LOGINVanessa I didn't stop in the hallway. I stood near the glass elevators, my chest heaving, my jaw clenched so hard my teeth throbbed. I waited three agonizing minutes for Abel to burst through those double doors, ready to tear his head off the second he stepped into the light.Instead, through the heavy mahogany doors, I heard his voice. Smooth, calm, and maddeningly composed, addressing the elders as if I hadn't just shattered their pristine morning. He was smoothing it over. Playing the diplomat."Arrogant, deceitful bastard," I cussed under my breath, my fingernails digging into my palms until I felt the skin break.I couldn't breathe the same stale, corporate air for another second. I slammed my hand against the elevator button, stepped inside the moment the brass doors slid open, and rode it straight down to the lobby. I stormed out of the skyscraper, hailed a passing yellow taxi, and threw myself into the back seat, barking the name of our hotel.The ride back was a blur of crim
Vanessa's POV The heavy double doors of the boardroom clicked shut behind us, trapping the suffocating scent of polished leather, expensive cigars, and old money inside the soundproofed room. Twelve pairs of eyes—belonging to the territory's most influential Alpha elders and board directors—remained locked on us.Abel's iron grip on my wrist didn't loosen, even as I burned holes into the side of his face with my glare."Please, sit," Director Vance said, gesturing toward two high-backed leather chairs at the head of the mahogany table. "It is an honor to have the Alpha of the Blood Moon Pack and his new Luna present to oversee the merger."Abel slid smoothly into his chair, pulling mine out just enough for me to sit. The moment his fingers left my skin, I felt the sheer temptation to sink my claws straight into his throat."We are honored to be here, Director Vance," Abel began, his voice calm, resonant, and entirely stripped of the exhaustion he had shown hours ago. He rested his ha
Vanessa's POV Gold chain The heavy wooden door of the executive suite clicked shut behind us, cutting off the quiet hum of the carpeted hallway.The suite was absurdly opulent—high vaulted ceilings, sweeping floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the dark line of pine forests, a plush velvet sofa resting in the living area, and a massive king-sized bed dominating the bedroom beyond. The scent of polished mahogany and stale linen hung thick in the air.I set my travel bag onto the luggage rack, my shoulders aching with fatigue. I had barely unzipped the front pouch when the quiet rustle of fabric made me turn around.Abel reached up, grabbed the collar of his charcoal dress shirt, and yanked it straight over his head in one fluid motion, letting out a low, rough groan of pain as his tight shoulder muscles flexed.I froze. My breath hitched right in the back of my throat.The man was built like a dark god forged in iron and blood. Broad, brutal shoulders tapered down into a razor-sharp
Vanessa's POV (Only one room)The blare of the morning sun pierced through the heavy velvet drapes, dragging me out of the abyss. I sat up in bed, my muscles stiff, stretching my arms above my head as a cold shudder ran down my spine. The nightmare was still echoing through my head, every horrific detail—Ethan's wide, terrified eyes, the cold asphalt, the sickening crunch of my head hitting the ground—clinging to my mind like a foul stench. It had shaken me to my core.A soft, hesitant knock rattled the bedroom door."Luna?" Elsa's voice drifted through the heavy oak. "It's time. The car will be here shortly.""Thank you, Elsa," I called back, my voice gravelly from sleep.I forced myself out of bed and stepped straight into the shower. The warm water cascaded over my skin, but it did nothing to wash away the phantom chill lingering beneath my flesh. The fear was a living thing, coiled tightly in my gut. I dressed quickly, pulling on a fitted white shirt and tailored black trousers,
Abel's POV Old man Coyote The amber liquid swirled against the crystal walls of the glass, catching the low light of the bedside lamp as I stared blankly at the dark floorboards. A slow, wild grin spread across my lips."Twenty-first of August," I muttered to the empty room.The date tasted like ash and copper on my tongue. The day I had lost my wife. The day my life had shattered into unsalvageable glass. The memory clawed its way to the surface, dragging me backward through time.I had been all dressed up, standing before the full-length mirror as I smoothed down the lapels of my tailored tuxedo. I had stared at my reflection with an uncharacteristic, dopey grin stretched across my face. To me, that morning had represented everything that made me happy. I was finally walking down the aisle with the love of my life, Lisa.The door to the dressing room swung open with a bang, and I didn't even bother turning around. I was too busy adjusting the black bow tie at my collar, staring at
Vanessa POV Night mare The sharp scent of leather and charcoal perfume filled the room as I smoothed down the sleek black fabric of my trousers. My hands trembled as I pulled the sleeves of my tailored coat down over my wrists. Black felt appropriate. It was the armor I chose whenever I had to face a world that made me bleed."No! Mummy, no!"Ethan's voice shattered the quiet. He threw himself against my knees, his small hands clutching the black fabric of my coat so tightly his knuckles turned white. His face was flushed red, tears spilling hot and fast down his cheeks as he stomped his bare feet on the hardwood floor.I dropped to my knees, helpless. My heart fractured as I reached out to frame his tear-stained face. "Ethan, baby, please...""You said two stories! You didn't stay!" he sobbed, burying his wet face right into the crook of my neck, his little arms locking around my collar with terrifying strength. His tiny wolf pulse fluttered wildly against my skin, sending waves of







