Arda peeked through the window curtains of the bedroom. From there, she could see the pack still seated around the meeting table down in the garden. Gillow comfortably dominated the ruler seat. Felicia was explaining something to him. He stayed poised, listening to her. The sight of him was intimidating. Arda wondered why Felicia was not afraid of him. She figured it was because they had dated before. No, she corrected herself. They had been mates before. That was their language. At this point, she had no choice other than to familiarize herself with her new environment and inherent terms. It would help her escape the castle. She watched Felicia as she spoke with Gillow. Envy for Felicia encompassed her because she found herself envying Felicia's carriage. Arda wondered what they were discussing. She also recalled Gillow's unceremonious dismissal of her. After her awkward moment with Felicia, he had just turned to her and said "I want you upstairs." "But..." She had begun to prot
Troubled by the Professor's call, Arda poured herself into her thesis that evening. Seated in the Alpha's bedroom at the table, she attempted to write the first chapter of her work. It should be easier now that she had her research materials with her, she thought.But she was distracted by the threat of the enemy packs on her life.She decided to stroll around the garden to clear her head before returning to her studies. She believed it would help her concentrate. A glance at the table clock told her it was about 7:00 pm.She rose to her feet and headed towards the door. Just as she placed her hand on the handle, the door opened and she had to step back a bit as Gillow strode in, wearing casual slacks and a Vest that revealed toned muscled arms and concealed a brawny chest.As usual, her heart skipped a beat at the sight of him. She could not tell if it was out of fear or admiration at his ethereal handsome looks.His hair was held in a ponytail. He paused before her. She tried not t
Gillow didn't waste time telling her what she needed to know."Elder is a couple of centuries old.""Oh my God." Arda paled but Gillow continued breaking it to her. "Sue is 125 years old. Karina is 140 years. She and Chester are age mates. Felicia is 130 years old and Asher is 131 years old "Listening to him, Arda felt her body go cold and she blacked out, fainting from the information.Later, she woke up to Gillow sitting over her on the bed. He wiped her face gently with a face towel that he dipped in a bowl of water and squeezed the excess water out. As soon as her eyes opened, he gently patted her forehead with the moist cloth before putting it back inside the bowl of water. He let the back of his finger softly caress her cheek. She slowly recognized that she was on the bed in his bedroom."What happened?" She asked, her voice somewhat faint, due to her ordeal, but he heard her."You passed out." He explained. "I understand the information was too much for you but you had to know
The following morning, Arda woke up feeling better. She found herself alone on the bed and wondered where Gillow was.Upon leaving the bed, she discovered him typing words into the computer. He was dressed in a casual outfit, his hair pouring down his shoulders. She noticed that her project materials were before him and he had been at it for a while considering the volume of work he had done. She was stunned. He stopped typing and gave her his attention."Second and third chapter, done, sleepy head." He said with a surreptitious smile on his lips.Her jaw dropped."I know you said you're old but how did you know what to write?""I got supporting materials from the library. Besides, my uncle married the Egyptian way. I attended as a teenager.""Wow." Curiosity began to overtake her senses as she marveled at his revelation. "Were you ever human or born a werewolf vampire?""I was born this way. I stopped aging physically at twenty-five. The same goes for the rest of the pack. We stop ag
After breakfast, Gillow led her outside the house to the car. He was going to drive her to school."Since you barely have time, you will have to study the notes in the car, at least have a brief idea of what I've written down."Okay." She studied on her way and he was silent, leaving her to her work, which she appreciated.At school, she noticed the student gawking at Gillow and his sleek ride as he dropped her off and leaned against the car outside, waiting for her. She heard the girls swooning and making remarks about his ethereal beauty. She didn't blame them. He was handsome. If only they knew he was old enough to be their great grand father. If only they knew who he really was.On her way to the professor's office, she got a text from Jacob.It read- The insider will come to you by evening and intimate you on the escape plan.She deleted the message for safety purposes before meeting her supervisor in his office.The moment she was inside, he demanded to know why she had been abs
Gillow ignored her shocked expression. He could smell it. Someone had touched her closely and he needed to know who that person was. He needed to know."Who touched you?" He repeated forcefully."No one." She whined. "No one touched me.""I can smell that someone has touched you closely. It's a distinct scent. Who is that person?"Arda decided at this point that she was not going to be truthful because she didn't want any trouble in case he decided to go after the professor. Maybe he could smell the professor because he was a werewolf vampire. After all, the others in the pack also had that ability.But she reminded herself that the professor had also sniffed her paper. The question was, were human scents different from the scent of werewolves? She didn't know.Gillow narrowed his eyes at her. "Don't make me ask you again. I said, who touched you?"She shook her head. "No one did."His mirthless chuckle told her he didn't believe her."I know that someone touched you." He declared, rel
Arda woke up to a firm hand on her shoulder. She woke up, startled. Gillow was on the bed beside her. He was in grey pajamas, his hair framing his face. She had gone to bed alone because he was out, so she didn't know when he returned."What is it? You're having a bad dream?" He asked, a look of concern on his face."No. I was just startled.""Hmm. Anyway, it's morning."Arda could see that. She didn't know she had slept so long."I didn't see you come.""I know. You were sleeping like a baby. But it's like 7:30 and you're still sleeping. I couldn't resist waking you up. But that's because I need to go out early and want to chat a bit before I do. Sit up, will you?"As he spoke, he was already helping her by pulling her up so she could sit down.She looked at him expectantly, wondering what he wanted to chat about."So, Dear, we never did talk about your things that the pack helped you gather from your off-campus apartment."Arda didn't find the topic worth talking about."Yeah. Is the
For some unfathomable reason, Gillow's admission started to stir up fright within Arda.The fear rose as he traced his finger along her jawline."Yeah, I am a monster." He mumbled. "I can easily kill threats around me, tear them apart, tear them to pieces, and that includes any male that shows interest in you or that you show interest in. They will be in trouble. So you better remember that your Alpha is a monster before you let anyone touch you. Because if I find out, you will be in serious trouble. I don't think I will be satisfied with just punishing you." He ignored her flinching and tremors as he kept speaking. "But let's not go there. Just know that there will be hell."Her eyes went misty and she shut them tightly in fear."Please stop." She begged in her fright. She could not bear the threat anymore. She could feel her body shaking as he continued. "As for the unfortunate guy, I will take him apart, from limb to limb."Her eyes remained tightly shut."Please stop." She begged
The cornered spy, Jack regarded Raina his renounced mate, giving her an intense look. Gillow could sense that he was trying to communicate something to her. He could feel it was a message. He listened for the sound of a telepathic voice and heard it immediately. He was indeed sending her a message. Jack Setting my betrayal aside, we both know you were not supposed to hunt tonight. A confused look marked her face as she stared at him but Gillow was prepared as he listened to her response. Raina I changed my mind because you refused to tell me why you were insisting I don’t join the pack for tonight’s hunt. Jack That was for your good. The least I can do for you is keep you safe and alive. Raina stared at him, incredulous. Raina What are you talking about? Following his defensive instincts, Gillow’s ruddy eyes scanned the surrounding bushes and within seconds he had the spy in his grip. At the same time, he heard ruffling coming from the bushes He concentrated on the sounds
Hours passed, leading into the night. The full moon had not lost its shape, round and glowing bright as it cast its brilliance onto the earth. Somewhere in the eastern region, mystic creatures - werewolves wandered far into the surrounding forests in their hunt for food. Among the werewolves, distinct ones glowed, marking them as werewolf vampires. Together, they hunted down unfortunate animals, gathered them, and devoured the fresh meat as a pack. Soon after they are done, Gillow the alpha of the pack, with a glowing form and intense ruby eyes, began to sniff the air. The others sensed that he was smelling something and emulated him, but he was already advancing further into the bush. The pack followed him and soon they discovered a retreating werewolf. Gillow immediately led a pursuit and a chase ensued as they advanced behind the escaping werewolf who spotted a light brown color. The alpha of the pursuing pack rapidly gained in on the escaping werewolf. Heavy thuds pounded the
“This pack has a goal.” Cain continued. To unite the packs into one with only one Alpha. And in that one pack, to start a monarchy beginning with me. Then my son takes over. In this new dispensation, humans will know that we exist. We will rule over them. Our members are already everywhere. The only thing remaining is the unity of packs and the threat of your kind.” He looked disdainfully at Karina. “The complete prophecy still needs to be found. The moon child and her sister must be eliminated. The complete prophecy is rumored to be with your pack. This is why my son had to join that school and get close to you.” Karina started to cry. “It is nothing personal,” Jacob said to her. “You should have stayed loyal to your pack.” “My Alpha is cruel.” Karina cried out in frustration. “You know that already.” “Not my problem,” Jacob answered. “You have lived long enough to hear the phrase that the devil you know is better than the angel you don’t know,” Cain remarked and let out a mockin
Gillow’s message sent her heartbeat on a roller coaster of panic, but she managed to get a hold of herself. He couldn’t find her. She was safe with Jacob. Maybe she was, but she would not know until she tried.With that consoling thought in mind, she blocked out every negative and suspicious thought from her mind and concentrated on the present.Cain called upon pack members who helped to show them to the rooms prepared for them.Later, Arda was happy to get a room across from Chester’s with Karina’s room beside hers.Karina strolled into her room moments later and complained about how she expected Jacob to take her around but Arda told her they had just arrived and needed to rest. Then Karina mentioned that she didn’t like the way a certain girl was staring at her and Jacob.“I noticed it too.” Arda had responded. “But I don’t think it’s important.”“Well, I plan to ask Jacob as soon as he comes to see me. I have lived on this earth long enough to see a jealous lover’s look when I see
Gillow’s athletic smooth skin split like the bark of a tree. Wiry silver hairs sprouted forth. His already wolf-turned piercing and intense crimson eyes seemed ruddier as his transformation progressed. His bones moved beneath his skin like mechanical vipers; audible cracks cut through the air as his limbs cracked, ripping his pants open. He fell to his knees and then forward on his contorting hands. On all fours, he proudly gave himself over to his darker nature. His flesh visibly moved, his tissues rearranging. His mouth spotted emerging fangs. His handsome face distorted as his jaw extended, with his skull changing shape and longer beastly hairs sprouting forth. His hands gnarled and his fingers curled back as claws burst out. As howls continued to fill the air from surrounding pack members, low guttural growls escaped him, his claws firm on the ground. He was no longer himself. He was a werewolf vampire in his beastly form. He was distinct from the pack, being the only one with
A hill surfaced ahead of the lonely expressway that Chester was driving on. Karina informed Arda that Cain’s pack was on the other side of the hill.Their journey was elongating as Chester had to fix the car due to overheating. Karina and Arda waited out of earshot for him as he worked.“So how do you feel about Chester’s confession?” Arda asked.“I guess you’re talking about his feelings for me and not his betrayal.”“Yes.”“I’m still trying to process it,” Karina answered.“Do you still love Jacob?”Karina gave her a look of incredulity. “Why would you even ask me that?”Arda shrugged. “Sorry. I just felt, with the distance and Chester’s revelation, maybe your mind is getting a double feeling.”“I see. Anyway, how do you feel about Gillow Rain? Have you fallen in love with him?”Arda’s eyes expanded with indignation. “How can you even think that?” Karina let out a light chuckle, causing Arda to sigh.“That is exactly how I felt when you asked about my feelings for Chester. Disappoi
Following Karina’s haste, Arda was back inside the car where Chester was waiting for them. “You guys wasted time.” He remarked as they settled down in the vehicle. “And you both look tensed up.” He observed, at the same time, starting the car. “Yeah. She was having some issues with her Prof,” Karina explained. “He happens to be a werewolf.” She added gravely. “What? Which pack? And what kind of problem?” “I don’t know. Let’s just get out of here first.” Chester opened his mouth to inquire more, decided against it, and moved the car. Dappled sunlight shone through the surrounding trees, bringing about, mysterious shadows. The car was on the road, progressing towards another part of town. “Do you guys mind giving me the details now?” Chester pressed. “Prof. Ray has been asking me out, but I refused. He recently started being forceful about it, threatening to ruin my scholarship by ruining my grades.” Arda summarized. “Oh Gosh,” Chester muttered with disdain. “Yeah,” Arda comm
"I am in school, remember?" She told him. "I know. I'm just confirming." "Okay." "Call me as soon as you're home." "Okay." "Enjoy your day. And let me know if your professor gives you any issues." "He did not." "I see. Okay. That is a good one. I will call you soon." "Okay." The call ended and she looked at Karina. "That was not so bad." She commented. "I guess he would have been suspicious if you didn't take the call." "Yeah." Back inside the car, Arda questioned herself about keeping with the escape plan, especially since it appeared that all the Alphas were against Gillow. The only support Gillow had which was not established yet was the alpha of the West. As the car swerved off the school gates, she questioned Karina and Chester. "Are you sure we are doing the right thing?" "What are your fears?" Asked Chester and Arda revealed exactly where her fears lay. "You have nothing to worry about," Chester told her. "I will say the same." Was Karina's response. Arda le
Karina hung around outside Ray’s Office, waiting for Arda who was inside.In Ray’s office, Arda walked in and greeted Ray who was watching her from his desk, a cold look on his face.“Good morning Sir.” She greeted.“Let’s dispense with the pleasantries, Arda. Now, since this is not our official thesis meeting time, tell me what I need to hear.”“The answer is no.”“What?”“I said, the answer is no.”He rose and started walking over to where she stood.“Is that your final answer?” he pressed.“Yes.”“Then prepare to fail and lose your last scholarship payment.”Arda looked at him squarely in the eyes.“I know what you are.” She blurted.He looked slightly taken aback by her assertion.“What did you say?”“I know what you are.” She repeated.“And what is that?”She lowered her voice as though still trying to hide his identity. “You’re a werewolf.”He laughed. Offended by his laughter, Arda retrieved a lighter from her pocket and switched it on. Upon seeing the fire, he stepped back sha