After leaving Lucian for seven years, Ava finds herself coming face to face with him again and she’s shocked to discover he is not the same man she left behind again.
Seeing Ava again after seven years, Lucian wasn’t ready to let her go even if she has a child and he is hell bent on making her pay for her crimes.
EXTRACTS.
“Even if you’re wearing another man’s ring, that won’t stop me from claiming what’s mine! It even makes my c*ck hardened for the fact that you’re engaged to another man yet my touch still sets your body on fire”. He wink.
“But I think my little rose deserves some punishment for lying”.
Tempted by the lycan Chapter 1
Lucian stood at the window, staring out into the night. He took a deep drag on his cigarette, savouring the taste of tobacco. As he exhaled, a cloud of smoke rose into the air, slowly dissipating into the darkness.
Behind him, a soft voice spoke, barely above a whisper. “I don’t like you smoking.”
He turned to see her standing there, a look of concern on her face. He smiled and pulled her into a tight embrace. “I will stop then, my love,” he said, planting a gentle kiss on her forehead.
But then, in an instant, she vanished. The warmth of her body disappeared, leaving only a chill in the air. Lucian stood alone, his heart pounding in his chest. He looked around frantically, searching for any sign of her. But there was nothing. She had disappeared into thin air.
It had been seven years since she had disappeared, but Lucian had never stopped looking for her. He had scoured the streets of Paris. It was as if she had never existed.
“Alpha”. Drake, his beta called.
He turned around, dropping the cigarette in the ashtray.
“Lucian”. He corrected, his voice low and dangerous.
“Drake, I’ve asked you before not to call me Alpha”. Lucian’s voice was firm, and unkind.
“I apologise, Lucian,” Drake said, his eyes cast downward. “I meant no disrespect. It’s just a habit.”
Lucian sighed, trying to keep his patience. He knew that Drake meant well, but sometimes his old-fashioned ways grated on Lucian’s nerves.
Lucian had always treated Drake with respect, and in return, Drake showed nothing but loyalty and devotion
“It’s fine, Drake. Just try to remember in the future.”
Drake nodded again, his face still contrite.
“Any news about her?”. Lucian asked.
“Not yet. But based on all my findings she’s here in Paris”.
“Hmm”. Lucian nodded.
He has been hearing the same thing for the past two months now. At first he couldn’t get her location at all but now he find out she’s here in Paris.
“You can leave I want to be alone”.
Drake nodded before walking out.
Lucian turned back, staring blankly at the beautiful sight outside. He knew Paris would be the only place she would come. It was one of her favourite places.
“Why did you bring me into the light, only to leave me in the darkness once more?”. He whispered in sorrow.
“I was so used to being in the darkness but you brought light into my life. Tell me how can I live without you in my life now? Why Ava?”.
Why and when she left was still a mystery to him. They were so happy and in love with each other.
Then why did she suddenly leave him?
“She’s gone, Lucian”. His wolf whispered.
“We might never see nor feel her touch again”. His wolf growls.
Lucian felt a knot of despair twisting in his chest. He wanted to howl in anguish, to lash out at his wolf for thinking like that.
He took a deep breath and forced himself to remain calm.
“She’s not gone,” he said firmly.
“I can still feel her heartbeat”. His voice steady and string
“I will find her. No matter what it takes. I will search every nook and cranny of the world, I won’t rest until I have her back in my arms”. He whispered
Lucian’s hands balled into fists, his knuckles white with determination.
His wolf snarled, but there was no malice in the sound.
*************************************
*THE NEXT MORNING*
Lucian emerged from his bedroom, impeccably dressed. As he walked out the door, he handed his briefcase to Drake, who was waiting for him. Without a word, Drake took the briefcase and followed Lucian out of the house.
He had completely ignored his own company, leaving Drake in charge of it. he had left everything to drake. His sole focus was now on the jewellery company he had founded in Ava’s name.
“Is the car ready?” Lucian asked, his voice commanding but not demanding.
Drake nodded, a small smile playing at the corner of his mouth. He opened the car door for Lucian.
As Lucian settled into the backseat of the car, Drake closed the door and took his place in the driver’s seat. The car pulled away from the curb, and Lucian leaned back, closing his eyes as they made their way to the office.
Drake watched Lucian’s reflection in the rear-view mirror, his gaze thoughtful and observant. It had been years since he had last seen a smile on Lucian and it was a sight Drake had almost forgotten.
This has once happened before, after his parents death.
Lucian had withdrawn from the world after the loss of his parents, sinking into a dark and colourless existence. But then Ava had come along, like a ray of sunshine breaking through the clouds. She had brought light and joy back into his life, making him smile and laugh again. And then, just as suddenly as she had arrived, she was gone.
And once again, Lucian’s world had become bleak, lonely and colorless.
This time he had not only distanced himself but shut the world out completely. Even though falling for Ava was never part of the plan.
“We’re here, Lucian,” Drake said, his voice gentle but firm. Lucian’s eyes fluttered open, and he sat up straighten in his seat.
Lucian nodded in acknowledgement, his expression impassive as he got out of the car. He walked into the office building. The staff greeted him as he passed, but he barely registered their words. They were used to him not replying to their greetings.
He entered his office and sat down behind his desk, staring blankly at the papers in front of him.
His secretary knocked and entered, with coffee in her hand. “Mr. Russo,” she began, but he cut her off with a wave of his hand.
“Get my schedule for today.”. He said, his tone commanding and unkind.
“Of course sir.”. She replied, her voice quivering slightly.
A few minutes later, there was a knock on the door and the secretary entered, carrying a stack of files.
“Now,” he said, looking up at the secretary, “tell me what’s on my schedule for today.”
“There are some important files that need your signature,” the secretary responded , “as well as a meeting with Daisy Fashion at 1pm. Oh, and a dinner…”
“Cancel the dinner meeting,” Lucian interrupted, his tone sharp and final. “Now drop off the files and leave me to my work.”
The secretary’s face flushed red, and she hurried to do as she was told. Lucian didn’t spare her a second glance as she left the office, closing the door behind her.
Lucian sat at his desk, staring at the logo of his company: AL. It was a name that held so much meaning for him, a name that represented both his past and his present.
He had built the jewellery company in her name, hoping that one day she would return and see him fulfilling her dream for her.
AVA LUCIANO JEWELRY COMPANY.
Although the company’s initials were “AL,” no one knew what they stood for. And the name of the owner was also a mystery to the public, adding an air of intrigue and exclusivity to the brand.
Alex, his assistant, was the face of the company, the one who interacted with the public and represented the brand. But behind the scenes, Lucian was the one calling the shots, making the decisions that would shape the future of the company.
A sound from outside the office caught Lucian’s attention, and he turned his head to the door. Before he could react, the door burst open and a woman in a red dress stepped into the room. The dress hugged her curves, highlighting her figure, but Lucian didn’t care. Her body was nothing compared to his Ava.
“You can leave,” he said to his secretary, not taking his eyes off the woman.
“Jade, I told you to stop coming here,” he said, his voice low and dangerous. He was not in the mood for her petty talks.
Jade’s face flushed with fear, but she quickly recovered and gave Lucian a flirtatious smile.
“Why?” she asked, batting her eyelashes as she took a seat in front of him. “Is it because you built this company for her?”
Lucian’s jaw clenched, and he glared at her.
“But Lucian,” Jade said, her voice breathy and seductive. “When will you get over her? She left you, remember?
Lucian’s eyes flashed with anger, and he stood up, towering over Jade.
“Don’t you dare repeat what you just said,” Lucian snarled, his voice deepening into a low, dangerous growl. His eyes flashed a bright, golden yellow, and his entire body trembled with barely contained fury.
Jade trembled with fear, her eyes wide and her mouth dry.
“Y-yes, of course, Lucian,” she stammered, the words barely making it past her lips.
“It’s alpha for you, not Lucian,” Lucian snapped, his tone sharp and commanding. “And if I have to tell you that one more time, there will be consequences.”
Jade trembled, her voice barely audible as she stammered, “B-but…”
“Enough.” Lucian roared, his wolf clawing at the edges of his mind, desperate to break free to rip her apart. He could feel his fangs elongating and his claws extending, and he knew he was on the verge of shifting. “Get out.”
Jade’s heart pounded in her chest as she grabbed her bag and scurried out of the office, her steps echoing on the marble floor. As soon as she was out of sight, Lucian let out a deep, primal growl, the sound reverberating off the walls. The wolf within him howled, and for a moment, Lucian lost control.
He picked the phone and call his secretary
“Prepare the conference room”.
Tempted by the lycan Chapter 2
Seven years have passed. Seven years since she left the man she loved the most in the world. Seven years of hiding from him. Ava stood in front of her mirror, dressing and lost in her thoughts.
She misses everything about him; his touch, his voice, the way he calls for her, the way his eyes fills with love and lust for her. A part of her yearned for Lucian’s embrace once more, to feel the warmth of his body against hers. But another part of her wished they never crossed paths again.
She had left him shattered and broken. All alone in the darkness.
“Promise me one thing amore”. Luciano whispered in the middle of their love making.
“What?”. She moaned.
“Promise me you won’t leave me Because I can’t live without you Ava”. He begged.
She looked at him with tears in her eyes, hugging him tight as he thrust deeper into her.
And that was their last night together before she left him… with his seed in her.
“I’m sorry Lucian”. She wiped the tears in her eye.
She applied a light make up on her face, covering her now puffy eyes. Carrying her small hand bag, she walked out of her room.
In the seven years since she had left Lucian, she had managed to make a new name for herself. She had built her own fashion company, turning her dreams into a reality.
But her dreams had once included not only fashion, but also jewellery. Now, she had only the fashion company.
She had changed her name, from Ava Luciano Russo to Daisy Addams. She had scrubbed all traces of her former identity, as if it had never existed.
“Mom.” A light, yet deeply resonant voice called out to her as soon as she stepped into the dinner room.
“How are you son?”. She asked, bending down to give her son a peck.
Her son, Nathan, sat at the dining table, his posture straight and proper, almost regal in its perfection. He was only seven years old, but he seemed wise beyond his years. He even looked older than he was, towering over other boys his age, his features already taking on a more adult appearance.
Nathan was the spitting image of his father, right down to the way he held himself and the tone of his voice.
The only resemblance he had of his mother was her oceanic blue eyes.
Nathan was incredibly intelligent, just like his father had been. And, like Luciano, he was fiercely protective of his mother. He was like a little bodyguard, always watching out for her.
Luciano had chosen the name Nathan for his son.
“If we have a son, let’s name him Nathan,” Luciano said, kissing her on the forehead. “And if it’s a girl, we’ll name her Aurora.”
Ava blushed, embarrassed by his forwardness. “I am not even pregnant yet.” she exclaimed, pushing him away playfully.
But Luciano just smiled, pulling her closer. “How about we make you pregnant right now?” he whispered, his eyes sparkling with mischief.
Ava laughed, swatting him away.
Ava smiled as she recoiled those happy memories, it was fresh in her mind like it happened yesterday. Even though Luciano couldn’t be with his son, at least she had given him the name he chose for their first child.
“I’m fine mother”. Nathan responded.
“Come on, let’s eat”. She dished out his food for him.
“Where is your nanny?”.
Nathan growl.
“I sent her home mom, I told you I don’t need a nanny. I’m old enough to take care of myself”.
“Says the seven years old boy”.
“With ten million in his account”. He responded proudly.
Ava smiled.
Even at the age of seven, Nathan was a prodigy when it came to computers. He had a natural talent for programming and coding, and he was already helping to run the computer systems for Ava’s company. In fact, his contributions had helped the company rise to the top five in the country. And as a reward, he requested a 30% share of the company profit.
“Nathan, I will be meeting some important client later, when you’re done with class. You can come meet me there. I will share you the location, make sure to text me before coming”. Ava said, taking the last bite of her pancake.
“I will get going now. Jeff will drop you off at school, I love you and take care of yourself”. She pecked him once more, cleaning her hands with a napkin.
“You too mom”. He responded.
She smiled and walked out of the house.
“Where to, ma’am?” Jeff asked, opening the car door for her.
Ava shook her head. “No need for you to drive me today, Jeff. I’ll take care of myself. But please make sure Nathan gets to school safely,” she said, climbing into the car and starting the engine.
**********************************
*AT THE OFFICE*
“Good morning, Miss. Addams” her staff greeted her as she walked through the office.
Ava smiled warmly, nodding and returning the greetings. She loved the friendly atmosphere at the office, and it always brightened her day to see her staff.
She made her way to her office, stepping inside and closing the door behind her.
“If it isn’t Miss Fashion herself” a voice called out from behind her, causing her to jump in surprise. She turned, a hand on her chest to see Derek grinning at her from the door.
“Oh my goodness.”. She jumped.
“You almost gave me an heart attack Derek.”. She smiled, giving him a hug.
“How are you daisy? Or should I say Ava?”. He teased, returning her hug.
She playfully hit his shoulder.
“Stop it, Derek”.
Derek had been like a godsend to Ava, helping her change her name and create a new identity, ensuring that the name Ava Russo disappeared from the world. He had even helped her move to a new city, helping her with a fresh start and a chance to start over.
Derek had a younger sister, Lucy, who had taken to Ava like a mother figure.
“How’s Lucy doing?”.
“She’s fine. But she misses you”. Derek pout.
“Nathan and I will come see her this weekend”. Ava responded with a smile.
“I also have a client I need to meet,” Derek said. “It’s a quick walk over to the jewellery company. Would you like me to walk you over? I can escort you to your meeting, and then you can follow me to mine.” He requested nervously.
Ava laughed.
“Sure.”. She smiled.
“Alright, I will pick you up in two hours”. He gave her a quick peck before leaving
Ava called her design team into the office and they got down to business, discussing the new designs they were working on.
The discussion quickly devolved into an argument, with everyone having different opinions on what direction to take. Ava let them hash it out for a while, but eventually she had to step in and make a decision.
“Okay, let’s save this for tomorrow,” Ava said, cutting the discussion short. “I have another meeting to get to.”
The team members all nodded, and began to file out of the room. Ava took a deep breath, relieved to have a break from the tension.
Just then, her phone buzzed with an incoming message. She pulled it out of her pocket and checked the screen.
“I’ll be there in ten minutes,” the message from Derek read.
Ava didn’t bother to reply, simply sliding her phone back into her pocket and gathering her files. She stuffed them into her bag and hurried out of the office, not wanting to keep Derek waiting.
Ava stood at the gate, waiting for Derek to arrive. When his Lamborghini pulled up, she rolled her eyes as he executed a flashy three-point turn, stopping the car in front of her.
“I know you’re wealthy , Derek, but you don’t need to flaunt it like this,” she teased, opening the passenger door and climbing into the car.
Derek laughed and shook his head, pulling out of the parking lot and onto the street.
“What is the use of wealth if you don’t show it off.”.
“Why are you partnering with the jewellery company?” Derek asked, turning his attention to the road.
“Well, I can’t have my own jewellery company, so why not partner with the best?” Ava replied. “Besides, they’re the top company in Paris. Partnering with them will only boost my own company’s reputation and reach.”
Derek nodded thoughtfully, considering her words. “That makes sense,” he said.
The rest of the drive was silent. Shortly after they arrived at AL jewellery.
A gasped escape Ava’s lip, it was supposed to be a company but this is too gorgeous to be called a company.
Although she heard it belongs to a man whose identity still remains a mystery.
As they stepped inside, a staff member greeted them.
“We’re here to see Mr. Alex,” Ava said with a smile.
“Right this way, Miss,” the staff member said, leading them to the conference room.
“Sir, your guests are here,” the staff member announced.
“Let them in,” a deep, hoarse voice replied from inside the room.
Ava froze in her tracks as she heard the voice. She knew that voice, and it couldn’t be who she thought it was.
Tempted by the lycan Chapter 3
Ava’s heart pounded as she stepped into the conference room, coming face to face with the man she had hidden from for the past seven years. She watched as he looked up at her, his glare softening, his eyes full of unreadable emotions.
“Welcome, Miss Daisy,” Alex said, offering her a handshake. She took it, her hand trembling slightly.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you,” she said, forcing a smile onto her face. Alex gestured around the table.
“This is Mr. Luciano, the CEO of the company,” Alex said, introducing Luciano to Ava. “And this is the board of directors.”
Ava nodded, taking in the faces around the table. She recognized some of them from her research on the company, and they all seemed friendly enough.
“It’s a pleasure to meet all of you,” Ava said again.
Alex gestured for them to take a seat at the table.
Alex cleared his throat and started speaking. “Miss Daisy has a lot of experience in the fashion industry, and she will be a valuable asset to our team. She has an eye for detail and a passion for creating beautiful designs. I’m excited to see what she can bring to the table.”
Luciano’s gaze lingered on Ava, his expression impossible to read. Ava shifted nervously, coughing to break the eye contact. Derek patted her on the back, causing Luciano’s fist to clench.
Derek smirked, breaking the tension. “Shall we get started?” he asked, looking at Ava expectantly.
Alex nodded. “Go ahead, Miss Daisy. The board is all yours.”
Ava took a deep breath to steady her nerves, and began to speak. She outlined her proposal, discussing the benefits it could bring to the company. She could feel Luciano’s gaze burning into her, his eyes following her every movement.
The presentation went on for what seemed like an eternity, but finally it was over.
“That was excellent, Miss Addams,” one of the board members said, breaking the silence. The others nodded in agreement, and a few even clapped.
“You may all leave now,” Luciano said, his voice low and harsh. The other board members filed out of the room, without a word. They knew better than to defile his order.
Ava felt a shiver of fear as her eyes met Luciano’s. She began gathering her things, wanting to get out of the room as quickly as possible.
“Alex, wait for me in my office,” Luciano said, his eyes still fixed on Ava.
She hurriedly packed her things, her hands shaking. When she looked up, Luciano was right in front of her. She gasped, having no idea how he had moved so quickly.
“Mr. Luciano,” Derek started to say, but Luciano cut him off.
He pulled out a gun out of nowhere, aiming it at Derek’s head. Ava gasped, her heart racing.
“Tell him to leave,” Luciano ordered, his voice icy cold.
“Derek, please go,” Ava said, her voice shaking.
“But dais…..”
“For my sake.” She cut him off, forcing a smile, hoping it would hide her fear.
Luciano’s fist clenched as he watched Ava beg another man.
Derek glared at Luciano, his expression full of anger and contempt. He turned and left the room, the door slamming behind him.
Luciano lowered his gun, his eyes never leaving Ava’s. A range of emotions played across his face, from anger to sadness to relief.
“Ava.” he called, his voice trembling with emotion. His wolf was howling inside him, its joy at the sight of their mate almost overwhelming.
Ava’s mouth went dry and her words caught in her throat. She struggled to find her voice.
“Lu-Lu… Lucian.”. She manage to choke out.
She stared at him with her heart pounding in her chest. He still looked the same as he always had. He was even more handsome then she remembered. Tall and broad-shouldered, with a frame that was both muscular and lithe.
His dark hair was shiny and neatly coiffed, and his green-black eyes were mesmerising. From a distance, they looked almost black, but up close they were flecked with tiny gold flecks that seemed to shimmer in the light. They were beautiful. His eyes were the first thing she fell for.
Lucian stepped closer, placing a hand on her waist and pulling her close. She could feel his breath on her face, his lips only inches from hers.
The heat of his body radiated against hers, and his breath was warm on her face. His lips were so close to hers that she could feel the soft brush of his breath against her mouth. Her heart was pounding in her chest.
“Mr Lucian.”. She called, her hands pressing against his chest, trying to push him back a little.
“Ava.”. He called in a low but warning voice.
There was something in his voice that made her shiver, a note of authority that made her knees weak. She found herself unable to look away from his eyes, her heart pounding in her chest.
She bit her bottom lip nervously, not even realising what she was doing.
Lucian’s eyes immediately flashed with desire and want.
“Lucian, please let me go”. She pleaded.
“Why? Why should I let you go?”.
“So you can leave me again? Like you did seven years ago? Or is it because your new man is waiting outside for you?”.
Ava stared at him in shock.
“Answer me Ava.”. He yelled, tighten his grip on her.
A painful whispered escape her lips.
“Lucian you’re hurting me”. She cried.
“I’m hurting you? Do you have any idea how I almost lost my mind when I couldn’t find you beside me? Do you know how much pain I went through? Do you know how much I have missed you, long for you? Only to find out you’re safe and healthy but in someone else’s arm, reeking of his scent” His voice low and dangerous.
“Did you ever loved me Ava?”. His voice was low but filled with pain.
Ava’s eyes flashed with anger, her jaw clenched tight.
How could he question her love for him
Before she could speak, another voice cut through them.
“GET. YOUR. HANDS. OFF. MY MOTHER.”