“Hawthorne?”Ryan’s voice snapped me out of my thoughts. Glancing beside me, I could see the questioning look on his face. I turned to survey the scene: everyone was engrossed in conversations or dancing, while others were engaged in gambling.”“Yes?”“What are you going to do?' he asked. Staring ahead, I noticed the young lad sitting at the table with his friends. I closed my eyes, attempting to quell the impulse to approach and carry out what I had imagined.I spotted the lad's father engaged in a game of chess with some affluent individuals. After glancing at Ryan and then returning my gaze to the young boy, I approached him with purpose. Though I wouldn’t mind Killing anyone that would stand in my way, attacking the lad would only make the situation more difficult than it is.“Alpha,' the lad and his friends chimed in unison as they rose to their feet, yet my gaze remained locked onto the red-haired figure.“What’s your name?” I inquired softly, my hands discreetly concealed behin

His gaze rested on me for a few seconds before he let out a low chuckle. He ran his fingers through his hair and then glanced back at Zaine, who was already walking away.“Do you think I’m stupid?” he asked, raising a brow as he shifted his focus back to me. He appeared displeased, as if my words had irritated him. “Show me your mark.”“What?” I questioned, completely unaware of what he meant. A mark? This was the first time I had come across such a term. Well, I had overheard a few conversations about it before, but I never took the time to inquire about its meaning.“Yes, your mark. The mark your mate leaves on you, as a sign of ownership,” he explained. Then, as if his patience had worn thin, he brushed my hair aside to inspect my neck. “Well, what do you know? Your mate didn’t leave a mark on you. Tell me, why is that?” he inquired, but I didn’t respond right away.“He didn’t love me,” I replied, but his expression remained unchanged as he gazed at me with indifference. He face pa

Exiting the boutique, I walked over to where Ruth stood. The numerous shopping bags appeared to be a handful for her. "Ruth," I called out to capture her attention, just as the chauffeur moved closer to assist her with some of the bags."Hmm?" she replied, turning to face me after passing the bag to the chauffeur. Wiping a few beads of sweat from her forehead, she let out a sigh of relief. "Is something the matter?" she inquired, her smile gradually fading as she registered the slight frown reflected on my face ."What happened?" I queried, and she gazed at me in confusion. "What happened back there with the cashier?" I pressed further, genuinely curious about the situation. Even though I had known Diego for weeks and we were close friends, it didn't mean I truly comprehended everything about him. There were facets he kept concealed, and it was only fair considering I had my own share of secrets."You worry over nothing, Aurora," she responded, her smile gentle as she tugged me along

She gazed at me with an imploring expression, while I began a deliberate rhythm of entering and withdrawing. Her fingers pressed into my skin as she urged me to increase the pace. Her moans filled the air, and I could sense her grip growing firmer. "Hawthorne, please, faster," she pleaded. With one hand beneath her, I started to stimulate her clit as I continued the rhythmic movement of my hips."Do you enjoy that?" I inquired, and she responded with a nod, her eyes shut as she bit her lower lip. Suddenly, I grasped her neck firmly with both hands, intensifying my thrusts to a more vigorous and rapid pace. Her eyes flew open, revealing the discomfort on her face as I had become more substantial within her, displaying veins along my shaft. In the heat of the moment, I struck her across the face, increasing my speed further as she squirmed beneath me, which strangely pleased me.I cautiously released my grasp on her neck, leaving behind faint red marks. She once again took hold of my he

—AURORA'S POV— I made my way to the window, drawing the curtains aside to allow the light to filter in as I gazed outside. Below, I spotted the gardener tending to the gardens—a middle-aged man with a mane of gray hair atop his head, likely around fifty years of age. Our eyes met, and I offered him a smile along with a brief wave. He reciprocated the gesture with a smile of his own before resuming his work. A knock resonated at the door, diverting my focus. "Come in," I granted, and Ruth entered, a smile gracing her face as her gaze settled on me. "How have you been?" she inquired, and I responded, assuring her that I was doing well. Her nod acknowledged my response. "Prepare yourself, he's waiting for you," she informed me, prompting my agreement with a nod. As she began to turn away to depart, I called out, "Wait." She halted, her eyes locking onto mine, brimming with curiosity. "Is everything alright?" she inquired, and a chuckle escaped me as I shook my head. Her shoulders rel