I paced back and forth in the room in anticipation for Nicolas call. My phone chimed and I checked it immediately, but it was a spam message. I sighed restlessly as I saw the message."Stupid people. Don't know when to send messages." I grumbled as I continued pacing. It was almost two hours and Nicolas hasn't gotten back to me. Why was he so slow in finding information.My phone rang and I picked up immediately."So what's the news?" I said immediately."Take a chill pill man, I haven't even breathed. And do you know how hard it was to dig this up?""Why was it hard? It's just finding out a few details." I said and he chuckled."Well, this few details seems to have been purposely covered up to prevent any news from spreading." He said."So what did you find out?" He kept mute before speaking."So from my investigation, Archie Addams and Miss Iris seems to have had a romantic past." He said and I clenched my fist trying to still give the benefit of the doubt."So what happened to them
I woke up to Nicholas's obnoxious singing outside my door."Rise and shine, sunshine! We've got a ton of work to do, and I'm not doing it alone!" He yelled outside my door as he kept banging.My head was hurting terribly and I had just managed to get some sleep after a night of tossing and turning.I groggily opened the door to find Nicholas striking a pose, a ridiculous grin plastered on his stupid annoying face."Shut up, prat," I grumbled, trying to hide my lingering sadness.Nicholas sauntered in, uninvited. "Oh, come on, Leigh! Don't be like that. I know you're still pining for Iris, but..." I glared at him and he swallowed up his words."It's not about Iris." I lied and he gave me that look, like he didn't believe me. I also didn't believe me anyway. I sighed as I staggered back to my bed.Nicholas snickered. "Sure, sure. Whatever you say, boss man. But seriously, you shouldn't be this worried about something that happened in the past right? Her being with that Lane's puppet was
~ Iris POV ~ I walked back to my room, my heart heavy with guilt and confusion. I couldn't shake off the look Leigh had given me when he saw Chad and I. There was a mix of hurt, anger, and disappointment in his eyes. I felt like I had betrayed him, even though I knew I hadn't done anything wrong. As I entered my room, I let out a deep sigh and collapsed onto my bed. Why did I still have feelings for Leigh? I had already rejected him, and he was engaged to someone else. I even thought that I had been able to condition my heart to not think about him. But seeing him today, looking so hurt and angry... it brought all my emotions flooding back. I scurried to my drawer and brought out the handkerchief he had given me when we first met. I had hidden it away, hoping that if I didn't see it, then I would stop thinking about him, but it wasn't working. I caressed the T emblem on it, it felt warm but his smell no longer lingered on this piece of clothing. Now it just smelled like old clothe
We walked all the way to the back of the servants quarter, and when I felt we were at a safe distance where we could talk without being eaves dropped on, I stopped on my tracks and turned to her. Her expression was neutral but her hands were still folded. I dropped the bag of sorvenir Chad had handed to me on a wooden seat by the side."You have something to say to me, don't you?" I broke the silence.She lowered her gaze, before raising it up to meet mine again. "Remember when we first started working here, I had asked you to be careful of the Masters right?" Her voice was strict, and I felt like I knew the direction this conversation was heading. I bit my lips and lowered my gaze."Just say what you want to say Gina." I mumbled and she sighed before moving closer to me and unfolding her arms."I know," she started, "I know you are confused about this whole issue with the Masters, and now there is Miss Eleanor to worry about. And avoiding them is not an option either because you work
"Move your lazy asses, we have a ball to plan!" A senior servant yelled and clapping her hands together to get everyone's attention. "Pack Master wants this to be a night to remember, so let's get to work! And mistakes would not be tolerated or Miss Felice would be sure to kick you out." She warned.The other servants scurried into action, each knowing their tasks. Clara, a young and nimble servant who was part of the new recruits, began arranging the silverware and fine china in the dining hall. "Tara, have you polished the candelabras?" she asked a fellow servant."Not yet, I couldn't find them. The older servants would search for them.""We need to get it done quickly or we would be yelled at." She said worried.Meanwhile, in the kitchen, The senior kitchen servant was barking orders at the kitchen staff. "More flour, Anne! We need to make sure those pastries are light as air. And don't forget to add the sugar!""I'm going to die!" Anne whined as usual as she struggled to keep up.
As the bathroom door creaked open, Eleanor emerged, her face pale. My eyes widened with concern as I approached her. Eleanor's usually impeccable hair was now tangled and damp, her eyes sunken and her skin sallow. She had also washed off her make-up she spent so much time on. She leaned against the doorframe, her hand on her stomach, as if still trying to catch her breath."Are you okay?" I asked worried as I approached her."Don't come near me! Stay there." She said weakly and I stopped on my steps.I felt a surge of worry as I watched her, my mind racing with possibilities. She suddenly had the urge to throw up after sniffing on the croissant I had brought from the kitchen. Maybe she was allergic to something in it?Eleanor's gaze met mine, and for a moment, we just stared at each other. I saw a flicker of embarrassment and annoyance in her eyes, followed by a stern warning. Eleanor's lips pressed together, and she shook her head slightly, as if to say, "Don't ask, don't tell."I no
I was on my bed some where between being half asleep and awake when my alarm rang aggressively in my ears. It was 3:30pm on the dot and I needed to wake Miss Eleanor up by 4::00pm to start getting ready. I hurried to the bathroom and freshened up before rushing to her room. She hasn't even picked out her outfit yet."Hey," someone held onto my arms as I was scurrying along. I looked up to see Chad's smiling face. "Where are you hurrying off to?" He asked."I need to make sure Miss Eleanor is settled and ready on time." I said hastily as I continued on my step but he pulled me back and held me in place."I know you are in a hurry but please walk carefully. You might bump into someone with this pace, and you know the guards are busy lifting heavy objects." He said concerned. I smiled and nodded at him as I released myself from his grip and strided more carefully to my destination.I arrived at her room at exactly 3:56pm. I knocked lightly and let myself in. She was still in bed, so I w
The grand ballroom was abuzz with excitement and elegance, filled with the cream of society, all gathered to see and be seen. The air was electric with anticipation, as guests mingled and chatted, their laughter and conversations mingling with the sweet strains of the orchestra. Everyone showcasing their lovely outfits, wanting to outshine the other.Gentlemen, dashing in their finery, escorted their partners with ease, their eyes shining with charm and sophistication.Candlelight flickered, casting a warm glow over the scene, as the scent of flowers and expensive perfume wafted through the air. The dance floor was a whirlwind of movement, with couples gliding with ease across the floor in perfect harmony.Servants moved discreetly through the crowds, refilling glasses and offering delicate canapés, their faces expressionless but their eyes shining with curiosity as they moved around."Make sure we aren't out of champagne." Gina ordered the servants. Miss Felice was with the Pack mast
~ Iris POV ~Three years had passed since the blood and chaos of that night in Luka’s mansion, three years since I had looked into the cold, dead eyes of Luka Lane. In those three years, Leigh and I had built a life together, a sanctuary away from the shadows of the past. Our own mansion was where we lived now, far away from the main Troy mansion. Two years ago, under the glow of the full moon, we had finally become one, our souls bound together in a love forged in fire and tempered by time. He had made me his mate and we were blessed by the moon goddess. Leigh had sworn not to return to the old Troy mansion until the old Alpha breathed his last and he had kept to his words, it was a heart breaking but necessary severing of ties. We had found our own happiness, clinging to each other as we navigated our own future together.Today also, was a day for celebration. Nicolas and Clarisse were finally tying the knot. The air in our bedroom was thick with the pleasant chaos of getting rea
~ Leigh’s POV ~My lungs burned, each ragged breath shot pain through my entire body. But I knew I had to forget this pain I was feeling, I knew the ceremony was fast approaching, and Travis was unreachable this whole time too so we did not know whether he had arrived Lane’s pack or not. There was no time. No time to rest, no time to fully heal. Iris was in danger and I must save her.Every fibre of my being screamed at me to move faster, to bridge the impossible distance that separated us. Every mile felt like a lifetime, every rustle of leaves a potential delay. Clarisse was so worried. “I can’t reach Travis… we don’t know if he made it.” She said on the way. Nicolas’s updated us not too long after. “Travis just called… they encountered heavy resistance. It is clear that Luka anticipated them.” I clenched my jaw. That bastard. He is indeed an old weasel. “No matter what,” I snarled, “we break through and defeat him. We have to.”And we did. The fight was brutal. When we arrive
What I felt inside wasn’t just a power. It was an understanding. An understanding that made me feel ancient, yet utterly present, as if the moon goddess and I were two halves of a perfect whole. My vision were sharpened, and I could see everything. Every sin, every judgement. Every weakness and strength. I could see it all. With a roar that echoed through the hall, I launched myself at Luka, and flinged him far, sending him crashing against the wall. He hadn’t even fully regained his footing before I slammed into him again, sending his hulking form sprawling again once more. My eyes, I could feel, burned with an otherworldly light, fixed on Luka with an intensity that made him flinch.“Your opponent is me, Luka Lane!” I stated, my voice resonating with a newfound authority, a power that was both mine and something far more greater.Luka snarled, pushing himself up, his grey fur bristling. “So, the little moonflower has finally found her thorns, huh! Too bad for little one, you shoul
Travis’s strength was visibly slipping away but I could only watch. Each blow, each snarl, seemed to cost him more. Then, the unthinkable happened. Luka, with a brutal swiftness, plunged his massive claws deep into Travis’s chest. An agonizing shout ripped through the air, a sound that tore at my soul.Luka ripped his claws out, and Travis’s powerful wolf form faltered. He crashed to the ground, as a dark stain of blood spread rapidly under him. His gaze was filled with pain and exhaustion, flickered towards me. In his eyes, I saw a heart breaking message. “I’m tired. I tried.” That’s all I could see in his eyes. He was tired and I was powerless. Tears streamed down my face, blurring the horrific scene before me.Luka with his eyes gleaming with a cruel triumph, loomed over Travis. “Insect!” he sneered as he opened his massive jaws, ready to deliver the killing blow, aiming for Travis’s throat.“NO!” The shriek tore from my own throat, it was a desperate shout, hoping it could somehow
“What was that sound?” Archie demanded of the guards turned towards the door.They all looked confused as their eyes darted nervously around “We… do not know Alpha,” one stammered, “but it sounds… it sounds like someone is blowing the place up.”My heart leaped into my throat. Could it be? Could it possibly be him? A flicker of desperate hope ignited in me, chasing away the fear in my heart. Leigh was here. It had to be Leigh. He wouldn’t let them keep me here.Archie’s jaw tightened, his gaze locking onto mine, then a cruel smirk twisted on his lips. “Keep her contained,” he snarled at the servants who stood. “Do not let her escape. I will go and see what this… disturbance… is.” He shot me one last venomous look before turning and striding out of the room, the guards hurrying after him.My mind was a whirlwind of possibilities. Explosions? Fighting? It had to be Leigh. My eyes felt hot with unshed tears of relief and anticipation. He was here. He was really here to save me.“Come my
Sleep. That word felt foreign. After what I had heard from Ethel, how could I possibly fall asleep. The locked door was a solid testament to my captivity, and the high, narrow window offered no solace at all or a route of escape. I was trapped, and those guards were outside watching. I paced back and forth in the confines of the room. My mind was running like a hamster on a wheel with no way to stop. As I turned sharply, my foot caught on the edge of the bed, sending me sprawling on the ground hard. The back of my head slammed against the marble floor, as a sharp blinding pain shot through me. A loud groan escaped my lips, and for a dizzying moment, darkness threatened to take me again. But then, as the pain subsided, a torrent of memories, sharp and vivid, began to flood my consciousness wildly. The fragmented dreams, the unsettling whispers, the faces I couldn’t quite grasp, they all snapped into place with startling clarity. I could remember everything all of a sudden. I wasn’t
This was supposed to be my escape, but it wasn’t anymore as there were about two dozens of imposing figures, their faces grim and unyielding, lined in the corridor, their presence suffocating the last grasp of hope Ethel had built in me. And Luka Lane just stood there watching us, his very stillness radiating an icy authority. His grey eyes were as sharp as shards of glass.Ethel, who had moments ago been very courageous was now visibly trembling beside me. Her breath hitched in her throat and her hand clutched my own tightly, her fingers digging into my skin. Luka’s lips peeled back into a slow, cruel sneer. “Well, well, well,” he drawled, his voice a violent threat that sent shivers and sweat running down my temples. “I guess you are playing hide and seek in the dead of night, my little runaway? And you, Ethel? Playing accomplice are you?” he sneered.Ethel’s voice, when she finally managed to speak, was full of tremor. “Father… we were just… she wasn’t feeling well. I was only ta
~ Iris POV ~From the moment I woke up, I felt uneasy. It was like there was something pressing against my chest. It was because I knew tomorrow was fast approaching. Tomorrow was the day I was supposed to become Luka Lane’s mate. The thought felt like air was being sucked out of my lungs. This morning, my gown had also arrived and I was made to come test it out. It was truly beautiful and a perfect fit. Perfect for my discomfort actually, because there is no way I would be happy wearing that knowing who my groom is.I got confined to my room afterwards, under the guise of pre wedding pampering, felt more like imprisonment, like they have been doing since I got here. On the brief walk back from the gown testing room, I saw how everyone was busy with activity. Servants scurried with floral arrangements, and trying to get things arranged. I sighed heavily as I jumped on my bed with a thud. My gaze drifted to the window, and I yearned to feel the cool night air on my face, to run until
“Nicolas,” I repeated, my voice rough, “What happened to Iris?” The silence that followed stretched longer than I thought necessary. It was so thick and suffocating, and this silence just seemed to amplify the frantic thumping of my heart.Nicolas shifted his weight uncomfortably, his gaze fixed on the hard cold floor. He finally sighed, a sound heavy with reluctance. “Leigh please. You need to focus on getting better. This isn’t something you should be worrying about right now.” He tried to reason. It was not a reasonable thing for him to say though. At least to me.I hissed harshly. The dismissive tone ignited a spark of fury within me, overriding the weakness that still clung to my limbs. I pushed myself up against the pillows, the sudden movement causing a sharp tug on the IV drip in my wrist, sending a jolt of pain through my arm and to my brain. “I cannot relax Nicolas! Iris is out there, in Luka Lane’s clutches. What do you think he wants with her? It’s not a good thing obvious