XAVIER'S POV My office welcomed the soft glow of the light, casting a warm ambiance amid the seriousness of the paperwork that lay strewn across my desk. As Alpha, the weight of leadership demanded attention to the intricate details that governed our pack. Tonight was no exception, as I delved into the piles of reports and documents that demanded my scrutiny.A gentle knock echoed through the room, and I looked up to find Cameron at the doorway. His presence was expected, and with a nod, I granted him permission to enter. Cameron stepped in, the subtle tension in his shoulders indicative of the news he bore."Alpha Xavier," he began, a respectful tone laced with a hint of excitement. "Alpha Malcolm from the neighboring Blue Moon Pack, they recently welcomed their first pup, and in honor of this joyous occasion, they've announced a formal celebration."A flicker of interest sparked in my eyes, and I leaned back in my chair, inviting Cameron to elaborate. He handed over an intricately
ATHENA'S POVI felt the luxurious fabric of my evening gown against my skin as Xavier and I entered the grand ballroom, arm in arm. Soft music and murmured conversations created an ambiance of sophistication. Xavier smiled at me, and for a moment, everything seemed perfect. We exchanged our pleasantries with Alpha Malcolm and his mate. As we gracefully moved through the crowd, my eyes caught a familiar figure approaching—the source of my heartbreak and betrayal. My gaze sharpened, and my pulse quickened. The room seemed to fade away as he drew nearer, accompanied by none other— the woman I despised. Seriously, what was he doing here? And he had the nerve to have her stuck to him like a leech? After everything he did? I stood paralyzed in my tracks as my gaze settled upon him, the atmosphere turning heavy with tension. Nate and the woman he had cheated on me with walked toward us, their laughter echoing in my ears. My shock turned into a silent rage, my fists clenching involuntarily
ATHENA'S POVXavier's hand entwined with mine, and without a word, he pulled me onto the dance floor, where the soft strains of a slow melody caressed the air. Dim lights cast a romantic glow, enveloping us in an intimate atmosphere that heightened the anticipation simmering between us. There were other couples who were already present on the dance floor, including Alpha Malcolm and his Mate. As we stepped into the dance, Xavier's grip subtly tightened, drawing our bodies into a seamless connection that resonated with the gentle rhythm. The world receded into the background, leaving only the two of us in a dance of shared breaths and unspoken promises.His intense gaze locked onto mine, a silent invitation to dive into the magic of the moment. Xavier's commanding yet tender touch guided me through the dance, creating an unspoken language between us. With each step, he effortlessly molded me into the dance, his body leading mine with a familiarity that transcended words. I was surpri
ATHENA'S POV Lia nonchalantly emerged from the bathroom stall behind me. The lights harshly highlighted the frustration brewing within me.Lia wore a sly smirk, a deliberate move that only fueled my annoyance. Her saunter towards the sink seemed calculated, each step echoing a subtle taunt directed at me. The scowl on my face deepened as Lia couldn't resist a jeer."Huh, look who's here? The pathetic damsel in distress," she mocked, her words an attempt to provoke me. I felt the anger boiling within, but I took a slow, steadying breath, determined not to let my temper explode. I would never give her the satisfaction! Unfazed, Lia continued smirking as she washed her hands. She raised an eyebrow, a silent challenge hanging in the air. The anger pulsated through my veins, but I maintained a composed exterior."Says the desperate whore who ran out of options but to pounce on taken men," I retorted with measured tone, a smirk replacing my scowl. I relished the surprise that momentarily
ATHENA'S POVA cold shiver ran down my spine as I witnessed the scene unfold before my eyes. Lia, with her honeyed words and enchanting smile, seemed to be weaving a web of connection with Xavier. I stood frozen, my heart pounding so loud that I could almost hear it in the silent corridor. One moment, she was leaning in, whispering something in Xavier's ear with a flirty tilt to her lips, and the next, she pounced on him as if claiming her territory.Time seemed to freeze as I watched, disbelief tightening its grip on my chest. My eyes widened, and for a moment, it felt like the air had been sucked out of the room. My mate, the one I thought shared an unbreakable bond with me, was now caught in a compromising situation with another woman.The shock was quickly replaced by a surge of anger that consumed me. How could he let her get so close? Regret clawed at my insides for not intervening sooner, for not slapping Lia when I had the chance to show her the boundaries she dared to cross i
XAVIER'S POV Fuck. I don't even know what just happened. The air in the room hung heavy with tension as I brought Athena back to our pack quarters. Every step felt like a weight on my shoulders, each heartbeat echoing the distance that had silently grown between us. Athena, usually vibrant and lively, was now silent and distant. I couldn't blame her; the events of the evening had cast a shadow over what was meant to be a joyous celebration.We entered our room, and as the door closed behind us, the silence lingered. Athena moved to change, her back turned towards me, a barrier I longed to break down. Not once did she try to start a conversation with me. The room, once filled with warmth, now felt cold and isolating. I couldn't bear this distance, this unspoken void that threatened to consume us. Anger simmered within me, a slow burn fueled by the images replaying in my thoughts. If only that woman didn't exist, Athena wouldn't have been so distant with me. The memory of Lia's lips f
AUTHOR'S POVNate's footsteps echoed in the dimly lit room, the shadows dancing across the walls as he paced back and forth. The air was thick with tension, each step of his boots resonating with frustration. Lia stood before him, head hung low, her fingers fumbling nervously. The atmosphere was suffused with an impending storm, and Nate's anger crackled in the charged air."One job, Lia! You had one job," Nate's voice was a low growl, his eyes burning with intense disappointment. The dim light cast harsh shadows on his face, emphasizing the lines of frustration etched there. "I warned you not to mess up. But look at what you did! Fucking hell!"Lia's gaze remained fixed on the floor, her shoulders slumped, a subtle tremor in her fingers. She stammered, "What else was I supposed to do? If it was so easy for you, then why did you involve me in it?" She lifted her head, her eyes flashing with defiance but tinged with a hint of desperation. "Just admit that it was your plan. I already to
AUTHOR'S POV Standing by the water, was Athena herself, seemingly lost in her own thoughts. Athena found solace in the woods, by the serene lake where the whispers of rustling leaves and the gentle lapping of water against the shore provided a natural melody. This was her training ground, a place where the dance of sunlight through the branches fueled her determination. Today, however, she sought refuge not in the art of combat but in the embrace of tranquility.Athena gazed across the glassy surface of the lake, attempting to forget the lingering images of Xavier and Lia locked in an intimate kiss. The turmoil within her mind echoed through the stillness of the woods. She shook her head, as if physically dispelling the intrusive thoughts that threatened her peace. He didn't do it. He pushed her away, even slapped. Athena reminded herself again and again. Suddenly, a subtle rustle disrupted the ambient sounds of nature, prompting Athena to snap her head in the direction of the distu