CLAIRE The moment I stepped into the restaurant where Alex wanted us to have dinner, I was transported into a world of luxury and elegance. The decor was stylish and sophisticated, with plush furnishings and tasteful accents. Soft lighting and relaxing background music created a serene ambiance that would be perfect for a romantic evening out or a celebratory meal with friends and family. What about the warm, inviting atmosphere? The attention given to the elegant lighting fixture would leave anyone who stepped foot into the restaurant for the first time with their mouth hanging open in awe of how much was thrown into making it perfect.As I stepped in, I couldn't help but wonder what it was that Alex wanted us to talk about that he thought nothing of the simple restaurants that we were used to, but chose this expensive one instead. My eyes darted around again, and I couldn't help but smile as I saw the perfect arrangements of the table. Three staff members came to us the moment we w

CLAIRE The thought that someone was stalking me because they wanted to kill me was the very first that took root in my heart. I turned from shock, and a hand clasped itself over my mouth, almost as if it already anticipated my moves. I hissed, but the sound was muffled by the strange hand. I knew that trying to shout was useless, so I didn't bother to attempt one. My hands crossed that of the strange hand that held me captive, and I could tell that it belonged to a man from how big and thick it was.He began to drag me out of the pathway that I was walking on before he intercepted me. My brain froze for a moment as I imagined that I had just met my end and it was going to be in the hands of a murderer that I couldn’t even tell what he looked like. Was this how I was going to die? I asked myself. From the way things were looking, I was so sure that no matter how hard I tried to persuade or fight my way from the person holding me, it would never be successful. Still, I had to fight fo

ALEXAKIS She had been in danger!That was the only thing that stayed on my mind and thoughts even as I went over my daily duties as the acting Alpha. What hurt me was the fact that I might not have been able to see to it if her life had somehow been threatened. Just the thought of it was what made me move away from the dining table that morning. I refused to think about how the woman would have died, and I would have not known anything about it."Alpha!" I jolted back to the present when I heard someone call my name. The voice was a little louder than necessary, so I guessed that it was because they needed to get my attention desperately."I'm sorry," I apologized to them all. I was in a meeting with the Elders, but my mind was far away already. "But can we cut off this meeting? I need to do something that requires my attention."About two or three of them looked like they wanted to protest. Thankfully, they reined in their thoughts. Even if they protested, that wouldn't have been a

ALEXAKIS All through the night, I couldn't find the assurance needed to sleep. After Claire and I almost made out, I let go of the emotion whirling in me to mark the woman as mine forever. I knew that I couldn't afford a slip like that. If I was trying to mark her because of my possessiveness, she would never have the chance to walk away if she determined that she didn't want to be a part of my family, after all. That was one decision right I would never take away from her. So, I made sure I cut the kiss off before she even continued it. Oh, yes, she protested heavily and bitterly. At a point, she even claimed that she knew why I wasn't ready to go beyond the romancing was because I didn't want anyone to find out about us. When I asked how she could come to such an absurd conclusion, she claimed it was because I knew the mating mark would leave mark on her. My mark, which I wanted no one to know off. Of course, I ignored her, knowing that it was only her anger that was speaking for

ALEX'S POVI slowly drove into the mansion with a lot running through my mind. Nathaniel wouldn't get off my back, and I can't underestimate him. He could do anything at any time. I got out of the car and stepped into the building, sitting comfortably on one of the sofas before the council head, Ivan stepped in. I was actually about to go see Claire, but she was probably asleep for her not to come over to even say hi since I stepped in. "I'm glad you're here, Ivan," I said, and he nodded gently. I signaled to the maids to bring him something to take. "I hope there's no problem for you to come here looking like this?""Alpha Alex. I'm pretty sure you know Sir Nathaniel wouldn't get off your back now that you're the one to occupy the Alpha's position," Ivan said. I rested my back, looking at him. Not Nathaniel again. What did he do this time to get to the notice of the council of Elders? Was he planning to make the entire world come after him before he quit his act of tryant?"Most of