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 fri
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
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