As the doctor continued his work, Killian's gaze lingered on me. It was a look that held a myriad of unspoken words, a silent acknowledgment of the absurdity of our situation. Suddenly, he broke the silence with a childish plea. "Mel, could you... you know, give me some emotional support? Hold my hand or something?" I shot him a death stare, my sarcastic instincts kicking in. "Emotional support? You've got to be kidding me. You're not a child-" He grinned mischievously. "Come on, Lane. It's not every day I gets stitched up like a patchwork quilt. A little comfort wouldn't hurt." I sighed, feeling the weight of his puppy-dog eyes. "Fine, but just for the record, this is not because I want to. It's purely out of sympathy for your poor, battered ego." He laughed, an almost musical sound that filled the room. "Sympathy or not, I'll take it. Now, come here and hold my hand, would you?" I hesitated for a moment, contemplating the absurdity of the situation. Then, with a theatrical eye
The air crackled with tension as I shot Killian a quizzical look, my eyebrow raised in disbelief. "That was not a proposal," I declared with an air of mock seriousness, crossing my arms over my chest. "A proposal must include a proper meal, candlelight, and maybe a flash mob. You know, the works."Killian, ever the enigmatic maestro of chaos, merely nodded, seemingly undeterred by my attempt to brush off the gravity of his words. He gestured to his assistant to leave.I felt a twinge of irritation bubbling beneath the surface. How dare he reduce this moment, whatever it was, to a casual exchange? Killian stood up, his tall frame casting a shadow over me. The proximity was both intimidating and oddly captivating. He met my gaze, the intensity of his eyes locking onto mine. "I don't think you can pay off your family's debt, even if you work day and night, for the next ten years, Ms. Lane."My jaw tightened, my frustration bubbling to the surface. "What do you suggest, Mr. Anderson? I'm
I sauntered into the quaint little store on the corner, its bell chiming cheerfully as I pushed the door open. The aroma of freshly baked croissants wafted through the air, instantly wrapping me in a warm, buttery embrace. I grinned, feeling victorious in my choice of the day's treat – two fragrant croissants that could rival the Eiffel Tower in their magnificence.With my delightful loot in hand, I practically skipped my way to Grandma's house, anticipation bubbling within me. As I approached her doorstep, I took a moment to compose myself, ensuring I presented the picture of the perfect granddaughter – or at least a granddaughter who occasionally remembered to bring something other than her quirky sense of humor.I knocked on the door, and after a few seconds, it swung open, revealing Grandma's skeptical expression. "Did you run out of money again?" she asked with a raised eyebrow.I rolled my eyes in mock offense. "Grandma, you wound me with your lack of faith in my financial prowe
Grandma, wise beyond her years, observed my mini-meltdown with a mix of amusement and concern. She didn't press further, probably attributing my distress to a quirky episode of Mellisa Lane's unpredictable adventures. Little did she know, it was just the tip of the iceberg.Feeling a sudden chill, I closed my eyes, hoping to escape the bizarre reality that had become my existence. That's when it happened – a gentle caress on my cheek, a phantom touch that sent shivers down my spine. A vision materialized before me: a stunning woman with a warm smile. Oddly enough, I felt a pang of sadness, a fleeting emotion that left me disoriented.My phone buzzed annoyingly, and I eyed it with disdain, half-expecting another ridiculous turn of events. Sure enough, Jenny's name flashed on the screen, demanding my attention. With an exasperated sigh, I answered."What now, Jenny? Is there a sudden alien invasion, or have the squirrels declared war on humanity? I could really use a peaceful day."Jenn
I feigned a gasp, placing a hand on my chest. "Denise, darling, you flatter me!"Joe, caught in the crossfire of our banter. "Live comedy show."Denise, seemingly unamused. "Mellisa, your comedic tricks are as outdated as your fashion sense. I wouldn't be surprised if your next career move is a stint at the local clown academy."I was to reply her, but kind Larry grabbed our attention: “The main course was served in the form of acting out random scenarios.” The table buzzed with excitement as we eagerly anticipated our turn, and I exchanged an enthusiastic glance with Jenny. As we awaited our cue, the moderator, Gary, decided to spice things up a bit.Jenny and I, assuming we could choose our partners, raised our hands in unison. However, Gary had a different plan in mind."No, no, no. Let's add a touch of suspense to this performance, shall we?" Gary announced with a mischievous twinkle in his eye. "We're going to do this fair and square. Draw lots, everyone!"I exchanged a bewilder
With that parting shot, Denise leaned back in her chair, a triumphant smirk etched on her face. My patience wore thin, and my fists clenched involuntarily. Jenny, sensing the impending storm, swiftly intervened. Not the kind of intervention you’d expect. My Jenny knows me. “Ready.” Jenny leaned in. "Joe, darling, have you heard about Mellisa's desperate quest for fame? I mean, she's not exactly swimming in opportunities, and rumor has it she's open to, well, unconventional methods to land a role. You know, like cozying up to influential producers."“Aim.” Joe's face morphed into a shade of crimson that could rival a ripe tomato. His eyes darted between Denise and me, searching for an escape route from the awkward terrain she was attempting to navigate.Jenny whispered into my ears.“Fire.”I flashed my best innocent smile, batting my eyelashes exaggeratedly. "Oh, Denise, honey, you seem to have misunderstood. I don't need to resort to desperate measures for a job. Unlike some people
He chuckled, a low, throaty sound that did nothing to ease my frustration. " You've been marked as the Anderson family's mate."I squinted at him. "Mate? That's absurd!"He grinned, enjoying my discomfort. "It's a spell, an ancient one. Apparently, someone in my family thought it would be amusing to have our chosen mates marked."I crossed my arms. "Amusing? I find it infuriating! How do I get rid of it?"Killian's eyes gleamed mischievously. "Ah, you see, that's the catch. It's not so simple. You'll have to invite me to dinner first. You didn’t invite me to dinner the first time we did it, I feel like you owe me one.""Did anybody tell you that you have an incredibly slappable face?"He leaned in, his lips dangerously close to my ear. "Consider it a small price to pay. Besides, I'm not just anyone; I'm the son of an Alpha. The process isn't as straightforward as pressing a delete button on a computer."I yanked my hand away, shaking my head. "I'm not buying into this. I need that mar
As he said this, the thug and his exhausted accomplices decided they had had enough of the verbal sparring. They turned their attention toward me, charging in my direction. Panic set in as I frantically looked around for something – anything – that could serve as a makeshift weapon. I picked up the spatula. Damn it. I closed my eyes and Killian swiftly stepped in front of me. "I believe the lady has had enough excitement for one night. Why don't you take your circus act elsewhere?"Tony, undeterred, let out a menacing laugh. "You think you can stop us?"I stood there, staring wide-eyed as Killian morphed into this majestic wolf with fur that glistened like molten gold. It wasn't every day you witnessed a heartthrob transform into a creature from a fantasy novel. I had questions – so many questions – but before I could utter a single word, I realized why was the glasses there on his face. It was to keep his identity hidden. The other bunch, who moments ago were threatening to turn my
At 9am, I received a call from Dany. Or one to be known as lady Dana Serpentine. She wanted to call me out for coffee. I enthusiastically agreed.The soft chime of the coffee shop's doorbell signaled my entrance, and I scanned the room until I spotted Dana Serpentine. Her smile was warm, welcoming, and I couldn't help but reciprocate as I approached her table."Dany," I exclaimed, giving her a light hug.She returned the embrace graciously. "Melissa, so glad you could make it. I hope you've been settling in well."I nodded, taking a seat across from her. "As well as one can, considering the circumstances."Dana chuckled, her eyes twinkling. "Oh I absolutely knows the Andersons. But it's good to see you out and about. We all need a break from the craziness every now and then."As we settled into conversation, I noticed the presence of two more figures beside Dana – Ramiel and little Seraphina. "Melissa, I'd like you to meet my kid brother and sister, again with proper introduction – R
The early morning sun had barely begun to paint the sky with hues of orange and pink when Killian's phone rang, jolting us awake from the cozy cocoon of our shared dreams. As he answered the call, the urgency in his voice mirrored the sudden shift in the atmosphere."Richard," Killian called out, glancing at me with a furrowed brow. "Duty calls. Dad needs me. Get ready, Mellisa."I groggily got out of bed, trying to shake off the remnants of sleep. Richard, Killian's loyal beta and confidant, stood by the door ready for whatever lay ahead. There was a weight to the air, a heaviness that hung like a storm waiting to unleash its fury.We made our way to the family meeting, a place I had only heard about in hushed conversations and somber tones. I couldn't help but feel a shiver run down my spine.We entered the room, the dark wood-panelled walls seemed to close in on us. At the center, George Anderson, the patriarch, stood."Killian," George's voice trembled as he spoke, "sit down. We
I gazed at Killian, who was nursing his wounded pride with a generous swig of whiskey. The glass emptied in one go, and I couldn't help but raise an eyebrow at his dramatic display of defiance. He looked like a scolded little puppy, eyes cast down, lips pursed in a pout that somehow managed to be both endearing and comical."You look sad," I teased, leaning against the nearest wall.Killian shot me a side-eyed glance, a mix of irritation and resignation in his ashy eyes. "You think I'm a sore loser, don't you?"I let out a dramatic gasp, placing a hand over my heart. "I never said such thing."He huffed, a small smile playing on his lips. "But I think so."I couldn't argue with that assessment. So I leaned closer. "You know, Killian, there's a way to find out if you're truly a sore loser or not."His eyebrows furrowed in curiosity. "And what might that be?"I grinned, grabbing his hand and examining his palm with exaggerated seriousness. "Palm reading, my dear. Your fate lies in the l
George's gaze narrowed on Killian, and without warning, a whip lashed through the air. Instinctively, Killian shielded his back, sparing me from the intended strike. The crack of the whip echoed in the silence, leaving an eerie aftermath.My eyes widened in shock, and I couldn't suppress a gasp. What the hell is going on here?Killian shot me a quick glance, silently urging me to stay composed. He knew I wasn't accustomed to the hierarchy.George, continued with a stern expression. "Killian, your recent actions have consequences."I couldn't fathom what actions they were referring to."Why don't you enlighten us on what these 'actions' are?" I retorted, my frustration seeping into my words.George turned his gaze toward me, his eyes narrowing. "This is pack business, not for outsiders to interfere."Outsider? That stung. I may not have been born into this world, but I had chosen to stand by Killian's side.Killian spoke up, "Father, she is my wife. Anything that concerns me concerns
The crowd's attention shifted from the bullied girl to our confrontation, and whispers of anticipation spread like wildfire. Killian, realizing that this was a storm he couldn't control, opted for a supportive stance, ready to back me up if needed.I continued, my voice steady but loaded with a sarcasm that could cut through steel. "And let's not even get started on your definition of beauty. If I were you, I'd worry less about appearances and more about the state of your character. It seems to be suffering from a severe lack of decency."As Killian and I stood our ground, facing off against the mean-spirited teenagers who had targeted the little girl with Down syndrome, Killian leaned in and whispered a quick briefing in my ear."House Frank, these guys are the richest gold and oil traders in the country," he murmured, his expression serious. Just as I processed this new piece of information, a woman in her 30s, presumably Colette Frank as Killian had told me, stepped forward. Her d
A murmur rippled through the crowd as everyone exchanged curious glances. What could George be referring to? And who were these troublemakers he spoke of?"I want to make it clear," George continued, his voice firm, "that such behavior will not be tolerated."George continued his speech without mentioning Killian, leaving a conspicuous void in his narrative. My eyes narrowed as I exchanged a perplexed look with Killian. Something was amiss.The blonde-haired guy, radiating smugness, locked onto Killian, and a derisive smirk played on his lips. It was clear he took pleasure from George's speech.I leaned towards Killian and whispered, "Who's that guy, and why does he look like he just won the lottery of pettiness?""That's Damien."I raised an eyebrow. "Damien? I’ve never heard you speaking of him."Killian shook his head. George concluded his speech, the room erupted into applause. Killian and I stepped out of the great hall, Killian seemed disappointed. Of course. The night air was
We set up for the contest. Killian, ever the silent observer, stepped forward, a gleam of amusement in his eyes as he handed me a bow. It was a beautiful piece, crafted from silver wood and adorned with delicate carvings that seemed to shimmer in the moonlight. It was his own. "For you, my dear," he said, his voice laced with a playful undertone. "May the best archer win."My father owned a racecourse before everything else happened. I was raised on horseback. He loved his horses, so he taught me to ride every day. Archery was something I didn't need to pay to learn. A hundred yards from their abbey was designated for it. I grew up doing archery and riding horses; that's why I was so confident in performing stunt double scenes for medical films. I was not to lose to these boys.I glanced at Killian, a silent question in my eyes. He met my gaze with a reassuring nod, his confidence in me unwavering despite the odds stacked against us."Ready to show these boys how it's done?" he whi
My heart pounded as I found myself surrounded by the group of werewolf descendants, their menacing glares making it clear that this was not a friendly encounter. Richard shot me a signal that conveyed both concern and reassurance. Richard stepped forward, his posture radiating authority. "Let her go. We don't want any trouble."The leader of the pack chuckled menacingly. "Trouble found you, little beta."Before I could process what was happening, the situation escalated. The punch landed with a sickening thud, and Richard crumpled to the ground. I felt a surge of anger, but I knew I had to play it cool, at least for now.As they continued their assault on Richard, my mind raced, searching for an escape plan. This wasn't a situation I could sass my way out of. I needed a distraction, something to throw them off their game.I knew Richard'd be off to locate Killian and unleash the cavalry if necessary. But how to keep him alive for was the question. “You wanted to hang out with me, my
Amidst the vibrant and crowded party, I found myself surrounded by unfamiliar faces. The room pulsated with energy, and I could hear the classical music thumping in the background. Despite the lively atmosphere, I felt a bit lost in this sea of people.I surveyed the room, searching for a familiar face, none of which is a friend of mine. Panic started to bubble up as the realization hit me—I was on my own in a room filled with strangers. Everyone seemed to be engaged in lively conversations, greeting each other with a mysterious pound to the third left chest. It was like a secret code, and I was left out.To make matters worse, my supposed guide into this social labyrinth, Killian's mother, Mrs. Henrietta, was treating me as if I were invisible. I stood there, awkwardly trying to blend into the background, but it was clear that I was a mere spectator in this grand social spectacle.The woman hated me. A lot. I shot a quick glance at Killian, who appeared to be thoroughly engrossed in