I know I started their relationship in a sweet manner, but I am excited to see what Arianna has in store for Gabe and her father.
MILAI remembered trying to count the number of stars in the sky, listening to the water hitting the side of the boat as it swayed in the dock, and the people gathering on the dock to see the fireworks. The night felt perfect. My mom’s laughter rang out, and I turned to see my parents in a loving embrace. At that moment, I was truly happy. I sat up, quickly taking a picture of the moment.Then, the first few fireworks started, their vibrant colors illuminating the sky. The distinct smell of the water mingled with the smoky aroma of the fireworks in the air. But then, the unthinkable happened. There was an explosion, and chaos erupted. I heard my mom scream, my dad shouting for me, and then another explosion. The boat rocked and I was thrown into the cold, dark waters. I could swim, I remember trying, but something was pulling me down. I thrashed and panicked, swallowing way too much water. I was sinking, the lights from the fireworks growing dimmer. I thought I was going to die when I
GABEThe conference room seemed to be the only place for solace nowadays. I sat at the head of a long mahogany table, my laptop opened, and documents and photos spread around me in neat piles. Despite my intervention, my dad’s company was barely staying afloat. I sighed and leaned against the table. This job was as demanding as being an Alpha. Now I see why my dad was barely at home, and it sucked that I felt like I was doing the same to Noah. As I continued to review the documents, I heard the door creak open. I expected it to be my assistant, but instead I was greeted by a heavenly scent.“There you are,” Arianna said, standing in the doorway, holding our little Noah by the hand. The sight of them instantly brightened my mood. “We’ve been looking all over for you.”“Well, this is a nice surprise,” I said, walking over to them.Noah ran the rest of the way to me, jumping into my arms. “Hi, Daddy! Mommy said we needed to come and save you from the office monster,” he said, wrapping hi
TYLERI never expect to find myself in these situations as easily as this. It’s not like I ask or say anything to women nowadays. They just want to fuck me. Honestly, it’s me who’s being used like a toy. After my brother basically begged my dad to make me CEO, my dad finally settled on making me Co-CEO, which felt like a punishment. Whatever. The next opportunity was going to make things better for me. It was a busy day at the office as everyone was getting ready for the first fashion show of the season. I was engrossed in the new line, going over every detail, trying to figure out the best way to get my position back fully. The weight of my recent mistakes hung over me like a dark cloud, but I was determined to claw my way back.A soft knock at the door pulled me from my thoughts. “Come in,” I called out, not bothering to look up from my desk. The door creaked open, and I heard the sound of footsteps approaching. “Good evening, Alpha Tyler,” a woman said, her voice sweet and innocen
ARII felt a surge of excitement as I stepped out of the sleek black car with Gabe following closely behind. The velvet-roped pathway illuminated by soft, ambient lighting led to the entrance of the exclusive, private fashion show, adorned with subtle, elegant signage. We made our way through as the slew of paparazzi bunched up behind the guarded velvet ropes threw questions at us. Notably, did we know who the designer was? Why were we picked to get an invitation?I didn’t know the answers to either of these but it made the evening even more special. We moved inside where the security checked the special invitations with precision, their demeanor professional yet courteous. Gabe handed over two intricately designed invitations, embossed with gold leaf detailing, and received a warm nod of approval.The pathway leading to the reception area was lined with luminescent strips that changed colors as we walked by, creating a vibrant, ever-shifting mosaic of light. The reception area was a s
MILATheir faces were delicious. I could almost jump on their table and punch each of them in the face, but alas, this was my very first debut. There’d be time for drama at a later time. The after-party buzzed with excitement. The lights, music, and the hum of conversation created an intoxicating atmosphere. My manager, Camila, outdone herself with this debut. The room was filled with journalists, fashion editors, buyers, and influencers, all eager to interview me. Everyone wanted to know the same thing. Why were you hiding? Why did you come out? Are you really the designer? Where did the tech idea come from?“Darling, this experience was out of this world,” a famous editor gushed, her eyes wide admiration.“You just gave us a glimpse into the future of haute couture,” a buyer continued, his voice full with excitement. “I would love for my store to host your line.”I barely had to speak, with Camila answering the bulk of the questions. I was glad she was here. It took two weeks to con
TYLERMila fucking Davis. There she was commanding the attention of a small group of buyers and fashion editors. I couldn’t deny that her presence was magnetic, her confidence undeniable as she talked with them. I couldn’t believe this was the same girl, who would try to use her hair to hide herself in class.Now, she was on full display. Her hair was an artful halo of tightly coiled curls, voluminous and free, framing her face like a regal lioness’s mane. Her deep brown eyes were framed by thick, dark lashes that made them look larger and more expressive. And when she smiled, it was with her whole face–her eyes crinkled at the corners, and her full, perfectly shaped lips parted to reveal perfectly white teeth.What are you doing? I scolded myself. Why was I fonding over someone like her? I’ve had hotter girls before. Though, none of them made me feel the way she did back in the cave. A feeling I could never forget, even if I tried. Now, I was staring at her like a stalker. The fitted
MILA“Gabe.”My heart raced as he looked at me and I saw the semblance of the boy I once loved. He looked just as he always did–confident, handsome, and utterly oblivious to the turmoil he’d left in his wake. I steeled myself, forcing a calm expression as he turned to Tyler.“We’re having a conversation here, Gruggs,” Tyler said, stepping in between us. I rolled my eyes at his antics. Grew up my ass. I thought as I walked around him.“Actually, we were finished, Alpha Tyler,” I said, hoping he could hear the finality in my voice. “If you have any other queries you can direct them to my manager, Camila.”“But…”“Gabe, may we have a moment?” I asked before turning to Tyler. “Alone.”Tyler looked shocked before recovering and clearing his throat. “Maybe you could point the way to your manager.”I pointed to a crowded area where Camila was surrounded by editors, reporters, and other admirers. Tyler looked between us again before turning on his heels. I waited a few minutes before turning t
I didn’t waste time, leaving the party with Jenna as Camila stayed back and answered questions about my sudden disappearance. The run there felt like a blur, my thoughts racing as fast as Rayne ran. My hands trembled as I placed my dad’s ring into the keyhole. A series of mechanical clicks followed, and the sound of metal shifting made me step back. The slabs moved, revealing a hidden house. I turned to see that Jenna had finally caught up, and Alex tagged along.“What in the Transformers is this?” Alex muttered, wide-eyed.“I don’t know, but that was cool,” I replied.Drawn to the front door, I cautiously grabbed the handle, half-expecting some kind of booby trap. What the heck was in the house? Why were my parents’ rings the key? Who wrote on my mom’s grave? The handle felt cool in my hand, and as it glowed softly, the door swung open on its own. Stepping into the dark interior, the house seemed to come alive. Lights flickered on, illuminating a spacious living area. The open floor p
GABEI stepped out into the quiet, keeping my eyes open for any activity. It was the last location on Brian’s list and farther away than the others–off the grid, no signal, no real road. Just trees and a trail barely wide enough for a single vehicle.Then came the rustle. A branch snapping. I stilled.A man stepped out from behind the cabin. Broad shoulders, silver streaking his beard, eyes like a wolf who’d seen too much and trusted too little.Frederick.I didn’t move.“You shouldn’t be here,” Frederick said, voice low and clipped.“I didn’t come to fight.”“Yet, you brought company.” Frederick nodded slightly. “I have friends too.”The shadows emerged from the woods–five, six, maybe more. Rogues. Brian and two of my warriors were pushed into the opening as they surrounded us. I raised my hands slowly.“It’s not what it looks like,” I said as calmly as possible. “I just want to talk.”“We have nothing to say to Gregory’s successor,” one of the rogues said, stepping towards me. One o
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