"Hey! Watch where you're going!"I weakly apologized to the woman, urging my legs to move. My throat felt scratchy and dry, I was depleted. I looked over my shoulder but the crowd made it impossible to see anything. Countless people were flocking the streets, my shoulders bumping into different people.I couldn't run further. I needed to rest.I looked behind again, and I saw them this time. Carlos was gaining in fast with blue eyes only a few paces ahead. My heart jumped to my throat, and I raced forward,The back of my legs protested, and a sharp pain in my ribs stunned me. I pushed at the people clustering around me. I felt suffocated, my chest heaving with each strained breath. I had to escape. I couldn't let them catch me.My legs slowed down, and I had to drag my feet against the asphalt. People cast me curious looks, eyeing me like I was a dangerous animal that was let loose.I knew I was a mess, my hair was all over the place. I was sure there was blood caked on my face, I w
The doctor came a few hours later, he was a kind, bubbly man who kept asking me funny questions so I wouldn't notice the syringe piercing into my skin. After he'd bandaged my ankles and given me some painkillers, I was left alone once again. Theo came in to check up on me and made sure I ate before leaving for important work. "Would you like anything else, Miss?" My gaze flickered towards the young brunette smiling down at me, she'd bathed and changed my clothes, although, the outfit looked like it belonged to a man. The sleeves were too long, and the pants barely fitted my waist but it was more comfortable than anything I'd ever worn."No, thank you." She nodded and stalked off, closing the door softly behind her. The low classical music playing in the background was the only sound that accompanied me in the large room. My eyes traced the various tapestries hung in different corners of the room, the King was an artistic man, that much was sure.However, I didn't know where I was.
"Miss Winchester, it's Lady Calloway." Hurriedly, I pushed myself from his lap and landed on top of the bed. When he looked at me, I turned my face away, tugging at the lapels of the shirt jacket. My heart was still thumping rhythmically and I swallowed the uneasiness building inside me,He'd almost marked me. My fingers went up to the spot, trailing the area tenderly. I could still feel it, the ghost of his canines grazing my skin,"Miss Winchester?"My eyes flew open, Lady Calloway was standing beside me. Her hard eyes accessing, from the top of my head to my curled legs and then back again, hazel eyes fell on me and I stiffened,She took in a deep breath before saying, "I'm glad you're safe." She settled on the spot close to my leg and placed a hand there, "How are you feeling?"I nodded numbly, my eyes searching the room for Theo. She must've noticed because she cleared her throat softly,"I asked him to leave us." My eyes flew to hers and she arched a brow, "What do you know ab
"The Queen wants to see me!?"My voice raised high and was laced with incredulity, studying her with unwavering attention. She sighed dejectedly, her head hung low, auburn hair falling like a curtain around her face,"Yes, she called the moment you arrived." She rose her head, and I noticed how drained she looked, "Is there any objection?"A lump built in my throat but I swallowed it, shaking my head, "I don't believe I have a choice." She regarded me for a moment before sighing, "Go get dressed. Wear something presentable.""Paige told me the second test was supposed to hold yesterday but it got put off." I leaned forward, resting my hands on top of the mahogany desk.She cocked a brow at me, "Yes, a potential bride got kidnapped under our nose. You can't possibly expect the test to go on!" She inhaled deeply before continuing, "If the captors were bold enough to take one girl, what's stopping them from taking another? The competition will be put on hold until we find the perpetrat
She moved her castle and I copied her. She cast me a dark look and I smiled sheepishly in return.We'd been at this for almost an hour now, after she'd asked me if I was good at chess to which I said no to, of course, she demanded I play one game with her. So I did the only thing any rational person would have done, I copied her, movement for movement.Needless to say, the Queen was not impressed by my tactic."So I heard you were rescued on the street," She moved her knight, claiming one of my smaller pieces. Her butler clapped in response and I scowled at her,"Yes, I was."She hummed under her breath, eyes flickering to mine for a moment, "Who saved you?"Instinctively, I opened my mouth to respond but paused when I remembered Lady Calloway's words. I risked a peek at the Queen, and although, she had a calm aura about her, the slight wrinkle in between her brows told me something else,"The imperial soldiers," I improvised, offering her a gentle smile."Soldiers or soldier?" She cr
"Jessica!"I shook her and she blinked a couple of times, her face was as white as snow and her jaw hung open slightly. I dug my nails into her skin, moving closer to peer at her,"How did you know I was held in a building?" I hissed slowly, my eyes narrowed into slits.Her alarmed gaze darted furtively from one eye to the other and she shakily. "I-I-""Tell me!" I screamed angrily, the hold on her quivering. My chest rose and fell shakily, eyes bleary from moisture.I was right! Jessica was behind my capture. I knew she was a bad person but what I didn't expect was this. How could someone stoop so low?As if a flip had been switched, her countenance changed from skittish to furious. She shoved at my chest harshly, causing me to lose balance and land on the floor.I heard collective gasps from the people around us but nobody moved to intervene. Jessica glowered at me, dusting off the spot I'd held earlier,"It was on the news, everyone knows you escaped from a building and ran into th
She was laughing. Wide-open laughter as she threw her head back in amusement at whatever one of her friends was saying.I stabbed my fork into the ribs, wishing I could kill her with my gaze."If you keep on looking at her like that, she's bound to see you." My eyes flickered towards Cora who had an eyebrow raised. I shrugged, placing the meat into my mouth and chewing slowly. "I can't help it, I feel like strangling her." Paige chuckled, tapping my shoulder in comfort. "In time, you'll get to do that."Dinner progressed at an excruciatingly slow pace and I couldn't wait to get out of here. The hall was packed full tonight and I spotted Lady Calloway talking to the chef earlier. Finally, Jessica stood up, muttering something to her friends then waved and strutted out."Oh, that's my cue." I jumped to my feet, banging my knees against the table in the process. I winced in pain, rubbing the sore spot,"Take it easy, Dee. Are you sure you'll be able to creep up on her without being no
A weak groan slipped past my lips as I lazily turned to the side, my fingers scraping against the moist sand. The smell of earth and leaves filtered into my nose and I coughed lightly, pushing myself to a sitting position. My muscles protested at the sudden movement, a wince contorting my features as I managed to sit upright.For a moment, my vision blurred and all I could see was the hazy outlines of the trees surrounding me. My head was throbbing like crazy and my ribs hurt, the constant chirping of the birds overhead only served as an annoyance."Shit," I cursed when my fingers made contact with the back of my head, the spot was tender and sore. Bright splotches of red cover the tips of my fingers.I had to get out of here, and fast.I looked around warily, the entire area was empty save for a few squirrels darting around the bushes. My breathing was heavy and laboured, a dizzy spell threatening to overtake me. When I looked up, the bright ray from the sunlight shone on my face and
|SIX YEARS LATER|Castle Black, Pack Black Haven(Capital city).Another chapter. Another day, combined with hours of waiting and anticipating his return. It is cold, dreadfully so and it seems like no matter the amount of layers I put on, I will still remain frozen. Maybe it is because I am pregnant but Paige says I should keep warm, so the child wouldn't end up a white wolf as his mother. But I am doubtful, the doctor already said that one of the children will take on my gene, I only wonder who."Your highness!"Today, I had nothing important to do, asides settling a dispute between two neighbours who claimed ownership over a goat. Unlike what I'd expected, a Queen didn't have much duties asides making sure that the capital was in order. It took months to help the beggars on the streets and even longer to put an end to alleyway bag thiefs. I had to persuade the council to fund an open house for the poor and needy plus two orphanages as well."Your Highness!!"At first, they were skep
Gorgeous.The girl staring back at me was so unbelievably gorgeous, it shocked me to the core. Her snow blonde hair was thrown over a shoulder in beautiful waves, golden flowers were pinned in different angles of her head. Her ruby red lips would put the colour of blood to shame and kohl-rimmed eyes blinked back at me."You are truly stunning, Luna Emma," The voice from behind me was almost starling and I tore my eyes away from my reflection to stare at Lady Calloway who had an expression of awe etched on her features.I smiled grimly, looking back at the mirror. The gown I wore was a shimmering blue, the same shade as her eyes. Although she truly looked stunning, her lips were pulled down into a small frown.I blew out a heavy breath, twisting around to face the woman in front of me, "Do you really think I would be a good Queen?" I asked hesitantly, chewing on the inside of my cheek.Lady Calloway smiled gently, crouching and placing a palm above my hand, "I think you will make a gr
I stirred on the bed, stretching my limbs with a pop. My eyelids fluttered open, lips parting to release a drawn out yawn,I winced softly, rubbing my exposed tummy. My vision was a bit blurry and I squinted when I turned towards the window, the bright morning light shining in my direction."You're awake," I whipped in the direction of the voice, my lips pulling into a lazy smile. Theo walked around the bed towards my end and leaned to press a soft kiss on my head. He was still shirtless but had donned on a different pair of pants that looked a little bit oversized. His hair was messy on top of his head and there was a twinkle in his eyes, one I hadn't seen before. "Sleep good?" I shook my head, pointing between my legs, "I feel sore," My voice came out as a small whine causing him to huff out a short laugh."I knew you would say that, hence I prepared a warm bath for you,."I frowned at his statement. Warm bath?My question was brought to a cease when he moved his hands beneath my
The hem of my robe dragged across the floor as I walked, the candle was resting perfectly on the inside of my palm and I had to keep from wincing every time the hot wax dropped on my skin. It was dark, the moon hadn't fully risen yet all we had as illumination was the dim light of the bulbs overhead and the large rose-scented candles in our grip.The lady in front stopped suddenly, causing all of us to grind to a halt. She turned to look at me and for a moment, the corner of her lips curled upwards. Lad Calloway nudged her head towards the close door,"This is his chamber, wait inside until he comes." I inhaled deeply before expelling the air. In one swift motion, I turned towards the door and tipped my chin in a confident manner,"Open it," I said, my determined gaze set on the embellishments on the wooden entrance.Tonight was the night everyone had been anticipating, including me. The mating ceremony was a revered ritual among us, it was when two people either chosen or fated mate
I took in a deep breath after explaining, watching warily for his reaction. His face was gloom and drawn tight, there was a little furrow between his brows which meant that he was still digesting everything.Finally, he exhaled before shifting to properly look at me, "Why didn't you tell me? I would've ripped the bastard's head right off."I smiled wryly, tightening our conjoined fingers together, "Trust me, I wanted to do that too. I debated if killing was the best idea and then choose not to do it.""Why?" He asked curiously and I chuckled softly, bumping my shoulders against his."Because," I started, drawling in a tired manner, "For people like Hansen, their lives matter less to them but their prestige on the other hand?" I shook my head, "That's what their entire world is built upon." Theo hummed thoughtfully, his eyes glazing over. Suddenly he smiled brightly, throwing an arm over my shoulder, "I'm glad I have such a smart mate."I rolled my eyes, stifling the giggle that was t
I stared at my reflection in the large mirror, my fingers playing with the silk robe tied around my waist. After the whole contest yesterday, I was brought into the Queen's quarters and was given strict instructions not to leave there until instructed. Apparently, I had to be cleansed and purified before the mating process began.The dowager had asked me to phone my family and order them to be on their way so they would make it in time for the coronation. That was this morning and I haven't picked up my phone yet,"Black looks good on you,"I flinched, whipping around to face the intruder. Theo was casually leaning against the wall, arms crossed against his chest and a serious look in his eyes,I frowned, puzzled by his appearance, "How-when did you get here?"He shrugged, pushing himself from the wall and stalking towards me, "A while back,"I sighed and turned to face the morrow away, my fingers still fiddling with the knot in front. When he wrapped his large arms around my waist, I
"Should I be scared or nervous?"I gave the man a grim smile, pushing the small cup of tea towards him before grabbing my own. I gingerly took a sip, savoring in the warm sweetness that invaded my tongue instantly,"Which one of the two do you think is more appropriate?" I asked, arching a brow when he pushed his cup away, a small gesture but one I caught nonetheless.I gave him a look, one he not-so-politely ignored, clearing his throat loudly, "I don't quite know, you're no longer a contestant anymore but the mate of the Alpha and future Queen of the entire werekind. It would be stupid not to feel some amount of petrification." My lips curled and I slowly placed the cup back on the table, smacking my lips together, "I'll be straight with you, Lord Hansen," That piqued his attention causing him to lean nearer, "I called you here for one specific reason,"Something akin to uneasiness flashed in his eyes but he quickly concealed it with a cocky smile, "Do tell," "Jessica." I said si
When I was younger, I always wished that I would get like my sister's colour of wolf. Dahlia was my role model, everything she did, I copied and she loved it too so it was only natural that I got her colour. But sometimes, in the secret I would wish for my mother's colour too, hers was a beautiful grey and I loved the way the fur looked underneath the moonlight. Never in my life would I imagine being a white wolf. A wolf so powerful, they were regarded as too much for the werekind. A wolf so special, they were rare to find.So why, why did the moon goodness find me fit to become one?My eyes flew open, burning so bright and powerful. It felt like the sun was scorching me from inside and I couldn't help it. A piercing scream ripped its way from my chest and I curled into myself,My wolf emerged like lightning, spearing through my entire system. My eyes flew open and I shook my head but I realized that I wasn't in my human form anymore.Jessica looked stunned, her jaw was hanging open
The arena was filled to the brim, I was very much certain of that. They had used the same place as the first round where we had to go through different obstacle courses, the same place where I had purposefully broken my leg in a bid to avoid what I was presently doing.I looked around me, at the wild crowd cheering and crying. Their sentences almost inaudible since they were all yelling at once, excitement and tension pooled in my stomach,My eyes met my opponent's but she wasn't focused on me, her gaze was on the crowd. She was smiling and waving at them as though they were chanting for her, probably they were I couldn't hear anything either ways. I wondered if Lord Hansen had told her that his plan had flopped and there was nothing holding me back now. I wondered if she knew just how dangerous I could be once I shifted."Werewolves and shewolves," Lady Calloway spoke through the loud microphone that carried her voice round the entire auditorium. "The moment we have finally been wai