Jasmine's life had always been a cage, and Alaric, her stepbrother, held the key. His control began subtly, a seemingly protective concern that slowly twisted into a possessive obsession. As the Alpha, his power was absolute. He dictated her friendships, forbade any romantic relationships, and stripped her of all personal freedom.
Her one hope was her twenty-first birthday—a milestone that promised to change everything. She fantasized about finding her true mate, breaking free from Alaric's suffocating grip, and finally living a life of her own. But destiny, it seemed, had a cruel sense of humor.
On the eve of her birthday, her hopes shattered. The person meant to be her one and only was the very man she despised—Alaric, her tormentor, her stepbrother.
The thought of being bound to him was a fate worse than death. How could she be mated to the man who had stolen her youth? A man who would stop at nothing to possess her completely? But in a world where love sours into possession and possession  draws blood, how far can one person truly run before they are forced to face the inevitable?

Sylvia. That name was quickly becoming the bane of my existence. If I had the chance to avoid her for the rest of my time here, I'd gladly take it. But how could I when she always found a way to make my life miserable? When she always chose to make me work on things I should not even be working on?


Before I could respond, another unwelcome interruption arrived.


Celia's overly vibrant voice rang from the doorway, her head peeking in dramatically.


I resisted the urge to roll my eyes. One disturbance was more than enough for the day, but Celia? She was a handful. And right now, I had neither the patience nor the energy to fake a single damn smile or laugh with her.


I'd rather face Sylvia than pretend to be in a good mood.


"Sylvia asked me to—" Celia started as she stepped inside, but I cut her off before she could finish.


Chapter 60 - Chapter 60