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.

Allegiance rituals are one of the oldest ceremonies, the House of Stone holds dear to its heart. I can't say for sure who instituted the ceremony or when it was instituted.

Most of the members of the Stone royal family have no idea either; it's a tradition as old as we can remember and the only one that sets them apart from the other houses.

I wasn't sure how Ava managed to pull the strings, but I know it must have taken a lot of effort to bring a non-member to her allegiance ceremony.

She practically leaped for joy when I called her to take her up on her offer. If she had any ulterior motive for inviting me, well, that makes the both of us.

I had to find out why the witch Lelani would send her minions to my office. It makes no sense, but nothing she ever does is in vain. She is up to something, and I think I should clip her wings now before it's too late.

I pulled up at the garage and got out of the car. I decided to drive myself today because I wanted to clear my head and prepare my mind for the mind game ahead.

"Hey, you made it." I saw Ava come out of the house and head towards me.

"Yeah," I replied. We exchanged pleasantries and headed into the house.

I got in to see a small number of people, who divided themselves into groups and spoke about whatever.

My eyes rested on Lelani, she turned to look my way the instant I got in. We held a gaze for seconds before she turned away.

"Make yourself comfortable; I will be right back," Ava whispered before disappearing upstairs.

That line should have been mine. If she and her mom didn't mark me to be killed, well they are going to pay dearly for that.

I could feel their gazes on me; it was slowly becoming burdensome. I moved towards the hallway, escaped through the back, took a right, and there I was at my haven.

I can't recall the number of times I have hidden away in this garden to enjoy some alone time.

Not that I am hiding away or something, but I just need to clear my head and get my acts together. I was enjoying the beautiful garden, when a mixture of jasmine and rose hit my nose.

"Beautiful combination," I whispered, closing my eyes to enjoy the scent.

"Who's taking up my hiding spot?"

"Not here too," I whispered to myself. I turned to see who the intruder was.

"Hi Joel," I replied, smiling at him.

"Look who showed up," he smiled.

"It is I, your fairy godmother."

"Very funny," he said, laughing hard.

"What are you doing lurking around in dark places? Shouldn't you be preparing for the ritual?"

"Are you going to tell on me?"

"And risk not seeing you again, nah," I said, and we both laughed.

"How did you find the garden? Not many of our members know about it."

I paused for a second, wondering what to say. "I took the wrong turn, and here I am." I lied. Well, I hope he believes me because I can't think of what to say if he doesn't believe me.

"Oh......"

"What are you doing?" That deep, familiar voice cut him off.

"Alpha Damian, I was just,"

"Go make yourself useful, Joel," he commanded, cutting him off. Joel stole a glance at me before disappearing.

"What are you doing with my Delta?" he questioned. I know I should be scared of him at this point; he is known to snap once he is angry, hence the name, Mad Alpha, but rather, what I smell from underneath that mask, is jealousy.

"Enjoying nature, why can't I do that with your Delta?"

"He is beneath you, Nicole" his gaze burning with lust and the animalistic instinct to bend me over and fill me with his dick.

"Really, well, he makes me smile," I quickly chipped in. I heard his heart beating faster, and his face quickly changed, ready to tear Joel into shreds.

"I will see you around Alpha Damian," I whispered before disappearing into the house, his gaze lingering on my body. He isn't the only one who enjoys the hunt.

I got inside to see a few members of the Stone family seated, Lelani inclusive. I guess the allegiance ritual had already begun. But then what was the Alpha doing outside?

I was lost in thought, wondering what could be wrong, when Lelani walked up to me. From her facial expressions, I knew she was about to confront me anyway.

"Hi Nicole"

"Lelani." I slightly looked down to show respect, then stared back at her.

"It seems you have so much free time on your hands."

"I don't understand," I blurted out, frowning. The door suddenly opened up, and an old lady came out.

It's traditional for the oldest lady in the pack to announce the arrival of the Luna after the initiation.

She clapped her hands to gain our attention; we all turned, and she said,

"Hello everyone, we present to you Ava Dahila Stone, the Luna of the House of Stone."

Ava walked out hand in hand with Damian, all smiles, and of course, thinking she had won this game, we all cheered so happily.

Only, I was cheering her on because it might be the last time she smiles so heartily. I would gladly be her nightmare.

The old lady raised her hand, and the cheering ended.

"In respect to the traditions, a gift shall be bestowed on the Luna by our Alpha." The room was suddenly filled with murmurs, which died down as quickly as it began.

"Ask anything of the Alpha, and consider it done."

She glanced at me and smiled. I instantly knew she was up to no good; whatever she was going to ask, we would regret later. Ava has always been one mean girl who gives no shit about anyones emotions; as a matter of fact, her motto has always been, Whatever Ava wants, Ava gets.

"I want Eloise Head on a platter," she said, pointing at the blonde girl standing in the corner.

I was shocked to find out that she was talking about Eloise Gilmore.

"Luna Ava, we cannot..."

"You said anything, and it is done. Well, I want her head on a platter now," Ava yelled, cutting the old lady off.

"Get your sh*t together; what are you doing?" Damian tried scolding her, but the Ava I had grown up with doesn't give up too quickly until she got what she wanted.

Eloise was at the corner, watching silently as the drama unfolded. Lelani seemed more troubled than ever; I guess this wasn't part of the plan.

Eloise Gilmore is the youngest daughter of the House of Gilmore, one of the lowest houses in the order. She was mated to the Beta of the House of Brighton to secure her house's future but instead ran away with the Gamma of the House of Stone to become his mistress. The gamma was killed in a rogue attack a few years ago, and she decided to stay since she had nowhere else to go.

I wonder who told Ava that it was possible to kill Eloise; even when she has been disowned by her father, killing her will be outright war with the Gilmores. Alpha Damian Stone can't afford to go to war with any of the houses right now since he would soon lay claim to sit at the head of the order as the Alpha of the Alpha.

"Well, since Luna Ava can't come up with a befitting wedding gift, we would gift her what we had prepared."

"I demand a trial; if Eloise is found guilty, her head will be chopped off," Ava cut in feeling pained.

Damian and the old lady exchanged glances before the lady accepted the trial.

Ava has some stunts up her sleeve, but I wonder what, because I could swear she just wants Eloise because of her madness to keep Damian to herself.

We were ushered into the inner throne room, and I stood at the far corner, watching the whole drama.

"She stole my diamond necklace, the one you gifted me on the night of our wedding," she accused Eloise, who stared at her confused.

"Eloise Gilmore, do you have anything to say for yourself?" Damian asked, looking from Eloise to Ava.

"I didn't steal anything; I don't even know what the necklace looks like Alpha Damian," Eloise said almost in tears and, scared for her life.

"Shut up, you liar."

"Silence Ava," Damian barked. "Do you have any evidence or witnesses?"

"This is the necklace; I found it in Eloise's room, and I do have a witness." Ava quickly announced, and Eloise fell on her knee, begging for her life, while the whole room suddenly became noisy.

"Silence everyone, Bring your witness; if this witness confirms your story, Eloise's head will be brought to you on a platter, but if not, then this case will be thrown out and never raised again.

"I call on Mrs. Nicole West; she saw the necklace when I found it in Eloise's room."

Eloise gasped the moment she realized that the luna was falsely accusing her. For some reason, I saw myself in Eloise. Ava is about to snuff out her life like she would have done to me if I hadn't escaped.

She had already hatched a plan before inviting me over for the allegiance ceremony.

I could hear whispers of my name around the room, I was called to stand at the center with all eyes on me,

Ava nodded at me, she smiled urging me to go ahead and confirm the story and seal Eloise's fate.

"Were you with Luna Ava when she found the diamond necklace in Eloise's room?" Damian asked. I gently walked to the center, everyone staring at me. Eloise was on the floor looking dejected, while Ava didn't stop smiling at me. I guess she is so confident that I would help her achieve her devious plans.

Maybe I would have if only I didn't swear to bring her down.

"I wasn't with Luna Ava when she found the diamond necklace," and the room instantly became noisy again.

"Silence! Are you saying that you didn't witness this"

"No, I didn't witness it."

Damian turned and stared at her with bloodshot eyes. Lelani was pissed, but I didn't give a fuck.

"This case is hereby thrown out." Damian rules before storming off.

"Thank you; I owe you my life," Eloise said before going to join some women at the corner while Ava grabbed my hands.

"You said you would help."

"Ouch," I yanked my hand away, "I said, I saw the body build, but it wasn't Eloise; don't drag me into your drama," I warned her.

Ava stormed off, looking pissed. It's all going according to plan; turn them against each other. At this rate, I might not lift a finger as they keep aiming for each other's throats.

"If you don't leave this minute, I will tell my son-in-law that you are not who you made him believe you are," Lelani warned.

"Good. While at it, please explain to him why you broke into my office, jeopardizing his company's future. Do you want to try?"

"How did you..." I quickly shoved a picture of the white SUV into her hands.

"We both know who owns it," I said, staring at me in surprise while hiding the picture in her bag.

"If you pull this kind of stunt with me again, I won't be this kind."I warned her.

"What stunt?"