Dora's POVI thrashed around desperately as King's strong arms wrapped around me from behind. He had caught me while I was searching the dark alley for my lost necklace. "Let me go!" I cried out, trying to break free from his grip. But it was useless against his muscular frame.King spun me around to face him, his eyes flashing with anger. "Just what do you think you're doing out here? Planning another escape attempt?" he growled."No, I was looking for my necklace!" I insisted, close to tears now. That necklace meant everything to me. It was the last gift my mom gave me before she passed away. Losing it felt like losing a piece of her. But King didn't seem moved by my explanation. "Don't lie to me. You know you're not allowed to wander off on your own," he said gruffly. Before I could protest further, he began dragging me back towards the sleek black car idling nearby. Derek sat in the driver's seat, one hand casually draped over the steering wheel. He glanced up when King shoved m
Dora's POVKing stalked out of Mon Beau, fuming. How dare she continue moping over some worthless old trinket when he had just lavished her with the finest riches? Derek scrambled to gather up the mountain of glossy shopping bags and escort me back to the car. I kept my eyes downcast, too afraid to meet King's furious gaze.As we drove back towards the mansion, my stomach let out an embarrassingly loud growl. I hadn't eaten anything since that morning. King's anger transformed to concern in an instant. "You must be famished, pet. We'll stop for dinner right away.""Oh, no that's not necessary!" I protested weakly, but King would have none of it. "Nonsense. Only the finest dining experience for my queen," he declared. Before I could object further, he had directed Derek to pull up in front of Le Lys Blanc, the most elite five-star restaurant in the city.I balked as we entered the grand foyer with its soaring ceilings, massive crystal chandeliers, and ornate gilded details. The patro
Brittany's POV"That little rat Dora is going to pay for this!" How dare she show up flaunting lavish jewels and an arrogant alpha, acting like she was better than me? Me - Brittany Woods - the most popular and envied girl in school! And then she had the audacity to assault me in the bathroom when I tried claiming what was meant to be mine. That necklace should have been mine! I seethed as Jake's beta drove us away from the restaurant, my wrist still stinging from where Dora had slapped it away. "Don't worry babe, I'll make her regret laying a hand on you," Jake growled. But he was just talking big. He couldn't even retaliate while King had beaten him effortlessly in that bathroom brawl over a measly orphan. No, I would have to take matters into my own hands. A sinister plan started forming in my mind, bringing a smirk to my face. King's weakness was clearly his new little pet, Dora. And I knew exactly how to exploit that vulnerability.I had Jake book me the next flight to Miami.
King's POVI tugged at my tie harshly, slamming the door loudly behind me as I stormed into my grandfather's cabin, fists clenched tightly. The short drive over had done nothing to calm my simmering frustration after getting his dreadful text during the meeting.As previous Alpha of the Silver fang, Wolfgang still commanded immense respect. Once a month, he demanded my presence for a status report on pack affairs and to critique my leadership. I both loved and loathed these visits. His advice was invaluable but Wolfgang rarely minced words or spared my feelings. My stomach twisted into anxious knots as I walked inside without knocking. Grandfather sat waiting in his study, expression grim. "Sit," he commanded, gesturing to the chair across from his desk.I sat silently, claws digging into the leather arms. He regarded me with piercing eyes. "I believe you know why I've summoned you here tonight, King." "I found my mate, as you've heard," I bit out. "Or have the elders already twis
King's POV I trudged through the forest towards the pack house, exhaustion weighing on my shoulders. The first rays of dawn were just breaking through the trees as I shifted back into my human form, shivering slightly in the morning chill. Derek was there waiting, holding out a pile of clothes. "Rough night, boss?" he asked, taking in my disheveled and tired state.I just grunted in response as I pulled on the t-shirt and sweatpants, too drained for conversation. "Don't tell me you were out all night searching for that girl's necklace," Derek said, falling into step beside me. "You know she rejected you, right? No need to go simping over an ungrateful brat."I rounded on him with a snarl, fist clenched. "Watch yourself! That's my mate you're talking about."Derek held his hands up in mock surrender, though his eyes glinted with humor. "Yeah, yeah, I know. The 'destined bond' and all that jazz. I'm just saying, most guys would take the hint if a chick slapped them across the face and
Dora's POV I picked at my breakfast, still dazed from the whirlwind of events over the past few days. My fingers went instinctively to the moonstone pendant now hanging safely around my neck again. I clutched it tightly, drawing comfort from the solid reality of it against my skin.That small act of kindness on King's part had left me conflicted and confused. After days of fearing him as my captor, knowing he had personally searched the streets all night just to recover my lost memento stirred some softer feelings. Gratitude, and perhaps something more dangerous. "Tell me about it!" A shrill came from behind me, followed by the clatter of dishes startling me from my thoughts. I glanced up to see people entering the dining hall in small groups, chatting amiably as they filled the long tables around me with plates of food. My first morning allowed out of my room, and I had no idea what to expect. None of these people paid me much attention, aside from a curious glance here and there.
Dora's POV I was startled awake by loud pounding on my door. Blearily opening my eyes, I saw morning light streaming in through the curtains. I had somehow managed to return back to my room in one piece after King's confrontation… "Rise and shine, sleepyhead!" came Stella's bubbly voice as she burst into my room. "Urg,"I groaned and pulled the blankets over my head. How could she possibly be so cheerful this early?But Stella was having none of it. She yanked the covers back with surprising strength for her petite frame. "Come on, up and at 'em! Don't wanna be late for training on your first day.""Training?" I mumbled in confusion, sitting up and rubbing my eyes."Duh, combat and defense practice," Stella said as if it were obvious. "Mandatory for all pack members. C'mon, I brought you a uniform."She tossed a bundle of clothes at me. I unfolded it to reveal a snug athletic tank top and leggings in basic black - similar to what Stella wore, except her top bore a red "2" emblem on
Sera's POVI sank into the bubble bath with a satisfied sigh, letting the warm water soothe my aching muscles after a particularly grueling workout session. Traveling always left me stressed and tense. Just as I leaned back to relax, the bathroom door suddenly banged open. I shrieked, hurrying to cover myself with a towel as Aunt Zara strode in casually. "Honestly Zara, do you mind?!" I snapped. "What if I had been indecent?"She just rolled her eyes at my dramatics. "Oh please, nothing I haven't seen before. Anyway I came bearing news that couldn't wait."Cursing under my breath, I climbed out and wrapped myself in a silk robe. Whatever was so important to disregard basic manners and decency had better be life or death.I towel dried my hair while Zara made herself comfortable on the chaise lounge, helping herself to the bowl of chocolate truffles I had imported specially from Switzerland. Finally I whirled to face her, hands on hips impatiently. "Well? Out with it."Zara set aside