LOGIN**Laura's POV**The throne room is enormous, vaulted ceilings arching above us, walls carved with wolves, moons and ancient symbols I don’t recognise. But all of it fades the moment my eyes meet theirs.And I thought Xander was big, the king is massive, his presence pressing against my skin like fire. Dark brown eyes and raven-black hair, like an older version of Jerry, twenty years from now, commanding, powerful, impossible to ignore.Beside him sits his queen, her posture perfect, chin lifted high, eyes blue, sharp and cold as frost. Her fiery red hair is the same fiery red as Jerry’s. She is beautiful, but everything about her radiates disapproval, even the way she blinks feels condescending."Such a grand entrance!" the king booms, amusement ringing in his voice. “Welcome home, my son.”Jerry gave a courteous bow. He had transformed completely from the once jolly comedian into a regal prince.“Father,” he says with respect.His mother glances at him, then at me, her gaze slicing a
**Laura's POV**As open my eyes, the first thing I see is a woman standing in the room, quiet, gentle, and watching me with a calm patience I’m not used to. I jolt at the sight of her, completely caught off guard, but her warm smile softens the panic clawing at my chest.“Good morning, Lady Ash,” she greets as she helps me sit up. “I’m here to take care of you and prepare you for the day. His Highness requested that I stay with you.”Jerry… Being so sweet, that alone makes my stomach flutter.While the woman helps me get ready, she explains to me that we are leaving today, headed to Jerry's homeland, the heart of the werewolf kingdom called Radix Luporum. His family lives there, the king and queen.Part of me feels relieved. I want, need, to get away from this place and everything that has happened here. But another part of me tightens with anxiety. Meeting his parents? Royal werewolves? Becoming part of a world I never knew existed… I am not so sure if I belong anywhere, let alone th
**Jeremy’s Pov**I'm sitting in the back of the car on our way to my forest manor. It's dead silent. Adrian is entirely focused on the road, and my gem is fast asleep in my arms, her head against my chest.When she got her stitches, I asked the nurse to give her something for the shock. My poor treasure has been through the most today. She is completely out.“It is for the best,” Drud growls, worry flickering through my eyes as he watches her.“Yes. When we get to the manor, I’ll tuck her in and let one of the she-wolves keep watch over her. We still have a lot to do, and I want everything to go smoothly. We have a long trip ahead of us tomorrow.”“Yes, fortunately Father is excited to meet our mate,” Drud says, excitement vibrating in his voice.“As long as we return home, he’ll be happy. He is the least of our concerns. It's Mother and that scheming Bridget… but we'll cross that bridge when we get there. For now, our mate is our primary focus.”Drud hums in agreement.As I lean in t
Trigger Warning: This chapter contains sexual assault, sexual harassment, physical violence, emotional abuse, and traumatic content. Reader discretion is advised.**Laura's POV**Jerry and my moment is short-lived when Xavier appears, his face troubled. “I first want to deeply apologise, Laura, for what happened. The producers did not anticipate the news we learned from you.”“Well, at least you got your ratings,” I mutter bitingly, clutching Jerry without looking at him. Arsehole. He doesn’t sound apologetic at all, but he is definitely shitting himself. Good.“Where is Mr. Blythe now?” Jerry asks, his voice stripped of its usual performer’s charm. He’s not in the mood for bullshit.“Oh, uh, he’s being escorted off the property as we speak, I can assure you. Please let us make it up to you. How does a decadent lunch at the grand Opulent Palate Restaurant sound?” Xavier answers nervously.“No need. We’ll be on our way then,” Jerry declares, his tone flat.I realise it’s a two-hour dri
**Laura's POV**My body numbs instantly, my dry mouth turning into a drought, as dread and rage overpower me. Everything around me slows. I’m frozen like a deer in headlights. I barely register Jerry's hands clutching me tightly.That monster's eyes are fixed on me. He gives me a tender smile… something I haven’t seen in a long time. The very same smile he used to wear in the early days of our relationship, back when I actually believed Michael was going to be my happily ever after.“Sweetheart, Laura?” the host calls, snapping me out of my shock.“Why is he here?” I whisper, barely audible, backing further into Jerry's arms. Xavier's face shows no concern, his eyes drinking in the unfolding chaos. Probably because he knew bringing an ex makes for good drama to boost ratings. Arseholes. I’m not going to give it to them—“Lau, I know things ended badly between us, but I still care about you. I want to fix it. When you disappeared, I nearly lost my mind,” Michael says. Is he for real? I
**Liam's POV**“Good evening, Vibrantia City! I'm Xavier Rex, your host, and boy, do we have a special for you! Tonight we are being graced by Jerry Wulfric, the Jester King himself, and a lovely lady who became Vibrantia's sweetheart overnight, Laura Ash.”The host turns his attention to his guests with a winning smile. “Welcome to my show, and thank you for coming.”Jerry leans back on the mustard-coloured couch, arms stretched across the backrest, calm and at home. Laura sits close to him. My… baby seems distant, terrified. Her body language screams insecurity. She tries to smile as they both thank the host, but I can see she doesn’t want to be there.“Before we get to it, can I just take this moment to say wow, Jerry, when you came on set, I almost didn't recognise you! You’ve transformed from chunky to hunky!”Jerry lets out an airy laugh, then drapes his arm over Laura's shoulders. “When my gem disappeared that night, I was completely beside myself. I felt helpless, so I started







