Semua Bab Sleeping with the Alpha Who Despised Me: Bab 41 - Bab 50

I glanced at her again, trying not to be obvious about it. She’d been quiet since we stepped away from the crowd—her gaze drifting from one thing to another like she was searching for something in the shadows or maybe in herself.We walked side by side through the little garden behind the house. The night was calm, lit gently by the moon overhead. Flowers swayed slightly in the breeze, but River didn’t seem to notice the beauty around her. Or maybe she did—maybe that’s what she was clinging to.I wanted to ask what she was thinking. Not just to make conversation, but because… I cared. She wasn’t like anyone I’d ever met. Quiet, reserved, and guarded—but not in a cold way. It was like she’d been hurt and was still learning how to breathe again.I wanted to understand her. Maybe if she felt comfortable around me—just a little—it could lead to something more. Something real.“What’s on your mind?” I asked gently, keeping my voice low, not wanting to startle her.She didn’t answer. Her eye

River – POVThe library was massive.Not just big—massive. Bigger than the one at Crescent Moon, and that one had been the largest I’d ever seen until now. But this… this was something else entirely.The scent of old paper, wood polish, and something earthy—maybe the aged floors—wrapped around me the moment I stepped in. It was quiet, peaceful… like stepping into another world where time slowed down and all that mattered were the stories, the knowledge, the whispers tucked between pages.Towering shelves stretched all the way up to the high arched ceilings, some needing actual ladders to reach the top. Each shelf seemed to have its own soul, its own story. Labeled sections guided the way: History, Medicine, Art, Philosophy, Science… and then, like a beacon—Law.Jackpot.I wandered toward it, my steps slow, my fingers brushing the smooth spines of the books as I passed. So many titles I’d never even seen before, let alone heard of. My eyes scanned across them as if I were trying to abso

River–POVThe alarm didn’t just ring—it screamed. A shrill, merciless blare that could’ve easily doubled as a war siren. My eardrums definitely got the wake-up call.But hey, it worked.By six a.m., I was already out of the bathroom, wide awake and digging through my closet like a raccoon in a trash bin. Funny how I hadn’t thought to set out clothes the night before.Then my eyes landed on the dress folded neatly by my nightstand—the one Jay had given me—and I smiled.Or maybe I had thought ahead.I slipped it on, the soft fabric hugging my skin comfortably. It was simple but elegant, with short sleeves and a modest neckline. I tied my hair into a messy bun, shoved my jotter, pen, and phone into my arms, and gave myself a quick once-over in the mirror.Ready.A knock interrupted my self-assessment. Probably one of the maids sent to make sure I was up and not still buried in my blankets.I opened the door—and was met with a familiar face.“Oh, you’re already dressed?” Hailey blinked, su

Jay – POVThe office was unusually quiet for this time of night, the kind of stillness that presses against your skin and whispers that something important is about to happen. I stood outside the study door for a second, listening. Low voices rumbled from within—my father’s voice among them. I pushed the door open and stepped in.Five pairs of eyes turned toward me.“Jay,” my father said with a nod. “Good. Take a seat.”I nodded in return and closed the door behind me. The heavy oak clicked shut, sealing the rest of the house out. I walked over and dropped into the empty armchair beside Peter, who gave me a short smile. He was always unserious—joking around—but tonight, even he looked serious.Seated around the room were some of the strongest warriors in our pack: Marcus, our head tracker; Theo, who led our night patrols; Elias, my father’s right hand; and, of course, Alpha Heart himself—my father. Broad-shouldered, his silver-streaked hair cropped short, and his voice always calm but

Jay–POVI could already hear their laughter before I even reached the living room. Light, carefree… like nothing in the world was wrong.I turned the corner and found them—Hailey, River, and Charlotte—curled up on the couch with a bowl of popcorn between them, some rom-com playing on the TV.“Hey, ladies,” I greeted, forcing a smile that didn’t quite reach my eyes.“Hey, bro,” Hailey said, glancing over her shoulder at me. She gave a warm smile, always sweet, always effortless.Charlotte turned next, her voice a little too eager. “Hi, Jay.” She sat up straighter, subtly adjusting her top—no, scratch that—blatantly pushing her chest up like she thought I’d be impressed.Instead, she just looked like she was trying too hard. Her boobs looked like they were in a wrestling match with her bra. I bit down a laugh and looked away.“I’m going for a run,” I said casually, but my gaze had already found its way to River.She hadn’t looked at me once. Not since I stepped in. Her eyes were glued to