Novel-novel oleh Puni Joe

The day of the anniversaryAmber had woken up a bit sluggishly that morning, she was not supposed to spend the night with Ignacio since they planned to retake their wedding vows - it was like they were just getting married for the first time. She got out of bed, her hair was a mess and she sat in front of the mirror, staring at her reflection as if it was new. "Am I still going to exist tomorrow?" She thought to herself.It was 8 in the morning and the make-up artists were at the door but she wouldn't allow them in. She cried for hours before words later got to Maya and she went to her room and knocked on the door."Hey, baby girl. It's me, your mom. Please, open up" Maya pleaded as her heart ached.The door lock made a clinging sound, she later opened the door. Maya grabbed the knob, opened the door, and went in."Hey, child." She called out and took a seat beside her on the bed."I know how you feel but it's going to be fine." She assured in a shaky voice, she wished she had kept

Two years later (a week to Amber's wedding anniversary.)Amber laid on the bed that morning, sound of metal clinging together, aroma of different meal and the chattering of people filled the air but Amber could hardly hear them. Ignacio turned to her and poked her nose."Hey, pretty. What's wrong? It's too early to have that gloomy look on""I'm not in the mood for jokes this morning, please" She said, still not moving a muscle."Why? What's wrong?""You're asking me what's wrong? Really?" She shot a sharp glare at him."Wow! Calm down, babe. I know what's going on in your mind but you don't have to think of all these. Okay, let's look at it from this angle. What if you were diagnosed with a terminal disease and you only have five years to live of which you have only one week left, would you just do nothing and stay in bed all day?""No!" She hesitated"That's the point. I'm sure you're going to live your life to the fullest, explore things and places you want to. So stop this and let

Jennifer was playing with Prince Damon, giggling aloud when a familiar figure walked into the living room. She was so engulfed in the playing with Prince Damon that she didn't notice the man and everyone kept mute and waited for her to look up. Prince Damon threw his ball at the feet of the man, she got up to go get it. Picking it up and standing straight before him, she couldn't believe her eyes - it was Cooper."Cooper? Is that you?" She asked, shocked and surprised. "Yes. Who are you? Why do you have Jennifer's scent but look like Helen?""You should have your seat first, dad" Ignacio said and he he turned at his direction.He wanted to say something but couldn't find the right words so he sat and waited for someone to explain what was going on until his eyes fell on Amber."Yes, you. You have been to the hospital and promised to tell me what's going on. Why do I look this old? The man that followed me down here said this is 2023 and the nurse said that I had been in the hospital

Alicia got scared and quickly called Mr. Raul."Hey, sweetie. Our baby is in danger" She said in a shaky voice."Calm down and explain to me what's going on"Alicia explained what had happened to Mr. Raul."What? What was she thinking? I'll go meet with Alpha Amber now. You go to her and see if you can help her.""Okay, dear" she said and ended the call.She grabbed a few things she thought she might be needing and rushed out of the house. She got into the car, ignited it and drove off at a fast speed. After about twenty minutes of driving, she arrived at the hospital. She raced out of the car and was about running into one of the wards when a nurse stopped her."Please, calm down, ma'am. This is not allowed in here. Who are you looking for?" The chubby nurse asked in a calm voice."Cooper...... I'm here to see Cooper" She panted heavily."Okay, I'll take you to his ward" She said and led the way to his ward but she was rather too slow for Alicia.Once they opened the door, they found

The very next day, Jaeleah went to the hospital where Cooper was. She met a skinny nurse at the reception."Good morning, nurse. I'm here to see Mr. Cooper" She said with a smile but the nurse glared at her and rolled her eyes."How are you related to him?" She asked few seconds later."I can't disclose that but Alpha Amber instructed me to check up on him today.""Oh! You must be Jaeleah" She said with a fake smile and Jaeleah nodded with a glare."I'm sorry. His ward is the last one by the left on the first floor" she said and Jaeleah went towards the direction without saying a word."So pompous!" The nurse cussed.Jaeleah looked back with a grin."I heard what you just said. Be careful!." She warned and went her way.Jaeleah had seen him from the window before she walked into the ward. Cooper was placed on a life saving machine, his skin was pale and had developed bed sore but was neatly treated. She moved closer to him and felt his pulse and other vital organs and she shook her h

A week later (at the Blue pack school)It was the Wolves Day Feast of another set of young wolves and this was special because Alpha Amber and her family were invited and Miss Peyton was going to surprise her daughter.The ceremony started in the early afternoon with one of the school instructor giving an opening speech and followed by Miss Peyton. She was dressed in a bright purple dress that rested comfortably on her knees - she looked deeply happy as she mounted the platform to address the audience."Good afternoon, all. I want to thank you all for honouring my invitation to be here today to celebrate the young wolves who are going to be joining the society today. Special thanks to Alpha Amber, one of our past students for making time out of her busy schedules to make it down here today. Today is a really special day in my life as it helps me reconnect with my friends, family and loved ones. Without taking much of our time, let the ceremony begin." She concluded and loud applaud fi

The throne room was filled with a heavy sense of calmness. Regan and Ivorie were seated on their thrones, their demeanor calm and collected. They looked out upon the massive gathering of the pack Elders and Alphas from the allied packs. Decorum reigned amongst them as they had their gazes on the criminals at the center of the throne room.Alpha Johan, Beta Jordan, Nick, and Kiya knelt, their heads lowered in utter shame. They awaited their judgements.“Elder Callen, begin the procession.” Regan instructed in a strong voice.Elder Callen stepped forward and bowed to Regan and Ivorie before clearing his throat."Johan Kanin, Jordan Volkov, Nicholas Jenn, and Kiyalera Sven, you have been found guilty of the following; treachery, multiple murders, massacre of warriors, abduction, and attempted usurpation. These are heinous crimes and according to the law of Cresthowl pack, your punishment will be death."The room fell silent, except for the sound of Kiya suddenly bursting into tears. Whi

Regan and Blood Grove crashed into the nearby bush, their bodies entwined as they skidded across the dry underbrush. A thick tree was what stopped Regan from rolling.Blood Grove was the first to regain his footing. A sly grin spread across his face as he faced Regan."Alpha Regan, it's such an honor to finally meet you officially," Blood Grove said, his voice dripping with sarcasm.Regan stood up and swatted dust off his body.His eyes narrowed on Blood Grove, his jaw clenched in rage.“I wouldn't say the same for me. You have been a thorn at my side for far too long, assassin. Because of you, many innocent lives were lost, including that of my Beta.” Regan seethed and his hands fisted. His desire to fight burned through his veins."I was simply following orders, Alpha. But I'm sure you cannot understand, since you’re a ruler.” Blood Grove said with hatred.“I’ll kill you, for taking my son!” Regan shot, his eyes flickering red and blue.Blood Grove chuckled, his eyes glinting with a

The courtroom hummed with several voices. Ivorie sat at the end of the long table, silently watching the Elders engage in heated argument amongst themselves. Although it was not a pleasant thing, it took her mind off the worry of her baby."Luna, we understand that you've been grieving the kidnapping of your baby for days, as expected," one of the Elders said, his voice gentle but firm. "But I believe it is time we received more information concerning our Alpha's betrayal. We need to know what happened, and why Regan would betray the pack in such a way."The rest of the elders nodded in agreement.“And most importantly, why would he want his own newly birthed son kidnapped?” Another Elder added. Everyone went mute, awaiting Ivorie's response.Ivorie's eyes darted nervously around the room. It felt like a heavy weight had been placed upon her with the Elders’ intense attention on her.She knew that she had to tread carefully, to avoid revealing the plan that she and Elder Callen had e

Ivorie paced to and fro in her chamber, her mind reeling with thoughts of her baby. It had been two days since she had sent Jenna out to find him, and yet there was no update. The thought of that alone made her shiver occasionally.No word from Nick, no message from Jenna. The silence was horrifying, and Ivorie's anxiety was growing by each passing hour.She went to the fireplace, pacing back and forth in front of it with her hands clasped together in a futile attempt to calm her racing thoughts. ‘What if Jenna has betrayed me? What if she has used the opportunity given to her to gain her freedom without the need to help me?’‘What if Nick has harmed my baby? Oh goddess! Please help me!’ Ivorie's heart beat in accordance with thoughts in her mind. She covered her face with her palms, sobbing silently Just as she was starting to lose hope, the door of the room was thrown open. Ivorie raised her head and saw her mother walking in, a look of genuine concern etched on her face. "Ivori

The streets of Cresthowl had become totally different from what she remembered. She was used to a quiet and deserted night but tonight, the streets were reeking with a lot of people. And not just regular pack members, warriors also. The pack Watchmen and even guards were roaming and patrolling every corner of the pack.It made her wonder what in the name of the Moon goddess happened in the past year.It took her great knowledge of every nook and cranny of the pack streets to evade the warriors. She had grown up in the streets of the pack and she knew it like the back of her hands.Finally, she arrived at a lonely alley, near a very busy market. There were no warriors there.Her eyes were on a particular woman in the market. Black short hair and a skinny build. She was only going about her market scouring but Jenna had other plans for her.When the woman was done in the market, she headed through another alley adjacent to the one Jenna was in. She followed her.She paced after the woma

The darkness of the dungeon seemed to press in on Jenna from all sides, the cold stone walls and damp air a constant reminder of her captivity. She had been in there for about a year now, if her counting of sunrises through the small gap above her were accurate. One year of captivity in this wretched dungeon. An entire year of living in an unfavourable condition, consuming unhealthy food and breathing pungent air.She had begged the guards multiple times to clean the other corner of the cell where decayed human dung lied for a long time. She had learnt to live with it overtime.She sat in a corner, busy playing with a small stone. In this place, that was about the most interesting thing she could do.But she knew all these conditions she found herself in, were caused by her. She brought it upon herself. She blamed herself for going against the Luna of her pack. Especially when the Alpha himself had never taken a liking in her from the onset. She had made a grave mistake and she was

Lexi's POV.“Argh!” I groaned as my eyes splitted open. My head was throbbing hard and it took me a great amount of willpower to sit up on the bed. With my back rested against the headboard, I started to breath unsteadily. I controlled my breathing until the headache slowly subsided.Even with that, I was still feeling all woozy. The hunger I experienced the night before had worn me down.It dawned on me. Speaking of last night, how did I get here? I looked around and saw that I was indeed in my room.Deciding not to think much of it now, I struggled to my feet, fighting through the body ache and dizziness. I walked over to the bathroom in slow and weak steps.I went to the sink and rinsed my face with water from the tap. I sighed and looked at myself in the mirror; I still looked pale. I needed to find something to eat.I stepped back into the room but suddenly felt the urge to go back to bed. My knees were killing me and I was sure if I decided to go downstairs, I would most certain

Leonardo’s POV.“Shut the door!” I barked at one of my men and he obliged by shutting the door of the private room in another one of my clubs downtown.The loud music from downstairs was blocked out and silence reigned.I took the glass cup from the tray that was outstretched to me by a waitress and sipped slowly. Grayson did the same.“You look like you’ve been busy.” I remarked, nodding at his jacket.He looked down and took a handkerchief, using it to wipe off the blood stain on it. “I was able to locate and roughen up the ‘external suspects’ of the attack. They had a lot to say.” Grayson informed, taking another sip of his drink.I arched my brow. “Roughen up? With guns?” I asked curiously.Grayson shrugged, “Maybe a few or more.” He muttered.Sometimes I forget how brutal my friend can be at times.“Gray, I only told you to question them to get some useful information and maybe a few beating, not by using guns.” I said.“Don't worry, no permanent damages done. But I've got to te

Lexi's POV.“Argh!” I screamed at the top of my voice, hitting the wall in a fit of rage. That bastard!I have been locked up here for hours. It felt like I was in a fucking prison.At first, when he had just locked me in, I began to hit the door continuously. I yelled out his name countless times, begging him to open up the door. I begged and begged as I banged the door, but he never came. When I noticed that he might have left the mansion, I switched to calling Frank.However, the situation was the same with him. No one answered for almost an hour of desperately screaming.I became exhausted, my voice was raspy and my hands were swollen due to intense banging on the door.It then occurred to me that I had seen Leonardo opening the door with some kind of digital code. A door with a digital lock system would most certainly be damned soundproof! Which explains why Frank did not hear me.Or it could be that Leonardo had warned him not to open the door even when I called for help.I wen

Leonardo's POV.I left Don Morano at the club and hit the road once more. Checking my watch and finding out that it was already getting late, I gave Grayson a call.“How was it? What did you find out?” He asked as soon as he picked up the call.“What did you expect, Gray? I told you it was impossible for Don to harbour any ill intentions against me.” I replied as I swerved the wheel to the right, taking a turn.“Hmm, alright then. I've given D’Angelo a call, your meeting is at your casino.” He informed.“Alright, be there.’ I said.“Already am.”I tossed my phone aside as I swerved the steering wheel to the left, taking another turn into an alley that led to a shortcut.I already knew who was behind the attack. That bastard I called a cousin. The only reason why I was busy bothering myself with Don Morano and the Italian mobster was because of Grayson. But they were not a problem, I would get Luca, sooner or later.In about thirty minutes, I arrived at the casino club. One of my initi

Leonardo's POV.“Don,” I said as I placed my phone on my ear. I crossed my legs as I rested my back on the couch in the living room.“Ah…Leo son, how are you?” Don Morano answered over the line.“Good.” There was a deep frown on my face.“Crazy night last night, uhn.” He said.“Yeah.”“I'm sure you're already on it.”“Of course,” I answered. Already on it. It was always expected of me.“Where are you? I’m in need of your advice.” I asked, twirling the half filled glass cup in my left hand.“Ahh…don't tell me you're having cold feet about being the next Don?” He asked in an amused tone.“I'm afraid that's it.” I said.“Hmm, alright. Meet me at Passion Pit. Let's clear your fears.” He said.“Alright, I'll be there.” I hung up, tossing my phone aside and downing my glass in a go.Grayson's words echoed in my fucking head. It has been messing with my head all day long.“Shit!” I yelled, smashing the glass cup on the ground. Its shattering sound filled the air.I raked my hair with my hand

Leonardo's POV.My eyes narrowed, my teeth grinding together as I pinned her to the wall.“I think that's a lie!” She spat and I growled, my grip around her wrist intensifying.I relished at the sight of her wincing in pain.“Don't cross me, citizen! You don't know what I'm capable of!” I seethed.No one has dared to ever trespass me like this. Even gangs trembled at the mention of my name, yet this…this little thing I got married to dared to speak back at me.“I know you're thinking that I should be afraid of you. But guess what, I've been living a life of hell for as long as I can remember, nothing scares me!” She shot at me, her eyes shooting daggers.A brief smile cracked my lips. She had guts, I will give her that. But that must break in my house.“You must have done your research. You’ve heard about what I did in Chicago, the way I took over the city. If you love yourself, I believe you should fear that man because he is standing right in front of you.” I conveyed dangerously.I