(Amber's POV)"Wake up, Amber! This is your chance!" Paige's voice cut through my sleepy haze. I blinked, trying to focus on her excited face hovering over me."What time is it?" I mumbled, reaching for my phone."Never mind the time," Paige insisted, pulling me upright. "We need to talk about Dominic Blackwood."I groaned. "Can this wait until I've had coffee?""No, it absolutely cannot." Paige paced around my bedroom, her energy practically vibrating through the air. "You need to marry him."That woke me up completely. "What?""Think about it!" She sat beside me, eyes gleaming with excitement. "As Dominic's wife, you'll rise above everyone who's ever looked down on you. The entire Northern Territory would have to respect you."I rubbed my temples. "Paige, you can't just decide I'm marrying someone.""But he's perfect! He's powerful, wealthy, and clearly interested in you." She counted off on her fingers. "Plus, it would completely destroy Ethan and Melissa."The thought s
(Amber's POV)My phone buzzed for the fifth time in an hour. I glanced at the screen and sighed. Mother again.I silenced the call and tossed my phone onto the couch. Let them stew in their anger. The Blackwood Pack's press conference announcing my broken engagement to Ethan had clearly sent my family into a tailspin.Good. Let them feel a fraction of the humiliation I'd endured.My phone lit up again. This time it was Henry. Reluctantly, I answered."What?" I snapped."You need to come to the pack house," Henry's voice was tight with tension. "Mother's been hospitalized."I rolled my eyes. "What happened? Did she break a nail?""This isn't a joke, Amber. She collapsed after hearing about the press conference. The doctors say it's stress-induced."A twinge of guilt tried to surface, but I pushed it down. "And that's my problem because...?""Because you're her daughter!" Henry's voice rose. "And Father is demanding you come immediately."I considered hanging up, but a better
(Melissa's POV)I stared at my reflection in the bathroom mirror, barely recognizing the woman who looked back at me. Dark circles shadowed my eyes from nights of fitful sleep, and my normally smooth skin appeared sallow under the harsh fluorescent lights."Just get through this," I whispered to myself. "One public apology, and then you'll be Mrs. Blackwood."My wolf Zoe whimpered inside me, sensing my distress. She'd been restless for days, mirroring my growing anxiety about the upcoming humiliation at Ryan Quinn's birthday celebration.The thought of standing before Silvercrest City's elite supernatural community and admitting I was the "other woman" made my stomach churn. But what choice did I have? Dominic Blackwood had made it clear - either I publicly apologize to Amber Chase or my marriage to Ethan would never be approved by the pack.I splashed cold water on my face, trying to calm myself. Last night's nightmare still felt vivid - standing in the center of the Moonlight Cl
(Paige's POV)The hospital room was quiet except for the steady beep of monitors. I sat beside Amber's bed, watching her chest rise and fall with each breath. Her face was peaceful despite the bandages wrapped around her head.The door suddenly burst open, and I looked up to see Melissa James being wheeled in by Ethan. My blood instantly boiled."What the hell are you doing here?" I hissed, keeping my voice low to avoid disturbing Amber.Melissa looked pathetic with her bandaged forehead and wide, innocent eyes. "I just wanted to check on Amber," she whispered. "I feel terrible about what happened.""Get out," I said through clenched teeth. "Now."Ethan stepped forward, his face hard. "Melissa has every right to be here. She's concerned."I stood up, positioning myself between them and Amber's bed. "Concerned? That's rich coming from the woman who probably pushed my best friend down those stairs."Melissa's eyes widened. "That's not true! Amber was the one who pushed me!""Exc
(Amber's POV)The hospital room was quiet after Dr. Marcus Gray finished his examination. He adjusted his glasses and looked at me with concern."You need rest, Ms. Chase. Your body needs time to recover from the trauma."I nodded weakly, playing up my fragile state. "Thank you, doctor."Dr. Gray turned to the others in the room. "I must insist that Ms. Chase be allowed to rest now. Visitors should be limited."Dominic stepped forward. "I'll make sure she gets the rest she needs."Ryan clapped a hand on Dominic's shoulder. "We'll come back later. Take care, Amber."I watched as Ryan left the room, followed by a fuming Ethan who practically dragged Melissa's wheelchair out. The look on his face was priceless – a mixture of confusion, anger, and disbelief.Dominic approached my bed. "I have some matters to attend to. I'll return this evening."He squeezed my hand gently before leaving. The gesture felt surprisingly intimate, and I found myself watching him until he disappeared t
(Amber's POV)The hospital room felt stifling. Sweat beaded on my forehead as I shifted uncomfortably in the bed. Dominic approached, offering me a tissue box with those elegant hands of his."Thank you," I murmured, taking a tissue and dabbing at my brow.I couldn't help but admire his hands—strong yet graceful, with long fingers and clean, trimmed nails. They would make perfect subjects for a photo series at Moonlight Photography. The thought flitted through my mind before I caught myself staring.Our eyes met briefly before I looked away, suddenly self-conscious about my fabricated amnesia."You're not a very good actress, Amber," Dominic said, his voice low and steady.My heart skipped a beat. "What do you mean?""I knew you were faking from the beginning." He sat down in the chair beside my bed, his posture relaxed but commanding. "Your body was too stiff when you embraced me. There was subtle fear in your eyes—not the affection you were trying to portray."I swallowed har
(Amber's POV)My phone buzzed for the twentieth time that morning. I glanced at the screen and rolled my eyes at yet another message from the Northern Territory wolf forums."Amber Chase pushed Melissa James down the stairs at Ryan Quinn's birthday party!""Just like when she pushed Victoria and Melissa into the water at Victoria's birthday!""She deserved to lose Ethan! Can't control her jealousy!"I tossed my phone aside and stared at the hospital ceiling. The rumors had spread like wildfire throughout Silvercrest City. Everyone was talking about how Ethan's "poor mistress" had been viciously attacked by his "unhinged ex-fiancée."I snorted. If they only knew the truth.The gossip didn't bother me. I'd been the center of public scrutiny since high school. What was one more scandal?My phone rang again. Mother. I reluctantly answered."Amber Chase!" Melanie's voice crackled through the speaker. "How dare you cause another scene? I'm abroad with Victoria trying to enjoy oursel
(Amber's POV)"I like this one, don't you think?" I was taken aback by Dominic Blackwood's sudden question. We were at Crescent Jewelers picking out rings, and I hadn't expected him to be so attentive to the details.Dominic repeated, his piercing blue eyes gazing tenderly at my slender fingers, "I like this one. It looks good on you."A blush warmed my cheeks, and for some reason, Cora stirred contentedly under my skin. My wolf rarely reacted this way to anyone, especially not to a Blackwood.Before I could pull my hand back, Dominic had already released it and turned to pick up the matching men's ring, slipping it on his finger. He held up his hand for my inspection."Is it nice?" His long, slender fingers, which usually exuded an air of alpha aloofness, now possessed a captivating allure with the ring on."Yes, it looks good," I admitted, my eyes glued to the sight before me. We finalized our selection of the couple's rings, and despite my protests, Dominic insisted on p
(Amber's POV)The morning light streamed through the windows of Moonlight Photography, highlighting the empty studio where my team had been prepped and waiting since 5:30 a.m. I checked my watch again—10:30 a.m. Four and a half hours late.When Shannon finally strutted in with her entourage, I felt my fists itch a little and restrained my wolf claws. The over-the-top model was wearing much more expensive clothes than the last time we'd met, designer sunglasses perched on her perfect nose."You're late," I said, my voice clipped as I addressed Ryan rather than Shannon directly. "Is this deliberate disrespect?"Shannon removed her sunglasses with a practiced flick of her wrist. "Oh please, I told your people about the time change. We were out clubbing with Ryan last night." She pointed a manicured finger at Paige, my best friend and Ryan's fiancée. "Isn't that right, sweetie?"The atmosphere in the studio instantly tensed. I stood speechless, watching Paige's face pale at the casual
(Amber's POV)Dominic's blue eyes held mine in the dim light of our bedroom. His voice was low, almost pained as he continued the story."My mother had no choice. She rejected Benjamin and bonded with my father." Dominic's voice cracked slightly. "They were completely incompatible—too far apart in years, too different in temperament. It made my mother's life miserable."I thought about the implications, about the decades of resentment this must have created. "And Benjamin never knew the truth?""Not until the day of the mating ceremony. When he realized he'd been deceived, that he was being mated to someone else, he toppled the moonstone altar in protest. But by then, it was too late."My heart ached for Grace, for Benjamin, for all the lives destroyed by William's selfishness. I thought back to my own childhood, part of which was spent visiting the Blackwood Pack House, completely oblivious to this tragic history."I believe Ethan will use this opportunity to portray me as manip
(Ethan's POV)There are five days in my life I'll never forget.The first was when Amber Chase disappeared after that terrible accident in high school—the one that awakened her wolf prematurely. I still remember the chaos, the blood, and her terrified amber eyes before her parents whisked her away.The second was when she returned to Silvercrest City years later, more beautiful and confident than ever. My wolf Noah howled with recognition—she was meant to be ours.The third was the day I met Melissa. The day my heart began to shift, torn between duty and desire.The fourth was the day she announced she was breaking off our mate bond with me.And today might be the fifth."You need to apologize in the pack group chat," my father said, his voice firm as he handed me back my phone. "It's not just about making amends—it's strategic."I clenched my jaw. "Strategic? Dominic has humiliated our entire family!""And he could do worse." Father's eyes hardened. "This is about maintaining
(Third-person's POV)Olivia Blackwood's face was flushed with anger as she hung up the phone. She had just finished berating Amber Chase when Ethan walked into the living room, his expression grim."Mother, what have you done?" he asked, his voice tight with concern."I put that girl in her place," Olivia snapped, tossing her phone onto the sofa. "After what she did to Melissa—""It wasn't Amber's fault," Ethan interrupted, running his hands through his hair. "The accident... it was actually Melissa's doing."Olivia stared at her son, confusion replacing her anger. "What are you talking about?""I spoke harshly to Melissa after a work dispute. She was upset, crying... not paying attention to the road." Ethan couldn't meet his mother's eyes. "She hit Amber's car, not the other way around."The color drained from Olivia's face as the implications sank in. "But Melissa said—""She lied," Ethan said simply. "And now you've called Amber and accused her of something she didn't do."
(Amber's POV)I couldn't sleep. The rain had stopped hours ago, but my mind was racing with thoughts of Shannon Miles. The digital clock showed 3:17 AM as I stared at Dominic sleeping beside me.Shannon Miles. Just thinking about her name made my wolf bristle. She had been a top model in the supernatural world before vanishing from the spotlight.Dominic stirred, his blue eyes finding mine. "You should be sleeping. Your neck needs rest.""I need to ask you something," I whispered. "Did you know Shannon Miles is making a comeback?"His expression remained neutral, but I caught the slight tightening around his eyes. "Yes.""And you didn't think to mention it?" I tried to keep the accusation from my voice.Dominic sat up, fully awake now. "I didn't realize it would affect you directly.""She's going to be the cover model for Moon magazine's anniversary issue. The same issue Paige wants to shoot." I rubbed my sore neck. "It can't be a coincidence.""You think Ryan is behind it?" D
(Amber's POV)"It's just a scratch," I insisted, holding my phone at arm's length as Dominic's concerned face filled the screen. "The car got the worst of it."His eyes narrowed, searching my face for signs I wasn't being truthful. "Show me the damage."I flipped the camera, revealing the dented bumper and scratched paint of my limited edition sports car. The midnight blue finish was marred with an ugly gash where Ethan's sedan had connected."That can be fixed," Dominic said dismissively. "Are you sure you're not hurt? Your neck looks stiff."I rotated my shoulders, wincing slightly at the twinge of pain. "Just a little whiplash. Nothing serious.""I'm coming back immediately," he declared, his voice brooking no argument. "Stay put and meet me there.""But your business trip—""Is over. Felix can handle the rest." He was already moving, the background behind him blurring. "Don't move. I'll be there in two hours."The call ended before I could protest further. I sighed, leanin
(Amber's POV)For an entire week, I maintained my new routine of visiting Dominic's office with lunch. The rhythm of our days had fallen into a comfortable pattern that felt both exciting and domestic."No sign of Vivian Quinn today either?" I asked Lucas as he met me in the lobby of Shadowpeak Tower.Lucas shook his head, taking the bag of food from my hands. "She secured that investment deal with Uncle Dominic and left the Northern Territory yesterday. Business in Europe, I think."I couldn't help the relief that flooded through me. My wolf, Cora, had been intimidated by Vivian's presence—the woman exuded confidence and commanded respect in a way that triggered Cora's instinctive response to powerful she-wolves."Good," I said, stepping into the elevator. "I'm not in the mood for another territorial standoff."Lucas chuckled. "You're the Luna now, Amber. No need to feel threatened."I shot him a look. "I'm not threatened. I'm just... selective about my battles."The truth was
(Ethan's POV)I paced back and forth in my office, unable to shake the burning resentment that had been growing inside me. Lucas Blackwood, that spineless cousin of mine, had been rehired by Dominic. Not just rehired—given the Blackwood pack's position at Shadow Peak in the human world.My position. The one I'd been dreaming of."Damn it!" I slammed my fist against the wall, ignoring the pain that shot through my knuckles.My wolf Noah stirred restlessly beneath my skin, sharing my agitation. This was all Amber's fault. Ever since she'd mated with Dominic, everything had gone to hell.I'd been so close to gaining real power within the pack. Control of Strategic Investments was the key to the Blackwood Group's business empire—just as Dominic had used it to gain control of the Pack. And now Lucas, of all people, was being handed the opportunity I deserved.My phone buzzed. A message from Felix: "Alpha Dominic requests your presence immediately."My heart rate spiked. What now? Ano
(Amber's POV)I stepped into Dominic's office, my second time visiting this space. The first time had been months ago when, provoked by Ethan's taunts, I'd impulsively asked Dominic if he needed a Luna.Now, I took my time absorbing the details I'd previously overlooked. The office was massive, easily three times the size of my photography studio.Plush leather chairs faced a desk of polished dark wood. A handmade carpet with moonstone inlays covered the floor, its black and gold pattern subtly incorporating the Blackwood Pack colors.Floor-to-ceiling windows offered a panoramic view of Silvercrest City that would make any photographer drool. The morning sunlight streamed through, highlighting the elegant furnishings that screamed power and wealth.Dominic closed the door behind me with a soft click. When our eyes met, his blue irises flashed with subtle Alpha authority that made my heart race."Did you bring me lunch?" he asked, his deep voice sending a shiver down my spine."N