Eloise "Ellie" Carter, a young woman from a tyrannical elite family, is forced to marry a man she despises: a ruthless billionaire Alpha, Adrian Wolfe. Heir to an ancient line of werewolves, Ellie is the shame of her family because her wolf has never shown up. Adrian, leader of the Silversand pack and CEO of a colossal financial empire, agrees to this arranged marriage to solidify a deal vital to his pack. Arrogant, domineering, and elusive, Adrian hides a deep wound: a dark past marked by loss, betrayal, and a curse that eats away at his wolf, threatening his control. In a world where business mixes with pack hierarchy, Ellie is propelled into a world of luxury, power, and rivalry. But she soon discovers that Adrian is not just a domineering Alpha and a business tycoon: he is also a man haunted by a secret that could destroy everything. Why did Adrian really agree to this marriage? What is this strange bond that seems to be forming between them, teetering between hatred and uncontrollable desire? As Ellie tries to prove her worth in a world that sees her as weak, she uncovers conspiracies within Adrian's pack, shady financial alliances, and a threat that could destroy their world. What if her wolf is not lost but simply asleep? What will happen when Ellie discovers she is linked to an ancient prophecy that could either save Adrian or destroy him?
Chapter 1 Chapitre 1
The golden light of late afternoon slipped through the lace curtains, casting shadows in the luxurious living room of the Carter home. Éloïse, sitting upright in an imposing armchair, gripped the engraved wooden armrests with such force that her knuckles turned white. She had been summoned by her father, an austere man whose words were as sharp as a knife. She knew this meeting didn't bode well.
In front of her, her mother, always elegant, adjusted the folds of her silk dress with a nervous gesture, carefully avoiding meeting her daughter's eyes. Éloïse felt an unusual tension in the air, a sort of oppressive heaviness that made her want to flee. But she knew it was impossible. The door to the living room opened suddenly, and his father entered, followed by his older brothers. Everyone had serious expressions.
"Eloise, we need to talk. » His father's authoritative voice broke the silence.
She raised her chin, determined not to show the slightest weakness. "What is it about? she asked, although she dreaded the answer.
He sat down opposite her, folding his hands on his cane adorned with a silver pommel. His eyes stared at her with cold intensity. "Our family is in a delicate situation. Our debts are piling up, and our reputation, once unshakeable, is in danger. We need a strong alliance to turn things around. »
Eloise frowned. "And what does that have to do with me? »
His mother spoke, in a soft but trembling voice. "We have arranged a marriage for you, my dear. With Adrian Wolfe. »
The name echoed in the room like a bang. Adrian Wolfe. The powerful and feared CEO of a colossal empire, but also the Alpha of the Silversand pack. His name was synonymous with power, mystery...and danger.
Éloïse burst out laughing, a nervous laugh that sounded almost hysterical. "You're kidding, right? You want me to marry this man? A stranger? »
His father banged his cane against the ground, a gesture of impatience. "It's not a proposal, Eloise. It's a decision. Our survival depends on it. Adrian agreed. You will be his wife in two weeks. »
His heart stopped for a moment. "What if I refuse? » she whispered, her eyes challenging her father's.
He stood up, imposing, and approached her. "You don't have that luxury. You are a Carter, and as such, you have duties to your family. »
A burning anger rose within her, but she swallowed it down. She knew that no amount of protest would change anything.
The next day, Éloïse was taken to a secluded property, under the pretense of meeting Adrian to discuss the details of the marriage. The black car with tinted windows drove through a winding road lined with dense forests. Éloïse stared at the passing landscape, her mind tormented by a thousand thoughts.
When they arrived, she was greeted by an imposing, almost intimidating mansion, surrounded by high walls. Everything about this place exuded power and control.
She was guided inside by a man in a suit, who led her to a large room with walls covered in bookcases and modern artwork. Adrian Wolfe stood there, his back to her, looking out at the view through a huge picture window.
When he turned around, Éloïse felt her breath catch. The man was tall, with an overwhelming presence. His black hair framed a chiseled face, and his piercing eyes seemed capable of reading his soul. He wore a perfectly tailored suit, but despite his elegant appearance, he emanated an aura of raw danger.
"Eloise Carter, I presume? » His deep voice echoed through the room, deep and full of natural authority.
She crossed her arms, masking her nervousness with a cheeky attitude. "And you must be Adrian Wolfe. The man who thinks he can buy a woman like buying property. »
An amused, almost cruel smile touched his lips. "You have guts, I grant you that. But don't confuse this alliance with a simple purchase. It's a partnership, although you don't seem to understand your role yet. »
Éloïse approached, staring into his eyes. "I am not a puppet to be manipulated to make deals. »
He raised an eyebrow, as if her resistance intrigued him. "And yet here you are. Because you know that refusing would be futile. Your family needs me, just like you will need me soon. »
She clenched her fists. "I will never belong to you. »
He took a step towards her, closing the distance between them, and she felt his breath mix with hers. "You will be mine, Eloise. Not because I demand it, but because, one way or another, you will want it. »
His tone, although calm, held an almost threatening promise. A shiver ran down her spine, a mixture of fear and excitement that she couldn't suppress.
"You're as arrogant as they say," she whispered, trying to regain control.
He smiled again, this time with unexpected warmth. "And you are more feisty than I was told. This could be...interesting. »
Adrian stepped back slightly, breaking the intensity of the moment. "We will have plenty of time to discuss your concerns. But know this, Eloise: I will not tolerate public disobedience or defiance. If we are to operate together, there will be rules. »
"Rules? » She raised her eyebrows. "You don't think I'm going to obey you blindly? »
"I don't need you to obey me blindly," he replied, his tone turning icy. "I need you to understand the issues. I protect what is mine. And as soon as you are my wife, that will also include your safety. Whether you like it or not. »
Éloïse hated the effect he had on her, this way of making her both angry and intrigued. She wanted to slap him, but she just backed away, her fists still clenched.
"We'll see," she said finally, refusing to give him the satisfaction of a more emotional response.
Adrian watched her leave, his lips forming an enigmatic smile. He knew this marriage would not be ordinary. Éloïse Carter was a challenge, and he loved challenges.
But what he didn't show was the weight of his own secrets. Behind his apparent mastery hid a tormented soul, a man fighting against demons he could not face alone. Éloïse was more than just a pawn in his plan. She could be the key to his redemption...or his destruction.
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