Xavier I didn't mean to prove Lauren right on her first day of work in the Blackwood Corp, but she looked too hot for me to wait.She commanded respect without knowing it. A true equal. Something I have longed to have in a partner, and though human, she had it all.I also could not ignore the fact that her scent was intoxicating. I knew she was wet, and I wanted to wait it out until later, but the moment we entered her office, I knew it would be impossible to wait, and I went for it.I wondered if anyone saw us and if they did, what their response was to our adventurous encounter.I could feel her rapid heartbeat, her fear of heights and pleasure mixed into something beautiful. I still had a lot to do, but fucking her against the glass would do for now.By the time we were through, I left her office, leaving both of us satiated. At least now, we would be able to focus on our tasks. I headed to my office, and the look my secretary gave me showed she knew what had happened in Lauren's
XavierWe walked to the board room, and everyone was sitting there, including my father. I wasn't expecting him to be there, but I guess he took my temporary handover literally. I could see his eyes burn slightly when he saw Lauren, but he dared not say anything. I was beginning to suspect that the man was gradually learning to go against himself and trust my judgment.Sitting at the head of the table, I asked the man who was sitting to my right to find somewhere else to sit so Lauren could sit beside me.There was contempt and something like jealousy in most of their eyes. I was sure they believed Lauren had no business being there. Most of them were experts in their various fields with years of experience on their belts. Too bad all that merit was not helping us hold our ground against our competitors. It was a shame. I'd watch and learn if I were them. They all greeted me and managed to greet Lauren. There was no point scolding them, really. I was yet to properly introduce her. Ev
Xavier I had to leave the office early. I wanted to take Lauren home first, but she wasn't ready to leave yet. She claimed she had a lot of reading to do, and studying our business was important to her. I could understand her need to catch up, so I let my case rest and left her alone. I asked a driver to take her home. This was a time I wished Landon or Jacob was available. As things were, I did not trust anyone, but I had to hope that nothing terrible would happen to her. I drove towards the pack office, Which doubled as our logistics warehouse. We had a delivery service and online store that served Riverbend well, and this particular warehouse house was what we used for the business.Getting there, I saw Levi's black convertible. I could see he planned to attend the meeting in style; too bad I planned to take a jeep with all of us in it. The moment I parked, Soren, Levi and Jacob walked out. I was surprised to see that Jacob was around."Where did you come from? Tired chasing Isab
Xavier My words hung loose in the air with no response. I had struck a never with Abel, and I knew it."I bet you wish you could live like me. Let me help you, Abel," I said and growled so he could understand the difference in command. “You will fall into my hand soon, Xavier, and I will enjoy torturing you while I chain you to the ground like the dog that you are," he said, and I laughed.“You are wasting your time on the wrong wolf, hunter. While you are busy trying to bring me down, people with Whitehorn ideology are regrouping and planning a takeover. Why are you fixated on my wife and me? Are you that afraid of your job, Abel, that you choose to pick on the lesser of the evil in our world?" I asked him, and he was silent for a bit, and then he spoke."It's a lie. There is no whitehorn cult regrouping. The Valentines and your ancestors made sure they ended that bloodline and made their ideology unattractive. It is just something you and your officers conjured up to keep my atten
LaurenThe afternoon sun streamed through the tall windows of the boardroom, casting long shadows on the polished mahogany table where we sat. I was nervous initially, but when Xavier introduced me, I was shocked at how highly he placed me.I could see the people were not in agreement. The room was filled with the murmur of executives in deep discussion, disagreeing with Xavier's choice, but no one boldly speaking out.The general manager, John, explained the challenges briefly.I paid attention, but I had been following up the business war between both companies for a while now; little did I know it was a Blackwood business. This morning, I came across the brief and was eager to speak on the matter. So when my father-in-law gave me the floor, I took it. After I had proffered the solution to the telecommunication company. I was asked to share my thoughts on Uclea's technology, its response to our competitors and how to improve on the matter. It wasn't part of the brief, but I guess my
LaurenEventually, Mr Blackwood rose from his seat, signalling his departure."Lauren, it's been a pleasure talking with you. I'm impressed, and I look forward to our future collaborations," he said with a genuine smile.I walked him to the door, grateful for the newfound rapport with my father-in-law. As I watched his car pull away, I couldn't help but think that maybe, just maybe, this was the beginning of a new chapter in our relationship, but the thought of Abel loomed over me, and I hoped for my sake that Xavier was fine. The last thing I wanted was for Xavier to be in trouble and not come home. I did not trust the hunters, and this made my stomach churn. Elowen exited Soren's room after Mr Blackwood left the house. She was amazed, and she did not hide her astonishment."Wow, that is new," She said, and I smiled at her." You are stealing hearts, Lauren, and you aren't even trying," She added, and I nodded."I can't believe it either. He just pulled up to the front and offered t
LaurenI tossed and turned all through the night. I hadn't had a nightmare in ages, but my sleep was plagued with one.Even though Xavier held me protectively at night, I woke up a couple of times panting. Afraid of the event that transpired in my dream.My worry about the future of our relationship had somehow transcended into my dream, and my mind was trying to make sense of the situation in the most gruesome way ever.In the dream, I was running in the forest of Oakhaven Resort. I saw Soren in his wolf form and bolted. I kept running. The woods were endless and dark, with shiny, evil eyes staring at me. Wicked creatures of the night ready to pounce on me. It was scary. I knew I was dreaming, but the events in the dream were hard to ignore."I woke up, and Xavier pulled me close and held me tighter. I could tell he was still sleeping, and what he was doing was reflex. It worked, though, because sleep returned, and I drifted back into its embrace. I found myself back in the woods ag
LaurenWe showered after our morning adventure, and I noticed it worked like magic. I was no longer gloomy or worried anymore. I was relieved. I felt the stress and fear leave me, and soon I started wondering what I was afraid of, to begin with. I packed some clothes since Xavier said we would spend just five days in Avalora. I knew my father would be mad if I did not stay longer, but I was working now. He should understand.We headed downstairs to eat. It was already noon, and it was no longer breakfast. Elowen was wearing Soren's shirt, her hair disbelieved. I did not need to guess why. Landon was in. the living room on his computer, but he looked uneasy.'Hey, Landon," I said, and he looked up at me. He had a black eye, and I knew it would be weird if I did not ask him how he got it."Who punched you?" I asked him, and he looked at Xavier. Normally, that would seem like Xavier had done it, but I knew he didn't."Work,” He said, his eyes on Xavier. He seemed a bit annoyed, and the
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