A little diamonds and deceptions going on here between Mila and Ari. I am enjoying creating the tension between the two. Now on to the crazy. Everyone has had that moment where they did something embarrassing in front of a crowd.
MILAEarlier that dayI sat across from Tyler in his office, my fingers absentmindedly tracing the edge of the Aliz Corporation contract. Tyler was mid-sentence about something–I had no idea what–but my mind was elsewhere. Specifically, on the encrypted message on Laura’s computer. When we cracked it open, there was a message: This wasn’t an accident. There was a photo attached of my parents on the boat. A photo that I had to have taken, but one I couldn’t remember capturing.It wasn’t my parents that had my attention, though. No, the red circle around the men on the dock, the ones placing something on the boat, kept flashing in my mind. They were responsible for the accident. Neither one looked familiar but one had a very distinctive scar across his face. The ones responsible for the accident. While Laura worked on trying to get the database to ID them, I was here. Stuck in a meeting with Tyler.“You know,” Tyler’s smooth voice broke through my thoughts, “I can already see that I’m lo
MILAAt the ceremonyAfter Amber's little outburst, I couldn’t help but trail her and Luna Franesca into the ladies’ room. Near the door, Luna Franesca’s voice cut through the silence like a knife. In the mirror, I could see Amber standing with her head down, while her mother’s biting words seemed to hit her like a physical blow. “Goddess, why can’t you be more like your sister?” Luna Franesca hissed through clenched teeth. “Arianna wouldn’t show up to an event and embarrass herself like this. She knows how to carry herself.And why are you not with Declan? I picked him out for you and you show up with a low-class fool!”“Leo is a friend, mother,” Amber said meekly. “He wanted to…”A slap across Amber’s face stopped her from talking. “I don’t care if he saved your life, Amber. He is a low-class leech and you deserve better.” Luna Francesca let go a breath, shaking her head. “You…. you’re a constant disappointment. Pull yourself together, Amber.”Amber’s shoulders slumped further, her b
ARII was able to laugh off that first moan but the others after it was almost involuntary. My mind raced as I tried to keep my composure. What the hell is wrong with me?! A subtle warmth crept through my body, starting in my chest and spreading like a wildfire. I wasn’t sure how many times I blinked, trying to shake off the sudden wave of heat. Then my pulse quickened, my palms grew clammy as the room seemed to grow warmer. Gabe appeared by my side with a glass of water, his concerned gaze locking onto mine. “Do you need to leave?” he asked, his voice laced with worry.“No, I’m fine,” I lied, my voice barely steady. He knew I was, but didn’t push it. It’s almost over anyway. Go away before people say something.”He squeezed my hand, and I offered him a weak smile, trying to focus on the runway. Just that simple touch from him made me cream my panties. This was insane. Come on, Ari. Just get through one more and then you can leave. I told myself, clinging my thighs together so hard th
ARIsexual scene aheadAs much as I wanted to go back and take control, I felt myself go slack in Gabe’s arms as we rushed into the first open room we could find. It was a little bathroom for women with babies. My clothes were on the floor the moment the door closed and I was on Gabe like white on rice.“I want you now,” I whispered in his ear, helping him out of his clothes. The urgency of my need was intoxicating, in an almost painful and scary way. I was so fucking wet, I could feel it flowing down my legs. I couldn’t get him to undress fast enough. Underneath, his cock was hard and ready, and I wrapped my hand around him, feeling his blood leap beneath my fingers.“Fuck, you’re burning up, Arianna,” he growled, his leaning back as I stroked him, getting pleasure from just his monas.He looked at me, his golden eyes staring down at me with an animalistic desire. I was glad his wolf was at the surface. Gabe was a great lover, but at times like this, I wanted it rough and hard, which
MILAThis went better than I expected. The sight of Ari struggling to keep her composure was both amusing and satisfying, considering the many times she tormented and embarrassed me. The plus was being able to showcase my collection and watching Mister Deveaux’s amused face. I was definitely going to get his collaboration. The only question now was who was going to back me? Frances Deveaux might have been impressed but I was still new to the scene and a powerhouse like Aliz or Mora would be perfect.During the show, my eyes met Amber who was smiling. She tipped her glass to me and I returned the motion. I mean give a girl an inch and she would take a mile, Amber performed perfectly and the reaction was more than I could ask for. Thank you, Amber. You might be a bit of a mess, but you’re a useful mess.By the time the final model made her way down the runway, the audience was on their feet, clapping and cheering louder than they had all night. I stepped forward, taking my bow, basking i
MILAPanic started to claw at the edge of my mind. I had to get out of here–now. Luna Emily’s voice pulled me back, her tone dripping with condescension.“Don’t let this petty jealousy you have over your brother cloud your judgment, dear.”“Alpha Tyler’s right.” I interjected quickly, trying to maintain some semblance of control. “I simply saved the show when Arianna–unfortunately–couldn’t continue. You should be thanking me, yet, here you are insulting me, Luna Emily. So, how about I do us both a favor and leave?”“No!” Tyler’s voice was firm, with a note of authority that I hadn’t expected.“Fine by me,” Luna Emily said at the same time.Tyler’s grip tightened around my waist just as another wave of heat rolled through me, this one more intense than the last. Pleasure, sharp and unwelcome, shot through my body, and I had to bite down on my lip to stifle a moan. Oh fuck! I looked in my purse for the suppressor pills and found nothing but my scent spray. Double fuck! I felt Rayne movi
MILA ***sex scene marked ahead >>> I barely registered the sound of Tyler’s frustrated growl as I sprinted away. I practically fell into the hallway, looking around for the exit but all I saw were windows and every door led to some stupid room. Apparently, it wasn’t fast enough. The moment I got into the hallway, Tyler had me pinned against the wall. Well that was fast. “Mila!” His canines were extended, eyes burning that bright golden color I was familiar with. His wolf was on the surface. Not good. I placed my hands against his chest to keep him from squishing me. “Declan,” I muttered. “Nice of you to join the show. Now let me go.” He growled again, sniffing the side of my neck, taking in my scent. “You smell… so sweet, Mila.” The way his guttural voice rumbled in his chest when he said my name did things between my legs that I didn’t want to think of. “Declan…” His eyes snapped to mine, his body grinding against me, pressing me flat against the wall. “As much as my bo
MILAI rested my forehead on Alex’s chest as he held me. My heart was still racing, though not just from the sprinting or the close call with Tyler or from being caught in the act. It was more about the evitable conversation that was about to ruin what could’ve been a perfectly fine moment of post-sex bliss.After we both cleaned up, Alex stepped closer, his usual concerned expression already settling into place. His green eyes were full of that familiar mix of worry and exasperation, the kind that made my chest tighten and my sarcasm spike in equal measure. I shot him a look, knowing exactly what was coming next.“I guess basking in the after-sex haze isn’t a thing for us anymore,” I muttered, my fingers combing through my hair. “The infamous ‘you’re too reckless’ speech is coming right on time.”Alex sighed dramatically, running a hand through his tousled dark hair. “Mila, I only worry about you because you give me so many reasons to worry.”I rolled my eyes, unable to resist a grin,
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