~Victoria~Ace pulled Rylee and me backward, which made for an exciting atmosphere. Ace growled and glared at the two men in my living room."What do you want?" Ace asked in a deep voice."Who are they?" I whispered to Ace, as their faces were very unfamiliar.They heard my question. One of the men said, "Oh, I forgot to introduce myself." He smiled broadly and continued, "I'm Alpha Sanchez, and this is Alpha Mark.""I don't need your introduction! Get out of my house!" Ace yelled in his Alpha voice.I hadn't heard Ace's Alpha voice in a long time, which made me shudder. But the two men seemed unperturbed. They put on grave faces, and then Alpha Sanchez said, "We are Alpha, Alpha Ace. Your Alpha voice will not influence us."I saw both of their eyes turning red and emanating strength. However, the chosen Alpha would not have the power of a true Alpha. They were one step below the true Alphas. However, those two chosen Alphas were still tricky opponents."You don't even have a territor
~Rosemary~I was grateful to Mr. Adams for welcoming me so kindly. He'll go down as one of the most excellent men in my life. Sometimes, I even think he's better than Dad."Dad," I murmured with a long sigh.I'm not saying Dad is terrible. Dad has sacrificed a lot, but sometimes he's annoying. Like yesterday when Dad went to Mr. Adams' house. I was upset because Mr. Adams promised it would be safe until the tournament. Instead, Dad came over and wanted to take me home.Fortunately, Mr. Adams was on my side at the time. Mr. Adams stopped Dad from forcing me to go home. I don't know what they talked about, but shortly after I entered the house, I saw Dad's car pulling out of the yard."The car is ready. Hey, are you daydreaming?"I was startled to hear Mr. Adams' voice. My head turned, and I saw Mr. Adams walking towards me. I smiled stiffly and said, "Nothing. I was just... thinking about something."Mr. Adams smiled. He sat beside me and asked, "What are you thinking about? Your paren
~Rosemary~The fight made me feel guilty about Mr. Adams. I had to do something, like apologize. I knew Mr. Adams' relationship with Collin had been bad for a long time, but I still felt guilty. So, I decided to meet Mr. Adams when the situation was favorable.It usually takes Dad two or three hours to behave after a fight with me. I don't know about Mr. Adams, but I will try the same method. I hope it will work for him.Mr. Adams' house is enormous. I need to figure out where to look, but I've heard Mr. Adams' room is on the third floor. Mr. Adams has a private elevator, but I want to use something other than it. No, I don't dare. I walked up the steps to the third floor. Once again, I'm confronted with a vast room. As long as my eyes wandered, I couldn't find a place to call Mr. Adams' room."What are you doing here, Miss Cassilas?"A question made me jump and turn around. I saw Alfonso walking towards me with a questioning look. Alfonso was the butler in this house. I'd met him sev
~Rosemary~ A faint sound of music penetrated my sense of hearing. It was a hit rock song by a famous band. I used to love listening to this song, but the pain in my head distracted me. My head was so dizzy that it made me frown. I wanted to touch my head but couldn't move my hands. Before I had time to adjust to the pain in my head, I felt another strange thing that caught my attention. I felt like I was in a moving, unstable place. I couldn't help but open my eyes, and only then did I realize that I was in a car with my hands and feet tied. Not only that, but the seat belt made it impossible for me to move. "You're awake, Sleeping Beauty." A familiar voice greeted me. I turned to see Collin smiling as he drove the car. My brain replayed the memory of a while before everything went dark and I ended up in this car. Someone was in my room. I tried to fight back, but I fell and hit my head on the floor. "Surprised to see me?" joked Collin with a chuckle. "What are you doing to me? A
~Rosemary~I didn't understand Collin's way of thinking. I was in the middle of a disaster. The werewolves of Nightfall City were missing, kidnapped, or possibly killed my entire family. However, Collin prevented me from getting help. I didn't know anyone else in this town who was more powerful than Mr. Adams. He had the power and resources to find my family.I shook my head. “Why did you do that to me?” I shouted with my chest so tight.“I told you, I just wanted to protect you,” Collin retorted.“Fuck that! I want my family, and your father is my only hope! Why would you break it?” I argued.“Rose, I....”“Are you jealous of me?” I snapped. What could be a more reasonable reason than jealousy?Collin looked at me intensely. I thought he would deny my words, but instead, he said, “Trust me!”I looked into Collin's eyes briefly, and he didn't look away. I still didn't understand what I was supposed to believe from Collin.While I was at war with my inner dilemma, something distracted
~Rosemary~Telling Collin about my family's true identity would anger my father. At Dante Hill, Dad had forbidden me and Rylee to tell anyone. However, I had high hopes that Collin would be willing to help me.I wanted to laugh at Collin's pale face and gaping mouth. But I held back my laughter. I needed a severe moment like that to convince Collin.I understood that Collin needed time to accept the truth. He was silent from leaving the store until we were in the car. After about fifteen minutes of driving, Collin spoke to me."So, this is it?" Collin turned to me as he drove. "Sonya's broken hand?" he added.I took a deep breath and turned to Collin. Werewolves had strength that exceeded that of ordinary humans. But I hadn't even had my first shift yet, so I didn't know how strong my inner wolf was. I was hesitant to answer him. But that's the only reason that makes sense: I was able to crush Sonya so hard that she broke a bone.But wait! I knew what to say. It was the perfect momen
~Rosemary~Collin's words made me freeze. Mr. Adams is a demon worshipper. That's a severe accusation. Gosh! Instead of Mr. Adams, I would believe Collin is a demon worshipper."Don't try to brainwash me!" I warned Collin while pointing at him with my hand holding the pizza slice.Collin looked away for a moment. He exhaled loudly and then focused on me, looking me in the eyes."Yeah, I'm brainwashing you." Collin pressed his forefinger against my forehead. "Washing your brain that my dad's doctrine has soiled," he continued.I pushed Collin's finger off my forehead. I put the remaining slice of pizza in my mouth, chewed for a while, and then swallowed it. I picked up the can of soda and drank it. Afterwards, I folded my hands on the table and focused on Collin."If you hate your father, don't invite others to hate him too," I said. I straightened up, leaning back in the chair. "Mr. Adams is a good man. Your doctrine won't work on me."Collin looked relaxed, chewing his food. After si
It is dark. The cloth covering my face felt damp and smelled of rotten socks, which made me sick. Someone carried me with my head down. My head became increasingly dizzy as the man walked. I rebelled by moving my body. Even if they caught me, I didn't want to make it easy for them."Don't move, little miss! Or I'll drag you, and it'll hurt even more." The man threatened me.I didn't care. I kept moving until the man finally pushed me to the ground. It hurt, but I was determined to give them a hard time.The man took my headgear off. I took a deep breath as if I hadn't breathed clean air in so long.The man before me leaned down and put his face to mine."Listen! Be obedient, or you will regret what I can do to you! Understand?" he said. In the dim light, the man's piercing gaze went right through my chest to my heart. And I knew he wasn't playing around with his words. I wanted to be brave, but I was just a coward.He patted me on the head and said, "Good girl!"After saying that, the
~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