/-Raven-/“I'll be heading back in now,” I got off the floor abruptly. He quickly stood. “Come on, Raven, don't tell me you're upset,” he said, and I shot him a look. “I know how you feel about him, I just need this small favour…”“We're not close enough to exchange favours, Tim,” I said plainly. If Declan hadn't been involved and he wasn't just a pawn in Lisa's sick games, I would have helped.“But we can be…” he insisted.“Tim…”“Let's be friends, Raven. Please?” He extended his hand. Friends? The word was almost strange to me. I have been a loner all my life, and I wouldn't even lie; it felt good. I could do whatever I wanted without stopping to consider anyone's feelings. Tim was going to complicate my life, plus the fact that I didn't plan to stay here for long. Something clicked in my head and I took his hand. “Fine!” I said. “But don't think you will be spared any brutality.” “I'm counting on that,” he chuckled. “I need to head back in and check on Selene, if they let me,
/-Declan-/All my life, the only thing I have ever truly known was pain. From my mother's hate and curse, to my father's betrayal, to my mate's rejection, to the stigma of killing my father to the tower and many others I would rather not remember.Yet none could compare to the pain of another rejection. She didn't know what she had done. She probably thought it was funny… but it wasn't. My heart rate sped up, and my heart clenched so tight it felt like I was suffocating, but I fought to keep it in. “Hmmm…” Raven stared curiously at my blank face. “Did I say the words wrong? You seem pretty comfortable.” With each passing second, it felt like multiple daggers were plunged into my heart. Rolfe growled in my head and I knew things were going to blow out of proportion in a couple of minutes. “Raven…” I could barely recognise my own voice. “Take it back…”“Why should I? Did I hurt your little Alpha pride?” She mocked. I moved away from her as I felt the shift in my body. Rolfe was f
/-Raven-/This wasn't Declan. I could tell from the glowing red eyes. I now understood why Declan insisted I leave the room. I just wanted to taunt him a little, not infuriate his wolf. The minute he ripped off those chains to pounce on me, I knew I had taken things too far.It was the first time I was ever truly afraid of Declan. I mean, a were breaking off wolfsbane, it was almost impossible. The persistent banging on the door reminded me that there were people outside, trying to get in. Possibly the doctors. I cursed myself for locking the door in the first place. The pain in my shoulders was crippling and he kept sinking deeper into me.“Rolfe please…” I pleaded as blood trickled down my arms. Surprise crossed his features briefly. He probably didn't expect me to be able to tell the difference. “Please stop… you're hurting me,” I pleaded. “Please…”“You. Hurt. Me. First.” He gritted. “I'm sorry… I swear to the goddess, I am,” I pleaded. I thought having those fire wielders ch
/-Raven-/I didn't like Rolfe. Not even a little bit. It felt like I was an open book to him. Like he could read my thoughts without me saying a word.“Walk faster, the woods are more dangerous at night,” he said. “I don't suppose you would care if I fell into a bottomless pit,” I muttered. “I won't,” he affirmed. “As long as you fall after we've found Hannah. I couldn't care less if you threw yourself into the ocean.” I looked ahead in an attempt to ignore the clawing feeling in my chest. What was so special about this Hannah anyway? And how was she his mate when I was his mate as well?“We got into a fight; she misunderstood and rejected me,” Rolfe answered, and I stopped. He pushed me forward. “Keep moving.”“So I am your second chance mate?” I asked.“Regrettably.” I scoffed. Of course. Why did I even think I would be Declan's one and only mate? His true mate, as he put in, when in fact, I was only a replacement. Hannah was the real mate, and I was just a second choice, as
/-Rolfe-/‘Rolfe…’I heard her voice. ‘Can you hear me please?’My eyes flickered to the masked man in front of me. I would have gotten to Raven a long time ago had this man not should up with his little magicians.“I don't know what your deal with Raven is but she is mine. I want you to stay off her,” he said. My bored expression remained the same. The only thing running through my mind was her safety. Raven was one who needed no one because she could protect herself. For her to call me simply meant that things had gotten out of hand. Suddenly, a wave of flames burst out of him.“That's it, fireball. Let them all burn…” He chuckled. I didn't wait to find out what the psycho was on about and dashed off. If he wanted to get Raven, he would have to get to her first. Arriving at the gates of BloodFang, I killed everyone and anyone who tried to stop it. I could still smell her. She was so close…I spotted Timultin leaving a room and as much as I wanted to kill, Raven's life was at
/-Rolfe-/I was at a disadvantage and I was already making plans on how to escape this when Timultin entered with more hefty men.“Kill them all!” He ordered. “Make sure no one is left!” It was that singular opportunity I needed because when the men attacked, I stealthily sneaked out with Raven. As I exited the pack, I knew it was only a matter of time before he came after us. If he was her mate, as he claimed, then her scent would give us away no matter where I took her to.As much as I hated it, I knew I had to claim her and rub my scent all over her. For our safety. Once I got away from the mountains, I sank my canines into her, feeling her delicious blood at the tip of my tongue. A surge of energy rushed through me and warmth spread through me at a rapid rate. It felt undeniably good. I retracted my canines, staring at the mark on her neck. Mine!A strange sense of fulfilment overwhelmed me. I picked her up and resumed the walk to find a perfect resting spot. I couldn't seek
/-RAVEN-/I didn't take him seriously, even with the anger brewing in those crimson eyes. I wasn't going to run even if he had a claw in my throat. “Rolfe, listen to me…”“It's Alpha to you!” He thundered and my body trembled. My knees dropped to the floor as pain shot through me. “Say it!” I clutched to my chest, rattled that he actually used his Alpha tone on me. The pain was increasing with each second I delayed. “I am going to help you find her, okay,” I said instead, reluctant to surrender my pride. Call me arrogant or whatever. “Say. It.” He growled, and this time, the pain was hitting my heart like a hammer. Yet my lips were sealed shut. “Very well then, let's see how long you last with that,” he huffed and went back to his meat like he wasn't just angry minutes ago. The bipolar asshole!He left me wriggling in pain as he proceeded to roast the meat. I struggled to stare at him, feeling the pain seep through my bones.My lips quivered as blood slowly trickled down my nose
/-Raven-/I don't know what I was thinking but at that point, I genuinely believed I could kill him. His eyes flickered open, but there was no form of struggle on his features as I tightened the material around his neck. He peeled it off almost effortlessly and sighed. “Just three hours, that was all I needed. You couldn't even give me that?” My mouth hung open as I couldn't bring myself to believe my efforts to suffocate him went down the drain. His drowsy eyes didn't leave me as he continued, “Is there anything else you'd like to explore? If not, I suggest you go to sleep.” “Sleep?” I muttered. “You think I deserve sleep now? That is genuinely touching considering the fact that you wanted me to fan you all the way to Dreamland.” Rolfe patted the spot behind him. “Lie next to me.” “Why?” I asked. “Because I need your body heat. Isn't that obvious?” The silky voice which let out the words reminded me heavily of Declan. I didn't understand why everything and every moment som
/-Raven-/“Well, I thought we were going on an actual date not a cuddle session,” I mumbled, looking everywhere but him. A chuckle followed and my cheeks coloured. Francesca quickly stepped in front of me. “I'm sorry, Alpha. This is all my fault. I misinterpreted the situation and dressed her up to suit my taste. I'm sorry,” she apologized, surprising me. “Could we maybe retreat and change?”Amusement didn't just shine in his eyes, his lips were twitching as he struggled to control his laughter. “Gosh, this is so embarrassing for you,” Declan snorted and I wanted to die. Even Francesca snorted and I shot her a glare. I was ready to walk out and never show my face again but Declan caught my arm. “It's okay, Princess. There's no need to act so cute. Since you are dressed up, I might as well take you on one,” he said but it didn't ease my shame.“Maybe I should just change. You're not even strong enough to start anything outdoors or long distance. I don't even know what I was thinki
/-Raven-/I should have never underestimated her. When she said it wasn't a dress, I simply thought she was kidding but this wasn't a dress. This thing before me had me wishing she had given me a dress. Even if it was a short one. “So… try it on!” Francesca urged but I didn't dare move. Even my eyes wouldn't leave the two piece outfit. “I don't remember telling you I planned to fornicate with this man,” I blurted and she chuckled. “It's a date night. What do you think, you're going to eat and say your goodbyes?” She retorted. “Uhhmm… yes?” She skidded past me, ignoring my obvious displeasure and picked up the mini skirt, “Try this on. It has a a tiny waist so I'm certain it'll fit you perfectly.” “I'm not going naked to see Declan, Franc,” I stated. “This isn't going naked…” she defended, unbuttoning the skirt to test it around me.Since it was a button up, wearing it was relatively easy. All I had to was wrap it around me and button. She wrapped it and held both ends between
/-Raven-/I stopped by Amelia's room to check on her. She was supposed to leave today for her village and although Declan had already prepared gifts for her, I thought it would be great to give my personal thanks to her. Knocking twice, the woman opened the door for me with a bright smile. “Hello, Raven,” she greeted. “Quite a surprise.” I returned the smile, “I'm sorry for barging in on you. It's nothing too serious. I just wanted to thank you once again.”She stepped aside, “come in.”I stepped into the room to see a long line of packed bags. “Oh,” I blurted before I could stop myself. “The Alpha has already present his gifts, I see.”“Oh, these are not from the Alpha. They are my things,” she explained and for a moment I was stunned. “Your things?” I repeated, incase I was hearing wrong. She simply shrugged as though it was no big deal. “Yeah, I will be staying here for a while.” I was speechless for almost three minutes. Staying here for a while? Since when?“I… I don't und
/-Raven-/Whether or not, he wanted to forgive me, I was going to make it right. I followed him into the room, even if he clearly didn't want to see me. “Let's talk please,” I pleaded, shutting the door behind me. Declan turned, “You really need to leave, Raven.”“Not until we resolve this. I made a mistake and I'm sorry. I shouldn't be with anyone while I still have your mark…” I was saying when his eyes suddenly darkened. Fuck! I wasn't supposed to put it like that. “Declan…”“Do you want it off?” He asked and I flinched, like he just hit me. “Huh?”“Do you want the mark off so you can be with your ex?” He asked and my chest tightened. Was he giving up on me already?“Are you…” I couldn't even get the words out as my eyes watered. “Well even if you're giving me up, that is your business. You think I went all that way, searching for a cure, a way to keep you alive, just to let one stupid mistake ruin it all?” Surprise flickered in those beautiful eyes. He clearly wasn't expecti
/-Raven-/I couldn’t breathe. Not with the thought of Declan hating me forever. The very thought of him never talking to me again crushed me. I didn't know what I would do if that happened.I hadn’t eaten, hadn’t slept—not properly. Every time I closed my eyes, all I could see was the betrayal in those silver eyes. The hurt dancing in those orbs as I lied to his face. I didn’t blame him for shutting me out. I hated myself too. But I couldn’t let things end like this. I couldn't lose him. I don't care if I have to grovel but I was going to get his forgiveness. I stood outside his door, my hand trembling as I knocked for the hundredth time. "Declan, please... let me explain." My voice cracked, the desperation leaking through.No response.“Declan, I’m not leaving until you hear me out!”Silence.I pressed my forehead against the cold door. "I’m sorry. God, I’m so sorry. Just... please. I made a mistake, but I didn't mean to hurt you, I swear. You have to know that, please…"Nothing.
Eric’s voice was soft, but there was something about it that made me uneasy. “Stay the night, Raven.”I turned away, pretending to focus on the empty glass in my hand. My chest felt tight, a war raging inside me. Why am I even here? I shouldn’t have come. I shouldn’t have answered his call.My mind slipped, unbidden, to Declan. His voice, his steady presence, the way his eyes softened when he looked at me. I swallowed hard, guilt rising like a tide. What would he think of me if he knew where I was right now?I shut my eyes, willing the thought away. This isn’t about him, I told myself. It’s about me. I’m not back with Eric. I just need time to figure everything out.That was all there is. But even then, I still felt like I was lying to myself. A part of me knew that the longer I stayed here, the most likely I was to mess things up for myself.“I can’t, Eric,” I said finally, standing. “I shouldn’t have come in the first place. I need to go.”“Raven, please.” His voice cracked, and I
/-RAVEN-/I didn't think it was possible to get any paler but he did. He was horrified to see me. At least he was smart enough to know that what he did was paramount to death. To my surprise, he immediately fell on his knees, tears clouding his eyes. I was stunned. I have only seen Eric cry once and that was several years ago when he lost his childhood friend. It was that incident that brought us closer to begin with, because I was always by his side, consoling him. “Raven please… I know I have fucked up badly but please… give me one last chance to make this right, I beg of you. That is all I am asking,” he pleaded. He legitly gripped my legs, sobbing at my feet. I didn't know how to react. I wanted him dead for sure but now, I wasn't sure anymore. “Is this some game you and your father put up?” I narrowed my eyes suspiciously at him. I wasn't going to fall for any of their tricks. “No, Raven… it's not a game. I know I messed up badly and it took being on the brink of death to
/-RAVEN-/Dinner was over in a blur with everyone just happy and wishing Declan a quick recovery, after which they began to disperse. Declan didn't move, however. His presence was like a magnetic pull I couldn’t fully ignore. Those mesmerizing silver eyes followed me intensely, unspoken words swirling within them. He didn’t ask; he commanded with a simple look, gesturing for me to help him to his room.I hesitated. Helping him always came with strings attached. But leaving him to fend for himself while still recovering wasn’t an option, and he knew it.“Fine,” I muttered, walking to his side. “But don’t get any ideas.”Declan’s lips curved into that infuriatingly cocky smile as he leaned slightly against me. “When do I ever, princess?”Princess… My skin tingled at the brief eye contact. There was just something about that name, the way it rolled smoothly off his lips that had me melting every single time.“You want an honest answer?” I asked, forcing my mind off my acting nerves.
Lisa walked out of the palace for a breath of fresh air. She couldn't believe the conversation she just had with Amelia. There was just no way a woman like Amelia would also fall under Declan's charms. It felt like felony. She had tried to focus on anything else, to get her mind off the fact that she might be having more people to get rid of, but the sight of Tim stopped her.He stood by the gates, his figure rigid, his gaze distant. Once, he would have noticed her immediately, greeting her with a warm smile or even a teasing remark. Now, he didn’t even glance her way. He turned, as if she were invisible, and began to walk away.Lisa was shocked for a brief second then heart clenched for some reason. She told herself to let him go. He had every right to be angry, and forcing a conversation wouldn’t help. But her feet moved on their own.“Tim!” she called out, hurrying towards him. He froze. For a moment, she thought he might keep walking, but then he slowly turned around. His face w