AliyahI watched as Brayden pulled out his luggage from the guest room and threw his clothes into it disorderly. Just when I thought he was going to zip up his suitcase, he suddenly paused and started rummaging through my dresser, pulling out my clothes and tossing them into his luggage as well. I was taken aback by his actions and couldn't help but ask, "Brayden, what are you doing?""We need to get out of here as soon as possible. It's not safe for you to stay in this town any longer.""But why?"He froze, gazing at me as though he were contemplating how much to reveal. Carrying the huge baggage, he finally said, "Those bastard bears are after you. If you stay here longer, they'll find you, and God knows what they'll do.""T-the bears?" I struggled to comprehend his words. But goosebumps formed on my skin just at the mention of the bears. Of course, he wasn't referring to regular bears, but those bear shifters similar to what Ashton and I had encountered back in the wild. And then I
Aliyah "B-bears?" I could feel my breath being cold as I stammered out the word. My hands began to shake, but Brayden held them and lifted them to his lips, pressing a reassuring kiss on the back of my hand. "Whatever happens, don't get out of the car.""W-what do you mean?"Brayden suddenly paused, his eyes directly meeting mine, but his attention seemed no longer focused on me. And then I gasped when, suddenly, Ashton's voice penetrated my mind. But he was clearly not speaking with me, but with Brayden.'We'll continue to drive as long as we can, but we need to be cautious. There's a possibility that they are just threatening us, but as long as we don't provoke them to act violently, we should be safe inside the car.''What if they show up and ambush us?' Brayden asked, and my eyes widened in awe, realizing that they just enabled me to enter their mind-linking.Brayden once tried to mind-link me before, but it was a failure. But now, it was like we were having a three-way conversat
Alpha BraydenEarlier…That moment I saw the log rotating and approaching our direction, I knew our lives were in huge trouble, especially for Aliyah, whose human body was fragile. But before it hit the windshield, Ashton was already covering my woman with his own body, shielding her from the impact.My wolf growled. I should be the one protecting her! "Why are you here?" I questioned Ashton."Protecting my mate. What else would I be doing?" he replied, his eyes never leaving Aliyah's. "She's wounded. She needs to be healed."I looked down at her arms, and my heart sank. I could see the blood seeping through her shirt, staining it crimson. "No, no. This can't be!" I angled toward her, placing my hands on her bruised arms. I knew mates could heal each other, especially those marked ones. So I focused all my energy on trying to heal her wounds. But I frowned, as if nothing had happened. "How the fuck was she not healing?" I muttered in frustration. "She's losing blood too quickly!"I wa
Aliyah I woke up in a beautiful room, and the only person with me was Seer Tasha, sitting at the edge of the bed. Although I still felt a little groggy from sleep, I sat up and asked her. "Where are we?" "At the Connors, dear. And you've been sleeping for half a day," she replied with a warm smile. I felt a rush of confusion and curiosity as I tried to piece together how I ended up sleeping. The last time I remembered, the werebears were attacking us, and Ashton was badly hurt. I turned to Tasha, asking, "Where is Ashton? Is he okay?" "Of course, King Ashton is fine. I suppose he's in the other room, also taking his rest." She stood up and picked up a tray of food, placing it on the bedside table. "You should eat something before you go check on him." "Thanks," I muttered. The tray was full of appetizing snacks, but I only touched the milk. And then I set it aside. "I'm not actually hungry. My mind is so preoccupied with my situation." Tasha touched my hand. "Oh, sweety, if you a
In the next blink of my eyes, I was transported back to the room with Tasha, or, should I say, my grandmother."Are you alright, dear?" she asked when I collapsed to the floor.I looked up at her. My mind was reeling from questions I wanted to ask her, but one of them came out first. "Why didn't you tell me that you were my grandmother?"She exhaled. It seemed like she was already anticipating my question. "Let's get you to the chair first." When we settled on the sofa, she took my hands and said, "I arrived at this pack after the explosion happened. Your parents were gone, killed by those rogues who overtook the pack. I was devastated. I didn't know if you were alive, so I ran away and settled on a territory where bears were dominating for my protection. But Brenda found me, though she didn't know I was connected to you by blood.""But why didn't you tell me at once?" I questioned her, but I still couldn't believe what I was hearing. She sighed, "Because learning your true identity c
AliyahFive days later...The crowd was full of notable werewolf alphas from different parts of the USA. This was actually my first time seeing all of them since I was new to this world. However, just in the short time that I got exposed to this realm, I felt like adopting this new lifestyle and embracing my upcoming role. Now I knew my real purpose, and that was to continue the legacy of my parents by becoming a strong and respected leader of this pack.I watched as Brayden waltzed up the stage, enjoying the applause from the audience as though he were a TV show host. That expensive suit that he was wearing boosted his confidence even more. He made sure that my gown matched his outfit perfectly, showing off our unity and power as a couple. He even hired the finest team of designers to create our attire, ensuring that we would be the most stylish and influential pair at the event."Ladies and gentlemen, we're gathering on this humble day to celebrate the enthronement of Alpha Brayden
AliyahMore cars were pulled up to the glade, all of them composed of Ashton's men. They circled the glade, but their attention was on Ashton, waiting for any order he might give. I watched my mate as his lead warrior strode toward the stage. He was huge and imposing, with a scar running down his cheek that only added to his threatening presence."Who invited these people? They are not welcome here!" he yelled, pointing at the lead warrior."Brayden Connor, you must come with us and face your fate," the lead warrior shouted, his voice echoing around the clearing. "Theon and Dahlia Connor are already in captivity after confessing in front of King Ashton.""Are you fucking kidding me? Those people are rogues. They are fooling you with their lies! I will never go with you w
AliyahTwo weeks later…"So this is my great, great, great grandfather." I couldn't help but be amazed at the image in the book I'd been reading for the past hour. This was the same book Brenda had shown me before, and she was as amazed as I was just by reading about the epic story of Hermes Everhart.According to the book, the Everharts' original land was Jade Island, now Jadeisles. And after a few decades, his subordinate werewolf citizens crossed the seas and formed an extension here in the US, creating different packs. Although they began to settle independently, they never failed to support each other and kept race a secret from humans.Every page was printed with photos of
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