Maverick“Let… go… you mons—ter” he fought for breath as he tried to peel my hands which tightened against his neck off, his eyes were bloodshot red as his chest heaved, he was convulsing, veins had popped out of his forehead. I couldn't focus on anything at that moment other than strangling him to suffocation, I could feel my consciousness slipping away from me, I'm giving in, I'm slipping away, I'm losing control of him, which could be really bad, not only for Rowan, but also me.“St…op” His cries were like a solace to my ear, his pleas were like peace.My claws extended, digging into his neck, drawing out blood, he desperately clawed at my hands, as though that would make me leave him, but his claw marks kept healing upon infliction, just like trying to stab a water, nothing but a futile attempt.“Plea...se” he pleaded with an almost depleted breath. He was completely distrustful, as though fogs were slipping over him, clouding his senses until he could no longer claw at my hands
MaverickMy car pulled over at the driveway, I turned off the ignition, removed my keys, it took me a few minutes to stepped out of the car, I had delayed the process deliberately, I was a little frustrated that afternoon, I leaned against the car, basking in the scorching sunlight, not because I like the heat, but I felt like staying in it that afternoon would at least burn off that temper, melt down that inferno burning inside of me. My mind trailed back to what happened in the office, with Rowan staring at me as if he knew me whole, I lost control, and it was even more bothersome because I hadn't lost control in ages, I've always managed to cling unto that shred of sanity, cling unto that tiny spec of light, in that infinite darkness, that was swelling within me, threatening to swallow me whole.I wondered how much he knew… how much he knew to gain such confidence, or could it be nothing but a bluff? After all a dying man would clutch at a straw, however, what if he truly knew som
Maverick“What are you doing here!” I raised my voice at her this time. There was something distorted about her smile, and within my expectations, she didn't respond to me, nor did she say anything after those words.She glanced nonchalantly at me, and raised the knife to her lips, licking it to the tip, all while looking at me. She smiled and licked her lips afterwards, “At least be nice to your wife, won't you?” She repeated yet again, and that was when I realized something, aside from the aroma from the half eaten food, the apple didn't have any smell whatsoever, after all, apple do have this mouthwatering smell that makes you crave for one, but This woman before me had repeated the same actions, same words, and I knew if I were to ask what she was doing here, she's going to repeat that same words.I advanced towards her and inquired, “Alexandra, where are you?” She clasped her hands together and smiled, too broadly, almost eerie, “I knew you'd figured it out. And for your questi
EmberWith Clara gone, everywhere became silent, and boring, i have my eyes staring into the ceiling, reminiscing over what had happened in the past few years, it was just a few days ago when I was in Florida with Lyra, I was suddenly back here again in Arizona,A place I had begun my life, and the place everything came crashing down, everything I've ever cherished, loved, has. Truly, when you're alone you reminisce over everything, your mind will keep bringing them to you even if you don't want to. But what I couldn't understand was why Astrid would betray Derek that way. My mind flashed back to the time we spent together, the way Derek had loved her, even that day.FlashbackEntered into the house with my school bag slung on my shoulder. Certainly, Astrid must have made lunch, a bright smile plastered on my face, she's the best step mom one could ever wish for. Putting my phone on the dining, the last thing I need that afternoon is distraction, I've got plenty assignments to work
Ember“Are you here to see someone?” I asked, eyeing the man, walking closer to him.“Why are you stopping the boy from coming closer?” He curled an eyebrow.“Oh” realization hit me when I realized I was holding Kai back from going to him. Thinking about it— I know I shouldn't, he's his father after all.I should probably find the right time to tell him about Kai in the future, he deserves to know. Even though he might reject him, I will be totally okay with that. And I really hope that when that day comes, I'll be able to go back to Florida with my son, with every memory wiped from my brain, forgotten. And Kai's condition stabilized, I would never wish for more.I put him down to his feet and saw him run the little distance between us to him, hugging his leg, “ Uncle.” He beamed, looking up with excitement.Maverick lifted him up and twirled him in the air, the boy screamed, attracting the attention of onlookers, “Yay….”“People are staring.” “Let them look.” He interjected, and ca
Clara “Can you please repeat what you said just now, miss?” His voice echoed, deepening the frown on my face.“I said your future marriage will be so complicated! And I think the issue might just be your personality. I think anyone who would marry you must put a lot on the line, especially their mental health.” I emphasized on the mental health, smiling with satisfaction after seeing the expected reaction from his face. Now I realized how delighted and fulfilled those villainess felt after accomplishing their desires.The man's face gathered up clouds, but I underestimated the man as the clouds soon dissipated into nothingness, replaced by a bright, exceptionally bright glowing smile, he crossed his legs, “Is that so? And just a few days ago I thought you were among them, aren't you like obsessed with me when we first met, Mrs tarot?” he stated picking up a pen.He hit a nerve. “And once again, I'm not a Mrs! And fucking not a tarot reader, I'm a palm reader, how long do I have to r
Ember I rummaged through my bag, searching for what to wear. With him gone now, I was starting to regret my decision. I should have rejected it to the very end when he asked, instead of agreeing to go out with someone else's man. I scowled at my luggage, rummaging through the mess. What possessed me to pack this...thing? I groaned looking at the lemon-green dress with a floral pattern, what was I thinking when I bought it anyway? Because right now it looked like what I borrowed from my aunt's thrift store? As if I have any. I shoved it back and brought out a nude coloured dress with a slit at its front, sleeveless, but it looked beautiful, this would do. I ran myself and Kai a shower, he didn't stay long in the bathroom though, but I ended up spending more time with my hair that' I had washed with the shampoos, I throw it down and opened the water again, thoroughly washing it without any place left untouched, I wrapped a towel around myself and walked back into the room. I
EmberHis finger caresses the back of my neck, before sliding gently into my hair, he pulled my head closer, and I leaned in, closed to him, our faces were inches apart at this instance that I could feel his hot breath on me, I know I shouldn't be doing this, but oddly enough, I couldn't wait to press my lips against his. However, “Mommy, I caught a fish but it disappeared.” I was pulled out of the drawn the moment when I heard kai's sulky voice, I almost forgot him for a moment.I awkwardly stepped backward, creating a distance between us, my face heated up with a blush as I tore my gaze away from him to Kai who was reaching out to another fish, he caught it, but instead of it wringing in his hands it unobtrusively passed through him.Thinking about it, he had earlier stated that I should not touch it, because it will only spoil the fun, now it came to me that it was no more than a realistic projection, none of it were there, the water, I couldn't feel it around my body, but there
Ember“So… now that the yacht’s gone, what are we supposed to do?” I asked, glancing around at the wide-open water stretching as far as I could see.“Wait for it, I guess,” he replied, way too casually. “Probably just ran low on gas.”I narrowed my eyes, noting the way he smirked ever so slightly. “Is this some kind of setup? Was this your big surprise?”He chuckled, shaking his head. “Not at all. This was definitely not part of the plan. But look—it’ll come back. We just have to wait.”I shifted uneasily, trying to mask my growing anxiety with humor. “What if we end up living out some kind of real-life Jaws nightmare?”He raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. “Seriously? You’re a werewolf—you’re supposed to be the one scaring off predators.”I rolled my eyes, smirking back. “Yeah, well, if wolves can eat fish, why shouldn’t a shark be able to enjoy some wolf?”He let out a soft laugh, sweeping his dripping hair back. “You’re something else.”I swallowed, glancing back at the empty horiz
“Do you want to take a sit over there over a cup of wine?”“Alcoholic?” I asked the man preparing to say no, there's no way I'm drinking wine that contain alcohol, not after my experiences with alcohol. “Fruity, it's tastes like an alcohol, but it has not even 1% in it, do you want to give it a try?” “No harm in trying.” I chuckled.The Yatch had slowed down now, in the middle of the sea, “Why aren't ships or Yatch other than this one moving anyway?” I asked curiously moving to the swim platform. I was expecting to see Yatch or cruise ships moving around but none, I had noticed at the beach that there were lesser people compared to how crowded beach used to. “The whole place is ours for today, and don't tell me you're dunking your legs in the water in that?” He pointed to my dress.I stared down embarrassed to look at my flowing black gown, I laughed awkwardly, “I will be changing that.” I never thought about that sincerely.“You should, there's a lot to choose from in the first se
Ember I thought I will be able to pull this off successfully, however I'm not so very confident right now.I was wondering what it'll be like with him for the first time as not a business partner… om that topic, what are we really? Logically, he admitted taking a likeness to me, and I might've like him too… no, I likes him too.God's I couldn't even tell exactly when that happens. Inhaling, and exhaling. The sand was cool beneath my feet as I stepped onto the beach. A handful of people were at the shoreline, their voices mingling with the distant crash of waves. My eyes scanned the place, searching for him but there was no sign of him, even though he'd texted he will be here at 6pm, and I'd done a good job spending extra minutes at home to not appear overly excited and too over the date with him, in the end i was still the first to get here.However, my search was set aside when I caught a glimpse of a white yacht anchored a little further out,It was beautiful, I admit, but when
Ember“Ember, hurry up and get out here! We’re starving!” Lyra’s voice rang out from the dining table, teasing but loud enough to make her point.I could almost see her rolling her eyes, a little grin tugged at my lips as I called back, “On my way!”I arranged the dishes on the tray, carrying them to the dining table, where Lyra and Kai were already seated.As I entered, Lyra’s gaze swept over me, and she let out an exaggerated sigh. “Finally,” she muttered, rolling her eyes, her voice filled with drama as she continued sarcastically, “We were this close to death.” she indicated with her fingertips.“Oh please, Lyra,” I growled playfully.Just then, Alpha Jordan walked closer, glancing at her with a raised eyebrow. “What’s going on?”Lyra shot me a mischievous look before turning to him. “It’s Ember,” she said, grinning. “She’s been holed up in the kitchen, smiling like an idiot. I almost got chills seeing her like that, considering how cold she’s been lately.”Alpha Jordan chuckled
MaverickShe broke into a scream as I held her in my arms and leaped off the building. But her palms quickly covered her mouth, muffling the sound when she realized she was safe. We glided through the air until our feet touched the ground, thankfully no one was paying attention to the building, so I was sure no one saw.“That’s insane! You should’ve warned me or something.” She frowned, folding her arms as she walked away.I quickened my pace to catch up. “Did I scare you?” I reached for her hand to slow her down, but she stayed silent, ignoring me completely.Was she upset? I know I shouldn't have done that, she must've been taken off guard, thus leading to her annoyance. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have done that… I’m really sorry.” I apologized, reaching for her arm.But I was stunned when she suddenly burst out laughing, giving me a playful shove. “You’re apologizing? I was only pretending! Honestly, that was wild—and amazing too, I must admit. I mean, we were practically flying!” She
PresentEmber“So, she wasn't lying when she said you're married?” tilting my head, I asked curiously. Honestly, I wanted to know more, even though I knew I shouldn’t be asking. I shouldn’t be digging into his past, but a part of me still wanted to know.“Yes... she didn't lie. But you have to trust me; I don’t have anything to do with her anymore.”“I guess.”“Yeah…” he replied, and then silence filled the air between us—heavy, almost to the point of suffocation.I lay back on the concrete floor beside him, my hand nearly touching his. I eventually tucked it behind my head, mirroring his posture.We just looked at the sky, feeling the breeze brush our faces—soothing, calming. This was exactly why I loved coming here to clear my head when I felt overwhelmed.I couldn’t help but ask myself at that moment, ‘Do I really deserve happiness? Do I deserve to be happy, to experience it again?’Lyra wanted me to be happy, Alpha Jordan wanted that too, and I’m sure if Derek were alive, he would
MaverickFlashbackI exploded, bolting out of the cabin. The consuming rage burned through my veins like wildfire, eating everything it touched—my reasoning, my thoughts—clouding them like a fog in the woods, wrapping everything in its misty embrace. The trees blurred together as I sprinted into the forest, my heart pounding in my chest as if it wanted to burst out and escape from me.But the voice whispering in my head to turn back, to wrap my hands around her throat. Make her pay didn't stop.I had never felt anything like this before. I had never stopped from killing my prey for someone, and she made it possible.That thought alone infuriated me—him rather, the rampaging untamed beast within me. He wanted out so he could go back and kill her, along with Mariam or whatever she might have called the lady whom she stopped me from killing.I clenched my fists so hard that my nails dug into my palms. No, no, no. Not again.For the second time that day, I wrestled with the monster inside
Ember Maverick's unexpected words knocked the wind out of me. I sat there, paralyzed, my hand was still firmly locked in his grasp. “If it was just a one-night thing-” he said, his voice barely above whisper, “-would I have dropped everything and come here to Arizona just to see you?” He exhaled and continued, “You kept running every single time, leaving me worried and distressed. Don’t even try to pretend you haven’t felt this between us.” His gaze held mine, intense and unrelenting, making my palms grow sweaty, even under the chill of the wind up here. My heart raced and my pulse pounded in my neck. My voice was stuck in my throat, unable to form words. His thumb traced gentle circles on my palm, sending shivers down my spine. It was a tender touch, but with an undercurrent of possessiveness. I should have pushed him away and run, but his words were compelling, believable. Talking in that tone, he was doing it again, giving me false hope—helplessly and relentlessly breaking thr
EmberHe came for me? As much as that would've been a response I wanted, however it annoys me more that this man, regardless of having a wife, still comes to look for me, and still boldly claims that he was here for me. I shouldn't be surprised, provided that I've had such terrible luck with men— even the fated one by the moon goddess had given me nothing but betrayal and heartache.I stepped out of the studio passageway, craving some fresh air and space to clear my head. I made for the stairs, my mind was occupied by my growing thoughts as I descended, each step was nothing but a deliberate escape from the tension lingering after me, But then I heard his footsteps behind me, and my gut twisted into knots. I quickened my pace, not ready to face him yet. And I'm glad he didn't say anything as he would've done on a normal day. And sincerely, his silence is much appreciated right now.I stepped outside, letting the city swallow me whole, My eyes flew to the towering ten storey buildin