Adrian steps into the pack training ground, coming out of the gym, he’s wearing a black joggers and a sleeveless top soaked in sweat, which hugs his delicious muscular frame tightly.
Everyone stops the moment they see him enter, all baring their neck to him.
“Carry on,” he says, his eyes searching the crowd for Flora but he doesn’t find her.
This is the third day in a row that she hasn’t shown up to training and he can see most of the new shifters who she is responsible for training just messing around.
Is she still upset? This is the first time she ever throws a tantrum.
“Gather round,” he frowns at the group of first shifters, “make a circle. I want one on one physical combat. The loser does 500 pushups with the winner standing on his back,” he orders coldly and the group quickly do as he instructs.
He walks a distance away but not too far so he can continue to observe the first shifters and he mindlinks Flora but she blocks him.
He scoffs, a tiny smile tugging the corner of his lips.
Who would have thought his little bullet had it in her?
“Alpha! Alpha!” His Delta, Andre, runs towards him, holding out his phone, “you need to see this.”
Adrian frowns, not liking to be disturbed during training sessions.
“What is it?”
“It’s better if you take a look,” Andre replies, bowing slightly.
Adrian yanks the phone from him and an even deeper frown contorts his face, his eyes bulge in shock and he looks sharply at Andre before looking back at the phone.
It’s a video of Flora burning her wedding dress. What has gotten into her?
“Who else has seen this?”
“It’s gone viral Alpha, it’s everywhere.”
Adrian sneers, “make it disappear,” he says, shoving the phone against Andre’s chest.
“I said fucking combat, not sparring! Put some fucking weight behind your punch!”
He yells at the two people fighting in the centre of the circle and he mindlinks his Beta, stepping closer to the circle.
‘Where are you?’
‘Just outside the—’
‘Training ground. Now.’
He cuts Gustavo off, takes out his phone and dials Flora’s number but it goes straight to voicemail.
He grinds his teeth, wondering what has gotten into her. He’s not used to being ignored by her, this feels….strange.
“Alpha,” Gustavo says, bowing slightly as he appears behind him moments later, “you sounded like it was an emergency.”
“What are you doing? You don’t give the enemy a chance when he’s down, you finish him off,” Adrian says to one fighter in the group before turning to Gustavo with a cold glare in his eyes.
“Flora’s not here. Did you deliver my message to her?”
“Yes Alpha,” Gustavo nods.
“And…?”
Gustavo huffs, bringing his face close to Adrian’s ear to whisper away from the hearing of the others. “Well, she…..she said she’s on honeymoon leave and she’s not coming back.”
“She said what?” Adrian cocks his head and looks at Gustavo sharply, “without having a fucking wedding?”
“Yes. When I tried to confront her over her attitude, she wouldn’t listen. That woman, she’s something else,” Gustavo replies, an undertone of spite in his voice.
“Huh,” Adrian replies in a low tone, thinning his lips.
What could have gotten into her to that extent? He knows she has a stubborn, ill tempered side to her but never towards him.
“And you made it clear that I sent you?” He asks, his tone still full of disbelief.
“As clear as day,” Gustavo replies sharply.
Adrian scoffs, finding the whole thing rather amusing. “Does she know plans are already in place to get her a bigger wedding as I promised?”
“I told her everything Alpha, I tried my best to convince her, she just wouldn’t listen.”
“Obviously not your best, I’ll go see her myself,” Adrian sneers at him, feeling an uneasiness within.
“You have more important things to worry about, let me try again, I’ll bring her home this time,” Gutsavo interjects.
“Fine,” Adrian grunts.
****
Flora’s in bed, watching old videos of her and Adrian on her phone, sometimes smiling, mostly crying, when she hears the hurried footsteps of her mother coming towards her door before she hears the woman yell.
After moving out of Adrian’s house, she had nowhere else to go but to move back to her parents house.
“Honey! Honey! Come out! The Alpha Just parked outside,” her mother knocks frantically on her door. “Hurry up and come out. Wear something nice. The man misses you so much he had to come get you himself,” her mother chuckles.
Flora’s heart immediately races, hearing Adrian is here to get her.
He came? He really came?
For some reason, the gloom she has been feeling lifts off.
She just wants to hear what he has to say, what excuse he wants to give her this time.
She lazily makes her way out of her bedroom to the living room, only for heart to sink when she’s Gustavo standing in their living room and not Adrian.
Flora does not hide her displeasure at seeing Gustavo, a frown immediately contorting her face, knowing the reason why he is here.“Have you seen the video of you that’s trending?” Gustavo asks in a curt voice, his eyes cold, a nasty frown on his face, “have you seen what people are saying about the Alpha because of you?”“What video? What are they saying?” Sophia, Flora’s mother asks frantically, her fear filled eyes darting between Flora and Gustavo, clearly hearing from the tone of Gustavo’s voice that there might be trouble.“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Flora replies in a cold tone, crossing her arms against her chest, “if this is some—”“You may want to get off your high horse, woman. This is serious,” Gustavo cuts her off, takes out his phone and shoves it in her face.Flora freezes, staring at the video of her burning her wedding dress with shock in her eyes and her heart thuds.She had no idea there were cameras on her that day. A pang of guilt slices through her
Halfway into their journey back to Adrian’s house, the words of her father keep playing in Flora’s head. “A daughter with self respect.”Her dad may be extreme in his ways but is she really giving herself any respect right now? Is this what she really wants? Going back to him or is she doing it just to please others?“Stop the car,” she says to the driver from the back of the vehicle, making her mind to go back to her father’s house and if he doesn’t let her back in as he threatened, she’ll find a way to survive but she’s not going back to him.The same pattern will just repeat itself and she’ll find herself in more pain, anguish and regret. It is better to face it all now, once and for all.“What?” Gustavo replies from the front beside the driver.“I said stop the car.”“Keep going,” Gustavo orders the driver, looking away from her.“I swear to the goddess, if you don’t stop this car this minute, I’ll open the door and jump down and you know I will,” She replies in a cold voice, loo
Painful SeparationFlora stood firm, her gaze unwavering as Adrian's footsteps echoed on the ground. The man who had once been her world now felt like a stranger, and the words that left her lips were filled with a quiet strength she hadn't known she possessed."I already told you, Adrian. I’m not going back with you."Her voice came out even, but the rise in her chest was a strain that threatened to spill over. She clenched her fists tighter to still the tremor that ran through her as Adrian stood below her, eyes wide in disbelief."Do not be obstinate, Flora," he said, his voice smooth, almost pleading, but with an edge beneath it. "You belong at my side. You know that."A bitter laugh escaped her lips, sharp and harsh. "Oh, I know that? Is that right? Funny, because I don't recall belonging anywhere near you when you were in another woman's arms the day of our wedding."Adrian's jaw clenched, his face going hard. For one quick, passing instant, something flickered in his eyes-guilt
BreakdownFlora paced, her restless energy filling the tiny room. The floorboards groaned with her hurried steps, but she didn't pay them much mind. Her brain swirled with the echoes of last night-Adrian's expression, the way he had looked at her, the way he had walked away. The way her chest had caved in as he disappeared.Lena sat with her legs tucked under her on the bed and watched her, a mixture of concern and mirth on her face. "You're going to make yourself sick if you keep pacing around like that."Flora whipped around, frowning. "I'm fine."Lena snorted loudly. "Of course you are, definitely not like someone who's been reliving the same bloody conversation over and over inside her head for hours.Flora gave her a withering look, but there was no use lying. She hadn't slept one wink. Each time she shut her eyes, Adrian was waiting for her, lurking in her mind.Lena let out a sigh and leaned back into the headboard. "You know, you could just scream. Or hit something. That might
Life AgainFlora stood with her arms crossed, watching Tony butcher his form yet again. Her patience had officially worn thin."That's not how you hold the damn weights, Tony," she said, her voice laced with exasperation.Tony, a cocky twenty-something who thought lifting was all about brute strength, flashed her a smirk through the mirror. "Relax, Coach. I got this."Flora raised an eyebrow and stepped closer to him. "Yeah? You sure? 'Cause if you keep swinging them dumbbells like that, you're gonna blow out your shoulder. And I don't do injuries on my watch."He faltered for a second, adjusting the weight in his hands. "It's really not that bad.""Oh, great. Do it your way," she invited. "And when you are icing that arm later, then don't come crying to me."Tony muttered something unintelligible under his breath but rearranged his form nonetheless. Flora bit back a smirk.It had been a month since she joined the gym, and to her own surprise, she liked it. There was something oddly s
A RethinkAdrian sat at the bar, fingers clasped on a glass he hadn't touched. Across from him, Mark leaned back in his chair, sipping his drink with such ease it made Adrian want to punch something."She hasn't called you once?" Mark asked, an eyebrow rising.Adrian blew out a sharp breath. "Not once."Mark whistled low. "Damn. She's really done with you.Adrian shot him a glare, but Mark only smirked. "You know, I thought she'd at least come back to yell at you. Just once."Adrian ran a hand over his face. "So did I. But it's been months. No texts. No calls. She used to need me, Mark. Now… she doesn't."Mark shrugged. "Maybe that's a good thing."Adrian's head snapped up. "How the hell is that a good thing?Because that means she's stronger now. Independent." Mark set his glass down and leveled Adrian with a rare, serious look. "And if you actually cared about her, you'd respect that."Adrian clenched his jaw. Respect it? How was he supposed to respect something that only reminded h
The Space Left BehindThe door slammed shut behind her as Flora entered her apartment. Her breathing came in quick, shallow gasps. She knew her face would be streaked with tears, but she wiped them away all the same. She had been crying for the last few hours, but being alone meant it was time for the truth. Crushed, she felt the bitter cold dismissal still searing in her chest from Adrian's rejection. She had never expected this. No, she did not expect him to choose her, but certainly not to turn his back so fast.But that was the thing, right? She should have known better. She should have seen the warning signs. Adrian was always so cagey with his words, evasive when things got too personal. And now? Now he had discarded her like she was just another distraction.The apartment felt too empty, too quiet. She couldn't stand it. She needed to do something. Anything.Flora let her bag fall onto the kitchen counter, opened the refrigerator, pulled out a bottle of water, and downed it. Sh
The Struggle Within Adrian“You’re thinking about her again, aren’t you?” Alice’s voice was sharp, cutting through the quiet tension in the room.Adrian didn't bat an eyelash. He sat at his desk, papers laid out before him, but his focus was a million miles away. He could almost feel her there—Flora. That haunted look she had given him the last time they spoke, the way her face crumpled when he'd let her go, the way it broke something deep inside of him.He just couldn't get it out of his mind."Alice, please," he muttered without lifting his head. "Not now."She rounded the desk, her heels clicking smartly against the hardwood floors. "You have been like this for days. The pack notices it, Adrian. The longer you drag this out, the more they'll start questioning your leadership."Adrian's jaw clenched. "I'm aware."The words were thin, empty. He wasn't aware at all. His leadership? That was the least of his worries. The pack could go to hell if it meant he didn't have to face the cons
A New Dawn"Flora, trust me, what has happened?" Adrian's voice sliced through the celebratory noise as he pushed his way to stand by her at the side of the great hall."Adrian, I can still barely believe it," Flora replied, her voice a blend of cautious joy and ongoing incredulity. "The King's Edict. It's altered everything for us and for the pack.""Yes," Adrian took a breath. "I surrendered my Alpha status for you, for our future, and now it seems the impossible has become our reality."Flora's voice shook with hope and fear. "A future where we can love without betraying our duty, where our hearts are not sundered by ancient canons. But at what price, Adrian? Can our love really overcome the weight of centuries of tradition?"Adrian's eyes glimmered. "I know that the sacrifices were immense, and the wounds sliced deep. I recall every instant of regret, every tear you cried as I lusted after power. But in this moment, with you by my side, I feel the promise of a new dawn."Flora stu
The Edict of the Lycan King " Adrian, to the throne room incontinently," growled a commanding voice in the corridor speakers. Adrian's strained, low voice replied," Yes, Captain Morales. I will be there in a moment." Moments later, in a hushed expectation room, the Lycan King stated" Adrian, you've submitted your repudiation letter, right? Adrian cleared his throat, the tone establishment yet laced with fear," Yes, Your Majesty. I've surrendered my Alpha status, for I realize that my path now must be mandated by nothing but the issues of the heart, not the suffocating weight of obligation." The King's deep voice thundered," Your adoption has not been given without consideration. Tell me, Adrian, what led you to make this most vainglorious decision? Adrian took a conscious breath before responding," Sire, for times I've carried the burden of my once — my miscalculations, my failure and it has brought me further than any crown ever could. I lost the love of my life, an
A New Daw Flora's answer was conservative," I'll consider your offer, Adrian. But this I do know if our life together is to be but a deeper pain, I'm not willing to immolate the loss of myself, my responsibility, for a love that may yet be too weak to survive." Unshed gashes filled Adrian's eyes as he rumored," Flora, I understand your fear. I know that our history is full of pain, but I believe if we do this together, we can forge a new path. One where every immolation is not a loss, but an pledge — a pledge to make a future that honors who we are." Flora's voice shook," And what if our pledges break under the weight of our old injuries? What if our marriage, refashioned by love and duty, is n't enough to heal the ancient injuries of treason? Adrian's voice held a blend of despair and stopgap," also we will face that ineluctability together. I'm willing to risk all on the possibility of redemption, on a tomorrow when we might be free at last from the ghosts of our h
A Bold Offer " Flora, we need to talk," Adrian said, his voice rough and pulsing with genuine determination. " Adrian, I am harkening," Flora replied, her voice cautious but with a touch of craving. " Every night I lie awake allowing about what we lost, and I can no longer tolerate this silence," Adrian continued. " Silence, yes, but remorse as well," Flora answered, her voice slightly above a tale." I still flash back the dreams we pictured, the moments when we believed nothing could pull us apart." " I know," Adrian said vocally." I flash back the nights beneath the stars when you laughed, when our dreams were unencumbered and simple. But also I let my duty, my ambition, get in the way." Flora's tone turned cold," You allowed ambition to take priority over our love, Adrian. I constructed my life upon the oath of a participated future — a future that now appears so far down. " I offered my title, my power, everything for the pledge of that future," Adrian contend
A Union Readdressed " Adrian, please?" Flora's tremulous but strong voice pierced the muted hum of the command center as they entered a quiet alcove out of sight of the inquiring eyes of their classmates. Adrian drew in near, his tone soft and counted with anguish." Flora, I know our lives have gone so far in contrary directions, but I've to ask — do you ever still dream of us? Of a life where our love is n't measured only by duty?" Flora's eyes flashed both wistful and guarded pain." I did, formerly, Adrian. I allowed once that there was going to be a future in which I just was Flora not a title, not any prospects just us. But whenever I try to flash back it, I get hit with all the offerings that we made and the scars that still shape us." Adrian's tone dropped to a husky tale." I will relinquish everything, Flora. I relinquished my title, my power, because I wish for a chance at that future with you. I want a normal, loving family life with you. I understand it'll be
Sacrificial Promises " Flora, I must speak with you — now," Adrian prompted, his voice coarse and pulsing with resoluteness as he walked toward her in the vacated corner of the command center. Flora's tone was peaceful but miserable." Adrian, I know what you are going to tell me. You have one chance to make this right.". Adrian's reply was nippy," I have made my decision. I can no longer be Alpha, not when my heart is broken because of my miscalculations." Flora's face tensed as she asked," You relinquish your Alpha status? Do you have any idea the cost that comes with it, Adrian? " I get it, I know," he contended," and I would pay that price if it would allow me to be with you, if it would allow me to rebuild what we lost and make a future together as a family." Flora's voice shook with stopgap and sadness," Adrian, you understand that stepping down is not just a selfish act it will shake the roots of our pack. Your position was a source of strength and leadership.".
The Crossroads “ Flora, we’ve reached a point where everything changes, ” Adrian said, his voice heavy with an admixture of stopgap and despair as they met in a quiet room down from the chaos of the base. Flora's tone was invested with conservative resoluteness," Adrian, all the seconds we have participated, every mistake and every gash — everything has led us then. But seriously, do you really believe that our future together can atone for the injuries of our history?" Adrian's aspects dredged over hers, regretful and hankering," I do. I believe that love is not about betrayals or broken pledges. I believe that if we are stalwart enough to face our demons, if we choose each other at this moment — we can produce something real." Flora's voice quivered," And what if our love is too broken, too stained by the injuries we carry? Every word you say makes me recall abandonment, nights of loneliness, wondering if I earn it. How can we continue when each step is a step into
A Reckoning Of Love " Flora, we need to talk — now, without pretense," Adrian contended, his voice bare and pulsing as he stepped into the quiet room where they had agreed to meet out of sight of prying eyes. Flora's voice was low and bitter," Adrian, every time we speak, I'm reminded of everything you did n't say and do. What's it you have to say now?" I want to reveal all of the trueness," he replied, his eyes flashing." I'm tired of acting as if my regrets and miscalculations are only echoes in an empty hallway. I know I hurt you — I hurt you so deeply that the injuries still scream every night." Flora's comeback was sharp," also tell me, Adrian! Say what's in your heart that you've hidden behind your poltroonery for so long. Adrian took a shaking breath," Flora, I still love you. I know what I did killed the trust we participated, but the love I feel — it did not evaporate. It's buried under piles of remorse, yes, but it's there. I wake up each morning visited by
Opinions Of The Heart " Flora, can I speak with you?" Marissa's gentle voice cut through the quiet of the command diggings. Flora's reply was soft but with a hint of prostration," Of course, Marissa. I I have had so much on my mind recently.". Marissa stepped closer, her own voice a tale," I know the burden of your choices upon you. Every day, I see you floundering with opinions that can change everything — for you, and for that youthful life within you." Flora soughed," Every morning, I wake up in fear that I am losing myself, that the injuries of treason and remorse have made me unable of loving again. I ask myself if fatherhood would ever be a mending source, or if it'll only remind me of everything that is been shattered." Marissa's voice was soft," Flora, flash back when you said to me that love was a pledge indeed in the blackest hour? Is the pledge still echoing in your heart, despite the pain? Flora's reply was tortured," It does, Marissa. There's a pa