*CHARLOTTE’S POV* Ring, ring, ring! “Hello.” I sat behind my office desk at Fabhion's and answered the phone. “Ms. Timberwood, the boss requests your presence at the mansion.” I identified the voice belonging to Hugo, Andrés’ right-hand man and underboss. Today was not one of the days that he would want to see me. Perplexed, several questions formed in my mind, but I was not allowed to question him. Hugo would not give me answers even if he knew them. “Okay,” was my response. “Be there by 6 pm,” he commanded. “Sure.” The call went dead. A half smile formed on my crimson-painted lips. Seeing my man today would be a joyous occasion, especially after the awful visit from that dipshit retard, Heron. Heron, the moron. I giggled, finding it comical. I felt sick to my stomach seeing that half-man again. The fucking idiot. I laughed at the way that I played him. It’s good when a woman can use her body to get what she wants. Because today I was ten million dollars richer! With all th

-TRIGGER WARNING: This chapter covers rape and assault- * *MIKAYLA’S POV* Fluttering eyes slowly open to an unknown surrounding. Everything was blurry at first, before my focus became defined. My senses gradually returned to me. Darkness surrounds me and there is not much light in the room. Ouch! My head hurts and my neck feels sore. There was constant traffic around the dwelling. A continuous rumble of cars perhaps. No, that’s not it. It was the sound of water; but suddenly bells chimed and horns blared seemingly from ships and bridges. A foghorn could be making that noise. Am I near a harbor or a lighthouse? I winched as I tried to move my body but found myself chaffing from the bounds that held me hostage to a bed. Weakness pinned me down on the single spring mattress and something was definitely in my system. The bed seems fairly new without a spread on the mattress. My ankles and wrists were spread apart, chained by silver cuffs at each bedpost, though I'm still in my champa

*HERON’S POV* What was not clear about staying at the cottage at all times? Mikayla was not known to be a rule breaker or rebellious, so why isn’t she home? Friends aren't a luxury that she had. Suspiciously, June was the most pronounced factor in Mikayla's absence. I’m in my office because nowhere else in the house makes me feel content. My right elbow rests on the desktop while my fingers are on my temple. My brain is working overtime and I’m getting frustrated. If only she would respond through the damn mind-link. “Mikayla?” I tried again and breathed out a heavy distressful sigh. Arriving home at 12:15 pm and not finding her had my wolf agitated. He had grown so attached to Mikayla because her presence had given us both comfort while Charlotte was ripping our hearts apart. An hour had passed but it felt like days. My patience was wearing thin. “Heron?” Mom’s voice broke into my thoughts. “Mother,” I replied, lifting my head to focus on her voice. “Mikayla contacted Nikki. Sh

-MIKAYLA'S POV* The sun blinded me for a few seconds. To fight its warm grappling morning rays, I squeezed my eyes shut and shielded my sight by pulling the coral-colored faux suede comforter over my head. I yawned. My body was sore and the evidence of the pale pink blotches on my legs and arms reminded me of what transpired yesterday. Although Roy had sexually harassed me, the mental scars that formed would take longer to heal. Because I was not his to take. On top of that, there was no one to share my pain with. No one to help me with my burdens. I’m lonely and ill-fated. The silver had not left my system and pieces of my memories were missing. Like what happened to Roy after Axel found me. I guess that it’s better to block the traumatic experience and let it go if I can. I did not want to cry about it, so I lay there and prepared my mind to face the day. After a few minutes of wallowing in self-pity, I realized that I did not know the time. Throwing the comforter from my top hal

-HERON'S POV* The Elder council consisted of five of our seniors, including some great-grand folks, whose opinions and perspectives were highly valued and imperative to pack operations. As Alphas, we had the final word, but the council was capable of impacting our pack members because they were respected for their wisdom and girded with profound insight. “You were expected to return with your mate, Charlotte.” Dad sat around his desk and leaned back into his leather chair as he spoke, folding his arms. “You did the rejection and now you are mateless. The council is concerned about the future of this pack. Quite frankly, they think that we have no future.” Internally, I couldn’t care less but I saw this coming. The pressure to have a Luna was starting to mount. “How many times have I mentioned that Pandia would make a better Alpha?” I mumbled. “Humph,” Dad emitted in exasperation, “Pandia will never be Alpha since I do have a capable son who refuses to be filial.” “Father,” I s