Erica's POVElma popped her head in and I smiled weakly at her, urging her to come inside the room.Her smile widened, and she came in and was promptly followed by her brother and sister."Mom, are you alright?" Ethan asked as he stood by my side.I reached over and carried him and placed him on my lap.Side by side with Dante, looked just like him. The resemblance was staggering and it made my chest uncomfortable.Elma stood by my side and I saw that she wasn't smiling at me but rather at Dante.My anger burned."Hello," she said shyly, blushing slightly.Dante gave a slight chuckle and beckoned on her to come closer."Elma, no..."But it was too late. He had already hoisted her onto his lap.I pursed my lips angrily.Ethan turned to Dante and Elma and Dante gasped, seeing how alike they looked."I remember you," Ethan said loudly, "you are the man that nearly hit Elma."My eyes grew wide. He nearly hit Elma? When did this happen?"It's okay, Mom," Elsa reassured me. "It was just a m
Dante's POVI marched out of the room. My head was a flurry of emotions.I had nearly killed Lorenzo and that stupid assassin had nearly killed me.The weight in my heart began to increase.It was my fault. The truth was glaring, and I could no longer avoid it.It was my fault that Erica's father died. That stupid assassin tried to shoot me and must have misfired and killed Alpha Rowland instead.It was the only thing that made sense. The matching poison bullets were a big giveaway.Fuck! How could I be..."Sir?"I was yanked out of my thoughts by a soft tiny voice and a small pull on my trousers. I looked around and saw one of Erica's children, the one I presume to be the youngest, tugging at my ripped pants and smiling.Her eyes and hair matched mine so perfectly but something about her stood out from the rest of her siblings.She... She mirrored Erica so perfectly. I could... I could feel her energy inside of her."Hello again, little one."I stretched out my hand and she wrapped h
Lorenzo's POVI woke up in and felt a searing pain shoot through my entire shoulder.“Ahhhh!"I stopped moving and collapsed on the bed as two nurses came rushing in.“Mr. Lorenzo. Are you alright?"I hissed angrily. Did I look alright?The nurses checked my arm and checked the monitor that was beeping on my left side.“You are in a stable condition, but we advise that you try not to move so much. We had just managed to get the poison under control."I breathed angrily and turned to look at my injured shoulder. It was a bright purple, as well as the arm attached to it.I knew I had been shot but what the fuck was in that bullet.“What happened to me?" I asked the nurse.“You have Wolfbane poison in your body. Analysis shows that the bullet that shot you was coated with it."I sighed and eased back into the bed and allowed the nurses to do their job. Someone was trying to kill me. I knew it. I had always had the feeling.I lay there and let my thoughts wander. I couldn't remember much
Chapter 170Erica's POVThree days had passed and I hadn't heard from Dante or anyone else.I was healing nicely and so was Dr. Blake. Since we shared the same room, we talked a lot and most of the conversation was me apologizing to him for nearly crushing him.I expected him to be resentful but he was surprisingly very chill and cool about the situation.“I have told you for the umpteenth time, Erica. I'm fine. You don't have to worry."As much as I was grateful, I was ashamed and sunk into my bed.The hospital staff had finally opted out of cuffing me to the bed and they attended to me with less fear.My mother came around more often, with the kids. And as much as I loved to see her, her presence reminded me of the empty void I had in my heart due to the absence of my father.Each time I remembered him, tumultuous thoughts seized me and I could feel my wolf raging inside.The door creaked open and my mother walked in with the kids tagging along behind her.They soon left her side an
Dante's POV“Yes… I would like a meeting…what do you mean? No! You work for me and I will not tolerate it! I pay you good money! Fine. I expect you in three days.”I pressed the red button and ran my hands through my hair. My skin felt hot as I seethed in anger. That damned lawyer! I expected him to come today.I sat down on my chair and my thoughts buzzed like an old static TV. Erica had my kids this whole time and she had kept them away from me.I didn't know what it was but my fingers clenched tightly. Was it fear? Regret? Anger?I sighed and buried my head in my hands. I just wanted my kids back and I was willing to do anything to get them…“Alpha Dante?"I raised my head and saw my Beta standing at the door. His face was stern and his aura was grim. He had been that way for as long as I had known. It was an unsettling feeling but I knew he was angry with me.“What is it?" I snapped back.“The council wishes to see you."I rolled my eyes. I thought we had been over this. Couldn't
Erica's POVI sat on the bed, twiddling my thumbs restlessly. I was all alone. It has been three days since Dr. Blake was moved to another ward.He insisted on staying with me but I couldn't allow it. I was a danger to him.The thought was painful but I couldn't forget how I almost attacked my mother and kids.“Elma…”Her name slipped out, and I felt a wave of calm rush over me, and my twiddling thumbs became still.I could still feel her hug around my knees. Tears came to my eyes."Miss Erica?"“Yes."I wiped my eyes with the back of my hand and turned to the door. A nurse, holding a clipboard, walked in and she had a smile on her face.“We have reviewed your files and we are discharging you today. You are all better. Your mother had already signed the paperwork."I didn't know if I should smile or not. I couldn't face my mother or my kids. Not after what nearly happened.“Miss Erica?"I looked up at the nurse, tears pricked my eye and her bright smile faded into a line.“I… I might
Erica's POVI froze. My heart raced and I was silent. My throat felt dry and itchy and my head scratched as tension continued to build up.I… I hadn't seen Javier since my wedding. No calls, texts, and…“Miss Erica? Should we let him in?"The nurse’s voice pulled me out of my thoughts and I started at her, my head still buzzing and trying to make a decision.“Isn't Javier the man that came with Clarissa? Did he know that Clarissa was cheating on him with Lorenzo?" My mother asked me.I swallowed hard. I wasn't sure but I felt that he knew something that I didn't.“Let him come in."The nurse nodded and left the room and I gripped the sheets hard with a mix of anger and hate. I had so many questions to ask him.There was soon a soft knock, and the door opened, and a head poked in. His golden, honey-colored eyes caught me off, guard. I could still feel the warmth in them but now, it was unsettling and sinister. Something about it wasn't right.“Erica…”"Javier.”I couldn't hide the cont
Erica's POVI lay in bed quietly. The silence in the house was thick, but I could hear the whispers of the maids as they passed my room door.They were all scared and I couldn't blame them.I had asked my mother to watch the kids for me while I got some time to rest. This all felt extremely overwhelming for me.I felt strange being here. My father was gone, and it was like a big chunk of the pack house had been ripped off.I buried myself deeper into my covers, the comforter soaking up my silent tears as they rolled down my cheeks.“I miss you, Dad. I am so sorry that I failed you. I… I was just so weak and I didn't know what to do…”The tears choked my words and soon burst out but were muffled by the comforter.If only he was alive, he would probably know what to do. I wasn't even sure about how to get the Living Gem. Worst of all, I didn't even know what to do with it once I got it.A cold draft of wind blew through the window, chilled my fingers, and dried up my tears, leaving stre
Laura’s POVI watched as Lisa and her father breezed through the crowd. It wasn’t difficult to tell that she was thoroughly bored. I couldn’t blame her. Her father looked like a stuffy stuck-up man.I turned my head and caught sight of Rusev watching me like a hawk. I grumbled. I hated him. Why did my mate think it a good idea to leave me stuck with him?I shadowed Mr. Hans as he dragged his daughter along, greeting dignitaries and other stuck-up people like himself.A waiter passed me and I grabbed another glass of champagne. How was I going to get Lisa away from her old man?My mind kicked into overdrive, and soon, an idea hit me. I sighed and winced in disgust as it continued to take shape in my head. It wasn’t pleasant but I had to do it. I guess that was one other purpose of the dress I wore.I took another sip of my champagne and strutted sexily towards Mr. Hans. He caught a glimpse of me through the corner of his eye and was soon fully facing my direction.A dirt smirk crept on
Erica’s POVThe guards stopped him before he could come any closer.“What are you doing here?!” My mother yelled as the guards blocked Dante’s path towards me.“I need to see Erica. This is important.”My mother’s eyes bore down on him. I turned away; I could barely look at him. Did he come here to ruin my fathers funeral as well? Wasn’t he tired of ruining my life?“Guards! Take him away!”They stormed up to him and Dante began to back away.“Erica! I need to talk to you! Tell them to stop!”His voice calling my name was driving me insane. It was because of him that my life was ruined. Couldn’t he just stop meddling in my life.“Erica!”The guards grabbed him and began to drag him away. I watched him as he struggled and yelled at me. The guests all watched in awe. I already had more than enough gossip circling around me. I didn’t want anymore.“Erica!”There was a gasp and the guards were on the floor. Dante had broken free and was dashing towards me. My knees began to shake. I wante
Laura’s POV“Room service!”I put on my bathrobe and walked to the door. I didn’t order room service. I clutched my robe tighter to my body and opened the door just a crack.A lady stood there with a box in her hands. Was that a delivery for me?“Are you Miss Laura?”“Yes.”I felt a little emboldened and opened the door a little wider. The lady was dressed in formal wear, a little too formal for her to be in the room service business.“I have a package for you.”She handed it to me, and I looked at the tag attached to it. I couldn't help but smile.“I may not be with you, but I want all eyes to be on you and for every man to drool at the sight of you and wish you were theirs. But they can’t have you. You are MINE. Mate.”I smiled and felt a warm fuzzy feeling bubble inside of me. He wasn’t here, but he knew how to make me feel like he was.“Thank you.”I hurried back into my room, trying my best not to squeal like an excited seven-year-old. I hadn’t expected a dress for the party. I
Erica’s POVMy fingers were trembling as I did Ethan's bow tie. I had tried not to cry. It had been hard to keep my emotions in check while we planned the funeral. Everyone was still scared of me but the condolences they gave brought tears to my eyes every time I heard them.Today would be the first time in weeks that I would lay eyes on my father’s body and would never see it again.“Don’t be sad, Mom.”Ethan pulled me into a hug as soon as I lifted my fingers from his bowtie. He was such a sweet boy.“I am fine, love.-”I stroked his hair and kissed it.“-Go and find your sisters while I get ready.”He hurried away and I was left alone in my room. I looked at the mirror one more time and noticed the tears in my eyes starting to fall. My mascara was slightly smudged and I hurriedly wiped my face and did a fresh application.My thoughts were weighed down by thoughts of my father. It was draining. I couldn't imagine how disappointed he was in me. Mom kept telling me that it wasn’t true
Clarissa's POV“Lorenzo, please wake up."I sat beside him as he lay on the living room couch with his head on my lap. His forehead was covered in sweat and his eyes were blank and white.My heart was racing. I didn't know what to do. I wanted to give him CPR, but I didn't know if what he had was infectious.I couldn't count the number of times I had placed my head on his chest to make sure that his heart was still beating. His breath was faint, and his skin was clammy and cold.I couldn't take this anymore. I should have called for help sooner and damned the fact that the entire pack probably hated us.My fingers shook as I grabbed my phone and began to dial the numbers.Suddenly, Lorenzo gasped and his eyes cleared up slowly. My fingers shook even more as I watched him silently take in the room.“Lorenzo," I whispered, terrified to the core.His eyes finally fell and focused on me. I held my breath.“Rissa?"He tried to sit up but I slowly eased his head back into my lap.“Don't try
Erica's POVThe meeting finally came to an end and I was grateful. I remained seated with my mother and we watched the counselors leave.Counselor Rufus gave me a death stare before he left the room. I turned to look at my mother and her face was impassive until we could no longer see his fake hair through the open door.“Good riddance!" she exclaimed, and her face relaxed, and she smiled at me.I returned with a nervous grin though my fingers were knotting frantically on my lap.“It's going to be alright, Erica. I will not let the counselors treat you like trash. They are just a bunch of old fools that are stuck in the past. I believe that you will make a good Luna."Her words made my nervous smile fade.“You know that I won't be a good, Luna. You saw how they looked at me. Everyone is afraid of me. I can't even get through the hallway without a maid or guard seeing me and flinching.”I lowered my head and heard my mother sigh. Her fingers intertwined with mine, stopping my frantical
Clarissa's POVMy eyes watered as I chopped up the onions. I set the knife down and paced around the counter as the broth bubbled in the pot.As I stared at the boiling pot, a flash of Erica came into my mind. Her monstrous form and the death of her father. The purple hue on his skin was exactly the same as that on Lorenzo's arm.It just didn't make sense. I asked my assassin to kill Erica. Why didn't he do it? Was he a fraud?I had tried to contact him severally, but his phone rang, and there was no answer. Had I been duped?I gritted my teeth at the thought and turned my attention to the bubbling broth. It was time to put the vegetables.The onion went in first, and then the carrots and peppers.This was my first time in Lorenzo's home back at our pack. It was beautiful. Luxurious, nothing like my home back at the pack Erica was sent to.My watery eyes scanned the room and I exhaled. There had been so much drama in just a few days.A shiver ran down my spine. I didn't expect to see
Erica's POVI walked to the meeting hall and felt my breath being hitched in my throat. The maids, as they walked past me, gave me terrified greetings and hurried off in the other direction.It did nothing for my nerves. I could only imagine what the council was going to say.I soon reached the door that led to the hall and stood outside of it for a while. My heart was racing, and I was clutching it with my left hand as if it would do something to make it calm down.“Easy, Erica. Easy. This is just a meeting. Nothing more."I pushed the glossy black wooden door open and finally walked into the room. As soon as I was guided across the carpet to My spot beside my mother, I could feel all eyes on me.It was so hard to fight the urge to look over the room. A few of the counselors were whispering as I walked in, and above three were staring at me, their faces white with fear.I sat down next to my mother and the seven counselors stood in greeting. The man who sat at my left-hand side was f
Erica's POVI lay in bed quietly. The silence in the house was thick, but I could hear the whispers of the maids as they passed my room door.They were all scared and I couldn't blame them.I had asked my mother to watch the kids for me while I got some time to rest. This all felt extremely overwhelming for me.I felt strange being here. My father was gone, and it was like a big chunk of the pack house had been ripped off.I buried myself deeper into my covers, the comforter soaking up my silent tears as they rolled down my cheeks.“I miss you, Dad. I am so sorry that I failed you. I… I was just so weak and I didn't know what to do…”The tears choked my words and soon burst out but were muffled by the comforter.If only he was alive, he would probably know what to do. I wasn't even sure about how to get the Living Gem. Worst of all, I didn't even know what to do with it once I got it.A cold draft of wind blew through the window, chilled my fingers, and dried up my tears, leaving stre