Chapter 2
Cara’s POV I thought it was over. It would be back to normal Of course, I was wrong. One of Liam's men showed up right in the cafeteria. " Liam feels sorry for what happened that day," the man said. Low voice. Deadpan. "So he bought new goods for you." Silence. My uncle stiffened beside me. His hand on the counter tensed. The man continued, “You need to go to the pack house” The tension in the room snapped like a whip Everyone here knew it wasn’t that fucking simple. No one—especially not a Wilson—gave out anything for free. “I’ll go with her,” my uncle said immediately. The man's face didn't change. "He said she has to come alone." Mateo gave a low, mocking laugh. "Of course she does," he sneered, stepping right in front of me, blocking my path. His eyes gleamed with something ugly, something cruel. "Listen to me, you bitch." His voice dropped lower, colder. "If you dare cause any more trouble, I'll rip your fucking head off myself. "Let me get him," Cornell growled. "I'll show him who's boss." "No, Cornell," I replied silently. "Stay calm." But Cornell was furious. " The bastard deserves that." I took a deep breath, trying to calm Cornell down. "Not now," I whispered. *** I didn't want to be here. The moment I stepped into the pack house, I felt like an outsider. Dominance hung heavy in the air, the scent of powerful wolves lingering in the grand hall. The walls were lined with portraits of past alphas, their eyes seeming to follow my every step. I remembered when these walls used to feel so welcoming. .I was born into this pack, and Caleb’s parents—the former Alpha and Luna—always treated me like family. They made me feel welcome, like I truly belonged. . But that was Liam's father, Alpha Marcus, defeated the old Alpha Now, the portraits seemed to stare down at me accusatory, reminding me I wasn't welcome here anymore. Now, I just wanted to grab the goods and leave. He stood waiting for me near the large window overlooking the training ground. His eyes found mine when I entered the room. "You're here," he stated, his expression unreadable. "Thank you for the compensation. I am here to get the goods," I stated, my tone flat. "No hurry there," he grinned. I tucked my fists to my sides without a word in response. Liam turned back to the window, observing the warriors training below. His voice was near casual when he spoke again. "Your father was a respectable hero, you know." I stiffened. "Even though he was on the opposite side," continued, glancing at me. "I cannot deny that.I heard that the ones that refused to surrender built a new pack. Caleb is now the Alpha" At the mention of Caleb,The pain of rejection came flooding back to me I said nothing. "I don’t think Caleb is the real problem, though," mused. "There's someone else helping him. Someone strong. A real tough bastard." He turned to face me fully now, his golden eyes studying me too closely. "They call him Alec," Liam said slowly. "Have you ever heard of him?" Cornell prowled restlessly inside me. Of course, I knew. I am “Alec”. As I guessed, he did not recognize me. Liam was staring straight at me then, asking if I knew her. But before even a word would come out his hand shot, grasping at my arm. A spark shot through my skin, the mate bond flaring to life between us. Fuck.Chapter 3 Liam’s POV She wrenched her arm free. For a moment, the graze of her skin, the spark firing at that first contact, still lingered. Cara's face didn't change. Her eyes—sharp, guarded—met mine with defense. "I don’t know him," she said, her voice level. Liar. I watched her closely, Boris, my wolf, pacing inside me. Boris growled, his frustration evident. “I want to talk to Cornell now” I clenched my jaw, “Not now, Boris” “She’s our mate,” he snapped, pacing inside me like a caged animal. “Let's make this quick" I ignored him, keeping my eye on Cara. The way her scent curled around me, something wild and sharp, like fresh rain after a storm. The way her lips pressed together like I was holding her back to him. The way her pulse quickened when I touched her, no matter how much she tried to hide it. I took a step closer, watching as her jaw tensed. “Do you feel it? We are mates” I asked, my voice low. She didn't pretend to misunderstand. "I know wha
Chapter 4 : She is Mine Liam’s Pov A loud rap of knuckles against wood yanked me from my mind. One of my men knocked on the door, face etched tightly. "Liam, it's Cara. Her cousin and those guys are causing her trouble again." I felt rage jump through me like a live current. "And?" The warrior shifted uneasily. "As usual, she doesn’t hit back." I slapped the book closed. I knew Cara was strong. We’d faced each other so many times in the battle. Of course, I know she could kick those bastards ass. But this is her choice “Go there. Right now,” Boris demanded. “Stop this nonsense.” I exhaled sharply, already on my feet. “I’m going. I'll handle it myself." By the time I arrived, Mateo and his pack of bastards were already gone.Her lower lip was smeared with blood, bruises already discoloring along her arms. I narrowed my eyes. She was healing. Slow. On purpose. Smart girl. She was concealing what she was by this way. Boris growled at the sight of her woun
Chapter 5 Cara's POV By the time I made it home, the ache was gone, but the bruises still coloured my skin. I'd retarded my healing, made it appear as if I wasn't healing as fast as I ought to. It was needed. Uncle took one look. "What happened?" he asked, frowning, his eyes roaming the bruises on my arms. "Training," I said, pushing past him toward the kitchen. "It will heal soon” Uncle let out a sharp exhalation. I began fiddling with the kettle, pretending that I hadn't heard the disappointment in his voice. We had this same conversation every time. He knew what was going on. But he also knew why I never fought back. Long after, he finally spoke. "You should rest." Instead, I pulled out the rent money that I had set aside and placed it on the table. "At least take this.” He shook his head almost immediately. "No." "I could not go see your father before he died," he cut me off, his voice low and laden. "I gave in. I betrayed him and Alpha Robert " He turned
Chapter 6 : A Twist Of Fate Cara’s POV I stood at the back of the mating ceremony. My heart, pounding. I took a deep breath, trying to calm myself. I glanced sideways at the influential family of Alphas; Alpha Marcus stood with another Alpha and his daughter, adding to the burden of this moment. It was choking: the eyes of all outside, their expectations so thick in the air. Liam stood tall upon the stage, his voice strong as he addressed the crowd. “Shadow wood pack and Barry pack have taken care of each other's backs for a while, and now it is time to make it official. We will sign the mutual protection contract" he said in a firm, clear voice. The Alpha of the Barry Pack, with his entourage, had also looked quite shocked by this announcement Liam continued, ignoring the growing awkwardness. "And now, it is an honor to have you all here, witnessing the bond that will strengthen our packs," he said, eyes scanning the room with that usual unshakeable calm. “And I want t
Chapter7 : The Bond Liam’s POV I followed my father into the study. As soon as the door closed, he hit me without warning. I noticed this before he started, but I didn’t move. I knew this day would come, but I still froze for a moment. Now, I just had to let him take out his anger on me. “You did this without telling me” The crack of the whip had seared across my back, I took my father’s wrath in Silence. “You didn't ask me," he growled in a low tone . "Why?” When the sound of the whip stopped, he nodded for me to get up. "Explain yourself.". I straightened, meeting his gaze without the slightest problem. What my father wants are: power, control, expansion. It ran in the blood, after all. So it's just a matter of making me mating Cara conform to what he wants “Father, I know you want to take more land and control the packs around us,” I said, keeping my voice calm. “But the bigger we get, the harder it is to handle everything. We’ve already felt the pressure. You migh
Chapter 8 Liam’s POV Cara was waiting for me, her arms crossed tightly over her chest, her eyes narrowing with confusion. “You better give me a reasonable explanation” I met her gaze, trying to keep my expression neutral. “I told you I am gonna have the mating ceremony today, right?” She huffed, her brow furrowing deeper. “Yeah, of course. with the daughter of Barry pack's Alpha.” I took a step closer, my eyes searching hers for understanding. “I did not say that. I just told you I am going to have my mating ceremony.” And You are my mate, of course. I would choose you” She opened her mouth, but she didn't seem to know how to talk me back, and I took her by hand before she could say any word of refusal. I took Cara to dinner with my family. As soon as we entered the dining hall, the air felt heavy. The large chandelier above lit up the long table, but it didn’t make the atmosphere any warmer. The only sounds were the soft clinking of silverware and the faint crackling of
Chapter Nine : Pieces Of Memory Cara’s Pov The next morning, I slowly opened my eyes. I was in a new room. The room was nicely decorated with soft, yellow light coming in through the big windows. My head hurt with a dull pain, reminding me of what happened the night before. Pieces of memories started coming back to me - the sound of laughing, glasses clinking, and Liam's lips touching mine. Did we really kiss, or was I dreaming? As I tried to sit up, someone knocked softly on the door. "Good morning," a quiet voice said. The door opened, and a maid came in with a tray of breakfast food. The smell of fresh coffee and baked goods filled the air, making me feel a little better. “Where am I?” I asked, confused. “You drank too much last night,” she explained. “Liam brought you here and he slept in the guest room.” Embarrassed, I ask"Where is Liam?" The maid looked up and smiled. "Liam is at the training grounds, miss. He's practicing with the others." The maid gave me directions,
Chapter Ten : The Hidden Truth Cara‘s POVAlpha prepared to leave with his sons. They were heading to Barry pack to discuss a mutual help treaty. Sophia appeared, her eyes flashing with annoyance. “Liam, you promised to train with me today,” she snapped, glaring at him “But now you are leaving. Liam, who was preparing to leave, overheard her. He glanced at Sophia and sighed. “I’ll train with you when I get back.” Sophia let out an irritated sigh, tossing her hair over her shoulder. “That’s not fair. You always put other things first. I need to train, Liam. If you’re not going to help me, someone else should Liam finally turned to her, his brows furrowed. “I said I’d train with you when I return, Sophia. It’s just one day. You can wait.” She scoffed and rolled her eyes. “Or you could just let Cara help me.” I blinked, caught off guard by the sudden mention of my name. Before Liam could argue further, Alpha Marcus' deep voice cutting through the conversation. “That’s a great
Chapter One Hundred and Sixty-OneFree From Her CaptiveSophia's POVI sat on the filthy, cold floor of the empty building, my knees up to my chest, my arms wrapped tightly around them. My whole body ached—my legs, my back, my shoulders. Everything hurt. My head throbbed from the slap Cara had given me. My lips were parched, my belly grumbled, but I couldn't eat. I just couldn't. Not when my heart was filled with so much fear.I was tired. Tired of crying. Tired of waiting.But still. I waited.For him.Damon.Please, Damon. come.I couldn't help but replay that moment when Caleb finally handed me his phone and said, "Text him. Tell him where you are. He'll come for you."I had stared at the phone like it was a gift from heaven. I typed the message with shaky hands. And now. I waited. Again.Each sound outside made me jump. Each creak of wood. Each sigh of wind. My eyes would flicker to the door, hoping… praying… but nothing. Just shadows and silence.Caleb stood at the broken window,
Chapter One Hundred and SixtyI Know You're LyingDamon's POVI sat myself on the bedside.Staring at my phone.So many thoughts in my head. I did not eat. I did not sleep. I had not even showered. I kept waiting for a call, a text. something.It did.My phone lit up. A text was sent.From Sophia.My fingers shook as I held the phone. My heart was pounding."Damon, I'm in an old building by the river beside the nearby pack, Come. Don't tell Cara I sent this. I'm fine but scared. I need you."I stood there, I couldn’t believe it.I couldn't believe it. My chest expanded and contracted quickly. My eyes scanned the words over and over.She's alive.Sophia is alive.But… trapped?And she asked me not to tell Cara.Why?I sprang up in a flash, prepared to dash out of the room. I had to reach her. I didn't have a moment to spare.But then—The door creaked open.Cara stood in the doorway.She was smiling.Her hair was tucked neatly back, her dress perfect as ever. But I saw nothing but dark
Chapter 159 – A Glimmer of HopeSophia's POVThe walls that closed in around me were damp, cold, and cracked. I was on the floor in the corner of the empty room, my arms sore from having them tied behind my back for so long. My ankles were scraped and bruised. The ground was hard. The air smelled of dust, mold, and old paint. It was the kind of place you leave people to be forgotten.But I wasn't forgotten.Not yet.I hadn't eaten for a day—maybe two days. My lips were dry. My stomach growled in pain, not just hunger. But I didn't eat the food they'd brought before. I couldn't. Every bite would be like giving up. And I wasn't ready to quit.Suddenly, the door opened again.I looked up, expecting Cara to enter and taunt me for my misery. But it wasn't her.It was Caleb.He entered quietly, holding a small tray. On it was a piece of bread, a small bowl of scrambled eggs, and a bottle of water. He set it down quietly next to me, kneeling to my level."You have to eat," he said softly.I
Chapter 158 – Trapped in DeceptionDamon's POVThe air was thick in my study. Tension-charged. A burning heat radiated in my chest from a pain that had no reason behind it. A mixture of anger, fear, and confusion.Sophia was nowhere to be found.I had attempted. Texted. Waited.Nothing.She always kept her word. Always told me where she was going to be.But now… nothing.Lucas sat across from me, his hands flying quickly across the tablet screen. He had been quiet the last few minutes, trying to track Cara's phone. The guards we'd sent had lost Sophia. And now Cara too.I did not want to think it. I did not want to believe that Cara was involved. But every fiber of my being was screaming otherwise."Any signal?" I asked, my throat scratchy."Not yet," said Lucas. "Just another second or two. If she's got her phone on, we'll pinpoint it."Before he could finish speaking, the study door creaked open.I raised my head hastily.And there she was.Cara.Craddling the baby in her arms.My h
Chapter one hundred and fifty seven Suspect Damon's POVI waited in the study, staring at the clock.More than when she was supposed to call. I had told her to message me or call me the moment she arrived at the location Alec Davis had given her. She promised she would. I believed her. I believed she would keep herself safe.Too long. Too silence now.I picked up my phone and dialed her again.It rang once.And then twice.And then went to voicemail.I stared at the screen, my heart pounding. I tried a third time. Still nothing.A thunderous knock on the door caused me to look up."Come in," I said, attempting to sound calm.Lucas came in, holding a small tablet. I could tell from his face that something was wrong."We've got a problem, Alpha," he told me. "The guards we sent to tail Sophia… they lost her."My heart sank."Lost her?" I repeated, my voice even.What does that even mean?."She went into the building," he explained. "But she never came out. The guards stayed, maybe thi
Chapter 156 : Trapped By CaraThe streets were deserted as I walked to the destination I had been sent. It was an old street, near the town center, yet still deserted enough to make me get a bit apprehensive. I held my phone tight.And then suddenly—A heavy sound behind me.Before I could even turn, someone grabbed me hard from behind. A fist closed over my mouth. I struggled, kicked, screamed — but the rag over my mouth muffled my cry.I was pulled back, through an alley. My heart thudded so violently I thought it would burst.I caught sight of the shape of a broken-down, falling building — the windows broken, the walls cracked. My gut wrenched.They shoved me in.The air was thick with dust and mold. I was tied at the wrists. My mouth was open, my throat dry."W-What's going on?" I gasped. "Let me go!"And then I saw her.Cara.She stepped out of the darkness as if catwalking down a catwalk. Unfazed. Unapologetic. Evil.Caleb was behind her. He turned his head aside when I tried to
Chapter 155 :?The Weight in My Chest(Damon's POV)The air in my study was stale. The room smelled of old pages and quiet reflection. I had a book in my hand, but I wasn't reading. My eyes had been on the same line for the past five minutes. My mind wasn't calm.Not since that message came.Alec Davis — the name that had been so important to Sophia. Her favorite author. The one author who had written stories that had comforted her when the world had been cruel.Now that same author wanted to meet her in person. Alone.I didn't care for it. Not at all. It was strange. It felt too abrupt. Too personal. And something in the message… it had my wolf unsettle with unease.Just then, the door to our bedroom opened.Sophia stepped out. She wore light jeans and a soft cream-colored sweater. Her hair was brushed back neatly. She looked beautiful, but her face carried excitement, like a child about to meet her hero.“Damon,” she said gently.I turned in my chair, eyes meeting hers.“I’m getting
Chapter one hundred and fifty four : Cara's BargainPOV: CaraIt was cold air, night air, gliding down my body like a caress. I walked through the woods, taking my time, no hurry. My black trench coat was enveloped around me, heels of shoes sinking delicately into sodden ground as I went deeper into the trees. The moon was silver, distant, cold—like I am tonight.I'd given the message to Caleb hours ago. He responded right away."Same location. Midnight."This is the time I need Caleb the most, I know he doesn’t like Damon, and this is the time for me to act like I care about him.I smiled as I walked towards the small cabin hidden at the edge of the border, a place that only the two of us knew. A place that was filled with tired memories, lust, lies… and now, a new plan.The door was already open before I could knock.He stood there, big and broad, still with that same obstinate look he always had. Caleb. My history. My instrument."Cara," he said coldly. "What are you doing here?""
Chapter: Secrets and ShadowsDamon's POVThe moonlight through the big windows in my office cast silver streaks on the floor. I sat at my desk, drumming fingers on the wood with nervous restraint. I had banished Sophia earlier that day, telling her I needed to rest. But my thoughts wouldn't rest tonight.Not after that message.Something is amiss.A knock on the door."Come in," I replied.Lucas walked in. My Beta. Loyal. Calm. Sharp.He bowed slightly. "You called, Alpha?"I nodded and motioned to the seat across from me. "Sit. We have to talk."Lucas sat, understanding the seriousness in my voice. "What is it?"I placed my phone in his hands and let him read the message.He read again, slowly.And then looked up at me with an eyebrow raised, furrowed face. "Alec Davis. wants her to come alone?""Yes," I said. "No destination yet, but I know Sophia will depart once it comes. And she doesn't want me included."Lucas sat back. "That's not wise. She's the Luna. What if it's a trap?""Th