MATURE

Life hasn’t been kind to me. One moment, I was a carefree eighteen-year-old with dreams of a bright future. The next, I was a 28 year old lady and my world went up in flames. literally. My mom died in the fire that destroyed our home, my little sister is in a coma, and my brother’s in jail for trying to keep us afloat. My dad? He left us drowning in debt and despair.

I thought I’d hit rock bottom, but then I found myself working in a place where dreams go to die, doing things I never imagined just to survive. That’s when he walked into my life, Alex Romanov. Dangerous. Mysterious. And entirely out of my league.

He’s everything I should fear, but there’s something about him that draws me in. Maybe it’s the way he looks at me like I’m more than just another broken soul. Or the way he makes me feel alive when I thought I’d forgotten how.

But Alex has secrets, dark ones that could destroy us both. And as my past collides with his world, I’m left wondering: Can I trust the man who’s slowly stealing my heart, or will his darkness swallow me whole?

This isn’t the life I wanted, but it’s the one I’ve been given.

Bella had left earlier to visit Mia, and I had matters to address within the pack.


I grabbed my phone again and dialed Luca. He answered on the second ring.


"Morning, Luca. I need you to gather the council members for a meeting. I'll be heading to the pack shortly. You don't have to come and pick me up again."


There was a slight pause, but Luca responded promptly, "Understood. Any specific agenda?"


I took a slow breath, letting my thoughts align. This wasn't something I could casually bring up. It mattered. Bella mattered.


"Yes, it's about Bella. There are developments we need to discuss."


The line went quiet for a moment. I could almost picture Luca standing still, probably out by the eastern fields or somewhere in the administrative quarters, frowning thoughtfully.


"Is everything alright with her?" he asked cautiously.


Chapter 223 - 225