(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
(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."
(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
(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
(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)The first snowfall of winter blanketed Silvercrest City in a pristine white coat. I lay in the hospital bed, my body still fighting the effects of acute silver poisoning. The equipment in my darkroom had been contaminated somehow, and after hours of work, my hands had begun to burn and blister."Excuse me," a soft voice called from the next bed. "Your IV... I think it's finished. It's backflowing."I opened my eyes to see a young she-wolf looking at me with concern. Her eyes were kind, though we were strangers."Thank you," I murmured, pressing the call button for the nurse.While waiting, I checked my phone. 2:00 AM. I'd spent the entire day in my studio without producing a single photo worth keeping. The silver poisoning had made everything worse, especially for Cora, my wolf, who'd been restless and whimpering beneath my skin until I'd finally dragged myself to the hospital.The nurse came in, changed my moonlight herb IV, and checked my vitals. "The healing pr
(Third-person's POV)The Chase Pack House glittered with lights as Silvercrest City's elite gathered for Victoria Chase's thirtieth birthday celebration. Crystal chandeliers cast a warm glow over the grand ballroom where werewolves from prominent packs mingled, their expensive clothing and jewelry signaling their status.Victoria, the adopted daughter of Harrison and Melanie Chase, stood at the center of attention. Her emerald green dress hugged her curves perfectly, and her practiced smile never wavered as she greeted each guest."She's certainly blossomed into a fine she-wolf," remarked an older Alpha to his mate. "Harrison and Melanie raised her well, considering she's not blood."His mate nodded. "I hear they're hoping to find her a suitable mate tonight. Thirty is getting rather late for an unmated she-wolf of her standing."Across the room, another group of younger wolves gossiped behind crystal glasses of moonlight wine."Can you believe Victoria's still unmated while Ambe
(Amber's POV)I sneered at Victoria, watching her perfect façade crack as red wine dripped down her emerald dress. The shocked silence that followed was almost worth the drama that was about to unfold.With deliberate slowness, I slammed my empty glass to the marble floor. It shattered spectacularly, sending crystal shards skittering across the polished surface."Those earrings," I said, my voice carrying across the now-silent ballroom, "were left to me by my grandmother Eleanor. Not to you."Victoria's mouth opened in outrage. "How dare you—""No, how dare you?" I cut her off, turning to face my mother. "And you, Mother. What right did you have to give away my inheritance to someone who isn't even of our bloodline?"Melanie's face paled with fury. "Amber Chase! You will apologize this instant!""For what? Speaking the truth?" I turned to Ethan, who stood protectively in front of Melissa. "Tell me, Ethan, who do you believe? Me, your fiancée, or her, your secretary who convenien
(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