CHAPTER 90: A NIGHT OUT IN PARISVENUS:I was excited when we stepped out of the room, casually dressed and heading off to the club. Paris glowed like a dream, its lights glimmering off the Seine and dancing across every glossy window we passed. Maxine and I stepped out of the sleek black car, our hands entwined as we stood at the entrance of a stylish lounge located just off the Champs-Élysées. The night was crisp, alive with music and movement, and everything felt like a page torn straight out of a romance novel.“Are you ready to experience night life in Paris?” Maxine asked with a crooked smile, his hand finding the small of my back.I beamed at him. “Absolutely. You said we’d make memories. Let’s start tonight.”He chuckled and opened the door for me. The thump of bass was loud and intoxicating as we stepped into the velvet-lit interior. The lounge was warm and opulent, lit by soft golds and purples, and filled with couples, tourists, and locals who seemed ready to enjoy life t
CHAPTER 89: A BLISSFUL SHOWER VENUS:As I walked into his embrace, he wrapped his arms around me for a moment.“We're a couple. There's nothing to hide between us,” he said as he stared me in the eyes. “Also, I brought you here, away from pack activities so we can spend intimate moments together. And that intimate moment starts right now.”I nodded and allowed him to take off my clothes. “You are beautiful, Venus. You have the body of a goddess. It's smooth and glows.”I looked down, unable to meet his gaze. “Look at me,” he said, lifting my chin so I could look at him. “Are you shy?”I shook my head and muttered, “No.”He brushed a kiss across my lips, took my hand and led me to the bathroom. Maxine and I stepped into the bathroom together. The shower enclosure was wide, encased in clear glass, and the overhead rain showerhead gave the illusion of standing beneath a warm waterfall. The bathroom smelled of luxury and lavender — like something out of a dream. My cheeks were alread
CHAPTER 88: LANDING IN PARIS VENUS: The wheels of the jet screeched softly against the runway as we touched down at Charles de Gaulle airport. I sat up straighter, blinking the sleep from my eyes and letting out a slow breath of relief. We’d made it. Paris here we come.“I’m glad you didn't have many issues flying for the first time.” Maxine said, glancing at me with a smirk.I gave him a dry look. “Flying isn't exactly pleasant but I can stand it. It'll grow on me. Slightly. Like a rash.”He laughed, his voice low and teasing. “That’s romantic.”We were soon ushered out through the private terminal, where a sharply dressed chauffeur stood waiting beside a black Mercedes with tinted windows. He gave Maxine a respectful nod, then opened the door for me first like I was royalty.“Welcome to Paris, Alpha,” the driver said in a crisp French accent. “Merci,” Maxine replied smoothly.I leaned toward him in the backseat once the car began to glide down the cobblestone street. “You speak
CHAPTER 87: I'VE NEVER FLOWN BEFORE VENUS' POV:The sunlight spilled through the curtains, warm and golden, as I stood before the mirror trying to figure out what in the world one wears to Paris. Not just Paris—but Paris with Maxine. I had three options laid out on the bed and still couldn’t decide.“Red,” came his voice from behind me.I turned, catching his reflection in the mirror as he leaned on the doorframe, arms crossed over his chest, his white dress shirt rolled up at the sleeves. That smirk—God help me—could melt glaciers.“You think red?” I asked, holding up the dress.He walked toward me, reached for the gown and held it against me with a knowing nod. “Absolutely. Paris is about passion, fire... romance. This one screams all three. And also—” he paused, dragging his eyes down my body slowly “—you’ll look ravishing in it.”I flushed, fidgeting with my hair. “Well, you don’t look too bad yourself.”He laughed, pulling me into a gentle hug. “Only ‘not too bad?’ That hurts.”
CHAPTER 86: HIS SOLEMN PROMISES VENUS' POV:When I blinked awake and reached for Maxine, his side of the bed was empty and cold which indicated he left the bed more than an hour ago.He probably went for a run. But why go without me? I needed to exercise too, especially now that I have been made a Luna.I kicked off the sheets and got out of bed. I stood at the balcony of our bedroom, my arms folded tightly across my chest, staring down at the pack house courtyard. A part of me hoped I was wrong, but my instincts told me where he had gone.And I wasn't really pleased about it.The same man who had vowed to spend forever with me had left this morning without saying a word, and as much as I hated jumping to conclusions, the ache in my chest grew the longer he was gone.I heard the gates shift open below and leaned forward just in time to see him walk in through the courtyard, his head bowed low, his steps heavy. My jaw tensed.He looked up.Our eyes locked.The moment stretched like e
CHAPTER: LETTING GO OF THE PASTMAXINE’S POV:I woke at the first sign of dawn, feeling blissful after such a wonderful night with my newly wedded mate. Venus lay curled beside me, peaceful, her breathing soft and steady. I brushed a kiss against her hairline and slipped out of bed quietly, careful not to wake her. As I pulled on a black shirt and fastened the buttons, my thoughts turned to someone I had been avoiding for a while now.Olivia.Conrad had sent word last night that she’d been treated at the clinic after injuring herself. I’d heard the details in passing—something about glass, blood, and tears. She broke a beer bottle and with tears in her eyes, she had stabbed herself when she saw Venus being crowned Luna.But I hadn’t gone to see her. Not because I didn’t care. But because I knew she wanted to ruin the moment for me and I wasn't going to let her.But it was time we set the record straight.I made my way to the pack clinic, moving with confident strides. A few wolves w