~ZANDER~
I was so confused. I mean, I’ve lived all those years thinking Jocelyn was dead, so how the hell was she still alive? “Are you sure?” I asked the witch, as I had ended the call with Stephen already—I wanted him to keep an eye on Aubree to make sure she was safe, as I really didn’t know what was happening now. The witch said Jocelyn ran away before Stephen's call, so this was just like confirming it. “I never make mistakes, Alpha Zander; I just don’t know how I didn’t see it at first.” “So if she’s alive, does that mean Amber is alive too?” I asked as Amber was my second chance mate, well, if Jocelyn was never my mate, then she was my first mate, and we believed Aubree poisoned her. I’m saying ‘believed’ because this was all weird; I don’t know what was which anymore. “Luna Amber is dead; I confirmed her spirit.” She said, and I nodded, and then got up from the bed and started pacing arALASKA, PETERSBURG FOREST ~BREE~ I looked at the table satin one more time to make sure it was in the shade Alpha Zander wanted. I didn't want to give him a reason to lock me up in that rat hole again; my stomach was still hurting from the starvation, and do I even remember why he locked me up there? The truth is, he did it for every reason. Even asking him if he wanted orange juice or apple was a crime, as he would lock me in the dungeon for days without giving me food, claiming I was being disrespectful. I don't even know how I was still alive—well, alive and dead at the same time as the pain in my stomach and the wounds on my body were eating me. I just had to carry myself through today because today is a special day. Today is my birthday; I am finally twenty-one, and I will find my mate. There was no party or anything, but today seemed to be my lucky day as Alpha Zander was hosting a ceremony to announce his engagement to his chosen mate, Luna Ruby. Ruby is from a
~BREE~ I was excited that Rain was back, but I knew if Alpha Zander or any of the pack members heard of it, I would be tortured, and he would summon the witch to bind my powers and Rain because I knew whenever Rain was here, my powers were also back. I quickly moved back. I knew Beta Kaden just wanted to get rid of me; he didn't need me to check the champagne as it was always enough—Luna Rosa, Alpha Zander's mother, can never go a day without a glass, so when my back hit the wall, I got to my senses and dashed out of the kitchen and went straight to my small room. Yes, I had a room, or, let's say, a shoe closet, as there was a little bed; it used to be a shoe closet, but the time they started torturing me, they moved me here as it was inside the mansion since they didn't want me far away in case one of them wanted to release stress. Reaching the little room, I closed the door and rested my back on the door as I caught my breath. My head moved up and down, and I placed my hand
~BREE~My legs were shaking; I could barely hold my weight, but knowing better, I took the pain and forced myself to stand on my feet because that's all I could do. Alpha Zander didn't give a shit about me, so crying or falling to the floor would just give him a reason to punish me.“Alpha Zander,” someone pushed me off the way and rushed to Alpha Zander; I guess he mind linked him and asked him to come here.“Kaden,” Alpha Zander sounded like he was in a little pain, but he did well to mask it as next he stood to his feet, and I don't know why, but I was now watching his every move. He whispered something in Kaden's ear, which he didn't need as he usually said, and did anything in front of me.“You piece of shit! You…” I wasn't expecting Kaden to kick me in the stomach, as when the pain hit me, I fell on my knees and held my stomach, which felt like it busted from the inside—a man's kick is painful. “You killed them for yourself; I bet you're a witch or something because how did she
~BREE~“I won't come back here.” Kaden's voice brought me back to reality as I struggled and stood on my feet before I made my way to my bed, where my bag was.“Ouch!” A whimper escaped my lips as I tried to clean my cheeks, but they were sore from the slaps.‘I'm so sorry, Bree. I'm sorry I'm weak.’ Rain apologized, but it wasn't her fault. I didn't want her to take account of Zanders' behavior, but unfortunately, I couldn't say the words as I was in so much pain, and with Kaden's warning, I quickly got to my bed and opened my bag; nothing was in it since I didn't have anything. The only thing I had was my old jeans and a tee; those were the only belongings I had, including the clothes on my body, track pants, and a white tee, which Kaden gave me earlier as I would be serving his guest and I couldn't look dirty.I walked to the little mirror and looked at my reflection. I know I always looked messed up and bruised, but looking at myself like this on my birthday was heartbreaking, and
~BREE~I don’t know for how long I’ve been locked in this dark room, but it must have been for hours as it was getting darker and darker. I used to be afraid of the dark, but not anymore; now it was just something that gave me peace. Yes, my once-fear became my peace, as at least in the darkness I would forget about my misery and try to live another person's life.If you ask me, I won’t even know when things started to go wrong—was it when my real parents died? When I met Jocelyn? When I got into that fight? Or when I mistakenly served Amber the wolfsbane? I honestly didn’t know, and I didn’t want to give it much thought.I turned to the old woman whom I’d been calling since I got here, but there was still no response. Maybe she had died because the smell in here didn’t just feel like rats; she was dead as if she had been asleep, I could have heard her snores.The thought of her death caused tears to roll down my cheeks freely; she was my only hope, and I once promised to get her out
~BREE~I was too tired to think of that, and even if I wanted to, I knew I couldn't go anywhere as my legs were sore, so I crawled toward a tree, when I reached it, I closed my eyes as the words came naturally on my tongue.“I Aubree Swan an Omega cut ties with the Moon Valley pack; from this day forward I should no longer have anything to do with anyone that comes from that pack.” I instantly fell back as soon as I was done saying that, as I felt my body being ripped apart and I didn't know if I was seeing things, but a shadow-like creature came out of me and disappeared in thin air.“Ouch!” I whimpered in pain as I felt the same stinging pain from when Zander rejected me. I knew this was a pain of cutting ties with the pack; the Moon Valley hasn't taken me in as their own, but I've been there for years, and it naturally became my home.I needed to rest, even if it was just for a few minutes. I didn't know where I would be going from here but wasn't losing hope. I was sure after a na
~BREE~Despite everything I went through, I've never for once thought I would wish this upon myself, but here I was wishing the floor would open up and suck me in. I couldn't go with Alpha Asher; he was a monster, and I didn't want to lose my body parts. Death was way better than this.Everything happened so fast that next I found myself seated in his limo. He was internally staring at me; his stare was burning my skin and I felt it tingle. I was so nervous that I wished Rain was with me; she was smart and could keep me company; she could tell me that everything was going to be okay even when I knew it would not. My life didn't turn upside down, as it already did years ago; now it flipped to the negative side because this was far worse than being in the Moonvalley pack.Even deep in my thoughts, I didn't miss his voice when he said we had arrived. I looked up at him as he was sitting on the seat across from me, but I quickly looked down as our eyes met—he hadn't stopped staring at me
~ASHER~My left hand trailed the corners of the glass as I used my right hand to hold the phone against my ear.“I’m sorry, Alpha; he was gone when we got here.”“How is that possible? Tyler, I thought you were smarter than that.” I was so upset that someone had gotten away from them.“I promise I won’t rest until we find him.”“I don’t expect you to; I’m only giving you twenty-four hours to find him Tyler if you don’t...” I didn’t need to finish that statement, as he knew what would happen to him if he didn’t bring me that asshole.“Got it.”“And don’t fucking call me until you get him.”“Got it, Alpha,” he said, and I let out a disappointing sound before I ended the call and took a swig of the whisky in my glass then placed the glass down and opened my computer and checked how much damage that asshole had done.I swear when I catch him, he will regret ever crossing paths with me. I will make sure to give him a painful death.‘We should have his head up as decoration,’ my wolf Tylan
~ZANDER~ I was so confused. I mean, I’ve lived all those years thinking Jocelyn was dead, so how the hell was she still alive? “Are you sure?” I asked the witch, as I had ended the call with Stephen already—I wanted him to keep an eye on Aubree to make sure she was safe, as I really didn’t know what was happening now. The witch said Jocelyn ran away before Stephen's call, so this was just like confirming it. “I never make mistakes, Alpha Zander; I just don’t know how I didn’t see it at first.” “So if she’s alive, does that mean Amber is alive too?” I asked as Amber was my second chance mate, well, if Jocelyn was never my mate, then she was my first mate, and we believed Aubree poisoned her. I’m saying ‘believed’ because this was all weird; I don’t know what was which anymore. “Luna Amber is dead; I confirmed her spirit.” She said, and I nodded, and then got up from the bed and started pacing ar
~ZANDER~ Everything happened so fast that I don't even remember what I said or what she said, as when my senses returned to me, I was already back in my pack, in my office. I took a swig of my drink before I walked from the desk to the window. It was a very weird feeling, as I never liked Aubree. I always loved her sister, but I couldn't deny that I was a little jealous earlier when I saw Asher look at her in that way. Yes, I was now sure. Asher wasn't doing it to gain anything, apart from her love. I could see the way he looked at her. I was a man, and I knew that look well, but how could he love a nobody, someone who smelt like that, a wolfless, lowly she-wolf? He was powerful for god's sake. I even looked up to him, so why? I mean, it won't be possible for her to be his mate; even if she was, he can't just accept her. I really don't know why I was even bothered when I rejected her. ‘Maybe it's because I want her to save the pack.’ I convinced myself even though Ray disagreed w
~ZANDER~ I told Isabella about what my men found about Aubree and how her eyes glowed, and Isabella seemed to have no clue as she was shocked. “Really?” She took in deep breaths, calming down as she opened the window. Of course, I didn't tell her everything, just that she could lift the curse. I didn't want Aubree in danger, and before you think I like her, no, I was doing that because I needed her to be alive—for my pack, nothing more. “So any solutions?” I asked as Isabella had been silent for a long time now, “Like I said, I don't have a month; I need Aubree on my side before this month comes to an end.” “So that's the reason Asher is with her.” Isabella, ignoring my question, said more to herself, she was still processing everything. “Because she's stronger, do you know what this means?” She turned to me, and I rolled my eyes. “It means Asher might like me but can't be with me for this obvious reason.” Okay, she was sounding crazy.
~ZANDER~ After apologizing to Aubree, I was dismissed. I still couldn't believe that I kneeled to apologize to her. Me? I was in the men's restroom pacing around as I was not happy with what I just did. How can an alpha kneel to a lowly she-wolf who didn't even have a wolf? Well, apart from the mysterious magic, she was just a nobody. I scratched the back of my head as I tried so hard to communicate with Kaden. I didn't come with my phone, so I was trying to mindlink him, but it just wasn't working. I mean, years ago I would be in another city and still be able to communicate with him, but now? Not only was the pack weak but also the mindlink; at times I wouldn't even be able to communicate with any of my trusted members even when we were in the same room. “Fuck!” I punched the wall and screamed as this was all getting to me, and then the witch’s warning played in my head. I only had a few days to get Aubree to lift the curse. I knew what woul
~JOCELYN~ I don't know if I was losing my mind or if Aubree has started haunting me, but I think I saw her earlier by the poolside. The hotel staff said I wasn't allowed by the poolside, but I managed to use my powers on them, and they didn't bother me. I wanted a peaceful night, and as usual, only the poolside had that effect on me. I was shocked when the woman approached me; they were all under my spell, but when I looked up, I realized she looked so much like Aubree. I couldn't believe it then, as I knew it wouldn't be possible for Aubree to be in this place; the man only confirmed it as the Aubree I knew was single; no one would want her, not after what Zander did to her. I knew then that it was not her, but I couldn't stand there any longer, so I quickly left, reaching my room, I started pacing, as even if it was not Aubree, I still had a slight doubt that she might be her, and that doubt bothered me. I called my man, who confir
~BREE~ I couldn’t believe my sister was still alive—that Jocelyn was still alive. I mean, the shock on her face must explain it right, but when she looked up, I realized her eye color was not the same. She then told me I must be hallucinating. I tried to speak, but nothing could come out as I was confused. Was I perhaps hallucinating? Then she walked away, and I couldn’t even stop her as I was not sure anymore. That’s when I felt a hand on my shoulder, and when I realized it was Asher, I told him I was tired. Asher didn't argue as he followed behind me; yes, I was faster than him. Another power I had discovered was that I could walk faster than anyone, so I used that and got back to the room before him. I didn't know how to tell him that the woman at the pool was my sister, and I didn't want him to think I was crazy. That's why I got in bed and faked a snore just to avoid him, which worked as he didn't try to come to the bed as always.
~ASHER~ After sending a text to Tyler instructing him on what to do, I looked up, hoping to see Aubree and probably apologize, as I felt like I neglected her for the minutes I was concentrating on my phone, but when I looked at the side where she was earlier seated, I realized she was not there. “Aubree?” I quickly got up and looked around. I almost panicked, but that's when I saw her across the pool, and she didn't seem to be alone but with a woman. I couldn't wait, so I quickly rushed to them, but as I reached there, the woman walked away, and Aubree seemed frozen. I slightly shook her, which snapped her out of her thoughts. “Is everything okay? Who was that woman?” I asked, and she looked at me, her chest now moving up and down as she took in deep breaths. “Wait, did she?-” “I want to sleep.” She cut me off and looked at her confused. I almost asked why, when she started walking without waiting for me, I had to run to catch up wit
~ASHER~ Aubree was so kind to help me as she gave me water, and it instantly relieved me. I made a mental note to call Glinda and threaten her, as this was getting out of hand. I mean, the useless bracelet she gave me must be able to prevent this, but all it did was prevent pain from being close to her not mating. My head was starting to hurt just thinking of it. What if she started to think that I didn't want her anymore and that I was faking the pain since she couldn't feel any pain? Well, I just wished and prayed she didn't because that would make her hide the mate bond even more. Yes, after spending days with her and getting pain in my chest whenever I was close to her, I started to avoid her as I wanted to understand. That's when I called Glinda, who explained that Aubree was still tied to my brother and that their bond would take more than just a normal rejection. I couldn't keep avoiding her, so she came up with a spell and bound it on the bracel
~ASHER~ I knew she knew, but I wondered why she was hiding it. First, I had to confirm with Olivia and Isabella if she really felt the bond with them, and then I would try to figure out why she didn't want me to know I was her mate. I mean, I've done nothing but support her since I met her. I knew she was mine, even with her funny smell. I still found it intoxicating, so why? Well, I wasn't just going to ask her since it wasn't confirmed, so I pretended to know nothing; she made it better as she didn't ask questions or anything. After a few minutes, I asked her to call the pack members back since she was the one who invited them, but she refused, saying she had a second surprise. She dragged me out without allowing me to change from my bloody clothes—the blood was mostly from the people I hit the ones Tyler called me for, I took my stress out on them.When she got on the wheel and started the car, my heart swelled with happiness at the sight. S