TYLERI closed the storage door making a trip to the front and paying the guy to keep quiet. I wasn’t sure what I was going to with the storage but I knew I had to keep it away from Gregory. No telling what he would do if he knew where my Dad’s stash was. It wasn’t the best plan, but at least it was one crisis down. Now on to Mila.Her phone went to voicemail again. I’ve been calling her since yesterday to figure out a plan b if we couldn’t get her clothes here on time, but she was ignoring me again. It was starting to piss me off. No one ignored me.“Maybe we could pay her a visit,” Declan suggested.Though I already knew what kind of visit he wanted. How the hell did that woman have us both up in arms was beyond me? Even if I wanted to visit, I wasn’t sure where the hell she was. I thought of the orphanage, but the only people there were the construction workers. I was thinking she probably took up my brother’s offer to stay at his packhouse, but one call proved that to be false.S
GABETrigger: ViolenceI hung up the phone with Tyler, suppressing the doubt in my chest. Mila. Something was up, but I didn’t have time to deal with that just now. Hopefully, I made it easy enough for Tyler not to fuck things up. He had a knack of complicating even the simplest task.“Delivery is on its way,” Yesmen informed me.Her calm voice was a contrast to the frustration that was building up as our little group followed the manager down the lavender scented hallway of Arianna’s favorite spa. So at least that was good news for once. Now, I had to figure out what to do with Alpha Gregory.Ever since yesterday, I knew she was going to do something to sabotage Mila, but I didn’t think it would include an early morning hookup. After everything I’ve sacrificed for her to be in this position and this was how she repaid me. I’m such a fucking idiot! I clenched my fists, and Spencer stirred restlessly. His anger surpassed mine, but I forced him to stay calm, my gaze locked on the door
MILAI tried wrapping my head around what was happening, but the only thing I knew for sure was someone was blowing up my phone. Something bad was happening. Then I blinked, and the scene before me hit me like a freight train.My power flooded the room like a tidal wave, Alex was pinned beneath me, his face red and desperate. My clawed hand gripped his throat with an intensity I couldn’t remember summoning.“Rayne, let him go.” I watched as Alex fought to breathe. “Now!”Rayne growled before pulling her hand away. Alex rolled to his side, coughing and clutching his neck as he struggled to breathe. I touched the side of my neck, the burning sensation slowly dissipated as I touched the puncture wounds gingerly. My trembling hand came back with blood on the fingertips.“Mila… I didn’t mean to,” Alex rasped, his voice rough but pleading. “I’m…”The words felt like an insult. A feeble excuse for what he just did. Without a word, I bolted towards the bathroom. My reflection, in the mirror, s
MILACamila was not lying about the line of people waiting to get their clothes. Some had already pushed past the receptionist area, arguing loudly with the store attendants, some glaring at the empty racks, while others had their phones out, no doubt taking pictures.I looked down at my phones at the numerous calls I made to Tyler and Gabe. Of course, now they didn’t pick up their phone.“There she is!” someone yelled as all eyes fell on me the moment I stepped out from the back room. A swarm of disgruntled customers rush toward me. Zeke and Tom immediately intercepted the mob.“Let’s keep it civil here, folks,” Zeke stated, raising his hands like a traffic cop. “No need to turn this into a Black Friday stampede.”“Or a mosh pit,” Tom muttered.“Civil?” A woman’s voice rose above the chaos. “I pre-ordered one of Emilia’s signature cocktail dresses weeks ago, and was told it will be here today.”Another customer waved her phone in the air. “Same here! I have an event tonight, and I’m
MILAI walked down the stairs at the orphanage, impressed by the progress of the construction team. This place was finally coming together, feeling like the sanctuary I remembered. All except for the garden on the roof. I made a mental note to hire a professional to breathe some life into it.“Well, hot damn,” Camila said the moment I walked into the living room. “You and red are made for each other.”Laura glanced up from her laptop, her eyebrows shooting up. “Whoa, Mila. That’s… different. In a good way,” she quickly added, as if I’d take it the wrong way.I smoothed the fabric of my gown, glancing down at the deep crimson silk. The dress hugged my curves, the high slit exposing just enough leg to make me feel… powerful, daring anyone to challenge me. “Well, I wanted to be sure to wear something in case it gets bloody tonight,” I smiled. “You don’t think I’ll stand out too much, do you?”Camila snorted. “Girl, you’ll be the talk of the night. Not because of blood–hopefully–but beca
MILAOne thing I could say about the rich: they knew how to throw a party. If this was a typical night, I might have been content sipping champagne, nibbling on canapes, and pretending not to eavesdrop on the secretive whispers of the elites.But tonight wasn’t about enjoying myself. At least not in the normal way. I had too much to do and people to fuck with. The moment I saw Arianna and her entourage, I pushed the button in my purse and just waited.And waited.I started to excuse myself, but Tyler had other plans. He practically dragged me around the party introducing me to people in the industry, his charm on full display. Every conversation turned into some wild story about him that, without fail, ended with him in his boxers–or less.“I can’t help that fact that I have a natural affinity for being naked,” he laughed, drawing a few chuckles from the crowd. Then he leaned in close, his voice dropping to a whisper. “Want me to prove it?”I narrowed my eyes at him, fighting the smil
MILA“Alpha Tyler! I’ve been trying to get your attention all night.” Mirabella practically squeezed between us, making a point to size me up, which I didn’t mind. I had to keep Tyler at a distance for Rayne’s horny sake.“As you can see, I’m a bit preoccupied,” Tyler began. “So…”“Yeah, I can tell,” Mirabella interrupted, her voice carrying the kind of sweetness that could make my teeth ache. “Someone’s been monopolizing all your time.”She shot a glance in my direction.“It’s not monopolizing when they’re here willingly,” I said, matching her fake sweetness. “But I can understand why that concept might be… unfamiliar to you.”Mirabella faked a laugh before grabbing onto Tyler’s arm. “Ty, would you give me a moment please? Girl talk and all. Maybe a few drinks?”Tyler looked at me as if he wanted confirmation. I didn’t want to waste my time with her but whatever. She was on my shit list anyway. I gave him a subtle nod and we both watched him disappear into the crowd before Mirabella
MILAJulia watched me with a confident look on her face, but I could smell the fear coming off her skin. She tried to laugh it off. “What is this? Some kind of fantasy of yours? A little girl on girl action?” I moved to block the door when I saw her eyeing it. “Not quite,” I smiled. “But it will be.”Before Julia could say another word, I lunged for her, grabbing her head and bringing it down into my knee. She stumbled back, holding her nose and looking at me with a shocked expression.“What the fuck!”“That’s for Jenna.”Julia distanced herself from me as I slowly approached. Surprisingly, she stood her ground when she noticed I wasn’t going to let her escape.Good girl. Julia grabbed her broken nose, and popped it back in place, her hand trembling as she wiped the blood from her lip.“Jenna? How is little ol’ Jenna doing?” she asked with a bloody grin. “Heard she lost a piece of herself. Maybe I should send her a ‘Get Well’ card.”I stalked forward, the edge of my vision blurring
MILAWhat the hell was going on? “Tyler, are you serious?” I asked, standing up from my chair.“Well then, if I knew this would give you a rise I would’ve said this earlier.”I rounded the desk, hitting him on the shoulder. “I’m serious, Tyler. What…why?”Tyler ducked away from my assault. “Turns out my dear mom has her claws in a lot more than I realized.”I took a slow breath. “Explain. Now.”He tossed a small, leather-bound notebook onto my desk. “Found it in my dad’s things. Before my mother’s little henchmen ransacked it. Notes, receipts, and transfers. He was funding something.”I flipped the notebook open and scanned the scribbles. Chemical formulas. Shipment records. Personal names and codes.“My mother’s company,” he said quietly. “She ran a private testing site in Alpha Frank’s territory. It was shut down quietly years ago after several test subjects reported… losing their wolves. Not just muted bonds. Total severance from the Goddess. Like the soul inside them was gone.”“
MILAI burst into MoonCrest pack hospital, sniffing out Alex until I found him.“Stick me with whatever needles you have to,” I yelled the moment I walked into his office. “I need to find out if that monster is my dad or not?”“Um, Mila. I’m with a patient.”I froze, finally noticing the young man slumped over in the chair across from Alex. I stopped myself from making a face at his appearance. He looked pale, lips tinged blue, and sweat clung to his brow. His eyes were the worst–sullen and dull. I smelled his wolf but it was faint and nearly silent.“Oh,” I muttered, stepping back. “Sorry.”Alex stood, placing a firm hand on the man’s shoulder. “It’s okay. Kevin, I’ll be back in a few minutes. Try to breathe through it. The serum needs time to work.”Kevin didn’t answer. His eyes were vacant like whatever did this sucked the life from them. Alex led me into the hallway and into another room that was empty.“Mila,” he said, “you really know how to make an entrance.”“Can you blame me
ARII still heard the muffled chaos outside the bathroom door, but it was nothing compared to my heartbeat thudding wildly against my ribs.I gripped the sink, trying to steady my breathing. In. Out. Calm. Stay calm.But I couldn’t.My father had looked at me like I was the enemy. Like I betrayed him. Me, the only one who actually stood by him. He thought I set him up.And knowing him… he wouldn’t hesitate to eliminate a loose end. He’d done it before. He’ll do it again.“I didn’t do this,” I whispered to my reflection. “I didn’t. I didn’t.”But my reflection didn’t argue. It just stared. Wild-eyed. Mascara bleeding. Lipstick smudged at the corner like a smear of blood. That’s when it hit me.The video.That moment–his office, his voice, the clarity of it. There were no cameras in that room. So how the hell had they–I froze. My mind rewound. Frame by frame. Frank’s body. The warehouse. The perfect angle. The same angle. Places I had been. I was bugged. That was the only explanation,
MILAThe room stilled.“What is this?” Gregory barked, looking around the room. I noticed how he subtly narrowed his eyes at Emily.Good. I wanted him to think it was her. For now. Murmurs filled the room as everyone’s attention was glued to the screen. It flickered again. Then came the audio–his voice. Clear. Calm. Cold.And damning.“The boat needed to go. Collateral damage is part of the price when you want to clean house. And the girl? She’s just like her parents–too dangerous to be left alive.”Silence swallowed the room. Then chaos.“That doesn’t prove anything,” Gregory shouted. “That could be anybody.”But the screen answered him. It split into two windows: one showed Gregory pacing in a private study, the second displayed spreadsheets, maps, and message logs–each one marked with timestamps and code names.The proof was overwhelming.Someone screamed. A councilman stood. Arianna’s mouth dropped open. Emily turned toward Gregory, the smile never leaving her face, even as she wi
MILAFrances and his assistant poured over the portfolio like it was a rare manuscript. I shifted in my seat, resisting the urge to glance at my watch again. There was too much riding on today–too much to still do.Frances finally looked up, his eyes twinkling behind those sleek, gold-framed glasses. “This is truly something special,” he said, tapping the edge of the page. “And the technology?”I straightened a bit, proud. “Smart fabric. Reactive threads that shift color based on light exposure and body temperature. The effect is subtle, elegant—like your vintage diamond collection. Sophisticated, but with presence.”Across the table, Emily’s jaw tensed. I caught the flicker of annoyance in her eyes and smiled, just a little.Frances chuckled. “Indeed, Mademoiselle. You’ve captured the season in a way that feels... alive.” He flipped another page, his gaze sharp but admiring. “I must admit, I’m surprised. After everything that’s happened lately, I expected something more... reserved.”
MILAThere was no gentle buildup this time. No teasing smile. No calculated flirtation. Gabe kissed me like he meant to ruin me–with a hunger that stole the air from my lungs. One hand tangled in my hair, tugging just enough to make my body jolt with need. I gasped, but he swallowed the sound, deepening the kiss, his tongue sliding against mine in a battle I was already losing.He lifted me effortlessly from the chair, setting me down on the desk as if he’d been waiting to do it since the moment he walked in. His body pressed against mine, all muscle and heat and quiet dominance.“See?” he murmured against my lips, voice dark and full of promise. “You like it when I take control. Don’t you?”And damn him–I did. My body answered before my mouth ever could, arching into him, fingers clawing at his shirt to pull him closer.“Answer me, Mila.”“I… do,” I breathed, the words escaping like a confession.Those words cracked something open in him. He kissed me again–deeper, rougher–his hands
MILATyler was, somehow, unexpectedly my hero.Not only did he make sure the publication printed the correct draft of the Aliz magazine–the one with my real Summer collection and not the tragic sabotage Lena tried to pass off–but he also made sure Lena got demoted. Now she was stuck shooting staged waterfalls and hotel breakfast buffets for the travel catalogue division. Honestly? Served her right for trying to cross me.Apparently, I had Amira to thank for that little coup.I still didn’t know how I felt about her. The woman switched sides like it was Fashion Week and loyalty was just another trend. But one thing I did know? She was in love with Tyler. Hopelessly, painfully in love. That might’ve made her dangerous–but it also gave me leverage. And I wasn’t above playing that card if I had to.“So… you think this will work?” Camila’s voice broke through my thoughts and I remembered what I was doing… or trying to do.“I don’t know,” I sighed, moving all the mockups for my fall collect
ARIThe diamond necklace with the crystal pendant glinted in the mirror, catching the light like it still mattered. Like it still meant something. Gabe had given it to me for a birthday present. Placed it around my neck himself. Told me I looked like someone no one would dare cross. It had to mean something, right? A gift that rare didn’t come without weight.So I wore it today–not for sentiment, but strategy.Let him see it. Let him remember. Let him regret.But he didn’t. He barely blinked. No hesitation, no flicker of guilt. Just another command over the phone and a condescending smirk on his lips.“Nothing a blow dryer can’t fix,” Gabe said, like I was already a mistake he was eager to forget.I could’ve slapped him. I should’ve. But I wouldn’t give him that satisfaction. It would’ve meant I still cared.I’d lose a hundred battles before I let him see me lose the war.When I stormed into my father’s office, he didn’t even glance up from his damned ritual–always washing his hands
GABEI barely heard the door open behind me before Arianna’s scent hit the air–a soft, artificial sweetness that never sat right. I didn’t turn around. I was on the phone, my voice quiet.“Just put on a suit. I need you to go over there and fix this. She doesn’t need to deal with this right now. So please handle it.”Arianna moved closer as I flushed the urinal and moved to the sink to wash my hands.“You know the symbols on the outside of the door are there for a reason,” I said, not glancing at her.“Were you talking about Mila just now?” she asked, arms crossing as she leaned against the door. I ignored her and walked towards the office. It's been a busy couple of days with the move back to the Mora company. “You’re really moving on that fast, huh?” Arianna asked, following me. “The ink on the divorce papers is still wet.”“Nothing a blow dryer can’t fix,” I smiled, hoping to get rid of her, but the look on her face told me otherwise. “Arianna, don’t start.”Her lip curled. “Disg