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
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. Instead
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
The journey back to the Southern territory had been swift, the hum of the engine filling the heavy silence between them. Outside, the world rushed by in a blur, but inside the car, the tension was palpable, hanging in the air like an unspoken storm. Every stolen glance Arda dared to take at Gillow revealed nothing; his expression was a mask of stoic control, his crimson eyes focused on the road ahead.When they arrived, the grand estate loomed against the twilight sky, its towering walls offering both safety and a reminder of the power Gillow wielded. He exited the vehicle and moved to her side without a word, pulling open her door. Before Arda could protest or even gather her strength, he scooped her up effortlessly. His grip was firm, protective even, but careful as though she were fragile, a porcelain doll teetering on the edge of breaking.He carried her through the mansion’s grand entrance, the silence inside echoing their unspoken emotions. The soft click of his boots against th
The atmosphere crackled with tension as Gillow dominated Cain’s domain with his presence.His expression was stone cold, his presence radiating power, eyes blazing crimson in confrontation.Cain's stood at the center of his territory, his smirk a blend of mockery and unease, his ruby eyes as an alpha, matching Gillow's.In this confrontation, the werewolves eyes had turned to various shades of colors, matching their ranks in the pack. Low snarls and visible dark veins threatened to break loose. The look was thesame with Gillow's daunting frame as he bravely stood, surrounded in the enemy territory.“You’re not welcome here,” Cain growled, his words sharp and dismissive.“I’m not here for your welcome,” Gillow replied, his voice low but firm. “I’m here for my people. Release them. Now.”Cain glanced toward the three prisoners bound tightly to poles. Their faces were pale with fear and exhaustion. His laugh was cruel, resonating in the uneasy crowd.“Your people? They came here of their
The Alpha's Presence 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 goin in, he can't afford to be far from the pack. After Gillow's defeat, we can all have a sigh
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’
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
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