's

mised myself countless times to forget about him, treat him like he doesn't even

sper's cold words stabbing

d all been reduced to a business transaction. Maybe it was a business transaction,

conversation. "A pet you can throw money at and expect su

l maid. She was a kind woman with a warm smile that often masked a sharp tongue. We've gotten close in

e stepped inside. "Don't let Master Jasper's words wound y

awn, Elise. How am I supposed to keep living here and riski

Master Jasper doesn't allow just anyone stays in his mansion for thi

ent? If that's his way of showing i

ore, a deeper familiar v

and a small smirk playing on his lips. His piercing green eyes held a sof

, strolled with me during evening walks, and joined me on shopping trips. His steady presence was a constant comfort, t

ing whatever leverage he had to keep them close. Only God

. Elise squeezed my hands

seat beside me. "The man has been through so much, that

r laugh. "That do

it doesn't mean he

imple touch sent an unexpected jolt through me. O

began, my vo

g to my lips. "You deserve someone w

But reality crashed down on me like a cold wave. I pulled back abruptly, my hear

calling after me.

confusion, and guilt. What? What just happened? My did I keep messing up? One moment I'm at

as I shifted into my wolf form. I ran around the c

, I found a dress Jayden had stashed for emergency moments like this. Grateful for hi

nside, a name ec

bi

me. The thought sent shivers down my spine. I couldn't wait to find that strange woman again; there were so many questions I nee

e single word reverberatin

towards my room, Sabi

e.

amiliar with the term, but Sabina's instinc

myself standing outside Jasper's room. The door

y head grew louder a

oth- Jasper and Ja

voice low and dangerous. "We

o choke out. "What.... What's goin

protectively. "Leave her out of this, Jasper. S

into a dark smile. "

abrina roared in my head, her voi

my spine. "Welcome to the game, Mia.