บททั้งหมดของ D.R. Dares and the torn Valentine: บทที่ 11 - บทที่ 20

"Because I put it back together," he says simply. "Every piece. And I haven't stopped thinking about what that means, about what you mean to me."The silence between them pulses with potential, with danger, with hope. Dorothy stares at the repaired Valentine, her artist's eye noting the careful precision with which he's reassembled it. The effort speaks volumes, more than words could convey.Across the pack grounds, Ethan stands at his bedroom window, staring out toward Dorothy's studio. The lights still burn inside, golden squares against the darkness. His wolf paces restlessly, sensing something significant unfolding just beyond his reach. The protective instinct that has defined his relationship with his sister wars with the deep loyalty he feels toward his best friend."What are you up to, Magnus?" he murmurs, unaware that his father, passing in the hallway outside, hears the question and pauses, his Beta senses alert to the tension in his son's voice.In the studio, Dorothy rises

Magnus nods, unable to deny what all three of them now recognise. "I think so. It's not complete, but...""But it's there," Dorothy finishes, her voice barely above a whisper. She can feel it too, not as strongly as Magnus, whose coming-of-age is mere weeks away, but enough to recognise the pull between them as something beyond ordinary attraction.The studio falls silent as the implications settle over them. A mate bond forming before the ceremony is rare but not unheard of, especially when one wolf is approaching their coming-of-age. The Moon Goddess sometimes reveals her choices early when the connection is particularly strong or necessary."The Elders won't like this," Ethan says finally, his protective instincts now concerned with a different kind of threat. "They've been planning political alliances since before either of you was born."Outside, a cloud passes over the crescent moon, casting the pack grounds into deeper shadow. In his office, the Al

The simultaneous notification on their phones breaks the tense atmosphere in the studio. All three reach for their devices, momentarily distracted from the weight of their shared secret."Looks like someone's started a pack-wide search for D.R. Dares," Ethan says, scrolling through the messages with a furrowed brow.Dorothy bites her lip, her artistic fingers tightening around her phone. "This is actually perfect timing. The more distracted everyone is with hunting for this mysterious person, the less they'll notice what's happening between us."Magnus nods, his amber eyes scanning the article that's been shared throughout the pack. It's a simple announcement about the finalists in the National Young Artists Competition, with D.R. Dares listed among the select few chosen from thousands of applicants. The competition's prestige is evident in the language used to describe the finalists..."exceptional talents" and "visionaries of their generation.""Your wor

Victor turned, his amber eyes calculating. "Have them delivered directly to your residence. You're the Beta, no one questions your mail."Ethan Sr. nodded slowly, already working through the logistics. "Dorothy's studio is separate from the main packhouse. If we're careful...""She can work in peace without the whole pack breathing down her neck." Victor finished the thought. "This competition, how prestigious is it?""National level. Thousands of applicants, only a handful of finalists." Pride crept into the Beta's voice despite his efforts to remain neutral. "She's been working toward this for years. Submitting pieces under her initials, building a reputation outside pack politics.""Smart girl." Victor's respect was evident. "She understood the game before anyone taught her the rules.""She's always been observant. Quiet, but watching everything." Ethan Sr. allowed himself a small smile. "I used to worry she was too isolated. Now I realize she w

"Like the Beta's daughter. She's always off drawing something, isn't she, when her nose isn't stuck in a textbook."A laugh roared out among Magnus and Ethan's friends at these pack members' words.Making Rowan Grimwood snort, "Like Magnus's little puppy or Ethan's little messenger service has time to do that. She's too busy sucking up to those two."Evening more laughter from the others.Timber growled in Magnus's mind at Rowan's cruel words. But he kept his voice calm, "Since when did you all start talking like this, about the Beta's daughter and Ethan's sister like this?"The laughter died abruptly, an uncomfortable silence falling over the table.Rowan shifted in his seat, suddenly aware of the dangerous edge beneath Magnus's quiet tone. "It's just a joke, man. Everyone knows she's...""She's what?" Ethan cut in, his voice deceptively soft. "Go on, Rowan. Finish that sentence."The tension at the table thickened, other pack