Lauren, We left the Blackwood Towers, and Xavier dismissed the driver so he could drive us. He had taken off his suit jacket and necktie, leaving on his partially unbuttoned shirt to give it a casual feel. To my surprise, we weren't going in the car I came in; instead, we were leaving in a convertible. He opened my side with a smile, and I got in. He did the same on his end with his boyish grin, and I knew people were staring at us. I also caught a camera flash in the corner of my eye, and I knew someone was taking photos. I guess this would be my life now until the issue with Isabella was solved. He looked at me and pulled me in for a kiss. I wondered if it was necessary or if he was just taking liberties. Nonetheless, he was stirring up desire in me, and I doubt I won't break soon. Xavier pulled away, taking my breath with him before starting the vehicle and moving. I remember when he and Luisa used to ride about town in the same convertible. He would have married her had s
Lauren, Xavier returned after a bit; by then, I had calmed down too. He had an apologetic look on his face, and I hoped he wouldn't bring it up because the atmosphere between us was already getting awkward. I had changed into the jeans and the shirt I wore on our way there, and he was surprised. "So quick?" he asked me, and I nodded. "You looked beautiful in all the dresses you tried on," he remarked, and I smiled at him. "My mother called to ensure I bring you along. She wants to introduce you to her friends," he said, and I frowned. I wasn't socialite material. I had objections, but knowing we were in a public place, I did not want to object. I will leave the talk for the car or when we get home. Xavier and I decided to leave shortly after that. He told the store manager to send the selected clothes to his house immediately before we left. Getting into the car, I knew it was safe to speak. The weather seemed to be coming, so he put up the convertible's roof, and we were in an
Lauren We went to the party in a limo. It was being held at the Ravenscroft Hotel. The biggest hotel in Riverbend and the most expensive too. There was a red carpet at the entrance, and the press was everywhere, making me nervous. Xavier squeezed my hand, reassuring me. I looked at him, trying to steady my breath, my heart beating fast in my chest like I was about to have an anxiety attack. "Breathe, Lauren; all that matters is just you and me. Forget about the crowd out there. I promise I won't leave your side. You have nothing to prove," He said, bringing my hand to his lips and kissing gently. His gesture calmed me a bit, assuring me I wasn't alone. "Breathe," he said, and I did as he had instructed, taking deep breaths. When I was ready, the door to the limo was opened; Xavier stepped out on his side and helped me out on his side. The light was blinding, and the camera's flash was so much. I managed to stand my ground, and he held on tightly; keeping me close to him, we mo
Lauren Xavier took me to his mother, where she was deep in conversation with high-society women her age. I saw a woman resembling Luisa standing beside her, who did not seem to look friendly towards me. If she was indeed Luisa's relative, then there was no way she would like me. "Lauren, dear," Mrs Blackwood said, reaching for my hand. "Your husband finally allowed you to meet the family," She said, and I smiled at her. "I insisted," I said confidently, and she looked at Xavier, who nodded, acknowledging what I had said was true. She smiled and went on to introduce her friends to me. I was right about the woman I believed was related to Luisa; she was her mother. Shockingly she smiled at me when Mrs Balckwood introduced us. I knew it was for show. There was no way she would be happy that her daughter did not get to be Luna. I really did not understand the setting. However weird it seemed, it was now my cross to bear. Xavier was in a hurry to leave the place and made sure he
Xavier "Does it ever get better than this?" I thought to myself, lying beside Lauren. She was fast asleep in my arms, and I could not help but breathe her in. From the day I set my eyes on her, she had made my heart beat in a certain way, a rhythm I couldn't explain, a thing that only I understood, a rhythm that had become my secret. Her laughter, smiles, optimism and independence all intrigued me, showing qualities I longed for in a mate. Still, the world that divided us kept us apart. How could I dare to love her when everything was against us? Jax, my wolf, was fond of her, and he wanted to spend every breathing moment with Lauren, but I could feel his hurt that she could never know him. For the years we were in college, there were times when I wanted to seize the moment and cross the threshold, daring the worst to happen, but I didn't want to rob her of her innocence and safety. Ignorance in this regard was bliss, and she deserved to keep it. I tried to move on with my moth
Xavier "Isn't there another way?" I asked Gilbert, and he just stared and contemplated what to tell me? "I do not want to have to deal with my father. You know how difficult it was for him to hand everything to me, and then this happened. He won't give it back. Ever heard of a broke Alpha before?" I asked, and Gilbert chuckled, knowing precisely what I meant. I did not know what I did to my old man to make him mistrust me this much, but the rift between my father and me was wide, and this whole Isabella thing had just made it wider. "Do not worry; I have you covered on that. I will include a hidden clause that requires him to hand the assets back to you when Isabella is out of your life; he is also required to make funds and resources available at your request during this period. I know he is your father, but you are alpha now; he can't reverse that. He will have no choice but to do as the contract states," he said, and I understood his angle. "Let me think about it and get back
Lauren I woke up and discovered Xavier had left for the office. The time was ten in the morning. I had never slept in this late before. The value on the clock made me feel lazy all of a sudden. Sitting in bed, memories of the night I shared with Xavier flooded my mind, and heat rose to my cheeks. Had we just complicated things for ourselves? Xavier had introduced me to pleasures I was unaware of. If anyone had told me Xavier would be my first, I would have said it was a lie because I didn't think I was his type. I saw his type as sophisticated and bougie, all of which I wasn't. I was a simple girl raised in the countryside by regular people. Xavier had often teased me in the past, but nothing came close to the sexual tension he built up between us since we moved in together. As much as I would love to say I won't do it anymore, so it would be easy for me to let go when the time comes, I doubt I could stick to that conviction. Xavier undoubtedly had a hold on me, one I kne
Lauren Xavier was still in his office attire, meaning he had just arrived. He approached me where I stood, somewhat lost in thought. My reverie was for a second, and I doubted he noticed, but the moment he pulled me close to his body, I swallowed, not wanting to think of what he might be thinking. "Did you miss me?" he asked me, staring deep into my eyes, and I nodded without hesitation. I would have held my tongue, but how could I at this proximity? "Good, because all I could think of was you," he said and bent to kiss me on my lips. His kiss was gentle, but I wanted something rough. All the butterflies and dirty thoughts that had built up the entire day got me wanting more. I reached for his shirt, and he chuckled a bit, helping me take it off faster. I did not know what was coming over me, but I wasn't the same Lauren anymore. This Lauren was willing to explore with none other than Xavier. Our kiss was ferocious, and he carried me while I wrapped my legs around him
Lauren Amidst the chaos, I locked eyes with a feral wolf, its red gaze filled with a hunger that sent shivers down my spine. It lunged at me, and I barely had time to react. My reflexes were heightened, but the sheer ferocity of the attack was overwhelming. I fired a round, and the wolf yelped in pain as it tumbled to the ground. Beside me, Landon was locked in a deadly tussle with another feral. I could see the desperation in his eyes as he fought to keep the snarling beast at bay. His strength and determination were awe-inspiring, and I knew we couldn't afford to lose. Abel and his group of hunters fought with a fierce precision that complemented our own efforts. They moved as one, a well-coordinated unit, driving the ferals back and giving us the opportunity to regroup and reload. By ten in the night, we were battered and bruised, our clothes torn, and our bodies covered in a mixture of sweat and blood. But we couldn't afford to give in to exhaustion or pain. We fought on, drive
Lauren I arrived at the venue. Looking across and worried. We had people stationed about, but we needed the host to believe I had foolishly come alone. I approached the door of the Warehouse but refused to go in. I got a text on my phone from Xavier urging me to come in.“No, I do not trust this. I can't call you; your number is unreachable, yet you can text me. Come out so I can see you,” I replied to the text, knowing he wasn’t going to come out. There was silence, and when I tried to walk away, the door of the Warehouse opened, and a gun was fired. I froze on my feet, wondering where the shot came from. Was I hit? Fortunately, I wasn't hit.“Leaving so soon, Luna Valentine?" I heard a bitch like voice call out, and I turned in the direction. There outside the Warehouse, Isabella stood outside with angry-looking wolves. They also did not look normal. They were coming out of the Warehouse looking dangerous and shit.I swear I peed on myself. What the fuck! They looked evil as hell
Xavier I surrounded the vicinity of Gilbert's office after I was confident that my parents were safe in the hidden bunker of their home. Soren and I went into the building. I owned it anyway, so no one dared stop me. Taking the elevator, we went up to Gilbert's floor. His secretary was surprised to see me. I knew everyone knew of my arrest, so escaping the hunter's den was a badge of honour because no one had ever come out alive. I was grateful that I did not fight Darius that day. He would have killed me, and it wouldn't have mattered that I did not break any law. Landon bought me time by putting his life in danger. I was forever grateful for that, and I will always show my appreciation. We walked into Gilbert's office, and there was a bottle of Whisky on his table. I was trying to read him and, at the same time, maintain composure. 'What is this? Isabella has taken over my pack and is given orders, Gilbert? Didn't you do your job as you have been paid," I asked him, and he looke
LaurenAfter greeting Xavier, I fell back asleep. I guess my lack of sleep and peace for four weeks had taken a toll on me, and my body needed to regain its strength. I somehow knew Xavier wasn't home. I did not know what, but it was a feeling, something I wasn't able to do before.I went to the bathroom to freshen up and shower, and while I brushed my teeth, I saw the crescent moon-shaped teeth bite on my neck. I grazed my hand through it, and it stung a bit. Still sore but healing gradually.I giggled, realising how things had gone from hopeless to hopeful.After I brushed my teeth, I showered.I felt the urge to call Xavier, but I decided against it at the last minute. He might have gone for a meeting or something.At the same time, I dressed up in joggers, a tank top, and a hoody.My stomach growled, and I remembered what Gail had told me. I was still finding it hard to believe that she was right. She had to be joking. I searched my purse for a pregnancy stick. Something I had bou
Xavier I watched Gail apply the balm to the back of his arm and wait. The balm was colourless when she applied it, but it started turning dark."You sure you flushed his system, doc?" She asked the doctor, and the woman could not speak. I already knew what was happening. Someone had instructed them to ensure he did not leave. I could guess who it was, but I needed to hear the name. If Levi dies, then Gilbert cannot handle the affair. It will fall on Jacob, and Jacob will be forced to take up the reins. Killing two officers in a row will be suspicious, and those not in the plot will figure it out quickly.I also suspect that my father's Illness is not a coincidence."Look at me, Dr Karen. There was a possibility you thought I wouldn't return and you were following orders. Who instructed you to keep Levi in a comatose state indefinitely,” I said, leaving Gail to work on Levi.The doctor's lips quivered, and she began to shed tears."It was Luna Isabella," she said, and I frowned at her
XavierWe were still engaged in our discussion when the door burst open, and Jacob stormed in. I noticed he was alone, making me wonder where Levi was. Jacob had a grim expression, and I couldn't help but worry."Xavier!" he exclaimed, unable to believe his eyes; he looked over at Landon and Soren. I could see the disbelief in his eyes. He never thought we would make it out there."Mr Vale!" he said, and hearing the name honestly, it was a giveaway."How?" Jacob said, walking toward us. The room that had paused momentarily returned to the chattering and eating."How?" Jacob asked again."Jacob meets the new temporary head of Hunter's bureau, Rufus Valentine," I said, and his eyes widened.“That explains it,” Jacob said excitedly and glad. I could see true relief in his eyes."No wonder you didn't like me the first few days Lauren and I were at your house. It also explains why Everet said Lauren wasn't normal," He said, and Rufus frowned, but I changed the topic immediately. Seeing how
XavierI woke up and found it was afternoon, the golden rays of the sun slipping through the curtains, casting a gentle warmth upon the room. My gaze drifted to my side, where Lauren lay peacefully, her chest rising and falling in the rhythm of slumber. Her long hair spilt across the pillow, and I couldn't help but smile. It had been a month since I saw her. I could not believe her father had rescued us from the clutches of those ruthless hunters.Careful not to disturb her, I slid out of bed and headed to the bathroom. The mirror revealed the face of a man who had seen more than he ever wanted to. The beard that had grown wild during my captivity was now reduced to stubble. I couldn't bear the feeling of it on my skin; it served as a constant reminder of the darkness I had narrowly escaped.As I shaved, I pondered the events of the past month. The hunter's prison had been a living nightmare, and the fact that I had managed to survive felt like a miracle. It was the rescue mission mou
LaurenThe return of network service to my phone at the break of dawn was the assuring sign that we were finally back in Riverbend. My heart was in my mouth, afraid of the outcome. I still did not know what my father and his friends planned to do, but I was hopeful. Soon, we pulled up at the gate of a house situated on the outskirts of town. The gate opened, and we drove in. The three trucks drove on the driveway till we got to the building. We alighted the trucks, and I waited for my father's friends to move. The people in the house opened the front door, and it was a woman; she was grey and dangerous, and she was happy to see my father and his friends."Well, I thought you all would remain in Avalora, away from society for the rest of your lives,” She said, ushering us in. The moment she saw me, she recognised me.“Mrs Blackwood?" She asked me, and I nodded."Gail, meet my daughter, Lauren," My father said, introducing us, and she gasped."Abel fucked up good this time,” She said,
LaurenI sat on the patio watching the sunset. Since I came to Avalora I have refused to visit people or talk to anyone. There was no joy in my heart, so it was pointless. My mother tried to get me out a bit, but I refused. I was a bit sick, but it was mainly because of my poor diet. I wasn't eating or sleeping well. I was a mess. Still staring at the sunset, my mother left the house with her basket of tomatoes. Usually, she would go to the exchange market with my father, but She went alone this time. I didn't bother to ask. I didn't care. My father came to sit beside me on the bench, and then he sighed."How are you?" He asked, and I looked at him."I am fine, Daddy," I said, and he chuckled painfully."I never knew a day would come when you would lie to me, Lauren. Only a fool will believe you are fine,' he said, and I was silent. I had been doing a lot of lying lately. Trying to cover up, trying to keep it together, but every time, things just came bursting out the seams. I was t