I jolted awake with a loud gasp, sweat dripping down my face. I was still down on a large cold marble floor. Didn't anyone hear my fall? Anyway— That's not the case to be concerned about. I forced my still-numb legs and dragged them into the elevator and to Gabriel's room where I didn't find him. Where could he be right now? This is such a huge house that's divided into multiple parts, which gives me difficulty in knowing where to start to look for him. I don't even know who his beta is to ask because I came to learn werewolf betas are the closest to the alphas. "This man has to die and you can't stop it. It's his destiny." "Are you ready to lose the child growing in your womb?" Those two utterances came rushing back into my head, petrifying my body with chills. I pushed them behind me and went on with Gabriel's hunt. I'll protect him, necessarily. He doesn't deserve to die like that. Especially in his stepmother's hands. How does that old man expect me to just stay still and watc
JAYDEN I was deep in the woods, running, trying to get my brother's menacing threats off my mind. I haven't got a chance to meet with him but considering how he speaks to me on the phone, tells me he's already in Vancouver, somewhere near the pack house but no matter how far I've searched him and the nearby packs, I couldn't find him. This shit of playing hide and seek while jeopardising my people freak the shit out of my guts. I shifted in my human, scratching my head, tired of this unending madness. I'm sick and tired of all these unending wars. I want some peace with my mate. Us alone without worrying about the pack. Without worrying about her safety when she steps out of the house. Without getting worked up with jealousy thinking she and Gabe might be doing some intimate things when she goes to see her family. Is that too much to ask…? As I raked a hand through my hair, I heard a whimpering. Whoever you are, show yourself before I get to you. I said in an even tone but menacing
JAYDEN Catriona pulled away, staring up at me with a faint smile. That's not a bad idea, but I am not going anywhere. I can't be running like some kind of a criminal. It's tiring. Plus, my brother is still doleful about relocating them to a new place he hasn't even spent a day. On top of that, I'm still sensitive about his health. I know you care about your brother as much as I do for you, him, and your grandmother, but I've already made my decision, baby. I can't risk it anymore. Your safety matters the most to me. So is my brother's. She pressed. Please, let me take you away from here. Just twelve months. I'll bring you back after you give birth. If you're worried about your brother's health, I'm ready to hire a private jet for just the three of you to my secret house in— Should we continue this conversation out of this hospital room? You know my problem with hospitals. She uttered. Alright then. I'll check up with the doctor first. I uttered the words and stood on my fee
GABRIEL It hadn't even been half an hour since Catriona's grandmother informed me about my stepmother's plot when one of the elders who had been watching over them barged into my office where I was having an online meeting with the willpower pack's alpha, Zale. I averted my eyes from the laptop screen to her. She quivered at my death glare. Are you mute? I asked, gruffly. I think Luna is leaving with her family. They egressed the house with their languages. She said. Are you certain of what you are saying? I asked, forgetting zale for a moment. I'm certain of it. She replied. Alright. You can leave— but before you go, "I'm warning you for the very first time and the last one. Don't you ever barge into my office or any other place like you just did now. I'll let you off the hook today, but I will forget the importance you hold in this house if the same thing happens again. "Am I making myself clear?" Yes, alpha. She said, jittery and then sauntered out, closing the door behind
GABRIEL She hunched down to collect the cracked iPad. I'm done for. She murmured. I warped and grappled her hand so that she could stand and face me. What do you mean there's no one by that name? I asked. Do you, by chance, know the person I am looking for? Before she could respond, a woman in her age range approached us. What is going on here, Maureen? She asked as she darted her eyes between me and Paige to the cracked iPad and to where I grappled her hand. You're always bringing trouble. She added. How many names does she have? The last time I heard, she was called Paige. I thought. Sir, did she give you a hard time? She asked, drawing my attention. No, she was trying to help me, but I accidentally knocked her down. I replied. She gave me a dubious stare. Alright then. Maureen, you can go. I will attend to him— I want her. I said curtly. Delia, Maureen, what's going on over there? An older man's voice said through a walkie-talkie. Come on, girls, and get to work. Delia, he
I told Jayden to stop the car, and he did. I unbuckled the seat belt and rushed out. I ran toward the woods and stopped where it started. I fell on my knees, feeling feeble and dismayed that Gabriel might lose his life because of me. Jayden's proposal wasn't bad at all and I liked it because I never went on a date before but now I regret accepting it. I would've stayed at the house and spent time with my brother. Are you alright, baby? Jayden asked, stepping forward. I felt sick to my stomach and felt like throwing up, but nothing came out. Is it that I am just scared? Am I just worried about Gabriel? What is it, baby? Jayden asked again as he crouched down next to me. Does your stomach hurt? Do you want me to take you to the hospital— I'm good, Jayden. I said, holding his hand. I just wanted some fresh air. I said as I sat down on the ground. Alright, this is not about your pregnancy. It's about Gabriel. Right? He asked. He pressed his lips before looking at me cautiously, his
JAYDEN I was having a hard time convincing my wolf to let me shift out. He's scared. He thinks Catriona would be taken away again and lose the child. C'mon, beast, let me out so that I can drive Catriona home. You're scared for her, I get it, but she'll be safer at the house, and you—we will ease from anxiety when she's at the pack house. I said and felt his strained muscles lose. I shifted back and drew myself to Catriona. I crouched to her, her breathing wasn't normal, and that worried me to death. I brought my hand to carry her, but she swept my hands away. She pointed behind me. I followed her hand and froze when I saw a police car with two officers in it, their eyes, mouths wide, filled with horror. I carried Catriona and sat her in the car. She held my hand as I was about to go and stared deep into my eyes. What are you going to do to them? They saw you shifting. She asked through a mind link with a wobbling voice. You know, baby. I have no choice when it comes to this. H
JAYDEN The burning scales on Lauren's skin were increasing in size, and just hearing her piercing cries, it looked painful. Go and get Vanessa. I said to one of the girls, and one of them dashed out immediately. Help me, please. I promise not to poke my finger at her ever again. I promise I will be good. No, I will leave this place for good. She said, pleading out her eyes on me. I would have killed her myself right the moment she pushed Catriona down, but watching her in this state is unsettling. The door burst open, and Vanessa, Pamela, and Alaia entered. What happened to her? They both asked in unison, wrinkling their noses. She became like that a moment later after attacking Catriona. I explained. The witches drew near Lauren and inspected her closely. The smell coming out of her was smothering me, but they both appeared unbothered despite the proximity. Pamela closed her and waved her hands over to Lauren while charting under her breath. A few minutes passed, and she lurc
It has been eight months since the pack was attacked and everything that followed. Jayden and I have been able to reconcile and our love for each other has grown. Ever since Gabriel broke the mate bond with me he suddenly disappeared. Until now I haven't seen him. But I heard murmurs from the pack members that he found himself a mate and made her the Luna. Initially, I was hurt because he seemed so determined to be with me, but then suddenly ended our connection. However, I feel at ease with everything going well around me. The pack members have accepted me as their alpha's mate, and their affection towards me is growing stronger. My brother's health has stabilised, so we don't have to visit the hospital as often. Regarding the old spirits, they continue to possess me during times of trouble and fight our battles when needed. However, whenever I attempt to inquire about our relationship, they simply smile and leave me hanging. I have given up on pursuing this topic. Vannesa, too,
JAYDEN I froze in place when my so-called vampire brother burst out of the pack house, somehow managing to get his hands on Catriona. "I've had enough, little brother," he said. Everyone paused including Gabriel, waiting to see whom he was referring to as his brother. Gabriel was quick to react, glancing from me to the vampire. His face turned red with fury, and could tell he wanted to charge at my brother and break him in half. As satisfying as that would be, it was also impossible. Doing anything foolish would put Catriona in danger. My brother approached me confidently, exuding an air of satisfaction. He sniffed Catriona's neck and then turned to me, remarking, "She smells good." He twirled his bloody tongue over his fangs. Gabriel's voice echoed angrily in my mind, demanding, "Who is this bloodsucker to you, Jayden?" His wolf paced restlessly around him while bombarding me with questions. "Let her go. It's me you want." I said but instead, his smile grew wider, as if he was
GABRIEL When I ensured Catriona's safety indoors, I ventured out to mediate the conflict between the witches and Jayden's enraged wolves. I never anticipated being struck by the witches' wrathful magic, which was originally intended for Jayden. The impact of the magic left me clutching my chest tightly as if it might burst open. I remained on the ground for several minutes, groaning in pain. Although the temptation to shift and violently retaliate against everyone was strong, I knew I had to remain calm. Feeling frustrated, I took a deep breath and confidently approached the wolves and witches, positioning myself between them with a dominant demeanour. "You all need to calm the fuck down," I assertively stated. Surprisingly, everyone except for Jayden stopped. He angrily trotted over to me, snarling in my direction… "You dare bring unknown witches to my house and give orders to my pack?" Who do you think you are?" He said, his voice guttural. "Trust me, I wouldn't mess with brin
l gazed wide-eyed, still processing what just happened where I hurried over to Jayden, as he appeared to be in pain. My love and concern for him compelled me to reach out, but instead, a powerful gust of wind blew through me, separating us. I stumbled backwards, my heart pounding in my chest. Fortunately, Gabriel was behind me and caught me before I hit the ground. His strong arms wrapped around me, providing a sense of stability amidst the chaos. I clung to him, grateful for his presence in this bewildering moment. Without hesitation, I turned to face the witches, my Voice trembling with a mix of fear and anger. "Did you do this? Are you responsible for what just happened?" I demanded, my eyes narrowing as I awaited their response. The witches exchanged glances, their expressions filled with surprise and confusion. One of them with silver hair, stepped forward, her voice gentle yet resolute. "No, we had nothing to do with it,'' she replied. My mind raced, trying to make sense of
JAYDEN I froze in my tracks, my heart pounding in my chest. The weight of my wolf's words hung heavily in the air, leaving me speechless. Breaking the mate bond was an unthinkable act, a betrayal of the deepest kind. It was a bond meant to be eternal, unbreakable. That is the best thing we can do for Catriona. She'll be free. And safe from being hurt by the man she loves. Even though my wolf said this, I can feel the sadness in his tone and feel the beating of his heart, which tells me that he doesn't mean it. I know he's trying to punish me for everything I did to him, especially to Catriona. Fuck me I wasn't in my right damn mind. However, it doesn't mean that I don't love Catriona. I genuinely love and care about her to the extent of giving my life to her. Despite my wolf's warning, I disregarded him and headed into the house. "Did you hear what I said?" His voice echoed loudly in my head making it hard for me to think straight. "I heard you loud and clear, beast." We nee
I stared wide-eyed at the saliva rolling down my bare skin, fear flooding in as the memory of Jayden's nearly lifeless body came rushing back. What is going to happen next? Am I going to end up in the same half-dead state as Jayden was? How many days will it be? And what about the child inside me? I instinctively touched my belly, filled with trepidation at the thought of my unborn child facing the same fate as me. How unlucky am I? Gabriel was immediately by my side, attempting to communicate with me but his words were incomprehensible, though I could sense his anxiety and anger. I'm scared he would kill another person. Based on Gabriel's account of what the saliva did to Jayden, I expected an immediate reaction when it came into contact with me. However, it took longer for the effects to manifest. Gradually, I felt my larynx becoming blocked, making it difficult for me to breathe. Desperately gasping for air, I clutched at my throat. Gabriel's grip was strong, and his roug
GABRIEL Catriona's gaze filled me with fear, causing my heart to pound relentlessly. Her silence alone is already destroying me. Naturally, no woman would look at you the same way after learning that you have killed someone. I took a step forward and reached out to touch her, but she quickly backed away, saying, "Please don't touch me. Whatever you want to say, just say it from there. Don't come any closer." Her lips trembled as she spoke. A feeling of unease crept into my stomach as if poisonous insects were devouring me from the inside. It was then that I realized it was time to tell her what happened to her. After all, she's my mate, and she has all the right to know. Pumpkin, I'm going to tell you everything, but not in this situation where you're trembling. It's distressing to me. Please sit down first. "I'm fine here, she said, cutting me off. I nodded, respecting her decision. ~~~ Due to my prolonged search for my mate as an alpha, l was deemed unfit for impor
I dropped my hands in shock as Sandra's words hit me like a ton of bricks. "He murders his mates. The weight of her statement overwhelmed me, leaving no room for coherent thoughts. Before I could process it further, Gabriel abruptly grabbed Sandra by the neck, choking her. Everyone who was minding their businesses gasped in shock as others started disappearing away. Despite struggling to breathe, Sandra managed to speak. "Are you going to kill me like those other women?" You've crossed the line, woman, Gabriel growled. In an instant, he snapped her neck. The sound of Sandra's neck snapping echoed through the air, sending shivers down my spine. Time seemed to freeze as the weight of what had just happened settled in the atmosphere. The witches stood frozen in a mix of shock and fear, their eyes wide with disbelief. My mind raced, desperately trying to process the horrific scene unfolding before me. As Sandra's lifeless body fell to the ground, Gabriel slowly turned his gaze toward
As I continued to whine in pain, this beautiful woman I had just met came to my aid. She gently guided me down the grass and placed her hand on my neck, where the pain was emanating from. Breathe in," she said and then started talking in small words. After a few moments, I began to feel the pain dissipate, replaced by tiny shimmering sensations. As she removed her hand from my neck, she collapsed down in a sideway position, panting heavily as if she had just run a long distance. Concerned, I turned to her and asked if she was alright. She waved her hand dismissively, indicating that she just needed a moment to relax. "I just need a moment," she said. "I laid down facing her. What do you think you're doing?" she asked. First of all, thank you for your help. For a moment, I felt like I was dying. I shouldn't have done that," she said, cutting me off. She slowly got up and sat upright, and so did I. Get out of here. She said in a dead serious tone. Did I do anything wrong? I asked,