Their eyes remained locked in an unbreakable gaze, and Adrien's question hung in the air, its weight pressing upon them. Lisa's lips parted, and without fully comprehending the consequences, a single word slipped past her trembling lips: "Yes."A flicker of surprise and delight danced across Adrien's features, and a small, genuine smile curved his lips. In that fleeting moment, he captured her mouth with his own, igniting a spark that set their souls ablaze.The hunger with which he kissed her mirrored the longing that had been building between them, and their connection intensified with every stolen breath.Their lips moved in perfect synchronization, a dance of passion and tenderness. Adrien's arms enveloped Lisa, pulling her closer as if he couldn't bear to let her slip away. Their bodies pressed against each other, a fusion of warmth and desire that sent waves of electricity through their veins.Lisa's heart thundered against her chest, the rhythm of her pulse echoing the crescend

Hera's eyelids fluttered shut, granting her momentary respite from the tumultuous journey that had brought her to this secluded riverside retreat. Her body surrendered to the ground beneath her, the bare earth cool against her back, while her legs dangled languidly in the refreshing embrace of the water. A serene calm washed over her, its gentle touch whispering relief through her weary bones.“Ah!” She sighed in relief.“I just want to remain here for the time being. I hope Lisa is cured as soon as possible and the matter just dies down.” She continued.She surrendered herself to the tranquility of the moment and her mind remained restless, a flurry of thoughts and contemplations swirling in the depths of her consciousness. Soliloquys of doubt and hope danced through her mind, their voices vying for attention amidst the symphony of nature that enveloped her.Yet, amid the comforting serenity and the soothing murmur of the flowing river, a disquieting notion pierced through the veil o

Leaving the throne room behind, Adrien's strides were purposeful and filled with an underlying frustration. His mind raced with worry and regret, his thoughts consumed by the absence of Hera. The weight of his anger settled heavily upon his shoulders, manifesting in the firm set of his jaw and the intensity in his piercing gaze.He slowly approached the guards stationed at the entrance, their eyes widened at the sight of their alpha's troubled countenance. Adrien's voice, laced with an undeniable edge, cut through the air like a sharpened blade."Has any of you seen Hera in the past two days?" His tone brooked no room for ambiguity, demanding immediate answers.The guards exchanged uneasy glances, their expressions mirroring their alpha's growing frustration. One of them stepped forward, his voice hesitant yet respectful."No, Sir. We haven't seen Hera recently. But she hasn't passed through these gates either."A tinge of anger flared within Adrien, directed not at the guards but at

Adrien stormed back to the pack house, his frustration simmering beneath the surface. The weight of his failure hung heavy on his shoulders, gnawing at his conscience. He retreated into his study, the door closing behind him with an audible thud, shutting out the world and its incessant reminders of his helplessness.For two days, he immersed himself in his thoughts, pouring over maps and strategizing every possible scenario in his quest to find Hera. The isolation of the study mirrored the isolation he felt within his own heart. He shut himself off from the outside world, unwilling to face the sympathetic gazes of his pack members, their whispers of concern trailing in his wake.In the depths of his study, surrounded by books and memories, Adrien became lost in his own internal battle. Doubt gnawed at him, questioning his abilities as an alpha, as a protector. He berated himself for his inability to find Hera, for letting her slip through his fingers. Anger swirled within him, direct

“Listen here you optimistic piece of shit. How about we make an agreement that benefits the both of us?” James proposed.The alpha's words struck Hera with a mixture of dread and cautious curiosity. She cautiously listened as he elaborated on his proposal, a glimmer of hope flickering within her. Perhaps there was a chance for her to find a way out of this nightmare."You see, Hera," he began, his voice laced with a deceptive gentleness, "I can offer you an opportunity to escape the confines of this desolate room. A chance to have a purpose, to serve a greater cause."Hera's eyebrows furrowed as she processed his words. Could it be possible that he was offering her a way to regain some semblance of freedom? Her gaze met his, her eyes searching for any signs of deception."What do you mean?" she inquired cautiously, her voice tinged with skepticism.A smile danced on the Alpha's lips, revealing a hint of triumph. "I want you to be my personal maid," he declared, his eyes glinting with