Elena's POV

"What's that on your neck?" Taylor's sharp voice froze me mid-motion. I had been in the kitchen pouring coffee, trying to shake off the lingering haze of last night's hangover, but her words cut through the morning quiet like a blade.

I thought with Taylor married, I'd finally have peace in this house. Besides, I couldn't keep living at Belle's place forever-I hadn't officially graduated yet, and I still needed Dad's financial support to finish school.

I glanced at her, my fingers brushing instinctively over the mark on my neck. "It's nothing," I said dismissively.

Taylor stepped closer, eyes narrowing. "Don't lie. I saw something. Is that. an initial?"

I turned back to the coffeemaker, forcing my voice steady. "It's none of your business."

"Oh, yeah?" Taylor shot back, hands on her hips. "You'd rather screw around with men than show up at my wedding? That's how you treat family?"

My eyes narrowed. How could she be so cruel? When my boyfriend's dick had been inside her, she still had the gall to blame me for skipping her wedding?

"What do you want, Taylor?" I said coldly. I knew she wouldn't walk away.

"I already know the answer." She shrugged.

"A hickey," I shot back. They always mocked me, always said no one wanted me. But just picturing her face when she realized the man I'd slept with was drop-dead gorgeous-I wasn't going to hide it. I'd prove them wrong. Except, God, all I knew was his name. Dax.

Taylor suddenly burst out laughing, like I was some pathetic joke. I couldn't stand being alone with her for more than five minutes, or I'd lose control and throw my latte in her perfect face.

Then she grabbed my collar. With a ripping sound, my shirt tore open.

"What the hell is wrong with you!?" I shouted.

Taylor held onto my collar, her eyes glued to the mark on my neck.

"Oh my God," she whispered, voice dripping with mockery. "Did some beast bite you, and now you're pretending you actually got laid? What is this, Vampire Diaries?"

I shoved her back, but she sneered and leaned in again.

"Let me get a closer look. Did you give yourself that mark with a straw? Jesus, Elena, are you faking it all? Still a virgin, but bragging about hooking up with men? You're pathetic."

"I don't owe you an explanation." I rolled my eyes. She always had to be dramatic.

She folded her arms and blocked my way. "Then tell me his name. Who is he? What does he do?"

"I." I faltered. I only knew his name. "Dax. His name's Dax. Can I go now?" I glared at her.

"So you really spread your legs like a slut." Taylor's grin was vicious. I knew that look-she was about to use this to humiliate me.

Blood pounded hot and dangerous in the side of my head.

"This is hilarious," I scoffed. "Did you forget where I found you? Acting like a whore with my boyfriend?"

Taylor's face flushed scarlet. Her fists clenched at her sides, knuckles taut with veins.

"And you think you can lecture me? Please. Take a good look in the mirror before you try, sweetheart."

Her mouth twitched, but I didn't stop. My tone sharpened, dripping with acid as I lifted my hand and pretended to inspect my nails.

"Why are you even here, Taylor? The night after your wedding, hanging around Dad and Mom's living room? Shouldn't you be busy playing perfect wife? Or has the marriage already started to crack?"

Taylor snorted, arms folded. "Whatever. I'm telling Dad."

My gaze darkened. I lowered my voice, every word laced with threat. "If you dare, I'll tell them about the gardener. You know, the one who mysteriously shows up in your room after work."

Her smug smile vanished. Panic flickered across her eyes, then sharpened into a deadly glare.

"You wouldn't."

"Try me," I said, stepping closer, voice low and dangerous.

The slap came out of nowhere.

My head whipped to the side, a sting flaring across my cheek. Blood pooled in my mouth where my teeth had cut my lip. For a moment, all I could hear was the thunder of my own heartbeat.

"You ungrateful little brat!" Taylor's voice cracked-not with rage, but with fake sobs. She staggered back, clutching her face as if I had hit her.

"Dad!" she screamed louder. "Mom! She-she attacked me! She's out of control!"

Her shrieks echoed through the house. Heavy footsteps thundered down the stairs.

"Elena!" My father's voice boomed like thunder. Moments later, he stood in the doorway, face red, eyes wild. Mom followed in her robe, lips pressed into a thin line.

Taylor dove into Dad's arms, trembling like a wounded bird.

"She hit me, Daddy. Just because I told her I was going to tell you. she." Her voice broke, then she burst into tears. "She lied to you. She didn't go to a charity gala-she's been sleeping with vagrants on the street."

Mom's gaze fixed on me, unreadable. Dad's face twisted in fury, ready to explode.

"Is that true?" he barked, jabbing a finger at me.

I opened my mouth, but nothing came out. My throat felt shredded, like glass lodged inside.

Taylor lifted her head, lips trembling. "I didn't want to say anything. but I saw the bruises on her neck. She's letting some man use her like an animal."

"Dad, that's not true." My voice shook. My hands trembled harder, so I pressed them flat against my thighs.

"Isn't it?" she asked softly, with fake pity. "You admitted it yourself-his name's Dax. Do you know any rich man named that, Daddy?"

"You venomous snake!" I spat. "And you dare talk about morals? How long did you screw around with Ash before you married him?"

The words slipped out before I could stop them. The room went deathly silent.

Taylor's fake tears dried instantly. Her face hardened, then she buried herself back in Dad's chest.

Mom gasped. "See? I told you this would happen. She's shameless. No self-respect. I warned you."

"Enough!" Dad roared. His glare seared into me. "You think after what you've done, you still have the right to talk back?"

"What did I do?" My voice cracked, hoarse and raw. "You don't even know the truth! You only ever believe her-because she's your perfect little daughter, isn't she?"

Dad's face darkened. "Shut your filthy mouth!"

"I won't!" I screamed. "You want to call me a whore? Fine. But at least I didn't ruin my own sister's life for fun."

Silence fell over the kitchen, broken only by the ticking clock on the wall.

Then Dad stepped forward, eyes blazing. "If you're going to sell yourself, at least do it for money. Find a rich man. Not some homeless bastard off the street."

My heart plummeted.

"We're done," he said coldly. "You're no daughter of mine. Get out of my house."

My breath caught, chest caving under the weight. "Dad."

"Get out!"

[Five years later]

Elena's P.O.V

"This can't go on."

I sat up in Maribelle's guest bed, running a hand through my tangled hair. Beside me, a small boy curled under the blankets, his lashes feather-light against his cheeks. My chest tightened. My baby.

Maribelle's voice floated from the kitchen. "You know you two can stay here forever, right?"

"I can't mooch off you forever, Belle," I said, padding across the icy tiles. She stood at the stove, stirring something, her hair piled into a messy bun.

"You've already done too much. Watching Jack, helping me finish school. You've carried me long enough." I slumped into a chair.

She waved a wooden spoon dismissively. "Please. You say that like I'm some saint. We're friends-this is what friends do."

I forced a smile, but the weight of the past five years pressed down. Kicked out by my parents. Homeless with a newborn. Maribelle had been my lifeline. But now? Now I needed to stand on my own.

"They rejected you again?"

"Yeah. No reason, like always." I rubbed my temples. "Six months of this, Belle. I apply, they love me, then-poof!-suddenly the position 'isn't a fit.' It's fucking suspicious."

"Breathe, darling. It'll work out."

"I applied somewhere new last night," I admitted. "Valiente Industries."

Her eyebrows shot up. "The Valiente? The 'mystery billionaire' company?"

"The one and only. I know it's a long shot, but the salary could change everything."

Maribelle snorted. "Mom says no one's ever seen the owner's face. He's like a ghost-or a cat-hoarding recluse with a face like a deflated soufflé."

A laugh escaped me. "Don't care if he's got three heads. If he signs my paycheck, I'm sold."

Silence settled, broken only by Jack's sleepy murmurs from the bedroom. My heart ached. This tiny, borrowed life-was it all we'd ever have?

"Have they. reached out?" Maribelle asked softly.

I shook my head. "Not once. Five years, Belle. They never even looked back."

Sometimes it still didn't feel real. The memory haunted me: standing on their porch in the pouring rain, clutching a newborn, wondering how the hell I'd survive.

Jack barreled into the kitchen, his little feet slapping the tiles. "Mama!"

I scooped him up, burying my nose in his hair. He smelled of sleep and syrup. When he pulled back, his eyes-sharp, honey-brown-pierced me.

Just like his father's.

Dax.

I hadn't seen him since that night. No matter how many hours I spent scouring the internet, he'd vanished like smoke.

Maribelle slid a plate of eggs and toast toward me. "So. Have you heard the gist about Asher?"

I blinked. "What about him?"

"Cheated on Taylor. Got some girl pregnant."

My fork froze halfway to my mouth. "What?"

She smirked, stirring her coffee. "Karma's a bitch."

I set the fork down, unsure how to feel. Tyler had stolen what she thought was a prize-only for Ash to prove, yet again, that he was trash. I should've been glad I dodged that bullet. Glad my sister got what she deserved.

But I felt. nothing.

Five years changed everything. The girl who'd once thought heartbreak was the end of the world was gone. In her place? A single mom who knew love was a luxury, and survival was the only game that mattered.

My phone buzzed on the table. Unknown Caller.

"Hello?" I answered cautiously.

"Miss Elena Rivers?" A crisp, professional voice.

"Yes?"

"This is Valiente Industries. Can you come in for an interview?"

I straightened in the chair. "Sure. When?"

"In thirty minutes. Our CEO requested it personally."

I nearly dropped the phone. "Wait-thirty minutes?"

"Yes, ma'am. We'll see you shortly."

The line went dead.

"Thirty minutes?" Maribelle echoed. "That's insane. And the CEO? Do you know him?"

Of course I didn't. But I didn't have time to debate. Valiente offering me an interview was a miracle-one I couldn't waste.

I shoveled down two bites of eggs, threw on the least wrinkled blazer I owned, and kissed Jack's forehead. "Wish Mama luck, baby!"

He giggled, sticky fingers patting my cheek.

My pulse hammered as I raced out the door.

This might be my last chance. And I'd be damned if I let it slip away.

-----

Thirty-two minutes later, I stood in the glittering atrium of Valiente Industries.

My reflection fractured across a thousand polished surfaces. The air smelled like money and ambition-crisp linen, espresso, the faintest whiff of imported marble.

The receptionist smiled. "Ms. Rivers? Right this way."

She led me down a corridor lined with glass, my heels clicking too loudly against the floor. My palms were slick with sweat.

I stole glances at passing employees-all razor-sharp suits and focused stares. Obviously, this was a company that demanded perfection.

My degree was decent, but was it enough? It had to be. For Jack. For us. I had to seize the chance.

We stopped at an oak door. "He's waiting for you."

He.

For a heartbeat, I didn't understand.

Then I stepped inside.

The office was bathed in muted gold light, floor-to-ceiling windows framing the skyline. The scent-cedar and something darker-hit me like a fist. Familiar.

A man stood by the window, his back to me.

Just a silhouette, but it sent a spark down my spine. Heat flared at the base of my throat. Why did I-

He turned.

The world stopped.

My breath vanished.

"Dax."

He leaned against the desk, hands in his pockets, that same damn smirk tilting his lips.

"Hello, Elena." A pause, deliberate. "Missed me?"

Alpha Dax's P.O.V.

"Did you secure the rest of the contracts?"

My Beta's voice crackled through the speaker. "Yes, Alpha. The last two companies sent confirmation this morning. No one's going to touch her résumé."

"Good."

My fingers tap the desk in a steady rhythm, each sound echoing in the room.

"Keep it that way. I don't want her distracted by. options."

She'd come here. Only here.

"Understood, Alpha."

I heard the tension in his voice-the unspoken question. I didn't soothe it. That's not my job. Fear whets loyalty.

"And what about the Pack?"

"We're all excited to meet our Luna, Sire."

A growl rumbled in my chest. Mine. Not theirs. Not yet.

"Anything else?"

A pause. "Your mother. She's still attempting to arrange the mating banquet with the Moonvale daughter. Should I-"

"Tell her I'm occupied."

"She'll insist-"

"With more pressing matters," I snarled.

The line went dead. The office falls silent again. It's how I like it. No noise, no interruptions-except for the one that's coming.

Elena.

Her name was honey and fire on my tongue. I leaned back, staring at the ceiling.

Five years. Five long years. Not a day passed that I didn't see her face-the curve of her lips, the wildfire in her eyes. I thanked the Moon every night for leading me to her.

Even when the pack business tore me away. Even if she fled the city.

I hadn't worried.

She could never truly leave.

Not after I'd marked her that night.

Glorious wasn't even the word. My wolf had nearly shredded my skin just to claim her. Of course, she didn't know. Every breath she'd taken since belonged to me. Every heartbeat. Mine. And no one else's.

A low growl escaped me. Across the room, my secretary flinched.

"S-sir?" Her voice trembled through the intercom. "Should I bring your coffee?"

"No. Stay quiet."

"Yes, Sir." Her voice shakes. Good.

I couldn't wait to see my little queen again. Couldn't wait to watch her stride in, all stubborn pride and sharp edges. She'd fight me. And I'd relish every second of breaking her down all over again. Piece by delicious piece.

It was all going according to plan.

Right on schedule, the intercom buzzed.

"Mr. Valiente? Elena Rivers is here."

For a heartbeat, the world stood still. My wolf fell silent-then erupted into a deafening howl.

Mate.

The word echoed through my skull like a drumbeat.

'Mate here! Mate is here!'

"Send her in." My voice dropped an octave.

I turned my chair away from the door. I wanted to feel her before I saw her.

Her scent hit me first-that intoxicating sweetness of wild strawberries crushed under sunlight. Beneath it, the warm spice of cinnamon and vanilla made my palms itch to touch her skin.

The door creaked open. I heard her hesitant footsteps, the nervous catch in her breath.

Good.

I turned slowly, drinking in the shock on her face.

"Dax?" Her whisper sent heat coiling low in my gut.

Just hearing my name on her lips again made my cock twitch. Five fucking years I'd waited to bury myself inside her. But nof-I couldn't rush this. Couldn't scare my little queen away.

I smirked, taking my time swiveling to face her fully. "Hello, Elena. Miss me?"

Her eyes-those fucking honey-brown eyes that haunted my dreams-widened. "What the hell..."

"Sit." I pointed to the chair opposite me.

She crossed her arms. "I didn't know you owned this company. I'm leaving."

My grin sharpened. "Sit. Elena."

A shiver ran down her spine, and she obeyed, dropping into the chair with barely contained fury. "Still on your god complex, I see."

I almost laughed. Almost.

"Let's get this over with," she snapped, but I caught the way her fingers clenched around her resume.

I leaned back in my chair, fingers steepled. "Let's discuss your education. You took a. gap year during college."

Elena's shoulders stiffened. "Personal reasons."

"Vague." I tapped her resume. "This isn't a coffee shop application, krasavitsa. Elaborate."

Her jaw clenched. "I needed time to reassess my priorities."

"Ah," I smirked. "So you chose business administration after your epiphany? Fascinating pivot from. what was your original major?"

"Literature," she muttered.

"Romantic." I let the word drip with mockery. "Yet here you are, begging for a corporate job. Why Valiente?"

She lifted her chin. "Reputation. Growth opportunities."

"Liar." I chuckled. "You applied because we're the only ones who haven't rejected you yet."

Her fingers twitched. "This was a mistake." She stood abruptly. "I'm withdrawing my application. Goodbye, Mr. Valiente."

"There are no other applications, Elena." I flipped a page lazily. "Not anymore."

She froze. "What?"

"You heard me."

"You-you've been sabotaging my interviews."

"Ensuring you'd come here."

"You're insane."

"Possessive," I corrected, grinning. "There's a difference."

"You're a monster."

"I've been called worse." I snapped the folder shut. "Tell me, Elena-has there been anyone else?"

Her lips pressed into a thin line.

I tilted my head. "Let me rephrase. Last week. That accountant at the bistro. What did he taste like?"

Her eyes widened. "You're stalking me?"

"Protecting. Monitoring." I shrugged. "Call it what you want."

"None of your business."

"Everything about you is my business."

I was behind her before she could blink, my breath hot on her neck. She shuddered-good.

"Every inch of you belongs to me," I growled. "Even the parts you've let others touch."

She whirled, shoving me back. "I don't know what fucked-up drug you're on, but I'm no one's-least of a bastard like you!"

I laughed, low and dark. "Such a bad girl, princess."

Her breath hitched.

"How dare you let another man kiss these cheeks?" I traced her jaw. "Mine. Always mine."

"Dax-"

"Stand up."

"No."

"Stand. Up."

She gritted her teeth. I watched the war in her eyes-defiance wrestling with desperation. Slowly, trembling, she rose.

"Bend over the desk."

"You're insane."

"Do it, Elena." I circled her like a shark. "Or walk out. But we both know no other doors will open for you."

Her fists clenched. For a second, I thought she might set me on fire with her glare. Then-a sharp exhale. She bent forward.

The sight nearly undid me.

"Good girl," I murmured.

My palm cracked down on her ass. She gasped, the sound searing through me.

Again. Again. Her breaths turned ragged. My vision tinted red, memories of that night five years ago flooding back-how she'd writhed beneath me, how she'd screamed.

"Bad girls get punished," I growled.

"Dax-"

I yanked her upright, crushing my mouth to hers. The kiss was brutal, claiming. She tasted like fire and fury.

My other hand slid under her skirt. Fuck. Soaked. My cock throbbed at the discovery. Her body always did betray her.

"You'll behave now," I whispered against her lips, fingers thrusting deep. "Because I don't share. Ever."

Then-

She wrenched free like I'd burned her. "You're sick!"

"Keep your job, Elena-"

"Stay the hell away from me!" She grabbed her bag, heels slamming against marble as she fled.

The door crashed shut.

For a moment, the room was silent again. Then I smiled.

She'd be back.

I'd make her come back.

And when she did, I'd ensure she stayed.

Office life was about to get very interesting.