Hidden Crisis
(Paige’s POV)
+25 BONUS
The afternoon light streamed through the windows of Moonlight Photography Studio, casting long shadows across the polished floor. I was organizing client folders when Lucas Blackwood strolled in, a mischievous grin on his face.
“Is the boss lady around?” he asked, leaning against the reception lesk.
“She’s in the darkroom. Should be out any minute.” I studied his expression. “You look like you’re bursting with news.”
Lucas’s grin widened. “The best kind of news.”
Just then, Amber emerged from the darkroom, wiping her hands on a cloth. Her face brightened when she spotted Lucas.
“What brings you here?” she asked, embracing him briefly.
“Thought you’d want to know that dear cousin Ethan has been assigned overseas for three months.” Lucas’s voice carried a note of satisfaction. “And the lovely Melissa will be hospitalized for at least a month.”
Amber’s eyes widened. “Really? What happened?”
“Doctor’s orders. Apparently, the miscarriage took a greater toll than expected.” Lucas shrugged, but his eyes gleamed with something I couldn’t quite identify.
“That’s… well, I won’t pretend I’m not relieved they’ll be out of my hair for a while.” Amber checked her watch. “I need to pick up Dominic at the airport soon.”
She disappeared into her office, returning moments later with a small box. Inside was a moonstone bracelet that caught the light beautifully.
“Here,” she said, handing it to Lucas. “This was my father’s. Harrison always treasured it, but I know how much you love these
trinkets.”
Lucas’s expression softened as he took the bracelet. “Are you sure?
Amber nodded, already gathering her things. “Positive. Consider it a thank–you for the good news.”
After she left, I turned to Lucas, crossing my arms. “What was that about Vivian Quinn?”
His face fell slightly. “What do you mean?”
“Don’t play dumb. Amber mentioned seeing Dominic with Vivian at Blackwood headquarters. She thought they were having an affair.” I narrowed my eyes. “But Vivian is Ryan’s cousin, and I know for a fact she’s just interested in investing in Dominic’s amusement park project.”
Lucas shifted uncomfortably.
“You knew this, didn’t you? Why would you deliberately mislead Amber?” I stepped closer, anger bubbling inside me. “She trusts you, Lucas. After everything with Ethan, her trust in men is fragile. How could you?”
“It’s not what you think,” he muttered, avoiding my gaze.
“Then what is it? Because from where I’m standing, you’re manipulating someone who considers you family.” I shook my head in disgust. “Amber’s been through enough. Dominic is good for her–her wolf is calmer when he’s around. Why would you try to sabotage that?”
Lucas sighed, running a hand through his hair. “I wasn’t trying to sabotage anything.”
“Then explain,” I demanded.
Lucas leaned back against the desk, toying with the moonstone bracelet. “It was actually Dominic’s request.”
1/3
Hidden Crisis
+25 BONUS
“What?” tblinked in surprise. “Dominic asked you to make Amber jealous?”
“Not exactly. He wanted to give her a sense of crisis.” Lucas’s expression was serious now. “He’s been pursuing her, but he feels “she’s not responding with the same intensity.”
I scoffed. “That doesn’t sound like Dominic. He’s direct, dominant he takes what he wants.”
“It wasn’t entirely his idea,” Lucas admitted. “I suggested it. He was skeptical but went along with it.”
“So you’re manipulating both of them?” I couldn’t believe what I was hearing.
“His feelings for Amber are genuine,” Lucas insisted. “And I promise you, no matter what I do in the future, I would never hurt Amber.”
Something in his tone made me pause. “What exactly are you trying to do?”
Lucas’s eyes suddenly focused on something behind me. “Ryan’s here.”
I turned to see Ryan Quinn standing in the doorway, his expression unreadable as his gaze locked with mine.
(Ryan’s POV)
I stood frozen in the doorway, drinking in the sight of Paige. She looked beautiful, her eyes wide with surprise at my unexpected
appearance.
Last night’s return to Silvercrest had been quiet–I hadn’t told anyone I was coming back. My mind drifted to my conversation with Paige at Moon Brew Cafe before I left, her words still echoing in my head.
“I’m tired, Ryan,” she had said, her voice soft but firm. “Tired of waiting for you to love me the way I love you.”
I had made up my mind to honor her wishes and end our relationship cleanly. She deserved that much.
But before I could see her, a territorial dispute had erupted between the Quinn and Reed packs. Dominic had summoned me immediately, his blue eyes cold as ice.
“You’ve been disrespectful to your potential mate,” he had reprimanded. “Fix it, or release her formally.”
Noah, my wolf, had whimpered at the thought of losing Paige. Even now, he stirred restlessly within me.
“Ryan?” Paige’s voice pulled me back to the present. “When did you get back?”
“Last night,” I replied, stepping fully into the studio. “I was going to call, but…”
The words died in my throat as I remembered how our relationship had begun.
I had always liked Paige for her sweetness, but I’d seen her more as my sister’s best friend than a potential mate. That changed during my sophomore year of high school, when I noticed her adoring glances following me.
It made me uncomfortable. I began distancing myself, unsure how to handle her obvious feelings.
When my father pressured me about courtship, suggesting Paige as a suitable choice, I responded with indifference. I didn’t want to hurt her, but I wasn’t convinced she was my destined mate
Noah never fully responded to her presence the way true mates should. Though her unwavering love sometimes stirred my wolf senses, it never reached that deep, soul–binding connection I believed existed between true mates.
Our bond remained incomplete, lacking the intensity I thought should exist between true mates.
“I thought we could have dinner tonight,” I said, forcing a smile. At Howling Riverside Restaurant.”
My plan was simple: disappoint her completely, then end things cleanly. It was the right thing to do.
But before Paige could respond, the studio door opened again. Liam Wilde, Amber’s assistant, walked in carrying an enormous bouquet of crimson roses.
2/3
Hidden Crisis
+25 BONUS
“Paige,” he said, his voice trembling slightly as he presented the flowers. “I’ve been waiting for the right moment, and I can’t wait any longer.”
Liam took a deep breath, his eyes never leaving Paige’s face. “I want to properly pursue you as my partner.”
The studio fell silent. Lucas raised an eyebrow, watching the scene unfold with interest.
“I’m going to pursue you; Paige Sullivan, until you accept me as your mate,” Liam declared, almost shaking with nerves.
Something hot and possessive surged through me. Noah growled, suddenly alert and territorial.
Paige looked stunned, her gaze flicking between Liam and me. “Ryan… weren’t you going to dinner? With who?”
The question hung in the air, and I realized she thought I was seeing someone else. The misunderstanding sparked something primitive in me.
“Just the two of us, of course,” I said firmly, stepping closer to her. “We’re still an unmarried couple, aren’t we?”
(Third–person’s POV)
Amber navigated through the airport terminal, her heart racing with anticipation. Dominic had been away for only three days, but it felt much longer. Cora, her wolf, paced eagerly within her, sensing her mate was near.
The arrival gate opened, and passengers began streaming through. Dominic’s tall figure appeared, commanding attention even in casual clothes. His blue eyes scanned the crowd, immediately locking onto Amber.
She moved toward him, unable to stop the smile spreading across her face. When they reached each other, his arms encircled her waist, pulling her against his solid chest.
“I missed you,” he murmured, his deep voice sending shivers down her spine.
Cora recognized Leo, Dominic’s wolf, instantly. The connection between them hummed with energy.
“Did you get what I asked for?” Amber asked, pulling back slightly to look at his face.
A slow smile curved Dominic’s lips. “You doubt me?”
“Never,” she replied, her eyes sparkling. “But the auction was competitive.”
“I always get what I want,” he said, his tone leaving no room for argument. “How are you going to thank me properly? Baby.” He murmured against her hair.
Amber’s cheeks flushed at his implication. “I’ll think of something tonight.”
They walked toward the exit, arms around each other, oblivious to the world around them. Neither noticed the news report playing on the airport’s advertising screen.
The famous actress Sophia Winters smiled at the camera, her beauty captivating even in the brief segment. “I’m thrilled to return to Silvercrest,” she was saying. “I’ve come back for someone’s birthday, and I can’t wait to reconnect with old friends.”
