon,” Mira said, excusing herself with a quick smile before disappearing into the crowd.Aurelia nodded, barely registering the words. She slipped her phone into her clutch and focused on the stage area as the music gradually reduced. A smooth voice came over the speakers, drawing everyone’s attention.“Now, let’s welcome the host, The Brooks family!”The announcement rippled through the crowd. Aurelia’s heart picked up speed. She stood straighter, eyes fixed on the elegant staircase leading down from the upper hallway. This was t
Night had fully claimed New York, wrapping the city in a velvet darkness broken only by glittering lights and the distant hum of traffic. At Ronan’s mansion, the atmosphere was thick with quiet tension. Ronan stepped out of his bedroom dressed in a tailored black shirt and matching black pants, the top two buttons left open to reveal the intricate tattoo snaking across his chest. The fabric clung to his powerful frame, accentuating every muscle as he moved with predatory grace down the hallway.Kai was already waiting, leaning against the wall with his arms crossed. The two men exchanged a brief nod before heading downstairs together, their footsteps echoing through the grand space.“Is Aurelia back yet?” Kai asked, glancing sideways at his Alpha.Ronan shook his head, expression unreadable. “No. But I know where she will be.” He tossed the car keys to Kai without breaking stride and slid into the passenger seat of the sleek black SUV.Kai caught the keys smoothly and climbed behind t
“Fuck!” Ronan snarled, slamming his glass down on the bar so hard the crystal nearly shattered. The amber liquid inside sloshed violently. He dragged a hand through his dark hair, pacing the length of the sitting room like a caged animal. The full moon’s aftereffects still lingered in his blood, making every muscle twitch with residual power and frustration.He yanked his phone from his pocket and dialed Kai without hesitation.“To my house. Now,” he ordered the moment the line connected, then hung up before Kai could reply.Ronan poured himself another drink, the bottle clinking loudly against the glass. He downed half of it in one swallow, eyes burning with golden flecks as he stared at the empty staircase where Aurelia had fled earlier. Her terrified face haunted him, wide eyes, trembling body, the way she had looked at him like he was a monster.Because he was one.Minutes later, the sound of tires crunching on gravel announced Kai’s arrival. The front door opened, and his beta st
Aurelia’s bare feet moved silently down the staircase, each step pulling her closer to the terrifying sounds echoing from below. The guttural howls had grown deeper, more desperate, vibrating through the walls like thunder trapped underground. Her heart slammed against her ribs so hard she could feel it in her throat. The mysterious text message replayed in her mind on loop, Spend the night in the house and discover the monster you’ve been living with.She should have turned back. She should have grabbed her keys and driven straight to the hotel to Mira. But something stronger than fear propelled her forward, a sick, magnetic curiosity that refused to let her run.The red emergency lights cast long, bloody shadows along the hallway leading to the back of the house. Aurelia followed the noise, her hand trailing along the cool wall for balance. The sounds intensified: heavy chains rattling violently, metal groaning and cracking under immense strain, and beneath it all, a creature’s raw,
The soft morning light filtered through the sheer curtains of the VIP suite, painting the room in gentle golds and pinks. Aurelia stood in front of the full-length mirror, adjusting the collar of her crisp white blouse. She smoothed down her navy pencil skirt, turning slightly to check that everything sat perfectly. Work called, even if her mind was miles away from code and presentations.Mira lounged on the edge of the bed, legs crossed, scrolling through her phone. “The party at the Brooks mansion is tomorrow evening,” she announced, reading from a popular blog post. “High-profile guests only, red carpet, strict security, the whole elite treatment. This is our chance, Aurelia.”Aurelia turned to face her best friend, one eyebrow raised. “We don’t have any invite letter or card. I wonder how we’ll even be allowed inside his mansion.”Mira sat up straighter, eyes sparkling with mischief. “We have to figure something out. Or maybe check if Ronan was invited. Someone this rich and power
The black SUV glided smoothly through the late-night streets of New York as Ronan and Kai left the hotel. Streetlights cast long shadows across the dashboard. Ronan sat in the passenger seat, jaw tight, staring out the window with a distant expression.“You look worried,” Kai said, glancing sideways while keeping his eyes mostly on the road. “Is it because of tomorrow’s full moon?”Ronan exhaled slowly, leaning his head back against the seat. “That isn’t something to worry about. I’m used to the harsh curse from the Moon Goddess already.” He reached over and opened the passenger door slightly as they slowed at a light, then closed it again once they moved.Kai wasn’t convinced. “Why does your face say otherwise then?” He reversed smoothly at the intersection and hit the highway, heading back toward Ronan’s house. The city lights blurred past in streaks of gold and white.Ronan stayed quiet for a long moment before speaking. “Aurelia isn’t opening up to me. I can only read a few of her







