Nyx's pov:When I woke up, I noticed that my hands were shackled around my wrists to a dresser in Atlas' room.Cold air tickled my nipples and my ass was flaming from the way he whipped me moments ago and I felt my throat close up as I glanced around the room, fear and rage coating my throat. Everywhere I looked, there were reminders of how little control I had over this situation; from the restraints on my wrists to the pictures on the wall of him with other women he had dominated before me. It was then that I realized why Atlas had shackled me, and it was a realization that made my heart sink. He wanted complete control over me and desired to show me who was in power by forcing me into submission through physical domination.Fucking bastard! I'd be damned before I let him make me another notch on his bedpost.I could not contain my anger any longer and I froze when I finally made out the outline of Atlas, sitting in the shadows like a creep. I glared at him, a man whose body see

ATLAS'S POV. I sat in my chair, my body still vibrating with anger and frustration. I could feel the heat radiating from my skin as my mind raced with thoughts of revenge. How dare Nyx pleasure herself without my permission? How dare she act so brazenly, as if she owned her own body? The nerve of her was almost too much to bear. Lola approached me, her voice soft and gentle as she tried to comfort me. "Alpha, please calm down. Let me help you," she said, her hand reaching out to touch my arm. I jerked away from her touch, my anger only increasing. "I don't need your help, Lola. Just leave me be," I growled. But Lola was persistent, and she continued to speak in a soothing tone. "Alpha, I can see that you're still tense. Let me help you relax," she said, dropping to her knees in front of me. I glared down at her, not even bothering to hide my annoyance. "What makes you think I want your help?" I spat out. Lola didn't seem to be bothered by my hostility. Instead, she reached up and

NYX'S POV..As Elaine and I continue to pick out the weeds in the garden, I can feel the warmth of the sun on my back and the dirt beneath my nails. It's hard work, and we've been at it for what feels like hours, but I don't mind. It's nice to have something to do, to keep my mind occupied and off of everything else.Suddenly, Elaine jumps up, a look of panic on her face. "I forgot to do the damn dishes!" she exclaims, before rushing back into the house.I watch her go with fond amusement, a small smile playing on my lips. Elaine is always forgetting something, but she's good-natured and hardworking, and I like spending time with her. It's a nice change of pace from the constant danger and tension of pack life.But even as I continue to pick out the weeds, I can feel the nagging worry at the back of my mind. The thought of leaving the pack, of escaping this life of constant danger and violence, had been pushed to the back of my mind in the peaceful moments like these. But it's always

NYX'S POV..As I worked on arranging the flowers, Elaine joined me and we started chatting about our favorite flowers."I love the way daisies brighten up a room," Elaine said, holding up a bouquet of yellow and white daisies."I prefer roses," I replied, taking a stem of red roses and trimming its thorns. "They have a classic beauty that never goes out of style."As we chatted, Dario walked in, and my heart skipped a beat. I tried to focus on my work, but I couldn't help but feel his gaze on me. He was so close, which I found not quite strange after my assessment of him when last we met."Hey, Nyx," Dario said, flashing me a smile. "How's it going?""It's going well, thanks," I replied, trying to keep my voice steady."You know, my roommate is going to be on guard duty tonight," he said, leaning in closer. "And I was thinking, maybe you could come by and keep me company?"Elaine made a small noise of surprise, and I could feel her eyes on me. I blushed, trying to keep my composure."

ATLAS'S POV.I gently pick up my daughter, Aurora, from the couch and carry her to her bedroom. She is already asleep in my arms, her breathing slow and steady. I tuck her into bed and kiss her forehead, brushing her hair away from her face."Goodnight, my little angel," I whisper to her. "Sleep well and have sweet dreams."She stirs slightly, and I hold my breath, afraid that I might wake her up. But she settles back down, snuggling deeper into her covers.I watch her for a few moments, admiring how peaceful she looks when she's asleep. It's moments like these that remind me why I fight so hard to protect my pack. I want a world where my daughter can grow up without fear, where she can live a happy and fulfilled life.I sit down in the chair next to her bed and continue to watch her. I know I should leave and attend to my duties as alpha, but I can't bring myself to do it. I want to stay with her, to make sure she's safe and protected.I stroke her hair gently, feeling the softness o