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
Inside the dimly lit cell, Arda sat hunched in a corner, her fingers trembling as she typed on her hidden phone. Her message was simple but desperate:“Alpha. Help. Locked in cell. Jacob's pack. Me, Karina, Chester. Punish us if you must, but please... don’t kill us. Please.”She hesitated, her thumb hovering over the send button. Doubts gnawed at her—would Gillow even care after everything? But the alternative was staying here, at Cain's mercy. With a sharp inhale, she pressed send, clutching the phone tightly against her chest as if it were her last lifeline.After a moment, she slipped the phone back between her breasts, ensuring it was concealed. She chose not to tell Karina or Chester about the message. If it failed, she didn’t want to crush what little hope they had left.Her phone buzzed almost immediately, causing her heart to pound. She spun toward the wall, hiding her movements, and glanced at the screen. The message was from Gillow. It was blank.A wave of relief mixed with
Karina sat in the corner of the dimly lit cell, her knees drawn to her chest. The low light cast long shadows across her face, accentuating the lines of worry. Her voice broke the suffocating silence."Arda, now I think you should have contacted the Alpha." she whispered, her tone raw with fear. "I shudder to imagine Cain's execution of his evil plans for us. I know you do too. We all do."Arda froze, her back pressed against the cold wall. She clenched her fists, refusing to meet Karina’s gaze.Karina pressed on, her words tumbling out in desperation. "I’m scared, Arda. Scared of what Gillow will do to me and Chester. He’ll punish you, yes, but we—" Her voice cracked. "We’ll be slaughtered."Chester, pacing the length of the cell, nodded grimly. "She’s right. Whatever punishment the Alpha dishes out for you, we’ll pay the ultimate price. But maybe... maybe if he knew how we feel, he’d show mercy."Karina snorted bitterly. "Mercy? Do you think Gillow knows the meaning of the word? We’
The next night came cloaked in an eerie stillness, broken only by the metallic clang of the cell doors opening. Cain strode in, flanked by his men, his presence a toxic mix of arrogance and cruelty. “Well, well,” he said, his voice smooth and condescending, “it’s time for a special treat. Tonight, you’ll witness the unification ceremony between the Northern and Western packs.” Arda stepped forward, her voice trembling but resolute. “Where’s Jacob?” Cain’s lips twisted into a mocking grin. “My son?” He leaned in, relishing her frustration. “He’s busy enjoying his honeymoon.” Arda’s heart sank, her fleeting hope of reaching Jacob shattered. She had prayed for a chance to speak to him, to appeal to the part of him not yet consumed by his father’s influence if it existed. But now, that chance was far from reach. "But don't look so sad, he is somewhere around. With so much going on, he can't afford to be far from the pack. After Gillow's defeat, we can all have a sigh of relief." "You
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
Arda’s heart raced as she backed away, her body trembling with fear and defiance. Every instinct in her screamed to flee again, but deep down, she knew there was no escaping him. She would only be running around in circles for as much as he allowed her.“Enough,” Gillow’s voice cut through her panic like a blade, stopping her in her tracks. His presence loomed over her, suffocating and unyielding. His steps were slow, measured, as he closed the distance between them.Before she could move again, his hand shot out, grabbing her arm with a strength that left her no room to fight back. In an instant, he had her pinned, her body held against his with a force that made her breath hitch in her throat. Her struggles were futile; she couldn’t escape his grip.Then just as quickly he had her down, positioned on her knees before the bed. She was helpless as he held her down, her bum at his mercy."Please don't do this, please." She begged, knowing at this point defiance would not help her. "Pl
When Gillow finally entered the room, the sight that greeted him made his jaw tighten. The room was a mess—shattered glass littered the floor, furniture was overturned, and the air was heavy with the lingering scent of her tears. And there she was, asleep on the rug, clutching a pillow like it was her lifeline. Her face was streaked with dried tears, her braids tangled, her body small and fragile against the backdrop of chaos. He approached her silently, crouching beside her. For a moment, he hesitated, his hand hovering over her shoulder. Then, with a deep breath, he scooped her into his arms. Her weight was nothing to him, but the vulnerability in her made his chest tighten. He carried her to the bed, laying her down gently. The moment her body touched the mattress, her eyes fluttered open. Fear flooded them, and she bolted upright, scurrying back until her back hit the headboard. “No,” she whispered, her voice shaking. “Stay away from me.” Gillow didn’t respond immediately. In
Arda sat near the window, her slender frame outlined against the dim light of the setting sun. The horizon was a watercolor blend of oranges and purples, fading into the encroaching darkness. Her gaze remained fixed on the distance, unseeing, as if hoping to find answers in the vanishing light. The tray of pastries and snacks beside her remained untouched, their enticing aroma wafting through the room, mocking her lack of appetite.It wasn’t the food. The variety of delicacies—flaky pastries, sweet confections, savory rolls—meant nothing to her. She could eat, but what was the point when her heart felt as heavy as a millstone? No, the problem wasn’t sustenance. It was the isolation that gnawed at her soul, a silent predator that feasted on her spirit.The hours stretched, each one longer than the last, and still, Gillow didn’t return. Every creak of the floorboards, every gust of wind that rattled the windows made her heart leap in a mix of fear and anticipation. She didn’t know i