My fingers tighten around the phone 135

Posted by admin, ? Views, Released on April 4, 2025

Emma’s POV

I limped through my empty penthouse for one final review, wincing with each step. My damn shoulder throbbed mercilessly under the bandages, a constant reminder of Aria’s attack. That deformed wolf–thing she’d become had nearly ripped my arm clean off. Even with the slapdash repair job from that horny veterinarian who’d been all too happy to “help” me, I knew I’d never regain full mobility. Some things even werewolf healing couldn’t fix completely

“Good riddance,” I muttered, kicking at an empty picture frame on the floor. The sound echoed through the barren space that had once showcased my impeccable taste. Now everything of value was either packed, sold, or pawned. The money wouldn’t last long, but it would buy me enough distance from Ethan and his lapdogs until I could find safety beyond his territory.

I gritted my teeth as I dragged the last box toward the door, sweat beading on my forehead from the effort. My pathetic new life, condensed into cardboard containers. Six designer handbags, my jewelry collection, and barely enough clothes to fill a decent closet. It was humiliating, but temporary. I can identify some Alphas in southern territories whose packs could use someone with my… talents.

The thought of starting over made my stomach clench. I’d been so close to becoming Luna of Shadow Fang, one of the most powerful positions in werewolf society. Now I’d settle for being the pampered mate of some second–rate Alpha.

Better than being dead, though. If Ethan caught me after what happened with Aria… I shuddered. There would be no mercy, no quick death. The hair on my neck suddenly stood on end. Wolf instinct. Someone was here.

“My, my… quite the efficient exit strategy you’ve put together.”

The unfamiliar male voice sliced through the silence like a blade, freezing my blood mid–pump. I whirled around, my injured arm screaming in protest as I instinctively shifted into a defensive stance

At the entrance to my living room stood a silver–haired man in an expensive suit that couldn’t quite disguise his predatory nature, smiling at me like I was a particularly juicy rabbit.

My pulse hammered in my throat. “Who the hell are you and how did you get in here?”

The man chuckled, a sound that managed to be both charming and deeply unsettling. “Locks are such trivial things, don’t you think? Particularly for someone with my… interests.”

I kept my distance, circling slightly to keep the kitchen island between us. My mind raced through possibilities–another of Ethan’s hunters? No, I didn’t recognize him from Shadow Fang.

‘State your business or get out,” I snapped, forcing confidence into my voice even as my good hand inched toward the knife block on

the counter.

“So hostile,” the man tutted, his eyes tracking my movement with lazy amusement. “And here I came offering salvation. The one thing you need most desperately after attempting to murder a pregnant Luna and her unborn pups.

My hand froze halfway to the knives. “What did you just say?”

His smile widened, revealing teeth too white, too sharp. ‘Oh? Did you not know? Your little poisoning scheme targeted not just Aria, but Ethan’s twin heirs growing inside her.”

My stomach lurched violently. Twins? The implications crashed through me like a wrecking ball. No wonder Ethan was hunting me so relentlessly. Attempting to kill an Alpha a mate was bad enough their unborn children made it unforgivable.

I didn’t I started, but my denial withered under his knowing gaze

“Please,” he waved dismissively, “save the innocent act for someone who might believe it. I prefer your authentic self–calculating, ambitious, deliciously ruthless.

He took a step closer, moving with the fluid grace of someone accustomed to being the most dangerous creature in any room. “I’ve been watching you, Emma. Your tactics, your resilience, your willingness to do whatever necessary to achieve your goals. Admirable qualities, if somewhat lacking in strategic foresight.”

Chapter Comments

Betty Mendelsohn Watson

oh Lord. I was looking forward to her and Bella getting what they deserve

Betty Mendelsohn Watson

I wish every day

か

“You see, Ethan has been a persistent thorn in my side for years. I’ve made multiple attempts to eliminate him, only to watch him slip through my fingers like smoke. It’s become… personal.”

My curiosity sparked despite my wariness. “You’ve tried to kill Ethan Why?”

“Revenge. Territory, Power.” He shrugged elegantly. “The usual reasons one Alpha seeks to destroy another. Though in my case, there’s the added pleasure of watching his father suffer the loss of his precious heir before I finally end his miserable existence as well.”

I studied him more carefully now, noting the confidence that bordered on megalomania. “You still haven’t told me who you are.”

“Haven’t I?” He feigned surprise, then extended his hand with mocking formality. “Victor Shadowclaw, Alpha of the Blood Moon pack. Or you can also call me King of Rogues.”

The name hit me like a physical blow. It was whispered in dark corners, a boogeyman story used to frighten disobedient cubs. The rogue Alpha who commanded an army of packless wolves, who attacked established territories without warning or mercy.

“You’re the King of Rogues,” I breathed, unable to keep the mixture of fear and awe from my voice.

Victor’s eyes glittered with pleasure at the recognition. “Indeed. And I find myself in need of a Luna with your particular… talents.”

My mind spun with possibilities. This was either my execution or my salvation wrapped in one unbelievable package. “Why me?”

“Because you hate them as I do,” he replied simply. “Because you’ve already proven willing to kill for power. Because together, we could bring Shadow Fang to its knees.”

I laughed, the sound brittle with disbelief. “You’re suggesting I become your Luna? Just like that?”

“Not just like that,” he corrected, closing the distance between us with predatory intent. His scent enveloped me–pine and smoke and something metallic that might have been blood. “I’m offering you protection from Ethan’s retribution, position within my pack, and the chance to watch your enemies suffer before they die. In exchange for your loyalty and… other wifely duties.”

My nose wrinkled at the implication. “I have standards, you know.”

He moved with supernatural speed, grabbing my uninjured arm and pulling me against his chest. Power radiated from him in waves that made my knees weak and my wolf whimper in submission. Up close, I could see that beneath the silver hair and laugh lines, he possessed a primal virility that transcended physical age.

“You can run from Ethan and die alone,” he murmured, his breath hot against my ear, “or you can stand beside me and rule an empire built on the ashes of Shadow Fang. Choose wisely, Emma.”

My heart hammered against my ribs. This wasn’t just survival he was offering–it was revenge served on a silver platter. The chance to watch Aria lose everything, to see Ethan broken before he died. A savage smile spread across my face as something dark and hungry unfurled in my chest. This was better than escape–this was opportunity. This was destiny.

When do we start?” I asked, leaning into his touch with deliberate provocation.

Victor’s answering smile was all predator. “We already have.” His lips crashed against mine, the kiss more conquest than passion. I returned it with equal ferocity, tasting blood where our teeth clashed

When we broke apart, I was breathless and light headed. I assume you have accommodations more suitable than this empty apartment?”

“My dear,” Victor chuckled, his hand possessively circling my waist, have a castle waiting. A fitting home for the future Queen of Rogues, wouldn’t you say?”