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CHAPTER SEVEN
Last Updated:
2025-02-08 14:52:39
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A Single Night, A Lasting Claim CHAPTER EIGHT
Alaric’s POV“Thank you for everything. Goodbye.”I couldn't stop myself from crumpling the note in my hand. My jaw tightened as I woke up alone and saw the crisp five hundred dollars left beneath the nightstand. A wave of amusement and annoyance surged through me.How dare she do this to me?!As the Alpha of the pack, no one had ever treated me this way. No one should have dared. Yet, here I was—alone in bed, the lingering scent of last night’s encounter still clinging to the sheets. The hybrid woman I had spent the night with had disappeared without a trace. I never even got to know her damn name. She wouldn't tell me, and it stung more than I cared to admit.I let out a sharp exhale. It happened, and that was all there was to it. But no matter how much I tried to push it away, her presence was still burned into my mind, lingering like a shadow I couldn’t escape.Her face.The way she moaned.The way her body moved beneath mine.Every intoxicating detail was seared into my memory,
Last Updated : 2025-02-08A Single Night, A Lasting Claim CHAPTER NINE
Flora’s POVA stack of papers slammed onto my desk, scattering loose sheets across the surface."Make it sell. I want a headline that grabs attention!" my boss, Marcus, barked, not even sparing me a glance before striding off.I inhaled sharply, forcing down the irritation bubbling inside me. Every word out of his mouth grated on my nerves, his arrogance scraping against my already frayed patience. But I couldn’t afford to walk away—not with the mountain of debt my father had dumped on me.I was a hybrid orphan, and yes, I worked as a journalist in a small company. Betrayed, cheated on, abandoned—I had lost everything.For a long time, it felt like life kept knocking me down, and I was too tired to keep fighting. The wounds they left behind still stung, no matter how much I tried to push them aside. Some things just didn’t fade that easily.And Donovan… That Bastard…We had been to something once. Now, we were nothing. Just a painful reminder of how easily things could fall apart.Luc
Last Updated : 2025-02-08A Single Night, A Lasting Claim CHAPTER TEN
Alaric’s POVMy phone suddenly rang, breaking the silence of the night.It was my mother, Harley. Without hesitation, I answered."Hello, Mom?"Mom's voice was smooth, yet carried the weight of authority. “Did you forget? It’s already past six. We were supposed to have dinner at seven.”I straightened at her tone and glanced at the time. I hadn’t realized I was working late again.“I’m finishing up, Mom,” I said quickly, already gathering my things. “I’ll be home soon.”There was a brief pause before she spoke again, “Okay, see you later.”I ended the call, exhaling as I placed my phone back into my pocket.As I reached for my coat, Jacob suddenly entered the office. His face was tight, the tension in his posture was obvious. I could tell he was about to deliver the news I’d been waiting for.“Alpha, I know who she is.”His words hit me like a cold splash of water, snapping me into full attention. I straightened, my eyes locking on him.“Speak.”Jacob took a breath, his tone steady bu
Last Updated : 2025-02-08A Single Night, A Lasting Claim CHAPTER ELEVEN
Alaric’s POV "Vanessa, I’m so glad you made it on time!" Mother said warmly as she stood up to greet her.Vanessa smiled and leaned in to exchange cheek kisses with my mother. But as soon as her eyes landed on me, I felt a strange tension in the air."Come on, sit down!" Mother urged, the omega servant pulled out a chair beside me. "Have dinner with us."Vanessa hesitated for a moment but eventually took her seat beside me. “How are you, Vanessa?” I said coldly, greeting her as I gave her a glance. She had changed a lot. The vibrant glow in her eyes had dimmed, now shadowed by exhaustion. Her once radiant presence, full of energy and confidence, had faded into something fragile. "I’m fine, Alaric?" Vanessa’s voice was soft, hesitant.“So, you are back. What are you doing here?” My question was straightforward, and I knew I sounded ruder than I intended.Vanessa looked hurt by what I said, but before I could say anything else, Mom intervened."Alaric, listen to me." Her voice was fi
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Flora’s POV"How long have you been working on this already?" Jennet asked, her voice tinged with concern. "You're stressing yourself out."I sighed, pushing the laptop away. "I don't know. I’m losing track of time. I just… I can’t find anything about Klaus.""Why not take a break? Do something different, maybe?" she suggested.Jennet leaned forward with a smirk. "Or better yet, why don’t you interview Alaric instead?"My body stiffened at the mere thought. "No," I said immediately, shaking my head. "That’s not an option."She raised a brow at me but didn’t say anything further, which I was grateful for. Instead, she suddenly moved closer and sat down beside me."You know, I have an idea. You should join me on my next trip to Howling Den."I raised an eyebrow, not quite understanding. "Howling Den? Why?" I asked, trying to sound neutral.She looked at me earnestly. "Maybe it will help clear your mind, and in exchange, I’ll give you some valuable information. I’ll help you find Klaus."
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Flora’s POV “Very few people ever dared to step foot in this place. The hunting grounds were private property, inaccessible to most,” he said, his tone mysterious.He took a step closer, his piercing gaze roaming over me from head to toe. My breath hitched as an uneasy tension filled the air between us.For some reason, my fingers instinctively tightened around the silver knife tucked into my pocket. I had no intention of using it, yet the weight of it against my palm was oddly reassuring."I-I'm sorry," I said. "I couldn’t get in touch with you. I just want an interview with you."He chuckled, a low, mysterious sound that sent a shiver down my spine. His eyes glinted with mischief, teasing, as if he found my reaction amusing."Interview?" he continued, tilting his head to the side, "most people give up when they can’t reach me. But you're an exception."His gaze remained fixed on me, scrutinizing me with an intensity that made my skin prickle. He inhaled deeply, almost as if he were
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Flora’s POV“N-No! I’m not pregnant!”My thoughts were spiraling, trying to come to terms with something that seemed utterly impossible. Pregnant? No. It couldn’t be true!Yet, doubt gnawed at me. The possibility lingered, refusing to let go.I didn't respond to Marcus’s bombard questions, too overwhelmed by the storm of thoughts clouding my mind. I turned on my heel and walked away, the frustration radiating off him."Flora, get back here!" he shouted after me, but I didn’t turn back.Instead of going home right away, I found myself stopping at the pharmacy. My heart was pounding in my chest, my hands clammy with nerves. Each step felt heavier as I approached the counter.The cashier raised an eyebrow at the multiple pregnancy tests I placed before her. “That’s a lot. Are you sure you need all of these?”"Just ring them up," I snapped, my voice sharper than I intended.The walk home was endless. My mind raced with a thousand scenarios, each more terrifying than the last. If I were pr
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Alaric’s POV"Mother!"I stormed into the mansion, my steps heavy with urgency. The moment I crossed the threshold, a group of maids nearly jumped at my sudden entrance."Alpha Alaric!" one of them stammered.I didn’t have the patience for hesitation. "Where is mother?" I demanded, my voice clipped and sharp."She’s at the veranda, Alpha. H-Having tea with some afternoon snacks," she finally managed.I didn’t respond. I merely turned on my heel and strode toward the veranda.When I stepped outside, I found my mother seated gracefully, the picture of elegance and composure. The calmness in her demeanor was a stark contrast to the storm brewing inside me. My teeth clenched."Mother." My voice was harsher than intended, but I made no effort to soften it."Why did you meet Flora in private?" I asked, my tone laced with restrained anger.She didn't flinch, nor didn't waver. Instead, she simply exhaled, as if dealing with a petulant child. "You made me have no choice Alaric," she said matt
Last Updated : 2025-02-08
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A Single Night, A Lasting Claim CHAPTER TWENTY
Flora’s POV"You’re the only one who will recognize your fated mate."I wanted to ask Eleanor so many things, to demand answers that would explain the weight of what she had just revealed, but before I could even part my lips, she had already gathered her things and left."I’ll see you soon," she said, her voice eerily calm.I was too stunned to move until I felt a firm grip on my wrist. It was Jennet."Flora, let’s go. That’s enough," she urged, her voice laced with concern. "We will find a way."I swallowed hard and gave her a weak nod. Returning to my office, I forced myself into the routine of the day, hoping that the distraction would ease my nerves. But the moment I stepped inside, my entire body stiffened.There, sitting at my desk as if he owned the place, was someone I never expected to see again.Alaric Blackwood."What are you doing here?!" I demanded, my voice sharper than I intended.He sat in my chair, exuding an air of dominance as he lazily glanced up, completely unaff
A Single Night, A Lasting Claim CHAPTER NINETEEN
Flora’s POVThe old woman nodded at me, a knowing glint in her eyes. Before I could respond, her frail but steady fingers reached out and touched the curse mark on my face. A strange sensation rushed through me, a mix of warmth and an unsettling chill. "Removing this curse won’t be easy," she murmured, her expression growing serious. "It requires immense energy, and it will not be a painless process. You would suffer greatly."For a brief moment, a wave of fear gripped me, but I swallowed it down. Before I could dwell on it, I caught the way she studied me, as if debating how much truth she should reveal."Do you… know who I am?" My voice wavered despite my efforts to keep it steady.Eleanor’s gaze softened as she met my eyes. There was a flicker of sorrow in them. "Of course, child."She exhaled, her face carrying the weight of a past I knew nothing about. "Your mother died giving birth to you. And your father… he broke the pack’s rules, trying to abandon you. He left you defensele
A Single Night, A Lasting Claim CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
Flora’s POV"Everything is going to be alright, okay? Just breathe, Flora."I held my breath as Jennet spoke. Even in times like this—when everything felt like it was falling apart—at least I had her. A friend who stayed, a friend who reassured me even when the situation seemed hopeless. We grabbed a taxi, heading towards Eleanor’s residence. I clutched my hands tightly on my lap, feeling my fingers tremble slightly. Fear coiled tightly around me, a suffocating weight I couldn’t shake.The taxi came to a stop in front of a modest yet elegant house. Jennet, without hesitation, stepped out and rang the doorbell. I remained frozen, my palms growing clammy as my mind raced with thoughts of what might happen.A few moments passed before the door finally opened. A woman, likely one of the household servants, stepped out. Her eyes scanned us cautiously."Who are you?" she asked, her tone polite but guarded.Jennet cleared her throat. "We're here to see Healer Eleanor. Is she available?"The
A Single Night, A Lasting Claim CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
Flora’s POVI needed to calm myself. I didn’t want any distractions, and most of all, I didn’t want to think about Alaric. Not right now.I had something more important to focus on—I was preparing to leave for my interview with Klaus this morning.I stood in front of the mirror, carefully applying my makeup. I needed to look presentable. I chose an outfit that exuded confidence—a skirt that stopped just above my knees, a tailored coat over a sleeved blouse, and a pair of heels that added a touch of elegance. To complete the look, I dabbed on a bit of perfume, ensuring I smelled as polished as I looked.I was enjoying the process, taking my time, when suddenly, something terrifying happened.“W-What the?-”The familiar mark on my cheek reappeared, glowing red with that cursed energy I had come to fear.My heart pounded. N-Not now. Please, not now!But it wasn’t just the mark—my eyes, those strange, unnatural eyes, flickered in the mirror. One of them shifted colors, turning from black
A Single Night, A Lasting Claim CHAPTER SIXTEEN
Flora’s POV"No."I jerked my hand out of his grasp, "Even if you’re the Alpha of a pack, it doesn’t change a thing!"There was no mistaking the finality in my voice. I made sure he understood—no matter how much power he held, I was not someone to be controlled. Not by him. Not by anyone!But Alaric wasn’t the type to back down. His expression hardened, his eyes darkening like a storm rolling in. Suddenly, his presence seemed to expand, filling the room with a weight so heavy it was almost suffocating.Before I could even gather myself, he reached out, his fingers curling around my wrist with a force that made my breath hitch. He yanked me toward him, pulling me closer until I was almost chest-to-chest with him. My pulse raced, my heart pounding against my ribs in a wild rhythm. The scent of him—an intoxicating mix of mint and musk—invaded my senses.It had been shocking when he called me earlier. But now? Now, he was standing here, in my home, uninvited and unannounced. And for what?
A Single Night, A Lasting Claim CHAPTER FIFTEEN
Alaric’s POV"Mother!"I stormed into the mansion, my steps heavy with urgency. The moment I crossed the threshold, a group of maids nearly jumped at my sudden entrance."Alpha Alaric!" one of them stammered.I didn’t have the patience for hesitation. "Where is mother?" I demanded, my voice clipped and sharp."She’s at the veranda, Alpha. H-Having tea with some afternoon snacks," she finally managed.I didn’t respond. I merely turned on my heel and strode toward the veranda.When I stepped outside, I found my mother seated gracefully, the picture of elegance and composure. The calmness in her demeanor was a stark contrast to the storm brewing inside me. My teeth clenched."Mother." My voice was harsher than intended, but I made no effort to soften it."Why did you meet Flora in private?" I asked, my tone laced with restrained anger.She didn't flinch, nor didn't waver. Instead, she simply exhaled, as if dealing with a petulant child. "You made me have no choice Alaric," she said matt
A Single Night, A Lasting Claim CHAPTER FOURTEEN
Flora’s POV“N-No! I’m not pregnant!”My thoughts were spiraling, trying to come to terms with something that seemed utterly impossible. Pregnant? No. It couldn’t be true!Yet, doubt gnawed at me. The possibility lingered, refusing to let go.I didn't respond to Marcus’s bombard questions, too overwhelmed by the storm of thoughts clouding my mind. I turned on my heel and walked away, the frustration radiating off him."Flora, get back here!" he shouted after me, but I didn’t turn back.Instead of going home right away, I found myself stopping at the pharmacy. My heart was pounding in my chest, my hands clammy with nerves. Each step felt heavier as I approached the counter.The cashier raised an eyebrow at the multiple pregnancy tests I placed before her. “That’s a lot. Are you sure you need all of these?”"Just ring them up," I snapped, my voice sharper than I intended.The walk home was endless. My mind raced with a thousand scenarios, each more terrifying than the last. If I were pr
A Single Night, A Lasting Claim CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Flora’s POV “Very few people ever dared to step foot in this place. The hunting grounds were private property, inaccessible to most,” he said, his tone mysterious.He took a step closer, his piercing gaze roaming over me from head to toe. My breath hitched as an uneasy tension filled the air between us.For some reason, my fingers instinctively tightened around the silver knife tucked into my pocket. I had no intention of using it, yet the weight of it against my palm was oddly reassuring."I-I'm sorry," I said. "I couldn’t get in touch with you. I just want an interview with you."He chuckled, a low, mysterious sound that sent a shiver down my spine. His eyes glinted with mischief, teasing, as if he found my reaction amusing."Interview?" he continued, tilting his head to the side, "most people give up when they can’t reach me. But you're an exception."His gaze remained fixed on me, scrutinizing me with an intensity that made my skin prickle. He inhaled deeply, almost as if he were
A Single Night, A Lasting Claim CHAPTER TWELVE
Flora’s POV"How long have you been working on this already?" Jennet asked, her voice tinged with concern. "You're stressing yourself out."I sighed, pushing the laptop away. "I don't know. I’m losing track of time. I just… I can’t find anything about Klaus.""Why not take a break? Do something different, maybe?" she suggested.Jennet leaned forward with a smirk. "Or better yet, why don’t you interview Alaric instead?"My body stiffened at the mere thought. "No," I said immediately, shaking my head. "That’s not an option."She raised a brow at me but didn’t say anything further, which I was grateful for. Instead, she suddenly moved closer and sat down beside me."You know, I have an idea. You should join me on my next trip to Howling Den."I raised an eyebrow, not quite understanding. "Howling Den? Why?" I asked, trying to sound neutral.She looked at me earnestly. "Maybe it will help clear your mind, and in exchange, I’ll give you some valuable information. I’ll help you find Klaus."
