In the three days that followed, Cobra’s treatment of Anastasia took on a surprisingly gentle and attentive quality.

She could instantly tell the fact that one of his top love languages was the act of service.

If she asks for a piece of the moon, no questions are asked as to why she wants it or how he should do it.

He would most definitely go buy a spaceship and find a way to get to the moon and crack a piece of it to bring it to her.

In the past three days, Cobra anticipated her needs before she even voiced them, ensuring she needed nothing.

It’s not like Anastasia was not already wealthy and had everything she needed, and it is also not because he is trying to impress her with his money or wealth.

When she asks for something as simple as a spoon, she can see the determination in his eyes, the need in his eyes to go and search for the best spoon out there for her.

In his eyes, she could see despair and the need to please her and make her happy.

He prepared her favorite meals, showered her with gifts, and lavished her with affection, all while maintaining a careful balance between adoration and possessiveness.

Although she could see how much he yearned for physical touch, his hands would always start trembling each time he touched her even by accident, and he would internally panic and try to hide it.

When Anastasia would allow them to touch her hand or when she slightly touched his hair, face, or hugged him, his heart would race and blood always rushed to his face.

Sometimes she can not believe he is the same guy who did all that chaos.

Despite the lingering unease that gnawed at her, Anastasia couldn’t deny the fleeting moments of happiness she found in Cobra’s company.

His efforts to please her, though tinged with a dark undercurrent, offered a reprieve from the chaos and uncertainty that surrounded them.

But even as she basked in his attentions, a part of her remained wary, acutely aware of the volatile nature of their relationship.

He seemed to yearn for the stability and understanding he had found with her, for the chance to be truly seen and accepted for who he was.

She could see that.

Her thoughts were interrupted by Cobra’s sudden voice, his words cutting through the silence as he spoke from behind her, his reflection in the mirror sending a chill down her spine.

"I know Alexander is not your brother. I know he is your son from that omega Nicholas who died because he was not your fated mate to survive the pregnancy."

Anastasia kept staring at him through the mirror, her heart pounding in her chest as he revealed his knowledge of Alex’s true parentage. "Cobra..."

" I was happy when he died." Cobra’s smile vanished as he looked at her, his expression shifting to one of guilt.

"I’m sorry for saying this. I know I creep you out sometimes because of what I say and the pictures and all, but I just can’t stop it. I love you so much. My wolf loves you even more. He is the one who sometimes says some crazy stuff. I will keep him in check if that scares you. I know it’s wrong to be happy for someone’s death. I’m sorry."

Anastasia met his gaze, her own emotions swirling with a mixture of fear and longing.

She knew that Cobra’s love was a double-edged sword, a dangerous dance between passion and madness.

But in that moment, she couldn’t bring herself to turn away, her heart torn between the desire for freedom and the pull of her twisted fate.

As Anastasia watched Cobra meticulously brush and braid her hair, she couldn’t help but feel a pang of unease gnawing at her insides.

His desperate need for validation, his eagerness for her approval — it all served as a stark reminder of the fragile balance upon which their relationship teetered.

After he finished, he looked at her expectantly, his eyes pleading for her to affirm his efforts.

She met his gaze through the mirror, her smile strained as she examined the detailed braids adorning her hair. "I like it. You did them great. I don’t even know how to do them like this."

Cobra’s smile widened, relief flooding his features as he leaned in closer, his eyes alight with excitement. "I knew you liked braids, that’s why I studied everything I could learn about braids for two years."

Her smile faltered for a moment, a flicker of discomfort crossing her features before she quickly masked it with a forced expression of gratitude.

She stood, towering over him as she cupped his face in her hands, pressing a gentle kiss to his forehead. "Good job, Cobra."

As she spoke the words, she couldn’t shake the feeling of unease that lingered in the pit of her stomach.

She knew that Cobra’s obsession with her went far beyond simple affection, that his need to control and possess her ran deep.

And yet, she couldn’t bring herself to confront the truth, to acknowledge the darkness that lurked beneath the surface of his twisted love.

So she played her part, masking her fear and uncertainty with a facade of false contentment, all the while longing for the freedom she feared she would never find.

Cobra’s worry deepened as Anastasia settled onto the bed, her admission of feeling dizzy weighing heavily on his mind.

He hovered by her side, his gaze filled with concern as he contemplated her well-being " I’m so sorry, I should not have put silver the bullet that hit you."

Anastasia offered a faint nod, her eyes closing as she tried to relax. " It is okay. I’m fine will sleep a bit for now."

Cobra’s heart clenched at the sight of her lying there, vulnerable and unwell.

He longed to do something, anything, to ease her discomfort and protect her from harm. "Can I do anything for you, my love?"

Anastasia’s response was a quiet nod, her expression weary yet grateful. " Yes, Make me that smoothie that you made me the other day when I woke up, for now, I just need a good nap."

Cobra’s worry eased slightly at her request, a sense of purpose driving him to action.

He stayed by her side for a moment longer, his gaze lingering on her.

As Anastasia settled on the warm and soft bed, Cobra hesitated for a moment before gently covering her with a blanket.

She could literally see his hand shaking as if she was made of glass and he was afraid of breaking her by accident.

His nerves are palpable, he shyly asked if he could kiss her forehead, his cheeks flushing crimson with embarrassment. "Can I... um, kiss your forehead?"

Anastasia offered a small smile, nodding in response to his request.

As his lips brushed against her forehead, she couldn’t help but chuckle softly at his bashfulness. "You are too cute, Cobra."

What she said made his eyes widen in shock, his face flushed with embarrassment as he stood up and sprinted out of the room, which made her chuckle at him.

Anastasia’s smile faded, the weight of their situation pressing down upon her once more.

She closed her eyes, a heavy sigh escaping her lips as she allowed herself a moment of vulnerability.

The ache of Liam’s rejection still lingered, a constant reminder of the pain she had endured.

As she lay there in the quiet of the room, her mind remembered Liam.

But even amidst the longing and the hurt, she knew that she had to stay strong, to keep fighting for the chance to apologize to Liam once more.

As Anastasia’s eyes slowly closed, the exhaustion and dizziness from the silver in her system weighing heavily upon her, she felt a sense of comfort wash over her.

In her semi-conscious state, she registered the familiar scent that enveloped her, a scent that stirred something deep within her.

Liam.

Her wolf raged within her, responding instinctively to his presence, but her mind struggled to comprehend the impossibility of the situation.

Liam couldn’t be here, not after everything that had transpired between them.

And yet, there he was, his touch gentle yet firm as he lifted her into his arms.

Her vision blurred with dizziness, Anastasia could barely make out his form, but she knew it was him.

The disbelief and confusion swirled within her, but the exhaustion pulled her back into the embrace of sleep.

In her hazy state, she convinced herself it must be a dream.

There was no way Liam would be here, holding her, when the last time she saw him, he couldn’t stand the sight of her.

As sleep claimed her once more, Anastasia clung to the fleeting sense of comfort that Liam’s presence brought, even as the reality of their complicated relationship loomed over her like a dark cloud.