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?"

"The drinks are here" Damian said and dropped some drinks on the table.

She took one of the glasses chugged the drink down.

"As I was saying, I know when things are not what they seem, look Nicole…."

"Stop making a fool of yourself Ava, and drink the water on the table" Damian scolded her.

"No, let me finish tal…."

My phone started to ring and when I looked at it, it was my security, he must have seen how uncomfortable I was, And decided to get me out of there, I grabbed a glass of champagne and stood up.

"Excuse me," I said then downed the champagne, now I began blaming myself for ever tasting the champagne, I was just in a hurry to get out of here and I didn't bother inhaling it, the awful taste of the champagne overshadowed the sweet wine I had earlier, thank goodness I only swallowed a little quantity and held the rest In my mouth, my eyes started to water and my throat starts to burn, so I quickly darted off to the bathroom to empty my mouth,but I bumped into someone and emptied everything on him.

"Breathe slowly" The person whispered and his hand that was on me felt like I was been zapped.

I looked up at the pair of stormy blue eyes, and right then my wolf whispered, "Mate" Before I gave in to the darkness.

* * * *

"You will hang if you dare scratch that portrait," Lydia yelled at one of her workers.

"Move your ass already," he yelled at another, giving her a pointed look. She turned to the left and yelled at the one carrying some tools inside "Stop dragging your feet; we don't have all-day people."

"Mrs. West," she smiled the instant she saw me. Lydia is my event planner, and she is always great at her job, but believe me when I say she has a foul mouth.

"Hi, Lydia, how are things looking up?"

"Perfecto, just perfect" she demonstrated with her hands. I smiled while she was busy showing off the decoration; she was almost done, just hanging up the artwork that would be on display.

I was satisfied at the end of the interesting tour and was glad she stuck to the design I chose.

It was an hour to the art show, and I was nervous as hell. Ava tipped my bowl of confidence and I am struggling to remain calm; all hell would let loose if she did find out.

Secondly, I had made a fool of myself yesterday too, All I remember is bumping into someone and vomiting on the person then I called the person, mate.

I wish Ava was the only thing I was worried about, what is the odds of meeting my mate, thousands of miles away from the werewolf world.

The only thing I remembered was those stormy blue eyes I could swear I have seen them before, but can't quite remember where, anyways, it doesn't matter, what matters right now is my revenge.

I hurriedly went into my office at the far end of the hall to get dressed. My guests would soon arrive, and I didn't want to be unprepared when they get here.

Locking the door behind me, I quickly slid into the red dress I had ordered to wear for the night.

It hugged my skin tightly, showing off my curves. I did my make up, nothing too heavy, a little here and there but something luxurious to charm there pants off, I adorned my neck and ears with a diamond set I had selected for the occasion. I picked up my clutch and opened the door to see Nina at the door, looking through her tablet.

"Has the guest arrived?"

"Yes, ma'am," she replied.

I quickly got on the elevator while Nina filled me in on everything I needed to know about the show. I have been searching for a way to broaden our scope and take over New York as a whole.

This selfless act of opening our door to the public will bring great returns and certainly bring me a step closer to my revenge plan.

"If it's not ruined already," I gasped.

The minute we stepped into the hall, I shrieked quietly without attracting attention to myself.

Images of someone carrying me flashed in my mind but it went away as quickly as it came.

"Almighty Ares honored our invitation, he even came by himself, look over there" Nina whispered to my hearing.

I looked at where she pointed then it hit me,the pair of the stormy blue eyes I had seen earlier and then I felt electricity in my tummy and my wolf whispered, "Mate."

It can't be, Ares is a Lycan, of the royal bloodline, heard they are quite private about their ways that not many people knew of them. He built his empire in the human world, but respected among the wolves.

"Ares?" I whispered in disbelief.

"The stakeholders would be so happy." Nina said.

"They have me to thank for that." I chipped in, still lost in thought.

"Ready?" Nina asked as Marla was calling me up on the podium. I was still disoriented thinking about my meeting with Ares, but it was now or never. Nina ushered me to the podium to deliver my speech before stepping aside.

"Thank you, Marla; that is one hell of an introduction," I said, smiling, and some of my guests chuckled.

I searched for Damian or Ava, but they were nowhere to be found in the auditorium. I was sad and tense, as it could only mean one thing: she knew who I was and why I had returned.

Just the thought sends chills down my spine, but that's trouble for another day.

I thanked everyone who made it out tonight and was about to dive into the speech I had prepared for the occasion when I picked up Ava's scent.

I was searching for her all over the auditorium while delivering the speech. It was dark in the room with only the stage light on, but you know wolves and night vision. After searching the room for a while and finding no signs of Ava, I just concluded that I might be wrong.

"We hope that with this little effort, we would give back our quota to the community and the country at large, thank you." I ended the speech and made my way down from the podium as all cheered and clapped.

"That is a beautiful speech," I heard a familiar voice say from behind me.

"Thank... " I was stunned to see Damian behind me, with Ava, of course, glued to his side.

"Hi, Mr. and Mrs. Stone." Surprised to see them, I was beginning to think that I might be needing another surgery and, of course, a new identity, since my cover is blown.

"The paintings are so beautiful; I love them," Ava said, holding my hands as if we were long time acquaintances. I could feel Damian's gazing lustfully at me, but I did a good job ignoring him anyway.

He should keep chasing, and I will keep baiting him till he loses himself.

"Thank you; I feared you wouldn't make it," I said to Ava, who was still clinging to my arm.

"Damian would hang me; he was suddenly all for the art show," she casually replied, but I could sense the jealousy hidden behind those words.

"Oh, I didn't know you were a big fan of art," I spoke to him, holding his gaze.

"There is a lot you don't know about me," he replied, staring even more lustfully.

"Mrs West"

"Hi, um, sorry, Mr. Ares Steele, it's nice meeting you." I was flustered as I grabbed his hand; it was cold, and I felt a tingling sensation. I was praying internally that he doesn't talk about the vomiting scene, I was glad he doesn't recognize me as his mate thanks to the cloaking spell.

"The pleasure is all mine, did you get my note" He asked glancing from the tall blue eyes guy standing beside him to me.

"Yes, thank you" I replied.

Jude handed me a note that he had left me, he asked me to take aspirin and water, then helped my security put me inside my car before he left.

"Shit he remembered" I exclaimed to myself.

He was handsome in his suit, his scent intoxicating, and honestly, It wouldn't be such a bad idea to give in to the mate bond, as it is messing me up already. But i was busy with my revenge, and that is important to me above everything else.

"That was a wonderful speech," he complimented.

"Thank you." My wolf was internally leaping for joy.

"Excuse me, please," I quickly said to Ava and Damian. I almost laughed my ass off when I saw Damian's face. He was uncomfortable all through my discussion with Ares, but I didn't give a shit.

After talking with him for a good number of minutes, he dug his hands into his pocket and handed his card to me.

"Call me anytime, and we will talk more about the project," he said, and I quickly took it from his hand.

There was a spark, but his cold hands wouldn't let me relish the moment.

He smiled at me and walked away.

"I know you want my man."

"What are you talking about, Mrs. Stone?" I screamed.

"I have no evidence yet, but ever since you came to the wedding, my husband is no longer the man he used to be."

"I'm lost for words at your accusations."

"He forfeited everything, including our honeymoon and allegiance ritual, just so he would be here at this art show."

"What on earth..."

"I'm onto you, Nicole West," she said, demonstrating with her fingers.

I smiled internally. I guess I'm winning this game little by little. This is what she meant by knowing who I am and what I am up to.

"Are you sure I'm the one you should be worried about? Your husband is fucking someone, by the way, but I think you picked up the wrong scent."

I enjoy causing her sleepless night with a touch of restlessness.

"You know her."

"I didn't see her clearly, but I think I saw her build," I said.

"It must be that sneaky bitch, Eloise. I knew she was up to no good hanging onto Damian and the pack like a leech

"You must come to my allegiance ritual."

"I thought people outside the stone royal family couldn't come to the allegiance ritual."

"Just say yes and leave the rest to me."

"I don't know, I will think about it," she was about to say something else when her phone rang.

"What I heard is yes and don't you dare disappear on us like you did last night," she said, holding her index finger up, gesturing that I should hold on while she stepped out to answer the phone.

* * * * *

I'm tired from all the meetings and greetings. It was one hell of an event; which served its purpose, a well orchestrated publicity stunt and baiting Damian and Ava.

"Aren't I the genius?" I chuckled silently but was cut off when a car nearly ran into us.

"Keep it steady," I yelled, massaging my head, which bumped on the car roof.

"Sorry, ma'am, it's just."

"Eyes on the road, don't worry about me," I yelled at him. The last thing I want is to be dead before executing my revenge.

I remembered my meetings with Ares and the possibility of future meetings with him, and I was grateful that things were finally taking shape.

But when I remembered he is my mate, fear gripped me, going against the mate pull was such a big deal, I don't know if I hold a candle against it. I kept on thinking about it till I dozed off.

The continuous ringing of my phone woke me up from sleep. I was prepared to hang whomever it was that just interrupted my beauty sleep when I noticed that I had 10 missed calls.

"Strange," I whispered, tossing the pillow to the side.

It was Nina and a strange number. I called Nina back, but she wasn't picking up.

I tried calling the strange number, and the caller picked up at the first ring.

"Hi, am I speaking with Mrs. Nicole West?"

"Yes, and you are?"

"I'm Detective Sam from the local police station; there has been a break-in."

"What?"

"Someone broke into your office."

I jerked off from the bed.

"How is that possible?" I asked, a little surprised.

"And we think they may have been following you for a while."

"Where are you? We think you are in danger."

"At home, Detective Sam, and I'm not alone; I have men all over the house; if anyone is here, they will be arrested. I said it with a tone of finality before I hung up.

I hurriedly picked up my jacket and headed to the company.

The minute I got into my office, I picked up a few scents.

"Wolves," I whispered.

"Are you looking for anything of value?" the detective from earlier asked as I was busy looking through the mess the intruders had made.

"I don't think they are here to steal."

"Why"

"Those paintings are worth a fortune, yet they are untouched." I pointed at the painting in the corner.

"Hold on, how did you know they were following me?"

"Here I caught them on CCTV at the parking lot. He handed me a laptop to play the video on, and I clicked on the play button.

"Lelani!" I whispered to myself.