登入Benjamin’s POVShe looked elegant and completely different from the woman who had once waited quietly in Red Crescent.The guests began whispering immediately. One executive said, “Alpha Kristian has not attended with a woman in years.” Another guest replied, “That is Dr. Iris. Pillar Holdings hired her after she left Red Crescent.” A council member added, “If she arrived on the Alpha King’s arm, she is not merely an employee.”Their words irritated me. Kristian had ended our alliance shortly after Iris joined his company. Now he had brought her here as though he wanted everyone to connect his actions to her.Iris’s fingers tightened around his arm when she noticed how many people were staring. Kristian lowered his head toward her and said, “You do not need to be nervous. I am here, and I will support you through every step tonight.” Iris looked up at him and answered, “Everyone is watching us.” Kristian did not look away as he replied, “Then let them watch.”His words travelled far e
Benjamin’s POVThe council banquet should have displayed Red Crescent’s strength, but too much depended on the evening. Pillar Holdings was gone, suppliers were cautious, and our allies had started asking questions. If I failed to secure a new partner, tonight’s smiles would become mockery.Jade remained close as we moved through the hall. When she noticed an older man speaking with council members, she said, “My uncle is free now. This is our best opportunity.”Her uncle served on the corporation’s executive board and had enough influence to approve negotiations. That was why I had agreed to attend with Jade. Her proposal had given Red Crescent a way forward, and her connection could secure the agreement.Jade led me toward him and said, “Uncle, this is Alpha Benjamin of Red Crescent Pack. He prepared the proposal I sent you.” Her uncle shook my hand and replied, “I have been looking forward to meeting you. Your proposal was impressive.”I accepted the praise and said, “Red Crescent
Kristian’s POVIris stared at me and said, “You keep catching me.” I held her securely and replied, “Then stop falling.” Iris did not move away as she said, “Perhaps I know you will catch me.” Her words weakened the control I had maintained for weeks.I wanted her, but that did not give me the right to claim her. Her previous bond had already taken too much from her. I would not become another man demanding something she was not ready to offer. Iris lifted one hand and touched the side of my face before asking, “Why did you stay away for so long?”I answered honestly, “You refused my invitation. I wanted you to know that I would respect your answer.” Iris shook her head and said, “I refused a date. I did not ask you to disappear.” Before I could respond, she kissed me. Her uncertainty quickly disappeared. I held her closer and kissed her back, allowing myself to enjoy what I had denied myself for so long. After a while I pulled back but kept my hands around her waist. Iris looked hu
Kristian’s POVIris looked from me to the lake after I offered to show her the first step. She had only awakened her wolf recently, and I was asking her to trust me with a part of herself she barely understood.I stepped into the shallow water and held out my hand. “Come into the lake,” I instructed. “The water will help you feel every change in your balance when your wolf pushes forward.”Iris glanced down at her clothes and asked, “You expect me to train dressed like this?” I pointed toward her long outer coat and replied, “Remove the coat. You can keep the dress on, but the coat will become too heavy in the water.”She hesitated before slipping it from her shoulders. Beneath it, she wore a thin, pale dress that reached her knees. I returned my attention to her face before she noticed me staring.Iris placed the coat beside my shirt. She looked at my bare chest before asking, “Do all your training sessions begin with you half dressed?” I almost laughed as I answered, “Only the priva
Iris’s POVAfter receiving Kristian’s invitation, Harrison personally came to escort me to Blackthorne Pack’s territory.I thought it would only be a simple visit.But I never expected that Kristian had arranged wolf training for me.After changing into the training clothes, Harrison led me away from the training grounds, through the forest, and toward a quiet lake.The water was crystal clear.Sunlight reflected across the surface.And standing by the lake was someone familiar.
Benjamin’s POVNo one dared to speak inside the Red Crescent Pack’s conference hall.Every elder, executive, and department head sat in silence, their heads lowered as financial reports covered the massive oak table.I stared at the numbers in front of me.They hadn’t changed.Our losses were real.“Tell me everything.”The Chief Financial Officer swallowed nervously.“Alpha… the situation is worse than expected.”He adjusted his glasses with trembling fingers.“As of this morning, Pillar Holdings has officially withdrawn all investments from Red Crescent.”“Our joint pharmaceutical projects, resource transportation agreements, and mining development contracts have all been suspended.”“They have also discontinued all medical funding previously provided to our pack.”Every sentence felt like another blade cutting into Red Crescent.My Beta spoke quietly.“Blackthorne Pack has also ended all military cooperation with us. They even recalled their technical advisors stationed here.”I lo
Aiden’s POVIt’s been five years since Rue walked out of my life, since she disappeared with our daughter and took whatever remained of my soul with her. And still, the emptiness refuses to leave me.Time was supposed to numb it. Everyone said it would. That the sting of betrayal would dull, that g
Rue’s POV“There is a sickness spreading,” he said gravely. “A virus that preys on our kind. It weakens wolves, stripping them of strength, leaving them fevered, unable to shift. It makes us human.” He paused.“ Even the most skilled healers and witches are powerless. My team and I are trying to fi
Aiden's POVHaven's shriek tore through the room like claws across glass, high-pitched and relentless. "We finally have the date set!" she squealed, spinning in front of the mirror like an overexcited pup. Her dress sparkled under the lights as she admired her reflection, completely absorbed in her
Rue’s POVMy lips curved into a short smile. “If I wanted your attention, Aiden, trust me—I’d have it. And I wouldn’t have to pretend to be anyone else to get it.” I’d just turned to leave when Aiden moved. His arm blocked my path before I could take another step.I stopped, my pulse quickening—no







