Isla’s POV
“His wife-to-be?” I muttered, my head dropping at the thought of that despicable woman’s claim. Still wondering what that was with the Daphne lady a moment ago, I walked into Alpha Killian's office, pausing at the threshold. Where was the desk I was supposed to be assigned right outside this office? Isn't that supposed to be my office? I could swear the desk was there before I left for the cafeteria. That was the setup I imagined, the one that gave at least some illusion of space and professionalism. But when I stepped in, my eyes widened, leaving me speechless. A new desk, elegant, polished, and undeniably expensive, was positioned just a few steps away from Alpha Killian’s imposing table. Right inside his personal office. Oh, no. My heart sank. So much for maintaining any sort of boundary. I didn’t like the look of that. Not after what happened earlier. If anyone saw this, me sittingIsla’s POV I knew I couldn’t just reject the bond.As much as I hated the idea of being tied to an arrogant, and obviously controlling Alpha like Killian, I couldn’t lie to myself. If he hadn’t saved me, if Arianna hadn’t failed to kill me… I wouldn’t be standing here. After Lucien rejected and banished me, I would’ve been dead. Killian was right. I wouldn’t have survived the aftermath.The only reason I was still alive was because he had marked me. I became someone else's just hours after being rejected by the one I thought was mine. If I were to reject him now—openly, publicly—I wouldn’t survive it.But I knew he wasn’t daring me because he understood the risk.He was daring me because he knew I wouldn’t do it.Why?Was I... attracted to him?I couldn’t even tell if it was the bond chaining me to him—or if, deep down, I truly didn’t want to reject him.“You… you think I can’t?” I snapped, furious that he had s
Isla’s POVHis hands were strong and warm, cupping my cheeks as he gently turned my face to the side. I froze. Alpha Killian’s face was thunderous, his eyes blaring with a fire I hadn't seen before. It was terrifying... and oddly captivating.I blinked up at him, shocked by the intensity of his reaction. His gaze blazed with barely restrained fury, his jaw clenched so tightly I feared it might crack.I had assumed he knew Daphne slapped me. He was standing right there. He had seen the aftermath. Right?Apparently not.Killian’s voice came out low and firm, repeating the same words over and over as if saying them would make them any less real. “What did you just say Daphne did?” I gently dropped the paper bag on the sofa where I had been sitting before he came in.“It’s fine, Alpha,” I muttered, trying to push his arms away. His scent wrapped around me like smoke and pinewood, stealing my breath and clar
Isla’s POV “His wife-to-be?” I muttered, my head dropping at the thought of that despicable woman’s claim. Still wondering what that was with the Daphne lady a moment ago, I walked into Alpha Killian's office, pausing at the threshold. Where was the desk I was supposed to be assigned right outside this office? Isn't that supposed to be my office? I could swear the desk was there before I left for the cafeteria. That was the setup I imagined, the one that gave at least some illusion of space and professionalism. But when I stepped in, my eyes widened, leaving me speechless. A new desk, elegant, polished, and undeniably expensive, was positioned just a few steps away from Alpha Killian’s imposing table. Right inside his personal office. Oh, no. My heart sank. So much for maintaining any sort of boundary. I didn’t like the look of that. Not after what happened earlier. If anyone saw this, me sitting
Ariana's POVIt’s been over a week since Isla disappeared. Gone and erased like dust under velvet. But for some damn reason, I couldn’t shake this unease crawling along my skin like ants.She should be dead. That’s what the men I hired to eliminate the ones I originally sent after Isla told me. I didn’t want any loose ends—nothing that could ever be traced back to me.They returned with confident smirks, even bringing back Isla’s torn scarf as proof. I’d paid them to make her vanish, to ensure Redridge wouldn’t be linked if the Blackwoods ever came sniffing around. I wanted it clean, silent and final. So why did I still feel like someone was watching me from every angle I turned?I keep having this nagging feeling that Isla’s still out there somewhere. But then I remind myself—if she’s anywhere at all, it’s six feet underground… or whatever’s left of her.The early morning light spilled through the sheer curtains, painting gold streaks across the walls of the bedroom. The soft rustle
Killian's POV"Seal it and forward the final figures to my Assistant," I said, sliding the sleek folder toward the Alpha of Iron Thorn Holdings. We had just finalized the territory joint-development deal. A good one, but I had bigger matters nagging the back of my mind.Liam had arranged the session this morning, right after Isla had sweetly persuaded me to let her grab lunch in the cafeteria. Well she knew she hadn't convinced me, Liam timely interruption had.As the Alpha signed the deal, his assistant bowed in gratitude. Cole, My younger brother seated to my left with his usual casual elegance, exchanged a glance with me."Are we done here?" he asked under his breath.I nodded and turned my face back to the investors. "It was nice having you here." “You're the one we must thank, Mr. Daemon.” He replied, standing up to take my hands in a swift, firm handshake.“Cole,” I called without shifting my
Isla’s POV“You slapped me?” I whispered, stunned as my fingers slowly rose to my cheek. The sting was still hot, but it was nothing compared to the sudden wave of fury and disbelief bubbling in my chest.The woman in front of me, tall, stunning, and radiating elegance like some wealthy model, looked down her nose at me. Her perfume was a suffocating blend of Jasmine and cold mint, and her ivory dress was too perfect for someone so casually cruel. She wasn’t dressed for an office; she was dressed like she belonged somewhere far above the rest of us."You're a rude bitch to ask that question right after dumping that disgusting mess on me," she said, her voice smooth as silk wrapped around a blade. "You should be apologizing, not running your mouth.”I blinked, momentarily speechless, as I slowly lowered my hand from my face. So much for a smooth first day. Deep down, I’d known it wouldn’t be, not after the way Melisa, Alpha Killian’s former secretary, had looked at me when he dismissed