The incident at the florist was like a nightmare that haunted me. I couldn't just ignore it. How could a stranger say all that to me? These were my babies, not the devil's babies like she said.I touched the birthmark on my wrist.This birthmark. Is there something to it? Mom always told me that this was my uniqueness. There's nothing special about it other than its unique, tattoo-like shape. If there were something about it, Mom would have told me."Daydreaming, hum?"The voice made me look away. Alpha Jared was standing next to me, but I am not sure when. He smiled. In his hand was a ceramic cup with a pretty pattern. He then sat down beside me, sipping the herbal tea, whose aroma was so soothing."Do you have something on your mind?" he asked me as he placed his cup on the table.I wanted to say no, but the word wouldn't come out of my mouth, so I could only smile as I bowed my head."Want to tell me a story?" He half-turned his body to face me, with one arm stretched across the ba
I thought Alpha Jared would be back later. I thought he would be gone for quite some time for his work. And I was so surprised to see him suddenly appear in this room. How did he know I was here? He didn't even see me coming. I would never have come to this place if I had known he would return today."There is no little girl in this mansion, Victoria," he said."There is! I saw her. She taunted me from behind the wall and kept running as I chased after her. She ran down the corridor, and I followed her to this place," I said.Did he think I was making excuses? No, I didn't! That little girl existed, and I followed her to this place.I had no idea what was going through Alpha Jared's mind. His expression was hard to guess. He looked at me briefly and said, "For once, I forgive you. But I don't want to see you in this place in the future. Do you understand?"The way he spoke was flat and didn't seem to harbour any emotions, but somehow, I could feel a threat in every word he said. And I
My heart was pounding as I waited for Alpha Ace's response. His eyes looked as deep as the ocean, and I couldn't dive in to find out what he was thinking."No one knows who the descendants of Alpha King Salvatore are, Victoria. Only the hunters know." Alpha Jared grabbed both my shoulders, fixing his gaze on my eyes. I could see the firmness in his eyes. He was trying to convince me."Whether you are a descendant of Alpha King Salvatore or not, I will still protect you. As long as you're by my side, I won't let anyone hurt you." He said this without taking his eyes off mine.His intense black irises had managed to calm me down. Alpha Jared always had a way of reassuring me that I would be fine as long as I was by his side. He protected me from Ace and the hunters—if I were the demon-blooded werewolf offspring they sought."What about them?" Alpha Jared asked while pointing at my stomach with his eyes.I snorted softly, smiling a little. Good diversion. Although Alpha Jared's answer ab
Every night never goes by without a nightmare—the same dream with the same ending. I always woke up at the same hour, bathed in sweat and with my breath rushing."You need to sleep, Vic. The babies need rest." Alpha Jared advised me. That night was the umpteenth time he came to my room because he heard my screams."I'm scared," I said.How could I not be afraid if every night I had to die at the hands of the hunter? The pain was so real, and believe me, it was horrible."I have an idea, but..." Alpha Jared still needed to finish his sentence. "But what?" I asked, hoping he would provide a solution to the nightmare.There was a hint of doubt in Alpha Jared's expression. Just a little because he was so good at covering it up with his calm demeanor. He then shook his head and smiled slightly."No, I don't. You won't like it," Alpha Jared said."What? How do I know I won't like it if you don't tell me?" I urged."Trust me, you won't want to hear it." He assured me it was a bad idea.I sq
Since that night, I have become accustomed to Alpha Jared's presence in my bed. I even felt that something was incomplete if he hadn't appeared in the room by the time I went to sleep. I would get restless and want to catch up with him. However, I didn't have enough guts to do so.Our first few nights went so well. I slept, and Alpha Jared held me. It worked to chase away my nightmares. Maybe it was because I felt safe until something out of control happened one night. I don't know who started it, but the topics we discussed became increasingly intimate when we chatted at bedtime."Haven't you ever been in love?" I asked at that time."I have." Alpha Jared answered briefly."Who? I've never seen you with a woman." I followed up with a question.Alpha Jared looked at me. His gaze was deep, locking on my eyes. I couldn't look away, feeling like I was being sucked into it, like something was holding me back."You," Alpha Jared replied after a few moments of me drowning in his gaze.Me?M
I woke up in Alpha Jared's arms. I have no idea what was in my head last night, but we did it. It was the first time in my life. Making love to a man who was the same age as my father was something I never thought was possible. But I found comfort in his figure, no matter how far apart in age we were. I felt safe with him, even when I was sleeping with him."You woke up first," Alpha Jared joked.I was too focused on what was happening to notice that Alpha Jared was up, too. "Am I bothering you?" I asked, tugging at the corners of my lips."Not at all, Vic," Alpha Jared replied, stroking my head and kissing it. "Do you regret it?" he asked.Knowing where this question was going didn't take an intelligent person. I wouldn't lie if I said I enjoyed it, but I regret it.It's a bit of a mystery.I rested my head on Alpha Jared's chest. I felt a nagging feeling. I feel a bit guilty, but I have no idea what for. Guilt for who, Ace?My inner goddess laughed bitterly. Even Ace doesn't care ab
"They are doing fine." The doctor looked at the screen as he moved the transducer on my abdomen. "Did you hear that? The heartbeat is normal," he continued. There was no sign of deterioration in my baby's condition when the ultrasound was done. It was strange. They seemed fine, and I could hear their hearts beating. "But why aren't they moving?" I was worried. The doctor placed the transducer on the place and wiped the cold gel off my belly. With a slightly furrowed brow, he looked at me. "Have you been stressed lately?" he asked. "Stress?" I couldn't bring myself to ask. "Yes. Or maybe shock." The doctor got to his feet and walked over to his desk. "A mother's mental state can greatly affect the baby. Your babies may not move because the mother is in a state of shock or stress," he explained. I straightened my clothes, and Alpha Jared helped me get up. I got out of bed and followed the doctor to his desk. I sat curiously in front of the doctor. I started to think. Last night wa
Alpha Jared forcefully opened my bedroom door."Vic!""Help me, this is killing me!" I whimpered.Alpha Jared grabbed my arm and helped me sit on the edge of the bed. I held on to his strong arm, maybe even clung to it; I wasn't sure. But I didn't care. I just wanted the pain to stop."What happened?" asked Alpha Jared."I don't know. My stomach hurts like hell," I replied."Are you going into labor?" Alpha Jared looked at me worriedly, and I gave him the same look."But I'm not in labor yet," I said.I was only 34 weeks pregnant. That was way too early to go into labor. But my belly felt very tight. Was that called a contraction?"Let's go to the hospital," Alpha Jared interrupted.Without thinking, Alpha Jared picked me up. He carried me out of the room. By then, the pain in my stomach had subsided. I don't know why it came and went.When we reached the first floor, I heard a commotion outside. Screaming,
~Rose~The party began. Bonfires were lit, and music played. Everyone was happy. Beer and venison were the main dishes. Everyone partied, danced and enjoyed the beer. That was for the adults. For us children, they forbade us from drinking beer and gave us fresh lemonade. There were only a few children in the pack. While I struggled to adapt to this new place, Rylee was already familiar with the other children. But it didn't matter. I could handle it."Hi, Rose," a boy with dark curly hair and bright brown eyes greeted me. He looked awkward and shy with red cheeks."Hi," I replied."Do you mind if I sit here?" He pointed to the seat next to me.I was actually in the mood to be alone. I'd rather sit by myself and watch the people partying. But I promised myself I would change. I wouldn't be the rude Rosemary anymore. So, I allowed him to sit next to me."Yes, of course," I said.The boy smiled broadly and sat down beside me. Then he held out his hand and introduced himself. "I'm Robby.
~Rose~The next day was my busiest day. I had to pack all my things. I had so much stuff that I needed four big suitcases to fit it all in."Dad! Help me!" I called from the door.Dad, who was talking to Uncle Ben, turned and said, "I'll be right there."I frowned at Dad's answer. These suitcases were so heavy. I wouldn't be able to carry them to the car by myself.I turned around and left, stomping my feet. I stood by the window waiting for Dad while I watched Rylee load the suitcases into the car trunk. I was surprised to see that Rylee had so few things."Didn't he bring all his stuff?" I muttered."Who doesn't bring all the stuff?" That question made me turn around immediately."Uncle Ben? Where's Dad?" I asked, looking towards the door."Luna Victoria needs his help. Sorry, I came in. Your door wasn't closed," Uncle Ben replied.I was annoyed. Wasn't I the one who called Dad first? Why does it always have to be Mom first?"So, what can I do for you?" Uncle Ben asked later.I was
~Rose~"Dad, can I have some time alone with Collin?" I looked up at Dad, hoping he would permit me.Dad smiled. "Sure, sweetheart. I'll leave you two alone," he said, kissing my forehead."Thanks, Dad," I said.Dad left the room after that. I can't explain my feelings. Collin looked sick, and I couldn't bear looking at him."Sorry," I started the conversation after hearing the room door close.Collin smiled weakly. "Why apologize? It's not your fault.""You got like this because you saved me," I said."You think so?" Even in his weakened state, Collin made a skeptical face. "I hate my father. I don't want him to get what he wants," he continued.I didn't want to argue with Collin. Whether what he said was true or not, he had saved me."Whatever it is, thank you," I said."I accept your thanks," Collin replied with a smile.We were silent for a moment. No one spoke, and only the monitor's sound could be heard."Why are you looking at me like that?" Collin's question snapped me out of
~Rose~I thought I was dead. I still remember how much it hurt when Dad stabbed me in the chest. I don't know how to describe it, but the pain was unbelievable. All the horrible things I saw about King Salvatore made me want to die. He had to be stopped, and the only way was to kill me. I was like a mother to this demon, and I didn't want him to use my body to commit such a terrible crime.Surprisingly, I didn't expect to wake up, but I am still alive. Whether I should be grateful or not, I was scared to death when I first opened my eyes and saw the light. Everything was so bright that it felt like my eyes were being pierced, and it hurt like hell. I went into shock, and after a while, I started to feel better. The doctor examined me and explained that I was in the hospital. I asked who had brought me to the hospital, and the doctor said my father did. The doctor also said that my family was waiting outside. Thank God, because I was afraid that Mr. Adams would take me to the hospital.
~Victoria~I was talking to Mala, but Rose's screams immediately caught my attention. I turned to her, and panic gripped me. My daughter's hands were clenched into fists, and her eyes were wide. Rose's breathing was rapid. The monitor screen showed a significant increase in heart activity. She looked frightened. I took Rose's hand and stroked her head."Rose. It's Mommy, honey," I whispered, hoping she could hear me."What happened?" Ace came and stood beside me.I turned to Ace and replied, "I don't know. I was talking to Mala, and suddenly Rose became like this.""Baby, can you hear me?" Ace moved closer to Rose and stroked her face, but there was still no response. Rose was still in the same condition. "Call the doctor!" he ordered.My trembling hand pressed the nurse call button. A nurse arrived shortly after that. Ace and I made room for the nurse to examine Rose."She just started screaming. Please do something," I explained without prompting.The nurse didn't seem to know what
~Ace~"Ace," the soft call echoed in my ears. I felt a soft touch on my shoulder. I feel so tired. My muscles felt stiff. But suddenly, my blood rushed, and my eyes snapped open as I remembered what had happened to my daughter."Rose!" I woke up spontaneously. "Hey, it's me. It's okay!" Victoria held my shoulders. She sat next to me, took my fingers, and smiled warmly. "We're at the hospital. Rose is stable."I turned to the bed and saw my daughter on life support. I don't know how many times my heart broke seeing my daughter lying there helpless. I thought she was dead, but she had survived."I woke you up because you were sweating a lot. Nightmare?" Victoria looked worried. Ever since Alpha Mark and Alpha Sanchez invaded my home, all I could think about was how to keep my family safe. The nightmares made me afraid to sleep. I'm thankful that Beta Ben helped me get through it all. My Beta was the savior I never thought would come at the right time. I thought he had died thirteen y
~Ace~As a father, I felt a great sense of failure knowing that my daughter was in danger. I had entrusted her to the wrong man. Maxton Adams, I swore that I would tear his body apart. I promised I would crush his heart with my own hands.I sniffed the trail my daughter left. I sniffed at home. Rose came home, but I didn't find her there.If I'm right, Rose is in the cursed place where Maxton Adams performed the Alpha King Salvatore resurrection ritual."Motherfucker! I will kill Maxton Adams if he dares to lay a hand on my daughter!" I swear by the moon goddess.The place was far away, in the middle of the forest. I drove hundreds of miles from home to the forest, following my instincts until my daughter's scent grew more assertive. I ran into the woods."It's not far from here." I stopped for a moment. My breathing quickened in sync with my rising heartbeat. My eyes darted around. I could only hear the sounds of the nocturnal animals in the area, but I was sure my daughter's whereab
~Rosemary~I screamed, but no one listened. I cried bitterly, but no one cared. All I could see in front of me was a bunch of crazy people performing a ritual while casting spells. I was tired. I was in pain. I wanted to go home."Mom, Dad, take me home!" I begged with a voice I couldn't even hear.I closed my eyes and remembered all my good memories with my family. No more sobs were coming out of my mouth, but the tears were flowing harder and harder. Then, suddenly, everything went silent. The voices of the spell casters faded, and all I could hear was Rylee's laughter. I missed him."Rylee, I'm sorry." If this was the last day I lived and God gave me a chance to hug Rylee, I wanted to tell him I was sorry.I knew it wasn't real, but seeing Rylee laughing and taunting me felt natural. It was just an illusion, but the corners of my lips turned up. I missed him. I realized that he was the one who had always tried to protect me. He always took care of me when Dad wasn't around.The nex
~Rosemary~I wouldn't have believed it if I hadn't seen it with my own eyes. Mr. Adams was the one behind the attack on Collin's house. But why would he do that?"Oh, Rosemary. I'm sorry if I frightened you." Mr. Adams made a concerned expression, but I knew it was fake."Why are you doing this?" I dared to ask.My head felt empty. I couldn't think. I still didn't believe that what Collin had said about Mr. Adams was true. But I don't think so Mr. Adams is a demon worshipper. If he can do all that and act like an angel while all he's doing is acting like a demon, then he's a demon himself.Dad was fierce and strict with me, but he never hurt me like Mr. Adams hurt Collin. Dad never hurt Mom either, even though Mom was in a coma for a very long time. If Dad wanted, he could have remarried another woman and sought his happiness, but Dad chose to be loyal to Mom and take care of her until she woke up from her coma. I am so thankful to have my family. I can't imagine what life must have b