XAVIER'S POV;Lily was really making things uncomfortable for me. I hadn't expected her to come to my party and knowing her, I knew she was going to find a way to make things worse.I don't want her to meet Iris. Infact, I do not want the both of them to meet so I am going to try my best to make sure they both stay away from each other."You really changed, Xa. I can't believe it's you who used to be a lover boy. Now, you're the Alpha and of a pack and everyone is suddenly respecting you,"I smiled at her. I didn't want to take what she said as an offense because it triggered a trauma response.Years back, when we were still dating, she used to joke about people bullying me and how she was the only one who understood me. At that time, I had been blinded by love and the urge to please her. Everything I wanted to do was to make her happy and that was what I did, in all honesty.But now, looking at her and listening to her, I began to feel upset. I shouldn't have started this conversatio
CHAPTER 41HAZEL'S POV;I hadn't planned on crying, I had to admit. I shook with tremors as I spoke, controlling the floodgates from opening up and rushing out in torrents but I couldn't hold back any longer.I was battling with several emotions and trying to keep them in check. From anger to shame to uncertainty to not feeling like I was enough to pain and everything negative!So when I burst into tears, I had seen it coming.Xavier hadn't seen it coming. It was obvious in the way he looked at me. He was surprised and when he drew close to me, I quickly turned away from him and wiped my tears while sniffling. I felt embarrassed that he had seen me in tears but I still couldn't stop. I kept sobbing till I got to the entrance of the bathroom. I was about to shut the door and stay there till I was able to dry my tears and wash my face but before I could shut the door, Xavi6 stuck his leg on the threshold.I looked up at him, still with teary eyes. "I need privacy, Xavier. Leave, please.
HAZEL'S POVSlowly, I watched him undress me and when bud fingers came in contact with my skin, I felt a sweet sensation crawl up my skin and my eyes closed momentarily.I was breathing heavily now, my chest heaving deeply and causing my breasts to pour out of my dress.Slowly and carefully, he pulled down my dress and all that was left were a pair of lacy panties I had found in one of the drawers.His eyes lingered on my waist for a long time and he said nothing. This scared me. What if he didn't like it on me? Or was it smelling musty because I didn't even wash it.I leaned up but he looked at me and smiled. "What's wrong?""You don't like them?" I asked awkwardly. "The panties, I mean. Don't you like them?"He looked at me and laughed. "Bloody hell. They look so sexy on you. I love them!"I sighed in relief and nodded before leaning back on the bed. "These are really beautiful on you. Your hips, Hazel. Fuck. This is what you've been hiding underneath your pants?"Before I could spe
XAVIER'S POV;As soon as she walked out of the kitchen, I made to go after her but Lily held me back and gave me a stern look. She shook her head and I sighed."What exactly do you want from me?"Lily gave me a confused look. "We were talking before she came down and you lost every ability to focus on listening to me!"I rolled my eyes. "And so what? If I lost control, so? For crying out loud, she's my mate!""But you don't love her," Lily said, smiling bitterly. She walked slowly towards me and gave me a look. "You don't love her, do you?"I shook my head. "You're not going to ask me such questions and expect an answer from me. I should go to bed and you should, too. You're leaving early tomorrow, have you forgotten?""I know you're avoiding answering this question at all cost but that's totally fine. I know you do not want to answer me. But know one thing, I will always come first in your life and you are not going to get over me,""I have been over you for years. You think I am in
HAZEL'S POV;I stayed all day in my room, trying hard not to think about Xavier stepping out of Lily's room. I didn't want to overthink the whole situation but the harder I tried not to think about it, the worse it became.At one point, I wanted to leave my room and confront him, ask him what he really wanted from me or if I was a joke to him. At a point, I shed a few tears and regretted over and over again why I met him.There was nothing much to do anyway. Ever since my identity was revealed, the workload on me had drastically reduced and I hated it.After much thinking and sitting idly for a long time, I decided that maybe I needed to blow off some steam. The idea had me smiling and light hearted.Standing up from the Chippendale chair, I raised my skirt and went to stand in front of the dresser, my eyes scanning for what to wear.My eyes caught a pair of dark green combat pants and I unhung it and tossed it on the chair close by. I decided to go for a tube that flattered my flat,
HAZEL'S POV;I turned to face her and when she straightened, she trained her eyes on me. She had the head-on expression of a buffalo, ready to get anything out of her way. I looked back at Asher. His arms were folded and he had a look of interest.I charged at her, going for her leg. She was able to get it out of the way before I caught it and she slid to the ground, aiming also for my legs. I immediately flew into the air and landed on my feet behind her with firmness.She stood to her feet again and looked at me. I had a smirk on my face and only Asher recognized it. I wasn't a slow fighter. I loved to get over any fight really quickly and that mindset helped me in combat. I was able to finish off my enemies in no time as I moved to the next one.She charged at me again and she caught my chin this time. I felt a sharp pain shoot up my head but I only squinted a bit before shaking my head and regaining composure. She was so close to me now and she threw another punch at me but I caug
XAVIER'S POV;After Lily had left, I went in search of Iris and got worried when I didn't find her in her room. It wasn't until Felix told me that he had seen her going in the direction of the training perimeter that I knew her whereabouts.When I got there, I had stood for a long time, watching as Iris trained the warriors. I was really impressed— and also quite nervous to meet her.I knew she had gone to the training perimeter to blow off some steam and me interrupting her session would have been disastrous. I stood there for close to forty-five till Asher turned and saw me standing there. He had rushed towards me, asking that I joined them.From where I stood, I watched Asher talk to her and she turned and gave me a brief glance before saying something to Asher.I realized that he was following after her and this irked me. I had wanted to see her privately. I guess I still had to appreciate her seeing me even with Asher walking beside her.As soon as she got to me, she didn't even
HAZEL'S POV:And like I had said, I gave him the much distance he needed. It didn't make me feel good in any way but I had to do it. There were lots of things I had to think about. Ranging from our wonky relationship to Colin on my neck, expecting me to do something drastic.I spent most of my time training Kylie and Green and when I was less busy, I utilized my time doing something else that didn't bring me close to Xavier.One evening, while I was returning to the pack house, I was accosted by Felix who seemed to have something urgent to tell me. I rolled my eyes, knowing that whoever had sent him here was Xavier."What's it this time?" I asked, folding my hands."There's something I want us to talk about," Felix said in a really calm tone.I sighed and nodded. "What's it about?""Remember that next week we'd b going for the Royal Hunting Ceremony?"I remembered. "Of course, I do. And what's it have to do with me?""You know you're one of the important heads in Silver moon and also
Chapter 102Xavier's POVShe was alive. I am glad.But I don't think I want to see her. Not now, at least. After leaving the room, I went straight to the terrace to clear my head. I didn't know what to make of all these.My mother refused to tell me everything till she was awake and present to hear. It had been a week since she went into a coma. I was still very mad at her but all I wished for was her recovery. I don't think I'd survive without her.I stared out into the sunrise and watched people pass by. The battle had ended a week ago and we were left to pick things back up. Repairs were going on. A lot had been damaged.I don't think I'd ever forget about that night. The other Pack Alpha's that attended came from me and I was deeply grateful. Two had lost their lives to silver arrows and I had two funerals to attend. Gifts had been sent to each pack member that attended in appreciation for the help they rendered to us.I had been locked up in my study for so long, thinking and wal
HAZEL'S POV;I woke up with a start. Cracking my eyes open, I was blinded by the sunlight pouring out of the window. I tried to turn away from the window but I felt a sharp pain on my side and cried out in pain.The door immediately pushed open and someone rushed into the room."Iris! Are you okay?"I opened my eyes once again to see Felix in the room. Frowning, I pushed myself up to sit, ignoring the thudding pain on my side."What's going on here?" I asked and looked around me. I was in my room but my whole body was covered in bruises."I'll be right back!" He said and dashed out of the room before I could call out to him.Swallowing was painful for me. I brought my hand to my throat and felt it. That part hurt and it felt like I had a previous wound. Five slash scars ran through the other side of my throat.I touched the side of my belly and realized that a padded gauze had been used to cover up a wound. But I didn't feel any slight pain. Slowly, I pulled it off to see another scar
XAVIER'S POV;"What's going on, brother?" Ryan asked as he came to stand beside me, shaking visibly.I turned to him. He looked really shaken. His expression was filled with fear and confusion. "This is beyond you, Ryan. Where is your mate?""She's locked up with the female guests but they have all left to join in the battle,""Including her?!"Ryan shook his head immediately. "I told her she couldn't leave. She's going to listen to me,""Good. Go now, I need to take care of Mother. She has been wounded by a silver arrow,""I'll go with her. She can't fight again. She's wounded and it's dangerous. Let me help—""No, Ryan!" My mother said from where she was on the floor. "Do as your brother says. It is not over yet. I can take care of myself,""What are you going to do with your wound, mother?"It was obvious that he wasn't going to leave till he was sure that she was okay. I didn't blame him. After not seeing your mother throughout your life, losing her would take a massive toll on yo
MILA'S POV;Once we got to the base of the steps, I found the door that led to the dungeon. I could remember every detail of this place even after fifteen years.The door was unlocked and I pulled it open. We ran through a long corridor, flanked by rough stone walls and when we got to the first cell, my eyes darted around in search of keys.I found a bunch of keys hanging off a huge naile that had been driven into the wall as quickly, I extracted it before unlocking the door and pushing her inside. I locked the door immediately and handed the key over to her."Stay here, okay? Don't move an inch. Don't give anyone this key and don't come out of here, is that clear?;""But...""No buts!" I snapped before sighing. "Look, I need you to be here. You're safer here than you are outside. Colin would want to punish you for going against his rules so he'd want to come after you himself. We are going to take care of him,"She grabbed me by the hand. Her eyes were filled with fear and I could se
HAZEL'S POV;"Xavier!"He was choking me with the intent of killing me. I could see the rage in his eyes and it didn't feel like he was the one. He wasn't there. He was someone else. A beast. An angry beast that felt betrayed.I tried my best to pull free from him by kicking him but I was high up in the air, far away from his body.He probably had an idea that I was going to try to fight back.I was fighting for air and it felt like my face was going to explode. My eyes bulged and my throat scratched."You.." he said in a guttural voice. "You betrayed me! You made me believe we had something. You wanted me dead the whole time!""No!" I cried out and coughed. "I dunno want you dead after I found out we were mated to each other. It wasn't easy, Xavier! Hear me out, please. I love you so much and I care for you. I wouldn't hurt you and you know that.""If you loved me!" He snapped and drove me into the shelf. My back broke through the thick wood and felt something sharp pierce into my si
HAZEL'S POV;Colin.He was really standing here and not an apparition. Oh, fuck.Immediately, I turned to Xavier who looked absolutely confused and tried to stand on my feet but it was futile because I fell to my side. He quickly helped me up and balanced me back on the chair before turning to Colin who stood there, smiling sinisterly."Who is he, Iris? He seems to know you,""Iris?" Colin said and looked at me. "He even calls you by your name. What have you been doing?"I closed my eyes and gritted in anger, hitting the table before me and turning it over."Iris!" Xavier thundered and I stopped. "Mind telling me who this man is before I lose my patience?"I nodded and held tight onto the arm of the chair. I placed my good leg on the ground before standing on my feet. I leaned on one side of my body."Xavier, you're going to hate me after I tell you everything," I sighed and closed my eyes. "I don't want you to hate me. Whatever I did was for your safety,""You can begin talking then
HAZEL'S POV;Another attack?I turned to Xavier who looked as shocked as I. "What attack?"I covered my ears immediately at the sound of a loud thud. Everywhere vibrated and Xavier pulled me to the side, beginning a column. We were both breathing heavily and staring at each other in shock."There's no time to begin wondering who caused this attack! We have to fight back!" Xavier yelled. "I'll go after my mother and Ryan. Go to the guards and see if you can tell them something tangible,""We're under attack right now. You go get your family. I'll join the others!" I yelled back.He nodded and pulled me into him, kissing before he pulled away and touched my face. "Please, be safe, okay?"I nodded and pushed him and as soon as he was gone, I lifted my gown and tore the slitless party before tying it around my waist. I moved out of the column, pushing past people as they ran for their lives. Women screamed but I was glad to see that the men had already formed a strong fort, waiting for th
XAVIER'S POV;Guests had already arrived and we're starting to materialize. My mother was busy relating with her old time friends. Infact, there was excitement in the air as they were all happy that she was alive and well.The highlight of today was my mother's return. Unfortunately, Iris had somehow missed receiving the guests with me and I had to do it alone. I was so infuriated by her attitude but my mother did a good job in receiving everyone and I thought that maybe she was the right person to receive the visitors instead of Iris.As I weaved past the group of people, my eyes caught a slender frame. Her back was against me and she stood, talking with Felix. I didn't have to look further to know it was Iris.When did she get downstairs? I'd been standing at the base of the staircase all the evening so she had to have used another route.She looked really beautiful.I cleared my throat and Felix's eyes fleeted over to me. He cleared his throat and nudged his head towards me. Iris t
XAVIER'S POV;Today was a busy day for me. From getting the seamstresses to attend to my mother and Hazel to having Felix oversee the decorations. I even had to check the ledger to take financial accounts.I was still making the necessary calculations when a knock sounded on my door. I frowned. Only one person knocked like that. Ryan?"Come in."And so did he. He looked different. Taller. Muscular. His hair was fuller and he was dressed nicely.He was back. I stood to my feet immediately and burst into a smile. "Come over here, brother!"He walked towards me with a smile on his face and I pulled him into a hug. "Nice to be here, brother,""Nice to have you back, Ryan. You've grown so tall!"He took a step back and spread out his arms. He looked more of a man than the sixteen year old boy he was. He was starting to sport a few strands of beards and when he touched his chin, we both burst into laughter."Maybe Zoe would look at me, at least,"My smile faltered and he frowned. "No. It's