Highvalley Pack's Village unfolds before me. The cobblestone pathways wind through meticulously manicured gardens, vibrant blooms bursting forth in a riot of color. In the heart of the village stands Hugh's parents' mansion, a testament to wealth and refinement that surpasses even the grandeur of the Ashfell Pack's leaders’ mansion. Its sleek facade rises majestically, adorned with gleaming glass panels that catch the sunlight in a dazzling display. Unlike the traditional charm of Yvanna’s parents’ ancestral home, this mansion exudes an air of modernity, its architecture are clean lines and cutting-edge design. The scenery is more breathtaking than how I imagined it to be from the novel’s description of it. But, as much as I'd like to keep appreciating the scenery, I can’t. My heart clenches as I watch Yvanna's possessive gestures towards Hugh, my jealousy, though controlled, is burning. From the moment we stepped into the penthouse's elevator, Yvanna had draped herself over Hugh.

ANASTASIA’S POV: In search of respite, I find my way to the mansion's backyard garden. Sunlight filters through the leaves, casting a warm glow on the winding pathways. The fragrance of blooming flowers surrounds me, a welcome distraction from the heavy atmosphere inside. I stroll along the manicured lawn, while the sultry air caresses my face, hoping it’ll wash away the weight that rests on my shoulders. As my mind drifts back to the revelation and discussion at the dining area, I fail to notice an approaching figure until its voice interrupts my reverie. "S’cuse me?"Startled, I turn to face the man who has materialized beside me. The sunlight highlights his features. He shares the same body frame as Hugh, and has black curly hair with neatly shaved sides."I'm Dwight," he says, extending a hand in greeting, making his bicep flex underneath his fitted shirt. "It’s my first time seeing you. Did you come here with Alpha Hugh?”“I did.”I shake his hand, the touch sending something

With cameras relentlessly flashing and reporters eagerly scribbling notes, I remain on the platform with a calm facade, though my heart is pounding with nerves. As I speak about the details of my fake pregnancy, my mind is elsewhere, anxiously checking my phone under the tablecloth. I need Christy to arrive with the orphan soon. Though the weight of my deception continues to press heavily on me, it's too late to falter now. -Is he here yet?- I hastily type, my fingers trembling slightly. I hit send and hold my breath, hoping for a positive response. Just as I finish my speech, a sense of relief thrills through me as Christy appears at the garden's entrance, cradling the precious two-year-old orphan in her arms. My eyes glisten with unshed tears as I watch Christy approach. With a practiced smile, I wipe away a non-existent tear and beckons Christy forward, subtly gesturing for her to make the child visible in the prying eyes of the media. As Christy reaches the platform, I take a

I step into the open-concept living space of Dwight’s condo unit. Floor-to-ceiling windows flood the room with natural light, offering panoramic views of the city skyline below. Plush, charcoal-colored sofas sit before a massive flat-screen TV mounted on the wall, beckoning me to sink into their depths. A sleek, granite-topped kitchen island gleams in the corner, adorned with stainless steel appliances. "Dwight, this is such a nice and comfortable place," I murmur, turning to him with a smile. "Glad you think so." Dwight pauses as if considering something. Until finally, he speaks again, “Anyways, would you like something to eat?" My stomach rumbles at the mention of food, reminding me that I haven't eaten since last night after watching Yvanna’s press conference on Hugh’s TV. "Yes, that would be lovely." "Great! I’ll buy some snacks, while you make yourself comfortable. Treat everything here like it's your own," Dwight says with a wink before disappearing out the door. Now alon

DWIGHT’S POV: I gaze at Anastasia who looks surprised and confused. The taste of her lips is still lingering in mine, still making my muscles tingle. But the part of our kiss that shouldn’t be ignored is the electrifying sensation that coursed through me, which means one thing - she’s my mate! My thoughts drift back to the heated confrontation I had with Hugh earlier. The words reverberate in my mind like a haunting refrain, ‘Don't you dare touch my mate! It’s a warning laden with possessiveness and a primal instinct to protect what is his. However, Anastasia is not just Hugh's mate; she’s mine too, in ways I’m only beginning to understand. This is the one thing I won’t let Hugh take from me.Despite the risk, I lean forward, my heart thrumming with anticipation. I reach out to touch Anastasia, to bridge the distance between us once more. But before my fingertips could brush against her smooth skin, Anastasia leans back, her movements graceful yet deliberate. Her beautiful hazel ey