Estella's 18th birthday was fast approaching, and the palace was abuzz with excitement. Maids scurried about, their aprons fluttering as they carried trays of pastries and stacks of colorful decorations. The air was filled with a sense of anticipation as everyone worked together to ensure Estella had a celebration fit for a princess.In the grand hall, a team of maids meticulously arranged tables adorned with delicate lace tablecloths and sparkling silverware. They skillfully folded napkins into intricate shapes, forming swans and roses that would grace each place setting. One maid, named Amelia, had a mischievous twinkle in her eye as she secretly practiced her napkin-folding skills behind a pillar, hoping to impress the guests.Meanwhile, in the kitchen, the head chef, Chef Francois, barked orders to his brigade of cooks. Pots and pans clanged together as they prepared a feast fit for royalty. The tantalizing aroma of freshly baked bread wafted through the air, causing the maids to

Weeks had passed since Lucy's disappearance, and Alpha Stanley was on the brink of madness. The once vibrant and powerful leader now appeared worn, his eyes haunted with worry and frustration. He paced back and forth in his study, his steps echoing through the quiet room.Carlos, his trusted beta and confidant, stood by his side, concern etched on his face. "Alpha," Carlos said gently, his voice filled with sympathy, "we will find her. We won't rest until Lucy is back by your side."Stanley halted his restless movements and looked at Carlos with a mixture of anguish and desperation. "I don't understand," he muttered, his voice laced with a sense of defeat. "Our mate bond should be unbreakable, yet I can't sense her. It's as if she's vanished into thin air."Carlos placed a hand on Stanley's shoulder, offering solace and support. "The bond may be strong, Alpha, but sometimes unforeseen circumstances can disrupt its connection," he explained. "We must remain steadfast in our search. Luc

Estella entered Stanley's office with a determined look on her face, her eyes shining with an unyielding resolve. She took a deep breath and approached Stanley, who was sitting behind his large mahogany desk, his brow furrowed in deep concentration."Stanley," she began, her voice steady yet filled with conviction, "I have a proposition for you. I believe it's time for Lucy and me to take a run in the woods. She needs to reconnect with nature, feel the freedom of the wind against her skin."Stanley's eyes widened with concern. "Estella, you know how protective I am of Lucy. It's not safe out there. I can't bear the thought of something happening to her."Estella placed a comforting hand on his arm, her gaze unwavering. "I understand your concerns, Stanley. But Lucy needs this. She needs to find herself, to remember who she truly is. Trust me, I won't let anything happen to her. We'll take precautions."Stanley sighed, torn between his overwhelming desire to keep Lucy safe and Estella'

Stanley's face contorted with anger as he stood before Estella, his eyes burning with fury. The betrayal he felt coursed through his veins, threatening to consume him. He couldn't believe that his own sister had orchestrated such a reckless act, jeopardizing everything he had worked for."You dare defy me, Estella?" he seethed, his voice dripping with venom. "After all I have done for you, this is how you repay me? By interfering in my affairs, have you lost your f*cking mind?!"Estella met his gaze, her own eyes filled with a mix of guilt and defiance. "Stanley, just calm down," she pleaded, her voice trembling slightly. "It's nothing. I just….""Don't you dare!..." he growled, throwing a alap across her face, releasing his Alpha aura almost at the same time. "Ask me to calm down."Stanley's nostrils flared as his rage intensified. He took a step closer to Estella, his voice laced with menace. "You have no idea what you've done," he spat, his words punctuated by seething anger.Estel

Stanley's heart pounded in his chest as he stood there, his lips still tingling from the kiss he had just shared with Lucy. He had known the risks of being involved with a married woman, but he couldn't help himself. Love had taken hold of him, blinding him to the consequences. Even with Darren standing there and threatening him, he felt a bit jittery within but he couldn't let it show.Darren, had suspected Stanley had a hand in all this, but witnessing them exchange that intimate moment ignited a rage within him that he could no longer contain. His face twisted into a contorted mask of fury as he stormed toward them, his steps heavy and purposeful."Woah! You wouldn't want to come any further, or I'll have my guards throw you out right away.""Then try it!" He smiled evily at Stanley who knew so well what he was capable of doing."Darren" Stanley said grabbing Lucy by her side and pushing her back. "You better get out!""Lucy! What the hell do you think you're doing?" Darren bellowe