Chapter: CHAPTER TWENTY FOUR: FROM FRYING PAN TO FIRE. Maddie. I was sitting on a bench a little distance from the food truck inhaling the best shawarma on the planet. It seemed that everything that came out of the food truck was simply amazing. I didn't know their secret recipe, but honestly at this point even if I found out it was the blood of crickets, I wasn't sure I'd be all that bothered. "Good right?" Cam asked. We had planned to have lunch together but Cam had had to run to track practice and I had had to hurriedly study for a class test I had forgotten all about. So here we were, after school, having lunch by past five. "Good is an understatement." I told him. "I'm tempted to kidnap the cook and lock him in my basement so he'd work for me day and night." "I rue the day you're powerful enough to actually go through with that diabolical plan." He laughed. "You laugh now, but when I'm eating perfection day and night, you wouldn't be laughing anymore." "I'd be knocking at your door day and night." He grinned. "speaking of day
Last Updated: 2024-04-15
Chapter: CHAPTER TWENTY THREE: LUCIAN'S LEGACY. Lucian. There was no argument of whether I loved Lucinda Buford. She was my mother and my rock and I loved her. It didn't mean that there weren't times I just didn't want to strangle the fuck out of her. Like now for instance. She had called me at seven thirty while I was driving to work to tell me she needed me. She hadn't needed to say more. I had turned my car around and headed for her house which was approximately a two hour thirty minute drive. I made it two hours on the dot. Two hours that I spent thinking of all the worst case scenarios and trying to call her over and over again. Each call that went to voice mail only sent my blood pressure higher and higher to the roof. I suddenly remembered that I was supposed to call the school's English department in the midst of my panic. I immediately rang up Tina Bertram, a substitute who had filled in for me once before. "Hello?" "Tina, Good morning, it's Lucian Buford." "I know it's you, professor. Do you need something?" S
Last Updated: 2024-04-14
Chapter: CHAPTER TWENTY TWO: THWARTED PLANS.Maddie."Why are you looking at me like that?" I asked Gia. She was lying in bed, hands folded behind her head, giving me a shit eating grin. "Nothing." "Georgia!" She giggled. "You're so cute, Mads. Are you having a little fashion crisis over the professor, sweetie? Do you need help?" I scoffed. "I'm not having a fashion crisis over Lucian. I'm just confused about what to wear. It's normal. You get confused about to wear all the time." "Yeah, that's me, it's literally my whole thing. But you on the other hand, it takes you a second to pull out something from the closet and be ready to dash out at a moment's notice." She swept her gaze to the multiple outfits I had hanging over one arm pointedly. I felt my cheeks go hot and I was sure my face was flashing red with guilt. "It means nothing. Okay? Don't try to find a deeper meaning in all of this." "Just wear the black pants and green tee. Problem solved." She shrugged. "You're welcome." I made a face and turned away. I bit my l
Last Updated: 2024-04-13
Chapter: CHAPTER TWENTY ONE: RESISTING TEMPTATION.Lucian. The worst part about doing the right thing was wishing you had done the wrong thing instead. I wasn't familiar with this feeling. I had always been a resolute person. I made decisions and I stuck with them and hardly changed my mind about that. And yet, here I was, my mind swaying in the wind. I could as well just change my name and dye my hair pink because I didn't recognize myself at all. I sighed. This wasn't me. I was different these days and there was only one way to resist this change effectively. Unfortunately for me, I wouldn't accept all the money in the world to cut Maddie out of my life. Not that I even cared about all the money in the world. I had more money than I knew what to do with. More money than a single person should ever have sitting somewhere in a bank idle. I could do more than survive on my professor's salary and that was good enough for me. I wasn't exactly scraping the bottom of the barrel without my sperm donor's blood money. I was doing fine. Per
Last Updated: 2024-04-12
Chapter: CHAPTER TWENTY: THE JEALOUSY SCHEME. Maddie. I was furious. It was crazy how since I had met Lucian, I was always in one state of extreme emotion or the other. While before I had been a generally laid back, easy going person, now I was totally maniac. All thanks to a certain grey eyed man. When I banged into the apartment, Gia looked up at me from her place at the kitchen table. "Uh oh. What did he do this time around?" She asked, raising a single brow at me. "What are you talking about? Who?" I feigned confusion. Of course, I knew exactly who she was talking about. I just didn't want to give her the satisfaction of knowing she was so spot on. She simply rolled her eyes at me. "Don't play dumb with me, carrot top. What's up? Why do you look like you're about to start ripping this apartment apart?" "It's Lucian." I growled. "Who?" Her face wrinkled in confusion. Not that I blamed her, he had been professor asshole and other not-so-favorable names to us for a while now. "Professor Buford." I explained. She immedi
Last Updated: 2024-04-12
Chapter: CHAPTER NINETEEN: NO REGRETS. Lucian. "If you want this, I'll be waiting for you in my office. Think long and hard about it, miss Lane." I told her. "If you walk into those doors, you're saying yes to me. You're saying yes to belonging to me. Do you understand?" She nodded, expression entranced and probably just as hungry as mine was. "Use your words, firecracker. Do you understand?" "Yes, Sir." She whispered. "Good girl." I said enjoying the shiver that rocked through her at my words. Then before I could do something stupid like kiss her right there where anybody could see us, I turned around and walked out briskly. The librarian who must have been close to sixty batted her lashes at me as I passed by her table. I just gave her a curt nod and continued on my way. If she thought my presence there at that time of the day was suspicious, she didn't show it.Fuck, but we really needed to be more careful. The attraction between us scrambled my senses but as the adult or rather the more experienced one between us
Last Updated: 2024-04-12
Chapter: CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY SIX: THE PROPOSAL.THE PROPOSAL.Winnie.I couldn't believe what just happened. I began replaying everything over and over in my head again. It all began when I woke up and was preparing coffee. Ares went to the living room without greeting me and started watching the News. He suddenly called for me and I went to the living room to meet him.“Where did you go yesterday?” He asked me and I was just staring at him, trying to process what happened yesterday.“I asked you a fucking question!!” He yelled at me and I blinked with a surprised look on my face. Ok, I had definitely remembered now. Why is he asking me this suddenly and why didn't he go to work today?“I didn't go anywhere.” I replied as I sat down on the couch.“Alright then, let me be more specific. What did you go to do at the hospital yesterday?” He asked me. I was shocked as to how he found out about my visit to the hospital.“I went for a check up.” I replied, not meeting his gaze. I knew that I had promised not to lie to him but this situat
Last Updated: 2024-04-25
Chapter: CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY FIVE: THE DIVORCE.THE DIVORCE.Ares.I was in my office when I got a call from Adam, Winnifred's driver. I hope nothing happened to Winnifred. I picked up the call immediately.“Yes Adam, what is it?” I asked impatiently and he hesitated for a moment before replying.“Good afternoon sir. I wanted to inform you that your wife went to the hospital today”. He said and I immediately stood up from my seat.“Hospital? What happened to her? What was she doing there?!!” I thundered over the phone as I started getting ready to leave the office.“No no sir, nothing happened to her. She's fine. She said she wanted to go for a check up”. He said as I sighed in relief.“Why did you call me then?” I asked, calmer this time around.“I think she lied sir.” He said and that got me curious. “And what makes you think so?” I asked him again, curious to hear his response.“I just had the feeling that she was lying and when she came back from the hospital, she seemed lost. I kept on asking her what happened but she was jus
Last Updated: 2024-04-25
Chapter: CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY FOUR: PREGNANCY?PREGNANCY?Winnie.I didn't know when I slept off but I found myself on the floor of my room when I woke up and I was feeling really tired. It took me minutes to stand up from the floor and when I finally got up, the whole room began to spin and I had to hold on to the wall close to me to prevent me from falling down.I wondered why I had started feeling dizzy all of a sudden but I couldn't seem to come up with an answer. My stomach started grumbling and I wanted to ignore it but it only got worse so I decided to pay attention to it.Since I was obviously really hungry, I went downstairs to find something to eat after the room had stopped spinning. When I got to the kitchen, I found a note on the counter addressed to me from Ares. It read…“I've gone to work, don't think I have run away again or that something happened to me. I'm perfectly fine and will be back in the evening.”I smiled after reading the note and for a second, I thought that things were back to normal but I woke up fr
Last Updated: 2024-04-24
Chapter: CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY THREE: BACK HOME.BACK HOME.Ares.Winnifred had been calling me for sometime now but I didn't pick up. I'll just look at it ringing until it cuts. I knew she would be worried because I didn't tell her anything but I couldn't care less.By the way, why should she be worried? She can as well go and meet the guy that was flirting with her at her bakery earlier today and not bother about me. I'm sure that wouldn't be hard to do.She stopped calling for sometime then after a few minutes, Judy called and I picked up immediately.“Good morning sir, your wife said that you're not at home and she's been calling you but you're not picking her calls. She's been waiting for you to come back home.” Judy said over the phone and I paused a little before replying to him.“You can tell her not to bother waiting up for me as I won't be going back to that villa for sometime. I'm in one of my other houses and I don't want to see her either. I need space away from her. If that's all, I'll hang up now.” I said and immediat
Last Updated: 2024-04-24
Chapter: CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY TWO: WISHFUL THINKING.WISHFUL THINKING.Judy.I was surprised seeing Winnifred's name as the caller ID when my phone began ringing by 1:00am. What could be the problem? I picked after the second ring and I was shocked by what she said.“Hello, I'm sorry for disturbing you but do you know if Ares is still at the office? He's not yet back and I've been calling him but he isn't picking my calls”. She said, clearly worried.“Ares didn't come to work today. Didn't he tell you? I'll try calling him and see if he picks up”. I told her as I yawned.“He didn't tell me. Well, I left for work before him so there was no way he would have told me. Alright please do and call me back if he picks your call”. She said and ended the call.Why didn't Ares tell his wife that he didn't go to work and most of all where could he be by this time? I decided to call him and I was surprised when he picked up immediately.“Good morning sir, your wife said that you're not at home and she's been calling you but you're not picking her c
Last Updated: 2024-04-23
Chapter: CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY ONE: THE BREAKDOWN.THE BREAKDOWN.Winnie.I stayed awake all through the night waiting for Ares to return but he never did. I lay on his bed as I watched the sunrise and my heart was heavy. I decided to dial Judy's number again and luckily, it went through.“You never called to give me feedback.” I told him immediately he picked up the call.“I'm sorry about that, I just didn't know how to tell you.” He responded, his voice a little bit shaky.“How to tell me what?” I asked, more curious now.“When I called Ares, he said that he isn't coming back home so you shouldn't bother waiting up for him and that he needs space away from you.” Judy replied and my face fell immediately.“He isn't coming back? Did he say where he was and how long he'll stay there?” I asked again, my voice beginning to break up as I fought hard to control my tears.“He's in another of his apartments but he didn't say how long he'll stay there.” Judy responded.“Do you know that I stayed awake the whole night waiting to see if Ares wo
Last Updated: 2024-04-22
Chapter: CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTY ONE: THE START OF A FRESH ERA. THE START OF A FRESH ERA.The festive atmosphere filled the grand hall of Crestwood Pack. The feast marked their triumph and the disappearance of the rebel danger. Laughter, cheers, and the delicious smell of a feast filled the room. Members of the pack and their allies mixed together, their expressions filled with relief and happiness.Kyra and Damon were in the midst of the festivities, their hands entwined while navigating through the throng. Damon's previous tense attitude had transformed into a feeling of pride and satisfaction. With Kyra beside him, he felt a deep satisfaction as they observed their community, their morale lifted following the difficult trial.However, amidst the festivities, a sinister undertone was developing. Damon was suddenly overcome by a feeling of discomfort, breaking his train of thought. He apologized to Kyra and felt a mysterious force drawing him towards the rooms where Melina was expected to be.While Damon neared the chambers, he could hear loud vo
Last Updated: 2024-08-07
Chapter: CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTY: THE ANTICIPATED CONFRONTATION. THE ANTICIPATED CONFRONTATION.On the eve of the upcoming battle, Crestwood Pack was shrouded in a tense silence. Kyra and Damon, fully conscious of the approaching danger, used their last moments before the battle getting ready and contemplating. Their final discussions were filled with a mix of resolve and unease, both fully understanding the seriousness of the situation.In their dwelling, Kyra meticulously went over her schemes, verifying each aspect. Damon, sitting at the bed's edge, observed her with a blend of pride and worry. His typically serene and composed eyes showed a touch of discomfort."I've verified everything twice," Kyra stated, maintaining a steady voice despite the flurry of emotions inside her. "We are as ready as we possibly can be."Damon nodded, his eyes staying on her for a while. "Kyra, you have performed admirably." No matter what occurs in the coming day, keep in mind that we will confront it united. You have supported me through everything.Kyra locked ga
Last Updated: 2024-08-07
Chapter: CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY NINE: THE APPROACHING THREAT. THE APPROACHING THREATThe mood in Crestwood Pack had started to calm down following the involvement in the Silverfurs Pack, yet the tranquility was fragile. Kyra and Damon thought their hard work would bring an end to their recent troubles, but the peace didn't last long. Speculations started spreading about a fresh danger that could endanger the recently achieved peace among the packs.While Kyra and Damon were discussing future collaborations between the packs late at night, a messenger brought them urgent news. The messenger appeared out of breath and clearly upset, which was very different from how calm the pack's messengers normally are."The gathering of rogues has begun," the messenger said, his voice shaking. "They have big plans." We are unsure of their intentions, but their population is growing, and they are gathering close to the borders.Kyra and Damon shared worried looks with each other. The presence of the rogue wolves had been a long-lasting danger, but the thought o
Last Updated: 2024-08-07
Chapter: CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY EIGHT: A TIME TO REMEMBER. A TIME TO REMEMBER.After the conspiracy was revealed, Kyra and Damon had to overcome a new obstacle from their past that could undo their progress in rebuilding trust and alliances. The recent events had stressed them out, making it more important for them to face their old demons.While adjusting to their new reality, Crestwood Pack faced a surprise visitor at their borders, delivering a message that would make Kyra and Damon deal with unresolved issues. The guest turned out to be a familiar face from the past - a member of the Silverfurs Pack, the same pack Kyra belonged to before being forced into a mating with Damon.The emissary, Roland, a man in his middle years, bore a serious demeanor and a burdened spirit. He had gained a reputation as a wise individual and had served as a trusted counselor to the Silverfurs Pack for an extended period of time. Kyra and Damon welcomed him with a combination of interest and unease.Roland started by offering his sympathies for the recent diff
Last Updated: 2024-08-07
Chapter: CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY SEVEN: THE BROKEN BONDS. THE BROKEN BONDS.Kyra and Damon's hard-won peace felt delicate, yet it appeared to endure as weeks passed by. The festivities recognizing their togetherness and the return of peace persisted, yet an unseen stress lingered. Kyra and Damon were acutely conscious that peace in their world was frequently fleeting, and they were constantly on alert.While focusing on building their partnerships and solidifying their domination, they started observing slight indications of dissatisfaction among a few of their allies. Whispered discussions and unusual actions suggested an underlying issue.While Kyra was busy in her study one afternoon, a messenger came with a formal request for a meeting from a prominent official of the neighboring Nightshade Pack. The unusual request came from the strained relations between the Nightshade Pack and their own, stemming from past conflicts.Kyra and Damon, intrigued about the reason for the visit, decided to meet with the messenger. The tall and serious-look
Last Updated: 2024-08-07
Chapter: CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY SIX: A SHORT PERIOD OF PEACE FOLLOWED BY FULL DANGER. A SHORT PERIOD OF PEACE FOLLOWED BY FULL DANGER. Kyra and Damon successfully achieved a form of peace after months of focused effort on rebuilding and establishing stability. The collaboration of both parties had rejuvenated their groups and strengthened their partnerships. However, below the appearance of calmness, there were murmurs of dissatisfaction and concealed dangers.The kingdom seemed to be thriving, as the economy was bouncing back and the citizens were slowly recovering from the scars of history. Celebrations were organized to mark the newly established harmony, and the Crestwood Pack's halls echoed with happiness and merriment. Kyra and Damon felt like their worst days were over, yet they knew how delicate their peace was.During a night, Kyra and Damon received a disturbing message while going over their advisors' reports. It was an enigmatic message, with no signature and written quickly. The warning conveyed a concealed threat endangering their kingdom, suggesting tha
Last Updated: 2024-08-07
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