~BREE~ His palms were hot and sweaty, which gave my skin a scalding feeling. I've been punished with fire before, being set on top of a warm object, but this was nothing compared to those punishments, and his grip only made it more difficult for me to breathe. I now believed the rumors; everyone believed that Alpha Asher and his pack members were much stronger than every pack, and I'm now experiencing it for myself as again, I’ve been strangled before. I’ve been lifted by my neck before, but nothing has ever felt like this—the pain—it was just too much. I started coughing as I felt my breath go away. “Save it, bitch!” He tightened his grip and then made the burning sensation even more, and I suddenly felt it in my head. Maybe this was the end; maybe I was meant to die like this. I mean, for the past five years all I've ever wanted was death. I just never knew it was this painful, but just for a minute right from there, I won't feel a
~BREE~I almost screamed, but when I saw a human stand to his feet in the water, I quickly calmed myself as the person defensively raised their arms.“I'm not a monster; I'm Nicholazz,” he said as he got on the bridge and stood on his feet. “Hi,” he rubbed his hand on the back of his wet shorts before extending it for a handshake. Well, I was going to appear rude to whoever this Nicholazz was, but I was not about to shake a wet hand, so I nodded my head and faked a smile.“I'm so sorry…I…” I apologized.“It's okay, I'm sorry, I couldn't sleep,” he said, running both hands through his wet hair before he shook his head, which was to dry his hair. Well, I didn't realize he had long blonde hair until then light shone directly on him. Wow, he looked sweet. “You are?”“Aubree, Bree in short.”“Good, nice to meet you, Bree,” he smiled, and I returned the smile, although mine was forced. Turning back to the house, I excused myself and walked back toward it. "Well, let me walk you,” I didn't r
~ASHER~ After she confessed that her ex-alpha did this to her, I rushed her to the hospital as she lost consciousness and Glinda was not around. I went with Jerry, and at first, he was against me helping her, but when I threatened his life, he decided to help. I’ve never gotten so scared for someone’s life, especially a person I had no relations with, but with her it was different. The same feeling I felt seeing her on the auction stage was the same feeling I was feeling. I didn’t want anyone to have her, not even death, because I swore to go to the other side of the world to get her if she died. I still haven’t gotten answers to my questions; I still wanted to know how she was able to make my heart beat when it had been dormant for the past five years. We were already in the hospital and waiting outside the room, as I just couldn’t be far away from her while she showed no signs of life. “Tyler,” I pressed the phone on my e
~ASHER~I asked Raven to take care of the body. “Maybe feed it to the tigers,” I said, and then left.I went straight to my room and, reaching, I saw her sleeping on the bed, but Tylan told me she wasn't asleep and was pretending to be asleep as he could hear her heavy breathing.“We are getting married,” I told her, and she still didn't respond even after I told her that I knew she wasn't asleep. I then removed my clothes, threw them on the couch, and went under the shower.I had blood on me, and I didn't want her to smell it on me.After washing my body, I got out of the shower and wrapped a towel around my waist after drying my body with another. Then I saw her; she was holding my shirt, and she seemed terrified. Well, I didn't know how to deny it if she asked me, as I was never one to lie, and so I walked to her, pulled her close, and kissed her.Yes, I did, but she wasn't responding, but that didn't stop me from trying, as I continued sucking on her lips until I opened my eyes an
~BREE~I woke up to a knock on the door. Looking at the other side of the bed, I realized Asher was not there. Relieved as I didn’t want him around, I took a deep breath then got up and went to the door.It was Raven.“Good morning. Alpha Asher asked me to clean up some mess,” she said. At first, I was confused until I remembered last night how he punched in the window, so I nodded my head and told her to come back later, after I at least took a shower, as the bathroom didn't have any privacy."Alright, I will be back in ten minutes; you need to be quick as the doctor will be here soon,” she said, and even though I wanted to argue about her giving me time, sure, Asher wanted me for his selfish reasons, but from what I've gathered, Raven was just a pack member, but not wanting any problems, I nodded my head and promised to be done by then.“Um, do you know Nicholazz?” I awkwardly asked as I remembered the guy from the river; he seemed kind, and maybe he could help me escape. Yes, I wa
~BREE~ I quickly cleaned my cheeks and sniffed, as I didn’t want to cry. No, I’ve been through a lot, and this was nothing compared to it, so what if he kills me after he gets tired of me? At least I will take advantage of the time he is still into me, and for that, I have to look good. Yes, I have to make sure I become his favorite. I walked back to the couch and searched the bags until I found a dress of my liking, staring at it for a moment. I walked into the closet, where I removed the robe and put it on. It was a white umbrella-flowery dress. I stared at myself in the mirror for a second, adoring the dress; it was beautiful, but then I noticed something in the mirror—my hair. I had to do something to my hair. I walked back to the bags and took the hot comb as I noticed it earlier, then I walked back to the mirror and started doing my hair. It took ten minutes to be done, and I was surprised that Raven didn’t come back.
~BREE~ I was about to fall for it, but as I remembered what Raven told me, I argued, “he has like six wives and...” “Wives? Asher doesn’t have wives.” She laughed as if I'd just said the funniest thing ever. “Girlfriends?” “None, you’re the first girl; that’s why I’m saying you’re special.” “But…” I stopped myself as I almost mentioned Raven; she probably said that to scare me off. “But what? He told you he doesn’t like you.” She asked, and I shook my head. “You…you think he likes me?” “I know he does; that boy is too drunken of revenge to ever think of a girl and for him to bring you here...” She stopped as she gave me her hand, and I took it and sat up. “Anyways I heard he’s marrying you; are you ready?” “It’s not like I have a choice,” I said and rubbed my forehead. “And this is the best choice; I have to rush somewhere so we will c
~BREE~I looked into his eyes once more to make sure the softness from earlier was still there, and it was. I swallowed my saliva and looked down at my hand, which was still in his, as he gently rubbed my palms. “I… I’m a murderer. I killed my sister and…” I stopped myself; god, I was a monster. Never have I denied what I've done, as when the people I killed were declared dead, I accepted my blame and the punishment, “I'm a...a…” I couldn't bring myself to say more. God, what type of person would he think I was, and what was I thinking admitting this? “You don't have to tell me,” I heard him say. He sounded calm, which was a bit shocking as I was sure I mentioned killing people. I said it loud and clear, “Not until you're ready and...” He tilted my chin so that I could face him. “Comfortable,” he said, nodding and swallowing his saliva, looking straight into my eyes. God, his eyes. I couldn't even believe I was once scared of them because they
~BREE~The shadow was nearing, and Zander asked that he take over since I was the one by the wheel. I didn't know what it was but feared he would think I was creepy if it was what I was thinking, so without arguing, we exchanged seats.I expected him to turn, but instead, he stepped on the pedal and drove straight into the shadowy-looking creature. I expected the creature to stay on the road, but it seemed to be scared as it moved from the road.We were now past it but could see it coming after us.Zander didn't stop; he kept driving, and it surprised me as much as you might be now, as I wasn't scared or anything while Zander seemed a little scared. I mean, maybe the fact that I knew the creature might be from the book, and since I could control anything from the book relaxed me.The fast ride went on, and although I wasn't scared, my heart was racing due to the fast speed.We seemed to have lost the shadow; Rain was sure.“Are you okay?” Zander finally slowed down, and I took deep br
~BREE~After Asher told me that Jocelyn might be working with Zander and that they might want to make a fool of me, I decided to go to him first thing in the morning. I was sure I could have caught them maybe together but was shocked when Stephen showed me in and Zander behaved all differently.At first, I thought it was all part of the game until he called for a meeting and introduced me as Luna, telling the people who once looked down on me to respect me. Never in my life had I ever dreamt of it. I was in so much shock that I felt my other side burning. I don't remember much except seeing Glinda forcing water down my throat.I thought I was back at Asher's pack until I saw Zander; I was still wondering why and how he got Glinda there, but I didn't ask when he shocked me with his gentleness. Yes, even though Zander tortured me, I knew he was kind to those he wanted to be kind to, as he treated my sister so differently. I just never thought he would one day treat me that way.I though
~ZANDER~I didn't want to hurt her, but I didn't want to get hurt either. I was going to use Ray to try and stop her when she suddenly seemed to be losing consciousness. My leg was in pain, but I didn't care about that as I rushed to her and held her right in time.“Stephen!” I called for Stephen and tried to keep her awake, but it was already late as her eyes closed. “Aubree? Please stay, oh my God, Stephen!” I yelled, and he came running with a glass of water. “Call the witch,” I instructed, and he nodded before he reached into his pockets. I didn't stand to watch as I picked Aubree, and I really wasn't myself as next I was covering her with the blanket.I don't know if it was the mate bond or I just always cared for her because I wasn't feeling myself; I was scared. I've never been this scared for someone's life, not even my own when I went on a battle, because here I was promising to end my own life if anything happened to her.I started pacing around, running my hands through my
~ZANDER~‘Maybe we could do something now.’ I heard Ray suggest.‘What are you saying?’‘Maybe it's not late; maybe we could fix things.’ Ray suggested, and an idea popped into my head with that; I cleared my voice before heading down, which caught Aubree's attention as she turned to me.“Hi, I wasn't expecting you, but I am happy you're here.”“I couldn't sleep; I want to know what Kaden told you.” She said somehow it hurt me that she wasn't here to see me; I don't know why, but I masked the pain and then cleared my voice again before turning to Stephen.“We have an urgent meeting. Let everyone get ready in five minutes, starting from the eldest to the youngest, pregnant or sick, including babies. I want them all in the pack's meeting point.” I instructed him, and I could tell he was confused, but he didn't dare question as he nodded, bowed, and then excused himself.I turned to Aubree, who shook her head in confusion.“You still work for me and…” She looked down at her wristwatch, t
~ZANDER~After Dad confirmed Aubree’s parents were alive and the possibility of them being responsible for the pack's recent attacks, I ordered Stephen to give them food for their valuable information but still left them there.I promised to free them only when they got an idea of where Aubree’s parents could be.I was now pacing in my room; I still couldn't believe that Alpha Thiago could be Aubree’s uncle, that Aubree’s parents were alive.It was going to be difficult to try and find them since Thiago believed that his brother was dead.I kept pacing, hoping one or two things could come up, but nothing; my parents were my only hope, even when they didn't show signs of knowing; I just had to hope on them.‘What about Allison? What if she took our company because she found out what Dad did to her mate's brother?’ Ray suggested, but that was impossible.‘Allison said she took it to show us that she was more than just a woman, so no, I don't think it's the case.’ I answered and lazily r
~ZANDER~Stephan took my order seriously as next Kaden started screaming while Stephan used a saw to cut his hand.“Oooh!” He just cried and screamed in pain without giving in. After they cut the hand, I asked that they dip it in acid, but before that, I walked to Kaden and gave him the last chance to speak, but he still refused and even called me weak, so with no mercy they dipped the stump of his arm in acid while I watched him scream.It was frustrating as even that didn't get him to give in.“Take his toenails and continue tomorrow,” I said, then left him screaming in pain while Stephen and the five guards removed his toenails.When I reached my bedroom, I walked straight to the shower and washed my body; it was already evening.I didn't take long in the shower, and after I was done, I walked to my bed, got my phone, and called the guards responsible for Aubree's safety.“Yes, Alpha Asher is also around, and there haven't been any suspicious movements.”“Good. Remember, if anythi
~ZANDER~‘It's normal to feel that way; she's our mate.’ Ray said while I shook my head, still sniffing the seat where she earlier sat.‘I don't get it; I rejected her. Why do I still feel this way?’‘Because our bond will take more than a simple rejection to break it, now we are getting late; we need to figure out what Kaden and Jocelyn are up to.’ Ray insisted, and he was right. I don't know what Jocelyn was planning, but I knew it was not good, so I had to stop it before it affected my mate, I mean before it affected Aubree.I sat back in my seat and started the car since I stopped in the middle of nowhere just to sniff Aubree's scent.It didn't take long to get back at my pack; Stephen had already locked Kaden up, and they were just waiting for me, so after parking the car, I walked in and went straight to the torture room, where I once locked Aubree.Inside I was met with Stephen, who was sitting on a wooden chair with five guards surrounding them. Stephen stood up as soon as he
~BREE~I was in shock; I mean, how did that even make sense, beta betraying alpha? I've never heard of that, so it might be a mistake, or maybe my magic was failing me.“Alright, now we know for sure why Kaden has been weird.” I heard Zander say, which was still sounding so wrong to me, “Have one of the staff spy on them, and when Kaden leaves, you lock him up, and we'll take it from there.” Zander instructed before ending the call and turning to me.“Kaden betrayed you?” I wanted him to confirm it as this was too weird.“Looks like it, but we are not sure yet. For what we know, Jocelyn might threaten him or something,” he said, and I nodded my head. “Alright, do you want me to drop you off? I have some things to take care of.”“Yes, sure, and thank you,” I said as I didn't want to bother Jerry, and Antonio was the last person on my mind. Zander started the car, and before I knew it, we were on the road driving out of town.I was lost in my thoughts, still trying to wrap my head aroun
~BREE~I didn't want to overthink it, so I asked.“I honestly don't know, but trust me, I will figure it out. I will set you free like you want,” he said, and I nodded and cleared my throat before I asked about Isabella.“I know something is going on between you two.”“Yes… it was… Honestly, I don't know how to say it.” God, it's like he was shy of me; I mean, I was just a slave, a useless omega a few months ago, so this still felt unreal.“So you admit?”“It happened twice, but I promise that was it; I've avoided her since.”“Okay, so what was your plan?”“No plan. I mean, all I can tell you is to be careful with her; don't trust her.”“Why?”“It's a long story, but…” He stopped and apologized before he picked up his ringing phone. “Are you sure?” He knitted his brows, which made me wonder what was happening. “Alright, stay there.” And with that, he ended the call and looked at me.“Is everything okay?” I asked.“Yes, umm, Stephan just saw Jocelyn enter one of the nearby hotels.”“W-