Jade
I let out a heavy sigh as I sank down onto the lumpy mattress in my dingy temporary apartment. What a mess this day had turned into. Reaching for my burner phone, I quickly typed out an update to Mr. N.'Minor complication. The beta, Conan, saw a suspicious message on my phone. I spun him a story about wanting revenge on Brad for breaking my heart years ago. He seems to buy it for now, but will be keeping close tabs on me. I'll be careful.'I stared at the blinking cursor, hesitating. Should I mention Conan's absurd contract demanding I provide free medical services to the pack? No, best to keep some cards close to my chest. It's better if he doesn't know all about Conan. Yes. I deleted the message and hit the phone in the bedside drawer.Next I called Helena, needing to hear her cheerful voice after the stressful events of the day."Hey girl, how are you holding up?" she asked gently when she picked up.I flopped bacJadeThe following morning, I woke up with determination that surpassed the doubt and fear that had plagued me the previous night. It was another new day, and I had a mission to focus on, one that meant everything to me: the safety and well-being of my kidnapped children.I got up, performed my morning routine, and tried to ignore the nagging voice inside my head that reminded me of my lies. I had convinced Conan of my intentions, but I knew that my ruse could crumble at any moment, exposing the truth of my plan to use him in my quest for revenge.As I stepped out of my dingy apartment, I noticed a text message from Conan popped up on my burner phone. It read: "Meet me at the pack's infirmary. We need to discuss your role in more detail."I sighed. This was my chance to learn more about my task and, hopefully, gain some information about the pack especially Brad's current relationship with his mate, Trina. I quickly sent a reply agreeing to meet him and headed to the infirmary.The inf
JadeA short while later, as I continued my duties, Conan appeared at the entrance of the infirmary. He leaned casually against the doorframe, his gaze fixed on me. "Everything okay?" he asked, his voice low.I nodded, grateful for his presence. "Yes, just a surprise visit from the alpha. He inquired about our friendship."Conan's lips quirked into a sly smile. "Well, speaking of our friendship, how about we make it more convincing?"I raised an eyebrow, curiosity piqued. "What do you have in mind?"Conan pushed himself off the doorframe and approached me, his eyes gleaming with mischief. "How about we go on a date, right in front of Brad?"My eyes widened in surprise. I hadn't expected such a bold suggestion. "A date? Are you sure that's a good idea?"Conan shrugged nonchalantly. "Why not? It's all part of the act, and it'll drive Brad crazy with jealousy. Plus, we could use some time to relax and have fun, even if it's fake."I considered his proposal. The idea of a date in front of
JadeOur breaths mingled in the cold, dark night as his head bent closer and closer.The space between us collapsed. His body heat was a living, breathing thing, clouding my mind and stealing my focus until my world consisted of nothing except dark eyes, soft wool, and the clean, expensive scent of citrus and wood.Goose bumps rose on my sensitized skin.I took a small step back and bumped against the door at my back. I exhaled, my back flushed against the cold, hard metal of the apartment's door.I cleared my throat. "What…what are we doing?"My voice didn’t sound like mine. It was too thin, too breathless, but Conan had snuffed out the oxygen in the room. I couldn’t breathe fast enough or deeply enough to sustain a clear head.“Jade,” he murmured. “You know exactly what it is we are doing.” Gone was the formalities. In their place were velvet and smoke, whispering silent promises against my skin and compelling me to tilt my face up. Heaviness gathered low in my belly, thick and molt
JadeI couldn't deny the logic in his words, and I nodded in agreement. "All right, let's do it. When and where?"Conan's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Tomorrow night, it's a surprise, but don't worry. It'll be the perfect setting for our next performance."We quickly set the details for our upcoming fake date. I wondered how much more complicated our relationship would become. My determination to find my children and reunite our family kept me moving forward, no matter how treacherous the path.The day of our planned date arrived, and as evening settled over the pack's territory, I couldn't ignore the ecstacy building within me. This time, Conan had chosen a more casual setting for our "date," a quaint cafe nestled on the outskirts of the pack's territory. The sun had dipped below the horizon, casting the world in a dusky hue as we sat across from each other at a cozy table on the cafe's outdoor patio.I sipped my hot coffee, letting the warmth spread through me as I glanced at Con
Jade"A ball?" I asked, my left eyebrow raised in skepticism as I stared at the boyish, spoiled Alpha lounging in the chair opposite me."Yes. You are one of the most sought-after pack doctors in the country. You could have joined any pack you wanted to, but you decided to join the Nightingale Pack. The ball will serve as our warm welcome to you.""Oh, but you don't have to do that." I said as I tried to hide the shiver that was running through my body at the thought of a ball thrown in my honor by the very same people who had bullied and humiliated me.Another ball came to mind, one that had happened six years ago. My fists clenched as I thought of that horrid night, and at that very moment, I wanted to tear out the eyes of the man who was seated across me, smiling as though he was goddess' gift to mankind.Brad leaned back in his chair, his expression unreadable. "You'll attend. It's non-negotiable. Besides, it's not just for you; it's for the entire pack to see our commitment to you
JadeJust then, my office door opened, and Conan walked in, carrying lunch with him. He set the food on my desk and took a seat, his expression warm and friendly. I slid the phone below my desk as I smiled at him."Hey, Jade," he greeted. "I thought I'd bring you some lunch today."I appreciated his thoughtfulness but couldn't ignore the tension between us. "Thank you, Conan."We delved into a discussion about the upcoming ball. Conan seemed genuinely excited about it.I listened to him talk about the event, trying to keep up appearances as the devoted fake couple.Later that evening, as I returned home, I found a package waiting for me at my doorstep. I cautiously picked it up and brought it inside. The package was elegantly wrapped, and when I opened it, I found a necklace with a note from Brad. It read, "A present for you to wear to the ball."I frowned as I gazed at the necklace. The thought of wearing something gifted by Brad made me uncomfortable, especially considering his persi
JadeI stepped back, disoriented by the emotions surging within me. Conan's eyes held genuine concern, and I appreciated it. The memories of that night six years ago had resurfaced unexpectedly, and they left a bitter aftertaste.I nodded shakily, my voice unsteady. "I'm sorry, Conan. It's just... those memories. I… I…just… I'm sorry… I can't." Tears sprang up in my eyes, clouding my vision as I stared at him.Conan gently touched my arm, offering support and reassurance. "Hey, it's okay. I understand, Jade. We don't have to rush into anything you're not comfortable with. You have nothing to be sorry for. You've done nothing wrong and I would never want you to feel pressured."His understanding and patience was a contrast to Brad's domineering behaviour. My rapidly beating heart began to slow down, and I wiped off the tears that had flowed.Taking a deep breath, I composed myself, not letting let my past overshadow the present. "Thank you, Conan. Let's enjoy the rest of the evening, an
Jade"Thank you for bringing me home," I said as we got to the door of my apartment.After our discussion, he had driven me home and the car had been filled with silent tension. My heart never stopped racing as I thought about what I had planned to do.Brad had taken a lot from me when he humiliated me six years ago, but he had also given me my children. Despite the circumstances, I had found myself in, I was determined that I wouldn't allow Brad to take anything more from me."You're welcome." Conan's dark, raspy voice sent shivers down my spine.I took a deep breath and turned to face him, my heart hammering in my chest. "Conan…"He looked down at me, arching his eyebrow when I said nothing else.Fuck it, I muttered to myself as I leaned and up and crashed my lips on his. He remained still, his shocked eyes looking down into mine.When he still did nothing, I removed my lips from his, my face burning in embarrassment. I stepped back, my eyes looking everywhere but at him.I cleared m