*Selena*I shifted uncomfortably, acutely aware of the evidence of my arousal that surely lingered in the air. The flush that colored my cheeks intensified, a vivid display of my embarrassment at the thought of him discovering my desires."It is healed," he declared, finally releasing my finger with a slight pop.The contrast between his cold personality and the soft whisper of his voice sent shivers down my spine. As my attention shifted from the overwhelming sensation he had ignited within me, I noticed that the pain was gone. My finger appeared as if it had never been burned, the skin restored and unblemished.Taking charge effortlessly, Zander promptly switched off the gas burner. The ramen was ready. Trying to regain composure, I mustered the strength to speak."Umm... I will serve it quickly. Please have a seat," I offered, attempting to keep my voice steady, though it still trembled with the aftershocks of our intense encounter."No need. I am getting late for the patrol shift,
*Zander*"Mother, Selena is here for personal reasons, and Avery can explain it to you better, as Selena is working under her," I dismissed it furiously."But it is not a wise choice to keep her in this pack, knowing everything about her traitor family," my mother warned, her concern evident."Selena has been cleared of any involvement in her family's crimes," I replied earnestly, withholding the whole truth of her actions.I knew what she had done in the past, and I ignored it because it was not a big crime to help her family financially. She was secretly sending money to her father's pack, though they were involved in many criminal activities. But it was against the law of my pack. When I found out, I burned all evidence of her wrongdoing, not wanting her to be disgraced by her own people as she was their Luna. I did it for both my people and her."We didn't find any evidence linking her to the crimes. It would be unjust to act without proof," I described."Why are you defending her
*Blair*Maddox was busy in a serious conversation with Zander and the Vampire Prince. Sensing my presence, Maddox's head snapped in my direction and our eyes locked. At that moment, time seemed to stand still. The realization hit me like a bolt of lightning, and I could see the same recognition mirrored in Maddox's eyes. However, before I could approach him, I watched as his smile faltered, replaced by panic and apprehension. He excused himself from the conversation he was engaged in with my brother and the Vampire Prince and quickly retreated in the opposite direction.As Maddox disappeared into the crowd, I stood there, rooted to the spot, feeling a mixture of confusion, disappointment, and a strange longing I couldn't quite explain. It was as if a veil had been lifted, revealing a hidden connection I had never been aware of.Determined to confront Maddox and seek answers, I pushed through the crowd, my red dress swishing around me, catching the attention of some curious onlookers.
*Selena*Blair looked exhausted, her shoulders slumped, and her eyes were wet and sad. I knew she had been going through a tough time."Blair, you know, you can always count on me. Talk to me whenever you want," I suggested, reaching out to gently place a hand on her arm. I wanted her to know that I was there for her, ready to listen whenever she needed to vent her pain."Thank you, Selena," Blair sighed, looking at me softly. "Please don't tell anyone about it. Especially not Zander. I..." She hesitated as if struggling to find the right words. "I don't want anyone to feel pity on me."Liar!I knew she was trying to save Maddox from trouble. Zander was very protective of his baby sister.However, I gave her a knowing smile and raised a finger to my lips, gesturing to zip them shut. It was not my place to tell her brother about her secret."But you have to help me in return," I shrugged, lifting a brow while giving her a sly smile.Blair looked at me, amused and curious. "What?" she
*Zander*I had to let go of Selena because I received a mind link from Maddox."Alpha, Vampire Prince Damon is waiting for you in your office."Lyon growled in frustration. He wanted to know what hidden motives our ex-mate had, but due to the urgency of the matter, I had to leave. However, before departing, I made sure to remind her that our business wasn't finished.Vampires and werewolves were always eternal enemies locked in a blood feud spanning centuries. What could possibly bring the Vampire Prince to my doorstep? I knew better than to trust those bloodsucking creatures of the night, yet I couldn't help but be intrigued by his intentions behind this peace pact proposal.With determination, I swiftly departed from the pack house. Striding purposefully through the hallways and opening the door to my office, I took in the sight before me. Vampire Prince Damon stood in the center, emanating an aura of icy elegance. His blond hair cascaded down his shoulders, framing a face masking a
*Damon*After my disastrous meeting with Zander, I decided to inspect his pack, hoping to find something to grab my attention after a bad day. Zander was known for his stubbornness and arrogance. I didn't think he would easily agree to the peace pact on our conditions. But that was why I was here: to convince him.As I walked through the bustling crowd, my heart fluttered with anticipation. Would I catch a glimpse of the source of my happiness there?"Arabella!" I called out with a wide grin, confidently striding towards her."Prince Damon, you forgot again," she said, smiling and subtly shaking her head. "I am Selena."Her smile remained as captivating as ever, and for a moment, I was utterly dazed. Lost in her beauty, I had to shake myself back to reality. How could I not have found her till now? She was a sight to behold.Shaking my head, a chuckle escaped my throat. "My apologies, goddess," I said, leaning in closer to her, my gaze fixed on her stunning hazel eyes.Selena giggled
*Selena*Blair and I returned to the pack house, tired from her shopping spree. As soon as we arrived, I seized the opportunity and made my way swiftly to Zander's room. Earlier, I had managed to imprint the key so that I could create a duplicate at a later time when I found a moment to spare from my daily responsibilities. With this duplicate key in my possession, accessing the data room would no longer be an issue.Patiently, I bided my time, waiting for nightfall when the entire pack house would retire to their beds, enveloped in deep slumber. It was during this period that the guards' shifts were scheduled to change, presenting the perfect opportunity for me to make my move. As the hours ticked by, I maintained a watchful eye, ensuring that the pack house was shrouded in silence and stillness. The quietude of the night served as my ally, granting me the freedom to proceed undetected toward my objective. With each passing minute, anticipation coursed through my veins, heightening
*Selena*As Emile and I cautiously emerged from the treacherous territory of the data room and stepped into the dimly lit lobby far away from the perilous situation of getting caught, I seized the opportunity to engage in a conversation with her."So, you already know why I'm here?!" I inquired, my curiosity bubbling to the surface."I received information that someone was coming to the pack to get the job done, and well, here you are and the only new addition to the pack. Not much of a surprise," Emile replied nonchalantly, her tone tinged with a hint of indifference. I couldn't help but snort, shaking my head in disbelief. So, that was the reason she had never bothered to meet me after my return to the Moonglow Pack."So, you're the one who hired me for this job then?" I pressed, trying to hide the skepticism in my voice. The idea of Emile being the mastermind behind such an intricate plan seemed improbable, considering the astronomical amount of money involved. Nonetheless, I hop