Tanya’s POV“Do you think he’s here to see Lily?” one of the workers asks. “There’s no way. Prince Marco and Lily are a thing of the past. She’s engaged to Prince Eric.” Outside, Marco walks away towards the entrance of the building. He’s coming this way, my heart pounding harder and harder with every footstep. “Even if Marco married some she-wolf, Lily was supposed to be his fated mate. Why else would he be here?” The sound of heels clicking against the marble floor makes me want to disappear as the crowd moves away from the window and shifts towards the main entrance. Lily appears with Ayana close behind her.“Do you think Marco’s new wife is here? I haven’t seen her,” another employee says. They’ve seen me, they just haven’t realized who I am, but they will soon. There are too many people around, but the focus is evenly divided between Lily and Marco. The last thing I want is to draw attention to myself, and I dig my nails into my palm to stop my hands from shaking.Maybe I ca
Tanya’s POVI can’t move fast enough as I race to get ready after work. Excitement courses through me, and I can’t wait to see Marco. The note said to meet him at the Dumonet, which is one of the fanciest restaurants in the capital. I stop by Marco’s townhouse and rummage through the new wardrobe. I’m still not used to having so many expensive clothes to choose from, and it takes me a few minutes to pick out an outfit I think my husband will like. I chose a red a-line gown, the same shade as the bouquet he sent for me. It has drooping sleeves of scarlet chiffon, a delicately fitted waistline that swoops into flowing ruffles, and pleats that resemble petals. The red fabric contrasts my snow-white skin, and I tie my sleek black hair into a graceful half-updo, pinning one of the roses from the bouquet into my hair. I try not to think of Marco’s lips as I quickly apply a soft, rosy shade tint over my nervous smile. I can only hope to look as lovely as a flower for him. When I arrive at
Marco’s POVShe looks so small sitting on the sidewalk. At first, all I can feel is relief that she’s safe, and the wolf within me calms at the sight of her. Her black hair, which she’s pined into an ornate style, drips onto her glistening pale skin. The red dress is slick and clings to her figure, accentuating every soft curve. She shivers against the cold where she’s huddled under a tree, and I can’t help but wonder if she would have stayed there all night, waiting for me. I can’t help the curiosity that fills me when I think of her. We came into each other’s life by pure accident, but I’ve never quite met anyone like her. No one has ever waited for me like that, with such loyalty and patience. It’s foolish and reckless but… sweet, and I’m annoyed by the odd sense of affection that fills me as I walk toward her. ___________________ Tanya’s POVI brace myself from the cold to be best of my ability, but water trickles between the leaves of the tree I’m crouched under, soaking my go
Tanya’s POVThe howling continues, each guttural roar more pained than the last. I know Marco told me to stay in my room no matter what, but his tortured cries pierce my soul and reverberate deep within me until I can’t take it anymore. I open the door of my room, hesitating in the hallway for a moment as my concern for Marco wars against fear and uncertainty. Finally, I reach his room, but when I knock on the door, there’s no answer. Every few minutes, there’s another pained howl, and the silence in between is just as alarming. His room is locked from the inside, and the door won’t budge when I struggle with the knob. Desperation intensifies my need to reach him, to help him. I look around until my eyes land on a decorative candelabra on the hallway counter. Another anguished howl snaps me into action, and I instinctively grab the candlestick and slam it onto the doorknob. It takes me a few tries until I manage to knock the metal hard enough that the lock gives in, and I’m able to
Tanya’s POVSunlight pours into the room, bathing me in a warm light. I blink a few times to shake away the drowsiness that clings to me as I look around. I need to sneak back to my room, but when I move, Marco’s eyes meet mine. They’re a bit groggy with sleep, but they’ve returned to their usual shade of blue, with no trace of the crimson that burned in them during the night. I take in a sharp breath, startled by the intensity of his gorgeous gaze. Then, he takes in the sight of our entwined bodies, his brow furrowing. “What happened last night?” he asks defensively, pulling away slightly to survey our surroundings. Something tightens in my chest as I realize he doesn’t remember anything that happened. My mind races to explain. “You were howling in pain. I know you told me to stay in my room, but I was worried. I came to check on you… but nothing happened. I mean, you kissed me, and we ended up sleeping in the same bed, but you didn’t… we didn’t have sex. I’m sorry, I didn’t mean
Tanya’s POVThe moment the door swings open, I’m struck by a variety of delectable scents. My eyes widen as I step inside and take in the sight of the quaint space in the attic. The room has been refurbished with a large desk and several shelves full of equipment and ingredients. There are several copper and glass distillation stills, as well as various tubes, beakers, and droppers. The shelves are lined with jars of dried herbs, barks, and resins. There are also vials with a variety of solvents and oils. The equipment and materials here are brand new and sophisticated, only of the highest quality. The smells that fill the air are so delectable that my heart skips a beat. Marco has even provided a few blank journals for me to record different formulas and take notes. It’s not just a hobby room; this is a fully stocked laboratory for me to create perfumes and potions. The little apothecary shop he’s made for me right in his townhouse is a dream come true. This space is perfect for m
Tanya’s POVI feel everyone’s eyes turn on me as I stumble back slightly in surprise. I barely have time to process what’s happening before Ayana appears at the edge of the crowd. She shoves her way past me, almost knocking me off my feet as she rushes to Cathy.“Cathy? Cathy, wake up!” she cries, shaking the princess violently by the shoulders in an attempt to rise her, her voice drawing even more attention to the scene.“Somebody gets help!” Ayana shrieks at the top of her lungs, but despite all her yelling, Cathy remains unconscious.Suddenly, I see Ayana’s expression twist from melodramatic exaggeration to genuine fear as she holds her hand by Cathy’s face. I’m filled with horror as I realize she’s trying to feel Cathy’s breath, and a sickening sort of understanding washes over me as I see that Cathy isn’t moving at all. “What- what happened? Is she… is she okay?” I ask, my voice shaky with concern.Ayana’s attention whirls furiously towards me.“No! She is NOT okay!” she yells a
Tanya’s POVI turn towards Lily, surprised by the chill in her tone. I’ve never seen her be openly hostile before, but when I look into her eyes, it’s not just anger that fills them; it’s fear. What could she possibly be afraid of? I can’t figure out what’s going through her mind, but I don’t get the chance to ask her. Ayana leaps at the opportunity to accuse me once again, yelling in my face. “So, she’s not a murderer, but she’s a thief!” she cries. Eric and Marco help Cathy to her feet as the princess slowly begins to recover. Still, Ayana is relentless in her efforts to make me seem like the villain. “That extraordinary perfume, you took it from Lily’s family! They recently showed Montenero’s custom perfume collection at the perfumery. Tanya must have stolen it from there.”“I would never do that,” I try to explain. “It’s true that I visited the perfume display, but I didn’t steal anything. I made this fragrant potion myself, recreating the formula from what I smelled in the spe