Rael’s POVThe laughs faded with every step I took out. No matter how hard I tried avoiding it, I couldn’t deny the strain.My hands were tightly curled into fists, the strain almost painful, yet I never stopped. My jaw remained as clenched as ever as I stepped back into the quiet place filled with all the scientists fliterring about.The man's last words right before I left echoed in my head.“How long can you last protecting those around you?”It shouldn’t have shaken me the way it did. Had it been months ago that such a threat was passed my way, I would have pushed it away without a second thought.But now… Now, things were different. There was far too much at stake. And there was a chance that whoever did this was aware.“A dead end, I suppose?”Mira stepped into my line of vision, eyes questioning before she stopped in her tracks. She looked me over and I could tell how she saw my tension from the way her expression changed to something more worried.“Rael, are you–“I cut her of
Rose's POVIt had been three days.Three days since I wandered the place with solely Adian as my company. Three days since I wasn't allowed to hear from George or Lily or do so much as go to the other side. Three days since he left that night and hadn't come back since.It wasn't so difficult to count.I sighed against the plush softness of my mattress. I still caught up with Kayla and Jade. As they had promised, they were planning their visit during the weekend, which left two days more. I had made many attempts to clear my mind in anticipation, whether through reading or scrolling through the Internet and occasionally ranting at Adian. No matter how hard I tried, my head always went back to Rael.Our last meeting had been held on a cliffhanger and now three days had passed without hearing from him.Was he in the office? Had he travelled? Was there something wrong?Whether he was several miles away or a state away made no difference. He wasn't there, and I couldn't contact him.His
Rose's POVFacing the large building, doubt and worry came into my mind, once again questioning if this was the right thing to do.When I told Adian, he looked surprised, yet there was no other overarching expression or sign that I caught. To my surprise, he agreed to take me here. And now…I swallowed in trepidation, the Albrecht Medicals building backing me imposing. I swallowed thickly at the sight.I had only been here for a total of three times, majority of those times out of simmering rage or fierce determination. There was no need to be shy considering all of that, and yet for the second time since I faced this building, a curling feeling bubbled in my gut.Now I was here for a completely different reason.There was a slim possibility - no, a hauntingly vast possibility - that he wasn't here. If I had to step in, I would also have to talk to them and ask them for him.The thought alone brought heat to my cheeks and that same fluttering feeling I pushed away as I always did. I s
Rose’s POVI remained standing, completely intimidated by this hulk of a man that stood in front of me. Though relatively young, he looked slightly older - more mature compared to all the others I had been around, even Rael. It made it even more intimidating for me to face him. Not to mention his voice. His voice held the same commanding authority I heard in Rael. In spite of his different appearance, his aura held that commanding spirit. For a moment, I wondered if Rael and him were brothers but pushed the thought away for another day.His eyes were penetrating in an unnerving way. Although the arrogant tone wasn’t present, this only seemed full of much respect. That, coupled with his appearance, struck an even further sense of respect.Rael.Right. I had to know where on earth Rael had gone.I sucked in a breath before I spoke.“I'm looking for Rael. Adian brought me here because you'd know where he is,” I said.Inside, I winced. The way I phrased my words almost made it seem accus
Rose's POVStepping out, I immediately came full force with Adrian who stepped back immediately.“Enjoy your talk?" He asked. I was sure I didn't imagine the smug look on his face. Without hesitation, I punched his arm. Even though it wouldn't hurt him as it did me, it was enough of a message.Still, I hid the black card within my other arm, still unsure of what to do with it.“He said I should call you into the office," I said.His face morphed into something indecipherable for a moment before the annoying eased expression on his face came.“Ah well, it seems like there's news for me.” I stiffened slightly as he patted me.“Wait for me for a bit, unless you can take the car yourself." I bit my tongue at the obvious jab. Driving was one of the skills I hadn't bothered to learn, too focused on my studies and fending for myself to do so. It was a shame now that I thought about it. Had I learned, I would have driven back and left him to the dust.‘I don't even properly recall the way t
Adian's POVEven hours after the fact, I remained tense.I hadn't needed to completely enter her room. A slight peek was enough to tell me that she was safe. Her soft breaths and steady heartbeat showed that she was asleep and wouldn't detect my presence. I wasn't blind to the nightmares she would have in the morning. Even though I heard them, I couldn't comfort her. I wasn't him after all and I was sure that my actions no matter how well meaning they were, wouldn't be taken.The least I did was to come by every afternoon to distract her. The shadows of fear which were once in her gaze faded away. Although now she was no longer in the same way, displaying slight worry and annoyance than the initial haunted look. It was a testament to her bravery.With a swift perusal of the room, there were no signs of shadows lurking behind the corners. No other heartbeats but hers.That was comfortable enough to close it, at ease that there weren't going to be any attacks. The soldiers standing by
Rose's POVI let out a sigh. In spite of my love for books, my head was hurting at the sight of this one.Another day was passing after learning the news. With Rael absent, I was more helpless than ever.When had I started depending on him so much?I couldn't find it in myself to go out unless it was within the mansion. My friends within the place we're occupied and didn't need me to bother them. As such the only refuge I had was within the library and my room.Finally giving up, I rested the book onto the bedside, letting my head fall onto the pillow. Sleeping this late in the afternoon was probably not a good idea, but I hadn't had any bad dreams before I woke up, so maybe it wouldn't be so bad.I slipped my eyes closed, trying to lull myself to sleep. My eyes snapped open at the knocking sound. I quickly sat up on the bed, eager as to who was there.There was only one answer to that. After all, they promised.I expected the welcome that was to come, yet I was forcefully pushed out
Rose's povKayla had placed herself in the lead, heading the shopping trip like a manager to a project. The moment we entered the complex mall, she had already completed a mental schedule. One that she was quickly spouting out from the moment we got out of the car.“We would reconnaissance here and then to the spa. Give or take, by 5 o'clock this evening we'll be back. Got it?." She turned around, bubbly as she looked back at us. I smiled fondly in amusement. Although she acted naive when it came to love, she was one of the smartest people I knew.I only gave a sharp nod. “Yep."She quickly moved toward me, holding my hand.“We'll start with you then. Your clothes are the most important on the list. Jade?"To my surprise, Jade shrugged. “I'll just take a walk and come back after a few minutes.”Her response filled me with surprise.“Are you sure?" I asked.For a moment, her eyes trailed down to me, but before I could fathom what she looked at, it quickly disappeared. She gave her usua
Rose's POVI sighed, looking up at the night sky. The chill of the night sky made me shiver, but I embraced it.The hospital region looked so different from the places I was used to, but the sky always remained the same.I had stayed in the hospital for four days now. Even though in theory there was no longer any need to. Real had insisted on the hospital staff who allowed me to remain here, even without the needs for medical attention.I was grateful for it, and I was sure he knew why I didn't want to step into the mansion again.And so my nights were spent within the place, no dankehs in sight and Real being a constant presence. Despite staying in the hospital, he brought food from the pack house daily which I accepted.Adian visited another time on one occasion, and Rael stood by, acting more like a watchdog. Amidst their jabs I could see what I had been blind to for so long. The easy camaraderie between them. And Rael seemed lighter than I had ever seen him before.Now, four days
Rael's POVTracing her contact and the texts she sent was the hardest part, everything aside from that was easy.Location in hand, I arrived to find him, said ex boyfriend, sipping tea in the cafe waiting for her. I stepped in, facing him.I could tell that he was one to be easily intimidated, proven by how he palmed immediately after he recognized me. In no time, he scrammed out of the cafe, garnering many looks for a moment. I waited in silence for the main reason for my presence.It took almost twenty minutes, before Jade stepped in, eyes searching through the tables. Despite her almost innocent appearance, she was definitely sharp minded. The moment she spotted me, surprise flitted onto her face before morphing into dislike.She indeed loathed me. I had never been close or bothered with any of her friends aside from listening whenever she talked about them, but whether I caught it or not wouldn't have mattered either way if not for this.I partly expected her to walk away or try t
Rose's POV Rael left shortly after bringing me breakfast, leaving me with a kiss on my forehead and whispered promises.Full and completely awake, there was no way I was going back to bed anytime soon. With nothing left to do, I walked around the large hospital room I had been given, admiring the skyline view in peace. I tried not to think too much about Jade and whatever measures Real was going to take, only hoping that both of them were alright. Instead, I looked down at my belly.A baby was growing in there and I never noticed. Slowly rubbing it, I smiled to myself at Rael's past words. Indeed, this baby was resilient to have gone past the alcohol and malnourishment, only to remain healthy.Strong, but that didn't mean I was going to let anyone harm it. “I don't know what will happen between your father and I, but I promise you I'll protect you the best I can. Even if it costs me.” Shutting my eyes, I repeated it several times, keeping it etched in my bones.I would do my best t
Rose's POVWhen I woke up, the sun was up and it was far warmer than before. Yawning, I looked around as it eased upon me.The chair Rael was on was completely empty. I properly looked around at the surroundings.The place was large, filled with couches and chairs with a dining setting right beside them. Save hospital beds, it looked more like a hotel.This definitely wasn't cheap.I let out a sigh, shaking my head. There was nothing I could do about it now.Even with his absence, I could still hear his words.He loved me.There were still plenty of things to deal with, especially with my pregnancy on the way. But instead, I laid back on the mattress, closing my eyes. At this moment, I was content.I spent my time taking deep breaths, lost in the blank zen state when a sudden vibration pulled me out.Blinking, I looked around for the source, only to see my phone in surprise.‘He'd taken it too, I reasoned. I looked at the screen in surprise. Jade was calling.I gasped, recalling how I
Rose's POVI squinted in the face of the blinding lights, taking time to adjust as I slowly returned to reality.Beeping filled my ears, closer than ever. The sting of disinfectant woke me up even further.‘Where was I?’ I faintly wondered as I drifted out of dreamland. I tried sitting up when suddenly a pair of warm hands circled me.“Wait." All vestiges of sleep erased at his voice.His words and our unfinished discussion before my fainting still rang clearly in my mind.‘Of course,’ I thought. He was the one who no doubt brought me here.I remained silent while he helped me sit up, avoiding eye contact. Tingles grew from his penetrating stare, but I ignored it.“Where am I?" I asked, breaking the tense silence.“You're in the hospital." He said, confirming my thoughts.A slight twinge of relief filled me that I wasn't back in the mansion, no matter how much my heart lurched for it. This was more neutral ground.Those thoughts went away once I remembered why I was in the hospital.
Rael's POVPanic grew in my throat the moment I caught her in my arms. She was out cold, her breaths shallow.Damn it all. I hadn't thought about her condition. The fact that she hadn't been eating for the past few days.None of that will do. I had to take her to the hospital.Hefting her body up, I moved against the fallen bodies in the hallway. That would be taken care of later.I had rushed in, feeling the warning instincts. She wouldn't forgive me if I left her friend there.‘She may not forgive you at all.’ Ny hands tightened on her at the thought.Rose's friend was knocked out cold on the floor, but otherwise, she was safe. No doubt she would wake up in a matter of hours.Laying Rose on the couch, I picked Jade up, tucking her into her bedroom before leaving just as quickly.Picking her up again, my gaze was fixated on her face, how peaceful she looked even now.Without another word, I sped back to my car.Driving into the hospital gave the feeling of deja vu, but I ignored it i
Rose's POVI almost couldn't believe it, but it was undeniable.The man I was hurt by, whom I thought wouldn't rescue me, was there. His eyes treaded across them.“Let her go.” He growled, body poised in a way that made him seem larger than life.The man that held me and his henchman were both stuck in place. I was too stricken to try struggling against them, which wouldn't have amounted to anything considering the still painful grip they had on me.In a flash, everything changed.The whiplash was painful as I was pulled away, the man holding me running as fast as he could out of the hallway. The movement sent a wave of dizziness through me.A loud growl, and everything holding me disappeared. I was light, flying freely in the air for a moment before I collided harshly with the ground. I whimpered as my injured arm burned before I slumped back to the floor.A choked noise and the sound of flesh colliding were all I heard before everything fell silent.Harsh breaths came up behind me,
Rose's POV I followed Jade through the door, shutting it behind me.I had sneaked out of the mansion, thankfully taking advantage of the lack of presence. Even with fear creeping from me, I walked until my legs hurt, moving until I reached the asphalt streets I had told Jade to wait for me in. Jade had taken a taxi all the way to the far end of the place where I met her. I looked away from her gaze, knowing the poor sight I looked like at the moment. It all went away after I entered the taxi, watching the mansion move farther and farther away. It was past midnight when we finally arrived in the city and even further when we got to her place.The timing was unexpected, but it all made sense when the destination wasn't the same one I knew.This apartment was new and different. From the minimal tones and the slightly more expensive look, it was a complete change from her former space throughout college.I looked around in awe. “I didn't know you had a new place,” I said, looking around
Rael's POV.I took in the cool air, letting the heat simmer down.Finally, the anticipated meeting with the Alpha Council had taken place and it was anticlimactic.I had welcomed them, pushing away all my worries easier than expected. After giving them the information and discoveries gathered, thanks to Mira, they were equally ecstatic.That was my chance to state my sole condition to continue this project.Let Rose go.“There is no need for us to use an innocent human as bait for the Dankehs anymore.” I had tried reasoning with them.The backlash was expected, but I physically had to hold myself back from losing control in the face of their disparaging comments.‘A mere human?’Rose was far more than that. She was more than anything else I had seen. I, who had taken advantage of her naivety and kindness, had tried seeing her in the same way in the beginning and failed miserably. None of them would understand though. They just saw her as a tool to gain victory over the threat plaguin