Dear Arda, I know that you have no idea who this is but at the nearest possible time, you will. I wish you a happy twenty-first birthday and hope that you like the present attached to this note.
PS: If any male asks you out, tell him that you’re already taken because you belong to me and I will mate you at the right time. I am The Alpha you will soon get to know. Having finished reading the handwritten note, Arda was at first filled with fear and uncertainty. The handwriting was clear, cursive, and written with dark ink on a plain sheet of white paper. She could not make much sense of the note. Alpha? Mate? What did that even mean? And why would the anonymous man say that she belonged to him? She was a human being. She belonged to no one. You cannot just own someone. Why was she even letting the message bother her? It could be a prank. Resting on that thought, she rolled her eyes and cast an amused gaze upon the note, believing that it was probably a prank from one of her friends. She did not have many friends, making it easy to have a culprit in mind. Jacob, she thought. She would not put it past him. Between her two friends, he was wittier, laid-back, and prone to mischief. Arda was seated in the living room at the dining table currently occupied by several half-unwrapped presents. The house was an apartment off-campus, which she shared with her friends. Arda looked up at Jacob and Karina, who stood before the table, watching her unwrap the presents. Jacob had the looks of a typical boy next door- plain-faced and friendly, with kind blue eyes. Karina had the snobbish looks of an average cheerleader- fit and sassy.. Both eagerly waited for the moment when she would have to guess what each of them had gifted her. To the three of them, it was a fun game and it had become their custom ever since they had all become friends in the university and started sharing the apartment as flatmates. The house contained four bedrooms and each occupant, owned a room, but shared the large living room space and kitchen while using the extra room as a study room. The living room still showed the aftermath of a party. Empty pizza packs and snack wrappings were converged on the wide living room center table and tiled floor amidst empty bottles of soft drinks, beer, and vodka. Karina yawned and they all looked at the wall clock, which read 9:00 pm. “Some of us are early birds,” Karina complained. “Hurry up, Arda.” “Speak for yourself, Karina.” Jacob chided playfully. “Allow the birthday girl to take her sweet time.” “I am right,” Karina said to him. “Of course, you’re always right,” Jacob responded. “Be very careful with your next words.” Karina threatened, glaring at him and he raised his hands in mock surrender. “Arda, you better show us how well you know us. I cannot defend you for long. Karina is a warrior.” “Shut up, Jacob.” Karina retorted. “Quit bickering, you both,” Arda said lightly. “He started it.” “She started it.” Karina and Jacob had both spoken at the same time as they pointed accusing fingers at each other. Arda shook her head at them and laid down the note before her on the table, turning it over to hide the words. Then she stuck her hand inside the brown envelope from which she had retrieved the note, taking out the gift inside. Her friends joined her in admiring the expensive-looking jewelry set. It was a sixteen-inch gold necklace with the pendant of a wolf and matching wolf earrings in gold. “Wow,” Karina said, reaching out and taking it off her hand. “It looks like real gold. Allow me to study its authenticity. ” She began peering closely at it. “I hate to challenge your expertise," Jacob said to her, "but without your glasses, I’m afraid we won’t have the right findings.” He held out his hand to receive it. Karina rolled her eyes and handed it over to him. Jacob received it and raised it close to his eyes, studying it for a few seconds. “Hmm. You didn’t tell us you’ve met a rich man, Arda. ” He said. “This is pure gold and the pendant looks captivating.” “Finally, Arda is dating.” Karina teased. “Come on, tell us something. Who is it from?” “I have no idea. There is no name on the envelope.” “Is it perhaps from a secret admirer?” Jacob asked. “A guy crushing on you, maybe?” asked Karina. “Shut up guys, I know it’s one of you and that’s Jacob, precisely. Everyone knows how naughty you can be.” “Me?” Jacob asked, incredulous. “How can I afford this? I come from a middle-class home.” “Then it’s you, Karina.” Arda accused, but Karina shook her head. “I come from a middle-class home too. No offense, but I’ll rather buy this for myself than for you.” “Me too,” Jacob said and Arda gave them a hurt look, a frown furrowing her brow. “You both have just hurt my feelings.” she said. “I understand, Arda, but trust me, I didn’t send this.” Jacob insisted. Karina shrugged. “Seriously, I didn’t.” Arda picked up the note and passed it to Jacob. “What’s this?” he asked without looking at the words, but Karina had drawn close to him and was scanning the note with her eyes. “That message came with the gift,” Arda responded and watched him lower his eyes to the words on the note, which he started reading aloud. Karina glared at him as soon as he had finished reading it. “Did you write this, Jacob?” she demanded, hands akimbo. “Of course not.” “Swear it.” Karina insisted. “Let your no be no and your yes be yes…” Jacob began. “Spare me the bible quotes.” Karina interrupted, cutting him off. “Well, you know that I don’t swear. It is against my faith. But I didn’t do it. This isn’t my writing. ” Jacob looked serious. “I believe you guys,” said Arda. “Don’t sweat it.” “Maybe it was one of the guests,” Karina suggested. “Probably.” Arda agreed. “Whoever it is would probably be laughing their head off as they imagine what your reaction would be,” Jacob told her. “Just ignore it.” Arda was getting convinced of his words when a troubling thought hit her. “But who would play a prank with an expensive item?” she asked and there was a slight pause as they all contemplated the question. Then Jacob shrugged. “Someone with money to throw around, I guess,” he said. “Exactly.” Karina agreed. “Can I have the necklace?” “You’re so greedy,” Jacob told her. “No way, Karina. I get to keep it. ” Arda responded. She opened her palm and Jacob returned the note and the gift back to her. She placed the note on the table and put the gift on it. “Fine, I wish someone would prank me like this with a Rolex,” Karina said dreamily and they all laughed. “Hey, let’s not forget that Arda has still not shown us how well she knows us.” Jacob pointed out and Arda looked at the two separate unwrapped presents that sat together at a corner of the table. One of them was an iPod. The other one was a headset. Arda rose and smiled at her friends. “You both came together and bought these for me.” She said. “Because you knew I’ve had it on my wish list for so long. Thank you so much.” Her friends did not deny it. They smiled at her as they drew close to her and hugged her. As Arda hugged them, her eyes went to the gift resting on the note. “Are you going to wear it?” Jacob asked as soon as they disengaged. “I don’t know,” she responded. “It is really pretty,” Karina said admiringly. “You have nothing to lose.” “Maybe I will. I don’t know.” “I also think that you shouldn’t just disregard the note,” Karina advised. “We could have a stalker on the loose.” “Who would stalk her?” Jacob asked. “She’s not a celebrity.” “You don’t have to be a celebrity to be stalked.” Karina pointed out. “Whatever.” Said Jacob. “Arda, I suggest, you should try dating to see if the mysterious man would react,” Karina suggested. “Well, I’ve already started dating.” Arda reveled, a smug smile on her face. Surprised, her friends exchanged looks before returning their gazes to her and their eyes were questioning. “I accepted to be Luke’s girlfriend today during the party.” “Oh my God, that’s amazing,” Karina said excitedly. “My friend finally has a boyfriend.” “Well, it's about time,” Jacob commented. "That guy has been on your case since our first year.” “What made you agree?” Karina asked. “He’s nice. He has always been nice. So I figured, why not?” “Congratulations.” Her friends chorused, smiling at her and she couldn’t stop the blush that stained her cheeks. “Thanks.” “Just look at her.” Jacob teased. “Does he know he will be your first boyfriend?” “Shut up, J.” Arda and Karina told him and he raised his hands in surrender. “Anyway, this development is welcome,” Karina said. “Now, we’ll easily know if the mysterious man is for real.” “That’s true.” Jacob agreed and the three of them cast their gazes down at the present from the anonymous man. As Arda stared at the note and the gift, she did not want to admit that she was a bit scared. But then, she also thought hopefully that dating Luke without any unpleasant incident would, at least, put her fears to rest. Her goal was clear- Provoke a reaction out of the mysterious Alpha and see if he was for real or not.Arda stirred awake to the persistent beeping of her alarm clock. Without needing to glance, she knew it was 7:00 AM; she had set it precisely the night before to give herself ample time to prepare for the day ahead. The curtains were drawn tight, but a soft glow seeped through the fabric, hinting at the daylight outside. Bright beams of sunlight slipped through the slightly parted sliding window curtains, illuminating the room. Frowning at the alarm clock, Arda felt a twinge of annoyance, even though it was merely doing its job. She had a meeting with her project supervisor at 9:00 AM. Yet, there was a silver lining: she would be meeting Luke for lunch. This was their first date as a couple, and the thought sent a flutter of excitement through her. But then, she couldn’t shake off the memory of the strange note and the unexpected gift she had received the night before. While she hated to admit it, the expensive gift made it hard to dismiss the message as a simple prank. Arda s
It took Arda a few seconds to make her decision, leaving the jewelry exactly where it was. She wasn’t sure whether it was a prank or something deeper, but wearing it seemed unwise. Arda left the bedroom and walked down the corridor. All the doors to the other rooms were closed, a quiet stillness filling the house. As she entered the living room, she found Jacob seated at the dining table, his attention absorbed in the morning paper. A cup of coffee steamed in front of him. Fresh from a shower, Jacob wore loose pajamas, and when he saw her, he smiled. Arda, however, met his smile with a pout. “You promised to make me breakfast,” she reminded him, folding her arms. “You promised.” Jacob chuckled, putting down his newspaper. “Calm down. You didn’t even say hi.” “I’ll say hi when I see my breakfast,” she teased, stepping closer to the table. “And here I thought living with you girls would be a breeze,” he groaned in mock despair. “People envy me, but if only they knew.” “Drama king.
“You’re the only student I’ve ever asked out,” Ray said, his tone suggesting that this fact alone should sway her decision. Arda met his gaze, knowing he was probably telling the truth. Most students were careful around him, treating him like a walking minefield. “I’m not interested in that kind of arrangement,” she replied, keeping her voice firm. “If you change your mind, let me know,” Ray responded calmly. “I won’t,” Arda said quietly, and she doubted she’d ever reconsider. Still, she was worried he might victimize her for refusing him. But she told herself she would cross that bridge if she ever got there. He smiled, unfazed by her rejection. “Refusing me won’t affect your grades or my commitment to helping you with your project.” “Thank you,” she said, relieved that he wasn’t pushing it further. Ray pulled out her file, stamped “Approved” on her project topic, and handed her a copy. He slid the original back into the folder. “Let’s go over what I expect from your first cha
Homeland lay nestled at the edge of the world, where nature ruled with forests, mountains, and glittering lakes stretching far beyond the eye could see. Its unique blend of rural charm and modernity gave it a timeless quality. Surrounded by rolling hills and deep valleys, Homeland offered its residents both the serenity of the wild and the comforts of civilization. The city's landscape catered to all walks of life — from professionals working white-collar jobs in modern offices to artisans shaping their craft through carpentry, sculpting, and painting. The rhythm of Homeland's life was slow but purposeful, with the scent of pine trees and fresh air blending with the hum of daily activity. Arda drove along the quiet streets, the early morning sun casting long shadows over the road. There was a refreshing calmness about the day; traffic moved with ease, a welcome change from the usual bustle. She felt the cool breeze as it flowed through her open window, the perfect accompaniment to th
Arda stared blankly across the table, her emotions swirling as the revelation about Jacob and Karina settled in. “I don’t understand. Why would they keep their relationship away from me?” Her voice faltered, carrying both hurt and confusion. “I’m their friend.” Luke sighed, leaning back in his chair. “Maybe they had a reason. You should ask them directly.” He reached out, placing his hand over hers in an attempt to soothe her. “Don’t overthink it. There’s probably a good explanation.” “Three years, Luke. We’ve been friends for three years. I just… I thought we were closer than that.” Luke squeezed her hand gently. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you by telling you.” His brows furrowed, regret clear on his face. “I hate seeing you like this.” Arda’s expression softened slightly, the weight of his concern cutting through her disappointment. “Thanks,” she muttered, managing a faint smile. “That’s better.” Luke smiled back, his eyes twinkling as they locked onto hers. “Let’s enjoy
That evening, the reading room was quiet. Arda, Karina, and Jacob sat at a large square table, their heads buried in books. The table, designed with partitions for privacy, could accommodate six people, making it perfect for study groups.The room’s walls were painted a soothing mix of green and burnt orange, with inspirational quotes scattered across them. But Arda’s mind was far from inspired. She stared at her open notebook, her thoughts clouded by memories and worries.She had intended to start writing her thesis, but all she could think about were Luke’s recurring headaches. The episodes replayed vividly in her mind, unsettling her more than she cared to admit. Her thoughts then drifted to the restaurant encounter with the mysterious, handsome stranger. The pull she felt towards him was unlike anything she had experienced before, leaving her both intrigued and confused.Shaking her head, Arda reminded herself she had a thesis to write, not time for distractions. With a deep breath
Arda, Karina, and Jacob made their way to the event center for the birthmark show.It was late in the evening. The event center, a single-story building, had a spacious but mostly empty parking lot.A stone fence surrounded the building, and the main gate was secured with a large padlock.A signpost outside read Marvelous Event Center in bold letters.Arda and her friends joined a small crowd gathered outside the gate.A woman dressed flamboyantly, holding a megaphone, stood beside a man inside the gate. The man was bald, his head gleaming under the lights, contrasting with his grim expression and all-black suit.“We regret to inform you that the event has been canceled,” the woman announced, leaving the crowd stunned.“Why?” some people in the crowd shouted back.“We realized too late that people might try to deceive us with fake tattoos, and we can't handle that,” she explained.There were groans from the crowd. Some people started leaving, visibly upset, while others left in silence
Arda’s heart pounded as Luke’s words cut through her. “What did I do?” she asked, her voice trembling.“This only happens with you,” Luke said coldly, his tone sharp enough to wound.She stared at him, confused. “What are you talking about?”He stepped closer. “Don’t play dumb. The kiss. The headaches. It only happens when I’m with you.”Her lips parted in disbelief. “So, what are you saying?”Luke’s eyes darkened. “You tell me. Or should I just say it? Witch.”The word slammed into her, knocking the breath out of her lungs. Tears welled up. “I’m not a witch, Luke,” she whispered.“Then what are you?” His voice was ice. “A monster with a pretty face? Because that’s what I came here to find out.”The accusation broke her. “I’m not a monster!” she sobbed.Luke didn’t flinch. “I’m done wasting time waiting on you. You should’ve told me what you are.”“Luke, please.” She stepped closer, but he recoiled.“Stay away.” His face twisted. “God, are you cursed?”“I like you, Luke. Please, don’t
When Arda's nails were done, she admired the result, turning her hands under the light with a pleased smile. The polished, glossy sheen made the short length artificial fingers look elegant, and she felt an undeniable satisfaction. Gillow, watching her, chuckled softly. “They look perfect.”She grinned. “I agree. Thanks.”The beautician beamed when Gillow tipped her generously. “Thank you so much, sir!” she gushed, her gratitude evident.Gillow nodded in acknowledgment before guiding Arda out of the salon. As they settled into the car, she continued admiring her nails, twisting her fingers and tilting them at different angles. She had truly enjoyed the day so far.Gillow stole a glance at her, amused by her fascination. It pleased him that she was happy.Arda, however, soon realized she had no idea where they were heading. Lowering her hands, she turned to him.“Where are we going now?” she asked curiously.He smirked, eyes still on the road. “Has someone forgotten something?”“What?
Gillow held her close, whispering words of encouragement into her ear. His voice was low, warm, and steady, a grounding presence against the storm of emotions she was struggling to control."It's okay, princess, everything will be fine," he murmured. Then, with a teasing lilt, he added, "Don't cry, or I will join you."The thought of Gillow crying was so absurd that a small chuckle escaped her, breaking through the lump in her throat. He liked that—her laughter, however faint—and pressed a kiss to her forehead, his lips lingering for a moment as if sealing the comfort between them.She was beginning to compose herself, and with a handkerchief from his pocket, he lightly dabbed her face, wiping away the traces of her earlier distress.Then, taking her hand in his firm yet gentle grasp, he led her toward the section for pedicures. The soft hum of music played in the background, blending with the quiet conversations and the rhythmic sound of water bubbling in foot spa basins. Without h
As the car rolled out of the school premises, Arda turned to Gillow, curiosity in her eyes. “Where are we going now?”“To transform your hair,” he said, a hint of amusement in his tone. “Did you think I was joking?”She perked up, excited. “Really? I like that. Thanks.” She gave him the address of the small salon where she usually got her hair done. It wasn’t fancy—just a low-end place with no air conditioning, but the stylists knew their craft, and they always gave her a discount.Gillow arched a brow. “We’ll be going somewhere else.”Arda frowned. “But I’ve been going there for years. They know me, and I always get a discount.”He smirked, clearly amused. “You’ll like the new place. Now that cost is no longer a problem, let’s do it right.”Arda liked the idea but felt a pang of guilt at ditching the people who had been doing her hair for years just because Gillow was paying better. She bit her lip, debating whether to protest further, but when they arrived at the salon, her argument
The professor’s voice finally broke through, thin and shaky. “B-but you’re so…young. I don’t under—” His eyes widened as a deeper realization struck. He stumbled back, his face ashen. “You’re a…vampire…” His trembling worsened. “Please…please don’t kill me, sir. I have a wife…children…two daughters and two sons”"And if a lecturer harrases your girls, would you like it?""I'm sorry, Sir. It...it won't happen again."Gillow’s voice was ice. “You’re fired, professor. You have until tomorrow to clear your office and vacate these premises.”The professor fell to his knees, desperation overtaking him. “Please, sir! This is the highest-paid university. My family depends on this job. I swear, I promise, it will never happen again!”Gillow didn’t flinch. His voice was cold as steel. “Direct your apologies to her.”The professor turned immediately to Arda, crawling toward her on his knees. “Madam, please, I am deeply sorry. It will never happen again. I swear it.”Gillow moved with lightning s
Arda trailed far behind Gillow, her legs struggling to keep up with his long, determined strides. The bright corridor of the administration building seemed to stretch endlessly before her, sunlight streaming through the tall windows, illuminating the polished floors. People passed by on their own errands, their chatter and footsteps filling the space, but all Arda could focus on was Gillow’s imposing figure moving steadily ahead.His shoulders were taut, his fists clenched at his sides, radiating a fury she didn’t dare interrupt. She wanted to call out to him, to ask him to slow down, but she swallowed the words. The thought of drawing the attention of the people around them, of exposing whatever this was in public, made her hesitate. Instead, she hurried as best as she could, her breaths coming in short, anxious gasps.By the time she reached the professor’s office, Gillow had already disappeared inside. The door was ajar, and she paused just outside, gripping the edge of the frame a
Gillow reluctantly ended the kiss, his lips lingering near hers for a moment before he pulled back, a small smirk on his face. “We don’t want you being late for school, mate,” he said, his tone calm but teasing.Arda nodded, her fingers brushing her lips briefly as she followed him to the car. When she saw him heading for the driver’s side, her brows lifted in mild surprise, though she didn’t comment.He opened the door for her, gesturing to the passenger seat. “Your throne, for now.”She slid in, a small but genuine smile pulling at her lips. This time, it was different—no other passengers, no Sue’s mate at the wheel. Just them.As they hit the road, Gillow glanced at her, catching the subtle but pleased look on her face. “You look content,” he remarked, smirking.She tilted her head slightly, feigning innocence. “Do I?”“You do,” he replied, a knowing glint in his eyes. “And I think I know why.”Her lips curved faintly, but she didn’t say anything, letting him take the bait.“You li
Gillow didn’t respond immediately, his expression unreadable as he carried her back toward their bedroom. When they reached the threshold, he nudged the door open with his foot and stepped inside. The air was heavy with tension, and her heart pounded in her chest.Gently, he laid her down on the bed, tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear. She had loosened her braids and washed her hair. It smelled good.Arda felt his touch. It was unexpectedly tender, his movements uncharacteristically calm. She stared up at him, unsure whether to feel relieved or more alarmed.“I felt like putting you to bed,” he said quietly, his voice soft but weighted with something she couldn’t quite place.Before she could respond, he leaned down, pressing a light kiss to her cheek. His lips were warm, yet as he lingered, a dreadful familiar shift began to take place.Arda noticed it first in his breathing—it grew heavier, uneven. His face hovered close to hers, his forehead creased as though he was fig
Arda spent two days in isolation inside the mansion. Gillow kept her confined to the house, limiting her to the living room and their shared bedroom. He was distant, barely speaking to her, and he slept in his private quarters. Meals were delivered regularly, but his absence weighed heavily on her. She had requested a phone, but he had brushed it off, saying he’d get her one in time. She hadn’t protested. Fear of provoking him kept her quiet.Her emotions shifted like waves—defeat to indifference, anger to fear, and now, loneliness. Worry gnawed at her thoughts, especially about her abandoned project. She needed answers, and she needed them from Gillow.As night fell, the emptiness of isolation became unbearable. Summoning her courage, she made her way to his private room after confirming he was there. She hesitated briefly before knocking, her fingers trembling slightly against the wood.Inside, Gillow sat at his desk, immersed in his thoughts. The faint knock drew his attention.“Wh
The air in the dungeon was cold and damp, each step Gillow took echoing ominously in the narrow corridor. Arda clung to his shoulder, her body trembling with fear and exhaustion. His grip on her was firm, unyielding, and his movements unnaturally fast—a blur of supernatural power that left her disoriented.“Don’t worry, mate,” Gillow said, his deep voice a chilling mixture of reassurance and authority. “I’ve changed my mind. I will not have you flogged.”For a fleeting moment, relief washed over Arda. But it vanished as quickly as it came.“Instead,” he continued, “you will decide the fate of your friends.”Her breath hitched, her pulse quickening. Friends? They were alive?Gillow finally stopped, setting her down on her feet. Arda stumbled, her eyes darting around the dimly lit dungeon area. Her relief at hearing her friends were alive was immediately replaced by dread as her gaze landed on two cells.Inside them, her friends were bound, gagged, and blindfolded. Heavy chains secured