Raven’s POV:I could feel a mixture of frustration, disappointment, and jealousy bubbling up inside me as I watched Eve walk away, hand in hand with Ryan. It was like a punch to the gut, seeing her so close to him, smiling and seemingly happy. My phone buzzed in my pocket, and I pulled it out to see a message from Eve confirming what I had suspected – she wouldn't be able to meet up as planned.As if I needed the message to confirm what I had just witnessed. The way she looked at him, the way they held each other's hands… I hate Ryan even more. Before I could let my anger and jealousy consume me, Amy's hand on my shoulder pulled me back to reality. I turned to her, my emotions still a tangled mess inside me."She looks happy," Amy noted, her tone gentle.I couldn't help but scoff. "Yeah, with him."Amy sighed, her expression sympathetic. "Look, Raven, as much as I hate to admit it, he's always been kind to her.""Kind?" I hissed, the bitterness evident in my voice. "Kind doesn't mea
Eve’s POV:I wake up in my luxurious bed, the warmth of the sun casting a gentle glow across the room. A contented smile tugs at my lips as I stretch, savoring the comfort of the moment. It's been a while since I've had such a peaceful and uninterrupted sleep.With a lazy sigh, I sit up and swing my legs over the edge of the bed. As I glance at the clock, I realize that I must have missed breakfast. Chuckling to myself, I can't help but marvel at the fact that I've actually managed to sleep in so late.Last night was both exhilarating and exhausting. Walking the streets of Venice, talking, reminiscing—it was like stepping into a different world. Even though the reality of our situation loomed over us, I couldn't deny that being with Ryan had felt so natural, so right.When we got back to the room last night I realized that I hadn't brought any pajamas. Even when Ryan bought me all these clothes, neither of us thought about it. He gave me his shirt.I walk out of the room, clad only in
Eve’s POV: As I walked around the transformed ballroom, my heart pounded in my chest, the atmosphere electric with anticipation. I adjusted the mask over my face, a physical barrier to shield myself from unwanted recognition. I was the rejected Luna, the one who was no longer wanted or needed. Walking among these werewolves, I couldn't shake off the feeling of being an outsider. People greeted us warmly as we entered, their attention inevitably drawn to Ryan. His presence was like a force of nature, his status as an Alpha practically palpable even to someone with dulled senses like mine. Their words of welcome extended to me as well, praising my attire and gown. I replied with shy gratitude, keeping my eyes downcast. I felt acutely aware of my own inadequacies as if every gaze was a judgment. It had been a long time since I was in the company of werewolves, especially since the day Ryan had cast me out. I struggled to find my footing, my unease growing with every passing moment.
Eve’s POV: Alpha Jensen smiled when he saw his wife so pleased and turned to me. "Dear Eve, please grace us with your presence at our table," he continued, his hand extended toward me. I glanced at Ryan for any sign, any cue, and found his nod reassuring. But even in that moment, a flicker of irritation rose within me. Why was I seeking permission as if I needed his approval for everything? Then I realize that I don't really know any of these people and I'm really counting on Ryan to show me who I can trust. In fact, he hasn't given me a single order all night. "You know, I don't know about your relationship with my wife Emilia, but I am very interested to learn how you know each other." Alpha Jensen whispers. Seated at the table, the waiter placed a glass of champagne before me. When I looked around I recognized Sarah. I couldn't help but remember her as one of Cari's partners in bullying from the past. Her presence added another layer of tension to the atmosphere for me. Her
Ryan’s POV:She looked at me with such hatred that I flinched. I could feel it through the bond, the bitterness that Emilia's words had stirred within her."I should have gone with Raven when I had the chance," she hissed against me.I know she's saying this to hurt me, but I don't believe it. I know the way she looked at me earlier in the evening and that she still has feelings for me."Liar," I retorted. "You don't want Raven, Eve. You want me. No matter how much you try to deny it, I can feel it. Our bond grows stronger with each passing day, and I know you care.""I don't know what delusion you're living in, but you're wrong.""You wouldn't react like this if you didn't still care about me," I said firmly."Fuck you," she growled in response.Eve turned to leave, the sound of her heels echoing in the tense air. Without thinking, I reached out and grasped her hand, pulling her gently back towards me."Don’t act like that. Let me explain. It's not what you're thinking.""You know wh
Eve’s POV:I left the hall swiftly, refusing to let them witness any trace of embarrassment. Despite my anger and hurt, I held my head high. The cold night air greeted me as I stepped outside. I glanced at the car parked nearby, then gazed down the road. For a second I considered walking away and never looking back.Except I wasn't a fool, my phone and clothes were in Ryan's hotel. I would wait for him, endure his presence a little longer, retrieve my things, and then disappear from his life.Sliding into the car, I shut the door with more force than intended, startling the driver."Are we ready to go, Mrs. Sanderson?" he asked.I winced at the use of Ryan's last name. "It's Melbert," I corrected him. "We will wait for the Alpha to return," I muttered."Of course, my apologies," he replied.Sitting in silence, I watched the joyful attendees leave the hall, their laughter now a painful reminder of how quickly everything had unraveled. Less than half an hour ago, things were seemingly f
Raven’s POV:Amy walked into the hallway of our hotel room, which was more like an entire apartment. She was covered in flour from head to toe, and I couldn't help but laugh at the sight.“Raven, do you know if we have any more eggs?” she asked, her voice tinged with exasperation.I'd been watching her struggle in the small kitchen all morning, and I knew I had to step in."No, but I've got something else in mind," I replied with a mischievous grin.She looked at me in amazement, her head tilted to the side, resembling a confused puppy. Flour scattered from her apron, which only made me laugh harder."What are you talking about?" she asked, clearly bewildered."Come with me," I said, already heading for the door.“Raven, I don't have much time before the competition, and I need to start making the cookies right now,” she protested."Just give me a minute," I assured her as I held the door open.With a sigh, she joined me in the hotel corridor. She had forgotten to leave the bowl of co
"Is everything okay?" Amy's voice broke through my thoughts."Uh, yeah...it's fine," I replied, trying to sound composed despite the turmoil within."You look worried, Raven. Can I help with something?" Amy asked, her concern evident in her eyes as she stood in front of me."No, there's no need, everything is under control. Let's decorate these cookies now," I suggested, attempting to steer the conversation back to a more neutral ground. She nodded in agreement.Thankfully, she didn't press further with questions, and we delved into the task at hand. As we worked side by side, I couldn't help but admire her genuine passion for baking and decorating. Her smile as she meticulously crafted each cookie spoke volumes about her love for this art."Do you know that decorating is basically Eve's job?" she mentioned as we worked."No, I had no idea," I replied, genuinely surprised. The mention of Eve's name caused a slight pang in my chest, but I kept my emotions concealed. There was so much a