As I stepped into into the Crow's mansion, all I felt was fear. I was anxious that somehow something might slip and someone might recognize me, and that may be the end of the revenge I carefully planned for years.

"Mrs. West, I thought that you would not come anymore," Kimberly Jade declared.

I smiled. "Not really. Something needed my attention in my company, so I had to attend to it. How can I not attend the wedding ceremony of my two latest investors?"

"Come, the groom is free; let's go talk to him and eye-fuck him. Mr. Damian is such a sight for sore eyes, right?"

"I will be right there; let me look at the paintings; they are so beautiful," I said, pointing at the paintings.

"I think that your husband's death has sucked out any human feeling from you because I can't believe that you would prefer looking at a painting than a handsome Apollo," she whispered.

"Aren't you married?" I asked her, then she winked at me and walked away, but not before whispering.

"And you are a widow, so what's your excuse?"

I saw Damian's eyes on me; he was checking me out. I walked closer to the wall and then pretended that I was looking at the paintings.

Everything was going according to plan, and Damian loved to chase whoever was immune to his handsomeness. "The thrill of the chase" that was what he used to say. He knew that people loved to be closer to him because he was the handsome Alpha of House Stone for the supernatural and the handsome rich businessman for humans, so when anyone defied that order, his narcissistic self befriended the person.

I heard him ask someone who I was, due to my super hearing, but I did not turn to see who, because I did not want to act like I was aware of his presence but knew that he heard my conversation with Kimberly. Werewolves have those special gifts from the moon goddess.

After spending a few minutes looking at the painting, I decided to go meet him casually, but then I came face-to-face with my ex-sister, Ava. The ex-sister sounds awkward, right? Then maybe I should tell you a bit of my backstory.

My name is Anastasia Crow, the heir apparent of the Crow family and the adopted daughter. The whole werewolf world was led by 6 families. Now five, because I heard that the other families revolted against the Reign family, which was the ruling house, and massacred them all, and because my family and the Stone family contributed the most, there was trouble in choosing who was to lead, so it was finally suggested that I marry Damian Stone to bring peace to both houses.

When it was first suggested, I was so happy and could not wait for that day to come because he was so handsome and always knew the right word to use in many situations, and that was my mistake, listening to his sweet mouth. And thinking that his heart was like his face.

Somehow, they found out that I was adopted, which I think would have been the work of that witch, Ava because I saw the way she always looked at him even though he was promised to me.

I was sure that my mother would have given him to her because she hated saying no to her lovely daughter, but that would raise suspicion because I was older than her.

They had a meeting, and my mother told me that she was only meeting them to explain things to them, but I later overheard that they concluded that they would kill me quietly and Ava would marry him. I did not believe it, but then a servant showed me the short video of them at the meeting.

"Hello, you are such a beautiful bride." I said and smiled.

She did not smile back; instead, she condescendingly looked at me.

"You look familiar. Who are you? One of Damian whores?"

And if I forgot to add, Damian did not turn out to be what she wanted. He kept sleeping around, so she kept delaying the marriage. But both families could not wait any more, so the date was finally fixed.

I pretended to be offended. "Excuse me, Lady, I am Nicole West. Your husband is one of my investors. So I am here to congratulate a business partner on his achievement and not whatever vulgar word you just said."

"Today has been a bit hectic. Thank you for being here. Have you met my husband?" She said. Her version of apology.

"No, I was distracted by the beautiful painting," I said, waiting for her to take the bait.

"I love paintings too," she grinned.

"Then I guess we have something in common; I would have invited you to our art show, but you might be on your honeymoon then."

"When is it?"

"Next Saturday, many high-profile artists will be there."

Her eyes beamed. "Yeah, I will be there."

"What about your husband? Would he not mind?"

She scoffed, "No, and I could get him to tag along too."

I nodded. "Perfect then. I will send you both invites to the show."

"I see you met Mrs. Nicole, the CEO of West Corporation," Damian said.

She went and grabbed his arm. "I did. She is so kind to grace our wedding and even invited us to an art show next Saturday."

"Art show," he asked and made a face.

"What? you don't like art?" I asked.

He fixed his face and smiled. "I do, but I have some things I prefer, to art shows, but because the invitation is from you, we will be there."

"Okay, well, congratulations to both of you," I said.

"Thank you." They both greeted me.

I smiled, then walked away from the both of them. I went to sit down beside a friend of Lelani. I knew that she would come out to be a great friend.

A few minutes later, the priest arrived. The wedding started. I sat down and kept clapping and cheering from then on as the wedding progressed.

When they were officially married, everyone screamed, and then she threw her bouquet, and it landed on my leg.

I came out holding the bouquet and was prayed for, and on my way to my seat, one of his best men stepped closer.

"You are a werewolf, right?"

I nodded. "Yes, who is asking?"

"Joel, Delta of Stone Pack."

I smiled immediately. I heard that he would be useful someday.

"Wow, it's nice to meet you. It must be nice for you guys; you still live in your pack."

He looked at me in surprise and asked, "What happened to yours?"

"Massacred in a rogue attack, and we had to run."

"Well, thank God that such a beauty like you survived."

I chuckled. "Thank you for the compliment, but no one deserved that, beautiful or ugly."

"Sorry if I offended you; I was just trying to be funny."

"No, I was not; I just remembered that day again, and that usually spoils my mood."

"Then maybe I should show you around instead of asking you about your sad past."

He took me around, then I kept pointing at the paintings, and from the corner of my eye, I saw that Lelani was in my seat talking to her friend.

I tapped him. "That is the Crow's famous Luna right?"

He nodded. "Come, let me introduce you guys."

I held his hand, and he led me to the seat, then he smiled at them.

"Good afternoon, Luna, This is Damian's latest investor, the mighty Nicole West."

She smiled. "A wolf?"

"Yes, but my pack has been massacred. So it's been long since I lived in a pack."

"That is sad. Do you want something to eat or fruit? Maybe apple? "

I shook my head. "I hate apples."

Then she smirked, and I bit my lips; I had just slipped.

"I had a daughter as tall as you, and she hated Apple too. You remind me of her."

"What happened to her?" I asked nonchalantly.

I did not want to show that I was interested in the story that she was about to tell.

"She died in a fire. Someone started a fire and left it till it got out of hand." She finished, then kept weirdly looking at me.

Lelani was trying to see if it was me. She was waiting for me to react, but instead I smiled.

"That was sad; I'm so sorry for your loss," I replied.

She was about to ask me another thing when it was announced that the reception was happening outside.

I smiled politely, then excused myself. I hurried to the bathroom to catch myself. I stood in front of the mirror and looked at myself. No hair was away from the others, and I looked beautiful and different from the Anastasia they knew because of the cosmetic surgery I had done after I was injured on some parts of my face as I ran that night. Also, the cloating spell never fails, as they will never know.

I washed my hands and then headed outside the door, but as I walked back to the hall, I was about to step outside for the reception. I heard moans and screams.

I quietly moved closer, and I saw Alpha Damian. At first, I thought that the couple was having a quickie, which was a normal thing, but then I spotted Kimberly's clothes on the ground. Damian was with another woman on his wedding day.

This was so Damian, he was shameless, but I wonder why I was surprised, he laughed with me and told me that I was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen and that he loved me but still plotted with my family and his to kill me. But anyway, I grabbed my phone from my bag.

I took a few pictures of them and a short video, I was careful as I didn't want to get caught. I know how cruel Damian is when you try crossing him.

It seems like the universe is helping me with my plans because there was no way this would not come in handy one of these days. I quickly tossed the phone into my bag and turned to take one last glance at them, and my eyes were locked with Damian's eyes.

"Fuck!" I silently cursed as I quickly hid, scared that he saw me take the pictures, I hurriedly left the scene.

I glanced back at intervals as I hurried to the reception hall. I sighed in relief when I got back at the reception.

"Hey, I have been looking for you," Ava said to me the minute she saw me enter.

"Sorry, I had to use the restroom," I quickly replied.

"I might not make it to the art exhibition next week."

"What? Why!"

"The Stones family will be holding the allegiance ritual to welcome me into the family," she explained.

"Oh! I thought that was done before the wedding.

"You know about the ritual; not many people know about the ritual," she said, looking at me suspiciously.

I let it slip again. I might as well tell them who I am. I knew I had to damage control, or else I'm fucked.

"Yes, my mom once had a maid who was banished from the house stone 5 years ago; she told me about the ritual but didn't go into too much details anyway, so I just know the basics."

"She must have told you the rules."

"Of course, to keep your mouth shut about it."

She nodded, then her phone pinged, and she stopped to reply to the message.

"Wheew, that was close," I whispered under my breath. I can't possibly get caught before I even got started.

Originally the ritual is held before the wedding but I guess they have there reason of holding it after the wedding.

The ritual is to formally initiate the bride into the Stones family. The ritual is held by the elite of the family, with only the Alpha, his mom, and the pack elders in attendance. Some members of the Stones family don't even know the details of the ritual.

I don't know why there is so much secrecy surrounding the ritual. I bet she won't even know the faces of the people in attendance because she will be blindfolded.

"What happened to this maid of yours?" Ava asked, and I guess she still has her doubts.

"She died two years ago; God bless her soul," I said while pretending to be sad.

"So sorry," she said, and I nodded while trying to hold back invincible tears.

"Ava, darling, come; I would love for you to meet someone," Lelani called out, and Ava excused herself and went to meet with her.

I sighed in relief and said, "Talk about interrogation." I was hand-fanning myself when I heard someone walking towards me from behind.

I turned almost immediately to see Vale coming from behind, or, would I say, sneaking up from behind.

Of all the people I loathe, Vale Stone made it to the top of the list. He is the younger brother of Damian, but honestly, he made my days at the stones a living nightmare.

I'm surprised the devil smiles; his face was all smiles the minute he came close to me.

"Hi, you must be Nicole West," he asked, smiling from ear to ear while stretching his hand to take mine. I looked at the corner to see Kimberly and Damian; I guess they were done with their little room adventure.

Damian looked my way, and I turned immediately to talk to Vale.

"Hi, and you are?" I faked ignorance while I took his hands. I could feel my skin crawling in disgust, but I knew I had to calm down.

"Vale Stone"

"No one warned me about your good looks," I said, smiling while pretending I was dumbstruck.

"I guess they warned you about mine."

I knew it was only a matter of time before he crawled to my side, like an ant to sugar.

"Brother!" Vale called out the minute he turned to see his elder brother standing behind him.

"Vale, give Nicole and me a few seconds; I need to iron things out with her."

"Ok, brother," he said with a smile, but his tone betrayed him, he wasn't happy about it, but he knew better not to disobey Damian.

"I saw you watching my little thing with Kim. Are you craving me, or you can't just get your eyes off trouble?"

I didn't say a word, as I knew he would play right into my plans.

"Heard you are widowed; wonder how you would sleep at night after watching that," he said, brushing his finger on his lips, giving off his sexy smile. I would have fallen for him if I hadn't known him better.

I smiled as he was playing right into my plan. I was about to say something when Ava tangled her arm in his and leaned on him.

"Is everything okay?" she asked, taking his lips in a kiss.

"Yes, I was discussing the art show with your husband."

"You were?" they both asked. Ava frowned, turning his gaze on Damian.

"She was," he quickly replied, while I smiled in affirmation.

"Honestly, Ava, he loves you more than anything; I'm so jealous right now," she blushed and giggled. She hugged his arm even more tightly. He stared from me to Ava, confused.

"What did he say?"

"That he wouldn't mind putting everything on hold just to let you see portraits and be happy."

"We are going to the art show?"

"I don't......."

"Kimberly, could you come over for a second?" I cut him off. I turned to give him a stern look while warning him silently to play along or I would punch his stupid ass open.

"Yeah!" he exclaimed.

"Yeah?"

"Anything for you, darling," he said, hugging her.

He looked at me angrily, but I didn't give a fuck. "I will see you guys at the show then," I announced before turning to leave. "Two can play," I whispered to myself.

"Mrs. West, I hope you are enjoying the party," Kimberly whispered behind me.

"You have no idea," I said, smiling.

"Mr. Damian is a fucking god," she said, smiling.

"I'm sure he is," I replied giving her a good stare. I guess she has been dickmatized by Damian, judging from how obsessed she is with him.

I give it to him; he is sure handsome and knows his onions damn well. I wouldn't blame her if she kept longing for more.

"My deal here is done," I whispered to her.

"I'm glad you could come. Have a safe drive home."

"I wouldn't miss it for anything," I said to myself while smiling at her.

I headed out of the reception room and made my way to the hallway when I suddenly heard voices. I didn't need to be told, as I knew those fucking voices even if I was sleeping.

"What are you doing, Ava? You are deviating from the plan." Lelani was scolding Ava.

"Mom, I got this covered; it's just an art show."

"Do you? Why would he pick some stupid art show over holding your allegiance ritual?"

"Calm down, mom; I insisted we should go."

"Since when did he start listening to you? Swear allegiance to the house stone and secure your place as his Luna, the Future of the Crows, rests solely on your shoulders."

"I know, Mom and I will get it done."

"Lelani and her perp talk; they won't even know what hit them," I said, enraged.

I quickly walked away, heading towards the parking lot.

A few meters away from my car, the driver got off and opened the door.

As we drove away, Images of me running away from this house ten years ago with burn wounds all over my body flashed right before my eyes.

This revenge was all that kept me going all this time—the only reason I lived for, and I wouldn't rest till I made all of them pay for what they did to me.

The hunger for revenge was the reason for my marriage—the reason I married a man who was not attracted to my gender—in exchange for money when he died from his cancer. The reason I am still living on and I have not given up at all.

I took out my phone from the bag and went through the pictures. I played the short video I recorded, satisfied with everything.

"Wake me up, when we get there," I said to the driver, leaning my head on the seat and dozing off.

* * * *

"Help!" I screamed, banging on the door with the room filled with smoke. While some parts were burning, I kept hearing voices outside the door, but no one was helping me.

"Help!" I yelled, coughing in between, I grabbed a glass of water, poured it on my towel, and wrapped it around my neck, also covering my nose with it.

I screamed out in pain when a log of wood used for the ceiling fell into the room, engulfed in flames. I became restless, looking around for a way to escape. I suddenly heard a crack coming from above me. I looked up, and another log was gunning for me.

"Ma'am, what is the problem?"

I jerked up from the seat, breathing heavily while checking my surroundings.

"Are you okay, ma'am?" I turned to see my driver staring at me, surprised.

"It was just a dream," I said to myself. This has been my hell for years—these dreams.

"Nothing, just keep going" I said but then he lowered his face.

"what happened Jude, speak up, I do not have all day "

"When you screamed, I kind of turned immediately and ran into someone's car, They are packed Infront of us and the man that is driving is coming towards us."

I rolled my eyes, "Then get down and give them this tell them that my insurance will cover for everything, tell them to move it that I do not have all day."

He grabbed the card and got off the car heading to the car, a few seconds my phone started ringing.

"What?" I said.

"The man insists that you come down and apologize that he doesn't need your money and doesn't have all day like you too."

I rolled my eyes, he must be a supernatural being as he overheard me, but who cares, I opened the door, I hurried to where Jude was and snatched the card from him then turned to the man that he was standing with.

He was tall, handsome with a set of blue eyes and under normal circumstances, I would try to get him into my bed or something but today I needed to be home early after the long day at the wedding.

"I heard you won't collect the cheque?"

"Not him, me. What I want is an apology" I looked at the back of the car and the man had a set of stormy blue eyes, just like the other. But his face was covered and I could only see the eyes and curled hairs on his forehead. I felt electricity in my stomach and for once I was lost of words Infront of a man but then I caught myself.

"Look, like I said I need to get home and, I doubt an apology can get your car fixed or is this a chivuist thing?"

He scoffed, "Nope, it is I need an apology thing, It is so simple, apologize and leave."

I turned on my recorder, "If I apologize, I don't need to pay shit?"

"Yes."

"Good, then I apologize buttercup, for running into your car and hurting your chivuist dreams, that a woman should not drive, that their place is in the kitchen and also they should make no mistake at all" I finished holding his gaze.

I was waiting for him to burst out and start demanding for another apology but he started laughing.

"Alec."

"Yes, Ares?"

"Get in the car and get me out of here, he turned to me, it was nice meeting you miss short bomb" He said then wind up the window.

I scoffed then headed back to my car and we drove off.

It was a cool morning, and I woke up a little earlier than usual. Since I had decided to work from home today, I thought I would sleep in till later in the day but can't keep my bum glued to the bed after that nasty nightmare.

I would give anything to get rid of these dreams, but then it was what fueled my fury after all.

I was taking my breakfast outdoors while soaking in all that nature has to offer. I was about to take a sip from the wine glass when I heard my phone ping, I ignored it.

I gulped down some quantity then it started ringing. I dropped the wine glass and picked up my phone; it was Kimberly.

"Now what!" I lamented,

"Mrs West"

"Yes, Kimberly, why are you calling me this beautiful morning?"

"I just got off the phone with Mr. Damian Stone; they will be heading to your company this morning for the signing."

"What! Why am I just finding out now?" I screamed at Kimberly.

"I just got to know a few minutes ago."

"When are we expecting them?"

"Say ten o'clock."

I checked my phone clock, and it was a few minutes to 10.

"Great!" I yelled and hung up.

Damian is one unpredictable bastard, but I didn't expect him to react this way so soon. He called a couple of times after the wedding, but I didn't pick up.

I guess you now understand what I mean when I say Damian loves the chase.

I hurriedly put on a white gown, hugging my body tightly like a second skin with a slouching neckline to show off my boobs. I put on my make-up, paying attention to every little detail.

Tilting my head right to the left, then to the right again, I smiled and went to grab my shoe.

I quickly put on my shoes and picked up my blue handbag. One final glance at the mirror

"Perfect!" I exclaimed while staring at myself in the mirror. Damian wouldn't know what hit him as the gown was showing off my curves; honestly, I was gifted by the moon goddess in that department.

I came downstairs to find my driver waiting for me. I got in immediately, and he drove off.

A few minutes later, we were at the company's parking lot. I got off and walked in.

"Mrs. West," I heard someone call halfway to my office.

I turned around to see Damian walking behind me, but what shocked me was Ava walking hand in hand with him.

"Now that is the one I didn't see coming." I now understand what Kimberly meant by them.

"Hello, Mr. Stone, Mrs. Stone," I replied, wearing a smile. He smiled back at me, but Ava threw her face away the minute our eyes met.

"Something is off about them," I thought.

"Shouldn't you be on your honeymoon?" I asked him.

"Business is business; we could always go on our honeymoon anytime we want." he replied

"If only you had informed us that you were coming, we would have prepared for you."

"I see you are all here," Kimberly cut me off. She was walking towards us; they both exchanged glances, and I smiled.

"Shall we?" I said, pointing towards the elevator.

I see his gaze lingering on me like a vulture, haunting for what to devour. A few minutes after we got into the office, Kimberly presented both of us with documents to sign.

Ava had her eyes peeled on me, but I didn't give two fucks why she was looking at me. Damian and I exchanged documents; we both signed each document too before handing it back to Kimberly.

After the signing, we both shook hands while Kimberly clapped heartily.

"We should celebrate! What do you say, Mrs. West?" Kimberly happily announced.

"Yeah, we should definitely celebrate, Mrs. West; what say you, lunch on me?"

"I can't possibly turn it down since it's to celebrate our new alliances."

"It's settled then."

They left the room with Kimberly trailing behind. I wanted to leave some instructions with my secretary regarding the new project we were about to embark on and grab my stuff to join them.

I was still giving instructions to Nina, my secretary, about my new investor, Ares Steele, who I think is going to be the biggest fish I will pull in this year when I heard the door open. I turned to see Damian walk through the door.

"Did you forget something?" I asked him, glancing back to see if Ava was with him.

He didn't say a word but continued walking towards my desk.

"That will be all for now," I said to my secretary, but I noticed she wasn't moving. I turned around to see her gawking at Damian with lovey-dovey eyes and lost in her world.

"Nina, hey, Nina," I called out, snapping my fingers at her.

"Sorry, ma'am," she hurriedly replied as she made her way to the door. I turned my gaze on Damian, who had a satisfying expression on his face.

He loves the effect he has on people, especially his ladies.

"Where is Ava?" I asked him.

"You didn't pick up my calls over the weekend, Nicole."

"Shouldn't you be on your honeymoon?"

"I couldn't get you off my mind," he blurted out, looking at me like some possessed animal.

"The last time I checked, you were married."

"The last I checked, I would be the Alpha of the Alpha; everything I do will be law."

Alpha of the Alpha, my ass, the house of Stone, and Crow won't know what hit them.

I was about to reply to him when my phone started ringing.

"We should go join the others," I said quickly. I picked up my bag and then made my way out of the office.

"Damian Stone, you will have fallen deeper into my snare before you realize who I am."

I came downstairs with Damian trailing behind me, his eyes glaring at my body like a hawk while I pressed my phone.

I asked them to come dine at my five-star restaurant somewhere close. Jason my guard and friend also suggested the place instead and Ava quickly agreed. It's so Ava, she wouldn't want anything less than luxury, or maybe it's just her greed, but I did not think about it much; I was not concerned about Ava for now.

We got into the restaurant, and we were taken to our seat, The chief chef came up with a new crazy menu idea. I was scared at first but decided to give my permission.but looking at how packed the place is,I was glad I gave my consent.

"This is good, I was expecting the worst." I said.

"Yeah, but living your life like that, can be miserable, so sometimes we have to understand that people change, or not" Ava said and pinned me with a look.

"What…" I did not finish asking when her husband spilled water on her, A mistake he claimed.

"Excuse me, I need to wash this off" She said and stood up.

I was feeling uneasy, looking everywhere but avoiding the asshole staring at me, the restaurant was buzzing with people. The asshole moved closer, so I directed my eyes at the corner and locked eyes with a set of stormy blue eyes that was familiar, his cheeks were chiseled and his mouth was pressed in hard way, he looked handsome like morally grey characters in romance books.

"Why Is my wolf overjoyed" I whispered then my gaze wandered to the lady he is dining with, Our eyes met, and she scowled at me before smiling at him and calling him Ares. My wolf screamed and wanted me to attack the woman.

I turned away bringing my attention back to our table, Ava pulled out a chair and sat

"To new allies!" Kimberly lifted a glass of wine, and we all cheered for it.

Ava kept on drinking glass after glass; I guess the honeymoon didn't turn out as she dreamed.

She had always imagined a fairy tale marriage, and all those shenanigans, well welcome to reality. You can't talk about fairytales when you are married to the likes of Damian.

30 minutes later, Ava had become a little tipsy, but she had control of her senses. She was talking with Kimberly when Damian excused himself.

"You know, Kimberly, I can read people; people are not what they present themselves to be," Ava said while glaring at me.

I swallowed the food in my mouth, wondering what this whole attitude was about, but if I knew Ava well enough, she must be onto something.

"You work with my husband, right?"

"Yes, on some occasions," Kimberly replied. I could smell the fear oozing from her.

"Please keep an eye on him; I don't want any vultures lurking around him." Kimberly swallowed hard her saliva.

If only she knew that she had been dining with those vultures.

"What will you do to these vultures when you catch them?" I asked, taking a sip from the glass.

"I will rip her heart out," she yelled while demonstrating how she was going to get the job done.

I saw Kimberly shiver and instantly got up to leave the room. Honestly, coming to this lunch was such a great idea.

I can't remember the last time I had so much fun. I chuckled the minute Kimberly stepped out and concentrated on my food, ignoring her entirely. I was almost done when my secretary pinged me for my next schedule.

"He is taking so long," I said, glancing at my watch. I tossed my phone in the bag, and I picked up my bag to leave.

Ava gripped my right arm almost immediately. I turned around, surprised; I thought she was too drunk to even notice me.

"Ava!"

"I know who you are and the games you are playing," she said, staring hard at me.

"Excuse me?"