"I am in school, remember?" Arda 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," Karina replied. "Yeah." Back in the car, Arda began questioning herself about the escape plan. Doubts crept in, especially since it seemed like all the Alphas were against Gillow. The only potential ally Gillow had, and it wasn’t confirmed, was the Alpha of the East. As the car swerved out of the school gates, Arda turned to Karina and Chester. "Are you sure we’re doing the right thing?" "What are your fears?" Chester asked, prompting Arda to reveal the source of her doubts. "You have nothing to worry about," Chester reassured her. "I’ll say the same,
Following Karina’s haste, Arda was back inside the car where Chester sat waiting, tapping the steering wheel impatiently. “You guys took forever,” he muttered as they climbed in. He started the car but cast a glance their way. “And you both look like you’ve seen a ghost.” “Not a ghost,” Karina replied, her tone sharp. “A werewolf. Her professor, to be exact.” Chester’s head snapped toward her. “What? What pack is he from? And what happened?” Karina waved him off. “We’ll explain later. Please just get us out of here.” Chester frowned but said nothing, focusing on the road. The car sped down the winding path, sunlight filtering through the trees, casting eerie shadows across the dashboard. After a tense silence, he tried again. “Are you going to tell me now?” Arda exhaled, her voice tight. “Professor Ray has been asking me out. I refused. He didn’t take it well and started threatening my grades—and my scholarship.” Chester’s grip on the wheel tightened. “That’s messed up.” “It g
A hill loomed ahead on the lonely expressway that Chester was navigating. Karina informed Arda that Cain’s pack was just beyond the hill. Their journey was delayed when the car overheated, forcing Chester to pull over and fix it. While he worked, Karina and Arda waited at a distance, out of earshot. “So, how do you feel about Chester’s confession?” Arda asked, breaking the silence. “I assume you mean his feelings for me, not his betrayal,” Karina replied. “Yes,” Arda confirmed. “I’m still trying to process it,” Karina admitted. “Do you still love Jacob?” Karina gave her a sharp look of incredulity. “Why would you even ask me that?” Arda shrugged. “Sorry. I just thought, with the distance and Chester’s revelation, maybe your mind is... conflicted.” “I see. Well, how do you feel about Gillow Rain? Have you fallen in love with him?” Arda’s eyes widened with indignation. “How can you even think that?” Karina let out a soft chuckle, prompting Arda to sigh in exasperation. “That
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
Gillow’s message had sent Arda’s heart racing, but she managed to steady herself. He can’t find me. I’m safe with Jacob. That thought was her anchor, though doubts lingered. Determined to shake off negativity, she focused on the events that had led to this moment. Earlier, Cain had introduced them to the pack and instructed some members to show them to their rooms. Arda was pleased to find her room positioned across from Chester’s, with Karina’s room beside hers. Later, Karina had visited her, clearly frustrated. “I can’t believe Jacob didn’t offer to show me around,” she complained. “We’ve just arrived,” Arda reasoned. “We all need to rest.” Karina had frowned. “Well, I don’t like how that girl was staring at him—and me.” “I noticed it too,” Arda admitted. “But I don’t think it’s important.” Karina crossed her arms. “I know a jealous lover’s look when I see one. I’ll ask Jacob about it when I see him.” “Can’t hurt to ask,” Arda had replied with a shrug. Now, as Arda sat alon
“This pack has a goal,” Cain pronounced with authority. “To unite all the packs under a single Alpha. And within this unified pack, we will establish a monarchy, beginning with me. Then my son will take over. In this new era, humans will learn of our existence. We will rule over them. Our members are already everywhere. The only thing left is the unity of the packs and the elimination of your kind.” His eyes fell disdainfully on Karina. “The full prophecy must be found. The moon child and her sister must be eliminated. The complete prophecy is rumored to be with your pack. That’s why my son had to join that school and get close to you.” Karina sobbed softly, regret and brokenness in her every movement. “It’s nothing personal,” Jacob said, his tone cold. “You should’ve stayed loyal to your pack.” “My Alpha is cruel,” Karina cried out, frustration lacing her words. “You know that already.” “Not my problem,” Jacob responded flatly. Cain let out a mocking laugh. “You’ve lived lon
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 were 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 on the escaping werewolf. Heavy thuds pounded the e
The cornered spy, Jack, locked eyes with Raina—his renounced mate—his gaze intense. Gillow could sense that Jack was attempting to convey something. The Alpha listened closely, and within moments, he realized the message was telepathic. Jack was communicating with Raina. Jack: “Setting my betrayal aside, we both know you weren’t supposed to hunt tonight.” A confused expression crossed Raina’s face as she stared at him. Gillow, already alert, focused on listening to her response. Raina: “I changed my mind because you refused to tell me why you insisted I not join the pack for tonight’s hunt.” Jack: “That was for your safety. The least I can do now is keep you alive.” Raina’s disbelief was evident. “What are you talking about?” she asked, incredulous. Before Jack could respond, Gillow’s instincts kicked in. His sharp, ruddy eyes scanned the surrounding bushes. The air was thick with tension, and within seconds, he had Jack in his grip. But it wasn’t just Jack that concerned him. H
They were laughing—so lost in their own world that they hadn’t noticed her yet. Luke’s arm was slung casually around the girl’s shoulders, his grip possessive, his smile smug. They looked… happy. Completely at ease with each other.Something twisted inside Arda.It wasn’t jealousy.Not even regret.Just… the bitter aftertaste of a memory that had once stung like an open wound.And then it happened.Luke looked up.His laughter faltered.His eyes locked onto hers.For a fraction of a second, time seemed to stand still.The recognition in his gaze was swift, followed by something else—something unreadable. Surprise? Confusion? Annoyance?Then his gaze shifted.To Gillow.A new kind of tension rippled through the air, almost tangible.Luke’s expression hardened as he made the connection. He had seen Gillow before—on that very same day. The mysterious man who had stolen Arda’s attention the moment he’d walked into the restaurant.Now, that man was sitting across from her. Holding her hand
Chapter Title: A New PathArda caught a glimpse of her newly manicured nails and smiled. She liked the way they looked, but the sight also brought back a memory—Gillow’s earlier refusal to let her fix them in the first place.“Alpha,” she said quietly.“Yes, mate?”“About my nails… Did you tell Karina to discourage me from fixing them?”Gillow didn’t even pretend to feign ignorance. “Sure.”Of course, he wouldn’t deny it. That was just how Gillow was.“She mentioned you were entertaining the idea during one of her sessions, so I told her if you tried it, I would have her head.”Arda’s heart skipped a beat. “But it wouldn’t have been her fault if she couldn’t stop me.”“True. But I didn’t care.”“That was mean, Alpha.”He chuckled. “I know. But… with my understanding today, you have my permission to do it. No more than twice every quarter of the year.”“Is it negotiable, considering I have the right to—”“Let’s not talk about rights now, mate. Let’s enjoy the moment and visit rights la
As the car rolled to a stop in the park’s parking lot, Arda took in the lively fast-approaching evening scene outside. People were scattered across the grounds, some walking, others lounging on benches, while children ran about, their laughter mingling with the rustling of the evening breeze. The atmosphere was warm, inviting—yet for her, this place held memories she wasn’t sure she wanted to relive.She reached for the door handle, but before she could push it open, Gillow's hand gently stopped her.“Allow me,” he said smoothly, a teasing glint in his eyes. “I want to be the perfect gentleman tonight.”She couldn’t help but smile at his playful tone. With that, he stepped out, walking around to her side. True to his word, he opened the door for her and extended his hand. She took it, feeling the strength in his grip as he helped her out.As he shut the door behind her, she noticed Gillow’s men discreetly taking strategic positions throughout the park. It was subtle but unmistakable—h
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