Zara

She hesitated, and I could feel the gears turning in her head, trying to decide whether to trust me or not, and finally she blurted out: "No!" Putting her phone away, she crawled under the blanket, even covering her face so I wouldn’t see her.

A faint smile appeared on my lips at her petty act, but I didn’t question her further. Today, she looked like the queen of this villa in the elegant dress her dad had chosen for her. I dimmed the lights and raised the panels, revealing the ceiling and skylight.

Crawling under the covers, I placed my hands behind my head and watched the delicate snowflakes fall on the glass; it was still snowing outside.

Many thoughts raced through my head, but the most disturbing was the thought of what I should do to this girl sleeping in my bed. How can she manage her status as Queen? What about her half-sister?

My thoughts were interrupted by the ringing of my phone. Taking it out, I checked my messages, and they were from the IT specialist I’d asked to check our system.

I knew someone had hacked it and sent all those important files to my rivals, and I needed to find out who and how.

"Sir, I’ve checked the system very thoroughly. Hackers leave an electronic signature, and I found it, but it’s so well encrypted that I can’t access it. I’ll need more time because I have a few friends who can check and decrypt it."

I knew whoever it was had to be a hacker to get information only I had access to, and I was right. 𝒇𝙧𝙚𝓮𝔀𝓮𝒃𝙣𝓸𝒗𝒆𝒍.𝙘𝒐𝒎

"Go ahead, but I need answers, and I need them fast." I typed out my reply and hit send. My mind wandered as I tried to narrow down the possible culprits.

Urisa’s name also surfaced, and I knew Zara’s problems began after Urisa learned of her existence in my packhouse. She was my cousin. It was highly likely she hired people to do her dirty work. It wasn’t the first time.

Urisa had previously threatened a she-wolf I was not dating her but just a friend and tried to make her life a living hell, all while remaining in the shadows. The girl gave in because Urisa was obsessed with me, and ever since she... Before, I had my mother’s complete support; I could only threaten her to stay out of my business.

Olfi had already looked into this matter and was trying to find some connection to Urisa. If it turns out she’s the one to blame for misfortunes, I swore to myself to lock her away in a place where she would never see the light of day again.

Zara’s soft snores now filled the room, and a smile crossed my lips. Like her, even her snores were cute. At least now she was sleeping peacefully.

***

Zara

On the 27th, the storm finally died down. Asbela and Kaysir returned from vacation, and I was glad to see them.

I was finally able to leave the villa; I felt trapped there because of the storm, and also because of someone else. That same day, I realized my period was late.

My periods had always been regular, but lately they had either started early or were late. Too late, in my opinion. This worried me, and I decided to go out and take a rapid pregnancy test with me.

No, I couldn’t be pregnant.

After descending the stairs, I left the villa, and Asbela brought me a mug of coffee. "Here, this will warm you up. It’s still very cold outside." She smiled, and I nodded gratefully, taking the mug.

After leaving, I stepped out into the half-frozen garden. Snow covered the flowering bushes, the grass, the pool, and the seating area.

The sky was musty, but at least the icy wind had died down. Wrapped in a wool shawl and thick, cozy socks, I stood under the gazebo with a hot mug of creamy coffee in my hands, trying to warm up. My cheeks seemed frozen, as did the tip of my nose.

Soon, Alpha emerged from the villa, his piercing gaze landing on me. Striding long, like a perfect, ruthless Alpha, he approached me with a grim expression.

"It’s cold outside." He crossed his arms over his ample chest, still so noticeable beneath his thick wool collar. If he weren’t hiding, I would have praised him for his incredible attractiveness.

"I’m going away for a bit," I replied calmly, sipping my coffee. His lips twitched in response, as if he wanted to hold me captive forever.

"Where?" he asked, taking another step forward.

"That’s none of your business, Alpha. I’m leaving with Kaysir, so you have nothing to worry about," I tried to answer as calmly as possible, but a hint of irritation still crept into my voice.

"I’ll go with you," he said, like a petulant child who doesn’t want to be left alone.

My eyes looked at him coldly and resolutely.

"Absolutely not. I’ll be back in half an hour," I said firmly, finishing the rest of my coffee.

His face tightened. His lack of self-control always brought out the worst in him.

Kaysir left, and, shoving the empty cup into Alpha’s hands, I headed for the car.

I knew he must be seething with anger, like the volcanoes on Venus, but I didn’t care. He followed me quickly.

Kaysir held the door for me while I got in and fastened my seatbelt.

Alpha stopped next to Kaysir and gave the order: "Ensure her safety and stay close."

"Yes, sir!" Kaysir nodded quickly and got behind the wheel.

The main door opened, and we got out. Alpha stood like a statue, watching us until we were out of his sight.

"Stop by the pharmacy, I need some calcium supplements," I told Kaysir.

"Yes." His gaze remained fixed on the road, which looked like it had just been cleared of snow. It still felt slippery. "Thank you for the gifts. My daughter really loved the toys." Kaysir’s voice rang with genuine gratitude.

"Ah! I’m so glad to hear that." My gaze fell on the street, which was like a snow-drenched paradise. People were trying to return to their daily lives. They were sweeping snow, clearing roads, and clearing it from in front of shops and houses.