LOGINMoon Pearl. Eva's PovI turned to walk toward the exit. I had done what I came for. There was no reason to stay and be social. If there was gossip about me dancing with Dante, I certainly didn't want to hear it.On the way out, I passed Mr. Den and Rapture, who were standing awkwardly to the side. Mr. Den didn't say anything. He just raised a questioning eyebrow. Of course he had seen me dance with Dante. He probably hadn't looked at anyone else all night. Too bad, really, since Rapture looked stunning in her black sheath."Friday,"I said quietly."I'll meet him on Friday. Informal. He wants to hear my ideas first. If he likes them, he'll arrange an hour for us to hit him with both barrels."Mr. Den nodded, and I saw the gleam of satisfaction light up his eyes."Good job, Eva."I smiled and resumed my way to the door. I had a lot to do before next Friday.---Dante loosened his tie the moment he stepped into the hotel suite. He left a trail of clothing behind him, from the doorway w
Getting to know him.Eva's PovI looked back and he was dtahdnifm right besides me."Tell me something, Eva. Why didn't you finish off the rest of the piranhas to convince me that your agency will take Moretti Company straight to the top?"My lips curved into a smile."Because you're already at the top?""You're a joker."At that, my smile faded. He was right. He was flirting, and it was the last thing I wanted to do.He glanced across the room to where the other ad executives were staring holes through me and Dante."I'm not desperate, Dante. I know I'm good. I know my ideas for your campaign are exceptional. Does that make me arrogant? Maybe. But I don't need to feed you a line. All I need is time to show you what the Den Company can do for you.""What can you do for me, Eva?"My eyes widened at the blatant insinuation. Then I corrected the wrong assumption I had just made."If the ideas are yours and they're as brilliant as you say, I would hardly need Den and what the agency could
The VisionEva's PovThe sharks were circling.I stepped back, wine glass in hand, and scanned the crowded hall. Charity events were supposed to be about pleasure, not business, but business was all anyone in this room cared about.But this wasn't real. Somewhere in the back of my mind, I knew that. I was lying on a cold floor in my father's house, forced into servitude, dreaming of a life that wasn't mine. Or was it?Across the floor, Dante stood at the center of a large circle of people. He looked at ease, comfortable in his own skin, an effortless smile making his already striking face even more devastating.It ought to be illegal for a man to look like that. Tall, built, he carried himself like someone who belonged in the world he controlled. There was a quiet authority about him, and I had always been drawn to men who knew exactly who they were.Given the long, lingering looks we had traded over the past few weeks, I would have been foolish not to wonder where things might go.If
The CageEva's PovI was back in the spacious but suffocating room. I had apologized and now stood in the center of the lavish room, surrounded by people I didn't trust.Fake smiles and well-practiced laughs filled the air, but I knew beneath the mask, they were all here for something.All the compliments and handshakes felt like an insult.They were here to feast on the wealth they believed I was hiding. I wished they would take my place.I forced a smile as I nodded at my old boss, in a bright red gown, her fingers heavy with rings that looked more like shackles than adornments."Oh, darling, you've been away for so long! Everyone thought you'd fallen into some tragic circumstance." She leaned closer, lowering her voice."I always knew you were smarter than that. All this talk of poverty, it's just clever, isn't it? You've kept it hidden, your real fortune. Good for you."My jaw clenched, and I bit down the urge to snap. I couldn't tell if she was mocking me or if she genuinely beli
The ToastEva's Pov"No matter what, meet me at the Club's drink house." I couldn't believe it. Didn't want to believe it. Not yet.I kind of knew this wasn't the end for me and there was still hope. I glanced outside the window, a smile on my face.My stepmum stared at me and hissed."What is making you laugh? I promise to make your life miserable." I gave her a stare and kept a straight face.I stared out the window again, watching the evening sky drape the estate in a soft, warm glow.The sun had set, and the sky was a golden brown light.I loved watching the sunset when I was little, but now they are all memories.Soon the lights from the beautiful buildings flickered on one by one, like fireflies coming to life in the dusk, filling the neighborhood with a comforting glow.I smiled at the beauty. It was different from the chaos in my mind.I gulped as the car rolled deeper into the estate. I sighted most of my childhood friends' houses, but they've abandoned me now. I mean, who wo
The Puppet StringsEva's Pov"Dante is dead this time, killed by the man who abducted you."So they knew. I couldn't believe this. I didn't want to believe it.Dante can't be dead. I believe he wasn't. Immediately, I tried to feel for his pulse through the mate bond, but couldn't."You are no longer marked to that cursed Lycan. We got rid of his mark before his death. We didn't want you to feel the excruciating pain he went through. You need to thank us for that." She said, with pride like she had done a great thing."How dare you?" I yelled, tears blinding my eyes as I pounced on her, sinking my teeth in her ear.I would make her leave this place with one ear."Eva, stop this." My dad yelled, but didn't touch me. We both fell on the bed."Eva, let her go before she hurts you. She will." But I didn't listen. I didn't care.I wanted her to feel the pain I felt.Blood filled my mouth. It was metallic and warm, as I dug my nails into her scalp, ripping at her hair and, surprisingly, I wa
Chapter 2 Eva's Pov I barely slept after leaving Adrian’s villa in the storm last night. Every time I closed my eyes, I saw the contract again. By dawn, I gave up on sleep and came straight to meet mum at the hospital. Now I stood outside the discharge desk, clutching a thin folder of paper
*Men fall in love. But when he locked his eyes on her, he never looked away.* CONTENT WARNING & COPYRIGHT CLAIMS This book contains some dark themes including violence, abduction, psychological manipulation, and attempted sexual assault. (18+) Copyright © 2026 by Lakewood All rights reserved.
Chapter 6 Eva’s Pov The manager looked like he might faint. Victor Salieiri took the tray from my trembling hands and set it on the table beside him. “Careful next time,” he said quietly before walking away. My brain struggled to process what had just happened. I was… alive. My knees s
Chapter 5 Eva's Pov “You?” He wiped the counter lazily. “Work here? You won’t last an hour.” Two girls behind the bar turned to look at me. Their eyes moved slowly over my blouse, my jeans, my tired face. “You’re too old,” the bartender added with a laugh. “Too old?” I repeated. He grabb







