PROLOGUE: THE REJECTIONS

SofiaThe Moonveil Gala glittered like a fantasy spun from gold and lies.Every detail screamed perfection—the chandeliers that shimmered overhead like crystal constellations, the gowns that flowed like rivers of silk, the laughter that curled through the air like perfume. But none of it touched me.I stood in the center of it all, wrapped in crimson satin, my body still but my heart pounding behind the armor I wore too well.This night was supposed to be mine.My return. My victory. My moment.Instead, I watched Leo Devereaux stand at the top of the grand staircase, hand in hand with the woman who should never have been in my world, much less in his arms.Althea Moreau.She was still wearing department-store elegance like it was royal silk. Still looking up at him with that wide-eyed innocence that made me want to rip my champagne flute in two.Leo raised his glass.“To the woman who taught me what love truly is... who reminded me that strength isn’t in bloodlines, but compassion.” H

Last Updated : 2025-07-21

The Proposal That Broke Me

The chandelier above me glittered like a false sky, all glass and lies.Every inch of the Silverfang Ballroom screamed wealth and control—polished obsidian floors, golden moldings, and hundreds of guests in couture, laughter slipping through wine-stained lips. Nothing about it seemed ordinary. But I had no idea how extraordinary it really was.I clutched my champagne flute like it was armor. The chilled glass trembled in my hand.I hadn't planned on staying long. Just enough time for them to see I wasn't hiding. That I had returned—stronger, shinier, and with a heartbeat still intact.But that plan crumbled the second I saw him.Leo Devereaux.Standing tall on the center dais, dressed in a charcoal suit with his signature gold pin. His smile was disarming—warm, practiced, perfectly designed to win over any room.My pulse thudded.He stood beside her.Althea Moreau.Perfect. Poised. The woman they all whispered about. We shared similar beginnings, orphans folded into high society by di

Last Updated : 2025-07-21

A Toast to the Losers

The clinking of crystal glasses and soft chamber music faded as Theo and I stepped through the arched glass doors that led to the moonlit balcony. A breeze greeted us, cool and scented with garden roses and storm-soaked stone. I exhaled, tension melting from my shoulders for the first time all night.Theo handed me a fresh glass of champagne from the silver tray he'd snagged on our way out."To regrets," he said, raising his glass."To liars," I countered, tapping mine to his.We drank in sync, two strangers tied by the sting of betrayal."I've attended dozens of these galas," he said, setting his glass on the stone railing. "They all blur together—until now."I arched a brow. "Because of the proposal or because I nearly fled the scene like a reality show reject?""Both," he said, smirking. "But mostly because you didn't fake a smile. You stood there and let the whole room see the fire in your eyes.""And here I thought I looked pathetic.""You looked furious. That's better."I turned

Last Updated : 2025-07-21

The Pact

SofiaThe hallway outside the ballroom smelled of waxed floors and cold marble. The music and chatter dimmed as Theo and I stepped farther from the noise, our fingers still loosely entwined. We didn't speak at first, just strolled beneath the soft glow of antique sconces that lined the stone corridor.I didn't know why I was still holding his hand. I liked the way his presence steadied me. Or perhaps I wasn't ready to let go just yet."Did you see their faces?" I asked finally, breaking the silence.Theo smirked. "Althea looked like she bit into a lemon. Leo… well, he looked like he just realized the game wasn't his anymore."I smiled to myself. "Good."We stopped near a small alcove where an arched window framed the moon like a painting. The cool air outside slipped through the cracks, brushing against my skin."Are you sure about this?" I asked, finally facing him. "This pact. The show. All of it.""No," he replied without hesitation. "But that's what makes it fun."TheoShe didn't

Last Updated : 2025-07-21

A Dangerous Agreement

SofiaTheo opened the passenger door of a sleek black car parked at the valet curb. I stared at it for a second, hesitating. It felt surreal that hours ago, I'd walked into the gala on Leo's arm—convinced my future was with him. Now, I was climbing into the car of a man I barely knew, bound to him by a lie we hadn't even begun to understand."Don't overthink it," Theo said, sliding behind the wheel.I fastened my seatbelt, trying not to shiver as the soft leather warmed beneath me."I'm not overthinking," I lied.He glanced at me. "You chew your bottom lip when you overthink."I stopped biting instantly. "You've known me for what—three hours?""Long enough," he said with a grin.We drove in silence for a while. The city lights stretched like golden veins against the night sky, glittering across the rivers that wound through Moonveil like liquid silver. The hum of the engine and the softness of the seat made the entire moment feel like something out of a dream.Or a trap.Theo finally

Last Updated : 2025-07-21

Public Display of Rebellion

SofiaThe gates of Crescent Dominion Academy gleamed under the morning sun—wrought iron woven into traditional symbols of excellence, legacy, and wealth. To the human world, it was one of the top elite private academies in Moonveil, known for its rigorous academics, old-money students, and ivy-covered prestige.I had walked through these gates a hundred times before, but this time was different. This time, I wasn't walking in alone.Theo held my hand, fingers laced tightly with mine, as if he were daring anyone to challenge us. Maybe he was. We'd barely made it two steps into the quad before heads turned and whispers rippled like wind through dry leaves."Is that… Sofia? With Theo Laurent?""No way. He never dates.""They were all over each other at the gala last night. Did you see the photo?""She looks like she's glowing. What's going on?"I straightened my shoulders and forced a smile, the one I'd practiced in the mirror this morning. Confident. Slightly smug. Like I had absolutely

Last Updated : 2025-07-23

All Chapters of Her Ruthless Alpha: Chapter 1 - Chapter 6

PROLOGUE: THE REJECTIONS

The Proposal That Broke Me

A Toast to the Losers

The Pact

A Dangerous Agreement

Public Display of Rebellion