LOGINDamon’s POV. I couldn’t help but wonder if all those times I had missed crossing paths with Haliyah as “Hailey” were truly by chance or if she had known I was there and deliberately avoided me. Each near encounter replayed in my mind and the timing had always been off. Was I just unlucky all those times… or had it been intentional? Had she been one step ahead of me the entire time? A frustrated sigh left me as I turned my attention to Ford, who was still listening to Cassandra speaking at the front of the stage, thanking the guests for attending. If I wanted answers, I needed information. And Ford, for all his unnecessary enthusiasm, had plenty of it. “So, this Hailey you keep talking about…” I began casually. Ford immediately perked up, as expected. “What about her?” he asked. I shrugged, pretending disinterest. “Where exactly did you meet her?” “At one of the social gatherings,” he replied. “Another one a few weeks back.” Daniel nodded, recalling it. “That one with the coun
Damon’s POV. My mind went blank. I processed the words I had just heard from Ford, thinking he might have made a mistake. I might have misheard him. I followed the direction of his finger again and it landed on her. It was clear. He was really talking about Haliyah. “That’s her,” Ford repeated, sounding just as excited as before whenever he talked about that woman. “Are you sure?” I asked, my grip tightening around my glass. Ford snorted. “I’d recognize her anywhere.” Daniel leaned back in his chair, glancing between us. “He’s right. That’s her,” he confirmed. The words echoed in my head. I looked again, as if I were seeing her for the first time. I allowed the thought to fully form. Slowly, things started to align. Ford had described Hailey as charming, captivating, unforgettable. At the time, I thought he was exaggerating, romanticizing someone he barely even knew. But now, as I stared at Haliyah, I realized that every single detail fit her current presence accurately. That
Damon’s POV. Ten days passed quickly, and the day of Cassandra’s child’s birthday banquet finally arrived. That meant I would be seeing Haliyah again— if she even showed up and still intended to continue whatever plan we had started. I glanced at the six pack guards stationed outside the pack house. They all bowed at me in unison as I walked down the long red carpet laid out at the entrance. I gave them a short nod in return before walking past them and heading inside the venue. I didn’t pay much attention to the decorations, but even at a glance, it was clear everything had been carefully prepared. The place was grand. Crystal lights reflected against polished floors, and long tables were lined with food and drinks prepared in excess. Cassandra hadn’t held back. There were already many guests inside, with more still arriving. It seemed Cassandra had invited well-known Alphas and Lunas from different packs. Some had even brought their pups around the same age as the birthday child
Cassandra’s POV. I had already made up my mind. I had decided to act. I couldn’t just stand by and watch anymore while Haliyah slowly drew Raven’s attention away from me. I could feel it happening more and more each day. Her presence was growing stronger and starting to take more space in his mind, and I couldn’t allow that to continue. I had worked too hard to reach where I was with him. The birthday banquet of my child with Raven was coming soon, and I couldn’t afford any disruption. Raven needed to be clear in his decision. More than anything, I needed him to finally recognize our child publicly and officially as his heir. Only then would Haliyah no longer matter. I had checked on my child earlier. I called the babysitter to ask how he was doing. The nanny told me Liam was already asleep, so I didn’t disturb him anymore. I ended the call and put my phone away before turning back to Raven. We had just returned from the Moonlight Gala. Raven suggested I stay the night at the pack
Haliyah’s POV. If it wasn’t bad enough already, of all things, Raven had to mention that the event we were attending was the Moonlight Gala. It was known as a gathering for elites from allied territories. A simple social event gathering on the surface, but underneath it, it functioned as a political ground where alliances were strengthened and negotiations took place. I was visibly caught off guard the moment I heard it from his mouth. First, because I wasn’t emotionally prepared for something this high-profile. And second, because I was worried someone might recognize me and expose my fake identity. The only thing that gave me some relief was the theme— everyone was wearing masks. At least that gave me a layer of protection. I just hoped no one here would recognize me as Hailey. I discreetly wiped the sweat forming on the bridge of my nose while nodding politely at the elites surrounding me. Mrs. Franco insisted on keeping me close, introducing me to other Lunas. I didn’t have
Cassandra’s POV. Raven suddenly stopped mid-sentence while we were talking. I followed his gaze and realized he was staring at Haliyah. She had just come out of the fitting room, wearing the dress she tried on. I felt my temper flare at the sight. Earlier, Raven had only given me a curt nod and hadn’t even bothered to look twice. But now, he couldn’t seem to take his eyes off her. “Raven…” I called softly, snapping my fingers near his face. But it was as if he couldn’t hear me. Even when I tapped his arm repeatedly, he remained transfixed on Haliyah like she was something special. Why was he acting like that? Don’t tell me he actually likes how she looks… “Raven,” I called again. Instead of turning to me, he stood up and walked toward Haliyah, who was being assisted by a staff member. My lips parted in disbelief. He completely brushed me aside. “What are you looking at?” Haliyah asked when she noticed him staring. That seemed to snap him out of it. He quickly looked away and
Haliyah’s POV. I turned around. Raven was only a few steps away. His tall figure blocked part of the hallway light, casting a long shadow across the floor. His dark eyes bore into me. I could feel my chest tighten, my lungs constricting with shock. “You…” I whispered hoarsely. He inched closer.
Haliyah’s POV. Caleb parked the car outside the pack’s council building and stepped out first, holding the door for me. I grabbed my suitcase, though I didn’t really need it. My real weapon wasn’t inside the bag anymore. It was in the folder in my arms. “You don’t have to attend today’s council m
Haliyah’s POV. In the solitude of the garden, I sat down on a stone bench, my fingers brushing over the blossoms at my side. The scent of jasmine and the warmth of the sun helped calm my restless mind. I straightened and stared at the beautiful garden view, lost in the peacefulness. A few minutes
Damon’s POV. I was sitting in my study, documents and ledgers scattered across my desk. The lamp above my desk shone directly on the papers, but it didn’t help me focus at all. Lucian, my inner wolf that I could never shut off, let out a low, impatient growl every now and then. He restlessly pro







