Once Aria and Rafe reached the mansion, Rafe led Aria straight into his office. As they entered, he wasted no time in informing Aria, “I've mind-linked Alex to join us," he stated firmly. Aria nodded in acknowledgment, feeling a knot of apprehension tighten in her stomach. Moments later, there was a knock on the door, and Alex entered the room. Seated comfortably behind his expansive desk, Rafe leaned back in his plush leather chair and turned his attention to Aria. "What happened in St. Vincent, Aria?" he asked, his voice calm yet expectant. Aria let out a resigned sigh, her shoulders sagging slightly as she recounted the events of her encounter with Alpha Damien. “Alpha Damien is one of the most unreasonable and egotistical man I’ve ever met," she began, her tone tinged with frustration. "He thinks he can get whatever he wants, and he was being completely uncooperative during the peace treaty negotiations and I’m sorry Rafe, but he got on my nerves. I know I shouldn’t hav
As Rafe approached the villa, he caught sight of Ethan bent over, inspecting the engine under the hood of Delia’s new car. “Hey, Ethan. How’s the car looking?” Ethan straightened up, wiping his hands on a rag before responding. “Hey, Rafe. So far, I don’t see anything wrong but I am going to take it for a spin. Delia’s at the pool.” “Thanks,” Rafe replied, offering a brief smile before heading toward the pool, adjacent the villa. As he neared it, Rafe's breath caught in his throat at the sight that greeted him. Delia was just emerging from the pool, her figure glistening in the orange light of the approaching sunset and her slender and petite figure accentuated by a revealing green string bikini that clung to her curves like a second skin. He watched, captivated, as droplets of water dribbled down her skin, tracing delicate paths over the curve of her hips and the swell of her breasts. His eyes lingered on her, drinking in every exquisite detail, as if committing her imag
The next day, Delia and Aria lounged by the pool, their thoughts weighed heavy with the burdens of their respective situations. Aria's need to travel to St. Vincent to successfully secure the peace treaty and Delia's unresolved feelings towards Rafe, cast a shadow over what should have been a carefree day in paradise. “I can't take this anymore," Aria declared, breaking the somber silence. "We're two beautiful young women. We shouldn't be wasting away feeling miserable on a beautiful day like this!” Delia arched an eyebrow, intrigued by Aria's sudden declaration. "What do you suggest we do?" she inquired. Aria flashed a mischievous grin. "Let's go sailing," she suggested. "We can use Rafe's sailboat." Delia hesitated for a moment, uncertainty flickering in her eyes. “I don’t want to be anywhere near Rafe’s sailboat,” she confessed. Aria’s expression softened with understanding. “I know you’re upset with him, Delia,” she said gently. “But Rafe’s not around. He’s gone to St. G
The morning sun filtered through the curtains, casting a soft glow over the room as Delia stirred from her sleep, her head throbbing with the remnants of last night's festivities. With a determined sigh, she pushed herself out of bed, resolving to start the day on a productive note. Today would be dedicated to finding a job! After a quick shower, Delia padded into the kitchen, craving the comforting aroma of freshly brewed coffee to kickstart her day. She poured herself a steaming cup, grabbed a handful of painkillers to combat her headache, and started preparing a hearty breakfast. Armed with her coffee, painkillers, and a plate piled high with eggs and toast, Delia settled onto the couch with her laptop, ready to tackle the day ahead. For a couple of hours she scrolled through the job listings. But disappointment gnawed at her, the slim pickings offering little hope for her future prospects. However, Delia refused to be discouraged, something would come along! She coul
As Delia and Aria walked through Rafe’s mansion, Delia couldn’t help but marvel at the beauty that surrounded her. The mansion exuded an air of elegance and opulence, with its grand architecture and meticulously manicured gardens that overlooked Azure Bay. Tall, arched windows flooded the interior with natural light, casting a warm glow over the polished marble floors and intricately carved wooden furnishings. Delicate crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, lending an old world charm. As they approached the dining room, the anticipation of the dinner ahead mingled with the stress from Nate's unexpected visit hung in the air. She caught sight of Ethan and Alex already waiting inside. Ethan winked at her, giving her a warm smile and Alex stood tall, his expression unreadable as he nodded at her. Rafe and Nate were the last ones to enter. Rafe went to the head of the table, his silver gaze flickering over Delia and the little black dress she donned this evening. "Welcome, ever
Delia navigated her way through the winding roads of St. John in her new Yellow Mini convertible. The wind tousled her hair as she made her way towards town, where Nate's office was located. Arriving at the sleek and modern building, Delia parked her car on the side of the street and walked confidently towards the entrance. The receptionist greeted her with a warm smile and buzzed her into Nate's office without any delay. Stepping inside, Delia was immediately enveloped in Nate's welcoming embrace. His touch was familiar, yet Delia couldn't shake the feeling of unease that settled in the pit of her stomach. “Delia, darling, thanks for coming by," Nate said, his voice smooth and charming as ever. He gently tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear before gesturing for her to take a seat. “No problem, Nate," Delia replied with a polite smile, trying to ignore the flutter of discomfort in her chest. As Delia settled into the chair, Nate moved behind
The engines of both vehicles came to a halt as Delia's yellow Mini and Rafe's black Defender rolled into the driveway of Rafe's mansion almost simultaneously. Rafe immediately swung open the door of his car and was by Delia's side in an instant as she emerged from her vehicle. A warm smile graced his lips as he pulled her close, his touch sending warm tingles through her body. Before she could utter a word, his lips found hers in a brief yet demanding kiss, leaving her breathless. Interlacing his fingers with hers, Rafe led Delia towards the grand entrance of the mansion. But as they crossed the threshold, he paused, a wicked glint dancing in his eyes. “Come with me,” he whispered huskily as he guided her towards a small library just off the hallway. Once inside the dimly lit space, Rafe wasted no time in pulling her into his arms, his lips crashing against hers in a passionate frenzy. Their kisses grew more urgent, more insistent, as the heat between them intensified. Rafe’s
Delia found herself standing inside her closet, staring at the row of dresses in front of her. Her eyes scanning the array of colors and styles, searching for the perfect ensemble for her date with Rafe that evening. Earlier that day, she had ventured back to the town boutique to look for an outfit, but nothing caught her eye. Frustrated, she returned home and turned to her closet for inspiration. She was beyond excited about tonight and she wanted to look perfect for her first official date with Rafe. She wished Aria were here to help her pick something out. After what felt like hours of deliberation, she finally decided on a pale pink dress with a sweetheart neckline, adorned with delicate black piping and spaghetti straps. As she slipped it on, the fabric draped elegantly over her curves, the A-line skirt swishing softly over her thighs with each movement. She accessorized the dress with a delicate black choker necklace and slipped into a pair of black strappy heels that a
As Alex pulled the Jeep to a stop near the ferry dock, a strange sensation rippled through him. His wolf, which had been restless and tense ever since the attack, suddenly went deathly still—What the hell? He looked across on the pier to see a lone figure sitting on the bench. He tightened his grip on the steering wheel, taking a slow breath to steady himself. Behind him, he heard the hum of Aria’s BMW pulling in, but his focus remained on the lone figure sitting on the bench near the pier. A woman. She stood as she noticed the cars, brushing a strand of long, dark curls behind her ear. The motion was simple, but for some reason, it held his attention. Alex felt something inside him shift, like a force he couldn’t explain pulling him toward her. She was wearing a navy dress that showed off her tanned arms and legs. Her frame was slender yet strong, and her posture carried an air of confidence despite the slight hesitation in her stance. He swallowed hard. Aria was alre
As Alex pulled the Jeep to a stop near the ferry dock, a strange sensation rippled through him. His wolf, which had been restless and tense ever since the attack, suddenly went deathly still—What the hell? He looked across on the pier to see a lone figure sitting on the bench. He tightened his grip on the steering wheel, taking a slow breath to steady himself. Behind him, he heard the hum of Aria’s BMW pulling in, but his focus remained on the lone figure sitting on the bench near the pier. A woman. She stood as she noticed the cars, brushing a strand of long, dark curls behind her ear. The motion was simple, but for some reason, it held his attention. Alex felt something inside him shift, like a force he couldn’t explain pulling him toward her. She was wearing a navy dress that showed off her tanned arms and legs. Her frame was slender yet strong, and her posture carried an air of confidence despite the slight hesitation in her stance. He swallowed hard. Aria was alre
Aria stepped into Rafe’s dimly lit bedroom, careful to keep her steps light as she made her way toward his bedside. The room smelled faintly of herbs and antiseptic, a reminder of how weakened her once invincible brother had become. It hurt to see him like this—pale, resting against the pillows with dark circles under his eyes. He had always been the strongest person she knew, the one who had shouldered the weight of the pack, their family, and most importantly, her. Ever since they lost their parents, Rafe had done everything in his power to make sure she never lacked for anything, even when he carried his own burdens in silence. Seeing him vulnerable like this made her chest ache. She pulled a chair close and sat beside him, watching the slow rise and fall of his chest. Then, as if sensing her presence, Rafe stirred. His silver eyes fluttered open, slightly unfocused at first, before they found hers. A weak, familiar smile touched his lips. “Hey, kid. Where have you been?
Back in St. John, Rafe sat in the backseat, his head leaning against the window, his body still weak from the effects of the wolfsbane. His sharp silver eyes, though dulled with exhaustion, flickered with an unreadable emotion as he gazed out at the passing scenery. The doctor had ordered complete bed rest for the next week, but Rafe had insisted on returning home as soon as he was stable enough to be moved.Alex sat beside him, tense and silent. Ethan was still in the hospital in critical condition, and Alex’s mind was weighed down with everything that had happened. The pack was in disarray, their Alpha was injured, and the only person who could possibly bring Rafe back to his full strength quickly—Delia—was gone.And now, Rafe didn’t even remember her.Natasha sat on Rafe’s other side, her fingers occasionally brushing against his arm in small, possessive gestures. She had barely left his side since he regained consciousness, playing the role of the devoted fiancée. Alex still did
The first thing Delia became aware of was pain. A deep, burning ache that radiated from her leg, spreading through every inch of her body like molten fire. It was sharp, relentless—a cruel reminder that she was still alive. Every nerve felt raw, every muscle weak, as though she had been trampled underfoot and left for dead. Her eyes slowly fluttered open, blinking rapidly against the dim lighting of the room. The air smelled faintly of antiseptic. A rhythmic beeping filled the otherwise silent space, and it took her a moment to register that it was the sound of a heart monitor. Her heart. She was lying in an unfamiliar bed, strapped up to IV drips and medical monitors, her wrist connected to a heart rate machine that quickened the moment she tried to move. She tried to shift, to sit up, but the moment she moved, agony exploded in her leg. A white-hot pain shot up from the wound, searing through her nerves like lightning. A strangled gasp escaped her lips, her fingers clutchi
Alex turned to Natasha sharply, his patience wearing dangerously thin. His voice came out low, barely contained. “What the hell is going on, Natasha?” His eyes burned with frustration. “Why did you just refer to Delia as some new maid?” Natasha met his glare with an impassive expression, but there was a flicker of something—calculation—behind her striking blue eyes. “Lower your voice, Alex,” she chided, glancing around the hallway as if worried someone might overhear them. “Rafe’s still recovering, and the last thing he needs is unnecessary stress.” Alex stepped closer, his imposing height overshadowing her, but Natasha stood her ground. “Unnecessary stress?” he repeated, incredulous. “Delia is missing! Kidnapped by rogue pirates! And now you’re acting like she doesn’t exist?” Natasha let out a slow breath, as if dealing with a child who didn’t understand reason. “No, Alex. I’m acting like someone who actually cares about this pack’s survival.” Alex’s fingers curled into
Alex stood in his office, staring out the large window, his hands shoved deep into his pockets. The moonlight cast long shadows across the pack lands, and everything looked deceptively peaceful.But his mind was anything but at peace.Natasha’s words kept replaying in his head. You need me. The pack needs me.Damn her.A sharp ring shattered the silence, and Alex turned swiftly, his jaw tightening before he reached for his phone. He didn’t recognize the number at first, but as soon as he answered, a familiar, breathless voice came through the line.“Alex?”He exhaled, shoulders easing just slightly. “Aria.”“Thank God I’ve reached you.” Her voice was laced with worry. “Marcus told me what happened, and I just—I couldn’t believe it. Is it true? About the attack? Rafe and Ethan…and Delia missing?”Alex rubbed a hand down his face, the weight of everything settling deeper into his bones.“Yeah, kid,” he said, voice rough. “It’s true. Things are…not great here.”There was a beat of silenc
The scent of blood lingered in the air as Alex strode down the hospital corridors, his mind racing. The sterile white walls and the faint beeping of monitors did nothing to calm the storm brewing inside him. Rafe was still unconscious, his body fighting against the potent wolfsbane that had nearly killed him.And now, Delia was gone.Alex gritted his teeth, his hands clenching at his sides as he paced near Rafe’s room.Shortly after bringing Rafe and the injured warriors to the hospital, his head had snapped up at the sudden intrusion of a mind link.Ethan.His voice had been weak, barely a whisper in Alex’s mind.“Rogues… ambushed… Delia… I—”And then nothing.Alex had bolted. He barely had time to gather Marcus and a few other warriors before they rushed out.When they arrived, the scene was worse than he imagined.Ethan lay crumpled on the side of the road, a pool of blood beneath him. His throat had been slashed wide open, his breathing ragged and barely there. His usually strong
Once Simon was back on his battleship with an unconscious Delia in his arms, he moved swiftly through the deck, his boots thudding against the wooden planks. His grip on her was firm but careful, mindful of her injuries.He pushed through the infirmary doors, his voice cutting through the tense air.“Get the doctor. Now.”The nurses jumped into action, one of them sprinting down the corridor while Simon gently laid Delia onto an empty cot. She looked fragile under the harsh medical lights, her skin pale beneath the soot and grime. His jaw clenched. This wasn’t how things were supposed to go.Within a minute, the doctor arrived and he wasted no time, kneeling beside Delia and inspecting her wounds.“Her leg is badly injured,” Simon muttered, his voice tight.The doctor worked quickly, his hands moving over Delia’s body with practiced efficiency. After a thorough check, he turned to a nurse. “Put her on oxygen. She’s weakened and has inhale a lot of smoke. If we don’t stabilize her soon