Zane:
As I speed down the highway, all I can think of is Kiara. She drives me crazy, and the fact can't stop fantasizing about her messes with my mind. I pull over to the side of the road and glance at my rearview mirror. The moment I see Kade's reflection in the mirror, my brows wrinkle.
"You have to stop doing this. Why Kiara? You could have chosen any other person as your mate. What is this?" I yell at Kade's reflection in the mirror.
He's the one messing with me, and I swear if it weren't for this stupid wolf thing, I wouldn't have feelings for Kiara. I claimed her because I thought it would be easier to trap her, and if we weren't mates, it would have been easy to torture her. I despise wolves, and I'd love nothing more than to see them all perish.
"Keep telling yourself that lie. I'm attracted to Kiara because you claimed her, but your heart desires her, too. I know because I live inside you," Kade says, and I sigh, contemplating the best way to erase thoughts of Kiara.
Suddenly, Gia pops into my mind. I remember I have a lot to sort out with her. Without hesitation, I turn the ignition and drive to Gia's place-the crib her father bought her when she turned eighteen.
After a while, I pull up in front of the mansion-a grand, multi-story residence nestled in a lush, manicured garden. The architecture blends modern and classic styles, with clean lines and ornate detailing. The facade, constructed from white marble and glass.
I stop the car and walk to the door. I press the doorbell, and I lean against the wall. A few minutes later, Gia opens the door, her face as red as a tomato.
The thought that I made her cry still pricks me.
"What do you want?" she asks, her tone sharp. "Shouldn't you be at work or something? And how did you know I wouldn't be-"
Before she can finish her statement, I pull her into a hug.
"Gia, please forgive me. I'm sorry for what happened between us. I should have restrained myself earlier. It won't be easy, but if we put the past behind us, I can love you better. I don't want to ruin you, Gia. I love you," I say, my words hanging in the air as she remains silent.
My life has never been this chaotic, and it seems like Kiara attracts every terrible thing in my life.
"Let me go, please," Gia says, and I pull away from her.
She stares at me for a while, then turns around and walks into the house. "Close my door if you're staying behind," she says dryly.
I didn't expect her to suddenly fall in love with me, and I know I've been an asshole. So, I'll take whatever she gives me at the moment. I walk into the house and make my way to the sitting room. The room has a touch of pink in every corner, and a large glass chandelier hangs from the tall ceiling above.
"I'll get you some water," Gia says, breaking the awkward silence that hangs in the room.
She stands by the door that leads to the kitchen, arms crossed.
"Thank you," I mutter, and she leaves without saying anything more to me.
As soon as she's gone, my phone rings. I take it out of my pocket and answer.
"Sir, she escaped," the man on the phone says, and my heart goes numb. I can't decide which emotion I want to unleash first.
"What do you mean, she escaped? How on earth could she get away from two able-bodied men?" I question, then turn off the phone.
I stand up abruptly and dash out of the house without saying a word to Gia. My heart races as I get into my car. I drive at top speed, wondering if something terrible has happened to Kiara. She might have been kidnapped, and if she falls into the wrong hands, she'll likely be killed once she turns into a werewolf.
When I arrive at the front of the mall, I see Ariana standing there with a pale face. I stop the car and march up to her and the two dimwits I left in charge.
"How the hell did this happen?" I yell, and they all remain silent.
"Someone answer me!" I bark, rushing at one man with a punch. Ariana withdraws, fear etched on her face.
"She… she went to change… and… she disappeared," Ariana says, her voice trembling. I run my hand across my face, feeling the weight of the situation.
Kiara is testing me, and every muscle in my body is taut with tension. I stand there for a moment, silent, then turn to face the men.
"Pray I find her, or both of you won't like me," I warn, my voice low and dangerous. Without waiting for a response, I stride away.
"Ariana, get into the car!" I command, slamming the car door shut once she's inside.
I need Ariana because she seems to have bonded with Kiara, and they might be in cahoots. But first, I need to make her comfortable enough to spill any information.
"What did Kiara tell you the last time you saw her?" I ask, studying Ariana's tense expression through the rearview mirror.
She hesitates, a bead of sweat trickling down her face.
"Is there anything I haven't provided for you or your family?" I press. "Tell me the truth. If Kiara asked you to keep quiet, confess, and I promise a raise."
Ariana sighs. "She didn't tell me anything. I was waiting outside for her to come out, and when she didn't, I tried to get in until I was informed that she-"
Before she can finish her sentence, my phone rings.
"Who the hell could that be?" I groan, grabbing the phone. The name 'Godfather' is boldly displayed on the screen.
I answer immediately.
"Kiara got into a minor accident with my convoy, but she's at my place now," he says…