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CHAPTER SIXTEEN
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2025-02-08 15:59:51
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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
Last Updated : 2025-02-08A 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
Last Updated : 2025-02-08A 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
Last Updated : 2025-02-08A 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
Last Updated : 2025-02-08A Single Night, A Lasting Claim CHAPTER ONE
Flora’s POV"I have something important to tell you on our fifth anniversary," Donovan, my boyfriend, said this morning.I was nervous but mostly excited. This could only mean one thing, right? He’s going to propose!I spent all day preparing. My dress hugged my figure perfectly, and I’d taken extra care with my makeup. The cursed claw-shaped scar on my face was hidden beneath layers of concealer.I even wore colored contact lenses to cover my heterochromia. Donovan always said my two-colored eyes looked strange, though they were a part of who I was.Anyways, tonight would be the night everything changed. Once we mated, my curse would finally be broken!I sat nervously at Crimson Moon Café, glancing at my wristwatch. He was late, so I decided to call him but all I got was the cold, automated prompt telling me to leave a voicemail.“Hey baby, where are you? I’ve been waiting for you for an hour. Call me back as soon as you get this voice message, ok?”I ended the call with a shaky brea
Last Updated : 2025-02-08A Single Night, A Lasting Claim CHAPTER TWO
Flora’s POV"Another round, please," I muttered, tapping my glass against the bar. The bartender raised an eyebrow but obliged, sliding another shot of whiskey toward me. I downed it in one gulp, the fiery burn spreading through my chest like a fleeting distraction from the storm brewing inside me.I needed this. The liquid courage. The numbness. Anything to drown the nervous knot in my stomach.“I didn’t think you’d be this strong with your drinks,” teased the man sitting beside me.I glanced at him, trying to muster a demure smile while keeping my emotions in check. “You’d be surprised,” I replied, tilting my glass slightly toward him before turning my focus back to the room.At first, I had kept to myself, lingering in the shadowed corner of the bar, pretending not to notice the occasional glances sent my way. I wasn’t used to attention, let alone seeking it out. For years, I’d been invisible—the girl no one remembered, the outsider in the pack. But tonight, I had to stand out.Som
Last Updated : 2025-02-08A Single Night, A Lasting Claim CHAPTER THREE
Flora’s POV The other man scowled but quickly backed off when he saw the pure-blood’s expression.I was frozen, caught in the stranger’s piercing gaze. He held out a hand, his lips curving into a faint, confident smile.“Care to dance?” he asked, his voice low and commanding.“No, I don’t want to dance with you."He paused at my words, clearly not expecting my answer. His brows furrowed, and the intensity in his eyes burned into me, a mixture of challenge and curiosity.“Are you sure about that?” he murmured, stepping just a little closer. “Because you sound like you’re trying to convince yourself, not me.”I swallowed hard, caught off guard for a split second before regaining my composure. A slow smirk tugged at my lips as I tilted my head slightly, "Instead, how about we ditch this dance floor and you take me somewhere else?"The moment I took his hand, I pulled him away from the pulsing lights and the crowd lost in the music. As we stepped away, I stole a glance at him.His presen
Last Updated : 2025-02-08A Single Night, A Lasting Claim CHAPTER FOUR
Alaric’s POV "Are you going to Bella's wolf party, brother?" My sister Viki asked, her tone steady as the door to my office swung open. I dropped my glasses onto the desk with a sigh, already bracing myself for what was coming. "No. Why?" I asked, trying to keep the frustration from slipping out. I knew exactly where this was going."Because you need to get out of this rut," she said, crossing her arms over her chest. "It’s been five years, Alaric. You can’t keep hiding away."I clenched my fists, the memories of her still fresh and raw. "I’m not interested in meeting anyone," I muttered, my voice thick with unresolved emotions.Viki’s expression softened, "I get it, Vanessa hurt you. But you need to relax a bit. You’re not going to heal in isolation."The mention of her name hit me like a punch to the gut, but I forced my face into neutrality. I wasn’t going to show weakness, not now. "I’m fine," I replied, though the words felt hollow in my mouth.Viki wasn’t convinced. "Mom’s alr
Last Updated : 2025-02-08
Latest chapter
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."
