Aveline
The city of Cardenas shimmered under the midday sun—its towering buildings of steel and glass casting long shadows across the bustling streets. People moved with purpose, the air thick with smoke, ambition, and danger. Everything about the city felt sharp, glittering with secrets I didn’t want to uncover.
I stared out of the car window as we entered the city limits, my stomach tightening with every passing landmark I recognized from the distant days when I’d once dreamed of a life here. Back when survival didn’t depend on navigating the mood swings of a cruel Alpha who both hated and hungered for me.
Now, I was back—but not as myself.
Not as Aveline Carrington.
I was Matteo’s mate.
And that cursed title came with invisible chains.
“Remember,” Matteo said from beside me, his
