Chapter One Cara'S POV "You fucking bitch!" Mateo snarled, shoving me hard against the wooden counter. His eyes were afire, his lips twisted in a mean snarl. "You're nothing but a fucking burden! If it weren't for you, we wouldn't be stuck in this goddamn mess!" I gritted my teeth and said nothing. It wasn't new. For months, ever since I came to Shadow wood pack, Mateo had been spewing this same bullshit. But today, his anger was worse. More venomous. "Say something, bitch" he spat, grabbing my arm so hard I knew it would bruise. "Or are you gonna keep standing there like a fucking mute?" Before I could respond, a loud crash echoed from outside. We both turned toward the entrance just in time to see my uncle, his hands shaking, staring at a pile of fallen boxes. The truck that had whizzed past was now parked a few feet away, sending up clouds of dust. And then, a man stepped out. Tall. Broad-shouldered. Dangerous: He’s the Alpha’s eldest son. Richard. His face
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
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 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
Chapter 152: Something She's Keeping SecretDamon's POVThe room was peaceful.Sophia was in my arms, her head gently on my chest. She smelled of roses. Her breath was hot on my skin. Outside was quiet. No guard shouting. No wolves training. Just us. Alone. Safe.I kissed her forehead gently. She smiled faintly but did not open her eyes. She was tired. Maybe it was everything that happened today. The elders visited us earlier. They brought laughter and gifts—but tension as well. They kept reminding us that the pack needed an heir. That we owed it. A future to build.Sophia had said nothing after they left. I'd known something was bothering her. I hadn't asked. Not yet. I'd known she'd tell me when she was ready.Now, in this soft silence, I sensed her release once more."Are you alright?" I whispered, running my hand down her spine."I'm fine," she replied, her tone soft and slightly unsure.But before I could ask her anything else, her phone beeped.She sat bolt upright, grabbing the
Chapter 151: "The Game Begins"POV: CaraThe room was quiet—too quiet. Just the way I liked it.I perched on the bed in the guest room Damon had so generously allowed me to occupy. A part of me was entertained at how uneasy Sophia and Damon both were with my presence, yet they didn't have the backbone to tell me to leave. Guilt is such a potent leash. And I intended to tug it tighter.I deliberately folded my knees, watching as the curtain twitched to an imaginary dance created by a whiff of a breeze coming in through the window. Outside, the pack revelled, their laughter and cheers causing my stomach to churn—though not from envy. No, it was. enjoyment.For deep within, they knew not that their peace was what I held within my hand. And tonight, I was about to shatter.My phone buzzed on the table next to me. I grasped it drowsily and smiled at the name lighting up the screen: Mia — Publisher.Perfect timing.I picked up the phone in a sugary, scripted tone. "Mia, sweetheart. I was ju
Chapter: The Search for Alec DavisDamon's POVThe night was still. Too still.I sat in my study, the gentle glow of the fire illuminating shadows in the dark corners of the room. The logs popped as I stared into the fire, my mind far away. My mind wandered back to earlier today—when the elders had come to demand an heir, when Sophia had looked at me with that mixture of hope and fear. I had told her everything would be fine, but that little ball of doubt in my chest wouldn't go away.The heir.Was I already letting her down?I had promised Sophia that I would never abandon her. To protect her. To care for her. But how could I make her so joyful when something as important as this was slipping away from us?I sighed, slouching in my chair and running my hand through my hair. I had to clear my head. But I'd already wasted hours pacing, deliberating, trying to come up with a solution.And then, the one thing that could possibly cheer her up, I remembered.Alec Davis.I had heard her onc