LOGINEveryone gave Susan a gift, and Rowan stepped forward to do the same. But Susan shot him a cold look that froze him in place.Somehow, her attitude could be that icy. Even so, Rowan could not stop himself from remembering the way Susan had smiled when she talked to Selina the first time he saw her at his restaurant. Honestly, Rowan did not like girls with tomboy styles, the kind who lived in comfy clothes and avoided anything feminine like dressing up, looking polished, pampering themselves, all that stuff.Susan was not that type.And yet, she still drew him in.The only simple conclusion that formed in his mind felt like a slap to his ego.Susan did not like him.Rowan was a man with undeniable charm. Every woman he had ever met or flirted with had fallen for it. A little teasing was all it took to make them lose their heads. But Susan ignored him like he was a disease. Like Rowan was a cactus and getting close to him would only end in pain.The more Susan avoided him, the stronger
“Relax, Susan. It’s not even that scary,” Selina said, trying to calm her down. “Most people hope they’ll meet their mate on their eighteenth birthday, but your case is different. If you’ve known from the start that the chances are slim, then what’s there to worry about? Just take it easy.”Susan slowly shook her head, her expression still tight. “That’s not the only thing, Selina. My mom invited a bunch of single men to this party because she wants me to match with one of them. I don’t get it. Do I really need a man by my side just to be acknowledged in this world, when I can be independent and strong on my own?” Her voice trembled.Selina looked at her, clearly unsure how to respond.“I told you about my father, right?” Susan continued. “He married my mom, then walked away after getting her pregnant. She raised me alone. I don’t believe in mate bonds, and I don’t believe in men. You know that. Raven is a good man, and I’m happy for you. But that doesn’t mean all men are good, or tha
Selina shouted for Raven from their bedroom while struggling to tie the strings of her dress.The dress was a gift from Raven a few days ago. They had gone shopping together, and it caught her eye instantly. It was cream-colored with delicate detailing. The back was open, fitted snugly at the waist, then flowing naturally downward. She paired it with matching heels that completed the look perfectly.Her hair was swept up into a neat bun.Warm hands touched her back, making Selina flinch, followed by Raven’s familiar sweet scent.“Can you help me, babe?” Selina asked.“Of course,” Raven replied, his voice low and rough.Selina showed him a video on how to tie it, and Raven started trying. A few minutes later, she no longer felt his hands. She looked up at the mirror and let out a soft breath. He tied it wrong.“You’re supposed to start from the third hook, babe,” she said, undoing it again. It took them a bit of time, but they finally got it right.“All done,” Raven said after letting
Alpha Varkon’s audacity in kidnapping Selina was beyond outrageous. Raven could not stop thinking about what the man had really been planning all this time. What did Varkon want from Selina? The more Raven thought about it, the clearer the answer became.He knew Selina well. She had told him what happened, but never in detail. She never explained how Varkon threatened her or what he used against her. Raven was certain something far darker lay beneath it all, and he decided to find out for himself.Raven’s car screeched to a stop in front of Varkon’s house. Without hesitation, he strode to the front door and slammed his fist against it again and again. The door nearly came off its hinges before it finally swung open.Raven’s gaze locked with Alpha Varkon’s. He stepped inside without waiting for permission, forcing the older man back several steps.Raven was taller and broader, his body looming over Varkon in an unmistakable display of dominance. He let his alpha aura pour out freely, c
Selina woke up slowly. Her body felt warm and comfortable.She blinked and opened her eyes, then lifted her head and realized Raven was fast asleep, holding her tightly and pulling her closer against his chest.That was when it hit her. She had fallen asleep on the couch last night while waiting for him. He must have carried her to the bedroom.She propped herself up on her elbow and studied Raven’s face. Just looking at him made her eyes fill with tears. Not long ago, she had been staring death in the face, and the terrifying thought that she might never see Raven again was still shaking her to the core.She had spent most of the night thinking about whether she should tell him everything. She knew that once she did, things could turn ugly. But Raven was her partner. She should not be hiding anything from him.In the end, Selina decided she would tell him calmly after lunch.She leaned in, brushed a kiss against Raven’s lips, then pressed another one to the bond mark on his neck. Rav
“No, Father. You don’t understand. You never have. You’ve never understood my pain. I’ve always felt guilty for not being born a son like you wanted. You made me feel like I was nobody. Like I wasn’t capable of protecting my own pack unless I had the strongest Alpha beside me or bore an Alpha-blooded child. You made me feel useless,” Kendall sobbed, wiping her tears away.“I only want what’s best for you,” Varkon said quietly. It was obvious he was struggling to keep his emotions in check as he watched his daughter cry.“But Kendall doesn’t want it. Do you really think you know what’s best for her better than the Moon Goddess does?” Selina said, earning a sharp glare from Varkon.“Of course I know what’s best for her,” Varkon replied. “If she has a strong Alpha at her side, her pack will be stronger. That man will protect her and the pack. What’s wrong with that?”“I don’t want to be with anyone, Father. Can’t you see how much I’m suffering? Can’t you see how humiliating it is for me







