CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-NINEHAZEL'S POV {One Year Later}I pushed the baby in the cot, hearing him moan and look up at me with twinkling eyes. “Sweet Dennis, you know you want to sleep. Don't give mom a headache. You know I should be with the twins, right? It's their birthday, and you had me with you all day.” I said, touching his cheeks, and he giggled. His giggle— my freedom.After Xander had been banished, and Melissa had been cast into the dungeon, I'd been so traumatized. She'd truly given birth to a baby, but it had been given to Xander. That was the last thing Darius could do to compensate him as a Beta as he sent him off to never return. As for Melissa? She remained in the dungeon. The moment she gave birth to the baby, she hated it. She complained the baby didn't give her freedom and seeing it made her remember Xander whom she painted to be a traitor and a snitch. Staying in the dungeon had broken her and the maids whispered of how she murmurs inaudible words,
CHAPTER ONEHAZEL PRATTA sudden cascade of cold liquid jolted me from my sleep, leaving me disoriented and staring in shock at my soaked dress. Was there a leak in the ceiling? Was it raining?“Sleep, that's all she ever does. When will you ever get your work complete? We don't have all day!” Lucian's voice cut through the confusion, making me shrink back in fear.It hadn’t rained. It was my stepfather, Lucian. He hurled the bucket he had been holding, striking me squarely in the stomach. I winced in pain.“There's work to be done!” he barked. “Yet you lay here shamelessly and even dare to sleep.”I glanced around the workload in the kitchen and wondered how they got there. The piles of plates, the soup stains on the floor, flour on the table and soiled dish cloths. I could swear I had tidied up the place before sitting down to rest. Then I may have fallen asleep in the processBut one thing I was certain of was that, I had cleaned up earlier, else how would I dare sleep?“I-I’m sorr
CHAPTER TWOHAZEL PRATTDesperation clawed at me. When the house finally fell silent, I slipped out of my window. I had no idea where I was going, but I knew I had to run. I would rather die than be given to the Rogue King.I ran blindly through the dark, my heart pounding in my chest. Eventually, I found myself heading toward the Beta's house. Things had been awkward between the beta and I since he proposed his feelings to me. I didn't like him romantically so I didn't validate his feelings. But now I was in deep shit and he was the only person I could turn to.I prayed the Moon Goddess would make him help me.When I knocked on Sylvester’s door, he answered with a look of surprise. "Hazel? What a pleasant surprise.”I forced a smile, “Hey Beta Sylvester.”“What are you doing here?”I glanced around me quickly in fear that I was being followed. “Please, may I come in? I will explain.”He led me inside, concern etched on his face. "What brings you here at this hour?”Tears spilled dow
CHAPTER THREEKING DARIUSThe moment I strode into the auction hall, walking majestically toward a seat, the noisy people's attention was suddenly drawn to me and the hall immediately became dead silent. There were whispers and murmurs and while I walked, the men scurried from my path, which I didn't give much attention to. "It's the rogue King"It's him" "What is he doing here?"I could hear their hushed whispers but kept my brow furrowed and my jaw tightened while I scanned the room, searching for her. Still wondering if she had been bought, I walked to the front row, still looking for her. And at the sight of me, a man scurried away from his seat, leaving me to it. With a sigh of frustration after not seeing what seemed like her, I occupied the seat, relaxing my back to the chair and my hands on my lap before nodding at the auctioneer who was gaping at me to continue. And the music picked up immediately. I ignored the piercing gazes and scanned the room, my eyes narrowing when I
CHAPTER FOUR “Ten thousand,” I said and added more gold coins. “Ten thousand for her. She's mine. I must have her."“Sold!” the auctioneer declared, slamming the hammer down. And before I could stop myself, I heaved a heavy sigh of relief. And it occured to me that was how bad I wanted her. There was anger in the man's eyes and he looked at me with disdain. “Don't you think it's ridiculous to spend that amount of money on a mere woman? Besides, most of them auctioned here are whores” he said nonchalantly, making me stop on my track. I swiftly took a few strides toward him, grabbed his throat firmly and pushed him to the wall while he struggled with his breath, wiggling his feet in the air. My claws sprouted and pierced his throat while drops of blood slid down his neck. "Did you call my mate... a whore?!" My eyes darkened and my grip held on tightly to his throat, he appeared as if his eyes would pop out any second. The men around began to murmur and move away from the scene. How
CHAPTER FIVE KING DARIUS “I'm pregnant, Darius.” Melissa's words rang in my head. It took me a minute to regain myself. “You're pregnant?” I asked. “Yes.” She said more firmly. I noticed the maids eavesdropping on our conversation. “Let's talk somewhere private.” I said to Melissa. “You.” I pointed at the maid who was cleaning the fireplace. “Yes, your majesty.” She rushed to me, her voice quivering with fear as she spoke. “Were you eavesdropping on my conversation?” I asked, my voice dripping with venom. “I wouldn't dare to, your majesty.” She said in an almost whisper, her head hung low. I would have ordered she be beheaded or thrown in the dungeon, but I don't want my mate to think bad of me or fear me, so I decided to let it pass. “Take this woman to the room close to mine and make sure she is settled in. If she complains about even an ounce of discomfort, you are dead meat, do you understand?” I questioned. “Yes, your majesty.” She said and bowed slightly befo
CHAPTER SIX HAZEL “This is your room, do you need anything, ma'am?” The lady that led me in asked. I shook my head sideways while still trying to take in the environment. Then I turned to look at her with a sad smile “I don't need anything, thank you.” She bowed slightly before exiting the room. I took in my surroundings. The room was so spacious that it could fit the living room at Lucian's house. It has a queen sized bed in the middle, a big lamp on the bedstand, the dressing table was aligned with different types of make up. I walked to the center of the room relishing on how soft the fluffy center rug felt under my barefoot.Then I walked to the walk-in closet. There were few clothes inside, mostly t-shirts and jeans. Well, I don't have to bother about clothes then since I had none with me. As I walked out, my eyes caught my reflection in the mirror, I looked miserable. I decided to go take a shower. A gasp escaped my lips as I walked into the bathroom. I had no
CHAPTER SEVEN KING DARIUS It's been five days since Hazel started living in the mansion. I haven't catch a single glimpse of her in those five days. She had kept herself confined in her room. I've always ordered that her food be taken up to her room when she doesn't come down for food. I didn't want to go to her room because I figured she would need some space to adjust, but my patience started thinning out on the sixth day. “She still hasn't stepped out of her room?” I asked the maid that was standing at a corner, with her head bowed.“No, your majesty.” She responded, eyes fixed to the ground. I sighed getting agitated already. “Leave.” I said and she scrambled off almost immediately. I sat down on the bed and rubbed my chin thoughtfully. I have to find a way to talk to her. I haven't even gotten to know her yet not to talk of marking her. The only thing I know about her is her name and about her stepfather and step sister. And my wolf has been growing impatient with ea
CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-NINEHAZEL'S POV {One Year Later}I pushed the baby in the cot, hearing him moan and look up at me with twinkling eyes. “Sweet Dennis, you know you want to sleep. Don't give mom a headache. You know I should be with the twins, right? It's their birthday, and you had me with you all day.” I said, touching his cheeks, and he giggled. His giggle— my freedom.After Xander had been banished, and Melissa had been cast into the dungeon, I'd been so traumatized. She'd truly given birth to a baby, but it had been given to Xander. That was the last thing Darius could do to compensate him as a Beta as he sent him off to never return. As for Melissa? She remained in the dungeon. The moment she gave birth to the baby, she hated it. She complained the baby didn't give her freedom and seeing it made her remember Xander whom she painted to be a traitor and a snitch. Staying in the dungeon had broken her and the maids whispered of how she murmurs inaudible words,
CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-EIGHTMELISSA'S POV I yawned, stepping out of the room to get myself something to eat. Perhaps, it was just my intuition, but the house felt strangely quiet. The fridge light reflected on my face as I pulled it open, and I saw that Hazel's food for the day hadn't been given to her. “Are you planning to starve her now that we're going to kill her?” I called out, “Well, good riddance!”My voice bounced back to me in echoes, and I stepped back, “Xander?” My feet crossed the living room quickly to the room he usually slept, and I pushed open the door. He wasn't there. Did he really go to a hotel, or was he down in the basement with Hazel?Turning around, I went straight to the basement, and pushed it open, looking inside as I switched on the light. Hazel wasn't there!It hit me like a bolt of terror. “Xander! Hazel!” I called into the empty basement as if they would reply from some hiding place.“No, no! Stop thinking crazy thoughts, Melissa!” Quickl
CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-SEVENHAZEL’S POV I couldn't believe it when Xander was loosing the ropes from me. I was finally free. My hands were so white, and devoid of blood, completely lifeless. After freeing my legs, he helped me rise to my feet, but I fell back almost immediately. He caught me, and we waited a while for me to be able to regain the feeling in my legs. Walking was strange and difficult after being tied up for so long, but after taking a few steps, I finally began to get the hang of it, my heart pounding in excitement as we left the house. Xander took me in his car to the mansion, and I rubbed my hands in anxiety. I would see my kids. I would see Darius. Night had fallen completely by the time we got to the mansion, and when the guards at the gate saw Xander, they gave a signal, and different guards came out from different angles, surrounding us with weapons trained on us. “Beta Xander, you have been…” A guard began.“I know. I know… just take me to the Kin
CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-SIXXANDER’S POV As Melissa walked past me, my hands balled into a fist, and shook so much that I couldn't even find a way to calm myself. She had crossed the line. She had done way too much. She had said way too much!My chest burned intensely, as a wild heat rampaged around, spreading deep within me, like a fire racing down a forest, burning everything in sight. Damn everything. Damn it all. I wouldn't let her have what she wanted. My baby! She was going to give it to Darius. And then killed Hazel? That was impossible. Yes, I'm mad at Hazel, but I still love her and wouldn't just let her die. The thought ate at me for hours, digging deep inside of me, probing me, disturbing me, until I finally realized I couldn't stay still. Hazel couldn't just die like that. I know it sounds crazy to not want her dead after everything she did to me, but for the sake of the past… perhaps just for the past…I stormed down to the basement where she stayed tied u
CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-FIVE MELISSA’S POV Yes, Three long weeks went past, and my life became so static, and stagnant. Seeing Hazel’s face everyday honestly made me want to puke. At times, I’d meet her praying for her kids, and that would anger me more. She’d become a kind of punching bag for me because I vented my full anger on her whenever I felt like it. As for Xander, I didn’t know how he was doing it. For the time being, there was no trouble even with Darius having the kids, so I guessed all was going well. Perhaps he’d been avoiding Darius, although that was almost impossible and risking.However, how he handled it wasn’t really my problem. The only thing he’d become useful for was pleasing my body’s sexual desires. When he wasn’t doing that, everything else he was doing naturally became annoying. That very morning, I woke with a fever; something that was very rare for me to have. I got up, took some water, but my headache only got worse. Eventually, I crawled back
CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-FOUR DARIUS’ POV {Three Weeks Later}The last three weeks that passed were hectic. Azel was still so closed off, and wouldn’t talk to me. He would not eat, and get me worried so much that I’d have to ask Theresa to find out what he wants, and take care of him so he wouldn’t get sick. Recently, things got worse. Azella, who was the more receptive one suddenly locked herself up, and wouldn’t leave her room. It was what baffled me the most, and caused me sleepless nights. A knock sounded on my door, and Theresa came in, holding Azel, who had a lollipop in his mouth, and a scowl on his face. “Yes?” “You asked for my report. Azella still won’t come out, and keeps crying. She won't let anyone talk to her.” She said, and I pushed aside the hectic work on my desk, with a sigh, before rising to my feet. Damn. My men were all over, looking for Melissa now. She’d simply gone off the grid. Her phone was untrackable. All of her records were blank. How she did
CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-THREE DARIUS’ POV {The Previous Day}My heart stirred as I beheld the two children before me. My kids. Seeing the girl again, my resemblance was present in her shining face. And the boy… he was a combination of me and Hazel. They were really my kids—my heirs. They were… mine. The feeling in my chest felt tight. Like I couldn’t breathe. Just the pain of seeing them so close to me. I’d missed so many important things in their lives. Things I wanted to do with my heirs—take first steps, go out somewhere nice, hear them call my name. The girl smiled happily, her cheeks turning a deep pink as her adorable smile reached her ears. However, the boy had a deep-seated frown on his face, making him look more like me instead of Hazel. I raised my hand, and the guards following all came to stand behind me.“Take the kids in. Give them to Theresa. Food, water, clothes, a bed… give them everything they need.” I said, and they nodded, going to the kids. Azella'
CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-TWOMELISSA'S POV Damn it. I was drunk.She was probably not in her right senses too. The silence was too thick, and my eyes fell on his lips. Firm, smooth, full… like a magnetic attraction, I was drawn to them, and couldn't take my eyes off them. And he made the move. He placed his hand behind my head, and bent to kiss me. It was when his lips touched mine that I knew it—my body ached to be loved. It ached to be wanted, wanted to be remembered. I'd spend so many years aching for Darius who never looked my way that I forgot what my body craved, and needed. My tears dropped as the kiss between me and Xander ran deeper, like we wanted to devour the whole of us, tongues gliding over tongues, over lips. My hands found the hardness of his chest, roaming around it as the feet seemed to pull out from underneath me. I fell against him, and he supported me, since the world was becoming unstable. My fingers ended up ripping his buttons, pulling his shirt
CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-ONEMELISSA'S POV PRESENTLY “The kids are what?” I asked, shocked. “Missing for three days.” My whole world crashed on me. They were dead. Two malnourished kids on their own for three days. They were dead. What would I do? My hands slowly threaded into my hair. If Darius ever found out…What would be my plan? What exactly was the whole plan from the start. Darius was never supposed to find out. He found out, and ruined everything. His patience would soon wear thin. He would soon realize that I would never ask for anything, and all I wanted was their deaths. What exactly was my plan?My hands fell limply to my sides, and I turned away from my parents, feeling the devastation continue to creep on me, snatching my chest in its iron grip. “Melissa! Where are you going in that manner? You…”“Don't act like you care! You ruined me!” I screamed, without even looking back. I needed to think. There was no way I'd see the twins if I wanted to start search