LOGINShare
A proposal and a threat
Last Updated:
2024-10-29 19:42:56Ember's eyes still widened in disbelief
''Marry you?'' she repeated, her voice barely above a whisper. ''I don't even know who you are!'' her voice getting louder as she does not even attempt to hide her irritation. The stranger chuckled, his eyes glinting with amusement. ''You do not need to know me, you jus need to know that i can offer you a life beyond your wildest dreams, Ember Leander''A shiver ran down her spine with how her name rolled of his tongue. It was as if he caressed her name, she felt a flush rise to her cheek and her gaze drop.He seemed to sense the effect all this was having on her so he took a step even closer, this time their noses were inches away from touching, with Ember's hands still crossed over her bare chest. A thrilling sensation running through her body as he continues his proposal, his eyes locking unto hers with an unnerving intensity. ''I can offer you freedom from your family's expectation, and freedom to forge your own path.The stranger's gaze lingered on Ember's naked form, his eyes roving over her skin with unnerving intensity. She felt her face burn with embarrassment , her body tensing. He seemed to enjoy her unease, his eyes glinting with a knowing spark.
Just when she thought she could not take it anymore, he took two sudden steps back, creating a sense of space between them. Ember's breath caught in her throat as she hesitated, unsure of what to do next. He then turns around and backs her, raised his hand and gestured towards the clothes scattered on the riverbank
Ember's face flushed with gratitude, she quicky gathered her clothes and begun to drtess, her movements hasty and awkward.As she finished dressing, Ember felt a mix of relief and confusion.''Why had he backed off?''''What does he want from her?''The questions swirled in her mind, but once again her thoughts were interrupted again as Thorne's words cut through the air, his back still turned to her. ''You have 48 hours to decide Ember Leander. I suggest you use that time wisely''. His words were abrupt, firm and commanding. Ember's flush deepened , her mind racing with questions but before she could even form a response, the stranger walked away. His long strides carrying him quicly across the riverbank and into the surrounding trees. He never once looked back.*******
''I can't believe he just proposed to me out of the blue, Beatrice!'' Ember exclaimed, still trying to process what had happened yesterday.
Beatrice's eyes widened with surprise and then a mischievous grin spread across her face. ''Well, i guess that is one way to get out of the 'getting to know you phase', huh? I mean who needs dates and flowers when you can just skip straight to 'till death do us part'?Ember let out a sigh. ''Beatrice ypu're not helping!''Beatrice chuckled. ''Sorry, sorry, but seriously, Ember what are you going to do? Y ou cannot just marry some random stranger, no matter how handsome he is.''Ember sighed, rubbing her temples. ''I know, i know. But there's something about him... and he seems to know more about him than he should.''Beatrice expression turned serious. ''That's creepy. You need to be careful Ember. This whole thing feels off.''Beatrice was a vibrant presence in Ember's life, with a personality that matches her fiery red hair. Her locks cascaded down her back in loose, curly waves, framing her heart shaped face and bright blue eyes. A cluster of cute freckles across her nose and cheeks, adding to her natural beauty. Beatrice had always accepted Ember for who she was. She was the only person who made Ember feel truly seen and understood.Just as Ember nods to Beatrice's words, the door to Beatrice's family owned store burst open and Lucas stormed in, his eyes blazing with anger. He strode straight to Ember, his long strides eating up the distance, and towered over her, his voice low and menacing.''Do not even think about giving a reply to that asshole!'' he growled, his eyes flashing with a fierce intensity.Ember's eyes widened in suprise, a shiver running down her spine at the raw emotion of Lucas's voice. Beatrice's eyes went wide and she stood up, her hands on her hips, ready to defend her friend.''Lucas, what is going on?'' Beatrice asked, her voice firm but calmLucas's gaze didn't waver from Ember's face. ''You know exactly what i am talking about Ember. Thorne is not what he seems. And you are not going to entertain his offern not even for a second''Ember's face flushed and she felt a syrge of defiance rise up. ''And who are you to dictate what i can and can't do, Lucas?'' she asked, her voice firm. Lucas's expression turned even darker, and he takes a step closer, his voice dropping to a whisper. ''Thorne, the alpha of the blood moon pack. You think he is just a cgarming stranger, don't you?, Ember?. He's got a reputaion for manipulating people to get what he wants''Ember's eyes flashed with anger but Lucas did not back down. Taking a step closer, his eyes narrowed, his voice now only audible to Ember ''You belong to me, Ember. To our pack. And no one else. Certainly not to some power hungry alpha from a rival pack.''Ember's face now red with anger. ''I don't belong to anyone Lucas, least of all you'' she spat, her voice tremblingLucas grips Ember's hand, his fingers wrapping around hers with a gentle and firm pressure. He leaned in close, his voice still low and menacing.''Remember, Ember, you are under my protection now, and if you even think about accepting Thorne's proposal you will be putting your family in danger. Do you understand?''Ember's eyes flashed with anger and fear, but she nodded, her voice barely above a whisper. ''Yes, I understand''.Lucas's grip on her hand tightened for a moment, then he released it and turned to leave. ''Good'' he said, his voice dripping with satisfaction. ''I'll be watching you Ember, always.''With that, he turned and strode out pf the bookstore, leaving Ember amd Beatrice in stunned silence.The bell above the door jingled as he exited and the sound seemed to echo through the shop like a warning bell, signalling the start of a dangerous game of power and control. Beatrice's eyes were wide with concern and she immediately rushes to Ember and cups her face in her hands. ''''What's going on Ember? what did he mean by that?''Embert's face was pale, her eyes haunted. ''I don't know, but i think i'm in trouble, Bea''.Related chapters
Burning Secrets: An Omega's story The darkness that awaits
Forty eight hours.That was howmuch time Thorne had given Ember to make her decision. Time was finally up and as she arrived at thier meeting point, moon river. She met Thorne sitting on the riverbank, his legs playfully swishing in the water. His muscular build was evident even from a distance, his broad shoulders and chiesled arms a testament to his strength. His dark hair, always messy and unkemp, yet in a very attractive way, and his piercing eyes seemed to gleam in the moonlight.As she drew closer, Ember realized he was shirtless. She then noticed a scar on his back, a jogged line that ran from his shoulder blade to his waist. It looked like a crescent moon. As soon as Thorne sensed her presence, he stood up, his movements fluid and graceful. He pulled on his shirt, the fabric clinging to his damp skin, and turned to face her. His eyes locked unto hers and asked seemingly out of nowhere''Do you think the stars are jealous of the moon's ability to control the tides?''Ember's ey
Burning Secrets: An Omega's story The wedding of duty
As Ember struggled to her feet, her eyes scanned the room, taking in the scene that lay before her. And then for the first time since coming down, she noticed a message just above the fire place. It appeared to written with her own parent’s blood . “You disappointed me, Ember” Ember’s mind reeled as she stumbled backward, her hand flying to her mouth in horror. The words seemed to sear themselves into her brain. It was Lucas. He did this He killed her parents and still took advantage of her Her anguish turned to anger and very quickly back to pain again. She felt a scream building in her throat, but it was trapped, unable to escape. Her eyes remained fixed on the gruesome message, her mind racing with questions. Her vision began to blur, and she felt herself swaying. She reached out, blindly searching for something to hold onto, but found nothing. The room seemed to be spinning, and she was trapped in the center of a living nightmare. Two nights had passed since the death of
Burning Secrets: An Omega's story A lie that kills
It is now two months into their sham marriage, Thorne had made it clear from the start that their union was purely political, a means to solidify his power and control over the pack. He had no intention of consummating their marriage, and Ember was secretly relieved. She had never wanted to be with him in the first place, and the thought of sharing a bed with him was unbearable. Thorne’s cold demeanor had become the norm, and Ember had grown used to his aloofness. She found herself feeling more comfortable with the distance between them, free to focus on her own interests and pursuits without the burden of pretending to be a loving wife. Augusta, Thorne’s mother, had never warmed up to Ember. She saw her as a weak and unworthy mate for her son, a mere pawn in their political game. Augusta’s disdain for Ember was palpable, her condescending gaze and sharp tongue making Ember feel like an outsider in her own home. One day, Augusta confronted Ember in the manor’s garden, her voice low
Burning Secrets: An Omega's story New Beginnings
Nova City was a world away from the dense forests and rolling hills of Ember's former life in the pack. The metropolitan landscape was a mix of steel and concrete, with towering skyscrapers and bustling streets that never seemed to sleep. The air pulsed with the hum of traffic, the chatter of pedestrians, and the wail of sirens in the distance. It was a far cry from the peaceful howls and rustling leaves of the forest, where the only sound was the beat of the pack's heart.Five years had passed since Ember fled the pack, leaving behind the only life she knew. Her child, a bright and curious four-year-old named Aria, was a constant reminder of the secrets she kept hidden. Ember's heart swelled with love and worry as she watched Aria's eyes light up with wonder at the city's sights and sounds. Some days, like today, the weight of her past felt like a heavy cloak, threatening to suffocate her. But Ember pushed on, determined to build a new life for herself and Aria, free from
Burning Secrets: An Omega's story A risky bargain
Thorne:It had been five years since the death of his mom and abduction of his mate, and just as he had spent every evening since her funeral, Thorne stood before at the tree planted where his mother was buried, in her honor.The tree, a sturdy silver oak, stands tall and proud, its bark shimmering with a soft, ethereal glow. Despite being only five years old, it has grown remarkably fast, its branches stretching towards the sky like outstretched arms, providing a canopy of shade and comfort. The leaves, a vibrant green, rustle softly in the breeze, releasing a gentle whisper of wisdom and peace.Kael, the pack beta, approached Thorne with caution, his eyes fixed on the Alpha's imposing figure. He maintained a safe distance, his tail tucked between his legs, and his ears slightly back, displaying a submissive posture."Alpha Thorne," Kael said, his voice low and measured, "I come with news from the scouts I sent out."Thorne's gaze r
Burning Secrets: An Omega's story The Alpha's Dilemma
Thorne's expression turned glacial, his eyes flashing with a warning. "What are you implying, Kieran?"Kieran smiled, his lips curling up with a sly intent. "Oh, I think you know exactly what I'm implying. We have information you need, Thorne. And we're willing to share it... for a price."Lyra's eyes gleamed with excitement, her voice purring with anticipation. "Yes, Thorne. Let's play a game. You see, we've discovered something... intriguing. Something that could change the course of your search entirely."Thorne's jaw clenched, his eyes locked onto Kieran's, his voice low and deadly. "What do you know, Kieran?"Lyra's finger rose to her lips, her eyes sparkling with mischief. She pressed her finger against her mouth, her voice dropping to a sultry whisper. "Shhh, Thorne. Now, now, dear. We have something you want, but... what's in it for us?"Her gaze drifted lazily over Thorne's face, her eyes lingering on his lips before returning to his eyes. Her voice was husky, her tone drippi
Burning Secrets: An Omega's story Ember's Daily grind
Ember:Ember sat at her desk, surrounded by stacks of financial reports and tax returns. She was focused on reconciling a particularly tricky account, her eyes scanning the numbers with a practiced intensity. But as she glanced up at the clock on the wall, her gaze was drawn to the long hand ticking its way towards the 12, and the short hand resting on the 4.It was 4:00 PM, the official end of her workday. Ember felt a sense of relief wash over her, and she closed her eyes, letting out a quiet sigh. She saved her work on the computer, tidied up her desk, and began to pack up her things.As she straightened her papers and filed them away, Ember's mind turned to her daughter, Sophia, who would be waiting for her at kindergarten. She smiled, thinking about the stories Sophia would tell her about her day, and the snuggles they would share on the walk home.With a final glance around her organized desk, Ember stood up, smoothed her skirt, and headed o
Burning Secrets: An Omega's story Signs and symptoms
As they entered their apartment, Ember couldn't help but feel a sense of relief wash over her. The building wasn't the most luxurious, with its worn carpet and faded paint, but their small apartment was cozy. The smell of fresh bread wafted from the bakery on the first floor, making her stomach growl with hunger.Their apartment was a humble one-bedroom, with a living room that doubled as a dining area. The kitchen was tiny, but Ember had managed to make it functional. There were two bathrooms, a luxury in a building as old as this one. The furniture was second-hand, but Ember had spruced it up with colorful throw pillows and blankets.As they entered, Sophia ran ahead, dropping her backpack on the floor. "I'm starving, Mommy! Can we have pizza for dinner?" She flopped down on the worn couch, her eyes fixed on the TV.Ember smiled, exhaustion forgotten in the face of her daughter's enthusiasm. "We'll see, sweetie. Let me check what we have in the frid
Latest chapter
Burning Secrets: An Omega's story Innocent!
Ember slowly opened her eyes, wincing as the bright sunlight pierced through her living room window. She hadn't bothered to close the blinds before collapsing onto the couch the night before, exhausted and distraught. Her eyes felt puffy and dry from crying herself to sleep. She was still wearing her work clothes from the previous day, the familiar scent of her office lingering on her blouse.As she sat up, her mind raced back to the confrontation with her supervisor. The accusation, the threat, the ultimatum. 24 hours to produce the missing money or face the consequences. Ember's heart raced as she thought about the impossibility of it all. She had no idea where the money was, and even if she did, she couldn't possibly come up with that amount in such a short time.She thought about Sophia, her daughter, and how she had left her in the care of Miss Jenkins the night before. She hadn't wanted to see her in this state, didn't want to worry her or have her sense the
Burning Secrets: An Omega's story Guilty until proven innocent
Ember sat at the kitchen table, sipping her coffee as she watched Sophia munch on her breakfast of bread and jam. The morning sunlight streaming through the window highlighted her daughter's bright blue eyes and curly brown hair, and Ember's heart swelled with love.As she gazed at Sophia, last night's conversation replayed in her mind. The beast inside her, pushing her to defend herself... Ember's thoughts trailed off as she noticed Sophia's voracious appetite. She was devouring her breakfast with a intensity that made Ember chuckle."Sophia, slow down, sweetie! You're going to choke!" Ember warned, laughing.Sophia looked up, jam smeared on her cheek, and grinned. "I'm just really hungry, Mommy!"Ember's eyes lingered on her daughter's face, and a realization struck her. Sophia had always had a healthy appetite, but lately, it seemed...different. Almost as if she was eating for two.A pang of worry shot through
Burning Secrets: An Omega's story Signs and symptoms
As they entered their apartment, Ember couldn't help but feel a sense of relief wash over her. The building wasn't the most luxurious, with its worn carpet and faded paint, but their small apartment was cozy. The smell of fresh bread wafted from the bakery on the first floor, making her stomach growl with hunger.Their apartment was a humble one-bedroom, with a living room that doubled as a dining area. The kitchen was tiny, but Ember had managed to make it functional. There were two bathrooms, a luxury in a building as old as this one. The furniture was second-hand, but Ember had spruced it up with colorful throw pillows and blankets.As they entered, Sophia ran ahead, dropping her backpack on the floor. "I'm starving, Mommy! Can we have pizza for dinner?" She flopped down on the worn couch, her eyes fixed on the TV.Ember smiled, exhaustion forgotten in the face of her daughter's enthusiasm. "We'll see, sweetie. Let me check what we have in the frid
Burning Secrets: An Omega's story Ember's Daily grind
Ember:Ember sat at her desk, surrounded by stacks of financial reports and tax returns. She was focused on reconciling a particularly tricky account, her eyes scanning the numbers with a practiced intensity. But as she glanced up at the clock on the wall, her gaze was drawn to the long hand ticking its way towards the 12, and the short hand resting on the 4.It was 4:00 PM, the official end of her workday. Ember felt a sense of relief wash over her, and she closed her eyes, letting out a quiet sigh. She saved her work on the computer, tidied up her desk, and began to pack up her things.As she straightened her papers and filed them away, Ember's mind turned to her daughter, Sophia, who would be waiting for her at kindergarten. She smiled, thinking about the stories Sophia would tell her about her day, and the snuggles they would share on the walk home.With a final glance around her organized desk, Ember stood up, smoothed her skirt, and headed o
Burning Secrets: An Omega's story The Alpha's Dilemma
Thorne's expression turned glacial, his eyes flashing with a warning. "What are you implying, Kieran?"Kieran smiled, his lips curling up with a sly intent. "Oh, I think you know exactly what I'm implying. We have information you need, Thorne. And we're willing to share it... for a price."Lyra's eyes gleamed with excitement, her voice purring with anticipation. "Yes, Thorne. Let's play a game. You see, we've discovered something... intriguing. Something that could change the course of your search entirely."Thorne's jaw clenched, his eyes locked onto Kieran's, his voice low and deadly. "What do you know, Kieran?"Lyra's finger rose to her lips, her eyes sparkling with mischief. She pressed her finger against her mouth, her voice dropping to a sultry whisper. "Shhh, Thorne. Now, now, dear. We have something you want, but... what's in it for us?"Her gaze drifted lazily over Thorne's face, her eyes lingering on his lips before returning to his eyes. Her voice was husky, her tone drippi
Burning Secrets: An Omega's story A risky bargain
Thorne:It had been five years since the death of his mom and abduction of his mate, and just as he had spent every evening since her funeral, Thorne stood before at the tree planted where his mother was buried, in her honor.The tree, a sturdy silver oak, stands tall and proud, its bark shimmering with a soft, ethereal glow. Despite being only five years old, it has grown remarkably fast, its branches stretching towards the sky like outstretched arms, providing a canopy of shade and comfort. The leaves, a vibrant green, rustle softly in the breeze, releasing a gentle whisper of wisdom and peace.Kael, the pack beta, approached Thorne with caution, his eyes fixed on the Alpha's imposing figure. He maintained a safe distance, his tail tucked between his legs, and his ears slightly back, displaying a submissive posture."Alpha Thorne," Kael said, his voice low and measured, "I come with news from the scouts I sent out."Thorne's gaze r
Burning Secrets: An Omega's story New Beginnings
Nova City was a world away from the dense forests and rolling hills of Ember's former life in the pack. The metropolitan landscape was a mix of steel and concrete, with towering skyscrapers and bustling streets that never seemed to sleep. The air pulsed with the hum of traffic, the chatter of pedestrians, and the wail of sirens in the distance. It was a far cry from the peaceful howls and rustling leaves of the forest, where the only sound was the beat of the pack's heart.Five years had passed since Ember fled the pack, leaving behind the only life she knew. Her child, a bright and curious four-year-old named Aria, was a constant reminder of the secrets she kept hidden. Ember's heart swelled with love and worry as she watched Aria's eyes light up with wonder at the city's sights and sounds. Some days, like today, the weight of her past felt like a heavy cloak, threatening to suffocate her. But Ember pushed on, determined to build a new life for herself and Aria, free from
Burning Secrets: An Omega's story A lie that kills
It is now two months into their sham marriage, Thorne had made it clear from the start that their union was purely political, a means to solidify his power and control over the pack. He had no intention of consummating their marriage, and Ember was secretly relieved. She had never wanted to be with him in the first place, and the thought of sharing a bed with him was unbearable. Thorne’s cold demeanor had become the norm, and Ember had grown used to his aloofness. She found herself feeling more comfortable with the distance between them, free to focus on her own interests and pursuits without the burden of pretending to be a loving wife. Augusta, Thorne’s mother, had never warmed up to Ember. She saw her as a weak and unworthy mate for her son, a mere pawn in their political game. Augusta’s disdain for Ember was palpable, her condescending gaze and sharp tongue making Ember feel like an outsider in her own home. One day, Augusta confronted Ember in the manor’s garden, her voice low
Burning Secrets: An Omega's story The wedding of duty
As Ember struggled to her feet, her eyes scanned the room, taking in the scene that lay before her. And then for the first time since coming down, she noticed a message just above the fire place. It appeared to written with her own parent’s blood . “You disappointed me, Ember” Ember’s mind reeled as she stumbled backward, her hand flying to her mouth in horror. The words seemed to sear themselves into her brain. It was Lucas. He did this He killed her parents and still took advantage of her Her anguish turned to anger and very quickly back to pain again. She felt a scream building in her throat, but it was trapped, unable to escape. Her eyes remained fixed on the gruesome message, her mind racing with questions. Her vision began to blur, and she felt herself swaying. She reached out, blindly searching for something to hold onto, but found nothing. The room seemed to be spinning, and she was trapped in the center of a living nightmare. Two nights had passed since the death of
