I was sitting in the conference room with my IT team, eagerly testing the new software application we had been working on for months.As the tests began, my team was silent, their eyes fixed on the screens in front of them as they meticulously checked every line of code. I, too, was focused, my eyes scanning the reports and metrics that were displayed on the large monitors around the room.The tests were grueling, but we were all determined to find any bugs or glitches in the system. I was proud of my team and their commitment to quality, and I knew that the results of this test would be critical in determining the success of the project.After hours of testing, we finally reached the end. I breathed a sigh of relief as the final report came through, and I was pleased to see that the software was working perfectly. My team cheered, clapping and congratulating one another on a job well done.With the tests complete, I took my team out to lunch at a restaurant across from the office. We
I felt heavy with guilt as I sat in my room, staring at the blank page in front of me. I couldn't shake the feeling that I had let Clarissa down, that I had somehow failed her. My thoughts kept drifting to the moment when I would have to tell her the truth about what had happened and I felt like a weight was bearing down on me, crushing me with its pressure.I tried to push the thoughts away and focus on my drawing, but it was no use. The thought of losing her made me feel sick to my stomach.My dad didn't see anything wrong in what he had done and my mum sided with my dad."Jalen, you're acting so irrationally," my dad said, "I don't understand why you're so against this. You need to start thinking about the pack and your future as our king Marrying Malory would secure your spot.""But I have marked Clarissa and I love her," I yelled angrily, "You can't force me to marry someone else just for the sake of the pack.""Love? What do you know about love?" my mum interjected with a scof
Today was my 24th birthday and although it was supposed to be a day filled with celebration, I couldn't shake off the feeling of dread that had settled in my chest. As a female in my pack, tradition dictated that I must be married before I turn 25. The pressure to make decisions about my future was weighing heavy on my mind.I was jolted awake by the melodic chirping of birds outside my window. I rubbed the sleep from my eyes and sat up in bed, taking in a deep breath in an attempt to calm my racing thoughts. Suddenly, the door to my room creaked open and my mother appeared, dressed in her favorite night robe."Happy birthday, Clarissa," she said with a warm smile, as she approached my bed holding a small, intricately wrapped box. I tore off the pink paper to reveal a pair of stunning diamond earrings nestled inside."Thank you, Mum," I said, trying my best to sound grateful. But she could see right through me, as mothers often do."Come on, I expected a bit more excitement," she said
The car engine roared to life as I quickly jumped into the back seat. My heart was racing, I couldn't believe I was leaving everything behind for Jalen. My bodyguard looked at me through the rearview mirror with a serious expression. Bryon sat beside me, his hand gently placed on my shoulder, "Rissa, are you sure about this?" He asked in a soft voice. I took a deep breath and nodded, "Jalen needs me, and I need to be there for him."The car accelerated down the road, the wind blowing through my hair. I closed my eyes and took in a deep breath. The car ride was long and quiet and we got to the Lycan border. "Jeez, these guards are fierce," Bryon said to me. The car rolled to a stop and a row of imposing figures stood at attention, their eyes focusedon our vehicle. They were all dressed in black, and their expressions were stern and unwelcoming.My bodyguard stepped out of the car and approached the guards, "We are here to see Jalen," he announced.The guards frowned angrily and on
The morning of my dad's funeral was a somber one. The sun had just begun to break over the mournful hills, casting a pale glow over the world that seemed to reflect the mood of everyone who was gathered there. It was a rainy morning, with fat drops of water tapping against the windows of the funeral home, adding to the sense of sorrow that seemed to hang over the entire world.Nobody felt like eating breakfast that morning, despite the spread that had been laid out for us. The food was unappetizing, and nobody had the heart to touch it. Instead, we all sat in silence, lost in our thoughts and grieving the loss of my father.As I passed through my dad's study, I couldn't believe he was dead. The room was exactly as he had left it, and I could almost imagine him sitting behind his desk, working on one of his projects. But then reality would hit, and I would remember that he was gone and that he would never return.I found myself thinking about all the unresolved issues I had with my dad
I stepped outside and the tension was palpable. Jalen, Cade, and Jaela were huddled together in a hushed conversation, their body language radiating unease. I approached them, my instincts telling me that something was off."What are you guys talking about?" I asked, trying to keep my voice casual.Jalen shot me a fake smile. "Nothing," he lied, but I could tell he was hiding something.Determined to get to the bottom of it, I decided to bide my time. I retreated to the kitchen where I spent hours working on my laptop, replying to emails, and updating my company's website. Exhausted, I reached for the orange juice and poured myself a glass.Just as I took a sip, Jalen's mum stormed into the room, dressed in black, her face contorted with anger. "How dare you use my husband's cup?" she snapped at me, her voice echoing through the room.I apologized, feeling my face flush with embarrassment, and quickly rinsed out the glass. "I'm sorry," I said, trying to make peace. "I've tried to mak
All day, I avoided Jalen. At night, I lay on the bed, my mind racing with emotions. Jalen was lying next to me, his breathing slow and steady. Tension hung in the air between us, so thick I felt like I could reach out and touch it. I sighed my heart heavy with guilt.His dad's death didn't give him the right to snap at me as he did earlier when I was on the phone with Genevieve. I turned to face him, my anger fading into a soft sadness.He was lying on his back, his lips slightly parted. His dark hair was messy, giving him a rugged look. I couldn't help but feel a twinge of guilt for not understanding him. I resolved to apologize to him in the morning, hoping it would help alleviate the tension between us.I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, trying to calm my racing heart. I slowly let out my breath and felt my body relax, finally drifting off to sleep.The next morning, I woke up to find Jalen already gone from bed. I rubbed my eyes and sat up, taking a deep breath before gett
I arrived at the bonfire with Clarissa. The warm glow from the crackling fire illuminated her beautiful face, making her look even more stunning. She was wearing a light summer dress and I could feel the soft flicker of firelight shining on her skin.As we walked towards the group of my pack mates, I felt a strong sense of pride in my heart. I took her hand and pulled her close, leading her to the dance floor. The cool night air was blowing against my skin. She was a beautiful dancer and she moved gracefully in my arms. I was so in love with her and couldn't stop staring into her eyes, and I felt so happy just being close to her.As we danced, my pack mates started to cheer and call out to me, hailing me as their king. I paraded Clarissa as my queen and she was shy, but she laughed. I loved how she was always so genuine and down-to-earth, despite how wealthy she was. The night was going so well and I was so happy. Clarissa's soft lips pressed against mine, and I felt a rush of emot