Conrad went to knock on the first unit’s door. An old man came out to meet him.
He was squinting at the newcomer, “Can I help you?”
“Uh, yes. I’m wondering if you have an available room for me to rent.”
The man looked him up and down. “I’m Sergov. What’s your name?”
“Conrad.”
“Do you work around here? How long would you be renting? I don’t normally take anything less than three months.”
“Well, in that case I can do three months.” He doesn’t care about the money he will be spending.
“I do require all three months’ worth of payment as initial payment, though.”
“That’s alright. I have the money. How much would that be?”
The old man raised an eyebrow. He can tell money wasn’t an issue to the younger man. If he’s a little greedy, he would have charged him more. Unfortunate
When Alice woke up a few hours later, she was red in the face. She hoped he didn’t sense anything. He might be close enough to smell such a thing. Hopefully, he’s too busy to notice. Groaning, she got up to wash. She changed into her home clothes before preparing her dinner.After eating, there’s really nothing else to do. There are a few books in her room, lent by a coworker. But her ears strained to listen. There’s some scraping but it was barely noticeable. What is he scraping? For tonight, she could only stare at the door.What is she to do now?Conrad was smiling as he cleaned up his new place. He found her. She’s close by. She’s not exactly pushing him away. He’s convinced his chances are high. He’s used to neat and clean, so he seriously tidied up the place. It also felt like he’s cleaning his own mess, his past mistakes. He’s correcting them now and hoping for good results.It was already
Alice heard his conversation that night and wondered what idea he got.She didn’t need to wait long before she learned the answer. He brought her flowers every day. He would eat meals at the restaurant during her shift. It’s a bit embarrassing but he would sometimes bring her snacks from other places. She refuses to eat with him, so this is the most he can do.At one point, she told him to stop. It’s disrupting her work. He only did when he heard her being scolded by a manager or something. He wanted to apologize, too, since it’s his fault, not hers. She glared at him when he walked her home and reminded him again to stop sending packages from other restaurants.“I just thought that by now you would have eaten every dish the restaurant offers. I don’t think you would want to be given food you’ve tasted many times already.” He grimaced as she sighed.Wolves who grew up in their territory don’t know anyt
He followed and watched over her closed door. What should he do now?She doesn’t have much potions. He’ll have to assure her that she can survive beyond that. He went into his room and grabbed his bag. Time to give her what he brought.He knocked on her door and waited for more than a minute.Alice knew it was him right outside but she hasn’t pulled herself together yet. She wanted to cry but couldn’t. She mildly slapped herself before taking deep breaths. What does he want now?She silently asked him the question as she opened the door.“Can I come in? I have something to tell you.”She hesitated. He might get the wrong idea if she lets him in. She has never done so since he arrived.“I promise I won’t do anything inappropriate.” He pleaded with his eyes.“You can just tell me here.”Conrad pursed his lips. “I also have something to give you.&
Alice tossed and turned on the bed. She tried many times to sleep but she just couldn’t. Her mind kept changing its stance. She should come up with a final answer. Maybe then, her mind would stop bothering her. When Conrad left her unit, she did cry. Silently. Then, she realized he would still hear her sobs, no matter how much she suppresses them. She openly cried, then. A lot of things went through her head at the same time, it gave her a little headache. It was as if there’s an unforeseen pressure from all the swirling thoughts in her mind. As usual, there are two opposing opinions. She would like to accept his offer. She would like someone to be with her. She would like to share all the things she’s experiencing with another person. And for that person, there’s no better choice than her own mate. Conrad. He’s a good man. She just didn’t think he would really choose her over their pack. She feels bad. There’s a feeling of guilt, but it was not as bad as the
Whenever there’s a reason for her to let go of his hand, she did. Taking items off the shelf and putting them on the cart, she would distance herself from him. Conrad let her, but whenever her hands are idle, he would take one in his. This process repeated itself many times as they went around the grocery store. They lightly talked about ordinary things. He asked about the items she took, especially the food and snacks.“What do you normally eat at your place?” He noticed all the frozen food she grabbed.She shrugged before saying she eats at the restaurant and whatever’s in the cart.His lip twitched. These can’t be healthy. But then again, they’re wolves. They can even eat raw meat if they needed to.He began to ask her what living with humans are like. Even though he’d been here for a few weeks now, he hasn’t exactly interacted with many of them. Just a few, when he needed to. He mostly followed her around.“It’s fine. I don’t think there’s another wolf in this town. It was fairly
She knew he almost lost control of his desire. She quickly entered her unit and locked it, too. Biting her lip, she recalled how he kissed her. A mix of gentleness and passion. Soon, her thoughts were flooded by memories of the nights they shared together. Groaning, she walked to her bed and threw her bag on the side.He was keeping his word to her. Not once did he mention the pack and going back. So far, at least. That night, her dreams were filled with their past. The happy memories she had.She was woken up by a voice in her head.Let’s eat breakfast together. I’m cooking.She frowned for a minute before realizing it was him.What are you cooking? She asked as she got up from the bed and stretching her limbs. She decided to take a shower first and change her clothes.Meat. Eggs. There’s soup. What do you want to eat? He replied almost instantly.Are you still cooking? I’ll be there in ten minutes.Yeah. Alright. Take your time. You just woke up, aren’t you?Yeah. Get out of my head
“Alright. Thank you, Landon.”“It’s no problem. Glad you’re both safe. And I’m sorry for the blunder. I’ll now call Alex and give him a talking to. Contact me if you need anything else.”“Got it. Thank you. Really.” Alice replied this time, seeing Conrad was deep in thought.After a couple of minutes, he asked her to check the map to Millcoast. Alice focused on the phone. She can do this much.They’re on the right track, at least. After that, she set aside his phone and hugged her bag. She was nodding off but she refused to succumb to sleep.“You should sleep. Get some rest, Alice.”She looked uncomfortable. “How could I? I should at least accompany you.”“You’re here. You’re accompanying me.”“Still…”“Later, I would probably sleep for a while. I’ll need you to keep watch of our surroundings, then. So, sleep, Alice. You’ll help me later if you do.”“Oh, okay.” When he explained it like that, she clearly understood the reasoning.He parked the vehicle for a moment to help her into a m
His body relaxed and she heard his sighs of relief.“Alice?” His voice was a whisper in the silent room.“Hmm, do you need anything?”The man didn’t reply and she continued to press on his back and arms. She sat on the bed and leaned on the headboard when she’s done. She’s very much awake and alert. She played with his hair until the doorbell rang. The food arrived and she paid for them. Huh, she didn’t think they would smell so good. After setting them on the little table, she stared at Conrad. They ate enough food earlier. Right now, he needs sleep more than food.Alice took a deep breath and ate alone. She kept her senses on alert, pausing every five minutes to listen to their surroundings. She’s tensed whenever new people approaches the place. After her meal, she went to clean up before joining him on the bed. She’s well-rested so she’s not sleepy at all. Pursing her lips, she tried not to think of their current situation but failed. They found them so fast and it was her fault. I
Alice woke up feeling tickled. Her mate was pressing kisses behind her ear and along her neck. She moaned lightly, grasping the arm around her waist. “Good morning.” Conrad slightly got up and pressed a kiss on her lips, eventually sitting on the bed. Ever since Liana came, they were able to relax and rest properly. They were very grateful. The woman was an elite vampire. She was born a vampire, not turned. Her father was an elite, whereas her mother was turned. She was able to explain what’s going on with Ice and assured them that there’s nothing to worry about. The red eyes are apparently due to feeling extreme emotions, mostly irritation. But it can also be due to extreme happiness or sadness. The need for blood would depend on several factors. As a baby, a small amount should suffice. Consuming more blood than necessary is also not recommended. It could get addicting and could prove troublesome. Liana didn’t elaborate but simply mentioned it’s a case most vampires try to avoid. T
“Give me a moment.” She replied and went to stare at herself in the mirror. Yes, they do have reflections. She took a few deep breaths while organizing the information she has gotten. She’s quite skilled and she knew the woman told her the truth when she asked questions.A new place… but how would she be treated in a place infested with wolves? Their natural enemy? Would it be better than her current situation? She hesitated and bit her lip. She had to play this well to her advantage.She took a few more deep breaths before standing straight and exuding the confidence she normally wears.She got out and the couple were waiting for her. She stood there, sizing them up. The way the woman clings to his side, such affection… she was tempted to sigh.“Then, should we get a table and chat? What would you like to eat?” The place is half-bar, half-restaurant.Liana nodded and gestured for them to lead the way. Caleb scanned her once, not letting his guard down. She rolled her eyes at him. Do
For a few months, they observed the twin’s growth, especially Ice. He seems fine and wasn’t troublesome. Well, all they do is eat, play and sleep. Cry and poop. That was the cycle. It’s fairly ordinary. Caleb has been coordinating with their members in the city, asking them to help locate a few vampires, preferably females. He’s assuming they would be easier to talk to. Huh. If it’s a male, he could already picture the aggression and the unwillingness to engage in a conversation. Their view on hybrids is similar to wolves, or any other species for that matter. They do not treat them kindly. Some may be indifferent but that’s not the general stance. Lourianne wanted to go with him and he hesitated. “We’ll see. If the person isn’t too dangerous, I will take you. Do you want to visit your parents?” Her eyes lit up. Of course, she does. Caleb chuckled seeing her excitement. “I’ll take you. I’ll let you stay with them for a while if it’s dangerous. If not, you’re with me.” “Great. Than
“Ah, shit…” Conrad softly cursed. “What is it?” Alice quickly asked him. It was as if he came to know something. “Could he be a full-pledged vampire? They’re normally pale and cold to the touch, right?” To him, it’s better than having a dead son. It doesn’t matter to him, he would accept the child. It’s still his own blood and flesh. The problem would be how other people perceive him. Not to mention, other packs may also have their own opinions. Alice heard him and carefully eyed both babies. They’re easy to distinguish because of it, even though their appearance looks the same at the moment. She took a deep breath, trying to calm herself. She also understands the possible implications of this birth. “We’ll figure it out later. What’s important is that they’re both here, alive and well. Healthy and safe. And you as well. Aren’t you tired? Rest for a while.” Conrad kissed her cheek before taking the second baby off her and hugging it. He figured the first baby would be better off on
“So, what happens now?” Alice asked as they watched those men leaving their territory.Conrad glanced at her. He’d been extremely relieved that she stayed and did not have any desire to leave. He’d been worried and every night he would somehow tell her how much he needs her. The first few days, he could tell she still entertained the idea, albeit not seriously. When she began to be productive around the pack, he began to relax and focus on his own responsibilities.“We rebuild the pack. We keep on training. We’ll improve security even more. We’ll be ready for any trouble.” He firmly replied to her, gently squeezing her hand.She audibly sighed as they eyed the forests. It’s not the end. It’s only the beginning. But she hoped to have a few years of peace before any kind of trouble arrives.Caleb and Lourianne wanted a separate home, but not too far from the pack house. It was fine. Not everyone lives in the pack house. It’s more like a headquarters for the Alpha and the other officers.
They rested but they couldn’t sleep properly. Early in the morning, both of them decided to go out and help with the clean-up and restoration of the territory. Mostly, it’s only the men they saw.Conrad told her to stay close. Along with everyone else, their expressions were solemn as they did their tasks.The men already managed to bury the dead last night. Their Alpha told them to rest as those who rested last night began to rise and show up on the grounds. Caleb also showed up, but his expression was grim. Lourianne was still in hysterics, blaming herself. It was difficult to keep her calm.“Can you accompany her?” He asked Alice but Conrad wanted to beat him up when he heard his request.“The hell are you asking her? You want my mate to break down as well?” He berated through the link.His younger brother grimaced. He hasn’t considered that. All he knew was that since Alice felt the same way before, she might be able to help Lourianne overcome her emotions.Alice noticed their exp
Conrad wanted to be quick. He doesn’t want to leave Alice for too long. This time, he wanted to be there for her, to be with her as they go through this loss and grieve. But alas, he couldn’t just not do any of his responsibilities as Alpha of the pack. Everyone who needed rest, he told them to take a break. Those who can still move around began the clean-up. They first dealt with their comrades, giving aid to those who are badly injured and in need of medical attention. Priorities. Marco brought Walter’s body deeper into the woods and began digging. They would set him on fire and witness his ruin before burying him. It has to be done. Otherwise, they can’t be sure if he planned some hocus-pocus or if his minions would. After their own were tended to, the rest went to gather the dead bodies. Their fallen members go in one side and the enemies go in another. Sure, they were cruder in handling the bastards’ bodies. There were cries and wailing as family members find their loved ones am
Conrad wouldn’t waste the opportunity. He knew such an action from Walter wasn’t natural. He could guess Alice has something to do with it.He clamped hard against his neck and ravaged him, tearing his flesh. There was a howl of pain and Alice struck him across the face. He told her to never position herself below an enemy, exposing her neck to vulnerability. He’s proud of how she’s applying the things she learned in real life.But it’s not that easy. Walter resisted and struggled, managing to swipe Alice away with such force that she was pushed back a few feet away. Conrad also persisted and wouldn’t let go of him. He was almost hugging the other wolf, keeping him in place. Alice returned within a minute and attacked his body. She wouldn’t dare hit him on the head, lest Conrad’s bite on him loosens. It became a matter of perseverance. Who would last longer? Who would tire out first? She could tell Conrad is already exhausted. He must have fought others earlier even before this bastar
Everything suddenly became a blur to her, which is bad. She’s moving on instinct and not truly aware of her surroundings and who she’s attacking. She fiercely growled before stalking behind a tree and calming herself. Both Caleb and Conrad told her how important it is for her to be fully conscious of her every action.Someone dared to sneak up on her and she mercilessly fought back. At this time, her nervousness died down, no longer rushing her and making her impatient. That’s good enough for her. She crouched down, laying low as she surveyed her surroundings again. The wolf within her began to feel agitated the longer they stay still.She began moving, pouncing on an enemy and sinking her fangs on their necks. She clawed at their bodies, striking them repeatedly until they no longer move. Whimpers and growls filled the air. Almost no one in sight is in their human form. This time she moved with purpose, methodically attacking one after another. Only by looking at her red eyes were wo