AliyahI remembered what King Aston had told me before—that if I ever needed to stand against Brayden, he would be there for me. He promised that no harm would come to me again. At that time, I was too groggy from the pain of escaping Brayden's clutches to question why he'd made such an offer. But now it was time to ask about his real motives for revenge.I stood up, taking a step away from him. It made him confused, but I needed answers. "Why are you helping me, King Ashton?" I asked. "You have nothing to gain from a nobody like me. And why do you want revenge against the Connors? What have they done to you?"King Ashton remained silent, but his gaze never left mine. He didn't even blink, and it made me feel so self-conscious. I hated feeling this way when he was around, close enough to touch, but I couldn't help being captivated by him. His presence confused me just as much as his motives did.Slowly, he stood up, and I found myself stepping backward as he closed the distance betwee
AliyahMy heart hammered in my chest as I witnessed King Ashton and Brayden’s transformation, and the beautiful furnishings had been broken down to splinters and crushed velvet. Deep claw gouges and cracks marred the walls, bearing the marks of their fight. I was tired of feeling this helplessness and fear. But on top of them, anger was brewing within me.“I ran away from you, Brayden. Yet here you are, hunting me down even in another country,” I muttered under my breath.My limbs trembled as I steeled myself to step into the fray. It was insanity, like walking into a lion’s den, but I couldn’t bear to watch any longer. The men and servants trying to separate the two dominant alpha kings were failing miserably, sustaining injuries in the process.“Enough!” I screamed, surprising even myself with the ferocity in my voice. “Please, I beg you, put an end to this senseless violence!”Both snarling dominant wolves paused mid-attack as if by some miracle, and the growls receded to a low rumb
Aliyah The sunlight streamed through the sheer curtains on Queen Grace's face as I carefully wrapped the blood pressure cuff around her arm. Her eyes lit up as she watched me work, making me feel more comfortable than I ever thought possible in the presence of royalty. "Your blood pressure is normal, Queen Grace," I informed her, relieved to see that the numbers were well within the healthy range. Queen Grace smiled at my words and gently touched my hand. "Please, Aliyah, call me Queen Mother like others close to me do." I blinked in surprise, unable to believe that King Ashton's mother was treating me with such warmth and affection. Ever since I had helped her when she collapsed and administered first aid before the royal doctor arrived, it seemed that a bond had formed between us. "Thank you, Queen Mother," I said wholeheartedly. She truly deserved my gratitude for making me feel welcome in this new and sometimes intimidating world. She shook her head slowly. "No, dear, it is I
Aliyah "What are you talking about? Get away from me!" I shouted, jumping off the bed and putting distance between us. The way he looked at me, I was like some rare specimen under a microscope. I couldn't stand it, not even for a second. "Take me back to Jadeiles. Now!" Tears prickled at the corners of my eyes. I couldn't let him see me cry—not again. Not after everything he had put me through in the past. "Aliyah, we're meant to be together. You know it deep down," Brayden insisted. "I understand if you're scared or confused, but please, just give me a chance to explain. I promise you, I will never hurt you like before. Let me show you how much I've changed. I never stopped loving you." "Love?" I scoffed, finally turning to face him. "You don't know the meaning of the word. You only care about yourself and your precious pack." "Maybe that was true once, but not anymore," he said, his eyes pleading with me to believe him. "I've changed, Aliyah. Give me a chance to prove it to you.
Aliyah "NO!" I screamed, banging at the bars to stop him, but it was too late. His body crumpled to the floor like a ragdoll, the silver blade protruding from his chest. I grabbed the lock, but it was securely fastened, preventing me from opening the cell door. "You can't die until you tell me the truth!" "Aliyah!" Brayden's voice suddenly boomed from behind me. Startled, I turned to see him sprinting towards me, his eyes wide with shock as he cupped my face, tapping his fingers against my cheeks. "God, I thought this douchebag had hurt you. Are you okay?" "He's gone and he took the truth with him!" I sobbed on Brayden's chest and he held me tightly. "He… he ended himself. It just happened so suddenly. I don't understand why he did it!" Brayden's grip on me tightened as he whispered, "We may never know the truth now, but we'll make sure justice is served for what he's done," he reassured me and wrapped his arms around my waist. "Let's get out of here, Aliyah. I don't want you to s
Aliyah I blinked in the mirror. Where did that voice come from? "Mate." My breathing came to a halt, realizing that it was coming from my head, and I could hear it every time I gazed at Brayden. Beads of cold sweat formed on my forehead as I struggled to comprehend what was happening. “Aliyah, you okay?” Brayden gently asked me, noticing my bewildered expression. When our eyes met in the mirror, I gasped when the voice said it again. This time, it was louder and more distinct, causing goosebumps to rise on my arms. "Mate." It almost hurt my ears, I untangled myself from Brayden's embrace and rushed out of the room. 'Why are you running, Aliyah?' Finally, the enchanting voice said something other than the word, 'mate'. Its tone was soothing, almost pleading, but I couldn't bring myself to stop and listen. “Aliyah, wait!” Brayden called, but I was already running towards the main door as I tried to escape the confusion and panic that consumed me. “Who are you?” I ask
AliyahAshton gazed at me, and his eyes narrowed after noticing my shirt. I wished he hadn't assumed I'd slept with Brayden. If I could only read my mind…"What brings you here, Your Majesty?" Brayden said. There was a hint of sarcasm in his voice."You know why I'm here," King Ashton huffed. His steps were heavy as he strode towards us. The veins in his arms were bulging, and his hands were clenched into tight fists. His face was contorted with anger, as though he were on the verge of exploding.I took a step forward to talk with him, but Brayden stopped me. "Let me handle this.""But he's going to hurt you. Please let me explain the situation to him so no violence occurs."I pleaded."Violence is something that we cannot avoid, Aliyah. It's better for me to confront him and try to diffuse the situation before it escalates any further," he said.I couldn't help but notice some changes in Brayden's behavior. Before, he was impulsive and quick to react, but now he seems calm and compose
Aliyah "To bring us all back together?" I frowned, trying to comprehend the value of the seer's words. "Yes," she confirmed. "The universe has a way of correcting imbalances and reuniting what was once separated. Your bond as mates is a testament to that." I exchanged a glance with Brayden and King Ashton, noticing that both of them were as confused as I was. The seer continued, "It is rare for the universe to intervene in such a way, but when it does, it signifies a powerful connection that cannot be ignored." We all sat in silence until King Ashton finally spoke up. "So, what does this mean for us? What are we supposed to do now?" The seer smiled knowingly as she shifted her gaze toward each of us. "You must embrace your bond and trust in the path that has been laid out for you." "So we will share Aliyah? Is that it?" Brayden inquired, contacting his brows with a furrowed brow. I gulped when the seer nodded. She was supposed to explain what was happening, but then her answers
HeatherI cupped my mouth, and tears streamed down my eyes after reading the paternity test result Olga had given me."It's… It's 99.9% accurate," I managed to choke out. "So Dunstan is wrong. He doesn't own any of my kids. They are all fathered by Ivik." I smiled widely, but tears still continued to flow down my face. The truth finally lifted off my shoulders, removing the confusion and doubt that had plagued me for so long."I told you, girl. Everything's going to be alright," Olga said, patting my shoulder. And then we both gazed at the triplets, who were playing board games on the living room floor, their laughter filling the room. Toby also joined them, although they still didn't know that he was their uncle, despite the fact that he was just their age."So when are you telling them that Ivik is their real father?" Olga inquired.I exhaled heavily. "If not for Dunstan, maybe I had
That night, as Ivik and I were already in bed, we held each other tightly, finding peace in each other's presence. Ivik was brushing my cheek with his thumb; his touch was gentle and comforting. He was smiling, as though he had finally found the missing piece of his heart."Are you sure about giving a chance to Sierra?" Ivik asked."It's not about her, Ivik," I said, giving him a small smile. "It's about the kid. No matter how troublesome his mother is, the child is innocent and deserves a chance at a better life. We can't let our personal feelings get in the way of doing what's right for them. Plus, he's our kid's uncle. Don't you want to introduce him to them?"He nodded with a sigh. You're right. And I'm exhausted of hatred. There's no good in holding onto grudges and letting them consume us." Ivik shifted and laid closer to me, facing me. "I want our kids to grow up in a world where love and understanding prevail. But that doesn't mean I will not punish Sier
HeatherI sat on the grass for a while, running for my breath. Sweats kept on pouring down my face, evidence of the intense training I had just completed. The sun was beginning to set, but its warm glow still illuminated the horizon, creating a beautiful golden hue across the landscape of Crimson Groove.Ivik walked toward me, giving me a bottle of water as he sat down beside me. His own face was glistening with sweat, but he seemed unfazed by the strenuous training. "You did great out there. I can tell you've been working hard to improve your skills."I smiled gratefully, taking a sip of the refreshing water before responding, "Thanks, Ivik. Your training sessions have really pushed me to my limits, but it's all worth it to become a better fighter.""Being a fighter doesn't just require physical strength and skill, pumpkin," Ivik replied, tugging a small strand of my hair playfully. "It also requires mental fortitude and determination. You've been a figh
HeatherWhy was this happening to me? I didn’t do anything wrong. I didn't step on or hurt anyone. I achieved my dreams without causing harm to anyone. Yet, here I was, facing a situation that seemed completely unfair and undeserved.As Dunstan touched me in a way that I didn't like at all, I felt my heart race with fear and anger. I felt like my power was taken away from me. When will this be over? I'd prefer to pass away right now than allow Dunstan to completely violate me."Stop," I muttered. Goosebumps were forming on my skin as he kissed me on the neck."You used to admire my company, remember?" Dunstan whispered. "Why change your heart now?"I shut my eyes, trying to block out his words and the memories of a time when I felt safe and comfortable with him. But no matter how hard I tried, the fear and anger continued to consume me."I'm taking you now, love. I promise, you're going to love me forever."A loud
HeatherI woke up in bed, and when my eyes adjusted to the lights, I realized I was still in the same hotel room where I had been before. I could feel the effects of whatever Dunstan had injected me with. And though I was already conscious, my strength had been completely drained. My mind was foggy, and my body felt heavy, as if I had just run a marathon."Ingesting even a small amount of pure aconitine or the plant itself can be fatal, as it can paralyze respiratory or heart functions." Dunstan walked over to me, and I tried to press myself against the headboard, desperate to put as much distance between us as possible. "You see, my dear, I have complete control over you now. There's no escape." "You're lucky to be alive, though. But don't think for a second that I won't finish what I started.""So what will you do? Examine me in the laboratory like some sort of experiment. Or maybe you'll just dispose of me like a piec
HeatherI woke up in the middle of the night, and my body was still exhausted from how many times Dunstan had urged me to have s*x with him. Although it was consensual, it felt like I was making love with a stranger, leaving me feeling empty and disconnected.Tears escaped from my eyes as I went to the kitchen. My body was wrapped in a blanket, leaving the sleeping Dunstan exposed on the bed. As I made myself a cup of tea, my eyes caught sight of Dunstan's laptop on the table, some papers were scattered around it. So he still worked after our last encounter, which made me very tired.Curiosity got the better of me. I couldn't resist the urge to take a peek and see what he had been working on.I sat at the table, forgetting about the tea that I had just made. As I opened the laptop, a rush of guilt washed over me, but my curiosity was greater than my conscience. The screen displayed a document titled
Heather“What are you doing, Amanda?” Ivik pushed Amanda, and that was the moment he noticed me, shattering in the corner.“Heather…”“S-so this is what you call a show?” I squeaked, clutching my chest in disbelief. “And you are so dedicated to it that you continued to act even without an audience? Who the hell are you fooling, Ivik?”I glared at Amanda, but she only turned her back, clutching her head as she leaned against the wall. “What can you say to yourself, Ms. Miller?”“Heather, babe, you’ve got it all wrong!” Ivik strode to me and immediately cupped my face. His touch made me flinch, as though I had been burned. “I’m not fooling anyone, especially you. Look, we don’t have a relationship. This is a misunderstanding.”“You are right, Ivik. This is a misunderstanding, because I had misunderstood your actions towards me!&rd
Heather“Good evening, Mr. Fisher and Ms. Everest.”The receptionist and other hotel staff welcomed Dunstan and me in the function room of Hotel Grandeur. Dimmed lights and soft music playing in the background created an elegant atmosphere in the room. Everything my eyes could see exuded luxury and sophistication.“This way, please.” The receptionist led us to a table near the center of the room, where Dunstan pulled out a chair for me.Despite my perfect environment, I felt lost and out of place, consid
HeatherI had no idea how long I had been gazing at Dunstan. The truth was, I wasn’t sure if I heard him right, since my mind wasn’t in the mood to comprehend such things.“Are you alright, love?" Dunstan cupped my face as he frowned. And then he smiled.and directed us towards the bed, so we could sit on its edge. “Forgive me if I cannot wait until I return, but I cannot bear to leave you like that. I realized I wanted to stay by your side and make sure you're still here," Dunstan confessed. He gently brushed a strand of hair behind my ear."Why would I not be okay, Dunstan? I asked, chuckling."You seemed lost in your thoughts and distant," he explained, concern evident in his voice. "I just want to make sure you're truly okay, my love." I looked up at him, still wondering what had gotten into his mind. He seemed different, almost desperate. I gathered t