Apparently, news travels 10 times faster here, mostly because everyone is always ready and eager to gossip.By the time we reached my house, my parents were already at the door, waiting for my arrival. Even before I stepped down from the car, I sensed the restless energy between them both.“Naomi! Oo Naomi!” My mom cried immediately when she saw me and made for me with arms stretched wide. “Ohhh” She stopped suddenly when she saw the dried blood on my dress. “It's okay… I'm fine.. Not my blood.” I called as I approached them. “Are you hurt sweetie? Theo phoned to tell us you were attacked. Are you bleeding?” My mom asked and, at the same time, examined me all over for any signs of Injury.“I'm okay, Mom.” I repeated tiredly.“But the blood…”“.. isn't mine.” I interrupted her statement. “I was attacked but I sent him running with a belly wound.” “Atta girl.” My dad slapped my shoulder lightly with a wide smile spreading to the corners of his lips.“What?!” Mom turned on him immedia
Logan's POVBy the time I left the Carter residence, my stomach was filled up and my heart was glad. Throughout dinner, Naomi maintained a stubborn personality, but that wasn't enough to deter my spirit. They all act that way, and with time, the walls they build come crashing down, and then they succumb to the feeling. I wasn't going to rush her, no not this one. I would bide my time and wait patiently.Immediately I got into the car, my phone flashed on, on top of the dashboard where I had kept it earlier. A look at the screen told me it was Beta Eli who was calling.“This is Alpha Logan.” I answered the phone with a tap and turned it to loudspeaker.“Alpha? Where are you?” Eli asked immediately. “We're about to make a toast here.”He was still at the party where I left him two hours earlier. I glanced at my wristwatch and realized it was only a few minutes to midnight. It was then that I realized how tired I was.“I don't think I'll make it, Eli. Why don't you go ahead and fill in f
Naomi's POV“NAOMIIIII….” My mother's call was the first thing I heard that morning.I was already awake, but had stayed in bed in one of those moments where you have to stay in bed for a while and think about your life but obviously mom wouldn't let me do that in peace.“I'm coming!” I called out to her, hoping she heard me downstairs so she wouldn't start calling again.Just like old times huh? I told myself grudgingly as I stepped out of bed. After I had brushed and freshened up, I made my way downstairs where my family was already waiting all around the breakfast table. “You still gotta work on the time you wake up sweetie.” Mom complained immediately after I had settled down in an empty chair.“Good morning to you too, mom.” I replied, reaching for a bacon. “Good morning dad.”Dad, as usual, had his face buried in his morning newspaper. He only looked away long enough to offer a smile and then returned to his paper. “Hi, Naomi.” Clara greeted, all smiles. Next to her, sat Theo
Naomi's POV“Well well well, look what the cat dragged in.” Logan smirked with satisfaction.“You've gotta be kidding me.” I bit my lip in annoyance. “You were behind all this, right?” I asked with balled fists.“Me?” He shrugged. “Here I was, sitting in my office and minding my business. Your file was dropped on my table and going through it, I realized that you were just what I needed, or rather, what my company needs.”“Oh yeah? And what's that?” I asked with sarcasm.“A qualified Creative Director for my company.” He replied. “You see I went through your file page to page..” he pointed at the files on the table. “…and I must say that your profile fits in perfectly!”“Don't celebrate yet, I'm not interested.” With that, I turned towards the door.“Wait.. wait.. wait…” Logan immediately dashed from his chair to hold the door. I stopped and turned to face him once more.“What?” I asked defiantly.“I know you think that this was a setup but I actually had nothing to do with this, Naom
Marcus' POVWhy now? Why the sudden return? Why did she choose this time to return after years away from the pack doing who knows what? Those questions and more, kept running through my mind as I sat up, awake and alone on my balcony.The hour was late and everyone was fast asleep but for some reason I just couldn't sleep, my thoughts haunted by the return of Naomi. The moment I got close to her in the washroom, I had felt it, I had felt the bond we once shared, the mateship bond that was broken when… well, when it all turned upside down.Could it be that I had left a piece of me still in that body when we broke apart? I'm sure she must have felt it too, the faint busy still lingering shadow of a bond between the two of us. She definitely felt that, I was certain.My sharp ears, enhanced by years of training immediately picked up barefoots heading towards the balcony. The sound came before my heightened nostrils caught her scent. I sighed and took a long and satisfying drink from the
Marcus' POV“Is this confirmed?” I asked sharply with my gaze snapping back to Dean.“I was there myself when she came in the morning.” Dean replied.Of course, it was true. It was a stupid question to ask but I just wanted to be sure even though the evidence was simply staring at my face in the newspaper I held.“Are you going to be alright, Alpha?” Dean asked uncertainly.I realized at the moment that I was holding or rather squeezing the paper too hard. My wrists had gone white due to the pressure I applied to the paper.“You did well, Dean. You can go.” I growled. Dean bowed and exited the office immediately, almost as if he feared being squeezed next.Once I was alone, I couldn't help but let the rage that was boiling in me flow out. With a loud roar, I swept everything from my table with the ferocity of the beast within me.I just couldn't believe it! How was this possible?! How did this happen? I saw the way Logan looked at her, that night of the party, I realized immediately
Naomi's POVI met his gaze with defiance and even tried to break free from his grasp. His lips curled into a smile, a smile that didn't touch his eyes or go anywhere near his eyes.What was he doing here?! What the hell was wrong with him? Was he stalking me now?! I wondered silently.“Let go!” I struggled to let myself free from his gasp.“What are you gonna do?” He asked in amusement. “You were gonna scratch my face with your paws, kitty cat?”“LET GO OF ME!” I shouted unintentionally.The lobby immediately went silent as every head turned with eyes towards our direction. This was what he wanted after all, attention. I'd give him attention if that's what he wanted!“Let go of her.” Another voice chirped in.Both our heads turned immediately to see Logan standing some feet away. For the first time since I met him that night at the party, he wasn't smiling. He wasn't frowning either but his face had that, I'm-not-messing-around look.“I was just having a friendly chat here with my mat
Naomi's POV“What in the…” I muttered in shock as I stared out through the windshield of my car.It was then that I noticed some cars parked in front of mine. It was almost as if it was a traffic jam only that I knew traffic jams were impossible on this road. The road was always used but not many vehicles could be seen using it though. I peered up ahead trying to get a glimpse of what was going on but saw nothing. With irritation clawing at me, I pushed the door open and got out of the car.“Careful Miss. Seems you weren't really watching the road.” A man spoke beside me. Probably the one who had shouted the warning, preventing me from colliding with the parked cars.“Sorry.” I apologized. “I was just overwhelmed with work and was doing a lot of thinking while driving and so…” I trailed off.“Understandable, Miss.” The man nodded. “Don't we all go through the same? Especially those of us whose job requires us moving to interact.”He was right but again I wasn't bothered about that. I
Naomi's POV“Naomi are you sure about this?” Layla's voice was shaking loudly. I looked at her her hands were tight as she held the car door. “That car... it's still there right?”“Yes Layla it is.” I said my voice steady even though I was getting nervous inside. “I'm sick of being followed all the time. I'm going to figure out who they are and what they want.”I signaled pulling the Porsche Boxster over to a quiet and empty part of the road. The car behind us - a black sedan plain and creepy - slowed down and then stopped a short distance away.“Naomi no! What are you doing?” Layla almost yelled. “We should leave! Now! Please just leave!”I ignored her growing worry taking off my seatbelt.“What's wrong Layla? You're acting like you've seen something scary. I can take care of myself you know that. Even if things get a little heated.” I cracked my fingers trying to seem confident even though I wasn't feeling it.Layla grabbed my arm holding on really tight.“It's not you I'm worried a
Naomi's POVA loud scream cut through the evening air making me jump. I had just gotten out of the car feeling the usual tiredness of a long day of work in my shoulders.“Wow Naomi this car is amazing!” Layla screamed her voice full of really strong excitement.My eyes went where hers did. The red Porsche Boxster sports car a gift from Alpha Logan shone under the streetlights. It still felt strange to own something so fancy. I gave a tired smile.“Hey Layla. Glad you like it.”“I love it! I'm totally into it! We have to try it out right now!” She jumped up and down her eyes sparkling with fun.“Layla I just got home from work. I'm really tired.” I said rubbing my neck. A hot bath sounded way better than going for a wild drive.“Come on Naomi! Just one quick ride. Please? It'll be fun! We can play some music feel the wind... it's a great way to relax after a long day. It's like therapy but with a car.” She was already pulling my arm and she wouldn't give up.“I really don't know Layla.
Naomi's POV“Lunch?” I said suddenly the word floating between us. Had I really just asked my boss Alpha Logan to lunch? I was surprised I'd asked him of all people. He's my boss after all. My face turned bright red and I prepared for him to say no for things to get awkward.Alpha Logan's eyebrows went up a look of surprise crossing his face. I held my breath ready to take it back to say it was a lunch for work anything to fix the situation.“Lunch sounds... great.” he said a real smile spreading across his face. I felt a big relief wash over me all at once.“Really?” I had to ask showing how surprised I was.“Really.” he said his eyes shining. “I'm very hungry. And to be honest I need a rest from Brandon's idea anyway“.He grabbed his keys the sound a comforting familiar thing in the really weird moment.“Let's get out of here.”As we walked through the office I couldn't help but notice the sneaky looks and the smiles that some of the workers gave each other.I tried to ignore them t
Marcus' POVThe door closed behind Alpha Brandon. I leaned back in my chair. That working together... it was something I had to do. A bad thing made slightly better with a small amount of good.Alpha Brandon's idea was simple Glam Parlour and Spectra Style House working together to create designs for the upcoming Luna Festival. A big show of pack unity. A total and complete fake.The truth was I never planned to work fairly with Logan. Spectra Style House was a problem for me a constant competitor that tried to take Glam Parlour's place as the top design house in the area.This team-up wasn't about working together it was about gaining an advantage. A chance to figure out Spectra Style House's flaws to show its weaknesses and to eventually take it down from the inside.I put my fingers together a sneaky look flashing in my eyes. Logan thought he was getting a teammate but he was heading right into a trap. A trap I had set myself.A loud noise outside my door surprised me and stopped m
Logan's POV“What was that Brandon?” I almost shouted once we were far enough away from her office walking down the hall to mine.Brandon acting like he didn't care brushed me off.“What? I was just looking at the nice buildings. Your design company is really improving Logan. I can see why you're so happy.”“Stop playing games with me.” I said sharply stopping in the hallway. A couple of my workers walked around us looking nervous. I spoke softer but still firmly. “You can't just walk into people's offices especially not here. And definitely not making them feel uneasy.”“Uncomfortable?” Brandon raised an eyebrow a smirk on his lips. “Or is it something else Logan?”What was he getting at? I could feel my face getting hot a clear sign I was getting angry.“What's that supposed to mean?” I asked loudly moving closer to him getting in his face.”He laughed and it annoyed me.“Come on Logan. You had to notice how you looked at her. That little gleam of interest in your eyes.” He stopped
Naomi's POVThe noise of the crowd got quieter and sounded like a buzz as I got out of the car. I blinked feeling surprised. People were clapping and cheering. For me?This was only my second day at Spectra Style House. I hadn't done anything special in just sixteen hours of work so why were they treating me like a hero?I looked around a confused smile on my face. What was happening?The crowd moved a little as a woman I kind of recalled her name was Sarah from marketing came up. Her face showed a lot of excitement.“Naomi! We all know what you did!” She said loudly her voice heard over the other cheering people.“Did?” I repeated totally confused. “I... I don't get it.”“The trip!” Another employee a young guy with bright curious eyes spoke up. “The trip across No Man's Land! They said you did it yesterday! By yourself!”My mouth dropped open. The... the drive? Was that what this was about? No Man's Land was just an area with bad roads and a higher chance of rogue attacks not some s
Logan's POVI let out a deep sigh. Alpha Brandon. Redwood Pack. Just saying his name made me feel sick. He was a pain but a important customer of Spectra Style House bringing in a lot of money. But working with him was like moving through thick mud.“What does he want Eli?” I asked trying to sound calm.Eli moved uncomfortably his normal calm attitude changed to a bit of nervousness. “He said it's very important Logan. He wants to talk to you at the office tomorrow first thing.”I rubbed my temples. “Urgent huh? What makes something urgent to Brandon? A new fancy dog collar design? Or maybe he wants his team to wear uniforms with diamonds on them.” I laughed sarcastically.Eli just shrugged “He wasn't specific. Just said he needed to see you as early as possible.”“Okay.” I said leaning back in my chair. “Alright no problem. Tell him I'll be at the office as soon as I can.” I stopped something coming to mind. “Did he say anything else? Anything about who might come with him?” I was th
Naomi's POV“Logan where are we going?” I asked my voice tense. The engine noise was getting on my nerves. We'd been driving for what felt like forever farther and farther into the dark. Trees zoomed by the windows their shadows looking like scary figures on the side.Logan laughed a deep rough sound that didn't make me feel better. “Wait Naomi. It's a surprise.”“A surprise?” I said again my voice getting higher. “Logan I don't like surprises. Especially when they involve being taken and driven to the middle of nowhere.”“Kidnapped? Naomi I would never—”“Then tell me where we're going!” I said angrily my hands tightening into fists in my lap. I still felt hurt from what Marcus did and the thought of being trapped again of having no control made me feel sick.Logan sighed his hands gripped the wheel tighter. “Look I know you don't trust people easily but you can trust me. Okay? I won't hurt you.”“They all say that.” I said quietly feeling very upset.“Who are they Naomi?” Logan aske
Naomi's POVMy stomach tightened as Marcus's usual smell hit me. I hadn't seen him up close in... a long time. He walked up to our table with that annoyingly charming smile on his face.“Logan Naomi what a nice surprise.” he said slowly his eyes moving back and forth between us with clear curiosity. “It's great to see a strong couple together enjoying the results of their hard work.”My blood ran cold right away. Power couple? I laughed to myself. How dare he! He knew exactly what he was doing hurting me on purpose reminding me of what I'm not - what he decided I'm not good enough for. I felt a strong urge to fight back. I wouldn't let him see that he upset me. Not again.“Marcus.” I said my voice a bit too nice “it's great to see you. Yeah Logan and I thought we needed a real date. Work has been really busy lately.”I saw Marcus's jaw muscle move. Yes! Behind his fake smile he was really mad. I could almost feel it. I looked at Logan his face showed no emotion but I saw a quick flash