94Lilian Once I was in my car, I pulled out my phone and quickly searched for the best private detective agency in town. After a few rings, a calm, professional voice answered.“Good afternoon, Zenith Investigations. How can we assist you today?”“Hi, this is Dr. Lilian Grey,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady. “I need to hire a private detective to investigate someone. It’s urgent.”“Certainly, Dr. Grey,” the receptionist replied smoothly. “May I ask for some details? Who is the subject of the investigation, and what exactly are you looking for?”I hesitated, the weight of the situation pressing down on me. “Her name is Grace Walters. I suspect she might be involved in something... illegal. I need someone to dig into her background, her recent activities, everything.”“Understood,” the receptionist said. “We’ll assign one of our best detectives to your case. When would you be available for a meeting to discuss this further?”“Right now,” I said, not wanting to waste any more t
95Lilian As I pulled into my driveway, I was surprised to see Damien’s car parked outside. It took me a moment to remember that today was Wednesday, his usual day to come home early. I entered the house and found Damien in the living room, lounging on the sofa with a book. He looked up as I walked in, his eyes narrowing slightly with concern. “Hey, Lilian,” he said, setting the book aside. “You’re home early. Everything alright?”I hesitated, trying to concoct a believable excuse. “Oh, um, I wasn’t feeling well, so I decided to come back early,” I said, forcing a weak smile.Damien’s expression softened, but there was a note of reproach in his voice. “I told you not to push yourself too hard. You should really take it easy. If you’re not feeling well, it’s better to rest up for a few days.”“I’m fine,” I insisted, though I knew it was a lie. “I didn’t think it was that serious.”“No, Lilian,” Damien said firmly, rising from the sofa and walking over to me. “You need to stay home a
96Lilian A few days later, I sat on the sofa, half-watching a TV show that I wasn’t really invested in. My mind kept drifting back to Lisa’s situation and the overwhelming feeling of helplessness that had gripped me since my conversation with Rebecca. The tension in the house was palpable, but I was trying to distract myself, anything to escape the weight of reality for a little while.Suddenly, I heard a loud knock at the door, followed by the unmistakable sound of someone letting themselves in. Before I could even process what was happening, Grace came barreling into the living room like a whirlwind."Lilian!" she shouted, her voice brimming with excitement as she practically leapt at me. I barely had time to react before she was hugging me tightly, her energy infectious. “Grace, what—?” I started, trying to get a word in as she pulled back and thrust her hand in front of my face. I blinked, trying to focus on what she was showing me.Her eyes were practically glowing with joy as
97Lilian I stood there, frozen for a moment after Grace left, her excitement lingering in the air while I was trapped in a whirlpool of my own thoughts. Damien hadn’t said a word since she left, but I could feel the storm brewing inside him. His shoulders were tense, and he kept running a hand through his hair, something he only did when he was stressed beyond measure.I cleared my throat, trying to ease the tension in the room. "Damien, what’s going on?" I asked softly, stepping closer to him. "You’re clearly not fine."He stopped pacing, his eyes meeting mine, and I could see the frustration brewing behind them. "Lilian, we need to talk," he said, his voice low but sharp. My stomach clenched. I wasn’t sure I wanted to hear what was coming next."What’s wrong?" I pressed, hoping to keep the conversation calm.He took a deep breath, rubbing his temples like he was trying to gather the right words. "It’s about the money."I blinked, confused. "The money? What about it?""You’ve been
98Lilian My heart sank at his words, but I forced myself to stay calm, though every part of me wanted to lash out. “Why?” I asked, my voice almost breaking. “Why would you do that, Lucas?”He gave me a look of exaggerated disbelief. “What? A guy like me can’t settle down?”“You and I both know this isn’t about settling down,” I said bitterly, trying to keep the anger from spilling over. “You’re playing a game, as always.”Lucas shrugged, completely unbothered by my accusation. “Maybe I am, maybe I’m not. What does it matter? Grace is head over heels for me, and I thought, why not? Might as well have a little fun.”“Fun?” I repeated, my voice rising despite my best efforts to keep it steady. “You’re talking about someone’s life, Lucas! Grace actually believes this is real!”“And whose fault is that?” he shot back, his smirk fading just slightly. “She chose to believe what she wanted. I never promised her a fairy tale.”“You proposed to her!” I spat, unable to contain my frustration a
Chapter 1: Rejection . "I choose Cassandra Lancaster as my Luna," Lucas stated firmly, his eyes never leaving hers.My heart stopped, and I could feel the tears pooling in my eyes. "Lucas...please," I whispered, hoping against hope that he would change his mind.We have been best friends since we were children. Despite me having had a crush on Lucas for years.But he didn't change his mind, and my world came crashing down around me. "I'm sorry, but my decision is final," he said, turning away from me.I stumbled back, the pain too much to bear. "But...we had something..." I choked out, my voice barely audible.The day before , we had a one night stand, after he became the alpha of the pack ,he took my virginity , and I thought that meant something to him.Lucas looked at me, his eyes softening just a fraction. "It was a mistake, a momentary lapse of judgment. I never meant for it to get this far," he said, his tone gentle but firm.I felt like I was suffocating. "So, that's it? You'r
Chapter 2: Unexpected reunion.Lilian POV:I was shocked to see him and couldn't believe my eyes.I stared at the man in front of me, my heart racing as memories of our past flooded back. Lucas Storm – the man who had shattered my heart all those years ago."What do you want, Lucas?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady. I was feeling overwhelmed."Lilian," he breathed out, his green eyes filled with regret. "I wouldn't be here if it wasn't urgent. My father's sick, and I need your help."I shook my head, my hands trembling slightly. "I can't come back to the pack. I have a life here, Lucas.""I know that, Lil," he said, leaning closer. "But please, I wouldn't ask if it wasn't important. We need you."I hesitated, my mind racing. I had left the pack behind years ago, after Lucas had chosen Cassandra Lancaster as his Luna. It had been a painful decision, but I knew I couldn't stay and watch him fall in love with someone else. I had fled to the human world, determined to start a new
Chapter 3Lilian POV: I tore it open, unfolding the letter with trembling hands."Dear Lilian,I hope this letter finds you well. I apologize for my abrupt departure earlier. It was not my intention to upset you further.I realize that seeing me must have brought up painful memories and emotions. I want you to know that I never meant to hurt you all those years ago. I was young, foolish, and blinded by my responsibilities as an alpha.But now, my father's health is deteriorating, and we are in desperate need of a doctor. Lilian, you are the only one I trust to help him. Our pack doctor does not have the expertise needed to treat his condition.I understand if you are still angry and do not wish to come back. I know I have no right to ask anything of you after what I did. But I am begging you, Lilian, please find it in your heart to help us. I am willing to do anything to make amends and make things right between us, for the sake of my father. He has always cared for you like a daught