MasukDerekI shut my eyes and let that quiet soak in. That was what she was to me—my one mercy in a brutal world, the cure to my chaos.I wanted to devour everything in that box, drink down every ounce of feeling she poured into them. I forced myself to slow, to hide how badly I needed it.When I looked up, she was watching, nervous and hopeful. It twisted something in me."It's... not bad." I kept it cool, even while I was starving for more.Hope flashed in her eyes. It almost made me confess."But," I paused, let the tension push, "not good enough to move me.""What would it take, then?" Her voice carried a flicker of disappointment, but more stubborn fire.Watching her struggle to stay composed, I felt a fierce conflict between guilt and possessiveness. She was willing to endure my unreasonable demands just to save her shop. That strength made me both heartbroken and proud, but it also made me want to have her and protect her even more."I'll give you a month," I said, slow on purpose
Derek Five years. I thought I'd lost her for good.When Edmond told me the ship had exploded, my world caved in. I tore out to that stretch of sea like a madman and dove into those waters myself for three days and three nights, until my body gave out and my men dragged me back to shore.Every plunge into the freezing, dark water, I prayed I'd find something—her dress, a strand of hair, anything to prove she was still breathing. All I hauled up were broken planks and scattered luggage.No body. That one fact kept a spark alive. Maybe she made it. Maybe the tide threw her somewhere else.That thought carried me through the darkest stretch. I burned through every resource, chased leads across the globe. If a rumor surfaced, I went in person. Every time, I came back empty.Those days without her were like hell. My wolf howled every day, desperate to find our mate, and that heart-wrenching pain nearly drove me insane. Sleepless nights became normal, violent emotions grew like weeds, and
Violet "What?!" Talia shot forward. "You can't do that! Violet's shop is thriving. She's got loyal customers.""Is it everyone?" I asked, tight.He studied me, something unreadable flashing in his eyes. "No. Most shops meet the upgrade criteria and may remain. It's just..." He paused."Smaller operations like yours require reevaluation."His words made me feel even more confused and uneasy. Why my shop specifically? There were plenty of other small shops on Blossom Street about the same size as mine—why target me alone?"Mom, what's vacate?" Theodora whispered, fear creeping in. "Are we leaving?"My heart was instantly torn apart. I couldn't let the kids see me panic, couldn't let them feel upset."I'm sorry. The decision is final," he said flatly. "If you have questions, contact the buyer."I felt my blood freeze in my veins. This shop was five years of my life's work, it was home for me and the kids, it was everything that kept us going. We'd built a stable life here, had regular
VioletFive years later.Every morning I paused at the mirror and studied the stranger I had become. Chestnut hair where the silver once blazed. No more naivete in my eyes—just grit. My body was fuller after having children. Time reshaped my face, but it never erased the scar carved deep inside me.I had learned to live with it.Five years ago, I bought a ticket out of the country, desperate to run from the wreckage. Right before boarding, the life inside me kicked up a storm. I threw up, got dizzy, couldn't make it onto the ship.Later I heard it exploded at sea. No survivors. Terror and relief hit me at the same time. Maybe it was fate. Maybe my babies saved me and forced me to start over in this city."Mom, the donuts smell extra good today!"Leon's voice yanked me from the past. I looked at my five-year-old and my heart twisted. He was the spitting image of his father—those black eyes, that sharp little face, even the cadence of his voice. Every time I looked at him, it hurt. An
Derek"No... It can't be!" Father's voice started shaking."She shifted in my arms, under my touch," I continued, each word hitting his heart like a bullet."Do you know? Her wolf is silver, as beautiful as her hair.""You actually dared to touch that filthy bitch!!" Father roared, trying to jump up from the bed to attack me, but his weak body and the drug effects made it impossible."Filthy?" I stood up, looking down at him. "Father, you got one thing wrong. She's not filthy. On the contrary, she's the most precious thing in this world. And you—you're too old now, no longer fit for the Alpha position. I think it's time for you to step down from the pack.""Are you... are you going to kill your own father?" He pointed at me shakily, his eyes full of anger and fear.I looked at this man who had once been so powerful. He really was too old now—even a small hunting trip nearly killed him. The former Alpha was now just an angry but powerless old man."Kill you? No, Father, I won't kill y
Derek"No... It can't be!" Father's voice started shaking."She shifted in my arms, under my touch," I continued, each word hitting his heart like a bullet."Do you know? Her wolf is silver, as beautiful as her hair.""You actually dared to touch that filthy bitch!!" Father roared, trying to jump up from the bed to attack me, but his weak body and the drug effects made it impossible."Filthy?" I stood up, looking down at him. "Father, you got one thing wrong. She's not filthy. On the contrary, she's the most precious thing in this world. And you—you're too old now, no longer fit for the Alpha position. I think it's time for you to step down from the pack.""Are you... are you going to kill your own father?" He pointed at me shakily, his eyes full of anger and fear.I looked at this man who had once been so powerful. He really was too old now—even a small hunting trip nearly killed him. The former Alpha was now just an angry but powerless old man."Kill you? No, Father, I won't kill y
Jaxon"Run it again from the top," Coach Harrison barks from across the conference room, his weathered face set in the permanent scowl that's made him legendary in the league.He also happens to be childhood best friends with my father."If you can't execute these plays in your sleep, you're gonna
Jaxon The elevator ride is like a damn highway to hell. Every floor that passes seems to crank my wolf’s vibrating need to see our Mate higher.It takes a total of six minutes to reach Room 2847.I stand outside the door for a full minute, trying to find words for how I’ll explain everything.Is
Natalie The hotel room, arranged and paid for by the Titans’ media rep, is quiet except for the soft hum of the air conditioner and the faint noise of traffic below.My heels are sprawled on the floor. They are black, five-inch high, red-bottomed Louboutins that were supposed to crush Jaxon’s ego
Natalie God, those online pictures don’t do him justice. The bastard is still obnoxiously handsome in person.That’s my first thought when I see him, because the moment Jaxon walks through those doors, I know I'm in trouble.At thirty-nine, he's grown into his features in a way that makes my mout







