ADRIANAI hear it then, in the rough edge of Xander’s voice, in the way he makes me tremble even without lifting a finger toward me. I see the reason why he is so feared.He could pretend to be a gentleman all he wanted but he couldn’t shake the monster he was underneath. He can wear a designer suit and comb his hair back, every single strand bent to submission atop his head. But that doesn’t mean he has control over his basic urges.And last, his stride, always so confident and a tad bit too arrogant, had so much to do with that power. Not the one he showed the world, the one he hid carefully.It made me wonder how much more they would really fear him if they knew what he was capable of. What he was truly capable of.I hide the tremble in my hands, the feel of his monster, so close. The heat from him simmering under his host’s body and seeping into mine, like a slow poison.This is the first time I am meeting Xander’s wolf like this.I don’t recall anything about it. There is no fami

XANDERThe shock on Adriana’s face is everything.After she made her escape last night, or at least tried to. I let her leave even though it killed me because I wanted her with me. But after our conversation, it was obvious she wasn’t there for reconciliation or to even listen to me. The last thing on her mind was listening to me.So I let her leave, only to follow her after.When they couldn’t figure out which car she had gotten off from, I ordered my security to put a tracker on all the cars.To my surprise—not really—the other seven cars headed back to the hotel while one went the opposite way.I still had a man down at the hotel so I would know if she was there. But she wasn’t.Unable to sleep, I followed the woods that night. Lo and behold, a big ass house in the middle of nowhere.This has Dreaya written all over it.“I want nothing to do with you, I thought I made that clear last night.” She says, now glaring at me.Her green eyes would have softened the blow of her words if sh

XANDER“I’m finding your new interest in the outdoors highly suspicious.”Daciana speaks from behind me. I don’t turn to look at her, knowing she’ll make sure I see her soon enough.Without wasting another second, she eliminates the distance between us. Walking the rest of the way. Standing beside me on the terrace, looking over the rest of the estate.The night is dark with no moon and rarely any stars in sight. The front of the house is illuminated by the multiple security lights. Giving it a glow more beautiful than it should ever be.“You know, I still remember when this was being built.”“Renovated.” I corrected her.I don’t turn to look at her, but I know she rolled her eyes. I could feel it.“Renovate, build. Same difference.” She waves a dismissive hand. “All that matters is how far we’ve come from there to here.”“Feels like a day.” I muttered underneath my breath.It felt like it was just yesterday. But I could almost feel all the years in between. The distance. The wars. Th

XANDERDonovan has ignored every one of my calls.I’ve sent him more messages than I cared to count on one hand and he hasn’t replied to any of them. I know he is getting them and ignoring them, because that is just a Donovan thing to do.And I’m losing my shit over it.“Your dark cloud is back.”Daciana said to me one morning during our usual breakfast.She has her usual cup of espresso in front of her, which she hasn’t taken a sip of at all today, and her plate is also untouched. I wanted to ask what was bothering her but knew I wouldn’t get a real response in return, so I didn’t try. But it was eating me up inside.“You’re seeing things that are not there.” I muttered. “I feel perfectly fine.”She nodded, pursing her lips and looking deep in thought. After a minute or so, she nods, making an ‘aha’ sound and snapping her fingers.“Right.” She drawled, in a tone that tells me she isn’t buying my shit. “Is that why you have been sulking since your little visit to the woods?” She doesn

ADRIANAKian’s footsteps announce his presence even before he gets to where I am.I don’t turn when he sits beside me on the back porch steps. He doesn’t say anything either for a few minutes. Letting us bask in the calmness of the silence.I’d left the meeting mum was having about security and how we should tighten ours. Now that she is Xander’s will be actively searching for us. Well, me.In his usual style, he would see them and pick a fight.Sitting through all that. Having to hear about him in the place I considered my safe haven. I left so I wouldn’t snap.Not that sitting out here has helped me feel any better.I’m just glad I didn’t have to hear his name again. Or anything that has to do with him.I’m reminded of Kian’s presence when he drags a wicker chair from God knows where, and sets it right beside me.“This is better.” He motions to the chair. “More comfortable.”I sigh, offering him a tight lipped smile. I get off the hard steps and get on the chair.He doesn’t say anyt