LOGINIrina's POVI quickly looked at Ian to see the shock and confusion on his face. I'm sure it came as a hit to him. He never expected someone he trusted to do this, to betray him so completely, so intimately.Michael. His Beta. The man who had stood by his side through battles and crises, who had taken orders without question, who had seemed so loyal. And all along, he had been having an affair with Lindsey.I was equally shocked, but I knew what I felt was just a fraction of the shock and betrayal Ian had on his face. His hands were trembling. His jaw was clenched so tight I thought his teeth might crack."Release it to the people to see tomorrow at the gathering," Ian said, his voice cold, empty. "Let them see the truth."Never did it cross my mind that Michael would do this. Never. He had always been so proper, so controlled, so devoted to his Alpha. But the image of him with Lindsey, of them locked in an embrace that spoke of familiarity, of intimacy, of secrets shared was burned in
Irina's POVIan had told me about the plan. Every detail, every carefully constructed lie, every calculated move. Even though I knew his concern for Lindsey was a facade, even though I understood it was all an act to uncover the truth, I still felt frost in my heart. Watching him serve her, touch her, look at her like she mattered, it all added up, making the facade feel real.Ryan portrayed himself as a knight in shining armor. He brought me small gifts, flowers, books, sweets and spoke to me in soft, concerned tones about how Ian didn't deserve me. Ian hated me being close to Ryan. I could see it in the way his jaw tightened, in the way his hands clenched into fists. But I acted like Ryan really came to my distress, like I appreciated his attention, like I was slowly being won over by his charm.It was exhausting. Every smile, every nod, every carefully measured word was a performance. But we had a goal. We had to break the witch's hold on Ethan.I had discussed the plan with Kather
Irina's POV"Mary," she said."Good," I nodded, a smile tugging at my lips. "Nice to make your acquaintance."I brought my hand forward for a handshake. I don't know which surprised her more , was it me using the word "acquaintance" or the handshake itself? Her eyes went wide, her mouth opening slightly, like she had never been treated as an equal before.She shook my hand so hard it felt like it might fall off. I had to bite my lip to keep from laughing.I dished my food and spooned some into a bowl for Mary.
Irina's POV"Ian," I said through the mindlink for the fifth time.Nothing. Just silence. That familiar barrier I had felt before, the one I had built without knowing it was back. But this time, it wasn't me.He had shut me out.Why, Ian? I cried silently in bed, staring at the ceiling, my eyes burning with unshed tears.He didn't come back at night. The hours stretched endlessly, each minute heavier than the last. I tossed and turned, unable to find a comfortable position, unable to quiet my racing thoughts. Every echo of footsteps, every whisper of the wind outside made me think he was coming. But he never did.I must have dozed off early in the morning, because when I woke, pale sunlight was streaming through the curtains and my head was pounding. I groaned, massaging my temples, trying to ease the ache.Then I smelled him.His scent was everywhere, sandalwood and honey, warm and familiar. But it was faint. Fading. Like he had been here, but not for long. Did he drop by? Did he sta
Edward's POVI was happy I was her first.The thought had been circling my mind for days, a possessive satisfaction that I couldn't shake. Seeing her moaning my name, her body arching beneath mine, her beautiful eyes wide with wonder and pleasure, it gave me so much pride. More than I had felt in years.When she stirred in bed that morning, I was awake. I pretended to be asleep, just to feel her touch. Her fingers traced my chest with such fascination, such tenderness, that I had to fight to keep my breathing steady.When I teased her and spanked her, I loved the little moan that escaped her lips. I knew she wanted me. I could feel it in the way her body responded, in the way her breath hitched, in the way her eyes darkened with desire.Soon, we were over each other. I couldn't get enough of her.Then came the news of a poisonous snake in Lena's room.I would never think Katherine would harm Lena like that. If she wanted a fight she would play fair.But when I saw the snake turn into
Irina's POVIan and Leon had made peace, and it gave me joy. Watching them sit across from each other, discussing alliances and strategies without the undercurrent of hostility that had marked their earlier meetings, it felt like progress. Like my world was slowly stitching itself back together.Leon came to visit often now, sometimes with Anikta, sometimes alone. Katherine came too, whenever she could slip away from Edward's kingdom. She and Anikta had become really close, bonding over their shared connection to Leon and I.But I still saw Katherine space out. Her blue eyes would go distant, her smile would fade, and she would stare at nothing for long stretches of time. I was very sure it was because of that arrogant King Edward Osborne. The way she looked when she thought no one was watching, it was the look of someone who loved deeply and was loved poorly in return.Avon Wiltshire did his best to cheer her up. He brought her books, made her laugh, sat with her in comfortable silen







