Xavier Lauren handled it better than I expected. She even made efforts to throw Landon off, and it worked. I wouldn't have guessed that Landon would go about looking for the snake she claimed to have seen. I wondered what might have made him suspect she was lying. I was glad that was behind us now, but I was still stuck with the dilemma of how to make my relationship with Lauren work. If only I could find something in the laws that allow it and use it to justify my actions, it would help because I knew our marriage had a time limit. However things go with Isabella would determine what would happen to my relationship with Lauren. If we are able to prove that the marriage to Isabella is null and void, then Landon would also expect me to dissolve my marriage to Lauren after we have won the case. My reluctance would make him carry out the arrest. I tried to push the trouble away, but it refused to leave. The vacation finally ended, and it was time to head back to Riverbend. I
Lauren I awoke, nestled snugly in the warmth of Xavier's protective embrace. Gently, I shifted my position to face him, his peaceful slumber still intact. The vacation we had just experienced had evidently drained us both. The whirlwind of activities, sights, and adventures had taken its toll, leaving us in a state of blissful exhaustion. Languidly, I glanced at the clock on the bedside table; its hands pointed to seven in the evening. I couldn't help but smile at the thought of how we had revelled in this newfound love, making the most of every moment. But now, our bodies cried out for rest, the fatigue apparent in the soft, rhythmic rise and fall of Xavier's chest as he continued to slumber. I noticed his sleep was a bit deeper than usual, but he might have just been exhausted. Feeling a sense of responsibility to ease the burdens of our day, I resolved to freshen up and prepare dinner for us both. Now that Xavier had entrusted me with his secret, our relationship would thrive,
Lauren As the seconds passed, I couldn't help but wonder what kind of person would threaten us like this. What did they want? Why were they here? And how had they managed to sneak in without alerting Xavier's heightened senses? They had stealth and knew I was alone downstairs. They wanted me to know they were here but wanted Xavier to be unaware and unprepared so he would act irrational when I screamed. It meant they equally knew he was asleep. They had been watching us all along. These questions swirled in my mind, but I knew I couldn't afford to be distracted. I had a silent promise to keep. Time stretched on, and my determination to protect Xavier's secret fueled my resolve. I would do whatever it took to ensure that he remained safely asleep, his true nature concealed. The intruder might be playing a dangerous game, but I was ready to play my part in this high-stakes, silent standoff. I stood there in the darkness, my heart pounding like a drum, my grip on the knife
Xavier. The drive to the hospital with Lauren felt like a living nightmare. There was blood splattered around, though thankfully, none of it was hers. I couldn't help but notice the visible signs of the beating she had endured. How had I overslept on such a crucial night? What had transpired during that time? My ears were typically hypersensitive, even in slumber. If she hadn't urgently cried out in agony for Jax to hear, breaking through my mental barriers and rousing me from sleep, I shuddered to think what might have occurred. My inner wolf was in turmoil, and both of us were grappling with guilt over what had happened. Lauren had mentioned that they were watching us, but I was still struggling to fully comprehend the gravity of the situation. Upon reaching the hospital, I carefully lifted the unconscious Lauren from the car, her body limp in my arms. I wrestled with a tumultuous mix of emotions, battling back tears and fears simultaneously. As I stepped inside, a swarm of nurse
Xavier We waited until the officers had departed, and then Landon finally turned toward me to speak. His demeanour clearly showed his distress, and I couldn't help but notice that he had accidentally put his shirt on inside out. I anticipated him saying, "I told you so," but by this moment, it felt inevitable. I couldn't deny that if I hadn't involved Lauren in my life, this wouldn't have happened to her. It was undeniably my fault, and I was acutely aware of it. "How is she?" Landon inquired, and I let out a sigh. "They said she's stable. I can't fathom why someone would do this. I was in a deep sleep, Landon. Jax was the one who woke me up when he heard her voice," I explained, and he gently guided me away from our current location for a more private conversation. We left the hospital and found a secluded spot with no one around before he spoke again. "Are you certain about this?" he asked, searching my eyes for reassurance, and I nodded. "I woke up partially shifted," I confe
Lauren I woke up with a throbbing headache. My body aching severely. I was still yet to recollect what had happened. My surroundings were blurry; the room light was dim, but the bed felt weird. It wasn't the same I slept on with Xavier. My mind trailed to Xavier, and the events that transpired at our home reeled through my mind. I tried to get off the bed, but my limbs felt heavy. My vision began to clear, and I began to recognise my surroundings. Looking around, I stared at the sterile white of a hospital ceiling. My heart immediately kicks into overdrive, like a drum mercilessly beating inside my chest. I couldn't tell what happened after I passed out. My last memory was me on the floor, hoping I was finally safe. What happened? I remember the struggle, the stranger, his grip around my neck, his punch, the Knife that served as my lifeline. My home was invaded, and my safety was shattered. Oh God, Xavier. A sudden, choking fear wraps around my throat. What if they found out?
Xavier I awoke in the afternoon and discovered that Lauren was still asleep. The sight of her face covered in bandages continued to shatter my heart, and a burning desire for vengeance consumed me. I yearned to track down the person or people responsible for this heinous act. However, due to our exhausting return and the pressing need for both Lauren and me to rest, I couldn't reach out to Landon and Soren. In the meantime, Landon and Soren had settled into two rooms downstairs, serving as temporary bodyguards. I felt a profound sense of gratitude for their presence because, given the circumstances, they were the only individuals I could truly trust. There was an immense amount of work to be done, and having them by our side was reassuring. I lay in bed, my eyes wide open, contemplating my next steps. There were guards to question, a pressing need to understand why they had defied Soren's orders and refused to resume their duties. I had to unravel the mystery of how the assailant ha
Xavier. Soren took it upon himself to open the door as I carefully poured the smoothie into a cup, then inserted a straw for Lauren's convenience. Despite her awareness of the potential upcoming pack discussions, it seemed unwise to have her present. "Landon, would you mind staying with Lauren upstairs while Soren and I handle packing matters?" I inquired, and a momentary confusion crossed Landon's face before he finally comprehended the situation. With a quick nod, he agreed just as Levi walked in. "Good evening, Alpha," Levi greeted with genuine concern, and I acknowledged him with a nod. Although he was my friend, we currently found ourselves on opposite sides. Levi's attention shifted to Lauren. "How are you feeling, Luna?" he asked, to which Lauren responded with a smile. "Ah, that title again. Lauren is more than sufficient, Levi. And yes, I'm feeling better. You should see the other guy," she quipped, eliciting laughter from Landon. Lauren had indeed put up a strong fight,
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